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The Kingdom of Cambodia lies at the centre of the Mekong region, a wide agricultural basin surrounded by highlands and mountains. With a rich and proud cultural history - as evinced by the spectacular Angkor complex outside Siem Reap and elsewhere throughout the country - Cambodia is fast becoming a major destination for visitors to South East Asia.
The country's post-Angkorian history can be said to have started in the late 19th Century when Cambodia became a protectorate under the French and part of French Indochina until it gained independence in 1953, along with its neighbours Laos to the north and Vietnam to the south. Thailand lies along the country's northwestern and western border.
Cambodia has been through a lot in relatively recent times, with the awful years of Khmer Rouge terror directly experienced by most Cambodians over 40 years old. Before Pol Pot and his partners in crime hauled the country back into the dark ages, Cambodia had suffered firstly under the yoke of French colonialism, and later during the Vietnamese war with the Americans, when both sides cynically violated Cambodian borders to advance their relative cause. In recent years, the country has experienced its first extended period of (relative) peace for many years.
For the visitor, Cambodia offers a range of unique attractions. The ruins of the ancient Khmer civilisation at Angkor Wat near Siem Reap are considered by many to be among the wonders of the world; while the beautiful, relatively undeveloped capital city, Phnom Penh, offers a taste of colonial France in its architecture and the many cafes and restaurants, while its museums, temples and galleries illustrate Cambodia's rich cultural past and present.
Sihanoukville and Kep/Kampot on the southern coast boast beautiful beaches and graceful colonial riverfront charm in remarkably unspoiled settings; Battambang, the agricultural centre of the Kingdom is home to several Angkorian-era ruins and some stunning scenery; and finally, Rattanakiri in the north-east of the country offers intrepid travellers the rewards of unspoiled jungles, waterfalls, hill tribes and even elephant trekking! All are well worth a visit, and each destination retains its own unique character.
With quality accommodation available at very reasonable rates throughout the country, a tasty local cuisine and a wide range of restaurants featuring international menus, plus bars and clubs ranging from high-class to down and dirty, it's easy to see why Cambodia is fast developing as a favourite destination for many travellers.
Now simply select your destination in Cambodia and let ElephantGuide.com inform and entertain you.
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