"Cambodia, Majestic Temples and Horrific History" Cambodia by aukjejetty

Cambodia Travel Guide: 9,222 reviews and 20,764 photos

The Khmer name for Cambodia is Kampuchea, and is named after a former king named Kampu. This king's name consists of his a connection with his own name and the name of the de woman he loved. After the king got a son, he named the country after a bird that would protect his child; 'the bird that protects'.

After the king's dead, the country is named after him once again and from then on is named; Kampuchea in which 'chea' means defence.

In Cambodia you can go from euphoria (after seeing Angkor) into a horrifying sadness (after a vist to Tuol Sleng). Cambodia is a country with an ancient and a recent important history. Once they were rulars over a great part of South East Asia. Now, many countries surrounding Cambodia took parts of the land to claim as part of theirs.
Still, the Cambodian people are very hospitable and always wear a smile on their faces. I enjoyed this country, and I hope it will improve and have a good government in the future.

After spending many months in Cambodia in 2004, and learning a few sentences of the Khmer language, I look back with a warm feeling to the Cambodian people and the beautiful country. The true beauty of this country is best explored in the more remote areas, the jungles and the countryside.

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:People smile here like nothing bad has ever happened.

Last visit to Cambodia: Jun 2004
Intro Updated Aug 29, 2004
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Reviews (17)

WWF at work in Mondulkiri Province - Cambodia

Illegal Logging Warnings Or Dangers (3)

In many countries in Asia there is illegal logging going on, especialy the poorest countries. The logs often go to the... more travel advice

Hammock? Don't Forget the Net - Cambodia

Hammock? Don't Forget the Net What to Pack (1)

If you bring (or buy) a hammock to Cambodia, and plan to sleep in it. I would suggest buying a mosquitonet made... more travel advice

Crunchy Crickets Restaurants (2)

Although in Japan and China crickets are often held for entertainment, in Cambodia they serve a very different purpose:... more travel advice

Kompong Luong from a Distance - Cambodia

A Different Floating Village Off The Beaten Path (1)

Most visitors to Cambodia will see some of the floating villages near Siem Reap or near Battambang. There is also a less... more travel advice

Transportation (1)
Along The Tonle Sap
Favorites (2)
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Comments (13)

bkoon Aug 29, 2004 at 5:29 AM Report Abuse

Maybe can try the number again on Pol Pot's death anniversary. Nice stuffs. Thanks for sharing. Greetings from Malaysia.
aford Aug 28, 2004 at 10:15 AM Report Abuse

Hi Aukje, Excellent page with such very good tips. Well done and thank you!
AlbuqRay Aug 26, 2004 at 6:51 PM Report Abuse

Aukje, thanks for the tips on Cambodia, especially on the rural areas. You have convinced me that Battambang is a must-see. Do crickets taste like grasshoppers? I have had the latter.
Yubert Aug 22, 2004 at 11:12 AM Report Abuse

Great tips and pics. Are the crickets eatten alice or fried?
catnl Apr 3, 2004 at 7:24 PM Report Abuse

hi Aukje must be an experience being in Cambodja, very interesting and good tips. fijn weekend:-)
skydivefred Jan 17, 2004 at 2:03 AM Report Abuse

Very nice little page. Thanks for all the info. Keep it up !!!
acemj Aug 14, 2003 at 1:45 PM Report Abuse

Sad history, but so much to experience. Great page.
Dreks Jun 15, 2003 at 10:37 PM Report Abuse

Hi Aukje(how to pronounce?:)), You captured well the innocence and simplicity of a Cambodian girl! I have always wanted to see this country myself... lucky you! Regards. :-)
jmmorgan May 10, 2003 at 12:39 PM Report Abuse

You sum up Cambodia very neatly in your first sentence. A country of incredible paradox.
millward Aug 15, 2002 at 3:16 PM Report Abuse

thanks for the info..hope to go somday