"Cambodia: A Country of Contrasts" Cambodia by richiecdisc

Cambodia Travel Guide: 9,335 reviews and 20,978 photos

Cambodia offers different things to different travelers but to all it offers a true study in contrasts. Even in a region rushing towards Westernization at an alarming rate like Southeast Asia, you find a daunting number of cell phones and SUVs right alongside paraplegic victims of a mindless mine-filled war. The stark disparity of east and west lays not only in the big city but between it and the near primordial villages a mere dusty bus trip away. It’s true that such conditions exist to a lesser degree in neighboring Laos and Vietnam but in neither does it present itself so boastfully. Yet, even with this engulfing aura of the drive towards what the West deems success, there remains an alternate population that perhaps encompasses the true spirit of what Cambodia must ultimately be accepted as: survivors of heartless tyranny from both within and without.

Penned in by landmines, another reminder of the American bombing campaign, that continue to haunt a resilient people who were even more terrorized by their own Pol Pot and his menacing Khmer Rouge, the country has only been recently safely open to tourism. Though this newness to tourism can be seen in an underdeveloped infrastructure, Cambodia rushes to catch up with the rest of the region. Between a robust entrepreneur attitude and the remnants of a corrupt government, Cambodia makes zig zag progress towards this goal but with a star attraction like Angkor Wat, the intriguing capital of Phnom Penh, and some fantastic jungle as well as beach scenery, it shouldn’t take long.

Last visit to Cambodia: Feb 2004
Intro Updated May 7, 2005
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Reviews (16)

demand your rights Tourist Traps (1)

We generally had a carefree time in Cambodia, but there was on instance that nearly ruined our trip. We wanted to go to... more travel advice

D enjoying the warm gentle waves - Cambodia

discretion Local Customs (1)

When traveling in a foreign country, one should take heed of local customs though at times this can become hard to do.... more travel advice

we all live in the yellow submarine - Cambodia

Boat's the best Transportation (1)

There are many ways to get to and from Cambodia but I would have to say the most pleasant way for us was doing it by... more travel advice

monks on the beach Favorites (2)

As chance would have it, a group of young monks came strolling up the beach, resplendent in their orange robes. They... more travel advice

What to Pack (1)
one D please
Nightlife (1)
what the night offers
Restaurants (1)
Beach cafes offer more than just good...
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Comments (8)

Trekki Nov 13, 2006 at 11:09 PM Report Abuse

Wonderful, Richie :-)) You are just the best writer here, it is almost as if I am there when walking through Cambodia :-)) It sounds as if you had a great time there, despite that incident with the agency. But good that you had been successful !
matcrazy1 Jan 7, 2006 at 10:06 AM Report Abuse

Fantastic tips and pictures. A very interesting tourist trap! But, as you said even ducks enjoy the beach in Cambodia :-)
dfactor Oct 1, 2005 at 7:28 AM Report Abuse

Yeah, you're right. I was in Cambodia last May, dunno anything about the beached there. I'm surprise to know that your beach shot was actually taken in Cambodia!
b1bob Jun 4, 2005 at 8:37 AM Report Abuse

I would have raised the roof if they tried to make me pay for a scam ticket. Somebody would have been able to fit inside a thimble when I got through with them.
Bwana_Brown May 14, 2005 at 6:52 PM Report Abuse

Richie, a great overview of Cambodia! I can see why Angkor Wat is one of the world's 'special' tourist destinations! Nice tips on your unexpected diversion to coastal Cambodia as well. That photo of the ABC Stout is lingering in my mind...
Gili_S May 14, 2005 at 3:21 PM Report Abuse

Lovely page and interesting views on the local beach culture. That meal on the beach look terrific, and the stout too ;-)
sandysmith May 8, 2005 at 4:00 PM Report Abuse

alls well that end well, nice to have a bedtime story to read again...and there was a kitty here :-)
DoreenDe May 7, 2005 at 7:20 AM Report Abuse

Whatever happens happens for a reason....I am glad the trip changed in the way it did :o)