Cambodia Highlights CAMBODIA GENERAL INFORMATION VIDEO COMPILATION PHOTO GALLERY GENERAL INFORMATION Cambodia is a country with an extraordinary history, rich Khmer culture and some of Southeast Asia’s most remarkable historical monuments. Today, it is best known for the magnificent temples of Angkor, particularly Angkor Wat, Its history, however, is both fascinating and deeply tragic, and understanding the country means understanding the terrible events of the Khmer Rouge period. Between 1975 and 1979, Cambodia was ruled by the Khmer Rouge under the leadership of Pol Pot. Their radical communist regime attempted to transform the country into a completely agrarian society. Cities were emptied, money and private property were abolished, families were separated, and millions of people were forced into agricultural labour under brutal conditions. Intellectuals, professionals, former government officials and many others perceived as enemies of the regime were persecuted, imprisoned and executed. Along with executions, starvation, disease and forced labour, these policies resulted in the deaths of more than a million Cambodians. The Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia investigated crimes committed during this period, which lasted from 17 April 1975 until early January 1979. For us, Cambodia has an especially personal connection because our first visit to the country was during the Pol Pot and Khmer Rouge regime in 1978. Returning to Cambodia and exploring again therefore carries a very different meaning. The Cambodia we see today is a country that has rebuilt itself from an extraordinarily painful past, and reminders of that history remain everywhere. Visiting places connected with the Khmer Rouge period gives a sobering insight into what the Cambodian people endured and helps put the country’s remarkable recovery into perspective. At the same time, Cambodia is much more than its tragic modern history. It was once the centre of the powerful Khmer Empire, whose influence extended across much of mainland Southeast Asia. The temples and enormous architectural complexes left behind from this period are among the country’s greatest treasures. Angkor Wat, built in the early 12th century under King Suryavarman II, was originally constructed as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu and later became a Buddhist temple. Our last overland journey to Cambodia began very differently from the way we first experienced Cambodia in 1978. This time we entered overland from Laos, crossing the land border into the northern Cambodian province of Stung Treng. Coming by road gave us the opportunity to experience the gradual change in landscape and atmosphere as we left Laos behind and entered Cambodia. Stung Treng lies along the Mekong and is an area of rivers, wetlands and relatively untouched countryside, offering a quieter introduction to Cambodia away from the country’s major tourist centres. From there, Cambodia opens up into a fascinating mix of history, culture and natural beauty. Siem Reap is the gateway to the Angkor temples, where visitors can spend several days exploring Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Prohm and numerous other ancient sites. Angkor Wat itself is the largest religious monument in the world and one of the finest achievements of Khmer architecture. Phnom Penh, the capital, provides a completely different experience. It is a lively and rapidly developing city where modern Cambodia exists alongside its colonial heritage, royal traditions, markets and important sites associated with the Khmer Rouge era. Places such as Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields are difficult and emotional when we visited, but are essential for understanding the country’s recent history and the immense suffering experienced by its people. Beyond the major cities and temples, Cambodia has another side that is equally appealing to overlanders. The Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers, rural villages, national parks, mountains, beaches and islands provide opportunities to experience a much slower and more relaxed side of the country. Destinations such as Kampot and Kep are known for their laid-back atmosphere and food, while Cambodia’s southern islands offer beautiful beaches and clear waters. What makes Cambodia particularly memorable is the contrast between its ancient greatness, its devastating recent history and the vibrant country that exists today. The temples of the Khmer Empire demonstrate the extraordinary achievements of Cambodia’s past, while the legacy of Pol Pot reminds us of how profoundly the country was changed within just a few years. Entering Cambodia overland from Laos therefore felt like much more than simply crossing another international border. It marked our return to a country that had played a very different role in our lives many years earlier. Seeing modern Cambodia, with its busy towns, growing tourism, ancient temples and resilient people, provided a striking contrast with the Cambodia we had first encountered during the years of the Khmer Rouge. 2. VIDEO COMPILATION a. CAMBODIA and LAOS https://www.doubledutchworldsafari.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Cambodia-and-Laos-reduced-1-1.mp4 B. OVERLAND CAMBODIA (UTUBE) LONG VERSION C. OVERLAND ICELAND TO CAMBODIA https://www.doubledutchworldsafari.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Iceland-to-Cambodia-235MB-1.mp4 D. OVERLAND THAILAND TO EUROPE https://www.doubledutchworldsafari.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Thailand-to-Europe-Low-res-235MB-1.mp4 3. PHOTO GALLERY (UNDER CONSTRUCTION) For more fine details, blogs and pictures click here; https://www.doubledutchworldsafari.com.au/our-journey/asia-2/cambodia/