Cambodia

Cambodia has a way of getting under your skin. Ancient and modern, heartbreaking and uplifting, it is one of Southeast Asia’s most rewarding destinations – and still refreshingly unhurried compared to its neighbours.

From the extraordinary temple complexes of Angkor to the fishing villages of the Mekong Delta, the colonial charm of Phnom Penh to the pristine islands of the south, Cambodia rewards those who take the time to explore it properly.

Beaver Travel’s Gina recently returned from a multi-centre Vietnam and Cambodia trip and described it as one of the most extraordinary journeys she has ever made.

Siem Reap and Angkor

No trip to Cambodia is complete without Angkor Wat – and no photograph quite prepares you for the reality of it. The centrepiece of a vast complex of temples built between the 9th and 14th centuries, it is one of the genuine wonders of the world.

Siem Reap, the gateway city, has developed significantly in recent years but retains its charm – boutique hotels, excellent restaurants and a laid-back atmosphere that makes it a very easy place to spend a few days.

Phnom Penh

Cambodia’s capital is a city of contrasts. The legacy of the Khmer Rouge is impossible to ignore and impossible not to engage with – the museums and memorial sites are among the most affecting anywhere in the world. But Phnom Penh is also a city full of life, optimism and French colonial elegance. The riverside is beautiful, the food scene is excellent and the people are some of the warmest you will encounter anywhere.

Tonlé Sap

Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake is a world unto itself. The communities that live on and around Tonlé Sap have adapted their lives entirely to its dramatic seasonal rhythms – visiting by boat is one of those quietly extraordinary travel experiences that stays with you long after you get home.

The coast and islands

For those looking to combine culture with relaxation, Cambodia’s southern coast offers something genuinely special. Sihanoukville has its charms, but for true luxury the standout is Song Saa Private Island – an eco-luxe retreat spread across two pristine islands, with villas nestled in the jungle canopy or suspended above the sea. Spectacular and sustainable in equal measure.