Kambodża

• The most popular means of transport is the moped/scooter, with over a million of them in the capital alone, which is an impressive number considering that Phnom Penh has just over one and a half million inhabitants!
• At food fairs or markets, drinks such as juices are served in plastic bags with a small straw.
• The Cambodian flag is one of only two national flags in the world that depict a building. In the case of the Cambodian flag, it is the famous Angkor temple
• There is no custom of celebrating birthdays in Cambodia. What's more, older people often don't even know their date of birth
• Cambodia is one of the most mined countries in the world. It will probably take many years to clear the country of mines – to make it completely safe in less touristy areas
• Cambodia's Tonle Sap Lake is the largest lake in all of Southeast Asia
• In Cambodia, a sports discipline, or rather a martial art called Bokator, associated with Khmer culture, developed
• The Cambodian population is extremely young – more than half of the country's population are teenagers!
• Few Cambodian homes have a refrigerator, and electricity is not cheap here, so people try to gather and consume food as they go, without having to store it.

Angkor is the heart and soul of the ancient Khmer Empire, which reached its peak between the 900th and 20th centuries. During these centuries, impressive temples and buildings were built, which today fascinate visitors with their grandeur and sculptural artistry. The centerpiece of the complex is undoubtedly Angkor Wat, a temple whose five impressive storeys rise into the sky. This building is a stunning example of architectural genius, with its perfectly balanced proportions, mystical decorations and long corridors. The longest bas-relief, one of the most magnificent treasures of Angkor Wat, is the so-called stone "arras" measuring over XNUMX meters long, depicting around XNUMX figures! It is worth coming here at sunrise, because then the temple of Angkor Wat looks exceptionally beautiful. The temple itself is best visited in the morning or in the evening, when there are not too many tourists.

However, Angkor is much more than just Angkor Wat. Spread over an area of ​​around 400 km², the complex houses many other impressive structures, each with its own unique history and significance. These include Ta Prohm, which is decorated with intriguing tree roots entangled in the walls, creating a picturesque and mysterious landscape, and Bayon, with its characteristic stone faces, an example of the refined sculptural art of the period.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Angkor is the fact that for centuries it lay forgotten and swallowed by jungle. This cultural and political centre of the Khmer Empire existed from the 1th to the XNUMXth century AD and was the largest metropolis in the world at that time. The complex originally covered an area of ​​around XNUMX km² and had a population of around one million. Its decline came in the XNUMXth century, after the death of the last great ruler Jayavarman, and the invasion of the Thais, when the capital was moved to Phnom Penh. It was not until the XNUMXth century that European explorers brought it back to the world’s attention. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see on any trip to Cambodia.

Tonle Sap, the largest lake in Cambodia, is not only a reservoir of impressive size, but also a place where a unique culture of floating villages is formed. These settlements, floating on the surface of the lake, are an example of the amazing coexistence of man with the aquatic environment. The main feature of these floating settlements is their mobility. Depending on the season and the water level of the Tonle Sap, the villages can move to other areas of the lake, allowing the inhabitants to adapt to changing conditions. This flexibility is crucial in the context of the fluctuating water level of the Tonle Sap, which is subject to cyclical changes of seasons and rainfall - during the rainy season, the lake increases its surface area five-fold and the water level rises by several meters. Therefore, the inhabitants live in houses supported on barrels, on parts of boats or on stilts reaching 10 meters.

Life in the floating villages is integrated with fishing and agriculture. The villagers rely on the lake for food and income, fishing and growing rice in the wetlands. These traditional practices are the basis of their existence and culture. Floating schools, churches and shops are everyday features of life in these communities, and their existence demonstrates the extraordinary ability of the people to adapt to difficult conditions.

If you decide to visit floating villages during your trip to Cambodia, you can easily book such a trip in one of the many local travel agencies. We definitely recommend the more distant and larger villages of Kampong Klaeng or Kampong Pluk, more interesting than the touristy Chong Kneas.

If you are looking for truly heavenly and unspoiled places during your vacation in Cambodia, you couldn't have come to a better place! On Koh Rong, the second largest island in Cambodia, there are only four villages, and the roads are nothing more than narrow, beaten paths. You will find a few hotels and infrastructure adapted to the needs of tourists, but this place still retains its pristine atmosphere, tempting travelers with its natural beauty, peace and untouched beauty. With its white sands, turquoise waters and lush vegetation, the island is a real refuge for travelers who want to break away from the noise and rush of the city. The interior of the island is covered in forests, where you can look for charming seasonal waterfalls, while the coast is a great place for diving enthusiasts - there are many diving spots around the island. And if Koh Rong seems too commercial for you, you can go island hopping and stop on completely deserted islets, perfect for snorkeling and sunbathing. And at night you can go to the beach and feast your eyes on the view of glowing plankton, when the water lights up with thousands of bioluminescent dots.

Koh Rong Sanloem is smaller, just 10 km long and less developed. Here too you can go jungle trekking, diving, snorkeling, island hopping or fishing. The local beaches are famous for their sunsets, and the paradise island is a real escape from reality.

Cambodia hotels are a harmonious blend of luxury, authenticity and the extraordinary beauty of the country. In large cities such as Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, you can find international class hotels that offer the highest standards of service and comfort. These hotels often have extensive facilities such as swimming pools, spas, restaurants with various cuisines and professional business facilities. These include the elegant five-star Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh and the five-star Heritage Suites and Zannier Phum Baitang in Siem Reap.

If your Cambodian holiday destination is beaches and peaceful coastlines, then the country has plenty to offer. The islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem are home to a number of resorts and resorts that offer extraordinary beach experiences. From beach bungalows to luxury villas, these hotels allow travellers to immerse themselves in idyllic surroundings and enjoy the delights of the South China Sea. Choose from the modern, spacious The One Resort or the atmospheric bungalows right on the beach – Secret Paradise Resort.

Travelers who value closeness to nature and authentic culture will also find hotels in Cambodia that meet their expectations. Villages on the waters of Tonle Sap offer unforgettable experiences, allowing you to get to know the lives of local fishermen and see how people have adapted to their aquatic surroundings. In addition, the growing popularity of eco-tourism in Cambodia means that you can find eco-friendly hotels that respect the environment and promote sustainable development.

It is also worth paying attention to hotels with a unique historical character. Cambodia has many residences and buildings that are connected to the country's long history. One such hotel, located in a former embassy building, is the colonial White Mansion.

Cambodia is a country rich in history, culture, and heritage. It's a place where magnificent monuments, picturesque nature, and extraordinary traditions combine to create a fascinating mosaic of attractions, which you'll discover during a trip to Cambodia. One of the most famous and important sites is the Angkor temple complex. At the heart of this complex stands the monumental Angkor Wat, Cambodia's national symbol. Angkor Wat captivates with its architecture, sculptures, and mystical significance. Other temples, such as Bayon Temple with its distinctive stone faces and Ta Prohm, with its tree roots woven into its walls, are incredibly beautiful examples of architecture and the spirit of human creative genius. Southern Cambodia boasts extraordinary coastlines, and the pristine islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem are particularly not to be missed. These paradise islands delight with their white beaches, blue waters, and tropical climate. They are an ideal destination for those who enjoy relaxation, diving, and observing underwater fauna. A testament to the country's difficult times is the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh, a former prison that became a symbol of the Khmer Rouge regime's cruelty. Another site of immense historical significance is the Banteay Chhmar temple complex, which, although less well-known than Angkor, still impresses with its architecture and rich sculptural detail. Battambang is also worth a visit, with its blend of a typically urban atmosphere and the laid-back, tranquil atmosphere of small cafés and riverside boulevards. Discover the beautiful colonial and Chinese architecture of Siem Reap, and see if pepper really does grow in Kampot!