For Indian
travelers,Asia is normally restricted
to just a handful of places such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, China and now opening up and eye to Bali
as well. Apart from above places rarely do we think of other exotic SAARC and
ASEAN nations
In this
blog, I take you to the ‘Untamed
Camobodia’.
You may think why
I have chosen the adjective ‘untamed’ as it is obviously reserved to the
African continent. But I felt that it should be apt for a place like Cambodia
as well since it is not been tamed or from our perspective not superficially
made very tourist friendly like Thailand or Singapore.Which moreover makes it a highly rewarding destination. So
set some time apart and discover what this unconventional destination has in
store for all avid travelers
To start with, the Kingdom of Cambodia sometimes transliterated as Kampuchea
to more closely represent the Khmer pronunciation is a South East Asian nation bordered by Vietnam to the east, Laos to the north, Thailand to the northwest, and the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest.
There’s a magic
about Cambodia that casts a spell on many who visit this charming yet
confounding kingdom. Ascend to the realm of the gods at the mother of all
temples, Angkor Wat, a spectacular fusion of symbolism, symmetry and
spirituality. Descend into the hell of Tuol Sleng and come face to face with
the Khmer Rouge and its killing machine.
Welcome to the
conundrum that is Cambodia:a country with a history both inspiring and
depressing, an intoxicating place where the future is waiting to be shaped..
The years of fear
and loathing are finally over and Angkor is once more the symbol of the
nation, drawing pilgrims from across the globe. Peace has come to this
beautiful yet blighted land after three decades of war, and the Cambodian
people have opened their arms to the world.
Just as Angkor is
more than its wat, so too is Cambodia more than its temples. The
chaotic yet charismatic capital of Phnom Penh is a hub of political intrigue,
economic vitality and intellectual debate. All too often overlooked by
hit-and-run tourists ticking off Angkor on a regional tour, the revitalised
city is finally earning plaudits in its own right thanks to a gorgeous
riverside location, a cultural renaissance, and a dining and drinking scene to rival the best in the region.
Siem Reap and Phnom
Penh may be the heavyweights, but to some extent they are a
bubble, a world away from the Cambodia of the countryside.
This is the place
to experience the rhythm of rural life and timeless landscapes of
dazzling rice paddies and swaying sugar palms. Spend some time in the srok (provinces), as Cambodians call them, enjoying
a darleng (walkabout) to discover the true flavour of the
country.
Despite having the
eighth wonder of the world in its backyard, Cambodia’s greatest treasure
is its people. The Khmers have been to hell and back, struggling
through years of bloodshed, poverty and political instability.Thanks to an
unbreakable spirit and infectious optimism, they have prevailed with
their smiles intact; no visitor comes away from Cambodia without a measure
of admiration and affection for the inhabitants of this enigmatic kingdom.
To sum it up,we can say that, A journey to Cambodia offers
a window on the soul of Southeast Asia.The magnificent temples of Angkor are
unrivalled, and beyond the rich legacy of the ancient Khmer empire lie the
buzzing capital of Phnom Penh, hundreds of kilometres of unspoilt tropical
beaches, the mighty Mekong River, a vibrant culture and some of the friendliest
people in the region.
It’s not the most
sophisticated destination in the world (though for many this makes it all
the more charming), so be sure to pack some patience and humour.
Cambodia is full of surprises, and is a place for adventure as much as a vacation
