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	Cambodia - introduction Captivating Cambodia is a land of beautiful temples, wild jungle and unspoilt countryside, yet still bears the scars of years of conflict. Today's tourists can expect to mix luxurious hotels and restaurants with traditional markets and ramshackle side streets in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

History

Cambodia has had a pretty bad run of luck for the last half-millennium or so. Ever since the fall of Angkor in 1431, the once mighty Khmer Empire has been plundered by all its neighbors, plus colonial France as well. After a false dawn of independence in 1953, Cambodia promptly plunged back into the horrors of civil war in 1970 to suffer the Khmer Rouge's incredibly brutal reign of terror, and only after UN-sponsored elections in 1993 did the country begin to totter back onto its feet.

Cities

Phnom Penh - the capital
Banlung - far northeastern provincial capital located near some great waterfalls and national parks
Battambang - the second biggest town, after the capital
Kep - a Resort town not to be missed
Koh Kong - small town border crossing town on the Thai border
Kompong Thom - access to less well known (and less crowded) ancient temples and other sites
Kratie - relaxed river town in the north-east on the Mekong, and an excellent place to get close look at endangered river dolphins
Poipet - the busiest border crossing town on the Thai border
Siem Reap - the access point for Angkor
Sihanoukville - seaside town in the south, also known as Kompong Som
Kampong Speu - just south of Phnom Penh, it's home to Kirirom national Park

	Weather	Cambodia has a tropical monsoon climate. The monsoon season runs from May to November. The most pleasant season is the dry season, from November/December to April. In the north, winters can be colder, while throughout most of the country temperatures remain fairly constant. There is often seasonal flooding in Phnom Penh and the rest of Cambodia in late July and early August, and travel may be disrupted at these times.

To do

• Take a river cruise along the Tonle Sap from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. It's a great way to laze through Cambodia's wetlands.

• Go for an elephant ride in Rattanakiri and Mondulkiri; remember to grab a tour guide.

• Be a part of the extravagant Water Festival. Taking place in October/November, it is around this time that the Tonle Sap changes direction, leaving behind an abundance of fish. Crowds mingle on the river banks in Phnom Penh to watch hundreds of brightly coloured boats and their paddlers battle it out for top honours.

• Watch a traditional Cambodian Apsara dance. Siem Reap is probably the best place to watch a dance display, although travellers can occasionally catch a spontaneous one in the villages.

• Go dolphin-spotting near Kratie. Viewing Cambodia's fresh water dolphins is immensely rewarding. The best time to go is early morning or late afternoon.

• Swim in volcanic Yak Lom lake near Banlung town in Rattanakiri province. The water is clear and cool and the surrounding forest is ideal for a picnic.

• Fire a rocket launcher or M-16 in Phnom Penh. There aren't many other places in the world that would let you near such lethal weaponry. A serious reminder of the troubles Cambodia's been through.

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	Contact Focus Asia T: +84 (8) 3932 0732 E: thomas@focus-asia.travel W: www.focus-asia.travel

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