Stay in Cambodia

Cambodia became my 55th country, and the main draw was obvious: Angkor Wat, the world's most famous temple complex. But spending a week here revealed a country with far more depth than just its ancient ruins.

Cambodia is still recovering from one of the 20th century's worst tragedies - the Khmer Rouge regime killed an estimated 2 million people (about a quarter of the population) in the 1970s. With 17 million people today, the country has rebuilt remarkably, but the scars are visible. It's not as developed as neighboring Thailand or Vietnam, but it has a distinctive character and warmth.

What I Experienced

Angkor Wat at sunrise lived up to every expectation. The temple complex is vast - over 400 square kilometers of ruins from the Khmer Empire - and could easily occupy a week of exploration. We bought the 3-day pass and barely scratched the surface. Ta Prohm, with its famous tree roots engulfing the stone structures, felt like discovering a lost civilization.

Siem Reap, the gateway town to Angkor, has its own charm. It's touristy, sure, but the night market, the local restaurants, and the general hustle of a town that exists because of ancient temples make for interesting people-watching.

The cash economy is wild. US dollars and Cambodian riel circulate side by side. You pay in dollars, get change in riel. The exchange is roughly 4,000 riel to a dollar, so you're literally a millionaire walking around with a few hundred bucks. Prices are surprisingly similar to neighboring countries despite the lower development level.

Practical Notes

• US Dollar is the de facto currency (riel used for small change)
• Angkor pass: 1-day ($37), 3-day ($62), or 7-day ($72) - the 3-day is the sweet spot
• Start temple visits at sunrise to beat crowds and heat
• Tuk-tuks are the standard transport - negotiate rates in advance
• The history is heavy - consider visiting the Killing Fields and S-21 for context

Cambodia is worth more than just a temple visit. It's a country working hard to move beyond its tragic past, and that resilience is visible everywhere.

Aerial photography from Cambodia is available for purchase with commercial license - ideal for Southeast Asian travel marketing, ancient temple destination content, or historic landscape wall art.