From my plane window close to descent, the urban sprawl of Phnom Penh comes into view, spread out around the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers. Siem Reap, Cambodia’s second-largest city, is synonymous with the ethereal Angkor Wat. In contrast, the capital, Phnom Penh, has no such marvel to claim, known instead for its dark past under the brutal Khmer Rouge regime. Despite this history, the city offers a fascinating blend of cultural experiences and Cambodia’s tourism opportunities.
Like two sides of a coin, a trip to Cambodia is incomplete without seeing both: taking in its historical riches and delving into its troubled past. On a week-long trip with my friends, we ensured our Cambodia itinerary was a good mix. What came as a surprise was seeing the incredible work that several organisations and people do on the ground, helping Cambodians build a better life.
