Cambodia appeals to backpackers in their 20s eager to witness Angkor Wat’s grandeur and connect with the country’s heartfelt culture. Siem Reap’s nightlife around Pub Street and the cheap hostel scene cater to a youthful crowd. Many combine temple expeditions by day with socializing at night, forging strong friendships in a short time. Phnom Penh’s mix of modern rooftop bars and poignant historical sites (like the Killing Fields) creates a meaningful travel experience. Beaches in Sihanoukville or Koh Rong offer laid-back escapes, although infrastructure can be rustic. Despite occasional challenges, young travelers find Cambodians warm and open, and they leave with deep respect for the nation’s resilience and heritage.

History of Cambodia

Cambodia’s history is closely tied to the mighty Khmer Empire, which once dominated much of mainland Southeast Asia. However, the country’s roots go back even further, with early Funan and Chenla polities engaged in trade networks that reached India and China. By the 9th century, the Khmer Empire had consolidated power, ruling from the seat of Angkor, where monumental temple complexes like Angkor Wat and Bayon were constructed. This empire reached its zenith between the 11th and 13th centuries under rulers such as Suryavarman II and Jayavarman VII, who presided over an extensive irrigation system, grand architecture, and a refined culture blending Hindu and later Mahayana and Theravada Buddhist traditions. Internal strife, coupled with external pressures from Siam (Thailand) and later the Ayutthaya Kingdom, weakened Angkor. Eventually, the empire gave way to smaller principalities. From the 15th century onward, Cambodia struggled to maintain sovereignty, often squeezed by stronger neighbors. In the 19th century, French colonialism folded Cambodia into French Indochina, a period that both introduced modernization and cemented French influence. Post-independence in 1953 saw a brief era of neutrality under King Norodom Sihanouk until political unrest and foreign entanglements led to the rise of the Khmer Rouge in 1975. This brutal regime, under Pol Pot, inflicted profound atrocities on its population, culminating in genocide and a near collapse of civil society. Vietnam’s intervention in 1979 ended the Khmer Rouge regime, but civil conflict continued for years. Gradual stabilization arrived in the 1990s, paving the way for modern Cambodia, which balances reverence for its Angkorean heritage with ongoing efforts toward social and economic development.

Diving into Cambodia's Nature

Cambodia’s natural sights often live in the shadow of its magnificent Angkor temples, but the country hosts a wealth of landscapes waiting to be explored. The mighty Mekong River traverses the nation from north to south, sustaining rich biodiversity and livelihoods along its banks. In the northeast, provinces like Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri reveal highland plateaus, waterfalls, and dense forests inhabited by Indigenous communities, as well as elephants and gibbons in protected areas like the Seima Biodiversity Conservation Area. The Tonlé Sap Lake near Siem Reap expands dramatically during the rainy season, becoming one of the most productive freshwater ecosystems in the world, home to floating villages and an astonishing array of fish and birdlife. Coastal regions around Kampot and Kep showcase mangroves, salt fields, and the tranquil Bokor National Park, where misty peaks overlook the Gulf of Thailand. Southwest Cambodia is dominated by the Cardamom Mountains, one of Southeast Asia’s largest and most pristine rainforests, harboring rare species like clouded leopards and Asiatic black bears. The southern beaches and islands, such as Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem, appeal to travelers seeking white sands and coral reefs. Whether trekking into remote jungles, cruising the Mekong’s swirling waters, or marveling at the seasonal floodplains of Tonlé Sap, Cambodia’s natural offerings stand as a testament to the country’s deep ecological richness beyond its storied stone temples.

Voyista's Cambodia Tour Experience

At Voyista, we’ve explored Cambodia’s renowned Angkor temples at sunrise, navigated Phnom Penh’s busy riverfront, and relaxed on quiet coastal islands near Sihanoukville. We believe in highlighting the country’s resilient spirit and warm hospitality, and our personal ties to local guides help us introduce travelers to genuine Khmer traditions—whether through cooking classes or village homestays. Our itineraries balance historical depth (visiting the Killing Fields memorials, for instance) with time to enjoy Cambodia’s laid-back vibe, such as sipping a coconut on Otres Beach. With Voyista’s firsthand insights, travelers uncover a rich tapestry of culture, nature, and heartfelt connections in the Kingdom of Wonder.