Cambodia is a fascinating country. It appeals to all types of travellers – if you dig architecture, food, heritage or just want to chill and party, plan a trip to Cambodia! Top places to visit in Cambodia include the Angkor Was historical park in Siam Reap, the capital city of Phnom Penh, the beach town Sihanoukville, the backpackers’ favourite Battambang and Bokor Hill Stationare. You can also travel to the rural parts of the country, with their rice paddies and sugar palms to get away from the rush of the big cities. The Khmer cuisine is delicious, and perhaps is reason alone to visit Cambodia. The Amok Curry – the national dish of Cambodia – is a gastronomical delight. The ‘Kingdom of Cambodia’ is located in the southern part of the Indo – China peninsula.
The low lying plains at the centre are flanked by mountains. The expansive Tonle Sap (Great Lake) is the lifeline of the people. The region was at the zenith of economic, military and cultural influence during the Khmer Empire that lasted 600 years. It is during this era that architectural gems including the Angkor Wat temple and Angkor Thom city were built. The infamous Pol Pot ruled the country in the 1970s. The period was marked by grave atrocities and genocide till the Khmer Rouge was ousted in 1979. The climate is tropical, with temperatures ranging from 21 to 35 degrees Celsius. Heavy monsoon rains lash the country in September and October.
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Cambodian Visa
Indian passport holders are eligible for a Visa on Arrival, they should carry a passport photo, a passport with six months validity, confirmed return flight tickets, proof of adequate funds to fund your stay in Cambodia, and a completed visa application form. The visa is valid for a maximum stay period of 30 days, and can be obtained with a fee of 36 USD paid in cash. A better option to get a single entry tourist visa is to apply for an eVisa. You need to show the eVisa certificate to the Cambodian immigration authorities at the entry point. You will also need to purchase the one-day, two-days or three-days passes to Angkor Archaeological Park at the ticket office in Siam Reap.
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Places to Visit in Cambodia
The iconic Angkor Wat temple complex has intricate carvings of scenes borrowed from Hindu mythology. Equally spectacular is the 12th-century Bayon temple (in Angkor Thom city) famous for its for 200 smiling stone faces. Also visit Banteay Srei, a 10th-century Cambodian Hindu temple located near the hill of Phnom Dei. Tomb Raider fans should check out Ta Prohm – the surreal 12th-century Buddhist temple ruins overgrown with trees. In Phnom Penh, spend time at the impressive Royal Palace and admire classic Khmer architecture. The Tool Sleng Genocide Museum is housed in an erstwhile Khmer Rouge prison and a must-visit to know more about the dark period of genocide.
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Best time to Visit Cambodia
November to March is the peak tourist season. But for lesser crowds and better prices, plan a trip in the months from May to October. Most travellers visit Cambodia from November to March. If you prefer to dodge the crowds and go when prices are lower, the best time to visit Cambodia is from May to early October. March, April and May are ideal to visit the beaches and coastal areas. But if you love rains, visit Cambodia during monsoons. The countryside is at its lush-green best. If you enjoy festivals, plan around April 13 or 14 when the Khmer New Year is celebrated over three days. In November, the Water Festival is celebrated when the waters in Tonle Sap change course.
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Food in Cambodia
There are distinct ingredients that lend a unique taste to the Cambodia cuisine – kaffir lime, lemon grass, fish sauce, tamarind, ginger, coconut milk, black pepper et al. The Amok Curry is true soul food – a thick soup broth cooked with fish, meat, vegetables, eggs and coconut milk. it is usually served with rice. Other delicacies include Bai sach chrouk (Pork and rice), Kuy teav (pork broth rice noodle soup), Khmer red curry, Nom banh chok (Khmer noodles), Kdam chaa (fried crab) and Cha houy teuk (jelly dessert). You should definitely try out the street food – the brave and adventurous can also sample fried spiders, cockroaches, small snakes and what not.
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