Country Conventional Name:  Kingdom of Cambodia (Locally called Preahreacheanachakr Kampuchea).  In short by local: Kampuchea
Capital:  Phnompenh
Location:  Southeast Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand to the south, Thailand to the east, Vietnam to the West, and Laos to the North
Size:  181,035 square kilometers, with coastal line of  443 km.
Population: 11,626,520 (1999)

Cambodia has so much to offer to international traveler in terms of a rich cultural, natural and historical heritage. Not only are there the world renowned Angkor Wat complex and surrounding temples steeped in history and mystique, but for those who enjoy relaxing on tropical beaches. The country undoubtedly offers some of the most beautiful unspoiled beaches in the world. Offshore lie coral islands and exotic fish while inland indigenous flora and fauna, waterfalls, and tropical forests all await discovery.

Cambodia has places of interest all over the country but the principle attractions can be divided into three main areas: Phnom Penh, Siemreap (Angkor), and the South coast. However, for eco-tourists, more and more people are heading off the beaten track and venturing into the hilltribe regions of Rattanakiri, Mondulkiri, the Kirirom National Park and other more remote but beautiful rural areas.

Without question, the heritage of Cambodia far surpasses that of any of its neighbor, harking back to a past time when it was the dominating force of the region. Its territory, far in excess of its current one, encompassed much of what is now Thailand, Vietnam and Laos. The architectural achievements from this period are without equal in the region and are on par with the wonders of ancient Egypt or Aztec Monuments. Extensive articles about the History - Angkor Civilization, Reasons for rise and fall of the Khmer Empire, and the Chronology are available for visitors to learn the background of this impressive country.

Phnom Penh: Asia Meets Europe
The capital city of Phnom Penh (pop. 1 million) is a lively place these days. Cars and motorcycles careen through charming streets lined with many French style buildings dating back to its days as a French colony in the first half of this century. The center of city life is the riverfront boulevard, featuring many bars and restaurants with a big emphasis on French-style food.

One attraction worth visiting (though not for the faint-hearted) is the Killing Field Museum (Tuol Sleng), a former school taken over in 1975 by the Khmer Rouge and converted into a torture chamber. The National Museum is less grisly, with an emphasis on Ancient Khmer history.

The Temples of Angkor
The biggest attraction for most visitors are the temple ruins at Angkor, just a few kilometers from the colonial city of Siem Reap. Well preserved stone temple ruins dating back about 1,000 years cover an area of 200 sq. kilometers. Visitors can easily spend several days exploring here, taking in the thousands of exquisite statues and bas relief carvings that adorn the walls of seemingly endless temple buildings and chedis (stone spires). A cruise on the Tonle Sap -- Asia's largest freshwater lake -- is also a memorable experience. 

A Word of Warning: Though Cambodia is now more peaceful than at any time in the last 30 years, visitors should still exercise caution - particularly in the capital. Confine tourism activities to the daytime, since the dimly-lit streets can be dangerous at night. In the more rural areas, stick to well-established pathways (or better yet, travel with a qualified guide), since there are still countless landmines left over from the war years. Hazards aside though, a little prudence is all that's required to enjoy a safe and happy holiday in this remarkable country.