Cambodia Hotels

With the tourism boom in the last twenty years many countries that for centuries had known only strife have found a new market to explore and have flourished. Cambodia is one such country, with the destinations of Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville gaining popularity amongst vacationers worldwide. Several national and international investors have helped to bring some world-class Cambodia hotels off the ground and in the process a country out of obscurity, as there are some pretty impressive things to see in the country. These hotels represent the very best that the country has to offer, providing the kind of accommodations that avid travelers expect in the 21st century.

In Phnom Penh there are a few destinations that while difficult to experience, are recommended for anyone interested in the history of the country and human rights. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum was actually once a school that during the terrible reign of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge in the nineteen seventies was transformed into a murderous prison. Equally disturbing is The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek where thousands more were murdered during that terrible time in the country's history. Not for the faint of heart. Thankfully those days seem long gone now with the people enjoying the beauty of their nation once again. The Sisowath Quay aka Riverside is a pleasant street following the Mekong with a nice selection of shops, cafes and more upscale pubs that is quite popular amongst foreigners. The Royal Palace is a must see with its beautiful pagodas and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Also check out The National Museum is home to a fantastic collection of exhibits from the early twelfth century. The concierge at these hotels can assist with directions and transportation.

There is some wonderful shopping in Phnom Penh for guests of these Cambodia hotels including the Central Market that sells all manner of wares, the Sorya Mall that is styled after the large retail outlets of the West which on a hot day the air-conditioning is a Godsend, and there is also the City Mall which is patterned after Western malls as well. The Russian Market can be a real find for under priced name brand items as there are several designer factories in the city. Usually the discount clothing has some minor defect that normal humans cannot detect making for some great buys. This one is a bit off the beaten path but the local motodop operators can get tourists there. For various handicrafts including silk garments check out Colors of Cambodia and Kravan House.

Siem Reap is also now a popular tourist destination for several reasons but Angkor Wat is the jewel of the entire country. This amazing temple was built in the twelfth century and is really one of the most incredible structures on the planet. Almost every surface of the temple has been carved and the artwork is stunning. Engineers and artists are still baffled at how this structure was completed in only forty years when even in modern times with modern equipment it would take several times that. Angkor Wat is definitely the most important tourist attraction and a trip to Siem Reap is well worth it. The concierge can assist with travel arrangements. Definitely check out the Angkor National Museum for a more in-depth presentation of the art of the period.

Sihanoukville province has also seen an increase in tourists visiting the city and the surrounding beaches in recent years. Occheuteal Beach and Serendipity Beach could be the next major area of development, but for now visitors can enjoy the calm serenity of its waters and the handful or so of beach huts that serve food and drinks. For a remote vacation this is the place. Even more remote are the dozen or so islands nearby which for the most part are completely undeveloped. Small boats can be chartered for a really private vacation in Southeast Asia. There probably will be a time when a deserted island is a thing of the past, but until then these are perfect.

One of the major benefits to visiting the country whether it is Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville or anywhere for that matter is that the food is going to be amazing. Local cuisine has taken from its neighbors in Thailand and Vietnam over the years although the hot pepper is used more sparingly as the Cambodians prefer to use black pepper for heat. Another distinction with their neighbors would be the use of Prahok, which goes in just about everything giving many of the popular dishes of the country a slightly saltier tang.

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