Closer Lives | Cambodia Country Guide
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Panoramic view of Angkor Wat reflected in water, with overlaid text "your guide to visiting Cambodia" and a map graphic.

All you need to know about Cambodia, the Kingdom of Wonder

One of the most incredible places we have ever visited, Siem Reap and its magnificent Angkor temples is a destination that continues to wow and inspire visitors from around the world. We knew very little about Cambodia prior to this visit; that has certainly changed now! We saw well over a dozen temples, all of which have stood the test of time and are still glorious and magnificent, despite many years of neglect. The back-breaking, painstaking restoration efforts here can be felt at every temple and it really does have to be seen to be believed. The entire Angkor site is home to over 300 temples, all of which have been re-built and opened to the public.

 

But Cambodia and Siem Reap is not just all about its temples and historical Khmer Empire. We also met some amazing people along the way, saw first hand the awful poverty that blights so much of the population, visited local areas including one of the famous water villages, learnt about the devastating Cambodian Civil War and tried a plethora of different foods. Stop here for a deep dive into this little-known country that holds such a phenomenal history, alongside a beautiful culture that you just will not find anywhere else!

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Our interactive map & guide to Cambodia

Check out all of the places we visited in Cambodia courtesy of this interactive map from Wanderlog. Tap any of the numbers for more information including directions, our blog posts, links to reviews and much more.

Wanderlog is a free travel planning app that allows users to create trip itineraries, organize flights, hotel and car reservations, view places to visit on a map, and collaborate with friends. It is super handy and has made a big impact on our travel planning. It saves time and is super easy to use!

Interesting Facts

Here are 12 interesting facts about Cambodia. Some may just surprise you!

1. Cambodia is home to the world-famous Angkor Wat temple complex, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest religious monuments in the world

 

2. The official language of Cambodia is Khmer, and it is the only country in the world where this language is spoken.

3. Cambodia is known as the "Kingdom of Wonder" due to its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and friendly people.

4. The flag of Cambodia features an image of Angkor Wat, which is a symbol of the country's cultural heritage and national pride.

5. Cambodian cuisine is known for its unique blend of flavors, including the use of herbs and spices like lemongrass, kaffir lime, and galangal.

6. The traditional dance of Cambodia is called the Apsara dance, and it is performed by women wearing intricate costumes and headdresses.

7. The Mekong River runs through Cambodia, and it is an important source of water for agriculture and transportation.

8. The Khmer Rouge regime, which ruled Cambodia from 1975-1979, is responsible for the deaths of an estimated 1.7 million people through execution, torture, and starvation.

9. Cambodia's currency is called the riel, but the US dollar is widely used and accepted throughout the country.

10. The Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Southeast Asia and is home to a unique ecosystem of fish, birds, and other wildlife.

11. The official religion of Cambodia is Theravada Buddhism, and there are many beautiful temples and pagodas throughout the country.

12. Cambodian people have a deep respect for their ancestors and often build small shrines or spirit houses outside their homes to honor them.

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Things to know when visiting Cambodia

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Information

POPULATION

16.6 million

CURRENCY

Cambodian Riel (KHR)

CAPITAL

Phnom Penh (2.28 million)

DRIVING

Right Side

TIME ZONE

(GMT +7)

MEASUREMENTS

Standard Metric

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STUNNING ANGKOR WAT for Sunrise in Siem Reap! Things to know before you go  Cambodia Travel Vlog

STUNNING ANGKOR WAT for Sunrise in Siem Reap! Things to know before you go Cambodia Travel Vlog

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