Rich Heritage, Poor Economy – Asia Travel to Cambodia
Fall of the once formidable Khmer Empire in 1431, Cambodia has been experiencing pretty bad luck with its neighbors as well as the colonial France plundering it a lot. Even the so called independence the country achieved in the year 1953 did not provide it real respite as it was plunged back to the horrors of civil war. Yet Asia travel today invariably includes Cambodia as one of the destinations and the reasons mostly are that it has some of that monumental ancient sculpture in Angkor Vat.
Peace and tranquility returned to the awe struck nation only in 1993 and most of the population still manages their livelihood at $1 per day. While the political intrigues still continue unabated, even the basic services necessary for survival are at best spotty. At the same time modernization is showing its face through some renovations undertaken and improvement of the townships of Siem Reap, the gateway to Ankor and Sihanoukville as the beach city of the country. Together they constitute irresistible Cambodian attractions for tourists, travelers, and other visitors.
Despite being devastated by its neighbors Cambodia has a lot to offer its visitors. On the one hand the golden shiny sea beaches, and on the other hand the monuments of Angkor Vat and numerous other temples both displaying the Hindu and Buddhist cultures are some of the major Cambodian attractions.
In almost all of the country there are conceptually as well as architecturally ambitious hotels. For instance the former Governor’s residence in mountainous Ratanakiri has now been converted into one of the most luxurious hotels in the country. Numerous hotels have come up catering to the requirements of modern tourists and the air travel from Pnom Penh and other places to the ultimate tourist destination, Angkor Vat, has rendered visit to Cambodia essential part of the Asia Travel.
