Backpacking   

                 Cambodia

A guide to how to get the best out of a backpacking Cambodia trip

1. Before you leave for Cambodia
   Backpacking Cambodia, things that will be required prior to your departure.
   
   
2. Things to do in Cambodia
   Things to do in Cambodia, including Hiking and Diving.
   
   
3. Places not to miss in Cambodia
   Places not to miss in Cambodia and the highlights of any visit to Cambodia
   
   
4. How to budget for when you are in Cambodia
   How to budget and costs whilst in Cambodia Budgeting for your trip and the likely costs during your stay
   
   
5. Accommodation in Cambodia
   Accommodation in Cambodia Places to stay at various locations all around Cambodia
   
   
6. Getting around Cambodia
   Getting around Cambodia Various transport options available to the backpacking traveller
   
   

Cambodia is a country with an extremely sad and disturbing history and one which everyone remembers for its savage Khmer Rouge regime and the infamous film, ‘The Killing Fields’. Thankfully Cambodia, while still a particularly poor country, is recovering from its past and is now a popular and relatively safe country to visit.

South East Asia has always been a popular area for the backpacker community to visit and while Thailand and Malaysia have always benefited from the tourism boom, Cambodia has only just started to establish itself as a recognised hotspot itself. There is no lack of sights and sounds to experience in the country, but the infrastructure is very poor and getting around to these sights can be difficult if not time consuming.

It is not surprising that a lot of Hotel groups and Tour companies have started to invest heavily in the nation, as it is one of the most mysterious and exciting countries in the region with awe-inspiring temple ruins, the powerful Mekong and some of the friendliest people you could ever hope to meet.

Unfortunately there is a threat to the fragile environment of Cambodia, with the expansion of local logging companies. In the 1960's Cambodia had a rainforest coverage of around 80%, but with the increased need of cheap wood this has now been reduced to approximately 30%. As the economy of the country is still very poor, it is hard for the environmental protection groups to persuade the National Government to help preserve this fragile land. The National Government earns so much from the International logging companies that work in Cambodia, they seem to authorise any requests no matter how damaging to the surrounding area.

When you are in Cambodia it will be tempting to give to local children and beggars, but this just encourages more begging and doesnt get to the route of the problem. Instead try to give to Registered Charities which provide for street children and those who were maimed by landmines. They understand the needs and requirements of the poor and the Governmental bureaucracy which may get in the way of help.

This article has been written as a guide to those backpackers who hope to visit Cambodia and will have some great hints and tips on travelling around the country and what there is to experience!

Before you leave for Cambodia