Cambodia

Cambodia has ancient temples, empty beaches, mighty rivers, remote forests ...and (outside Angkor ) only a handful of tourists. But the word is out - Cambodia has emerged from decades of war and isolation and is well and truly back on the Southeast Asian travel map.

The successor-state of the mighty Khmer Empire, which ruled much of what is now Vietnam, Laos and Thailand, Cambodia boasts a rich culture, a weathered French-era capital and impressive natural scenery. The peace is young but the country is slowly attracting the tourism currently sweeping Vietnam .

This country is on a slow mend, but there's nonetheless a continuing potential for sporadic violence, petty crime, banditry, and landmines and unexploded ordinance. It is one of the world's most heavily mined countries, with up to six million un-detonated mines dotted around the countryside.

Sporadic outbreaks of violence still occur, so avoid demonstrations and political gatherings. The most heavily mined regions are the Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap and Kampong Thom provinces. Employing a local guide is smart, as is sticking to the beaten track - even at Angkor .

Avoid solo travel during the day outside provincial towns, and in all parts of the country at night. Street crime remains a problem in the capital - take particular care at night and travel by taxi rather than moto or cyclo. The potential for general banditry and lawlessness is high in the areas between Kratie, Snuol and Stung Treng, due in part to the illegal logging that goes on in the region.

Recent information tells us that Cambodia is now a much safer place than it was when I wrote the above information 1n 2003. I left the information here because it is better to be cautious than stupid.

When you travel to Cambodia you should always take care and be sure to carry on your luggage so you don't risk loosing it in transit. You never want to me without your personal articles in Cambodia.

I have several friends who met and married Cambodian women. They all did that while working in Southeast Asia. I do not know anyone who met a Cambodian girl on the Internet.

After traveling about Cambodia for two weeks we flew over to South Korea