Cambodia

Cambodia is a Southeast Asian kingdom on the Gulf of Thailand, between Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. Near Siem Reap lies Angkor, a UNESCO-listed archaeological park of 9th–15th-century temples. Sunrise over Angkor Wat, the stone faces of the Bayon in Angkor Thom, trees growing through the walls of Ta Prohm and the fine pink-sandstone carving of Banteay Srei are best explored by tuk-tuk, bicycle or vintage jeep. Nearby, the Tonlé Sap lake swells markedly in the rainy season.

Phnom Penh sits where the Mekong meets the Tonlé Sap river, with riverside Sisowath Quay, the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, the Central Market and a lively food scene. In the south, the islands off Sihanoukville and Ream National Park offer white-sand beaches and quiet private islands.

Khmer cuisine means amok, a fish curry steamed in banana leaves, lok lak, seared beef with a lime-and-pepper sauce, Kampot pepper and Kep crab. Add silk weaving, crafts, Apsara dance as a living art, peaceful pagodas and monk blessings. The climate is tropical: the dry season runs roughly November–April, coolest November–February, while the green season, May–October, brings rain and lush rice fields. The currency is the riel, and US dollars are widely used. Cambodia suits lovers of history and architecture, couples, families with older children and travellers combining it with neighbouring countries.