The undiscovered beauty of Cambodia

Cambodia appears as an irregular heart shaped territory juxtaposed against the long draping borders of Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. For many of a certain age Cambodia may still be thought of as a troubled and difficult place following over thirty years of successive wars, conflicts and internal as well as international strife. The legacy of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge obviously has left an indelible scar across the landscape and consciousness of the Cambodian people, but today in Cambodia we find a stable and peaceful community united under a multiparty democracy and looking towards a very bright future. For a luxury holiday with a difference, Cambodia is certainly one of the world’s up and coming destinations.

Undoubtedly the most famous landmark in Cambodia is Angkor Wat, a temple complex constructed in the 12^th century which originally formed the capital city of the Kingdom Suryavarman II and remains the world’s largest religious site. The feature is located in Angkor in the north west of Cambodia not too far from the Thai border. The largest nearby municipality is Siem Reap, a very popular tourist destination particularly renowned for its Indo-Chinese and French architecture. Although Cambodia may lack the renown and popularity of neighbouring regions in Thailand and Vietnam, there is no shortage of luxury properties to choose from particularly in Siem Reap and all for incredibly competitive prices. A backpacking hotspot, Cambodia is however yet to experience the boom other areas in South East Asia underwent in the last few decades and as such their still remains a real authenticity and grounded sense to a stay here. Properties such as Le Residence d’Angkor, Amansara and Hotel de la Paix offer an indulgent but understated level of privacy and comfort that is in keeping with the nation’s eclectic cultural heritage.

When Angkor was sacked in the 15^th Centruy many Cambodians were driven south to Phnom Penh. Today, this bustling city is still established as the modern capital which was officially awarded principal status following the French colonisation of the country. Often referred to as the ‘Pearl of Asia’ even more so than Siem Reap, the city is a kaleidoscope of stunning buildings, ornate carvings and sculptures that draw from European, Chinese and Indo-Chinese traditions. Phnom Penh was selected by the world famous Raffles Hotels selected the community as the home to its second luxury property following the enormous success of their original Singapore based venture. Experts in quality and class the Raffles group saw something in Phnom Penh that remains today; and undeniable and irrepressible air of grace and elegance that pervades this place.

Cambodia also of course borders the Gulf of Thailand and boasts some of the most spectacular and unspoiled beaches in South East Asia. Much less developed than its Thai alternative for the ultimate escape from the noise and clamour of the everyday a coastal retreat is the ideal choice. Just of the shore around the bay and even further out to sea a number of secluded and pristine islands still glisten in the turquoise waters. Resembling Koh Phi Phi or Koh Samui perhaps twenty years ago these communities offer all the beauty but with none of the crowds or development.