Traveling through Cambodia can be a welcome spiritual experience. The ancient country is home to myriad religious sites, a warm and hospitable people, and breathtaking scenery as far as the eye can see. However, like so many nations across the world, Cambodia is still recovering from a violent and damaging past. As a result, elements of danger still exist throughout the country. While it’s becoming an increasingly popular and safe tourist destination, travelers to Cambodia still need to be wary when they head to the beautiful country. If you want to make the most of a trip to Cambodia, here are some simple tips and suggestions to help make it the journey of a lifetime.
1. A Quick Note on Cambodian History
For the last quarter of the twentieth century, Cambodia was alternatively besieged and ruled over by a real jerk named Pol Pot and his organization the Khmer Rouge. Without enumerating all the horrible things done by these awful human beings, their presence in the country has stuck around. As a result, most Cambodians live in abject poverty. The average income is less that $3 a day, which is something to keep in mind when you visit. A generous tip, or patronizing a local shop can potentially make a huge difference to a resident.