Cambodia

Calmness holds sway in the rural landscapes of Cambodia, while urban pockets house dynamic cityscapes defined by a history of spiritualism and calamity. Today, Khmers look ahead to the future while honoring past traditions, customs, and heritage.

The story of modern Cambodia is a tale of reinvention and revival. Rising from the devastation caused by the totalitarian regime of the 1970s, the Cambodian spirit of reinvention has transformed local communities and ushered in the resurrection of once-outlawed spiritual practices. While the impact of the Khmer Rouge is grievously evidenced across the nation, Cambodia’s people use the remnants of calamity to inform new generations and visitors alike.

Journeying between the urban centers, the profusion of life is striking. One of the most biodiverse nations on earth, Cambodia is rife with endemic species of flora and fauna. The lifeblood of this vast ecosystem is the Mekong River.

The cities of Cambodia brilliantly showcase the nation’s unique juxtaposition of old and new. A short journey from the chic center of Siem Reap, and you’ll arrive at the iconic site of Angkor Wat, the otherworldly national symbol of Cambodia. Similarly, the grand spires of the Royal Palace in the capital, Phnom Penh, remain in view amidst the urban bustle.