Things to do in Cambodia

“Ticking off temples at Angkor Wat is not the only thing to do in Cambodia. Many people treat it as an extension of a trip to Thailand or Vietnam - but take a bit more time – a week at least – and explore the country. Visit the more jungly and undiscovered temples – they’re quieter, less touristy and more atmospheric. They’re much closer to the romantic notion of what these ancient temples should be.”

Pathways have been cleared through little-visited national parks, and trekkers can explore the glorious scenery of the Cardamom Mountains, meet the hill tribes of Ratanakiri or hike past the colonial husks beside Bokor National Park. Want to travel further? Rent a bike and pedal between pagodas and ruined palaces.

“You can do nice homestays here. At most of them, you’re not literally staying in someone’s house as they’re community-run homestays where the local people have set up five or six guest bungalows in the villages. For me, it wasn’t as cheesy as in other countries where they might have slightly contrived evening dances and folk songs. These are cooperative ventures and nicely done – there are ox cart rides through the village, which kids particularly love, and you can go into the fields and spend the night in a bamboo stilt house. If you’re travelling with kids, it’s a great way for them to get an idea of what it’s like to live in a Cambodian village.”