asia

cambodia

With it's low-key beach resorts, dense rainforest and mystical ancient temples, Cambodia is fast replacing Thailand and Vietnam as the Southeast Asian destination de jour.

Sure, there are plenty of sobering reminders of country's dark past under the brutal Khmer Rouge regime, and much of the country is steeped in poverty, but that's all the more reason to visit – to lift the veil on this unique corner of the world and discover the natural beauty of its wilderness and people far beyond the famous Angkor Wat and the killing fields. Pleasures include the seaside town of Sihanoukville (and the deserted beaches which lie beyond it); Kompong Thom where you can access lesser known ancient temples; hanging about in the chilled river town of Kratie where you can take in the vista of the Mekong and its endangered river dolphins. Cambodia is undoubtedly a country that may well tempt you to stay longer than you thought you would.