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Why Visit Cambodia?
Just like most Asian countries, Cambodia is also packed with culture and history, full of people with amazing hospitality. These are the only reasons why we would visit a new country. But if you do need more reasons to convince you, then note down five of them below;
1. Travelling authentically
Most travelers today seek out authentic experiences when travelling, rather than relaxing stays in the beach and Cambodia offers loads of this. You can take in everything from community homestays, spending a few days trekking through the jungle soaking up the rare flora and fauna and cycling through the pristine countryside to learning how to cook Cambodian food.
2. Art
Despite lacking a national art gallery, the art scene is thriving in Cambodia, with a wave of young contemporary artists leading the way. Galleries sit throughout the capital and Siem Reap, as well as the artistic capital of Battambang and a handful in Kampot. Phnom Penh’s Sa Sa Bassac, Java Café and Gallery and Meta House often show the work of budding artists. In Siem Reap, Theam’s House, Constable Gallery at Large and The 1961 Coworking Space and Gallery are must-visits.
3. Markets
If you like to drive a hard bargain, then get your haggling hat on and head to the nearest market. They are central to life in Cambodia and are bustling early in the morning as people clamour to buy the freshest foods for the day. Russian Market, Central Market and BKK1 Market in Phnom Penh flog everything from clothes, souvenirs, music and DVDs to food, household goods and vehicle parts. In Siem Reap, Angkor Night Market and the Old Market are hot spots.
4. Celebrations
The Cambodian calendar is full of public holidays, with celebrations taking place regularly throughout the year. The main holiday is Khmer New Year, which falls on April 14 to 16 in 2018, with another favourite festival, Pchum Ben, taking place September 19–21, 2017. The religious festival sees Cambodians remember the dead, with offerings given to monks. Water Festival, which lands on November 2–4, 2017, sees people flock to the riverside in Phnom Penh to watch the colourful display of boat races that take place on the Tonle Sap River
5. Food!
From the country’s signature fish amok and beef lok lak to crab and Kampot pepper and the mass of noodle and rice dishes that are eaten on a daily basis, exploring the flavours of Cambodia is essential. A range of food tours and cookery classes are available to take visitors on a journey through the tastes of the Kingdom. The more adventurous can sample popular snacks such as deep-fried tarantulas, crickets and other grub.
Credits to: Culture trip
https://theculturetrip.com/asia/cambodia/articles/13-reasons-why-you-should-visit-cambodia-at-least-once-in-your-lifetime/
