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Cambodia

Cambodia was once the heart of the mighty Khmer rouge empire, which under the leadership of Pol Pot set out to turn Cambodia into a Maoist, peasant-dominated agrarian society. 1975, known as 'Year Zero' was the beginning of the genocide. Millions perished in this brutal civil war, and Cambodia is still recovering from their sad history. The years of fear are over and tourists flock to Cambodia to witness the country's tragic past but even more so, to visit the temples of Angkor. Angkor wat and the surrounding temples are a marvel of ancient architecture and the soul of Cambodia.

Fast facts about Cambodia:

Capital: Phnom Penh
Official Language: Khmer
Currency: 1$CAD = ~4,000KHR (Riel)
Population: 15 million
Time: GMT + 7hours

Click on a photo to learn more about Cambodia.

Interesting things to know about Cambodia:

Currency:
While the currency in Cambodia is officially Riel, American money is more commonly used, even the ATMs dispense American dollars.

Exploring the temples:
One of the best way to see the temples of Siem Reap is to hire a Túk-Túk driver for the day and see the temples at your own pace. Many Túk-Túk drivers are quite knowledgeable about the temples so find one who is willing to be both your driver and guide.
Every visitor to the temples requires a pass. A day pass will run you 20$USD.

Useful words/phrases:

Hello = suo s'dei
Please = Suom mehta
Thank you = Aw kun
I'm sorry = Somh toh


A must read while in Cambodia:
Luong Ung's First They Killed My Father. A story which follows the destruction of a Cambodian family during the Khmer rouge empire.
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