Isolation Escapism – Cambodia

Whilst we cannot physically transport you to our destinations themselves at present, we would like to offer you a little virtual escapism. We do hope that they will be a welcome distraction as we sit out these extraordinary times, and act as an inspiration for your next adventure.

In our sixth Isolation Escape we invite you to take a journey through Cambodia, taking in its astonishing collection of ancient temples, colourful markets, bustling towns and picturesque beaches. Centrally located along the Indochinese Peninsula, the country’s geography has shaped both its history and its present, its turbulent past now well overshadowed by its bright and exciting future.

We begin our trip in the north-west of the country, in the town of Siem Reap, the gateway to the ruins of Angkor, a vast temple complex of intricate stone buildings including Angkor Wat, the main temple and the largest religious monument in the world. Located in the South of the province by the same name, it sits on the shores of the Tonle Sap Lake, the greatest sweet water reserve in all of Southeast Asia.  With plenty of ramshackle charm still in evidence, it is a delightful town to explore taking in colourful markets, an eclectic range of eateries, and enchanting boutiques and art spaces.

On the next leg of our journey through Cambodia, we take to the water travelling south along the Tonle Sap lake and river, surrounded by wetlands supporting  an immense diversity of wildlife, and astonishing stilt villages which appear to float on water. Within the lake, the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary is a designated UNESCO biosphere that hosts a significant number of rare breeds such as the greater adjutant stork, the milky stork and the spot-billed pelican. Drifting down the river, one is surrounded by rural villages and working rice paddies, the lush banks and the lands beyond dotted with temples, ripe for exploring and moments of peace.

After cruising down Cambodia’s Tonle Sap, we arrive in Phnom Penh, the country’s vibrant and bustling capital. Situated at the confluence of three rivers, the mighty Mekong, the Bassac and the great Tonle Sap, the city exudes provincial charm and tranquillity with French colonial mansions and tree-lined boulevards amidst monumental Angkorian architecture. A veritable oasis compared to the modernity of other Asian capitals, Phnom Penh is a mixture of Asian exotica.  Beside the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, the National Museum, the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, the emotive yet essential Choeng Ek Killing Fields and the Buddhist temple of  Wat Phnom, there are several market places selling carvings, paintings, silk, silver, gems and even antiques.

Our final stop on our passage through Cambodia brings us to the spectacular Koh Rong Archipelago. Blessed with icing sugar beaches, crystal waters and lush rainforest, the islets of the Koh Rong Archipelago are both an over and underwater paradise. Explore islands by kayak and discover immaculate coral reefs supporting a vibrant marine life or simply let gravity take hold relaxing into a gently swaying hammock overlooking views of pure nirvana.

If you’d like to start planning a holiday to Cambodia while waiting for this storm to pass, please drop us a line and we’ll be delighted to send you further information on this astonishing and resilient destination.

‘Cambodia is a breathtakingly beautiful survivor of a troubled and turbulent past, an example and inspiration to us all.’