A trip to Cambodia …

After crossing the border, a whole new South East Asia revealed itself.

Cambodia, opposite to what many would expect, is by no means a less developed version of Vietnam. The country has its own history, architecture and cuisine. At one point, the Khmer Empire, or Angkor Empire as it is officially called, occupied large swaths of South East Asia including parts of Thailand, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam. In recent history it is mostly known for the Khmer Rouge regime which cost the lives of 1.5 to 2 million people. Despite all the tragedy, the country has much more to offer than memorials.

In Phnom Penh, the capital, we visited the beautiful royal palace as well as the Wat Phnom temple which gave its name to the city.

Killing fields monument

Tuol Sleng genocide museum

Royal Palace

Wall painting in the Royal Palace

Wat Phnom temple

Inside Wat Phnom temple

Streets in Phnom Penh

Royal blue