The Best of Cambodia & Laos

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SUGGESTED CAMBODIA & LAOS ITINERARIES
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THE BEST OF CAMBODIA & LAOS IN 3 WEEKS
Day &: History in Phnom Penh
To understand Cambodia’s present, you
have to understand the horrors of its
recent past. Do not expect to enjoy your
morning. First take a moto-taxi or tuk-tuk
to the south of the city where you will find
the Tuol Sleng or S21 Genocide museum
(p. 83). This is an overwhelming but necessary
visit to make. It was here that the
Khmer Rouge tortured and then slaughtered
thousands of men, women, children,
and infants. They photographed their victims
meticulously before they killed them
and thousands of the fading portraits are
on view. The range of expressions is heartbreaking.
You can then go to Choeung
Ek, the Killing Fields, which was the principal
place where these thousands upon
thousands of people were systematically
killed (p. 80). In the afternoon, you can
relax and be alone with your thoughts on
a boat trip down the Mekong, watching
life unfold along the riverbanks.
Days * & (: Sihanoukville
Take the bus to the beaches of Sihanoukville,
find a peaceful place to your
liking, order a cold drink, break out the
paperbacks, and relax.
Day ): Kampot & Kep
Take a trip along the coast to Kep and
Kampot. Sample the tasty seafood while in
Kep. A well-known local specialty is Kep
crab in Kampot pepper. It is a must-try.
Day q: Back to Phnom Penh
Head back to Phnom Penh by bus and try
to work out which restaurant, of the many
superb and varied choices on offer, you
will go to for your last supper. If you like
genuine Spanish tapas and paella, try
Pacharan (p. 77) near the Royal Palace. It
is in a wonderful old French colonial
building, with views of both the river and
the Silver Pagoda.