Cambodia, wedged in between Vietnam and Thailand, still resonates with its past as part of the Khmer Empire, and is set on a rich alluvial plain. From Phnom Penh to Angkor, from the Mekong to Tonlé Sap lake, this country fascinates everyone who visits it.

The capital Phnom Penh, with its old colonial architecture and hive of activity typical of a city built on a river, plunges the tourist into the electric and somewhat outmoded atmosphere of a city of a thousand stories. The Royal Palace, its centre of power, is in the heart of the Cambodian historic quarter and has always been a royal residence. Its Silver Pagoda is famous for its abundance of buddhas. You should also visit the National Museum of Fine Arts - devoted to Khmer art, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum dedicated to the genocide committed by the Khmer Rouge, the central market in its immense art deco building, the Chinese quarter and, of course, the banks of the river Mekong humming with life.

Water proves to be the common denominator in Cambodia. Take, for example, Tonlé Sap lake to the north west of the capital. In the rainy season, it becomes a huge inland lake and showcases the raw charm of its lakeside villages which can be reached by traditional boats. A little further to the north, there’s Angkor, former capital of the Khmer Empire with its 287 temples. It would take an incredibly long stay to visit them all, but the three jewels that shouldn’t be missed are Angkor Vat, an immense funerary temple; Angkor Thom, a fortified town; and the 11th century monastery of Ta Prohm.

Cambodia also has seaside and mountain resorts. Kompong Som, on the Gulf of Siam, is one of the most fashionable resorts, and the forests and mountains of the Cardamones are still home to wild animals.