British Newspaper Calls Cambodia An Overlooked Southeast Asian Paradise Now Coming into Its Own

Cambodia, long overshadowed by its more popular Southeast Asian neighbors, is finally receiving the recognition it deserves. In a recent article, revered British newspaper The Times hailed Cambodia as “a Southeast Asian paradise that has been overlooked for too long.” The article paints a picture of a country teeming with untapped beauty, from serene islands to a vibrant capital, all at a fraction of the cost of other regional hotspots.

Journalist Claudia Rowan describes her visit to Koh Ta Kiev, a lesser-known island that she calls “probably the closest I would ever come to living out my Robinson Crusoe fantasy.” With its pristine beaches and untouched beauty, Koh Ta Kiev is just one example of Cambodia’s emerging destinations. Rowan highlights how the country remains relatively under the radar compared to the well-trodden paths of Thailand and Vietnam, with just five million tourists visiting Cambodia in 2023, compared to 28 million in Thailand and 12.6 million in Vietnam. However, with increased investment and infrastructure improvements, Cambodia is quickly becoming more accessible.

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A notable game-changer for tourism is the Chinese-funded expressway that opened in 2022, slashing the drive time from Phnom Penh to the coastal haven of Sihanoukville from six hours to just three. This improved connectivity has made Cambodia’s idyllic islands, including Koh Ta Kiev and Koh Rong, more reachable than ever before. Rowan describes the islands as “blissfully under the radar,” comparing them to Thailand’s Koh Samui and Koh Phi Phi before they became overrun with tourists. Koh Rong, in particular, caught her eye as having “the prettiest stretch of coastline I had ever seen,” with its sugar-white sand, coconut trees, and turquoise waters set against a lush jungle backdrop.

But it’s not just the islands that make Cambodia stand out. Phnom Penh, the capital, offers a perfect blend of history, modernity, and warmth. Rowan praises the city’s citizens as “just as warm and charismatic as the city itself,” reflecting the spirit of the country as a whole. There’s a palpable optimism throughout Cambodia, driven by the youthful energy of a population where two-thirds are under the age of 30. Despite the dark chapters in the nation’s past, including the genocide that wiped out much of the older generation, Cambodia’s younger generation embodies an infectious positivity and forward-looking zeal that makes the country all the more compelling.

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Rowan concludes by noting that Cambodia’s charm lies not only in its natural beauty but also in the indomitable spirit of its people. She writes, “Cambodia may be a geographically enticing land of islands, forests, and temples, but this infectiously positive energy makes me want to return more than anything else.”

For those seeking an authentic Southeast Asian adventure, Cambodia is rapidly becoming a must-visit destination. From the stunning, lesser-known islands to the bustling, charismatic capital, Cambodia offers an experience that is both breathtaking and deeply enriching.

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