On paper, Cambodia’s numbers are pretty stacked; its borders stretch out to an area of 181,035sq km (69,898 sq mi) with a population of 15 million. On the ground, that amounts to 83 people per square kilometre. Here’s another number: 95 percent of Cambodians are practicing Buddhists. So it makes sense that this Southeast Asian country celebrates its thousands of temples –– Angkor Wat being the most world-renowned.
I wanted to see what that looked like –– to experience these numbers off the page.
From ancient to modern history, Cambodia has fought to maintain its identity — from French colonization, the Vietnam War, and the Khmer Rouge. Yet, its people have a welcoming reputation and wear ear-to-ear smiles.
I wanted to see how resiliency shapes a nation.
So I travelled there, camera in hand, in an effort to tell the story of how 15 million people live proudly today, folding in centuries of history while maintaining a distinct culture.
![](https://media.gadventures.com/media-server/cache/d9/27/d927c4e37ee99063d25a9971ae351b3b.jpg)
Taking a tuk tuk around is a must.
![In Southeast Aisa, durian fruit is known as the “King of Fruits,” but it sure doesn’t smell like royalty. Consider yourself warned.](https://media.gadventures.com/media-server/dynamic/blogs/posts/todd-weselake/2016/06/002_Gadventures_Cambodia_012.jpg)
In Southeast Aisa, durian fruit is known as the “King of Fruits,” but it sure doesn’t smell like royalty. Consider yourself warned.
![Visiting Angkor Wat is a must when in Cambodia. Get there early, before the heat of the day.](https://media.gadventures.com/media-server/dynamic/blogs/posts/todd-weselake/2016/06/005_Gadventures_Cambodia_049.jpg)
Visiting Angkor Wat is a must when in Cambodia. Get there early, before the heat of the day.
![Although Angkor Wat is the most well-known temple in the Siem Reap area, there actually are hundreds in the region. You’ll need at least one full day to take a small sampling in.](https://media.gadventures.com/media-server/dynamic/blogs/posts/todd-weselake/2016/06/006_Gadventures_Cambodia_079.jpg)
Although Angkor Wat is the most well-known temple in the Siem Reap area, there actually are hundreds in the region. You’ll need at least one full day to take a small sampling in.
![The fishing villages on Tonle Sap Lake wait for the rainy season. With no water, there is no rice production or fishing.](https://media.gadventures.com/media-server/dynamic/blogs/posts/todd-weselake/2016/06/007_Gadventures_Cambodia_085.jpg)
The fishing villages on Tonle Sap Lake wait for the rainy season. With no water, there is no rice production or fishing.
![The increasing dryness of the dry seasons is putting a lot of stress on these villages that rely on agriculture.](https://media.gadventures.com/media-server/dynamic/blogs/posts/todd-weselake/2016/06/010_Gadventures_Cambodia_103.jpg)
The increasing dryness of the dry seasons is putting a lot of stress on these villages that rely on agriculture.
![To know Cambodia’s story, its important to visit some war museums and prison camps. They reveal a dark, yet very real, past.](https://media.gadventures.com/media-server/dynamic/blogs/posts/todd-weselake/2016/06/012_Gadventures_Cambodia_122.jpg)
To know Cambodia’s story, its important to visit some war museums and prison camps. They reveal a dark, yet very real, past.
![Phnom Pen. The capital of Cambodia is alive, and full of places to go and sights to see.](https://media.gadventures.com/media-server/dynamic/blogs/posts/todd-weselake/2016/06/013_Gadventures_Cambodia_139.jpg)
Phnom Pen. The capital of Cambodia is alive, and full of places to go and sights to see.
![The markets in Southeast Asia never disappoint, and those in Cambodia are no different!](https://media.gadventures.com/media-server/dynamic/blogs/posts/todd-weselake/2016/06/014_Gadventures_Cambodia_142.jpg)
The markets in Southeast Asia never disappoint, and those in Cambodia are no different!
![Oh, the traffic!](https://media.gadventures.com/media-server/dynamic/blogs/posts/todd-weselake/2016/06/017_Gadventures_Cambodia_156.jpg)
Oh, the traffic!
![You can’t visit Cambodia without going to one kick-boxing match...](https://media.gadventures.com/media-server/dynamic/blogs/posts/todd-weselake/2016/06/018_Gadventures_Cambodia_167.jpg)
You can’t visit Cambodia without going to one kick-boxing match…
![The street food. Inclusive, with your choice of insects!](https://media.gadventures.com/media-server/dynamic/blogs/posts/todd-weselake/2016/06/019_Gadventures_Cambodia_175.jpg)
The street food. Inclusive, with your choice of insects!
![Time to cross the border into Vietnam. Stay tuned for that blog post, coming soon!](https://media.gadventures.com/media-server/dynamic/blogs/posts/todd-weselake/2016/06/020_Gadventures_Cambodia_188.jpg)
Time to cross the border into Vietnam. Stay tuned for that blog post, coming soon!
Getting There
G Adventures runs a number of departures in Cambodia encompassing a wide range of departure dates and activities to cater to different tastes. We’re thrilled at the prospect of showing you this big blue planet of ours — check out our small group trips here.