Mention Cambodia and most people will think immediately of the ruined temples of Angkor, undoubtedly the country's most iconic attraction. Yet there is more to this diverse and beautiful land than its temples, awe-inspiring though they are.

Angkorian temples are indeed dotted around the country, not just at Siem Reap, home of Angkor Wat, but also at Battambang, Cambodia’s second city, founded in the 11th century at the height of the Khmer Empire. These temple cities provide a fascinating insight into one of the most remarkable of South-East Asia's great medieval civilisations.

In contrast to temple cities, the present-day capital of Phnom Penh is revealing of Cambodia's colonial era. Often overlooked by visitors intent of heading straight to the temples, the riverside city has a relaxed atmosphere and a number of standout sights, including the exquisite Silver Pagoda and the glittering Royal Palace. A few days might be happily spent here soaking up the lively atmosphere and sampling the local Khmer cuisine.

Cambodia's remote northeast is less visited, but the road to Banlung has greatly improved in recent years and the journey taking in Kampong Cham, Kratie and Stung Treng is particularly rewarding. In this region, which acts as an entry point to southern Laos, you will find freshwater dolphins and gem mines. Mondulkiri and its capital Sen Monorom also receive few visitors, despite boasting some of Cambodia's most beautiful countryside.

Southern Cambodia has the country’s only beach resorts, Sihanoukville and Kep. A little way inland from the coast, the quiet riverine town of Kampot has French colonial architecture and is a good starting point for a visit to the former hill station of Bokor, once abandoned but now seeing new development. In the Southwest, the Cardamom Mountains see only a trickle of visitors, despite being home to numerous endangered species and offering excellent trekking.

Cambodia contains a huge variety of hotels and lodges. Whether you wish to hark back to a bygone era by staying in one of the grand colonial hotels of Phnom Penh, experience traditional Khmer hospitality in Siem Reap, relax in a converted villa on the coast, or enjoy the comforts and adventure offered by a remote floating lodge, Cambodia has plenty of unique accommodations to suit almost any taste. Let us help you plan a holiday to Cambodia that takes in the best of them.

Planning a holiday to Cambodia? We can prepare a tailor-made itinerary to suit your requirements and budget. We offer the popular routes as well as off-the-beaten track adventures - see our sample itineraries in the menu below or contact us on 01822 600 600 to discuss your travel plans.

CAMBODIA TRAVEL ADVICE

• Located in the tropics, Cambodia’s dry season runs from November/December to April - this is the best time to visit the country

• There can be disruption on Cambodia's smaller roads during the rainy season

• Consider visiting just after the end of the rainy season, when the country is lush and green and the daily temperature more comfortable

• The north and east of Cambodia can be cooler due to the higher altitude

• An unforgettable way to arrive into Phnom Penh is by boat from Chau Doc in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

• If leisurely river cruising appeals, why not spend a week travelling between Saigon and Siem Reap

• If you are only interested in the temples you could spend as little as 3 nights holidaying in Cambodia, but to discover more, allow a minimum of 5 nights for Angkor and Phnom Penh and up to 2 weeks if you want to explore the coast in depth

• Though not as famous as Thailand or Vietnam, Cambodia is a wonderful beach holiday destination. Sihanoukville has the best beaches and biggest resorts, while Kep stands out for its stylish boutique hotels.