The Kingdom of Cambodia, formerly known as Kampuchea, is a Southeast Asian nation bordered by Vietnam to the east, Laos to the north, Thailand to the northwest and the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest. Cambodia is the successor state of the once powerful Hindu and Buddhist Khmer Empire, which ruled most of the Indochinese Peninsula between the 11th and 14th centuries.
Increasing numbers of visitors are now rediscovering Cambodia's striking temples and beaches. Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor, now sports luxury hotels, chic nightspots, ATMs, and an airport fielding flights from all over the region. Other tourist hot spots include Sihanoukville in the southeast, which has several popular beaches, and the nearby area around Kampot, including the Bokor Hill Station. Travel beyond the most popular tourist destinations is still an adventure.