For many travellers the allure of an unspoilt and little-explored country is irresistible. Emerging from a violent past of human rights atrocities, war and political instability, Cambodia is recovering from its past and slowly becoming a top destination on the South East Asian travel map. The magnificent temples of the 'Lost City' of Angkor are an irresistible attraction that, despite the dangers of unexploded landmines and the threat of rural banditry, is a must-see for any determined traveller.

Modern day Cambodia is the successor kingdom of the powerful Khmer Empire which ruled most of what is today Vietnam, Laos and Thailand from the 9th to 14th centuries. Although the country does not have the same volume of attractions as some of its neighbours, the Cambodian people are incredibly friendly, providing a welcoming embrace for travellers.

This fact in itself is amazing given the suffering that Cambodians had to endure during the three-and-a-half year reign of Pol Pot, which resulted in the deaths of an estimated two million people. The Khmer Rouge period under Pol Pot's leadership, altered the face of the country. Overnight cities were emptied and property destroyed, the economy was left in shatters and so were the lives of countless families. This period between 1975 and 1979 represents a particularly dark one in the nation's history.

Travellers to Cambodia can now enjoy many wonderful aspects of this country. Pleasurable moments can be had in the snatches of friendly conversations, in the tranquillity ushered in by Buddhist prayer or in the sounds of workers in the rice paddies. One can also search for the charms of the French-era capital city Phnom Penh, visit the tragic horrors of the Killing Fields or drift past sleepy riverside locations on a boat.

The scenery is beautiful and abundant, shaped by landscapes of lush green forests and jungles, banana plantations, agricultural fields and mighty rivers. People here live modest and simple lifestyles and the populace are largely rural. It is not a place of fast and efficient transport or luxurious hotels and resort living. Infrastructure is basic (much of it having been destroyed) and travelling between destinations can be quite an experience - fun for some and frustrating for others. The country's world-class attractions and less-explored reaches, golden beaches and islands beckon the enterprising traveller, and make this unique destination the equivalent of a pearl in an unopened oyster.

The Royal Palace

Address: No. 63, Street 348, Sangkat Toul Svay Prey II, Khan Chamkamorn, Phnom Penh Phnom Penh

Admission: US$3, with an additional camera charge of US$2 Daily, from 7.30am to 11am, and 2.30pm to 5pm

Telephone: (0)2 321 1593

National Museum

Address: Next to the Royal Palace, on Streets 178 and 13 Phnom Penh

Admission: US$3 Open daily, from 8am to 5pm (last ticket sold at 4.30pm)

Telephone: (0)23 21 1753

Tuol Sleng Museum

Address: Corner of 113 and 350 Streets Phnom Penh

Admission: US$2 Open daily, from 8am to 11.30am, and from 2.30pm to 5pm

Choeung Ek (The Killing Fields)

Address: Just over 9 miles (15km) southwest of Phnom Penh Phnom Penh

Admission: US$2 Daily

Rantanakiri

Address: Phnom Penh

Villages on Stilts

Address: Siem Reap

Sihanoukville

Address: 115 miles (185km) southwest of Phnom Penh Phnom Penh

Krong Kep

Address: 3 hours southwest of Phnom Penh Phnom Penh

River Dolphins

Address: Kratie, about 4 or 5 hours from Phnom Phen Phnom Penh

Blind Massage

Address: 6 Street 94, At Wat Phonm, Phnom Penh Phnom Penh

Admission: From US$6

Telephone: (0)16 85 6188

Central Market (Psah Thmay)

Address: Neayok Souk, Phnom Penh Phnom Penh

Foreign Correspondents Club

Address: 363 Sisowath Quay Phnom Penh

Telephone: (0)2 321 0142

Shooting Range

Address: Dangkor, in west Phnom Penh, near the airport Phnom Penh

Memphis Pub

Address: No 3, Street 118, near Sisowath Quay Phnom Penh

Admission: Monday to Saturday evenings

Telephone: (0)12 871263

Lakeside

Address: Boeung Kak Lake Phnom Penh

Tonlé Sap Lake

Address: The lake is about 9 miles (15km) south of Siem Reap Siem Reap

Admission: Chong Khneas floating village boat tour: US$6; Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary entrance: US$5, tour US$15-25; Tonlé Sap exhibition: free. All attractions are open daily, though the exhibition is closed between 12pm and 2pm

Telephone: Tonlé Sap Exhibition (0)63 964 694

Temples of Angkor

Address: 3 miles (5km) outside Siem Reap Siem Reap

Admission: US$20 for a day pass

Aki Ra's Landmine Museum

Address: Located 4 miles (6km) south of Banteay Srey Temple, within the Angkor Wat Archaeological Park Siem Reap

Admission: Donation of $1 per person

Psar Chaa - Old Market

Address: Downtown Siem Reap Siem Reap

Beng Mealea

Address: 45 miles (70km) from Siem Reap Siem Reap

Admission: $5

Angkor National Museum

Address: No.968, Vithei Charles de Gaulle, Phoum Salakanseng, Khom Svaydangum, Siem Reap Siem Reap

Admission: Admission for non-Cambodians is $12, with an extra $3 for photography 1 May to 30 September: Open daily, from 8.30am to 6pm; 1 October to 30 April: Open daily, from 8.30am to 6.30pm

Cambodia Cooking Class

Address: 67 Oknha Chhun, Street 240, Phnom Penh Phnom Penh

Admission: $15 (half-day), $23 (full-day). Includes transportation to and from the Frizz Restaurant and a recipe booklet Advance booking essential – check website for details

Telephone: (0)23 220953

Russian Market

Address: Phnom Penh

New Delhi Indian Restaurant

Address: 070 Mondol 1, Svaydangkum Siem Reap

Food Type: Indian

Le Tigre de Papier

Address: Pub Street Siem Reap

Food Type: International

The Only One

Address: 269 Mondol 1, Khum Svay Dankom Siem Reap

Food Type: Fusion