Reflections: Seeing Beyond the Surface of Cambodia

Before visiting Cambodia, I’ll admit—I didn’t really have the country on my travel radar. Like many people, the only image that came to mind was Angkor Wat, its ancient spires rising out of the jungle. I knew little about the rest of the country, except for a vague awareness of its troubled past. Growing up, Cambodia was always in the news for the wrong reasons—war, genocide, hardship—but that history felt distant and abstract, something from another era.

Once here, I realized how limited my understanding was. The truth is, Cambodia’s scars from the 20th century are still fresh. After decades of French colonial rule, the country was dragged into the chaos of the Vietnam War, its borders and people caught in the crossfire. But the darkest chapter came with the Khmer Rouge regime (1975–1979). In just four years, nearly two million Cambodians—almost a quarter of the population—were killed by starvation, forced labor, or execution as the regime tried to erase the past and build a radical new society. The genocide shattered families, communities, and the very foundations of Cambodian society. Even after the Khmer Rouge fell, the country endured years of civil war and instability before finally reaching relative peace in the 1990s.

I realize now how ignorant it was to forget that I am in one of the poorest countries in the world. On the surface, places like Phnom Penh dazzle with their modern skyline, and Siem Reap’s well-maintained streets and lively markets create a sense of prosperity and energy. It’s easy, as a visitor, to get swept up in this illusion that everything is on the right track. But behind these facades, the legacy of war and genocide still shapes daily life.

Today, around 18% of Cambodians live below the national poverty line, surviving on less than $2.70 a day. In rural areas, poverty rates are even higher. Many families rely on subsistence farming or informal work, and children sometimes have to leave school early to help support their families. Access to healthcare, clean water, and reliable jobs is still limited for many. Malnutrition and child labor are persistent challenges. The gap between city and countryside is stark—urban development masks the reality that, for millions, basic needs remain unmet.

My time in Cambodia has made me rethink how I travel and how I see the places I visit. It’s a country with both incredible beauty and deep scars—a place where the past is never far away, and the future is still being written.

If you’re considering a trip to Cambodia, I encourage you to look beyond the highlights. Take time to learn about its history, connect with local people, and remember that the story of Cambodia is far more complex—and more inspiring—than first impressions might suggest.