The Kingdom of Cambodia is most often remembered as a place of war and genocide. Cambodia and the Khmer people have taught us how a people, a culture and a nation can survive unbelievable atrocities and eventually thrive.

Why visit Cambodia? Because it is home to one of Asia's oldest cultures and most important historic places. No matter where you visit, the scenery is spectacular and mostly unspoiled. Khmer people everywhere are genuinely friendly. English and French are widely spoken. The weather is tropical year 'round and the country is probably safer than your own home town.

Cambodia is worth much more time than a quick trip to Angkor Wat. You will be pleasantly surprised if you visit Phnom Penh, which is practically a living museum of French Colonial architecture, colorful temples, nightlife, shopping and the mighty Mekong River.  You can fly between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh in 45 minutes or drive in about five hours.

Sihanoukville has been called the "Puerto Vallarta of fifty years ago." There are three magnificent beaches and several good hotels, including a world-class resort. The sleepy town of Kep, near the Vietnamese border, and nearby Bokor National Park, are among the most fascinating places you may ever visit. In addition to a completely unspoiled forest you can see Cambodia's "twentieth century ruins."

Purple Dragon offers all-inclusive travel programs in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, and Kep/Bokor National Park. Creating the the perfect adventure could not be easier! Our programs are all modular. Choose a destination and arrive any day. Add any extra sightseeing you like and your trip is tailor-made to suit your own schedule, tastes and budget. Your private tour includes personal guides, so you'll never be herded around on a bus with 40 strangers. Although we have already chosen the optimum amount of time to visit each place you can extend your stay in any of our destinations.

The perfect additions to a visit to Cambodia include Hanoi would be Sapa, Hue & Hoi An in Central Vietnam, or a few days in Ho Chi Minh City.

Both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have international airports with daily flights from Bangkok, Hanoi, Saigon, Hong Kong, Vientiane and Taipei. You can also travel by road from Thailand, Vietnam and Laos, although roads are in poor condition, making the trip slow and uncomfortable. You can also travel by boat from Vietnam on the Mekong River. Ask us for details.

Have extra time to spend in Cambodia? You may add one of our optional "Fresh Ideas" side trips, which include a personal English-speaking guide.

There is no bad time to visit Cambodia. August through October are the "green season" when brief daily showers keep things cool and fresh. (As the Cambodian's say, "No rain, no rice.") The coolest, driest season is November through February. Prices are generally higher during this peak visitor season. The warmest months are March through May.

Purple Dragon offers all-inclusive travel programs and unique side trips designed to help first-time visitors get acquainted with incredible Cambodia. Creating the the perfect adventure could not be easier! Our programs are all modular. Choose a destination and arrive any day. Add any extra sightseeing you like and your trip is tailor-made to suit your own schedule, tastes and budget. Your private tour includes personal guides, so you'll never be herded around on a bus with 40 strangers. Although we have already chosen the optimum amount of time to visit each place you can extend your stay in any of our destinations.

Before your trip we will give you extensive "Before You Go" information that includes tips about packing, weather, money, shopping, food, travel practicalities and local culture that will help you enjoy a worry-free holiday.

A visa is required for citizens of most countries. Although you can get a visa on arrival in Cambodia, 95% of the people on your flight will not have a visa, which means a long line and a wait of up to one hour.  You can arrange an e-visa in advance via the Internet (except for citizens of Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Sudan or Sri Lanka.) Citizens of Malaysia, Singapore, Laos and the Philippines are not required to have a visa. Visa processing takes three days and the cost is $20 plus a $5 processing fee, which can be paid by credit card. To apply, please visit: www.mfaic.gov.kh