Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast Cambodia, a nation transformed
Nov 25, 2025
In this discussion, Annabel Grossman, Global Travel Editor, shares insights from her recent visit to Cambodia, a country she first explored in 1993. She highlights the dramatic changes since the days of the Khmer Rouge, emphasizing improvements in travel infrastructure like modern roads and airports. Annabel praises the vibrant food scene in Phnom Penh and luxurious accommodations, while encouraging travelers to venture beyond popular sites. With tips on exploring lesser-known temples, she paints a picture of Cambodia as both a historical treasure and a contemporary destination.
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Warm Welcome From Locals
- Annabel Grossman found Cambodians exceptionally welcoming and genuinely interested in visitors.
- She felt tourism could genuinely benefit the country because the welcome was warm but not overwhelming.
Continuity Amid Transformation
- Despite decades of change, continuity remains: the friendly curiosity of locals persists from the 1990s to today.
- Annabel notes similarity between Simon Calder's 1993 account and her recent experiences in Phnom Penh.
Modern Travel Infrastructure
- Cambodia's travel infrastructure has improved dramatically since the 1990s, making internal travel easy and reliable.
- Roads, better connections and interest in eco-tourism now open jungles and southern beaches to visitors.