The country's reputation was blighted during the 20th century by the oppressive regime of the Khmer Rouge that was led by the infamous Pol Pot. The regime saw the lives of millions of its citizens violently ended and the country left in economic ruin. Cambodia is still recovering from the effects of this regime and is very much a developing country although having now opened its doors to the world; it is beginning to exploit the potential of its tourist industry. The country's greatest drawcard is undoubtedly Angkor Wat, located in Siem Reap in the north-west. Angkor is the well preserved remains of an ancient Khmer city and gives visitors a fascinating insight into the history of the once powerful civilisation that ruled over large parts of Southeast Asia. Visitors can buy one-day or three-day passes to Angkor and employ the services of local motorbike guides for the purpose of getting between different temples and sites. Sihanoukville, in the south of the country, is Cambodia's beach resort and while it doesn't offer the beauty or the facilities of resorts in neighbouring Thailand; it's still very much worth a visit. The beach is a quiet place, generally free from large crowds or annoying hawkers and is the perfect place to relax after the intensity of Phnom Penh. Cambodians are largely likable people and visitors will be amazed at how many are capable of smiling despite their lives having been affected in some way by the atrocities of the Pol Pot regime. Cambodians welcome visitors and while the country still has a long way to go before reaching a tourist infrastructure as developed as neighbouring Thailand, the arrival of more and more visitors means more money pumped into the industry and the improvement of facilities for backpackers and package holidaymakers alike. | 
