Posted 12 Mar 2010

Recent developments in Cambodia could be good news for gap year travellers planning on visiting the region during their travels.

The government has ruled to preserve the Khmer Rouge sites – a name that has many historical connotations.

Under the regime, an estimated 1.7 million people died – through execution, malnutrition and disease – meaning the structures may be of significant interest to tourists.

Tom Hall, editor at Lonely Planet, said that the area gives the country an extra attraction to add to the temple of Angkor.

He commented: "The Khmer Rouge is obviously an aspect of the country that people will naturally have questions about and it gives [Cambodia] a chance to tell the story on their own terms."

The sites include the home of the group’s leader Pol Pot – who died in 1998 – plus his grave, properties belonging to its other leaders and an ammunitions warehouse.

Category: Asia