This artistic revival increased with support from governments, NGOs, and foreign tourists and by the time our Cambodian itineraries were well established we could organize up to 12 visits with art gallery owners, fashion and jewellery designers, silk weaving centres and carvers of all types of materials.

One of the forgotten and very seldom visited temple is Beng Mealea (meaning “lotus pond”), about 70 km from Siem Reap, mostly unrestored, its walls and towers burst apart with trees and creepers. While a wooden walkway guides visitors round the tumble-down structure and it’s a magical spot as very few bother to come visit. Little is known about the history of the temple