Cambodia: 10 Places You Can Not Miss

 

 

 

Siem Reap is located in northwest Cambodia, and it is known as the second largest city of Cambodia, as well as the capital and largest city of Siem Reap Province . Siem Reap is the major tourist hub in Cambodia.

One known primarily as the gateway to the Angkor remove temple complex. Siem Reap has evolved into a modern, fun and very visitor-friendly city. Tourism has exploded in Siem Reap and there are a host of lovely and affordable resorts and boutiques here. The town is a hive of activity, with attractions running the gamut from contemporary galleries to edgy boutiques and slick eateries. Stroll along the leafy riverbank, enjoy a leisurely brunch in the old French Quarter and revel in the hubbub of Pub Street after dark. 

 

 

 

 

Right on the doorstep of Siem Reap is one of Southeast Asia’s most unique natural and cultural attractions: Tonle Sap Lake. This lake provides biodiversity, over 300 species of freshwater fishes, as well as snakes, crocodiles, tortoises, turtles and otters. More than 100 varieties of water birds including storks, pelicans, etc

 

It is also an important commercial resource, providing more than half of the fish consumed in Cambodia. In harmony with the specialized ecosystems, the human occupations at the edges of the lake are similarly distinctive - floating villages, towering stilted houses, huge fish traps, and an economy and way of life deeply intertwined with the lake, the fish, the wildlife and the cycles of rising and falling waters.

 

 

 

 

The provincial capital of Battambang Province in western Cambodia, Battambang city is known for three things: Its expertly preserved French colonial architecture, its burgeoning creative scene, and its plentiful rice harvest. The sleepy streets of Battambang are once again bubbling with vibrant cafes, artist-run galleries, boutique shops and the amazing Phare Ponleu selpak, a world-renowned NGO that trains performing artists while lifting them out of poverty. Battambang is small in size but packs a big punch of attractions with unique things to see, do and experience. For guests looking to experience authentic Cambodia without the crowds of Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, Battambang is an easy pencil-in.

 

 

 

 

 

For those looking for a more sophisticated beach vacation than the conventional "flop and drop" excursions, these twin southern provinces on the Cambodian coast offer the ideal combination of comfort, flavor, and individuality. Kampot, which is known throughout the world for its distinctive Kampot pepper, offers a variety of charming riverside and boutique resorts for visitors to unwind in between exploring the town and taking in the French architecture or taking paddleboard or kayak excursions through the region's picturesque riverside surroundings. Visitors are also urged to explore the region's evident cultural appeal by riding their bicycles across the countryside.

 

Nearby, Kep is a sleepy seaside town known for its killer good seafood and once glorious but now spooky and crumbling abandoned colonial-style mansions. This attraction is also well-known with a surprisingly large selection of sites and activities that may easily fill several days. Highlights include hiking in Kep National Park, a trip to Koh Tonsay, also known as "Rabbit Island," a long ascent to Bokor Hill Station to see hidden cave pagodas dating back to the 7th century, as well as excursions to quaint pepper farms and a famous crab market.

 

 

 

 

 

 

One glance at Koh Rong, a picture-perfect island paradise with turquoise waters and white sands that go on any post card, will serve as a reminder to anyone who has ever disregarded Cambodia as a beach destination. Koh Rong is undoubtedly one of Cambodia's top must-see locations, with a variety of amazing beaches and a ton of ancillary activities to occupy the time between snorkeling and sunbathing.

 

In addition to the magnificence above the water, there is an abundance of marine life that can be easily viewed during snorkeling excursions around the island. With so many chances for kayaking, zip-lining, and other more active pursuits, sports enthusiasts will feel right at home.

 

 

 

 

Phnom Penh is the vibrant bustling capital of Cambodia. Situated at the confluence of three rivers, the mighty Mekong, the Bassac and the great Tonle Sap, what was once considered the 'Gem' of Indochina. The capital city still maintains considerable charm with plenty to see. It exudes a sort of provincial charm and tranquility with French colonial mansions and tree-lined boulevards amidst monumental Angkorian architecture. Phnom Penh is a veritable oasis compared to the modernity of other Asian capitals. A mixture of Asian exotica, the famous Cambodian hospitality awaits the visitors to the capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

 

Here in the capital, there are many interesting tourist attractions. Beside the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, the National Museum, the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, the Choeng Ek Killing Fields and Wat Phnom, there are several market places selling carvings, paintings, silk, silver, gems and even antiques.

 

 

 

 

The remote Cardamom mountains in southwest Cambodia cover over 4.4 million hectares and are considered by some to be one of Southeast Asia's last big wilderness areas. It is also home to the largest contiguous rainforest in the area. Only about 25,000 people, many of them are ethnic minorities, live in this immense wilderness, which is home to an astounding array of rare and unusual animals like clouded leopards. Since the beginning of time, the region has been off limits to travelers due to its isolation and untamed landscape, but only recently has it been possible to visit thanks to the thoughtful construction of tented camps and visitor infrastructure. It is without a doubt one of Southeast Asia's most popular and amazing locations for nature lovers.

 

 

 

 

Mondulkiri has a distinctly more "wild" appearance with beautiful rolling hills and lush jungles, in contrast to much of Cambodia, which is characterized by endless rice fields and sugar palms. Mondulkiri, which is in the east of the nation, is a naturalist's paradise. Visitors can learn about the native Bunong people's culture and distinctive Phnong dwellings in this region, which is still home to animism and ancestor worship. Due to initiatives that allow visitors to "walk with the herd" rather than ride the elephants, Mondulkiri has also come to be associated with ethical elephant tourism. Elephant Valley Project offers visitors the chance to get up close to the magnificent mammals while learning more about the negative effects of elephants being exploited at Cambodia tourists spots and beyond. The sanctuary offers a permanent or temporary respite for over-worked and neglected elephants, who can kick back, relax and enjoy life in their natural habitat. Visitors can spend the day watching the beasts wallow in mud, wash themselves in the river and stomp through the jungle.

 

Additionally, there are a ton of outdoor tours that let tourists see langurs and gibbons while strolling through the Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary or investigate thundering waterfalls. The Memang Gold Mines and the Bou Sra and Chrey Thom Waterfalls are other “must-visit” places.  

  

 

 

 

The most dramatically situated of all Angkorian monuments, Prasat Preah Vihear sprawls along a clifftop near the Thai border, with breathtaking views of lowland Cambodia 550m below. An important place of pilgrimage for millennia, the temple was built by a succession of seven Khmer monarchs, and took nearly 300 years to construct, a period of time that makes evident how carvings and sculptures evolved in the country over time. Like other temple-mountains from this period, it was designed to represent Mt Meru and dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. Although it’s a bit off the beaten path, most visitors will agree that the effort in getting there is well worth it.

 

 

 

Kratie

 

A supremely mellow riverside town, Kratie has an expansive riverfront and some of the best Mekong sunsets in Cambodia. It is the most popular place in the country to see Irrawaddy dolphins, which live in the Mekong River in ever-diminishing numbers. There is French-era architecture here, as it was spared the wartime bombing that destroyed so many other provincial centers.

 

Nearby Koh Trong Island is a relaxing place to experience authentic Khmer hospitality or explore by rented bike. North of Kratie lies the Mekong Discovery Trail, with a host of adventures and experiences, including community-based homestays, bicycle rides and boat trips.