Cambodia, the Land of Khmers is a county of exotic beauty and terrifying past. Recovering from the horrors brought by the Khmer Rouge, the country is basically on the healing process with its people battling with poverty and rebuilding the ruins brought by the previous war. Cambodia, may still be in struggle as of this day, but its historical treasure is definitely priceless, not to mention the people whose smiles are proof of the kingdom’s unrelenting spirit.
Travelling to Cambodia is opening your world to its astonishing wonders and bittersweet history. It is where one of the eight wonders of the ancient world can be found—the Angkor Wat that should be the first in your list to visit.
Are you up for the enjoyable challenge of traversing the beautiful realm of Cambodia? We got you the top 7 destinations to go:
1 Marvel with the Grandeur of the Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat
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Angkor Wat is Cambodia’s flagship tourist destination. It means “City Temple” and was built back in 12th century by King Suryavarman II. Angkor Wat is the temple of all the temples, the earthly representation of the home of the gods, Mount Meru, the Hindu counterpart of the Greeks Mount Olympus.
The sunrise in Angkor Wat is one of the best activities to catch up on the place. Many tourists show up as early as 5:30 am to witness the spectacular sight.
2 Sight Seeing in Phnom Penh City
Do not miss a tour at Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh City. It is a Royal Palace that houses Cambodia’s national treasures such a gold, jade, and jewelled Buddha statues. Notable pieces are the Emerald Buddha and the Maitreya Buddha that is encrusted with 9584 diamonds.
Other popular sightseeing attractions in Phnom Penh are the Killing Fields, Wat Phnom, Wat BotomVatey Playground, and many others.
3 Enjoy the Beaches of Sihanoukville
The Beach of Sihanoukville
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Cambodia surely have a perfect escape for the beach lovers, Sihanoukville also locally called as Kampong Som is a city facing the Gulf of Thailand. It exudes a laid back atmosphere, perfect to unwind and relax.
Sihanoukville pretty differs to other Cambodian towns. It was constructed a port city in 1950s but it is more of a beach town today rather than a port. There are good numbers of resort and accommodation for travellers visiting the place. The night life is also alive with great list of restaurant to tasty international cuisines.
4 Discover Rattanakiri’s EcoTourism
Rattanakiri is a Cambodian province known for its natural landscape and rich natural resources. It is the paradise for the nature enthusiast with hills, mountains, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls all in one destination. When you want to get a breath of pure, fresh air and want to break-free from the busy towns, Rattanakiri will never disappoint.
5 Taste Delicious Seafood at Kampot
Want to indulge your tastebuds with the best seafood catch in whole of Cambodia? Visit Kampot! Though its beaches is not as stunning as those in Sihanoukville, crabs, lobsters, snails, cuttlefish, and a huge variety of fish awaits to awaken the food lover in you. Also, tropical produce like durians, melons, mangosteen, rambutans, coconut, and grapefruit grow in abudance, so you will leave the place with a happy tummy.
6 Be Dolphin Friendly at Kratie
Kratie is a small, yet popular town in Cambodia situated in Mekong River and surrounded with old French buildings. While it’s no topnotch tourist attraction, Kratie boasts sights of dolphins in its waters. There are a few resorts in the area where backpackers from all over the world settles their tired feet. Kratie is more popular to backpacking travelers.
7 See the Intriguing Banteay Chhmar Temple
The Banteay Chhmar Temple is one of Cambodia’s most important ancient place of worship. Its name means “narrow fortress” and was built in between the 12th and 13th century by Jayarvarman II. The temple is 4th largest in all Angkorian temples, but its remoteness make it the least popular among all.
What makes the temple interesting is the beautiful carvings that depicts stories of battles and its religious rites. A tour to the temple involves a very affordable entrance fee, children under 12 is free and it is a great place to visit for an educational family getaway.
Travel Cambodia and feast your eyes into its majestic lands. Dry season starts from October to early May and wet season is from mid-May to the end of September.
