
Explore Cambodia
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Cambodia stands as a testament to both human ingenuity and resilience, where ancient temples rise from jungle canopies and a complex history shapes a vibrant present. The Khmer Empire's architectural marvels, most notably the vast temple complex of Angkor, serve as the country's crown jewels, while its natural landscapes range from the mighty Mekong River to pristine southern beaches and forested mountains in the northeast.
Beyond its celebrated temples and tropical scenery, Cambodia reveals itself through the warmth of its people, who have transformed a troubled past into a hopeful future. Visitors can immerse themselves in bustling markets filled with exotic fruits and handcrafted treasures, witness traditional Apsara dance performances that tell stories of gods and legends, or simply savor the distinctive flavors of Khmer cuisine with its aromatic herbs and delicate balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy notes. Cambodia rewards those who explore with open hearts, offering authentic connections and transformative experiences.
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Siem Reap Province, Cambodia
- Angkor Wat Temple
- Bayon Temple with stone faces
- Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider Temple)
This UNESCO World Heritage site spans over 400 square kilometers and contains the magnificent remains of several capitals of the Khmer Empire. The iconic silhouette of Angkor Wat at sunrise is a bucket-list experience, while the enigmatic stone faces of Bayon and the jungle-embraced ruins of Ta Prohm offer equally mesmerizing encounters. Visitors should plan multiple days to explore this vast complex, ideally with a knowledgeable guide who can reveal the historical and spiritual significance behind these architectural masterpieces.
Sihanoukville Province, Cambodia
- Pristine white-sand beaches
- Bioluminescent plankton
- Snorkeling and diving sites
Just a 45-minute ferry ride from Sihanoukville, Koh Rong offers travelers a slice of paradise with its powdery white beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The island's western side remains largely undeveloped, providing tranquil escapes, while the eastern shore offers more amenities for visitors. A night swim among the magical bioluminescent plankton that illuminate the water with blue sparkles is an unforgettable experience, as is exploring the vibrant coral reefs that fringe the island's shores.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
- Confluence of Four Rivers
- Vibrant night market
Cambodia's capital comes alive along its riverside promenade, where the mighty Mekong, Tonle Sap, Bassac, and Tonle Bassac rivers converge. This scenic area serves as the cultural and social heart of Phnom Penh, with the gleaming spires of the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda providing a majestic backdrop. As evening falls, the riverside transforms with food vendors, open-air exercise classes, and families strolling along the promenade. Nearby, the art deco Central Market and the Night Market offer opportunities to sample local delicacies and shop for souvenirs.
Eastern Cambodia
- Ethical elephant sanctuaries
- Indigenous Bunong communities
- Bou Sra Waterfall
Cambodia's wild east offers a complete contrast to the temple-strewn plains of Siem Reap. Mondulkiri's rolling hills, pine forests, and cooler climate provide the perfect setting for eco-tourism and cultural immersion. Ethical elephant sanctuaries allow visitors to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat without riding them, while visits to Bunong villages offer insights into traditional ways of life. The spectacular three-tiered Bou Sra Waterfall provides a refreshing natural attraction, especially during the rainy season when it reaches its thundering peak.
Southern Cambodia
- Kampot pepper plantations
- Bokor National Park
- Fresh seafood markets
These neighboring coastal towns offer a laid-back alternative to Cambodia's more touristed destinations. Kampot charms visitors with its colonial architecture along the Praek Tuek Chhu River and world-renowned pepper plantations that produce some of the finest peppercorns globally. Nearby, the abandoned French hill station atop Bokor Mountain provides haunting views and a glimpse into Cambodia's colonial past. Just a short drive away, Kep entices with its famous crab market, where freshly caught seafood is prepared right before your eyes, and a revitalized beachfront that captures the essence of Cambodia's coastal allure.
Guidelines for Cultural Awareness
- When visiting temples, dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered out of respect for religious sites. Bring a scarf or sarong to cover up if needed, especially at Angkor Wat where dress codes are strictly enforced.
- Remove shoes and hats before entering homes, temples, or pagodas. This is a sign of respect in Cambodian culture, and you'll notice locals doing the same.
- Greet Cambodians with a sompeah (pressing palms together at chest level with a slight bow) rather than a handshake. The higher the hands, the more respect shown—though foreigners aren't expected to master all the nuances.
- Avoid touching anyone's head, including children's, as it's considered the most sacred part of the body in Cambodian culture. Similarly, don't point with your feet, which are considered the lowest and dirtiest part of the body.
- When discussing Cambodia's recent history, particularly the Khmer Rouge period, be sensitive and respectful. Many Cambodians lost family members during this time, and wounds remain fresh despite the country's forward momentum.
Suggestions for Evening Activities
- Experience the Phare Cambodian Circus in Siem Reap, a spectacular show combining theater, music, dance, and acrobatics performed by young artists from disadvantaged backgrounds. Each show tells uniquely Cambodian stories.
- Join a sunset boat cruise on Tonle Sap Lake or along the Mekong River, where you can enjoy traditional music, dinner, and spectacular views as the sun sets over Cambodia's waterways.
- Visit Pub Street in Siem Reap, a vibrant nightlife district with everything from sophisticated cocktail lounges like Miss Wong Cocktail Bar to lively backpacker haunts offering $0.50 beer during happy hour.
- Attend an Apsara dance performance at Cambodiana Hotel in Phnom Penh or at one of Siem Reap's cultural dinner shows, where you can witness this ancient art form while enjoying traditional Khmer cuisine.
- Explore Bassac Lane in Phnom Penh, a narrow alley transformed into a trendy nightspot with miniature specialty bars serving craft cocktails, microbrews, and global tapas in an intimate setting.
Customer Feedback
Sophie Laurent
Watching the sunrise over Angkor Wat was truly a spiritual experience. We hired a tuk-tuk driver for three days who became like family, showing us hidden temples away from the crowds. Don't miss Pre Rup at sunset—fewer people and equally magical!
Journeyed from France
Raj Patel
Koh Rong Samloem was the highlight of our Cambodia trip—pristine beaches without the overdevelopment of Thailand. The bioluminescent plankton night swim was unforgettable! Only downside was the limited ATMs, so bring enough cash.
Journeyed from United Kingdom
Akiko Tanaka
The Elephant Valley Project in Mondulkiri gave us the rare opportunity to observe elephants in their natural habitat. Learning about their rescue stories from our Bunong guide while hiking through the jungle was both educational and deeply moving.
Journeyed from Japan
Miguel Hernandez
Phnom Penh offers important historical sites like the Killing Fields and S21, which are difficult but necessary to understand Cambodia. However, the city's traffic and pollution were challenging. The riverside area at sunset provided a peaceful respite.
Journeyed from Spain
Olivia Chen
Kampot stole my heart with its sleepy riverside charm and incredible food scene. We took a sunset firefly cruise, toured pepper plantations, and rented scooters to explore the countryside. The crab market in Kep nearby is a must for seafood lovers!
Journeyed from Australia