Destinations
Siem ReapTourist Hub of Cambodia
The life-emotionally supportive network and portal for the sanctuaries of Angkor, Siem Reap was constantly bound for awesome things. Guests come here to see the sanctuaries, obviously, yet there is bounty to do in and around the city when you’re templed out. Siem Reap has reevaluated itself as the epicenter of chic Cambodia, including explorer party cushions to hip lodgings, world-class going out on the town over a scope of cooking styles, luxurious spas, extraordinary shopping, nearby visits to suit the two foodies and globe-trotters, and an innovative social scene that incorporates Cambodia’s driving contemporary carnival.
Temples of AngkorWorld Heritage Sites
A visit to the temples of Angkor is a profound experience, as few sights on earth can match the majesty of Angkor Wat, nature run amok at Ta Prohm or the mysterious faces of the Bayon. The temples of Angkor are situated in the northwest province of Siem Reap. There are more than 1000 temples, built between the 9th and 13th centuries, and these remaining structures are the sacred skeleton of what was once the social, religious and administrative centre of the Khmer Empire.
| Inside Angkor Area | Outskirt Angkor Area | |
|---|---|---|
| Small Circuit | Big Circuit | Bantey Srei, Kbal Spean, Phnom Kulen, Beng Mealea, Koh Ker, Preah Vihear, Sambo Prei Kuk, Rolous Group (Preah Ko, Bakong, Lolei), Banteay Chhmar, Phnom Krom, Barays |
| Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom including South Gate, Bayon, Baphoun, Elephants Terrace, Leper King Terrace & Royal Plaza, Banteay Kdei, Takeo, Thommanon, Chau Say Tevoda, Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider Temple occupied by giant trees and jungle), Sras Srang and sunset at Phnom Bakheng | Preah Khan, Neak Poan, Ta Som, East Mebon, Pre Rub | |
Trips in Siem Reap Angkor
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Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s bustling capital, sits at the intersection of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap streams. It was a center point for both the Khmer Empire and French colonialists. On its walkable riverfront, fixed with parks, eateries and bars, are the resplendent Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, showing antiquities from around the nation. At the city’s heart is the gigantic, workmanship deco Central Market.
Battambang is one of Cambodia’s largest towns, nestled on the banks of the Sangker River. As well as boasting graceful architecture, the town is a popular place to visit by speedboat from Siem Reap across the lake. Nearby attractions include the hilltop Angkorian temple of Wat Banan, the sacred mountain of Phnom Sampeau and the riverside temple of Wat Ek Phnom. Lifestyle excursions are a popular experience when visiting Battambang, including riding the ‘bamboo train’ through the lush countryside. Just outside Battambang lies Phare Ponleu Selpak, an NGO-funded circus school helping disadvantaged children to learn an alternative lifestyle. Formerly a stronghold of the Khmer Rouge, Pailin is known for its gemstones and has a beautiful setting on the edge of the Cardamom Mountains. The Thai-Cambodian border is open and when the new road between Pailin and Koh Kong is complete, the town will then lie on a strategic overland corridor between the temples of Angkor and Cambodia’s unexplored south coast.
Banteay Meanchey is the less touristy destinations in Cambodia. Most people only know its unique temple of Banteay Chhmar, and community-based tourism (CBT) which is a beautiful, peaceful and covered in astonishingly intricate village and is one of the most impressive remote temple complexes beyond the Angkor area.
Oudor Meanchey Province and its well-known district of Anlong Veng is one was the ultimate Khmer Rouge stronghold, home to notorious leaders of Democratic Kampuchea, including Pol Pot, Nuon Chea, Khieu Samphan and Ta Mok for almost a decade before it fell to government forces in April 1998. Now, the government has built NH67 road be bulldozed through the jungle, to ensure the population didn’t have second thoughts about ending the war.
Mondulkiri feels almost like another Cambodia, isolated and windswept, remote and adventurous. Nestled against the border with Vietnam, Mondulkiri is located at a high elevation, supporting unique flora and fauna among its hills. There are several minority groups (chunchiets) in the province including the Pnong who make up half the population. There are many rare animals found in the province, including elephants, tigers, bears and leopards. Sen Monorom is the provincial capital and nearby are a number of chunchiet villages and picturesque waterfalls. Bou Sraa Waterfall is most impressive in Cambodia with an impressive double drop plunging 15m then 30m into the jungle below. Other popular waterfalls include Romanear, Dak Dam and Monorom. There are sanctuaries for retired elephants in the jungles of the northeast. Instead of riding the elephants, visitors are invited to join the herd for a day, learning about elephant behaviour, watching these majestic creatures forage and helping them bathe. Much better than an elephant ride, this is more like observing the mountain gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda.
In the far north east of Cambodia is the ruggedly beautiful Ratanakiri province, home to Cambodia’s ethnic minorities and some of its endangered wildlife. The provincial capital of Ban Lung is a good base for exploring this wild province. Serenely beautiful and surrounded by jungle, Yeak Lom is a freshwater lake within a volcanic crater and undoubtedly Cambodia’s finest natural swimming pool. Elsewhere in the province are several large waterfalls, many gem mines and the opportunity for jungle boat trips. The province also supports several minority groups including Kreung and Tompuon. Popular adventures include a visit to a minority cemetery to learn about traditional burial customs and treks through community forest to tribal villages. Virachay National Park, one of the largest protected areas in Cambodia, is located in the far northeast of the province and includes some of the most remote areas in the country. Short two-day treks are available up to eight-day treks into the Phnom Veal Thom wilderness area.
Sihanoukville, also locally known as Kompong Som, is Cambodia’s leading beach resort. There are empty white-sand beaches around the headland, unspoiled islands off the coast and the popular Kbal Chhay waterfall near town. As well as relaxing on the beach, boat trips to Koh Russei, Koh Rong and other islands are a popular activity. Snorkeling and diving can also be arranged, although the best diving lies quite a long way offshore and would require an overnight stay on a boat or island. The best beaches are Occheuteal and Otres Beaches, but large parts of under redevelopment. For something more remote or romantic, try and the beaches of Ream National Park or one of the offshore islands. Ream National Park, just 15km from Sihanoukville, is a coastal park occupying 21,000 hectares, including two islands, Koh Thmei, and Koh Ses.
Kampot is a charming riverside town, rich in French colonial-era architecture and a popular place for river trips. It is a good base to explore Bokor Hill Station and the atmospheric colonial seaside town of Kep-sur-Mer. There are also several cave pagodas in the area, including perfectly preserved brick temples from the pre-Angkorian period. Bokor is one of the most atmospheric places in Cambodia, a 1000m-high plateau of steaming jungle, shy wildlife and abandoned buildings. Built by the French as a hill station in the 1920s, it was redeveloped by Sihanouk in 1959 as a casino resort before being abandoned to the elements in 1970. Off limits until recent years, the empty buildings and majestic views give it a haunting, romantic quality. Nearby Popokvil Falls are impressive in the wet season. It is currently only accessible during public holidays, as the old hill station is currently under redevelopment.
Kep was Cambodia’s first seaside resort, founded by the French in 1908. After many years in hibernation, it has once again taken off, with new boutique hotels and resorts offering comfortable, atmospheric accommodation and delicious food. Nearby islands such as Koh Tonsay are popular for day trips and local crab and fresh seafood is a popular lunchtime treat.
Koh Kong is becoming an increasingly popular gateway to Cambodia for overland travellers. It is emerging as a new centre for ecotourism, with several protected areas and community tourism projects established in the area. There are two major waterfalls north of the town which can be visited by road or boat. The Peam Krasaop mangroves include a wooden walkway to explore and are home to diverse bird and sealife. The nearby village of Koh Kapi includes stilted houses built over the tidal flights of the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Kong Island is the largest in Cambodia and the west coast is flanked by beautiful white sand beaches. Chipat is a community-based ecotourism project that is drawing adventurous backpackers to explore the surrounding area. We have visited several times, but feel the homestays are still a little too undeveloped for our average guest. Accommodation in the Koh Kong area includes the new 4 Rivers Floating Ecolodge and the rustic Rainbow Lodge.