Since Cambodia reopened its borders to tourists in the early 1990s, visitors from around the world have flocked to this intriguing Southeast Asian country to experience its fascinating cultural heritage, to engage with the wonderfully welcoming locals, and to marvel at the numerous spectacular natural wonders Cambodia has to offer. Phnom Penh, the nation’s bustling capital, is home to a slew of excellent restaurants, lively outdoor markets and a boisterous nightlife. However, most of Cambodia’s most popular attractions are located beyond the capital. Tourist favourites include: the sleepy French-influenced town of Kampot with its lovely promenade dotted with gorgeous French villas and charming riverside cafes; the breathtaking waterfalls of the lush jungle-clad Cardamon Mountains; and, of course, the awe-inspiring ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat - the world’s largest and arguably most impressive religious structure. Cambodia serves travellers of all sensitivities, whether they're seeking adventurous jungle excursions, exquisite golden-sand beaches, luxury resorts or sumptuous exotic cuisine, Cambodia truly does have it all.
Located at the meeting of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, Cambodia’s energetic capital, Phnom Penh, is known for its rich history, friendly locals and world-class food scene. The primary drawcard of the city its visible heritage - the National Museum of Cambodia features a millennium’s worth and more of an incredible Khmer design. The monumental Royal Palace, the official residence of King Sihamoni, houses the famous Throne Hall, used for coronations and ceremonies. Within the Royal Palace is the spectacular Silver Pagoda, named for its floor covered with five tons of gleaming silver. The Tonle Sap riverfront area provides a charming place to enjoy a meal and some fine French wine (an enduring colonial legacy), while the local nightclubs provide a fun time out on the town, complete with karaoke singers and stage dancers.
Also known as the Kravanh Mountains, the Cardamom Mountains are situated in the west of Cambodia. These famous peaks appear on the provincial seal of Trat Province in Thailand and are known for their scenic landscapes, endangered fauna and flora, and thrilling adventures. Stretching over more than 4 million hectares, the Cardamom Mountains are home to Southeast Asia’s largest remaining rainforest. This mountain range features a number of wildlife sanctuaries and encompasses the Central Cardamoms Protected Forest. Visitors can use the remote village of Osoam, a community tourism centre, and the Cardamoms’ northern gateway town of Pursat, as bases to explore the surrounding region. Discover one of Southeast Asia’s most pristine expanses of wilderness, explore the vast blanket of tropical rainforest, and soak up the mountain, marsh, plain, and river landscapes.
With its riverside setting, elegantly decayed buildings, and timeless atmosphere, Kampot is one of Cambodia’s most beguiling towns. Days here go by in a pleasant haze of waterside wandering, sunsets over the river, laid-back boat cruises and culinary indulgences, followed by a lively nightlife in an array of restaurants and bars. The Central Market and Night Market provide a dose of local culture and cuisine, while the ironically named ‘Old Market’ has been recently renovated and is far more geared to tourists, with an array of international restaurants and several tour operators. Dotted about the town are quaint fishing villages, while just across the river, Bokor National Park offers an incredible kaleidoscope of tropical flora and wildlife, as well as a glitzy modern casino.
Koh Rong, also known as Monkey Island, is a blissful breath of sea air after travelling some of Cambodia’s more rough and rugged inland destinations. This little island, situated 25km off the coast of Sihanoukville, has 43km of exquisite sand beaches lining the east and west coasts, lapped by temperate turquoise waters. The interior is largely covered with rainforests where you can go hiking along beautiful trails. Koh Rong is still a relatively under the radar destination, with just a handful of accommodation options and entertainment venues, although there is good nightlife to be had at Tui Bay.
Best known as the gateway to the magnificent ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat, Siem Reap is a pleasant town with lovely French colonial and Chinese architecture and a laid-back ambience. The main attraction here is of course the Angkor complex. Covering an area larger than Paris, it encompasses scores of exquisite temple structures featuring intricately carved detail – dancing ladies and lotus flowers embellish the walls, five-headed naga (serpent deities) fan out from chunks of rock. Abandoned for unknown reasons thousands of years ago, it was rediscovered in 1860 by a French explorer, Henri Mahout, and has been Cambodia’s crowning glory ever since. Other attractions in and around Siem Reap include an array of arts and crafts shops, a cultural village that allows a glimpse into traditional local life, and a bird sanctuary on the outskirts of town.
