Located just a two-hour road trip from Phnom Penh, Kirirom National Park, translating to ‘Happy Mountain’, is one of Cambodia’s most convenient nature destinations. Visitors can look forward to lush pine forests punctuated by a network of hiking and mountain biking trails that take in meandering streams and crystal-clear cascading waterfalls - particularly in the monsoon season. Offering flourishing landscapes, the park is teeming with wildlife, making it an excellent bird and animal watching spot, with over 300 avian species, deer, wild ox, elephant and leopard. Visitors can take scenic walking trails, lie under the picnic shelters and enjoy local flavours in a lakeside lunch. Several resorts and lodges offer everything from world-class luxurious accommodation to camping and family-friendly spots providing various activities. Those seeking to immerse themselves in the local culture can visit the small but charming villages in the neighbouring area of Chambok.
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.
The sleepy fishing village of Krong Kaeb, also known as Kep, rests on the Gulf of Thailand and is the capital of Kep Province in southern Cambodia. Once a vibrant resort town, Krong Kaeb is now a serene seaside township dotted with the dilapidated shells of what was once lavish French colonial mansions. Travellers flock to the area to visit the famous crab market, where seafood lovers can indulge in the delicious delicacy. Within walking distance from Kep Beach is an 8-kilometre track that leads to Kep National Park. Along the route, trekkers can take the ‘Stairway to Heaven’ trail that leads to a tranquil Buddhist temple, a nunnery and Sunset Rock viewpoint that offers sweeping vistas of the town, mountains, the beach and views of the island of Phu Quoc.
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.
