Today, people are looking for authentic experiences. The most sought-after destinations are those that offer unparalleled hospitality, where you find warm, smiling people. Destinations that can combine relaxation with cultural discovery are often the most appreciated as well.
Cambodia is one of those smiling destinations :) This country, with its rich historical and cultural heritage and paradisiacal islands, will provide you with a truly unique experience.
To make the most of your custom trip to Cambodia and appreciate the country in all its splendor, I suggest you check out this list of the most beautiful sites you shouldn't miss.
Siem Reap
Siem Reap is the most famous city in Cambodia. For one simple reason: it is home to the Angkor temples, including the famous Angkor Wat, which dates back to the 12th century. Angkor was the seat of the Khmer Empire, which flourished from the 9th to the 15th centuries. After the fall of the Khmer Empire, the immense temples of Angkor were abandoned and covered by the jungle for centuries. Located in the middle of dense tropical forest and rice paddies, several Angkor temples have been restored and welcome more than two million visitors each year. They are truly extraordinary structures to explore. I recommend spending at least 3 days in Siem Reap and exploring all the sites with a private guide.
Aside from the Angkor Wat temple, Siem Reap is home to several other temples worth discovering. Bayon, with its giant Buddha faces, is another temple not to be missed. Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei, and Banteay Kdei are also worth noting. Another interesting aspect to explore in Siem Reap is the floating villages of Kampong Khleang. This will be especially interesting for those who want to connect with the local population and observe their way of life.
Phnom Penh and its surroundings
Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia. Like most capitals, Phnom Penh is a very lively city. Often, people prefer to leave the capital to get away from the city bustle and discover more peaceful places. However, I recommend taking your time and dedicating at least 1 day to discovering Phnom Penh. The city is located at the confluence of two rivers: the Mekong and the Tonlé Sap. As such, the city offers lovely opportunities for boat tours to admire the sunset. The Royal Palace with the Silver Pagoda is one of the capital's main attractions. However, most travelers stopping over in Phnom Penh also visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21). A visit to this museum brings to light the atrocities perpetrated by the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s-80s.
Kratie
Kratie is an ideal place to discover Cambodia off the beaten path. The region is best known for its Irrawaddy dolphins. You can rent a boat and take a tour to observe these aquatic mammals. You can also take a short bike ride on Koh Trong island. Visiting the town of Kratie will allow you to discover rural life in Cambodia and see the local inhabitants in their daily routine.
Sen Monorom
The town of Sen Monorom is nestled in the middle of lush forests. It is the small capital of the Mondulkiri region, which particularly attracts nature lovers. During your stay in Sen Monorom, you will have the opportunity to discover one of the elephant sanctuaries. As part of an organized activity, you will spend a pleasant time with these magnificent animals, where you can bathe with them in the river or even feed them. An exciting experience not to be missed during your stay in Cambodia.
Kep
Many travelers heading to southeastern Cambodia spend most of their time in Kampot, a charming, very quiet town located by a river. However, the town of Kep, located just 26 km down the road from Kampot, also deserves a visit. The Kep Crab Market is a must-see. The Kep blue crab is famous throughout Cambodia. It is truly delicious and a must-try! Once you've enjoyed the delicious crabs and other seafood, you can rent a boat and head to Koh Tonsay island (Rabbit Island) to relax on the beach. It is truly an off-the-beaten-path destination and an excellent opportunity for relaxation. Note that the island can be visited from October to March, as the sea is often rough the rest of the time, making it impossible to board the boat.
Battambang
Although Battambang is the second-largest city in Cambodia, it is not a very popular destination for travelers. And that is what makes this destination quieter, allowing you to explore it far from mass tourism. Life in Battambang is slow and laid-back. One of the visitors' favorite activities is the Battambang Bamboo Train. It is a unique experience that will allow you to take a trip of about 30 minutes to discover the Cambodian countryside. In Battambang, you can also discover the Phnom Sampeau caves and its thousands of bats that leave the caves at sunset, a unique spectacle to see.
Koh Rong Samloem or Koh Rong
Very often, people prefer to conclude their cultural trips with a few days of relaxation on a paradisiacal beach with white sand. During your custom trip to Cambodia, you will have the opportunity to enjoy an unparalleled seaside stay by heading to Koh Rong Samloem island or Koh Rong. These small, picturesque islands offer white sand beaches and a multitude of activities on-site. An important recommendation for anyone planning a return flight after their stay on the island: plan for one last night in the capital before your return. Due to weather conditions, speedboats returning from the island are often delayed, and sometimes trips are even canceled. Therefore, to avoid missing your flight, it is advisable to return to Phnom Penh a day early to keep a safety margin.
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