
Explore Cambodia
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Cambodia, a kingdom of wonder nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, captivates travelers with its extraordinary blend of ancient splendor and modern resilience. The country's crown jewel, Angkor Wat, stands as the world's largest religious monument, while the bustling capital of Phnom Penh reveals both the country's tragic Khmer Rouge history and its vibrant contemporary culture. Beyond these landmarks, Cambodia's charm extends to its lush countryside dotted with rice paddies, its meandering Mekong River, and the warm smiles of its people who embody the spirit of perseverance.
Despite its turbulent past, Cambodia has emerged as a must-visit destination that offers authentic experiences at every turn. Travelers can explore mystical temples reclaimed by jungle roots, sample delectable cuisine influenced by neighboring Thailand and Vietnam, or simply unwind on the unspoiled beaches of the southern coast. The country's developing tourism infrastructure now makes it accessible to both adventure seekers and luxury travelers, while still maintaining the authentic character that makes Cambodia truly special. From spiritual encounters with saffron-robed monks to immersive village homestays, Cambodia promises journeys that touch both the senses and the soul.
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Siem Reap Province, Cambodia
- Angkor Wat Temple Complex
- Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider Temple)
- Bayon Temple with stone faces
This UNESCO World Heritage site spans over 400 square kilometers and contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, dating from the 9th to the 15th century. Beyond the iconic Angkor Wat, visitors can explore hundreds of temples in various states of preservation, from the enigmatic faces of Bayon to the jungle-embraced ruins of Ta Prohm. Sunrise over Angkor Wat's distinctive silhouette offers one of travel's most magical moments.
Sihanoukville Province, Cambodia
- Pristine white-sand beaches
- Bioluminescent plankton
- Diving and snorkeling sites
Cambodia's second-largest island offers a paradise escape with its powdery white beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Unlike its more developed neighbors in Thailand, Koh Rong maintains a laid-back atmosphere with limited development and electricity that often runs only in the evenings. The island's greatest natural wonder occurs after dark when swimming reveals magical blue sparkles of bioluminescent plankton lighting up the water around you.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
- Confluence of four rivers
- Bustling night market
The capital's picturesque riverside promenade stretches along the banks where the mighty Mekong, Tonlé Sap, Bassac, and Tonlé Bassac rivers converge. This vibrant area serves as the cultural and social heart of Phnom Penh, lined with cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. In the evening, locals gather for aerobics classes, street food, and socializing, while nearby, the gleaming spires of the Royal Palace create a stunning backdrop. The area perfectly encapsulates Cambodia's blend of traditional heritage and emerging urban energy.
Northwestern Cambodia
- Bamboo Train (Norry)
- Colonial architecture
- Phare Ponleu Selpak Circus School
Cambodia's second-largest city charms visitors with its well-preserved French colonial architecture and authentic rural atmosphere. The surrounding countryside reveals traditional wooden houses on stilts, ancient temples, and the famous bamboo train—a unique transportation method where a wooden platform powered by a small engine races along abandoned railway tracks. Don't miss the extraordinary performances at Phare Ponleu Selpak, a non-profit arts school where talented young Cambodians create mesmerizing circus shows that tell Khmer stories through acrobatics, music, and dance.
Southwestern Cambodia
- Chi Phat Ecotourism Community
- Rare wildlife spotting
- Tatai Waterfall
One of Southeast Asia's last great wilderness areas, the Cardamom Mountains offer adventurous travelers pristine rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and rare wildlife encounters. The community-based ecotourism project in Chi Phat village provides sustainable trekking, mountain biking, and kayaking experiences led by former poachers now working as conservation guides. Visitors can stay in floating river lodges, spot endangered species like clouded leopards and Asian elephants, and experience Cambodia's natural beauty while supporting vital conservation efforts in this biodiversity hotspot.
Guidelines for Cultural Awareness
- Always remove shoes and hats when entering temples or homes, and dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered when visiting religious sites. Women should never touch Buddhist monks or hand items directly to them.
- Cambodians greet each other with a 'sampeah'—a slight bow with hands pressed together at chest level. The higher the hands, the more respect shown. As a visitor, matching this gesture is appreciated but not expected.
- When receiving change, accept it with your right hand or both hands together, as the left hand is considered unclean. Similarly, avoid touching someone's head, as it's considered the most sacred part of the body.
- Political discussions about the Khmer Rouge period should be approached with sensitivity. Many Cambodians lost family members during this tragic time, and the wounds remain fresh despite the passage of time.
- Tipping is not traditionally expected in Cambodia, but has become more common in tourist areas. Small gratuities for good service are appreciated in a country where the average monthly wage remains quite low.
Suggestions for Evening Activities
- Experience the Phare Cambodian Circus in Siem Reap, a spectacular show combining theater, music, dance, and acrobatics performed by disadvantaged youth telling stories of Cambodian culture and history.
- Join a sunset boat cruise on Tonlé Sap Lake, Cambodia's great inland sea, where you can witness floating villages and enjoy drinks while watching spectacular colors reflect off the water.
- Explore Pub Street in Siem Reap, a vibrant nightlife district with everything from sophisticated cocktail lounges like Miss Wong Cocktail Bar to energetic dance clubs and night markets selling street food and crafts.
- Attend an Apsara dance performance at Cambodiana Hotel in Phnom Penh, where graceful dancers in elaborate costumes perform this ancient art form once exclusive to the royal courts.
- Visit Bassac Lane in Phnom Penh, a trendy alley filled with micro-bars serving craft cocktails in intimate settings, including Hangar 44 with its motorcycle theme and The Library with its literary ambiance.
Customer Feedback
Sophia Müller
Watching the sunrise over Angkor Wat was a spiritual experience I'll never forget. We hired a guide named Sokha who brought the temples' history to life with fascinating stories. His knowledge of the best photo spots away from crowds made our three-day temple pass worth every penny. Definitely worth waking up at 4:30am!
Journeyed from Berlin, Germany
Hiroshi Tanaka
The bamboo train in Battambang was the highlight of our Cambodia trip! This ingenious transportation method was both thrilling and fascinating. When another train approaches from the opposite direction, one gets dismantled to let the other pass. The countryside views were spectacular, though the wooden platform gets quite uncomfortable after 30 minutes.
Journeyed from Osaka, Japan
Elena Gonzalez
Our three-night stay at 4 Rivers Floating Lodge in the Cardamom Mountains was pure magic. Falling asleep to jungle sounds and waking up with the mist rising off the river was worth every dollar of this splurge. The kayaking tour to Tatai Waterfall led by our guide Chamroeun taught us so much about local ecology and conservation efforts.
Journeyed from Madrid, Spain
James Wilson
Phnom Penh offers important historical sites like the Killing Fields and S21 Prison Museum that are emotionally difficult but essential to understanding Cambodia. However, the city's terrible traffic, persistent tuk-tuk drivers, and air pollution made it challenging. Three days was more than enough before we escaped to the coast.
Journeyed from Melbourne, Australia
Aisha Patel
Koh Rong Samloem was the perfect antidote to our hectic lives! We stayed in a simple bungalow at Lazy Beach with no WiFi or AC, just ocean breezes and stunning sunsets. Swimming with bioluminescent plankton under a starry sky was magical. The 45-minute boat ride from Sihanoukville was rough, but arriving at this paradise made it worthwhile.
Journeyed from Toronto, Canada