Cambodia Travel Guide
Cambodia sparks images of ruins of ancient temples {especially the iconic Angkor Wat}, dazzling rice paddies, and the picturesque white-sand beaches. Seamlessly blending modern urban culture with its ancient heritage, Cambodia remains an authentic adventure. Headed to Cambodia soon? Save yourself some hassle and use this Cambodia Travel Guide to plan.
*For travel advice on how to prepare for your trip to Cambodia, you may access my post here.
Siem Reap
Nestled in northwestern Cambodia, the city of Siem Reap is home to the famous temple ruins and is a popular tourist destination.
Places to Stay:
Shinta Mani Club
Soak in the Angkorian experience at this luxury boutique hotel. Located in the French Quarter, it is a perfect oasis of tranquillity and verdure. Savour the authentic taste of Khmer cuisine as you gently float about the ground on the Khmer swings. Take advantage of their poolside rooms and relax with a refreshing swim after a day of sightseeing. When we reluctantly left on the last day of our stay, the staff presented us with gorgeous Cambodian scarves as a parting gift!
The Privilege Floor
The ultimate experience in luxury! From the moment you arrive at the Privilege Floor at the Borei Angkor, you are pampered rotten. A personal host greets you at the airport and welcomes you to your private hotel lobby. The lounge restaurant oozes charm and grace as you delight your taste buds with the finest Cambodian cuisine.
Golden Temple Residence
An elegant hideaway, it offers some very unique experiences that steep you in the romance of Khmer. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the temple area with a personal chef and butler ~ la di da! Sway to the lilting music of the Apsara dance as you are treated to a Royal Khmer dinner. And, round out your perfect vacation with a relaxing massage.
Must-See:
Angkor Wat
The famous temple of Angkor Wat is the largest in the world with a volume of stone equalling that of the Cheops Pyramid in Egypt. Built during 879 ~ 1191 AD, this mother of all temples is an awe-inspiring blend of spirituality and architectural sophistication. Be sure to make it to the temple for the magnificent view at sunrise {5 AM to 8-9 AM} that brings out its raw beauty and splendour. The imposing grandeur and delicate decorative flourishes of the temple complex bring to life the romance of the ancient Khmer empire. To note: The cardamom sanctuary of Prasat Kravan and Ta Prohm, a jungle temple are also must-visits close to Angkor Wat.
Angkor Thom
Entering the south gate of the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the spectacular Bayon Temple rises to greet you. It is the main temple of this ancient city and is primarily Buddhist, but also incorporates elements of Hindu symbolism as well. A multitude of 216 serene smiling stone faces on its towers awaken peace and joy in your heart as you traverse the complex.
Also visit Baphuon Temple, a major religious temple during the Khmer Empire, and Phimean Akas, the Sky Palace. Continue to the famed Terrace of Elephants and then on to meet the Leper King.
Preah Khan
Located only 2 kilometres from Angkor Thom, the Preach Khan temple complex nestles among vines and trees and exudes lost-world charm. Built by King Jayavarman VII, the temple’s name translates to ‘sacred sword’ and provides the ideal backdrop to live out your Indiana Jones or Lara Croft fantasies. Long alleyways, amazing sculptures of events and characters from Buddhist and Hindu mythology; a complex of secret chambers and passages… a walk around Preah Khan reveals many surprises. Later, head to the Neak Poan temple and revel in the beauty of this ‘island temple’.
Old Market {Phsar Chas}
No vacation memory is complete without trinkets and souvenirs, and you will find the biggest selection of souvenirs here. The south side of the Old Market has several vendors selling Cambodian handicrafts, traditional fabrics in silk, books, t-shirts, and other memorabilia. This is also where you will find inexpensive eateries that sell delicious local food, making it an ideal place to try some local cuisine.
South Cambodia
Head down to the islands that dot Cambodia’s southern coast for days spent lazing on the beaches.
Koh Rong Island
Koh Rong is the second-largest island of Cambodia and is the exact beach paradise you have been looking for. With 23 white sand beaches to choose from, they offer great opportunities for diving and snorkelling. The best attraction is the phosphorescent plankton in the water which shine like a star-filled sky at night. Other activities include jungle-trekking, and kayaking as well as fishing tours, if snoozing on a hammock and swimming in the turquoise waters become too boring. Expect all-night beach parties and dancing from dusk to dawn especially on full moon nights.
Koh Rong Samloem
The island of Koh Rong Samloem is the main beach resort of Cambodia. The island is a peaceful getaway; more serene and also much less developed than its larger companion island of Koh Rong. It measures barely 9 x 5 kilometres, and the distance from Saracen Bay on the sunrise side of the island to the sunset side is little more than a pleasant one-kilometre walk through the jungle. Also sometimes spelled as Koh Rong Sanloem, it translates to “drowsiness” which aptly describes the relaxed atmosphere of the beach.
I hope my Cambodia travel guide will help you have an amazing time in this beautiful country! Feel free to share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.