Travelers who just take it easy will be rewarded in Cambodia. There are sandstone temples devoured by jungle and a coastline of tranquil islands, and there are cities yet to write their next chapter. These 10 destinations span the country and don’t require a long trip.
The temple was dedicated to worship in 1931.Worship at the temple began in 1931.
1. Angkor Archaeological Park
It’s logical and it’s a winner. Angkor Wat at sunrise is crowded, but serene stone faces of Bayon and strangling figs of Ta Prohm are what people remember. Purchase a three day pass and take it easy.
2. Banteay Srei
This small pink sandstone temple is about 25 miles away from the main group of temples in Angkor, and the best carving in the country. It’s more about jewellery than architecture. Head to the place early, before the tour buses from Siem Reap.
3. Koh Ker
A once-captital, now almost abandoned ruin field with a seven tiered pyramid structure to climb. Located 2 hours from Siem Reap, this offers temples pretty much all to yourself, which can’t really be found in Angkor anymore.
Cities and Everyday Life
4. Phnom Penh
The capital is on the run. Take a morning at the Silver Pagoda and the Royal Palace and then brace yourself for the more difficult history at Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields. Hard, but essential and best with a guide.
5. Siem Reap
More than just a temple base camp. The town has a lot of ambiance thanks to its touristy, noisy Pub Street, the old French quarter and Phsar Chas market, as well as Phare Cambodian Circus. Great food scene for the price.
6. Battambang
Colonial shophouses, working rice paddies, and Cambodia’s best arts community. The bamboo train is a novelty ride; the bat caves at Phnom Sampeau at dusk are actually spectacular!
Coast and Islands
7. Koh Rong Samloem
The more laid back of the party-fueled Koh Rong. Saracen Bay is unspoiled and bungalows only steps from the sand. Pack cash, there are few ATMs and electricity is generated.
8. Kampot
A waterfront city with an old-fashioned colonial appearance, renowned for its pepper. Hire a scooter, go to a pepper plantation and have a sunset cruise. Just up the hill is Bokor National Park.
9. Kep
Found 30 minutes away from Kampot, it’s all about the crab. Serve with new green Kampot pepper at the crab market. If you wish for an empty beach, add a day trip to Rabbit Island.
Nature and Wildlife
10. Mondulkiri
The eastern part of Cambodia that’s hilly, has waterfalls, pine forest and cooler air. Visit a humane elephant sanctuary that allows elephants to wander at liberty and not rides are available. The length of the bus trip from Phnom Penh clears the congestion.
Planning Your First Trip
The best time to visit is from November to February when it will be cooler and drier. The rainy season (June to October) is green, cheap and less crowded but the temple roads can get muddy.
Ten days: Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and 1 coastal stop. A two-week period will allow you to add Battambang or Mondulkiri without needing to rush.
Getting around: Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are connected by domestic flight, which takes less than an hour. Buses are inexpensive and dependable, private drivers cost more, but save hours on country roads.
Money is in US dollars in addition to the Cambodian riel which is used for small change. Have small change on hand, because vendors don’t tend to change large bills.
Begin at the temples and there is enough space for the rest. Cambodia’s most peaceful corners are the ones travelers speak about long after they are home.