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Stunning Cambodia – Top 5 attractions to visit

Cambodia is a Southeast Asian country whose landscape consists of the Mekong River delta in the southwest, Tonle Sap Lake in the center, and the Cardamom and Elephant Mountains in the northwest.

Cambodia
Cambodia Dennis Jarvis, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Cambodia has been a popular tourist destination for many years because it offers something for everyone. There are beautiful beaches and islands to enjoy, as well as ancient temples and other historical sites to explore.

Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia and is on the banks of the Mekong River. Siem Reap is home to Angkor Wat, one of Southeast Asia’s largest Hindu temples. Tonle Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. It is Cambodia‘s most important body of water, and plays a significant role in the country’s economy and culture. The lake is home to a variety of wildlife, including fish, birds, and mammals. It is also an important source of food for the local population. 

The people of Cambodia are friendly and welcoming, and there are plenty of restaurants and bars where you can enjoy traditional Cambodian cuisine or international favorites.

Siem Reap

You can start from Siem Reap which is home to Angkor Wat, one of Southeast Asia’s largest Hindu temples. Angkor wat is perhaps Cambodia’s most famous attraction. The temple was built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II and it is estimated that more than 1 million people visit each year. It is considered by many to be one of the most impressive structures ever built. Angkor Wat is part of a larger complex known as Angkor Thom which includes other temples such as Bayon Temple and Ta Prohm (made famous by Angelina Jolie).

Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia: Tha Prom Temple
Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia: Tha Prom Temple
Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas

The Angkor National Museum is a great place to learn more about Cambodia’s history and culture. It houses an impressive collection of artifacts, including sculptures, ceramics, bronzes, and other objects from the Angkor period. Visitors can also browse through interactive exhibits that explain the story behind each piece.

The Butterfly Centre is a popular tourist destination in Siem Reap. It is home to more than 1,000 butterflies from around the world, as well as a variety of other insects. The centre offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the life cycle and ecology of butterflies, and there are interactive exhibits that allow you to get up close and personal with these beautiful creatures.

if you’re looking for a night of fun and food, then head on over to Pub Street in Siem Reap! You won’t be disappointed. Pub Street is a great place to enjoy a night out in Siem Reap. It’s full of restaurants, bars, and clubs where you can enjoy a drink or a meal while listening to live music.

Pub Street, Siem Reap
Pub Street, Siem Reap – Image Credit: Ashley

But what about the food? Well, Pub Street is home to some of the best restaurants in Siem Reap, and you can’t go wrong with any of them. However, if you’re looking for some local favourites, then you should try out Cambodian BBQ restaurants. These places serve up delicious barbecued meats and seafood, and they’re a great way to experience traditional Cambodian cuisine.

There is also a lively night market where you can buy souvenirs or just browse for fun. There is no shortage of things to buy at the lively night market at Pub Street in Siem Reap. You can find souvenirs, handicrafts, and other items from all over Cambodia. If you’re looking for a unique gift or something special to remember your trip by, then this is the place to go.

One of the best things about the night market is that the prices are very reasonable. You can find some great bargains on everything from clothes to jewellery to souvenirs. So if you’re looking for some good deals, then be sure to check out the night market at Pub Street!

Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is a favourite among tourists for many reasons. Firstly, the city is home to some of the most impressive historical sites in Cambodia. Phnom Penh, the capital, is on the banks of the Mekong River.

Throne Hall, The Royal Palace, Phnom Penh
Throne Hall, The Royal Palace, Phnom Penh – Nikin Kovilakath, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The Royal Palace, for example, is a must-see for any visitor to Phnom Penh. The palace is a beautiful example of traditional Khmer architecture, and it’s home to several interesting exhibits that tell the story of Cambodia’s royal family.

Another popular attraction in Phnom Penh is the Choeung Ek Memorial. This memorial is home to the “Killing Fields”, where more than 17,000 people were killed and buried during the Khmer Rouge regime. The memorial is a sobering reminder of the atrocities that have been committed in Cambodia’s past, and it’s a must-see for anyone interested in Cambodian history.

Phnom Phen also offers a variety of cultural experiences. The National Museum, for example, is home to one of the largest collections of Angkorian artifacts in the world. The museum offers visitors a fascinating insight into Cambodian history and culture, and it’s a must-see for anyone visiting Phnom Phen.

The Museum of Independence is located in Phnom Penh and tells the story of Cambodia’s struggle for independence from France. The museum contains exhibits on Cambodian history from ancient times to the present day. It’s a great place to learn more about the country’s rich culture and history.

Museum, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Museum, Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Daniel Mennerich

Royal Palace is one of Phnom Penh’s top attractions. Located in the heart of the city, it serves as the official residence of King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Monineath Sihanouk. The palace complex features several buildings and courtyards with beautiful gardens, statues, and traditional Khmer architecture. Visitors can also explore some of its many temples such as Preah Thineang Dhevaday, the Silver Pagoda, and Chan Chhaya Pavilion.

Choeung Ek is the site of a former Khmer Rouge killing field. It features mass graves and memorials to thousands of victims who were executed during the reign of Pol Pot in Cambodian history. Visitors can take guided tours which explain what happened here and reflect on Cambodia’s turbulent past.

Phnom Penh river boat cruises are also popular among tourists visiting Phnom Penh. You can enjoy a relaxing journey along the Mekong River while taking in stunning views of nearby attractions such as Wat Phnom, Silver Pagoda, and Royal Palace. For an even more immersive experience, you can join one of the many floating markets scattered around the city.

The city also has a lively nightlife scene, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs where you can enjoy a drink or a meal while listening to live music. So if you’re looking for some fun after dark, then Phnom Phen is the place to be!

Finally, Phnom Phen is also a great place to shop for souvenirs. There are plenty of markets and shopping malls where you can find souvenirs from all over Cambodia. So if you’re looking for some unique presents to take back home with you, then be sure to check out the shops and markets in Phnom Phen!

Sihanoukville

Otres beach is one of the most popular beaches in Sihanoukville and it offers everything a traveller needs for a perfect holiday – white sand, crystal clear waters, and plenty of activities such as swimming, snorkelling or windsurfing. You can also explore nearby islands like Koh Rong Samloem or Bamboo Island where you can enjoy the peaceful scenery, and untouched nature and spend some quality time with your loved ones.

Sihanoukville
Sihanoukville – Kiensvay, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Otres Beach is a great place to relax and soak up the sun. The beach is long and wide, and there are plenty of beach umbrellas and sun loungers for visitors to use. The water is clean and clear, and there are plenty of places to swim, snorkel, and paddleboard. Otres Beach is also known for its vibrant nightlife and restaurants where you can find delicious seafood dishes.

Kbai Chhay waterfall is located on the outskirts of Sihanoukville and it’s a great spot for a day trip. You can take a hike to the waterfall and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding rainforest. On your way there, you will also have the chance to observe some local wildlife such as monkeys, lizards or birds.

Bamboo Island is a small and peaceful island located just off the coast of Phnom Penh in Sinhoukville. It’s a great place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The island is covered in lush vegetation and has a white-sand beach that’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkelling. If you’re looking for some adventure, then don’t miss out on the water sports activities such as jet skiing, wakeboarding or kayaking that are offered here.

There are also some great restaurants on Bamboo Island where you can enjoy fresh seafood dishes like grilled prawns, squid or fish.

You can get to the island by boat from Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville. It’s a popular destination for tourists, so make sure to book in advance if you want to visit.

Kep

Kep is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s renowned for its stunning beaches and coves and there are plenty of things to do like exploring Rabbit Island, snorkelling off Kep Beach, or visiting the Crab Market where you can pick up some fresh seafood! There’s also a sailing club and Secret Lake where you can relax in beautiful surroundings.

Rabbit Island is one of the most beautiful islands in the Gulf of Thailand and it offers stunning views of Kep National Park. With its pristine beaches and lush vegetation, Rabbit Island is perfect for swimming, snorkelling or simply relaxing under an umbrella with a book in hand. Several restaurants serve delicious seafood dishes.

Kep Beach is another popular destination in Kep Province where visitors can go sunbathing, swimming or fishing. There are also several restaurants and bars along the beach where you can have a refreshing drink or enjoy delicious local dishes.

Khmer food is one of the most popular cuisines in Cambodia and it features a wide variety of dishes such as soup, stir-fries, curries, and desserts. While in Kep, don’t miss the opportunity to try some of the local specialties such as amok trey (a fish curry dish), lok lak (a beef stir-fry) or kuy teav (a pork and rice noodle soup). You can find many restaurants serving Khmer food along Kep Beach.

Amok, Cambodian Curry
Amok, Cambodian Curry – Mat Connolley (Matnkat), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Another favourite activity among tourists in Kep is crab fishing. You can buy a fishing rod from one of the many shops on the beach and then head out into the ocean to catch crabs. Once you’ve caught some crabs, you can take them back to one of the restaurants on the beach and have them cooked for you.

On your trip to Kep, don’t forget to visit the Pepper Farm & Crab Market. Here you can learn about the pepper cultivation process and buy fresh ingredients from the market. It is also an opportunity to observe some old-fashioned fishing techniques used by the locals.

Finally, don’t miss the Secret Lake. The Secret Lake in Kep is a hidden gem that most tourists don’t know about. This serene and peaceful lake is located just a few minutes away from Kep Beach and it’s the perfect place to spend a quiet afternoon. The lake is surrounded by lush vegetation and there are plenty of places to sit and relax while enjoying the tranquil surroundings.

The Secret Lake is also a great spot for photography lovers as there are many beautiful scenes to capture. If you’re looking for a romantic spot to propose or simply spend some quality time with your partner, the Secret Lake is worth considering.

Battambang

Battambang is a charming and historic town located in the northwest of Cambodia. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country and it’s easy to see why. Battambang has a rich culture and history that can be explored through its many temples, museums, and art galleries.

Phnom Sampeau is an important historical site in Battambang Province and it offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The temple at the top of this limestone mountain also houses several caves which were once used as hideouts for Khmer Rouge soldiers during their campaign against Vietnam in 1979. Visitors can take a guided tour of the bamboo train which was originally used to transport goods and passengers between small villages.

The crocodile farm is another popular tourist attraction in Battambang where visitors can observe different species of crocodiles up close. There are also several educational shows which teach visitors about these fascinating animals.

Wat Kor, Battambeng
Wat Kor, Battambeng – Milei.vencel, Hungary, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A river cruise in Battambang is a must-do for visitors. Sightseeing by boat is a favourite tourism activity in Battambang, and there are several different cruises to choose from. The most popular cruise takes visitors along the Sangker River and past the village of Phnom Sampov. You can also visit the ancient temple of Wat Banan and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. The cruise finishes with a visit to the vibrant night market in Battambang.

Finally, don’t miss the opportunity to ride on the bamboo train. This unique mode of transportation was invented by the locals and it’s a unique experience that you won’t forget.

Eating and shopping

There are also some great places to eat in Battambang. The town is famous for its delicious seafood dishes which can be sampled at the many restaurants along the river. Check out the restaurants and street stalls where you can try local specialties. One of the most popular dishes is amok, which is a fish curry that is steamed in a banana leaf. Another favourite is num pang, which is a type of sandwich made with pork, prawns, or beef. For dessert, you can try srok l’ang – a type of rice pudding with coconut milk and palm sugar.

Battambang is also home to the largest night market in Cambodia where you can buy souvenirs, clothes, and local food. What to buy here is an endless list as there are many different souvenirs that you can buy at the night market in Battambang. You can purchase traditional Khmer handicrafts such as wooden carvings, paintings, and silk scarves. There are also many stalls selling clothes, jewellery, and souvenir T-shirts. If you’re looking for a unique gift to take home with you, the night market is the perfect place to find it.

This bustling night market in the heart of the city is a never-to-be-forgotten experience where you can find everything from local handicrafts to delicious food.

For those looking for an unforgettable experience, Cambodia has plenty of attractions that are sure to satisfy even the most experienced traveller. From ancient temples and monuments to riverside cruises and lush beaches, Cambodia offers something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and start.

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