Tourists who are bored with the night markets of Thailand or natural places of Vietnam may be up for more prehistoric ruins of viewing. In such a case, Cambodia can fulfill these urges. Cambodia is full of unforgettable views, people, and experiences that will make sure that you have an unforgettable time visiting this place. Here are some of the top places to visit in Cambodia.
So, if you are looking for a destination that has adventure, history, adrenaline, tropical and cultural relaxation all in one place, then Cambodia is the right spot for you. So, let us explore the top places to visit in Cambodia.
Top Places to Visit in Cambodia
Angkor Wat- This is a temple city in Cambodia. Accessible from the town of Siem Reap, the temples of the Angkorian era are so ambitious in scale and in the majesty of their creation, that Angkor Wat is rated as one of the must-see ancient Cambodia secret places. Constructed between AD 802 and 1432, it was the largest city in this world during the medieval era and the enormous powerhouse of the Khmer Kings who tried to outdo their predecessors in the beauty of their creation. As this city’s wooden dwellings were invaded and then decayed by the nearby jungle, what remains these days, are those great temples.
The temple of Angkor War, the largest religious building in the world, is just one silver of the site in total, and the sprawling circuit of temples deserves about 3 days to discover if you want to understand the scope of Angkorian era’s architectural accomplishments. For those who do not have much time, the main highlights after Angkor Wat are tree-root clasped temple of Ta Prohm, the Bayon Temple for its 216 stone-carved faces, Preah Khan, and Angkor Thom.
Preah Khan- Situated towards the northeast of Angkor Archaeological Park, Preah Khan is a temple which was built by King Jayavarman VII. It is closely situated to Ta Prohm temple. This ultimately makes it a great tourist spot. Lots of trees and plants around the Preah Khan Temple makes it look lovely. Lord Buddha, known by the name of Avalokiteshwara, is the deity of this temple. This temple complex is huge and there are two gates that lead to the temple. Before it became a temple, this complex was used as a residence of the royal clan who ruled this place.
Banlung- Situated in northern Cambodia, Banlung is one of the top places to visit in Cambodia. It makes a great place for travelers who love being outdoors. Several tour companies arrange multi-day or overnight trips into the jungles for travelers who love adventure. These tours allow people to get close to nature. The tourists the opportunity to see a variety of monkeys and other wildlife, though some visitors do not appreciate getting that near to the leeches. A sorter tours to Yeak Laom Volcanic Lake provides the opportunity to view deep lakes and see Cambodian females doing traditional weaving.
Sihanoukville- This is Cambodia’s answer to the backpacker beach towns in Thailand. A crumbling place of tin-roofed hostels and bamboo beer bars spilling on the sands, it exudes a laid-back vibe that is a welcome break from the nation’s other urban centers. The beaches are places to visit both day and night, with the businesses of Ochheuteal providing lots of water sports and loungers facility. If you prefer something quieter, you could make a beeline near the headlands to less-trodden Otres Beach or visit the secluded Sokha Beach.
Ratanakiri- This is the wild side of Cambodia. The endless red-dirt roads of the area, leading to ethnic minority villages are a traveler’s delight. People with an adventurous streak, this place is home to some of the best trekking in Cambodia, from spotting Gibbons at Veun Sai Siem Pang Conservation Area. Here, overnight trips include sleeping in hammocks and early rise to track gibbons, to enjoy hiking in Virachey National Park, home to tigers, sun bears, and elephants. There are several relaxing options on offer too. The emerald water in Yeak Lom Crater Lake outside of Ban Lung town is a serene swimming place, while the waterfalls of Ka Tieng and Chaa Ong are fun pastimes that offer plenty of chances to get wet. Ratanakiri is a nature-filled excuse for travelers who suffer from temple-fatigue.
Tonlé Sap Lake- If you love a serene place that provides plenty of natural attractions, then Tonle Sap Lake or the “Great Lake” in Siem Reap is the right place to be. Here, you can experience the different ecologically rich elements in their full form. The place is popular for its migratory birds and floating villages.
Battambang- The beautiful rice fields and small villages surrounding the northwest city of Battambang make it one of the top places to visit in Cambodia. The place is home to historic niches too. All these have made the city one of the exotic places in Cambodia. For history lovers, the temples of Phnom Sampeau, Wat Ek Phnom, and Phnom Banan can be covered in one day, whereas the framed Bamboo, a single-line railway track where carriages made from a platform of bamboo and wood. Battambang is a sleepy city, with a central district packed with too many colonial buildings. For those who found the hectic buzz of Phnom Penh too much to handle, Battambang is an approachable town to utilize in the form of a base.
Kampot- The relaxed riverine town of Kampot has lots of old-world ambiances. This central district is a joy to wander around; full of enduring shop-house architecture, some of which have been restored painstakingly. The charm of Kampot lies in its chilled atmosphere, and many travelers find themselves waylaid here no longer than they believed, having capitulated to its relaxed pace. For active though, it is an excellent base for uncovering the surrounding visions of the south. The Old French summer getaway of Bokor Hill Station, with its vacant eerie and church, empty shell of the once-grand hotel, is an easy trip from the town, as are limestone caves of Phnom Sorsia and Phnom Chhnork, both with old temples within.
Virachey National Park- If you have a passion for wildlife and national parks, then this is one of the best tourist attractions. If you like wildlife, then it is the best place to be. It is one of the two Cambodian ASEAN Heritage Parks. This uncharted park holds a wide variety of wildlife, mountains, and waterfall. With thick evergreen wetlands, timberlands, bamboo bushes, and upland Savannah, this park has caught the attention of several tourists across the world.
While exploring the wildlife of this area, you can go trekking through the forest of this area. This park is home to a lot of plants and animals mainly pig-tailed macaques, Gibbons, great hornbills, sun bears, Asian elephants, and clouded leopards.
Siem Reap- Siem Reap is undoubtedly one of the top places to visit in Cambodia. It is the fastest-growing city of Cambodia and serves as a charming gateway town to the world popular destination of the Angkor temples. It is a pleasant and laid-back place to stay while roaming around the temples. Siem Reap provides a wide range of hotels, ranging from various 5-star hotels to thousands of budget guesthouses. These are the best places to stay in Cambodia.
Now, when you know about the best places to visit in Cambodia, plan your next trip soon!