Where To Go In Southeast Asia: Cambodia

Cambodia

Angkor Wat

Where should you go on your trip to Cambodia? While our suggestions aren’t exhaustive, they give you an idea of the discoveries you can make on your adventure.

Siem Reap and Angkor: A visit to Siem Reap to discover the temples of Angkor is the most popular trip to Cambodia. You can visit Siem Reap and Angkor Wat in as few as 3 days on a stopover from either Vietnam or Thailand. Note that we recommend at least 4 days/ 3 nights.

Sculptures In Angkor

In Siem Reap discover the mysteries of Angkor Wat and surrounding temples. Other activities include bike riding and elephant tours. We also recommend a mirco-light flight over the ruins and hiking in the Kulen mountains to the north of Siem Reap – here you can hike to ruins and mountain streams.

You should also spend a half-day on Tonle Sap lake to discover fishing villages and visit local artisans. For travelers interested in social projects we can arrange for a visit to a local school and village. The Cambodian Landmine Museum is a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in Cambodia’s recent past.

Phnom Penh: Cambodia’s capital is the heart of the country. Relaxing along the river and visiting the city will give you insight into Cambodian culture and its French colonial past. The national museum also houses the best collection of Khmer art in the country. Outside of the city you can visit the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Sanctuary, home to endangered Asian bears. Although distressing to some, we also recommend a visit to Choeng Ek, the infamous “killing fields,” and the Tuol Sleng Prison.

Further Afield: If traveling overland between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap we recommend an overnight in Kampong Thom (featured on our 7-Day Cambodia: From Phnom Penh to Siem Reap trip). You’ll travel through the heart of the Cambodian countryside and have a chance to visit two sites: the Sambor Prei Kuk ruins, a pre-Angkorean city, and the Angkorean Spean Praptos bridge that dates from the 12th century.

We also recommend visiting the jungle. There are several options closer to the coast, including the 4 Rivers Floating Lodge or the Rainbow Lodge near Koh Kong. Here you can trek through the jungle and explore the ecosystem.

Beaches: Cambodia isn’t nearly as well-known as its neighbor, Thailand, for beaches. We can however arrange for some nice extensions near Koh Kong and in Sihanoukville. Just ask, we’re happy to help!

• Where To Go In Thailand
• Where To Go In Vietnam
• Where To Go In Myanmar
• Where To Go In Laos