Welcome to the Mysterious Land of Cambodia!

Cambodia is an intoxicating country that has both inspirational and disheartening past with the future in the hope of growth. Rise to the kingdom of the gods to explore the mixture of symbolism, equilibrium, and mysticism or fall in the aguish of the Khmer Rouge’s slaying device. Such are the historical sights truly justifying my first statement. Just like peeling an onion, if you start to unveil its each traveling layer (sight), you will be even captivated all the way more with fill of emotion and natural tears – some of grief and some of bliss.

Beautiful beaches, the under explored wilds, good cuisine, and stunning temples – all in the heart of Southeast Asia that makes the nation a worthy place to visit for even more than a week.

As a tourist, the greatest richness that I revealed here is the people who after experiencing hell on the planet are still full of spirit and never-ending positive thinking. This seriously lefts all the sights and excursions behind that render them unmatched.

Cambodia Tourist Attractions

Angkor Wat (Angkor Touch in Khmer)

This is where you experience the kingdom of gods. Considered as among the big sets of ancient temples in Southeast Asia (other in Burma), it is a complex of giant pyramid of three tiers adorned by five towers of 65 m height appearing like a lotus.

These shrines were built by the Khmer civilization somewhere amid 802 and 1220 A.D. A visual and architectural masterpiece is an exemplary emblem of one of the mankind’s most surprising and lasting artistical accomplishment.

Sihanoukville (Kampong Som)

This is a small region in south on a peninsula offering beaches and tropical islands. Founded in 1964 as the only deep-water port in the nation, it is now becoming a famous tourist destination. Here, we visited the following places.

• Independence Square:
  This is an open meeting hall on Ekareach Street (Independence Street) that contains a small park, the Independence Monument (Vimean Ekareach), and a small shrine. Constructed in 1985, it marks the independence of the nation.
• Port of Sihanoukville:
  Constructed somewhere between 1955 to 1960, the port waters are 11-13 m deep with an exception for a point in the waterway adjacent to Koh Pos. You can see the older jetty from the Victory Beach and the ships coming from the west.
• Sihanoukville Mountain:
  At the peak here, do not miss the stunning view of the city, islands, and beaches.
• Ochheuteal Beach:
  This is the most famous beach that offers all facilities ranging from the mid-range hotels, budget guesthouses, and bungalows spread on the sand.
• Sokha Beach:
  This is another clean and white sandy beach with a luxurious beach resort that offers a swimming pool, spa, and good dining.
• Golden Lion (Vimean Tao Meas):
  This is an outstanding sight between Sokha and Ochheuteal. Constructed in 1996, the monument is in the heart of the traffic circle that is enclosed by restaurants, karaoke places, and the local’s evening picnic – the gardens.
• Scuba Diving:
  Scuba Nation is famous diving contributor for tourists, embassy personnel, and locals. It is the only PADI 5 Star Dive Center in the nation since 2002 and has taken care of more than 2500 beginning and experienced divers.
• Kbal Chay:
  Located at 16 km and founded in 1960, this is the source of water for the town that offers a beautiful view of waterfall, local fruits, souvenirs, and many small local food stores providing picnic food.
• Ream National Park:
  Situated at 18 km, this park houses a mix of terrestrial and marine life – a worth visiting sanctuary.
• Rong Island:
  We took a boat from the port to reach here after 2 hours. The main attraction here is the Snowdrift Bay consisting of 8-10 km of clean white beaches famous for swimming.

Tonle Sap Lake

This lake in Siem Reap is the largest fresh water lake in the southeast continent. In the wet period between June and October, the flow of the Tonle Sap River inverts to the opposite direction that makes it the only river to run in both directions on Earth. Tour here only in the monsoons to view its mangrove marshes; while view the birds at the sanctuary from December to April. I recommend to spend at least 3 hours here.

Preah Vihear Temple

This is one of the latest temples that have been opened to the public located 100 km northeast of Angkor on the Thai border. Belonging to the 11th century to Thais, it is in the tactical location in the Dangrek Mountains at over 700 m returned to Cambodia in 1963.

Koh Ker

This is a restored road subject to a toll that takes you to the old capital of Jayavarman IV in north, which can be explored in a day from Siem Reap. Further, to the north-west of Siem Reap, do not miss the Banteay Chhmar temple belonging to the Jayavarman II who reconstructed it in the memory of his sons who were slayed in a war against a Cham attack in 1177 A.D.

The River of the Thousand Lingas

Located deep in the forest in Siem Reap, this is the remote Kbal Spean that is called the river of the Thousand Lingas. A must see place, the river’s rocks are carved majestically somewhere between 11th to 13th century.

Best Time to Visit Cambodia

Although the nation can be your choice at any time in the year, the preferred time or peak season is December to January due to low humidity levels, little rainfall, and a cool breeze.

Cambodia Accommodations

In Sihanoukville, you can opt from a variety of choices from a 5-star resort complex on Sokha Beach, many medium-cost places at the beaches, a few three-star hotels to several budget guesthouses on Weather Station Hill (Victory Hill).

Tip

Beware of the six million landmines that are scattered everywhere and near the Thai border. So, do not deviate from the firmed track and check Safe Travel for this concern.