There is something magical about this fascinating kingdom that both disorients and bewitches travellers. In Cambodia, the ancient and modern worlds meet to offer an authentic adventure. In addition to thrilling temples, refined urban areas await; a countryside dotted with dazzling rice paddies and sugar palms swaying in the wind; the southern coast fringed with tropical islands and a few fishing villages. And inland, the Cardamomi Mountains and the waters of the mighty Mekong rise up, while in the north-east, a world apart of peaks and rugged landscapes full of natural beauty, home to Cambodia's ethnic minorities. If all this is not enough for you, here are 10 breathtaking places to see in Cambodia.
Angkor Thom, Cambodia ©Artie Photography (Artie Ng)/Getty Images
1. The Temples of Angkor
To describe the temples of Angkor, one of the most extraordinary places in the world, superlatives are wasted. TheAngkor Wat is the largest religious building on the planet, while the Bayon, with its immense stone faces, is one of the most unusual; in the Ta Prohm, however, nature reigns supreme. The ancient Khmers concentrated as many temples as all the cathedrals of Europe put together in an area the size of Los Angeles, so you are spoilt for choice: the Banteay Srei, rich in refined reliefs, the jungle ruins of Beng Mealea and the pyramid of Koh Ker, reminiscent of those of the Maya.
Relaxing at sunset on the island of Koh Rong ©natalia_maroz/Shutterstock
2. Cambodia's southern islands
AmongCambodia's up-and-coming southern islands , Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem are the best chance to fulfil your tropical dreams. Off the coast of Sihanoukville, Koh Rong has a party atmosphere, with the village of Koh Tuch having become something of a hippy destination; the rest of the island, hemmed in by shimmering siliceous sand and cloaked in dense jungle, is a true haven. A little further south lies the quieter Koh Rong Sanloem, with a few tropical resorts and beautiful shallow bays. There are other islands along the coast, including the Koh Sdach Archipelago and the large and virtually untouched Koh Kong.
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3. Phnom Penh
Cambodia's capital is both chaotic and fascinating, a city that has shed the shadows of the past to embrace a bright future. With one of the region's most picturesque riverfronts, Phnom Penh is very sophisticated with its trendy hotels, gourmet restaurants and alternative bars. The extraordinary National Museum and the grim Tuol Sleng prison represent the best and worst of Cambodian history, respectively.
The floating village (komprongpok) on Tonlé Sap Lake ©Aleksandar Todorovic/Shutterstock
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4. Siem Reap Province
The town of Siem Reapbegan as a base for visiting the temples of Angkor, but has since developed into a world-class destination with a fantastic choice of restaurants, cafes and bars, not to mention markets, boutiques and art galleries. Beyond the city lie surreal floating villages on the Tonlé Sap Lake and adventurous activities, such as quad biking and zip-lining, as well as cultural activities, such as cooking classes. In addition, there are villages where one can stay with the inhabitants and experience traditional life.
A Khmer temple in Bokor Hill, Kampot, Cambodia ©MinghaiYang/Shutterstock
5. Kampot province
The province of Kampot has beautiful towns, national parks, rock pagodas and tropical beaches. In tranquil Kampot, you can choose from hostels, riverside resorts and boutique hotels, admire French colonial architecture or explore the river by rowing boat or kayak. Placid Kep offers a famous crab market, hiking in Kep National Park and nearby Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island). Nearby, you can climb to the Bokor Climate Station or visit the famous pepper crops of Kampot.
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6. Battambang
Lying along the Sangker River, Battambang is one of the best preserved colonial towns in the country. In the old French shops there is a little bit of everything, from fair trade cafes to art galleries. In the surrounding countryside, on the other hand, there are some ancient temples which, although not as extraordinary as Angkor Wat, are less crowded and worth a visit. Finally, there is Phare Ponleu Selpak, a famous non-profit organisation that puts on top-notch circus shows.
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7. Mondulkiri
The expanse of rice paddies and sugar palm trees that characterises the Cambodian landscape gives way to rolling hills in the 'wild east'. Mondulkiri is an area inhabited by proud Bunong people, who still practise animism and ancestor worship. Here, unspoilt nature offers the opportunity to walk with elephants at the Elephant Valley Project or spot langurs and gibbons during a trek in the Seima Protected Forest. Add roaring waterfalls and a jungle zip-line, and you have all the ingredients for a great adventure.
Ruins at Koh Ker, Cambodia ©Thomas Brissiaud/Shutterstock
8. Prasat Preah Vihear
The forefather of all mountain temples, Prasat Preah Vihear stands majestically in the Dangkrek Mountains, forming a controversial border post between Cambodia and Thailand. Its stone foundations extend to the edge of the cliff, which plunges into the plains below, offering a magnificent panorama of northern Cambodia. The construction of the complex, which lasted three centuries, attests to the evolution of sculptural art in the Angkor period, but the temple's main boast is its spectacular location.
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9. Kratie
The starting point for outings in search of the Mekong's rare orcas, Kratie is a busy crossroads along the route between Phnom Penh and north-eastern Cambodia or southern Laos. The town retains a decadent colonial charm as well as some of the most beautiful sunsets over the Mekong. Nearby Koh Trong is a relaxing destination to stay with local families or to explore by bike. North of Kratie is the Mekong Discovery Trail, an adventurous route along the river, with overnight stays in villages and bike rides.
Amok, a typical Khmer dish ©Guenter Fischer/Getty Images
10. Khmer cuisine
Everyone has tried Thai and Vietnamese cuisine before going to South-East Asia, but Khmer cuisine is almost unknown. The national speciality isamok (baked fish with lemongrass, chilli and coconut), but there are many other fish and seafood dishes, including Kep crabs flavoured with Kampot pepper. We would not be in Asia without street food, which in Cambodia ranges from noodles(mee) and congee(bobor, a kind of rice porridge) to fried tarantulas and roasted crickets.
