Finally, Cambodia is
stable more than enough to taste the fruits of tourism.
With its distinct culture, history, and architecture,
Cambodia presents a unique travel experience. And the
best symbolized site is Siem Reap Ankor, hosting
millions of tourists yearly from every corner of the
world. There are also other major attractive sites
ranging from the vibrant capital of Phnom Penh, to the
remote northeast of wildlife and landscapes and the
south coast with white sandy beach. Cambodia is
memorable; once you arrive you will wish your stay was
any longer.
>>Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh was
founded in the 14th century and has been the capital of
Cambodia since 1866 during the rule of King Norodom.
Located at the confluence of three great rivers; Mekong,
Tonle Sap and Bassac, Phnom Penh is remembered as one of
the Indochinese charming cities. This cultural,
economical and political capital city is currently in
rapid change with the huge influx of visitors and
extraordinarily growing number of restaurants, hotels,
nightclubs and commercial buildings. The city also
serves as a gateway to an exotic land of Ankor temples
in the west, the beaches of the southern coast and the
ethnic minorities in the northeast.
Standing near the northern banks of the
great Tonle Sap lake in Cambodia, Siem Reap Town plays a
significant role as the gateway to the millennium-old
temples of the Khmer Empire. Today, Siem Reap is
known to the world as the biggest tourist site of
Cambodia for the presence of such impossibly marvelous
temples being Bayon, Banteaysrey, and the most
heard-about Ankor Wat whose visually artistic impact
earns her a counterpartship to the Pyramids of Egypt,
Machu Pichu of Peru, and the Taj Mahal of India. Beyond
Ankorian temples, the commerialized Siem Reap offers
other tourist attraction sites like Tonle Sap lake, Silk
Farm, rice-paddy countryside, Cultural Village and much
more. During your visit to Ankor, Siem Reap town offers
the wide array of accommodation services ranging from
the five-star luxurious hotel, usually located between
Angkor International Airport and the town along National
Road 6, to family-run guesthouse around Old Market. It
is also noteworthy that eateries accompanied by the
have-to-see Khmer traditional dancing performance are
usually available at the high-class restaurants.
“Sand, sea, sun”-are what best identify
Sihanouk Ville, the Cambodia’s premier beach town. Once
there, you will find yourself enjoying the perfect
sunbath, a soothing swim, a relaxing walk and the
wonderful sunset. You also have chance to take a boat
trip to one of the largely little-explored islands with
breathtaking scenery. Local people usually call
Sihanouk Ville KOmong Som or even Krong Phrea Sihanouk;
however, the three terms can be used interchangeably.
Though constructed as the port city during 1950s, the
town wears a look of more Cambodian beach town than a
port town. Some might claim that any time of the
year is the right time to visit Sihanouk Ville. But if
you are not a rain lover, you should consider some time
in rainy season from May to late October. This white
sandy beach resort, needless to say, is really a welcome
site, especially after spending time wondering around
the Ankor temples or partying hard in Phnom Penh. Plus,
the accommodations and eateries are plentiful ranging
from 2$-per-night guest house and thatch-roofed eateries
along the coast to fully equipped beach resort and high
class restaurants.
Situated on the mountainous
northeastern corner of Cambodia, Ratankiri Province is
considered an eco-tourism capital of Cambodia due to its
rich sources of jungle, wildlife, waterfalls, and
spectacular scenery. The province is also home to some
ethnic minority groups whose tribal lifestyle is somehow
another attraction to foreign visitors. The most
famous tourist site of the province is Yeak Laom
volcanic lake, a perfect bathing spot that is renowned
for its exceptionally clear water, hosting tens of
thousands of tourists every year despite the 586
kilometers of dreadful road from Phnom Penh. The
provincial capital of Ratanakiri is Banlung City where
restaurants, markets, and hotels are available
Mondulkiri is an eastern province of
Cambodia, bordered by Ratanakiri to the north, Vietnam
to the east and southeast, Kratie to the southwest and
west, and shares a very small border with Stung Treng to
the north. It is the most remote and sparely populated
province with the total inhabitants of some 36000, and
80 percent of which is made of ten different tribal
minorities, with the majority of Phnong. A base at the
provincial capital of Sen Monorom is recommended during
your visit in Mondulkiri as there are easy accesses to
restaurants and guest houses. The province’s appeal lies
on the perfect weather and the stunning view of long
grassy hills, dense forests, wildlife and majestic
waterfalls, which all help earn Mondulkiri the
candidateship of Cambodia’s eco-tourism.
Koh Kong is most likely known to
travelers either coming from or going to Thailand by
land. The province is located in the southwest corner of
the country and bordered by Thailand to the west, Pursat
to the north, Komong Speu to the east, and Kampot and
Sihanouk Ville to the southeast. What is unique about
this province is the fact that its populated number has
increased continually over the last few decades. This
factuality no doubts results from migrants attracted
from other parts of the country who choose to lay their
lives on this busily booming frontier zone. Though it
rightly remains a transit stop, the vast availability of
its tourist appeal such as the amazing beaches,
waterfalls, and striking landscape are likely to turn
Koh Kong a tourist destination.
Bordered by Thailand, Preah Vihear
remains underdeveloped owing to the poor infrastructure.
This remote province is accessible by road only and
either via Oddar Meanchey province from the west or via
Kompong Thom from the south. Nevertheless, it is
fortunate enough to be the heir of Prasat Preah Vihear,
Koh Ker, and Preah Khan temple. Though the accessibility
to the 3 sites is not convenient, there are great many
of determined travelers visiting these Ankorian temples,
especially Preah Vihear temple, which was recently
designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Battambang is a
province of Cambodia that is nestled in the northwest of
the country and bordered with Thailand. Known as the
largest rice-producing province, its economy lies
heavily on the agricultural industry. Once there, you
will have chance to explore the Anorian temples nearby
the town where serves as a nice base during your
visiting. There are varieties of appealing sites ranging
from magnificent temples to waterfalls. If to specify
the most popular place of Battambang, it would be
nationally agreed to opt Kamping Poy Lake, a perfect
swimming spot hosting countless locals every
weekend.
About 150 kilometers away from the
capital of Phnom Penh, Kompot is considered one of the
winning tourist destinations of Cambodia. This quiet
town is most famous for many features, one of which is
the reputable produce of the best pepper in the country.
Another contribution is the fact that the seafood there
(imported from the nearby Kep town) is fresh, plentiful
and delicious; the bottom line is it is cheap. Besides,
this beach town is also known to possess tourist
charming places like Bokor National Park, one of the
country’s most preserved area, the scenic two-tier
waterfall of Popokvil Falls and the popular bathing spot
of Tek Chhouu Falls, not to mention many unspoilt
islands and the beach resort of Kep that is only miles
away to visit.
Kep is one of the four cities of
Cambodia. The economy is quite strong thanks to the
fresh seafood available at the sea making Kep an active
trading town. Unfortunately, should you seek the “sand,
sea, sun” there might be a little disappointment as its
beaches are less enjoyable with mangrove and black rock
rather than white-sand beach. A short boat ride to the
breathtaking Rabbit Island, however, would pay well.
Rabbit Island is currently under the development project
owing to the combination of its white sandy beach with
shallow water and the resource of varied fish, plant and
coral, which all make ecology research possible.
One of the Cambodia’s newest provinces,
formed during 1980s, Banteay Meanchey is considered a
well off province, thanks to the border shared with
Thailand. The niche is found at Poipet, a town treated
as the Las Vegas of Cambodia. There has been an
increasing number of casinos in Poipet while gambling is
prohibited in Thailand, which makes this bordering zone
a lively pass-by. Taking tourism into account, the most
popular site would be Banteay Chhmar, a massive temple
built by the greatest king Jayavarman VII. It will
be the right place to explore for any traveler whose
interest is more than what Siem Reap offers.
Pailin is the smallest city among the
Cambodia’s 4 cities. Following the footprint of Poipet,
Pailin is home to though not as many as in Poipet some
casinos that are enjoying fruits of profit, most of
which is from Thai gamblers. There are also attractive
places to visit in this lively tiny city, and the best
example is Phnom Khieu Waterfall. Stretching along the
lower reaches of Chuor Phnom Kravanh, this swimming hole
is about 20 km away from the town to the southwest. The
site may promise to make the city worth visiting.
Oddar Meanchey is definitely the newest
province of Cambodia’s; it gains little concern from the
government though. Only few attractions are available in
this remote province; therefore, not many visitors come
to this town besides some determined souls who is
curious to witness the former Khmer Rough town of Anlong
Veng. Once being the Khmer Rough strongholds, Anlong
Veng was home to the most notorious leaders of the Dark
Period such as Pol Pot, (died in 1988,) Nuon Chea, Khieu
Samphan, and Ta Mok(died in Calemet hospital in 2006).
Anlong Veng is now a 100 percent safe place to visit
with spectaular view of dense forest, especially some
area around the ride of Chuor Phnom Dang Rek.
This province is very large in size
with some 13,814 km2 making it the second biggest
province of Cambodia. It is known as the historical and
cultural site to explore with the presence of the
pre-Ankorian temples. One of all to get mentioned is the
7th-century Sambor Prei Kuk, which is considered the
most impressive archeological site after Ankor Siem
Reap. Another popular scene is Phnom Son Tuk Resort, the
most sacred mountain of the region. Phnom Son Tuk
is located on top of the mountain; in other words, you
have 980 stairs to claim. There is a big worship hall
that is made of stone with red-tile roofed and decorated
by the genius Khmer architectural style with many
statues of Buddhist surrounding
This seems to be the most inadequate
province in terms of the poor infrastructure, infertile
soil, and passive trading. Svay Rieng is also
notoriously famous for the highest crime rates due to
the scarcity of the daily income as most of the locals
are basely living on farming and fishing. All in all,
Svay Rieng, not surprisingly, is necessarily easy to get
recognized as the poorest province of Cambodia. By the
way, anywhere to visit? Yes, of course. Like other
provinces, Svay Rieng is worth a visit thanks to the
spectacular view of the country shaped by the landscape
of complex forest.
Almost completely surrounding what is
national capital city of Phnom Penh, Kandal covers the
land area of 3,568 km2, with the population density of
301.3 inha./ km2. Sharing the long border with Phnom
Penh, Kandal easily wins the most day trips from
travelers due to its many convenient accessible tourist
destinations ranging from the historical scene to the
beautifully shaped landscape of mountainous area. Some
attractions worth mentioning includes Phnom Udong, Kean
Svay resort, Phnom Prasit, and so on.
Kompong Cham is best known as the
province of the largest population in Cambodia. The
industry of rubber plantations and the produce of finest
silk and Krama too are the key features to symbolize the
province as a whole. Located on the excellent condition
of Road number 6 and serving as the gateway to the busy
Siem Reap Ankor, it is one way or another the most
frequently pass by. As far as tourism is concerned,
Kompong Cham can be the tourist destination thanks to
such places as Kbal Chhay waterfall, Koh Paen(island),
Phnom Bros Phnom Srey and so on.
The most remarkable thing about Kratie
is the fact that it is the only place in Cambodia
allowing us to witness the freshwater Irrawaddy
dolphins. Kratie is approximately 315km far from Phnom
Penh and seems to straddle on the half way between Phnom
Penh and Rattanakiri, which makes a good base to visit
the remote eastern Rattanakiri. Kratie residents, not
much different from other Cambodians, are mostly living
on substantial farming and fishing Despite the
unpleasant road to Kratie, it is still worth a visit,
again, thanks to the natural resource of the uncommonly
freshwater dolphins.
This is one of the most isolated
provinces of Cambodia with some 415km distant from Phnom
Penh. There are some 25,000 inhabitants in Stung Treng
most of which are farmer. And the majority of the locals
take the advantages from the Tonle Sap Lake to enjoy the
stable profitability of freshwater fish that leaves the
province known as an active trading town. In spite of
being less concerned about, Stung Treng offers some
tourist sites such Thala Boravit, Ou Pong Moan, Koh
Khsach Resort, and so on so forth.
Covering the land area of 4,883 km˛,
Prey Veng constitutes 2.70% of the total land area of
Cambodia (181,035km2) It is 90 km separated between
Phnom Penh and Prey Veng, and the best way to reach
there is being on bus from the capital Central Market to
Neak Luong and then after crossing on the ferry, taking
a one-dollar-drive with a share taxi to the provincial
town. Remember, Kampong Cham is a must-alternative
pass by during the wet season as the road is usually
accessible to only motorbikes. In spite of the shortage
of tourist attractions, the province, wearing a
historical look, deserves a stop thanks to the presence
of the evidently ruined temple of Preah Vihear Chann at
Ba Phnom, a religious site believed to have been the
birthplace of Funan Khmer.
Takeo is best described as the oldest
province rich in tourist destinations, and specifically
in historic of the era of Anachak Phnom and Chenla.
Simply being close to the capital city of Phnom Penh,
Takeo easily wins the most numbers of day trips. Not
only is Takeo home to the legacy of the six ancient
temples, but also home to some often-visited resorts
such as Tonle Bati, Phnom Ta Mao(zoo,) Chi So mountain,
Neang Khmao Temple, and many more.
Pursat would have been mentioned less
without the tomb of a Khmer national hero Kleang Meung,
who sacrificed his life and defeated the Thais in a
battle in 1482. Pursat seems to have fewer resorts to
describe than other provinces, we therefore hardly see
the tourists besides those who stop for lunch and
continue to Battambang. Most of the locals, same old
story, basely live on farming and fishing, while some
involve in manual work in marble carving what is
uniquely present in Pursat.
Kompong Chhang covers the land area of
5,521 km2 with some 418,000 inhabitants. It is
considered one of the provinces with fewest tourist
attractions. Kompong Chhnang, as its name suggests is
famous of its unique symbol of claypots (Chhnang in
Khmer) largely produced by the locals and sold
throughout Cambodia. The province sometimes makes a
day-trip destination to travelers due to short distance
from the capital city. Surrounded by water for most of
the time, the town is home to many floating villages
along the river as well as some tremendously ruined
temples. Given that, a boat trip is the most convenient
means to snap all those all.
Sharing a long border with Kandal,
Kompong Spue is approximately 40 km southeast away from
Phnom Penh. The province’s economy is quite good
including the tourism field. The main attraction is Ampe
Phnom, a natural and cultural site of the province. Once
there, visitors will have chance to swim in the stream
and enjoy the relaxing lunch on the cottages above the
stream. But, attention, do not ever leave any belongings
unattended as you will risk your valuables against the
inhuman thieves (monkey) who usually claim down from the
trees to take things away.
About Cambodia
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