Cambodia Tourism All Offices Address & Location

Cambodia Tourism: Sights and Places to visit.

The Kingdom of Cambodia is a nation with a rich history, rich topography and a strong will that still fascinates the travellers. Over the past twenty years, there has been a phenomenal growth in tourism to Cambodia and this country not only has emerged as a key source of economic growth but also is a gateway to the culture, history, and natural beauty of this stunning Southeast Asian country. This is  about the best places to visit in Cambodia, and  would like to give you the idea about the role tourism plays in the development of the country, preservation of the culture and interaction with the world.

Historical and Cultural Tourism

Angkor Wat and the Angkor Complex Angkor Wat is the largest religious structure on the earth and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has no greater representation of architectural glory in Cambodia. The temple was built by King Suryavarman II in the 12th century and it has towering towers, large courtyards, reflecting pools, and some of the most elaborate bas-reliefs in Southeast Asia. Travelers who have visited the Angkor complex often awaken very early to see the sunrise over the Angkor Wat, but no one can leave without seeing the rest of the complex: Bayon Temple with its 200 smiling faces, atmospheric Ta Prohm with its trees growing on the temple walls, and not so popular places as Preah Khan and Banteay Srei. Angkor is a vestige of the Khmer golden age.

The Cambodian capital Phnom Penh is full of Phnom Penh Modern on the riverside. The city, which used to be regarded as the Paris of the East, was restored with most of its vitality over the past twenty years. Attractions such as the royal gilded Palace and silver pagoda, the peaceful Buddhist Wat Phnom and the historic Central market with its spectacular Art Deco dome are must-sees. Nevertheless, one sobering yet essential visit is Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek which educates visitors on the horrors of the Khmer Rouge era. Phnom Penh is a city of intersection between the past and the present that can be most effectively explored by foot or by cyclo (rickshaw).

Nature and Adventure Tourism

Tonle Sap Lake and Floating Villages A little bit outside of Siem Reap, the seasonal flooding lands of the Tonle sap accommodate floating villages, fish farms and stilt villages. Outsiders can have a preview of the traditional lake life through boat tours as the tours cover local mangroves, floating markets and Buddhist monasteries that come out with the tide. Birdwatchers revel in the brilliant Prek Toal Biosphere-a nest of rare deliquescent waterbirds such as the giant ibis or painted stork.

Sihanoukville and the Coastal Islands Cambodia have more than 400 kilometers of clean coastline where the white-sand beaches intercede with the turquoise Gulf of Thailand. The most popular seaside resort in the country is Sihanoukville (also known as Kampong Som) which has palm-lined beaches and seafood stalls, bustling nightlife and access to beautiful offshore islands such as Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem. Adventurers may snorkel coral reefs, kayak mangroves or just hang in a hammock and enjoy the sun.

Cardamom Mountains and Eco-Tourism Cardamom Mountains in southwestern Cambodia Cardamom Mountains are a growing hot spot in eco-tourism, with a wide range of activities, such as hiking, cycling, nature trails with hornbills, elephants, untouched rainforests, waterfalls, and traditional minority communities. Ecolodges and conservation initiatives are being developed to conserve this special wildness to the generations to come.

Small Town and Off-the-Beaten Path Destinations

Battambang The artistic capital of Cambodia, Battambang boasts of a French colonial past, a relaxed atmosphere, and rural scenery. In addition to the scenic waterfront boulevards, travelers bike through adjacent rice fields, visit ancient temples such as Wat Banan or ride on the weird Bamboo Train over the old tracks. Cafe culture and circus are also emerging in the city.

Kampot and Kep In the southern provinces is the sleepy riverside town of Kampot with mountain biking, pepper plantations, sunset cruises, and seaside crab shacks of Bokor Hill Station and Kep. This is a place that takes the more peaceful side of Cambodia- ideal to those who wish to avoid the throng.