People tend to visit Cambodia as part of a holiday to other Asian countries. But get to know this beautiful country and there’s a lot to see and do. Here are some of Cambodia must see attractions:
1. Taste Khmer Cuisine
The specialties of Cambodia are not as well-known as other Asian cuisines but the flavours are divine. Try Amok which is baked fish with lemongrass, coconut and chilli or sample some congee which is rice porridge. The seafood is really fresh here and delicious. Feeling brave? Try a deep fried tarantula or roast cricket. Walking around the markets is a must do here as they are full of fresh food and really colourful.
2. Reflect on the past at Tuol Sleng
Cambodia has a tragic and bloody past scarred by genocide and civil war. The Tuol Sleng prison in Phnom Penh is a sombre place but an important place to visit to understand the past. This is often combined with the Killing Fields and is an insight into the tragedy of the genocide under Pol Pot’s regime.
3. Enjoy Battambang
The city of Battambang is one of the finest colonial era towns and is worth a visit for its architecture. It is a delight to explore and is close to Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary which is one of the world’s best nature reserves. It is also popular for cycling both in town and the surrounding countryside.
4. See Angkor Wat at Sunrise
There are two reasons for seeing Angkor Wat as the sun rises and one is the beauty of the sky and lake reflections here. The other is to avoid the crowds that descend later in the day. This is one of the most famous temples in the world and an iconic sight. Take time to walk around the complex to see the wall friezes, and climb to the various levels.
5. Be entertained with unique performances
When Pol Pot ruled Cambodia all arts and crafts were exterminated overnight. In recent years there has been a revival of traditional dance and other arts. Each evening there is a performance of traditional Khmer or Apsara dancing in the National Museum in Phnom Penh. The Phare Cambodian Circus in Siam Reap is fun to see and is a show involving people from disadvantaged communities trained as acrobats. You’ll also see music played by victims of landmine accidents here too.
6. Explore Angkor Thom and Banteay Srai
There are lots of other interesting temples to explore in Cambodia. At Angkor Thom the distinctive faces carved into the structures are a feature of the complex. The Ladies Temple at Banteay Srai is renowned for the beautiful reflections in the lake surrounding it as well as the carvings. At Koh Ker you’ll find a pyramid like temple unlike the other Khmer structures. For some unusual views the Ta Prohm Temple is a fascinating place to visit with trees growing out of the temples. This is where Tomb Raider was filmed with Angelina Jolie.
7. Visit Phnom Penh Royal Palace
Gleaming in gold, the Royal Palace was built in 1866 to serve as the residence of the King of Cambodia. It contains a complex of spectacular buildings made of gold and silver. Explore the Throne Hall with its central spire that is 59m tall, the Silver Pagoda with floor made up of more than 500 solid silver blocks, and the Emerald Buddha made of Baccarat crystal and solid gold.
8. Buy Handicrafts
Cambodia has many thriving businesses in the handicraft sector and several are social enterprises that employ disadvantaged people. The work is high quality and includes wood carving and silk weaving. Visitors can tour workshops and see some beautiful items on display. Profits generally go towards the community projects.
9. Visit a Floating Village
Lake Tonle Sap is the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia and provides half the fish supplies for Cambodia. There are villages on stilts and taking a boat journey here is a fascinating glimpse into the lifestyle of the locals. Another water based trip in Cambodia is a boat trip on the Mekong River in Phnom Penh as the sun sets. Finish off the experience with cocktails at the Foreign Correspondents Club close by.
10. Chill out on the beach
Sihanoukville is a popular beach resort in Cambodia and has water sports as well as a white sandy shore. If you are looking for somewhere to chill out after the temples of Siam Reap and the traffic in Phnom Penh then try a few days at Sihanoukville beach.
Cambodia is a hidden gem in Asia and has a lot to see and do. Get to know Cambodia and you’ll be back for a repeat visit.
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