Whether you are planning on travelling around Asia or just want to take in a single country on the continent, Cambodia is one place you should definitely think about visiting. Here you will discover a vast array of astounding attractions and get the chance to take part in wonderful activities.
The country dates back some 2,000 years and has an extremely fascinating history that is just waiting to be explored.
Rich in culture, natural and historical heritage, Cambodia is extraordinary, enigmatic and quite simply one of the most amazing countries in the world. The countryside is gorgeous, not to mention the temples: one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Siem Reap. The temples of Angkor are the reason most people visit Cambodia and they are amongst the most awe inspiring human achievements on the planet.
Beyond Angkor is a country that is dragging itself out of the ravages of war and political turmoil, a simple Buddhist country with all the rustic charms of Southeast Asia in its purest form.
On a trip to Cambodia you will really get to experience magical country, with very friendly people and some of the best tourist attractions you can see in the world.
I went backpacking in Cambodia and the country left a very special place in my heart, it really is one of my favourite destinations I’ve ever been to. View my tips for where to go, what to do and how to
Cambodia Travel Booking Resources
These are my favourite companies to use when I travel.
• Search cheap flights with Skyscanner.
• Find the best deals on hotels on Booking.com.
Cambodia Tours
Maybe you are travelling solo, or worried about safety, or the language barrier, then there are lots of awesome travel companies offering tours to the most popular locations in the country.
I recommend browsing small group adventure tours with G Adventures or Contiki – both companies help thousands of international travellers see the highlights of Cambodia every year.
There are lots of trips to just Cambodia, or overland travelling through other countries in the region.
Itinerary
Two weeks is a good amount of time to experience the highlights of Cambodia, although specific places can be visited in less time although the trip will be rushed. More time allows you to see more of the beautiful country.
Here are some essential places not to miss: Phnom Penh, Siem Reap + Angkor Temples, Banlung, Cha Ong Waterfall, Pak Ta Mak Mountain, Ven Sai Village, Ka Chanh Waterfall, Kratie, Phnom Srei, Pros, Kompong Cham and Tonle Sap Lake.
Best Places to Visit in Cambodia
Depending on where you go and what you do, there will be the chance to see ancient architecture and temples, relax on beautiful beaches, volunteer or teach English or participate in adventure sports.
Here where to add to your Cambodia travel itinerary:
Phnom Penh beckons for most travellers visiting Cambodia with the splendour of 13th-Century Khmer temples and bustling city life.
Siem Reap is a popular city to visit and one of the main tourism hubs, mainly due to being the gateway to the Angkor temples. These are one thing that should certainly not be missed on any trip to Cambodia. As the largest religious building in the world, it is unsurprising that this is one of Cambodia’s most popular attractions – it even features on the national flag.
Sihanoukville & Islands
Looking to relax and enjoy some beaches? Head south to Sihanoukville. While not the most beautiful beaches in this part of the world, Sihanoukville and the nearby islands are basically the only sand and sun scene you’re going to find in the country.
Sihanoukville was once a quiet little fishing town and backer hub but sadly recently it has been turned into a Chinese tourism hotspot with huge hotels and casinos.
There are still ways to get an authentic experience though, travel further up or down the coast, or catch a boat to Koh Rong, Koh Rong Sanloem, Koh Ta Kiev, Koh Thmei, Bamboo Island, Kaoh Tonsay, Kaoh Tang, King Island and Kaoh Pring.
After a week or two of climbing around temples and touring the outer villages, you will find it a welcome respite. A few days will do you, but you will find a number of waterfront eateries where you can sit on large cushions on the sand and dine by candlelight along with the expected range of beach bars.
Battambang
With modern-day monasteries, colonial architecture and the popular bamboo train, Battambang deserves a day or two on any Cambodian itinerary. There are also some charming outer villages, and a fun place to drink and eat in the evening called The River Balcony, which comes complete with lounging couches, white lights and a river view.
Banlung
From Phnom Penh with its faded colonial charms to Banlung, a base to explore Cambodia’s largest park Virachey, containing rainforest, mountains, waterfalls and mountain tribes.
Kratie
Be sure to add the slightly off the beaten track Kratie to your itinerary – home of the famous Irrawady Dolphins and a scenic riverside town located on the banks of the Mekong.
Kompong Cham and Komponh Tom
Explore ancient Cham ruins in Kompong Cham and Komponh Tom.
Cardamom Mountains
There is much more to the country than historic buildings, however, and if you are hoping to take part in exciting adventure sports, the Cardamom Mountains region is the perfect place to do just that. Situated in the south-west of Cambodia, here you can go on wonderful treks through the jungle before trying your hand at kayaking.
Off the Beaten Track
You might like to visit some of the more remote areas of the country check out Ratanakiri and Stung Treng, formally a part of Laos, now located in northern Cambodia. Along the way you will encounter lush scenery and a wealth of archaeological sites.
Cambodia’s History
While you’ll be overcome by the wonder of Cambodia, there are constant reminders of the country’s tragic history. It’s hard not to think that the country roads were once heavily mined, and that the dry rice paddies were once Pol Pot’s killing fields.
But while the scars of thirty years of conflict are evident in Cambodia’s physical landscape, it is the country’s young people that have been hit the hardest.
Children constitute roughly half of Cambodia’s population and are among the poorest in the world. Cambodia has the highest infant mortality rates in East Asia. For every 1000 live births, 97 babies will not survive and another 141 will die before their fifth birthday. Quite shocking stats.
Today, Cambodia remains deeply impoverished, with some of the most undiscovered land mines in the world littering their beautiful countryside. Each year, many children and adults are injured, crippled, or killed by these wartime remnants. In spite of this, Cambodia’s people are some of the kindest, gentlest souls you will ever meet.
Everyone has a smile for you, especially the loads of children running around. Just being here will uplift your heart, not just break it. People are eager to get to know you and are quick to extend an invitation to their village homes in the beautiful countryside in order to share their lives and what little they have with you.
Volunteer in Cambodia
If you are keen to volunteer abroad there are many NGO’s in places like Battambang, Siem Riep, Phnom Penh and all over Cambodia that could use your help. If you search online or seek out opportunities locally you can find NGO’s that need help.
Many NGO’s would be happy even if you only had a day or a few hours to spare and the volunteering we did enabled us to meet wonderful people that really enriched the trip itself. It allowed me to have an authentic travel experience, hear personal stories about the Khmer Rouge, and allow time to give back to – and help – this wonderful country.
If you don’t have time to volunteer, you can support the many stores, restaurants, and entertainment options that support good causes.
Food & Drink
Cambodian food incorporates many elements of Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese cuisines. It is very tasty and you can expect to eat very well during your placement.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are usually served buffet style. Breakfast typically includes coffee, juice or tea with bread, crackers, jam or fruits.
Lunch and dinner meals typically includes a main dish consisting of rice, noodles, fresh vegetables, chicken, beef, fish or pork, and then a small dessert like fruit.
Cambodia isn’t really famous for its food, but as a country that was once rich in spices and quality produce before it was ravaged by civil war, it has the bones of a gastronomic powerhouse.
Take a stroll to the nearest market or street vendor, pull up a plastic stool, grab a cold beer, take a deep breath and ask for one of the following.
Nom bahn chok – Khmer noodles
One of Cambodia’s most beloved dishes, nom bahn chok is a breakfast staple. Take rice noodles, add a fish-based green curry sauce made from turmeric, lemongrass and kaffir lime, finish with fresh mint, banana flower, cucumber, bean sprouts, green beans and a combination of other fresh greens. Bingo: nom bahn chok.
Kdam cha
A dish worth travelling to Cambodia’s southern towns of Kampot and Kep for, kdam cha is, basically, fried crab. Whole crabs are stir fried with locally grown fresh Kampot peppers (a world-renowned pepper among gourmet types) and garlic cloves. Cracking into the crab and hunting down the best morsels of meat among the delicious pungent sauce is perhaps one of life’s greatest pleasures.
Red tree ants with beef and holy basil
A most delicious dish of garlic, shallots, ginger, lemongrass, chili, finely sliced beef, and of course the slightly sour red ants that the dish is named for. A relatively easy dish for foreign palettes to enjoy, especially considering the inclusion of, y’know, red ants, this one’s a real treat.
Safety
Cambodia can seem like a daunting country to visit, with the history of the country and also more rustic feel than say overly touristy Thailand. But local people are very friendly and you are unlikely to encounter any major issues when exploring the country.
Words & Phrases to Learn
Be sure to learn some basic local words and phrases will which make your trip to Cambodia more fun and respectful:
• Hello: Chum reap sur, if you’re being formal (pronounced “choom-reep-sir”). The more common greeting is Sues-Day (‘Sues’ pronounced like Dr Seuss)
• Goodbye: Leah sin houwy (usually shortened to just ‘leah howy’)
• Thank-you: Orkun (pronounced “or-coon”)
• Sorry: Saum or kun (sohm-or-coon) is very formal. Better to use ‘soum toh’ (pronounced like ‘soom toe’)
• Yes: For men – Baht (pronounced “bought”) and for women: Chah (pronounced “chah”)
• No: ‘Awt tay’ is probably the best one to use. ‘Teh’ is appropriate too, but sounds a lot like the word for tea, which can get confusing. Especially when refusing tea.
Plan a Trip to Cambodia
With so many amazing attractions and wonderful things to do, you can be confident that a trip to Cambodia will be an experience that you will never forget. I was very sad to leave Cambodia and can’t wait to return. The nation and its people have found a very special place in my heart.