Cambodia is a country with so much to offer travelers that it can be hard to decide on the best, must see locations. With its amazing historic and archaeological locations, stunning countryside and beautiful beaches, it offers an ideal balance of adventure, activity and tranquility. Here are five of the must-see spots around the country to help plan your next trip.
Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat has become something of a symbol of Cambodia, a huge complex of buildings that date from the Khmer Empire that ruled the area from the 9th to the 15th centuries. Angkor Wat is the best preserved of the temples, visible from some distance and breath-taking when up close. The uniqueness and detailed carving of the building are unlike any other, so it is an unmissable part of the trip.
Phnom Penh
The modern capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh was one of the most picturesque cities in French Indochina and is known as the ‘Pearl of Asia’. Today it is a city that balances its history, both wonderful and tragic while also being a thoroughly modern capital. The city was founded in 1434 and there are many historic architectural wonders to see from throughout its history including Wat Phnom, the oldest structure in the city. The National Museum and Royal Throne Hall are also notable buildings to check out during a visit.
The Killing Fields
The horrific rule of the Khmer Rouge dominated Cambodia in the 1970s and during that time, the regime was responsible for murdering over one million of its people. One of the places to visit to understand these terrible times is known as The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. This is a mass grave estimated to hold some 20,000 people and has been topped into a memorial stupa. This tragic place is very poignant and if you want to experience a holiday in Cambodia fully, this is a must-see location. To understand more about what happened here, you might also want to visit the Tuel Sleng Museum of Genocide in Phnom Penh.
Sihanoukville
If you want a break from it all, one of the best places to visit is Sihanoukville. This was developed in the 1950s as the country’s first and only deep-water port but by the 1990s, people started to realize that it was a great place for a beach holiday. The town now has that tropical beach resort vibe with white sand beaches fringed by palm trees. There are also plenty of off-shore islands to explore and water sports to enjoy.
Kirirom National Park
Kirirom National Park is one of the most important wildlife sanctuaries in the country but isn’t often on many tourist maps. The pine-covered hills have plenty of well-marked trails to walk with lakes and waterfalls often just off the path. Poaching has had a negative effect on the area in the past but the protection it is now offered means there are elephants, leopards, wild ox and deer living in the park. Sadly, there have been no sightings of the native tigers for some years and they are believed extinct, a sad reminder of past.