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Cambodia

Cambodia Highlights

Cambodia, located in Southeast Asia, is a country with a rich cultural heritage, stunning temples, and a resilient spirit. Phnom Penh, the capital, offers the historic Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, and the moving Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Beyond Phnom Penh, explore the stunning Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, or the beautiful beaches of Sihanoukville. Don`t miss the unique floating villages of Tonle Sap, the wildlife of the Cardamom Mountains, or the colonial charm of Battambang. Cambodian cuisine, known for dishes like amok trey, bai sach chrouk, and a variety of unique rice dishes, is flavorful and diverse. Whether you`re exploring a historic Khmer temple, learning about the country`s past, or relaxing on a beautiful beach, Cambodia offers a unique and enriching travel experience.

Top 10 Attractions

Angkor Thom

Just north of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom was the last capital of the Khmer Empire. At its center is the Bayon, a Buddhist temple known for its numerous massive stone faces. Other notable sites within Angkor Thom include Baphuon, Phimeanakas, the Terrace... more

Just north of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom was the last capital of the Khmer Empire. At its center is the Bayon, a Buddhist temple known for its numerous massive stone faces. Other notable sites within Angkor Thom include Baphuon, Phimeanakas, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King.

Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world, initially constructed as a Hindu temple for the Khmer Empire, transforming into a Buddhist temple towards the end of the 12th century. It is a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national fl... more

Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world, initially constructed as a Hindu temple for the Khmer Empire, transforming into a Buddhist temple towards the end of the 12th century. It is a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag, and it is the country`s primary attraction for visitors.

Banteay Srei

Banteay Srei or Banteay Srey is a 10th-century Cambodian temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Banteay Srei is built largely of red sandstone, a medium that lends itself to the elaborate decorative wall carvings which are still observable today. more

Banteay Srei or Banteay Srey is a 10th-century Cambodian temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Banteay Srei is built largely of red sandstone, a medium that lends itself to the elaborate decorative wall carvings which are still observable today.

Beng Mealea

With its untamed beauty, Beng Mealea, which means `lotus pond`, is a hidden gem in the Angkor archaeological park. Built in the 12th century under Suryavarman II, Beng Mealea is now largely overrun by vegetation, giving it a distinct allure and makin... more

With its untamed beauty, Beng Mealea, which means `lotus pond`, is a hidden gem in the Angkor archaeological park. Built in the 12th century under Suryavarman II, Beng Mealea is now largely overrun by vegetation, giving it a distinct allure and making it a favorite among many visitors.

Bokor Hill Station

Bokor Hill Station near Kampot was built by the French in the 1920s to be used as a retreat from the heat of Phnom Penh. It has since been abandoned twice, first in the 1940s when the Japanese invaded Cambodia and again in the 1970s, when the Khmer R... more

Bokor Hill Station near Kampot was built by the French in the 1920s to be used as a retreat from the heat of Phnom Penh. It has since been abandoned twice, first in the 1940s when the Japanese invaded Cambodia and again in the 1970s, when the Khmer Rouge engulfed the country.

Kampot Pepper Farm

Kampot pepper is famed around the world. Tours of the pepper plantations have become increasingly popular, allowing visitors to observe the cultivation and preparation of this spice. The La Plantation farm is a popular choice, with free guided tours... more

Kampot pepper is famed around the world. Tours of the pepper plantations have become increasingly popular, allowing visitors to observe the cultivation and preparation of this spice. The La Plantation farm is a popular choice, with free guided tours and a shop selling pepper products.

Kep

A small beach town that was once the favorite holiday spot for Cambodia`s French-influenced elite, Kep offers beautiful ocean views, a relaxed atmosphere and some of the best seafood in the country. Kep Beach is famous for its crab cooked in Kampot p... more

A small beach town that was once the favorite holiday spot for Cambodia`s French-influenced elite, Kep offers beautiful ocean views, a relaxed atmosphere and some of the best seafood in the country. Kep Beach is famous for its crab cooked in Kampot pepper.

Killing Fields of Choeung Ek

An orchard about 17km south of Phnom Penh, Choeung Ek served the Khmer Rouge regime as an execution ground to put down thousands of people between 1975 and 1979. The site is now better known as the Killing Fields. more

An orchard about 17km south of Phnom Penh, Choeung Ek served the Khmer Rouge regime as an execution ground to put down thousands of people between 1975 and 1979. The site is now better known as the Killing Fields.

Koh Ker

Koh Ker was the Capital of the Khmer Empire for a very brief period from the year 928 to 944 AD. In this short time, some very spectacular buildings and immense sculptures were constructed. more

Koh Ker was the Capital of the Khmer Empire for a very brief period from the year 928 to 944 AD. In this short time, some very spectacular buildings and immense sculptures were constructed.

Kratie

Kratie is a small town located on the banks of the Mekong River and is dominated by a central marketplace surrounded by old, French colonial buildings. There`s no large-scale tourism, but plenty of backpackers come here for the chance to see the rare... more

Kratie is a small town located on the banks of the Mekong River and is dominated by a central marketplace surrounded by old, French colonial buildings. There`s no large-scale tourism, but plenty of backpackers come here for the chance to see the rare Irrawaddy dolphins, which live in the Mekong River.

National Museum of Cambodia

Located in Phnom Penh, the museum is home to the world`s largest collection of Khmer art, including sculptural, ceramics, bronzes, and ethnographic objects. The Museum’s collection includes over 14,000 items, from prehistoric times to periods before,... more

Located in Phnom Penh, the museum is home to the world`s largest collection of Khmer art, including sculptural, ceramics, bronzes, and ethnographic objects. The Museum’s collection includes over 14,000 items, from prehistoric times to periods before, during, and after the Khmer Empire.

Phnom Kulen National Park

An important site for Cambodians, Phnom Kulen National Park features a giant reclining Buddha, hundreds of lingas etched into the sandstone riverbed, waterfalls and remnants of temples partially reclaimed by the jungle. It`s a place of great signific... more

An important site for Cambodians, Phnom Kulen National Park features a giant reclining Buddha, hundreds of lingas etched into the sandstone riverbed, waterfalls and remnants of temples partially reclaimed by the jungle. It`s a place of great significance in the history of the Khmer empire as it was here that Jayavarman II declared himself a devaraja (god-king).

Phnom Penh`s Royal Palace

The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh was constructed over a century ago to serve as the residence of the King of Cambodia, his family and foreign dignitaries, as a venue for the performance of court ceremonies and rituals and as a symbol of the Kingdom. It... more

The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh was constructed over a century ago to serve as the residence of the King of Cambodia, his family and foreign dignitaries, as a venue for the performance of court ceremonies and rituals and as a symbol of the Kingdom. It serves to this day as the Cambodian home of King Norodom Sihamoni and former King Norodom Sihanouk.

Preah Vihear

Preah Vihear is a Khmer temple situated atop a 525 meter cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains, on the border between Cambodia and Thailand. It has the most spectacular setting of all the Khmer temples. Most of the temple was constructed in the 11th and 12t... more

Preah Vihear is a Khmer temple situated atop a 525 meter cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains, on the border between Cambodia and Thailand. It has the most spectacular setting of all the Khmer temples. Most of the temple was constructed in the 11th and 12th century during the reigns of the Khmer kings Suryavarman I and Suryavarman II.

Romdeng

Romdeng is set in a beautiful colonial building surrounded by a lush garden and swimming pool. A member of the TREE Alliance, Romdeng trains disadvantaged youth for careers in the hospitality industry. Romdeng serves authentic Khmer food ranging from... more

Romdeng is set in a beautiful colonial building surrounded by a lush garden and swimming pool. A member of the TREE Alliance, Romdeng trains disadvantaged youth for careers in the hospitality industry. Romdeng serves authentic Khmer food ranging from almost forgotten recipes from rural provinces to contemporary creative Khmer cuisine.

Sihanoukville`s Beaches

Sihanoukville is Cambodia`s most famous beach town. Better-known as Kampong Som to locals, it is about 230 km southwest of Phnom Penh and boasts pristine white-sand beaches and warm Gulf of Thailand waters. more

Sihanoukville is Cambodia`s most famous beach town. Better-known as Kampong Som to locals, it is about 230 km southwest of Phnom Penh and boasts pristine white-sand beaches and warm Gulf of Thailand waters.

Silver Pagoda

Located within the Royal Palace compound in Phnom Penh, the Silver Pagoda houses many national treasures such as gold and jeweled Buddha statues. Most notable is a small 17th century baccarat crystal Buddha (the "Emerald Buddha" of Cambodia) and a li... more

Located within the Royal Palace compound in Phnom Penh, the Silver Pagoda houses many national treasures such as gold and jeweled Buddha statues. Most notable is a small 17th century baccarat crystal Buddha (the "Emerald Buddha" of Cambodia) and a life-sized gold Maitreya Buddha decorated with 9584 diamonds.

Ta Prohm

Unlike most Angkorian temples, Ta Prohm has been left in much the same condition in which it was found. The photogenic and atmospheric combination of trees growing out of the ruins and the jungle surroundings have made it one of Angkor`s most popular... more

Unlike most Angkorian temples, Ta Prohm has been left in much the same condition in which it was found. The photogenic and atmospheric combination of trees growing out of the ruins and the jungle surroundings have made it one of Angkor`s most popular temples with visitors.

Tonle Sap

Tonle Sap is the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia and is of major importance to Cambodia. The lake expands and shrinks dramatically with the seasons. From November to May, Cambodia`s dry season, the Tonlé Sap drains into the Mekong River at... more

Tonle Sap is the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia and is of major importance to Cambodia. The lake expands and shrinks dramatically with the seasons. From November to May, Cambodia`s dry season, the Tonlé Sap drains into the Mekong River at Phnom Penh. However, when the year`s heavy rains begin in June, the flow of the Tonlé Sap changes direction and an enormous lake forms.

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Prior to 1975, Toul Sleng was a high school. When the Khmer Rouge came to power it was converted into the S-21 prison and interrogation facility. Inmates were systematically tortured, sometimes over a period of months, to extract confessions, after w... more

Prior to 1975, Toul Sleng was a high school. When the Khmer Rouge came to power it was converted into the S-21 prison and interrogation facility. Inmates were systematically tortured, sometimes over a period of months, to extract confessions, after which they were executed at the killing fields of Choeung Ek.

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