Cambodia – an Organic Synthesis of Nature’s Wonders and Ancient History
Cambodia is an organic synthesis of the wonders of nature and the ancient history of humanity, embodied in the amazing monuments of the ancient Khmer civilization. But it is also home to modern resorts with rich amenities and diverse leisure activities to satisfy even the most discerning traveler.
The abundance of fruits, delicious cuisine, and the friendliness of the locals are pleasant bonuses of staying in Cambodia. Pristine nature with crystal waterfalls, the famous lake with its floating village, impenetrable jungles, unique fauna, and magnificent beaches have made this once war-torn country attractive to tourists. However, before traveling to this exotic land, it is advisable to get vaccinations against hepatitis, encephalitis, and others.
Siem Reap
Located in the northwest of Cambodia, this city is considered the gateway to the ancient capital of the country, Angkor. Once the largest spiritual and cultural center of the Khmer Republic, it was built with majestic palaces and temples—unparalleled examples of amazing wooden architecture. Now, it is a tourist site protected by UNESCO. Many choose Siem Reap to be closer to Angkor (6 km) and to see this unique monument. The local international airport receives planes from many Asian countries.
Siem Reap (translated from Khmer as “victory over the Siamese”) is located on both banks of the river of the same name, which meanders through the city. Every year, the city develops rapidly as a modern resort with many good hotels, restaurants, various food stalls, pizzerias, and bars. Besides Angkor, tourists have the opportunity to see other equally interesting attractions directly in Siem Reap and its surroundings.
Sihanoukville
The young resort of Sihanoukville gained this status only in the 1990s. Before that, the city served as a convenient port, built by the French in 1955-60. Today, it is the main beach resort not only for Cambodians but also for foreigners. Clean sandy beaches and the sea, along with low prices, attract Russian tourists who want to relax in solitude.
Mainly, these are those who love to travel independently, without tour packages. The possibility of cheap beach leisure, the absence of crowds, and local exoticism are the main incentives for visiting Sihanoukville (lion’s jaws). The choice of beaches, which differ significantly from each other, is quite large. Among them are crowded, “party” beaches with the corresponding infrastructure, numerous restaurants, bars, and hotels.
An example of such a beach is Serendipity, where daytime and nighttime life is bustling and cheap alcohol is sold. However, the downside is the lack of perfect cleanliness, with a lot of garbage (according to reviews). For those who do not like noise and crowds, there are quiet, peaceful sections of the coast with beautiful views, such as Otres and Sokha beaches. Local islands and the Ream National Park, filled with exoticism, are also interesting to visit.
Phnom Penh
The city of contrasts, embodying unique religious traditions of the past and modern development trends, leaves a mixed impression on tourists. Here, one can admire ancient palaces, Buddhist temples with golden Buddha statues, luxury hotels in the tourist areas of the metropolis, and be appalled by the dirty, littered streets of the outskirts.
To leave with a positive mood, one should dedicate their stay to exploring the stunning attractions of Phnom Penh. The national cuisine, consisting of tropical products and seafood delicacies, and the selection of various souvenirs will surely please visitors. The magnificent Royal Palace, or rather the palace complex, is very impressive.
It includes the Silver Pagoda, Napoleon’s Villa, the emerald Buddha statue, and the Golden Tower. Each of these objects is a true architectural and sculptural masterpiece. The Wat Phnom hill with its beautiful park and temple of the same name is also of interest to tourists. The hill and temple are considered sacred by Cambodians, as the legend says the city began here. The best time to visit Phnom Penh is from October to December.
Battambang
The second most populous city in Cambodia after the capital, Battambang has long been a tourist mecca for lovers of Asian exoticism. Arriving here, one is immediately transported to a completely different colonial era. The architectural appearance of Battambang has preserved features of French colonialism, captivating with its authenticity. The atmosphere of a charming provincial town is especially appealing to those who are tired of the urbanism of large megacities and enjoy immersing themselves in the life of ordinary Cambodians.
There aren’t many “luxury” hotels here, and the tourism industry is still underdeveloped compared to well-known resorts. There are no gambling, drinking, or entertainment establishments. Peaceful observation of local attractions and excursions in the vicinity make up the main activities for visitors. There is no beach holiday here, so people usually come for 3-4 days to soak in the special atmosphere of the Asian province.
Banlung
If you want to find yourself in a corner of Cambodia almost devoid of civilization, visit Banlung, a small town (17,000 inhabitants) in the northern province of Rattanakiri. It is surrounded on all sides by villages, tropical forests, lakes, and waterfalls. It is still accessible by a dirt road that is not fully asphalted. However, infrastructure works have picked up pace with the increasing interest of tourists in recent years.
The exotic charm of the surrounding flora delights with its wonders at every step: rubber trees, oil palms, cashew bushes, and more. From Phnom Penh, you can get to Banlung by 8-seater plane, taxi, or regular bus. The land route is quite long, and traveling on poor roads for almost 600 km is not easy. But the impressions awaiting everyone here will make the travel hassle worthwhile. Visiting the villages of the mountain Khmer tribes and getting to know their way of life and crafts opens a completely different world to Europeans.
A visit to the Yak Lom crater lake, considered sacred by locals, is memorable. A tourist trail from the town leads to it, lined with souvenir shops selling original items by local craftsmen. The Wat Ratanakiri temple with a reclining Buddha statue is very impressive. Popular tourist spots include picturesque waterfalls, the Bokor gemstone mine, and elephant villages.
Kampot
The southeastern Cambodian province washed by the waters of the Gulf of Thailand is famous for its picturesque nature, excellent beaches, and ancient attractions. The administrative center of the province, the city of the same name, is located on the banks of the Tuk Chhou river, 5 km from the bay. It is a popular tourist destination where people come to view architectural and religious monuments of the past.
Here is the dead city of Bokor Hill Station, built for French aristocracy and abandoned after Cambodia was freed from colonial dependence. Excursions are organized to the cave temple (10 km from the city), an amazing man-made underground. The Bokor National Park is 8 km from Kampot, with a modern highway leading to it today. It houses a natural wonder, the two-tiered Popokvil Waterfall, impressive in its power.
Tourists are invariably interested in the Black Palace, once belonging to King Sihanouk. Many make pilgrimages to the early 19th-century Buddhist temple Sampov Pram. From the neighboring ledge, serving as an observation deck, an indescribably beautiful panorama opens up. Popular excursions include trips to black pepper plantations, where you can buy chemically pure pepper, turmeric, and other spices. A visit to the Arcadia Waterpark (7 km away) with many attractions and entertainment is enjoyable.
Koh Rong
This island, 25 km from Sihanoukville and covered in jungles, is considered by many to be a paradise. Here, deep in the jungle, the French and Americans filmed the reality show “Survivor.” Australians love to vacation here. Everyone is attracted by the wonderful sandy beaches (23) with different colored sand, pristine nature, picturesque views, and the friendliness of the locals. The pure, warm sea, as warm as fresh milk, and the fine sand, sometimes white, sometimes golden, sometimes pink, create a paradise picture.
All beaches have affordable cafes, bars, and snack bars where you can taste seafood dishes. Staying on Koh Rong will appeal to tourists not spoiled by luxury hotels, content with more modest accommodations like bungalows or small houses. Many young people are attracted by the wild nature, fishing, tranquility, and the opportunity to relax. Local cafes with cheap alcohol are packed in the evenings during the high season.
Koh Kong
The exotic land of untouched nature with unique flora and fauna, fantastic views, charming beaches, and clear waters of the Gulf of Thailand is the province of Koh Kong. Only recently have tourists started exploring it, looking for ecologically clean places not yet spoiled by civilization. The city of the same name, the provincial capital and its main resort, is rapidly developing its infrastructure.
It is located near the border with Thailand, so Thais are frequent guests here, visiting casinos. The natural decoration of these places is the picturesque Cardamom Mountains. Numerous waterfalls, dense tropical thickets, rare species of animals and birds living here provide many thrilling impressions. Tourists are advised not to walk in the forest alone due to the presence of predators and to avoid swimming in local rivers to prevent encounters with crocodiles.
However, there are no restrictions on relaxing on the wonderful beaches and swimming in the sea. Diving schools are open here—the underwater world is extraordinarily diverse and beautiful. Enthusiastic fishermen are fully satisfied with the abundant catch. The city has many small private hotels offering very cheap but good service.
Koh Dek Koul
A small island among the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Dek Koul is a resort with only one hotel, Mirax Resort, owned by a private individual. It is a beautiful tropical oasis with incredibly beautiful flora and white sandy beaches washed by clear waters. Once completely deserted, the island has now become a popular place for interesting, active recreation.
Koh Dek Koul is located 4 km from Sihanoukville, from where boats depart. According to tourists’ reviews, it is a real paradise where the pristine nature successfully combines with luxurious service, and ancient legends coexist with incredible adventures. The chic hotel has only 12 rooms, so there is no crowding on the island.
Those who love to lounge on the beach can enjoy their relaxation undisturbed. Fans of active leisure will find many activities: water skiing, paragliding, snorkeling, daytime and nighttime diving with experienced instructors. Courses are open for beginner sports enthusiasts, with instruction in Russian and English.
Divers explore coral reefs and ancient shipwrecks. The brave participate in extreme jungle excursions after special preparation.
Kep
The southern Cambodian town, once famed as an elite resort for French and local nobility, suffered significant destruction during the civil war. Once beautiful architectural masterpieces, luxurious villas, and gardens were practically erased from the face of the city. Now, local authorities are striving to restore its status as a luxury resort.
Surviving villas and public buildings are actively being reconstructed, and hotels are being built. Kep’s symbol, the crab, is sold everywhere here, and there is even a separate crab market where you can have it prepared to order. It is the main product that helps the local population survive. In gratitude to the crustacean, a statue of a blue crab stands on the shore.
Next to it on a pedestal is the statue of an Asian woman looking out to sea, symbolizing waiting. Tourists take excursions to the national park with its amazing flora and fauna and a tropical butterfly farm. Many visit caves with shrines and King Sihanouk’s palace. Walks through mangrove and banana groves, snorkeling, and fishing are enjoyable activities.
Koh Russei
Bamboo Island Russei, part of the Ream National Park, is located 20 km from Sihanoukville. It is entirely covered with lush tropical vegetation. Bamboo, mangrove, and banana groves, wide beaches with white sand, and exotic fauna fit organically into the unique ecosystem.
Here, you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of nature’s spirituality, becoming one with it and forgetting about the benefits of civilization. Boating among mangrove thickets and interacting with friendly villagers brings great pleasure. Active beach holidays are provided by rental points for water sports equipment.
Strict cleanliness control is maintained on the sand, with the beach being thoroughly cleaned every evening. The local hotels organize fishing, visits to ancient pagodas, and many other entertainments. Guided jungle hikes and boat trips are also arranged. Tourist reviews of Russei hotels are filled with praise: excellent service, impeccable hospitality, and luxurious rooms. It is truly a paradise.
Song Saa
This small island is often called Magical because arriving here feels like entering a magical realm of beauty and tranquility. Stunning landscapes make you freeze in awe, and the blessed silence sets the tone for a leisurely, relaxed vacation.
A state of bliss envelops you entirely, and you fully immerse yourself in the world of tropical nature. The beaches with fine white sand and clean turquoise sea with calm water are particularly enchanting. Romantic souls, not demanding much comfort or nightlife, especially enjoy it here.
On Song Saa, you can stay in bungalows with quite acceptable living conditions. The coastal restaurant hosts romantic evenings. Seafood dishes, good wine, and a musical program brighten up the evenings. Enthusiastic fishing, diving by coral reefs, walking along palm alleys, swimming, and sunbathing are part of the tourist leisure program.
Koh Tang
One of the largest islands in Cambodia, Koh Tang (Island of Legends), indeed has a legendary past. It is located on the border with Vietnam and for many years served as a refuge for Vietnamese smugglers. They hid their goods in the convenient caves here, and the Khmer called Koh Tang the island of smugglers. This natural gem of the Gulf of Thailand attracts tourists with its unique natural environment and amazing landscape.
Majestic cliffs encircle the coast, forming grottos and caves. The rich tropical flora includes almost all types of exotic fruits: coconuts, bananas, mangoes, pineapples, dates, etc. The underwater world around Koh Tang is very rich, attracting divers. There are no snakes or predatory animals to fear here.
A river with hot springs flows through the island, and there is also a thermal lake. There are many charming tiny islands nearby, where excursions are organized on old long-nosed boats.
Koh Pring
Three small islands became a firing point for the Vietnamese during the Vietnam War with the Americans, placing their machine guns and cannons on them. Pring was repeatedly bombed and napalmed by the Americans. The memory of those terrible times still lives here, but it does not prevent the picturesque islands from being popular tourist attractions.
The largest island has a fishing village and sandy beaches. Another island, Koh Moan, has rocky beaches surrounded by trees. The third island is entirely rocky, called bare. All of them are considered the best place in Cambodia for diving and fishing. The water around is so clear that everything is visible at a depth of 20 meters.
In the diving spots, the seabed is covered with boulders, hard and soft corals. An enormous variety of marine fauna lives here: several species of sharks, various fish, moray eels, cuttlefish, and mollusks. Diving in the anemone garden with its many marine inhabitants is particularly fascinating.
Koh Damlong
Located 60 km from mainland Cambodia, this island became known worldwide due to a scandal involving Russian businessman Sergey Polonsky. His plans to build a respectable resort on Damlong were thwarted by arrest and deportation to Russia. This natural artifact has only recently become a place of tourist pilgrimage, so everything remains in its pristine state.
Primeval jungles with relic trees, the cleanest sea, huge boulders on the shores, and exotic fauna create a fantastic picture. However, civilization has already left its mark on this mysterious piece of land. Comfortable air-conditioned bungalows have been built, and a restaurant with a bar and three meals a day is open.
There are small cheap houses located right in the jungle. Usually, people come here for 2-3 days to swim in the azure waves, sunbathe, and stroll around the island. Snorkeling allows you to see a unique marine fauna not found elsewhere.