To many, the main draw for this Kingdom is the sprawling Temples of Angkor. However impressive the Angkor may be, and no trip to Cambodia would be complete without a couple of days exploring the ruins, this charming country has so much more to offer beyond the temple walls.
Siem Reap & Angkor – the Temples of Angkor are quite simply one of the most impressive sites you are ever likely to see, but with new temples being discovered almost annually it wouldn’t be possible to outline all of the sites, however some of the most famous sites include: The ancient monastery of Ta Prohm where immense roots of silk cotton trees have taken hold in the stones. The “Citadel of Women”, a small pink sandstone temple that contains some exceptionally well conserved sculptured lintels. The Bayon Temple built in the 12th and 13th centuries, comprising of 54 gigantic towers featuring 216 smiling faces of Avalokitesvara. And of course the iconic Angkor Wat itself.
The town of Siem Reap offers plenty to see with its bustling markets and fantastic selection of restaurants and bars. A little further afield, take a trip to see the floating villages on the Tonlé Sap (the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia) to see the many different fishing techniques used by the locals and visit their fish and crocodile farms.
Siem Reap to Battambang – getting to Battambang from Siem Reap really depends on the time of year. During the rainy season (April to October) cruise on a private boat across the Tonlé Sap to Prek Toal. Then continue up the Sangke River passing the black wood Chheu Khamu pagoda and the floating fishing village of Bak Prea. In the dry season (November to March) a road journey passes through expansive rice growing countryside dotted with traditional stilt houses. Stop along the way to visit silk farms and stone sculptors to learn about the family skills passed down from generation to generation.
Battambang - Battambang itself is still relatively under-developed as a tourist destination but this charming town, with its elegant colonial French-style houses along the river, has plenty to explore including the province’s museum and a pretty wooden pagoda.
Out of town, take a ride on the old French ‘Bamboo Train’ that trundles its way through the picturesque countryside or visit Prasat Banon Temple (built in the 12-13th century) that sits on the summit of a small hill surrounded by expansive papaya fields.
Battambang to Phnom Penh – the road from Battambang to Phnom Penh is considerably better than those from Siem Reap, but they are equally as beautiful, lined with traditional houses while cutting their way through picturesque farm land.
Take a break along the way to visit the provincial town of Kompong Chhnang and stroll through the town, or stop at Ponley to board a small traditional boat along the Tonlé Sap to see life on the river.
Phnom Penh - located on the confluence of the Tonlé Sap, Mekong, and Bassac rivers, Phnom Penh is a bustling metropolis, alive with trendy bars, stylish cafes and some of the best cuisine in Asia. All of this is in stark contrast to the ghost town that was Phnom Penh during the Pol Pot era when the city was almost entirely emptied of its inhabitants.
Visit the Monument of Independence that commemorates the end of the French protectorate in Cambodia in 1953 and pays homage to those who fought to liberate the country. Wat Phnom where you will learn of the history of Madam Penh and the National Museum that outlines Cambodia’s history are a must. But without doubt the Royal Palace is the most impressive, built in 1866 by King Norodom, the Palace is a great example of classic Khmer architecture.
If you have the stomach for it, a visit to Tuol Sleng, the Genocide Museum, is the only way to even begin to comprehend the recent history of the country. The old secondary school was transformed into a detention centre under the Khmer Rouge.
Kep, Kampot & Sihanoukville – once the ‘Cambodian Riviera’ the region around Kep, Kampot & Sihanoukville, has long stretches of white sandy beaches that are still blissfully deserted.
Away from the beach visit the pepper plantation at Phnom Voir, the home of Kampot Pepper, something no self-respecting top French restaurant would be without.
Strewn along the coast are the eerily, abandoned, shells of the old French villas that once housed the ex-pats of the 60’s and 70’s who came here to escape Phnom Penh.
About 20 minutes boat ride away from Kep beach is Rabbit Island with its gorgeous, palm fringed, deserted beaches and ‘the’ place to sample some of the delicious local shellfish.
*All our tailor-made tours include transportation by private air-conditioned vehicles with a driver & local English speaking guide.
