Travelers are going further afield in their quest to experience something new; Cambodia offers something new – and something ancient. From the mystic heights of Angkor Wat and splendor of the Royal Palace to the gorgeous Gulf of Thailand coast and Bamboo Island, you will find more than enough to explore. Cambodia manages to both satisfy your longing for something new and whet your appetite for more.
Cambodia’s most treasured, and most visited, attraction is Angkor Wat. The ancient Angkorian temple features five towers which stretch 65 meters in the sky, inspiring visitors with their grandeur and majesty. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is the ruins of what was once the largest pre-industrial city in the world, and their beauty is as haunting as it is striking. For millions of visitors, this is the highlight of their Cambodian adventure.
But Cambodia has much more to offer, and while a visit to Angkor Wat is a must for travelers, they will also find endless opportunities in the rest of this Southeast Asian nation. In Siem Reap, for instance, visitors can cap off a visit to the temples with a taste of Cambodian culture. Visit museums, theaters, the wonderful Angkor Silk Farm, Cambodia Cultural Village, Siem Reap Crocodile Farm, or Tonle Sap Lake, the world’s largest freshwater lake. Culture and history are intertwined with daily life, and you will be able to find many restaurants where you can not only taste the local cuisine but watch Apsara Dance Shows, which feature traditional Khmer dance.
Moving to Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, the visitor will experience some of the country’s best restaurants. Sample dishes like Amok (curried catfish steamed in banana leaf cups), Num Chak (coconut and rice grilled in a Chak leaf), and Num Sang Khya Lpeou (pumpkin custard with egg yolks, palm sugar, and coconut milk). Fresh fish is a staple, and the capital offers some of the best catches. Here, you can partake in everything from golf and horseback riding to seeing local artisans in action.
Or you could simply lounge on one of Sihanoukville’s five beautiful beaches. More urban and modern than other parts of Cambodia, Sihanoukville offers swimming, sunning, boat tours, and trips to nearby islands, like Bamboo Island to help you beat the Cambodian heat. Enjoy the laidback atmosphere as you explore this wonderfully rich culture.