Cambodia is located in Southeast Asia, bordering Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. It has a population of around 17 million people, which is increasing year over year. A large majority of the people in Cambodia are under the age of 25. The capital, Phnom Penh, is one of the most populated cities in the Asia Pacific region. Cambodia has a lot to offer. Its gorgeous natural environment and rich cultural heritage make it a must-see for anyone traveling in Southeast Asia. It is truly a mixture of the old world and the new. In traveling through the country, you will see the ancient Temples of the old world and the up-and-coming new world that ranks Cambodia as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Cambodia’s diverse terrain offers everything: from beautiful islands in the south to wild nature in the north; from the magnificent architecture of the temples in Angkor Wat to traditional cities like Battambang. Exploring Cambodia is a unique experience, one that might change forever the way you travel and approach remote cultures. To truly experience Cambodia is to see the majesty of the natural environment, smell and see the fresh local markets, and interact with friendly and loving people.
Phnom Penh
As a capital city, Phnom Penh houses a growing percentage of the population of Cambodia. You will find young people from all over the country that come to the city seeking opportunity, education, and everything that a city has to offer. With a population of over two million residents, it truly is an international city. Restaurants and food from all over the world are tucked away all over the city. Here is where you will find many of the monuments and museums that make Cambodia unique. The markets are bustling with inexpensive food and wares, the streets are filled with foot travelers and motorbikes galore, and you will see a population from sunrise to sunset that is making its way out of poverty and into the 21st century.
Siem Reap
Built around a river, Siem Reap is in the northwest of the country. Its main attraction is, of course, Angkor Wat. Once the biggest pre-industrial city in the world, Angkor Wat still dazzles because of the magnificent Khmer architecture of its temples.
Temples of Angkor
The site encompasses many different temples such as Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Srei; each with its own story and its characteristic architecture. It is an amazing scenic spot, perfect for taking pictures, especially in the morning or during the sunset.
Rent a tuk-tuk for a day and explore the magnificent Buddhist temples in the jungle: admiring the gigantic Bayon faces, and the stunning forest which swallows Ta Prohm.
Built in the 12th century during the Khmer Empire, Angkor Wat is the symbol of Cambodia. Its main site is 162 hectares in area and has many temples to tour through. The characteristic mountain temples are an amazing sight, standing out against the surrounding luxurious jungle.
It is easy to lose track of time while wandering around Angkor Wat. You can pace through the gardens, or walk inside the galleried temple to admire the rich carvings. Having a guide is a good way of getting the most out
of the experience.
Floating Villages on Tonle Sap Lake
Located just 15 km from Siem Reap, Tonle Sap is the biggest lake in Southeast Asia. Three million people live around its banks, making a living from fishing and agriculture. One of the most famous villages is Kamping Phluk.
A boat trip around the village usually takes two hours. During the tour, you will see different kinds of floating houses, built-in Khmer, Vietnamese or Muslim styles. The village has everything: clinics, markets, schools, and basketball courts, all built on floating platforms.
From Kamping Phluk it is easy to reach Prek Toal, home to a beautiful bird sanctuary with many endangered species of waterbird.
It is good to visit the villages during the monsoon season. You may never have seen anything quite like them before.
Koh Rong and Tropical Beaches
If you are looking for a place to lay on the white sand beaches and splash in warm tropical waters, Sihanoukville and the surrounding islands of Koh Rong and others is the place to be. This is Cambodia’s beach and leisure region and it will rival anything found in neighboring Thailand. The waters are beautiful, the food and accommodations are affordable, and the beaches boast beautiful white sands. Anyone coming to Cambodia would miss out if they did not relax in this beautiful corner of the country.
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