Cambodia
Top 10 places to see in Cambodia
When you think or hear of Cambodia, you would automatically be picturing the magnificence of Angkor Wat, a true wonder of the world which rivals the beauty of the grandeur places in the world like the Taj Mahal, Petra, Pyramids of Egypt, Machu Pichu, and the Roman Colosseum. Angkor Wat remains as one of the most popular destinations in Cambodia, with its intricately carved structure and it’s well preserved architecture. But did you know that other than reveling at the beauty of Angkor Wat, there are also a lot of places that could truly sweep of you of your feet like the Angkor Thom, Bayon, and the Kep Natural Park?
We most likely go to the places tourist like us most likely go to. But not everyone wants to conform into the likes of the average traveler who just come to places that popular among the crowd. Any thrill seeking traveler would of course consider on going the extra mile to see something that’s less likely noticed by the majority. So I took the time to list down the following places that are commonly visited and those that we tend to miss out on because we haven’t heard enough about them.
1. Banteay Meanchey
This province is located in the northernmost part of Cambodia . Its capital, Sisiphon, a tiny little town is home to temples like the Banteay Chhmar (The Citadel of Cats), which is a treasured gem of the country and to exotic nature parks like that of the resort nestled between the two mountains of Phnom Bak and Phnom Chenh. There are quite a number of temples and ruins like the Banteay Torp, an old army base, and Cheung Krouh, a place of great wildlife. Then you get to see in this province a unique marshland called Trapeang Thmor which harbors hundreds of species of birds both local and migratory ones.
2. Phnom Penh
Back in the Khmer Era, Phnom Penh was declared as their capital. They called it Chaktomuk for its location between the Mekong River’s branches. It was the heart of trading in Cambodia. Today, it still remains as the capital of the country and there are a number of places that people go to while they are in the country. First is the Royal Palace where the King and his family resides, the National Museum which houses several Angkorian Artifacts, the Wat Phnom which is a Buddhist Temple on top of a hill, Choeng Ek Killing Fields, a historical site where brutal killings were done during the Khmer Rouge, the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum which was an old prison and torture complex where Cambodians were kept during the Khmer Rouge, then lastly there’s the Silver Pagoda which has intricately designed silver furnishings inside.
3. Tbeang Meanchey
Tbeang Meanchey is the capital of the province of Preah Vihear. It is home to a number of beautiful temple ruins like the Preah Khan Kampong Svay Temple. It is also close to several other temples that are quite a marvel to look at like The Koh Ker Temple, the Koh Beng Temple, and the Preah Vihear Temple.
4. Siem Reap
This place might just be the most visited spot in Cambodia for the enormous temples that whispers the story of the olden Cambodia. You’d find several temples like the Angkor Wat, an iconic trademark of the country. The stone carvings are just amazing, their delicate design have been beautifully preserved. The conservation efforts of the locals and the national government make it quite a remarkable sight. It’s as if you’ve travelled back in the Khmer Era where these temples served as home to the Kings. Then there’s Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire. It houses the Bayon, Terrace of Elephants, and Baphuon. The temples and the giant sculptures of Siem Reap give it such a mystical vibe. Which makes is very easy to understand why tourist flock this area every single time.
5. Sen Monorom
Not everyone is a fan of temples and ruins, so for those who might want to experience some off road adventure, then you should put Sen Monorom on your list of itinerary. Sen Monorom is home to a lot of elephants. If you get to book a tour inside the jungle of Seima, then you would be able to have some close encounter these fine creatures. There are also several waterfalls like the Monorom falls, and the Bousra Falls where you could plunge in after some moderate hiking, or perhaps dine in the Green House Bar for some snacks and meals.
6. Kampong Thom
Kampong Thom is a very nice place to visit if you opt for less crowds. There are dozens of things you can do around here like hiking. Hiking in Kampong Thom’s Phnom Santuk might just be one of the few things an adventure hungry traveler would like to try. Climbing up this mountain you’d fine several Buddha statues carved from the mountain. You might also want to try dropping by Kampong Thom to see the Preah Bat Chan Tuk which is a large Buddha sculpted on a rock.
7. Sihanoukville
If you think that Cambodia is some country without any beach destination then think again, because it has a white sand paradise with pristine waters and lots and lots of seafood you could binge eat. It’s the perfect spot for walking around and killing some time basking the smell of the saline waters and feeling the bits of sands on your sole. Wouldn’t that be one great way to spend your vacation here?
8. Battambang
Battambang is the second largest city in Cambodia. It’s where you would get to see some temples like the Ba Nan Temple, Wat Ek Temple, and Barseat Temple. Then you might also want strolling around the thick canopies of the nature resorts such as that of Phnom Sam Pov Resort where you’d find an astounding Buddhist Temple. Battambang also houses several structures that reflect the French Architecture. Back in the days, Cambodia was colonized by France thus these buildings serve as living proof of their conquest here.
