Blessed with a coastline of 435 km and extensive mangroves, the Kingdom of Cambodia is the beach-lovers’ paradise. And unlike its neighbour Thailand, the white sandy beaches in this quaint country aren’t always teeming with tourists.
Cambodia Tourism boasts of quite a few hidden gems that offer a glimpse into its rich history, colonial past and natural grandeur. The best time to visit Cambodia is from November to March, as the weather is cooler. However, if you wish to avoid the tourist season rush, monsoons (May to September) are a good bet, courtesy the landscape’s lush greenery.
Looking for a Cambodia tour package? Make sure that these tourist places are on your itinerary:
Tonle Bati
Ever wondered what it would feel like to lie in a bamboo shack on a beautiful lakeside with absolutely no worries of this world? Well, Tonle Bati beckons! Cambodia’s most popular lake and picnic spot is known not just for its natural splendour, but also for its lip-smacking delicacies and drinks. It’s the perfect place to eat, drink and be merry.
And for those who appreciate history and architecture, there are two ancient temples, Ta Promh and YeayPeov, as well as a pagoda, Wat TonleBati, in the vicinity.
Rabbit Island
Once described as the French colonialists’ retreat from Cambodia’s relentless humidity, today Kep has evolved into a stylish resort town that offers good accommodation options for tourists. The real jewel of this place is Rabbit Island, also known as Koh Tunsay, a tropical island located about 30 minutes south of Kep by boat. You could try your hand at snorkelling in the warm, clear waters here, or simply take a leisurely stroll on the secluded white beaches. It’s a place like no other!
Phnom Penh Cambodia
The capital of Cambodia is the place where three rivers (the Mekong, the Bassac and the Tonle Sap) meet. Phnom Penh has an unmistakable French charm with its colonial mansions and tree-lined boulevards. Apart from housing major tourist attractions like the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, Phnom Penh is also known as the gateway to the largest religious complex in the world.
Angkor, one of the most important archaeological sites, stretches out over 400 sq km and has more than a thousand temples. Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world, while the Bayon is famed for the massive stone faces carved into the sides of its towers. And then, there’s Ta Prohm, arguably the most famous temple in Cambodia, courtesy the Tomb Raider movie.
Sihanoukville
From Phnom Penh, head to Sihanoukville, the largest of the coastal towns in Cambodia. Surrounded by the waters of the Gulf of Thailand, this port city- also known as Kompong Som – is perfect for scuba diving, snorkelling, jet skiing, windsurfing, or simply enjoying the lively party scene.
Established only in 1955, along with the independence of Cambodia, this dynamic town has developed into a tourist hub in no time. Don’t forget to make time for a leisurely day at KohRong, barely two hours off the coast of Sihanoukville. If you are not a beach person, this dazzling island with 43 km of white sand will turn you into one!
