Discover our selection of must do in Cambodia to enjoy your stay in the land of smiles at its best!
Few countries are as authentic as Cambodia. Less visited than its neighbors, Thailand or Vietnam, it becomes progressively a highly demanded destination for the travelers.
The beautiful landscapes, the rice fields, the majestic archeological remains of its ambivalent history and the incredible kindness of its inhabitants makes from Cambodia an amazing travel destination to explore.
The team of Cambodia Taxi Driver is glad to share with you some of the most beautiful places to discover in Cambodia!
Phnom Penh
Let’s start by Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. Sometimes the travelers try to avoid the crowded cities, however it is good to spend at least one day to discover Phnom Penh which is full of treasures that offer to the visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in Cambodian life.
Once you are in Phnom Penh, don’t miss the visit of the Royal Palace and The Silver Pagoda. Nearby, the National Museum exhibits an impressive collection of Khmer artifacts and offers traditional Khmer dance performances. The Tuol Sleng Museum is a must-see that will give you the possibility to better understand the painful period of the Khmer Rouge reign. Finally, you can get lost in Phnom Penh’s Central Market, the largest in the country.
Angkor Temples
The Angkor temples in Siem Reap are the symbols of the country. The city of Angkor was the capital of Khmer empire and at its peak had 750,000 inhabitants. It was then one of the largest cities in the world.
Angkor Wat is undoubtedly the most emblematic of the site’s temples. It is dedicated to the Hindu deity Vishnu. The sunrise over the temple is amazing, so don’t miss the opportunity to explore the temple early in the morning. The view from Angkor Wat top is splendid. Another magnificent temple is Ta Prom immersed in the vegetation. It gives an impression that you are discovering the places as they had been left centuries ago.
The fusion between Khmer architecture and the wild jungle creates a very special atmosphere. The site is huge, thus for your stay in Siem Reap, we recommend you at least 3 days to be able to explore everything quietly. To visit the temples in Angkor and avoid the crowds, don’t hesitate to explore the less famous temples of the Angkor complex, such as, for example, the temple of Banteay Srei.
Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem Islands
The Gulf of Thailand is home to several paradisiac islands attached to Cambodia. Among them, Koh Rong which is famous for its white sand beaches.
Different activities are offered on the spot such as the snorkeling and scuba diving. Relax on white sand beaches and swim in turquoise crystal clear water. Regarding the most beautiful beaches on Koh Rong, we can recommend you the Long Beach. It is a little more difficult to access than the others, but it will give you a real postcard landscape.
Nearby, the island of Koh Rong Samloem is even more beautiful. Isolated and small in size, it offers as well different paradisiac beaches. Accommodations are more expensive there, but sometimes they provide better service than the hotels on Koh Rong. The One Resort is one of the best hotels on Koh Rong Samloem.
Cambodia Taxi Driver will be glad to organize your private tour on Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem according to your preferences.
Kampot
This charming town is known for the famous Kampot pepper. Kampot has retained a certain authenticity despite its touristic infrastructure development. Here you can rent a bike or motorbike to get lost in the outskirts of the city. Visit the pretty fishermen’s houses, the water lily lakes, the salt marshes and the local coast which has a very special character.
Kratie
Kratie is a small city of the beaten path located in northeastern Cambodia. Here, you will have the chance to make a boat tour and to spot the Irrawaddy dolphins, which resemble to beluga whales. They live in the fresh waters of Mekong river. This animal is unfortunately endangered and it is increasingly rare to come across it.
The city of Kratie has a peculiar colonial architecture. Here, you can visit the Phnom Sambok Buddhist temple which overlooks a hill with lush vegetation. The steps leading to the pagoda are decorated with many large statues of colorful monks. Once at the top, you can admire a magnificent panorama of the Mekong.
Ratanakiri region
Ratanakiri is a northeastern region of Cambodia. It is among the most beautiful and remote regions in the country, home to Virachey National Park. Its dense forests cover 80% of its area, which you can explore during some trekkings and excursions. An opportunity for nature lovers to observe Cambodia’s very rich biodiversity, particularly dense in this mountainous province. Discover its lush jungles, its waterfalls, its wild animals, but also its villages sheltering different ethnic minorities.
Admire Lake Yeak Lom, a true jewel of nature: its translucent waters are located on a volcanic crater. Banlung, one of the most famous cities of this region is nicknamed as Red City because of the characteristic color of its land. Here you will find one of the best hotels in the region, the Terres Rouges Lodge.
Pursat
If you want to explore Cambodia far from mass tourism, Pursat is the right destination for you. It is a great destination to meet the Khmers and make discoveries outside the traditional tour programs. Don’t miss the opportunity to make a boat tour on Tonle Sap and visit the fascinating floating village of Kompong Luong.
Preah Vihear
The village of Choam Khsant is an access point to the temple of Preah Vihear. Erected under the Khmer Empire in the 11th century, it took nearly 200 years to build it! Dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, it is today a Buddhist temple. Please note that it is also a destination of the beat path. Thus it is very hard to find here a good accommodation for the overnight.
Koh Kong province
Kaoh Kong is a coastal province of Cambodia still least visited and very well preserved, with wild landscapes including mountainous landforms and mangrove forests. It contains the Cardamom range, home to one of the largest virgin tropical forests in Asia. A must is to go on a two-day trek with a guide in its wild vegetation, to observe gibbons, toucans and other exotic birds and sometimes a few giant spiders. The hikes can be punctuated by swimming in waterfalls.
Battambang
Battambang is a large peaceful city that has kept its provincial character, with colonial buildings and traditional Cambodian dwellings. Here in Battambang, you can discover the magnificent temple of Wat Ek Phnom, which is an old Khmer temple dating back to the 11th century and at the same time a newer Buddhist temple, whose ceiling paintings represent the life of Buddha. You can also discover Wat Banan, a sublime remnant of a temple from the Khmer era. Take your time to visit also the bird sanctuary of Prek Toal, as well as the killing caves of Phnom Sampeau.
The mentioned sites are the best places to visit in Cambodia. However the country is full of other historical and cultural marvels that the team of Cambodia Taxi Driver will help you to discover during your tour with private driver.
