A country still very much recovering from the desolation caused during the rule of the Khmer Rouge, the Kingdom of Cambodia remains a little rough around the edges. However, in recent years, it has seen its popularity as a tourist, and expat, destination grow.
Somewhat more untouched than other countries in Southeast Asia, Cambodia boasts some spectacular sights and attractions. The country and its people actively celebrate Cambodia’s rich heritage as well as highlight the darker side of its past.
1 - Phnom Penh: The capital and largest city in Cambodia, Phnom Penh is a patchwork of the country’s history as a French colony and the remnants of the ancient civilization of the Khmer Empire. With more than 1.5 million inhabitants, it’s the most populous city in the country, and Phnom Penh’s crowded streets can at times feel chaotic. It’s not uncommon to see the odd elephant strolling down the street… But Phnom Penh now caters for its tourists and a little bit of luxury can be found. There are hotels offering oases of palm trees and swimming pools, creating the illusion of being in a luxury resort, despite that being far from the truth.
2 - Siem Reap: The fastest growing city in Cambodia, Siem Reap, is in an advantageous position close to Angkor and its famous temple complex. It’s a tourist haven in a country that is still relatively underdeveloped, with all that a visitor could possibly want. Jump in a tuk tuk for the best way to see the bustling downtown.
3 - Angkor: Top of any list of must-sees in Cambodia will be Angkor. It may be super-touristy and a predictable choice but there is a reason why so many people flock to this site. Considerably better restored and maintained than any of the other Cambodian temples, this vast complex includes the famous Angkor Wat; the world’s largest single religious monument. Most will recommend a visit at sunrise for a really awe-inspiring experience.
4 - Sihanoukville: If you prefer to take it a little easier, Sihanoukville is home to arguably the best beaches in Cambodia. Thailand, this is not, but it is still an excellent place to get away from it all. There are even some little-discovered islands off the coast, for a real back-to-nature experience.
5 - Battambang: Located in the northwest of the country, Battambang is a well preserved example of Cambodia’s time as a French colony. The city boasts some striking architecture and wide boulevards. It can be reached by bus from Siem Reap.
6 - National museum of Cambodia: The national museum in Phnom Penh is the country’s largest historical museum, covering both the cultural and architectural past of Cambodia. It exhibits collections from the time of the Khmer empire to the modern day. Admission is $5 for foreigners and for an additional $3 there are guided tours available in English, Khmer, French and Japanese. For more information and opening times, visit the National museum of Cambodia website .
7 - Royal Palace: Don’t be fooled by the facade, despite appearing to be an early empirical palace, this impressive site was in fact built during Cambodia's time as a French colony, but in the traditional Khmer style. Made up of four main buildings, the complex is home to the striking Silver Pagoda, which houses many of the country’s treasure, including gold and jewel encrusted Buddha statues.
8 - Floating villages: An eye-opening opportunity to see the way that real Cambodians live and the poverty and hardship they face day-to-day. Tonlé Sap lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and is of major significance to Cambodia. Draining into the Mekong river, its water levels vary dramatically throughout the year. Houses that during dry season are on stilts, appear to float when the water level rises during rainy season.
9 - S-21 (The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum): Once a high school, the site was converted into one of the most notorious of the Khmer Rouge’s prisons during their rule. Of the 17,000 people that were imprisoned only 12 survived until it was liberated by the Vietnamese. It now serves as an educational site as well as a memorial, which has been left largely how it was found when the regime were forced out.
10 - Killing fields of Choeung Ek: Although many sites in Cambodia were the scene of executions by the Khmer Rouge, the former orchard at Choeung Ek became the most famous of Cambodia’s killing fields. It is now home to the Buddhist stupa that marks the mass graves of those that died there, most of the graves themselves have been left undisturbed. The Cambodian government encourages visitors to the country to visit the killing fields in order to understand the horrors that took place there.