Cambodia travel

No trip to Cambodia is complete without a stop-off at Angkor Archaeological Park. The sprawling UNESCO World Heritage site is peppered with hundreds of ancient temples, religious structures and crumbling relics dating back to the Khmer Empire. Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Prohm are the main draws, with tens of thousands of tourists flocking to them daily.
However, their allure comes with the downside that is mass tourism. These three sites are overcrowded, to the point of being unbearable at times during peak season. However, a simple shake-up to your itinerary can ease this. For example, the typical trail starts with sunrise at Angkor Wat, spending a few hours exploring before moving onto Bayon and then Ta Prohm. Do things a little differently and you may be able to find a slice of peace.

More than just a circus, Phare performers use theater, music, dance and modern circus arts to tell uniquely Cambodian stories; historical, folk and modern. The young circus artists will astonish you with their energy, emotion, enthusiasm and talent.
Phare artists are students and graduates from Phare Ponleu Selpak’s (www.phareps.org) vocational training center in Battambang. The association was formed in 1994 by 9 young men coming home from a refugee camp after the Khmer Rouge regime. They were greatly helped during that time by an art teacher using drawing classes as therapy and wanted to share this new skill among the poor, socially deprived and troubled youngsters in Battambang. They founded an art school and public school followed to offer free education. A music school and theatre school were next and finally, for the kids who wanted more, the circus school. Today more than 1,200 pupils attend the public school daily and 500 attend the alternative schools. Phare Ponleu Selpak also has extensive outreach programs, trying to help with the problems highlighted in their own tales.
Phare The Cambodian Circus offers these students and graduates somewhere to hone their skills and a place to earn a decent wage. Money that will take them out of poverty and give them self-respect and freedom.

For the lovers of art, theatrics, & dance, the Apsara Show, or the traditional Khmer performance, is one of the best things to do in Cambodia. This cultural dance form draws its roots from the mythological courts of kings and Gods, from where it has developed into its modern, unique form that we see today. The Khmer dance revolves around a storyline which it narrates through the attractive, flexible movements of the performers and their colourful, eye-catching attires, which is why it is among the top things to do in Cambodia.

One of the major attractions of Cambodia that drive people to visit this paradise is its food. A typical Cambodian meal consists of rice and a fish item. Often called the ‘cuisine of contrasts’, Cambodian food involves a lot of variations which travelers fall in love with. Among the range of dishes one must try here is Fish Amok (steamed coconut fish in banana leaves), Samlor Machu Trey (sweet and sour soup with fish), Nom Banh Chok (Khmer noodles), and the Num Anksom Sach Chrouk (sticky rice cake). Also, with its vast range of seafood, Cambodia is one of the best places for seafood lovers.

Hiking trails in the Ream National Park are probably one of the most popular routes for hiking in Cambodia. It’s no surprise really, as the park is full of mangroves, freshwater marshes, estuaries, and forests, as well as beaches, coral reefs and islands! Even the wildlife here is just as stunning as the surroundings. With 210 square kilometers of pure nature at its best, you can imagine why the hiking trails here are a favorite. Although full of many trails, the particular hike that we are talking about is the 7km (2-hour) walk through the hills of the park. Why? Because you get to see the best of nature and the coast that the park has to offer, while also combining the tour with a boat trip to the islands! 

Animal lovers are in for a treat because a variety of endangered and rare wildlife call Cambodia home. Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre, about 30km from Phnom Penh, is run by Wildlife Alliance. The organisation works tirelessly across the country to rescue animals from the clutches of the illegal wildlife trade. The centre houses rescued animals, including sun bears, pangolins and a range of monkeys, who are rehabilitated before being released back into the wild, where possible.
Alternatively, head into Mondulkiri’s jungle and get up close and personal with retired elephants or those who are taking a rest from hard labour. The Elephant Valley Project offers reprieve to overworked elephants who can revitalise at their sprawling sanctuary in the heart of the jungle. Don’t expect to ride one of the beautiful beasts as this is an activity EVP strongly advocates against. Do, however, expect to see elephants roaming in their natural habitat, bathing in streams and rolling about in clay mud. An incredible experience.

In the sleepy island of Koh Rong, you can experience the magical planktons which light up at night. Have a few drinks by the nearby beach bars and when it’s dark enough, walk towards the shore in the darkest area, wading in about 1-meter deep water.
If you stir the water a little bit, you will begin seeing the planktons glow at night- just like in the movie, The Beach. It is truly an incredible experience that is worth traveling to Koh Rong for. For the braver ones, you can even snorkel at night, watching the world illuminate as you move around the water.
 

This is one of our favorite DIY trails for hiking in Cambodia, perfect for a sunny day when you’re feeling some light adventure. Nestled in the center of the Kep peninsula is the luscious and dense forest that is Kep National Park, and with dense forest comes great biking and hiking trails! With quirky yellow signs pointing the way, you’ll find yourself winding through the thick forest, passing charming wats and breathtaking viewpoints along the way. The highlight of the hike is the ‘Stairway to Heaven’ trail that forks off this route. Leading uphill to a towering pagoda, a nunnery, and the worthwhile Sunset Rock Viewpoint. There’s nothing like an amazing vantage point high above the clouds!

It’s one thing to experience the stunning Cambodian temples from the ground, but it is truly something else to experience them from above! The perfect way to round off a temple experience is taking to the air for the ultimate flying experience.
In fact, it’s the perfect way to experience the whole of Cambodia.
With the country being covered in incredible landscapes, you can fly over lush jungles, flooded forests, the floating villages, pristine beaches, even the bustling markets in the city! All you need is a Microlight Aircraft and an experienced pilot to take you.

We love exploring a place this way! From weaving busy streets to gliding through local villages, or doing some serious off-road biking through rice paddies and jungle tracks, you can discover areas that you wouldn’t have ventured to and cover a lot of ground quickly.
The trails in Cambodia can be quite challenging, but trust me when I say, that when you break through the trees to reveal a breathtaking waterfall where you can sit and have your lunch, any effort you exert will be more than worth it! If you opt to explore the cities instead, places like Siem Reap and Phnom Penh are ideal to explore using two wheels.

For a truly crazy day with a ton of adventure, try your hand at riding a dirt-bike! Again, riding is a completely different way to experience a country, plus you get the challenge and thrill of the activity itself! Cambodia offers a huge amount of biking packages, where cool and experienced guides take you out for a couple of hours to a couple of days for an adventure that will last you a lifetime!
Whether a beginner or experienced rider, it’s easy to learn and you’ll ride on a variety of terrain from fine sand and grass to dirt climbs and jungle bush. Let’s just say you’ll come away from this adventure a must better rider, and most likely with a big grin on your face!

If you love to explore a country differently but don’t want the physical exertion of mountain biking or hiking, quad biking is a perfect alternative; you get your hit of adventure with zero effort! Full of excitement and discovery, you can spend a few hours or the whole day kicking up some dust with some serious off-roading.
Depending on what package you opt for, you can ride through beautiful countryside and rice paddies or villages and temples.
You can even choose between a variety of adventure types from a relaxing 1-hour sunset tour to a more hardcore 8 hour day package. Whatever your ideal activity, you can be sure to get a unique insight into Cambodia and for some, your adrenaline pumping! 

Calling all water sports junkies and anyone who likes to have fun, want the ultimate flyboarding experience while in Cambodia? Of course, you do! Suitable for anyone who wants to fly high above the water and experience swimming through a dolphin’s eyes, there’s no wonder why this activity is so popular.
In fact, this is one of those sports that will have you grinning from ear to ear and giggling like a little girl. Trust me when I say that this is one adventure not to be missed!

Cambodia is home to the Cardamom Mountains, Southeast Asia’s largest remaining rainforest. While the last few decades have seen the jungle pillaged by illegal loggers and poachers, huge efforts are now underway to preserve the endangered and rare wildlife that calls the forest home.
For the adventurous traveller who wants to explore this rugged terrain, several treks take place in the Cardamoms. These vary in length, difficulty and location, depending on what you’re after. It bodes well to remember this is the jungle, a real tropical jungle. There are no hospitals nearby, there are scary insects, snakes and spiders, and you will get eaten by mosquitoes so go prepared.
If camping in a hammock doesn’t sound appealing, then fear not because in December 2017, Cardamom Tented Camp opened, making it possible to visit the Cardamoms in style. The adventure eco-camp has nine safari-style tents, complete with a king-sized bed and hot rain shower, and guests can shadow the Wildlife Alliance rangers as they patrol the jungle for hunters and loggers.

If you can stomach it, then go really local with your food and sample some of the insects Cambodians love to eat. The town of Skuon in Kampong Cham is famous for serving spiders and is dubbed ‘Tarantula Town’. Situated mid-way between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, villagers head into the jungle to catch the spiders before defanging them with their bare hands and selling them onto the vendors. They are deep-fried in chilli and garlic before being served as a roadside snack.
If deep-fried tarantulas don’t tickle your fancy, then how about a buffet of grasshoppers, silkworms and crickets – they’re packed full of protein.
In Phnom Penh, street vendors selling edible creepy crawlies can be found on Riverside in the evenings, or at Pub Street in Siem Reap. After about 5pm, many Siem Reap locals head to Road 60 on the outskirts of town. Here, the road is lined with stalls selling a wealth of food, clothes and other items until about 10pm, and makes for a fun local experience.

Cambodia has some of the most relaxed, laid-back beaches in Southeast Asia. Among the varied popular Cambodia tourist attractions are the sandy, pretty beaches of Sihanoukville, Kep, Koh Rong, and Ream which provide travelers with every bit of comfort and splendid views. Travelers can bask in the sun lying comfortably on hammocks and recliners, get a massage, dine at the beach shacks, go snorkeling in Cambodia, fishing & boating, among other things. Travelers looking for a rather relaxed holiday must check out the islands and beaches in Cambodia. Also, island hopping in Cambodia is considered to be one of the most adventurous things to do in Cambodia for all the travelers alike.
 

The beauty of Cambodia isn’t just limited to what one sees on the surface, but also in the vast, vibrant world underneath. The diving sites in Sihanoukville are blessed with crystal clear water, favourable water temperature, colourful corals, and a diverse range of marine life including seahorses, whale sharks, sting rays, eels, triggerfish, barracuda, nudibranch, starfish, and many more. The world’s adventure seekers find scuba diving in Cambodia to be one of the most fun things to do in the country. With an year-round favourable climate for diving, except a little less visibility in monsoons, the seas of Cambodia attract divers from all over the world every year. Exploring the underwater world is one of the best things to do in Sihanoukville. 

With its massive variety of inexpensive handicraft products, shopping in Cambodia is a natural therapy for shopping freaks.
Some of the best things to buy in Cambodia include silver trinkets, precious gems and stones, betel nut boxes, rice paper prints (imprints of Angkor temples), checkered Krama scarves, weaving silk, carved wooden items, and more.
Travelers can buy quality Cambodian items at reasonable prices from Angkor Night Market, Made in Cambodia Market, Angkor Handicraft Association, Old Market, and the Russian Market in Phnom Penh.

Another of the enlivening Cambodia attractions are its spa therapies that are rather different from the usual Southeastern spa. The traditional Khmer spa has a distinctive approach to health and relaxation, which is reflected in its unusual variety of spa treatments and therapies. The major cities of Cambodia house many certified massage and spa centres. The spa and massage therapies of Cambodia popular among visitors include the Khmer Traditional Herbal Spa, Aroma Spa, Hot Oil Massage, Deep Tissue, Slimming Massage, Hot Stone, and various types of facials and scrubs.

Battambang isn’t the most popular destination for travellers passing through Cambodia, but those who do make it to the northwestern part of the country know about the notorious bamboo train.
Located in the outskirts of town, the bamboo train, or nori, is essentially a bamboo flatbed on wheels, which is powered by a small motorcycle or tractor engine.
The rail line stretches all the way down to the capital of Phnom Penh, but the tracks lie in complete abandon and disrepair, meaning the bamboo ride only runs 7 kilometers in length to a nearby village and back.
You can jump on board for a return trip for a few dollars and enjoy a 45-minute ride including a stop at the far end to turn your ‘train’ around.
 

Prek Toal is one of three biospheres on the Tonlé Sap lake, and this stunning bird sanctuary makes it the most worthwhile and straightforward of the three to visit. It’s an ornithologist’s fantasy, with a significant number of rare breeds gathered in one small area, including the huge lesser and greater adjutant storks, the milky stork and the spot-billed pelican. Even the uninitiated will be impressed, as these birds have a huge wingspan and build enormous nests.
During the peak season (December to early February), visitors will find the concentration of birds like something out of a Hitchcock film. As water starts to dry up elsewhere, the birds congregate here. The birds remain beyond February but the sanctuary becomes virtually inaccessible due to low water levels. It is also possible to visit from September, but the bird numbers may be lower. Serious twitchers know that the best time to see birds is early morning or late afternoon.
Trips to the sanctuary also bring you up close and personal with the fascinating floating village of Prek Toal, a much more rewarding destination than over-touristed, scam-ridden Chong Kneas closer to Siem Reap. Part of your entrance to the sanctuary goes towards educating children and villagers about the importance of the birds and the unique flooded-forest environment.
Always bring sunscreen and head protection to Prek Toal, as it's a long day in boats and the sun can be relentless.

Oxcart Adventures provide an amazing opportunity to see glimpses of rural lifestyle, get to know more about Cambodian culture, customs and friendly locals. Located 7km away from central Siem Reap, the oxcart is organized by locals in the purpose to enrich the living condition, in Chreav village, the traditional and poor community situated amongst picturesque rice fields and surroundings. The traditional ox cart has been an important part featuring about Cambodian culture dating back hundreds of years. Until the present, oxcart is still used to transport goods, stacks of thatches, sacks of rice from one place to others. Apart from using oxcarts to carry stuff, it brings an attractive adventure to tourists who wish to see charming Cambodia.

Angkor Balloon is a tethered helium balloon which allows you to witness Angkor Wat from a bird’s eye-view and experience a breathtaking view of the temple’s surroundings.
From sunrise to sunset enjoy the views of Angkor Wat, Phnom Bakheng, and West Baray. In clear-sky conditions, you will even observe the Tonle Sap Lake and Phnom Khrom. Take amazing pictures and bring home memories that last a lifetime! The Angkor Balloon ascends to approximately 120m (394 feet) for a 10 to 15 minutes ride and can carry up to 30 passengers.
 

Situated about 50km north of Siem Reap, Phnom Kulen National Park is one of the most revered destinations in Cambodia, as it features Kulen Mountain. Once referred to as the Mount Mahendraparvata – the Kulen Mountain is a cultural and historical resort that marked the origin of Khmer empire in the 9thcentury when King Jayavarman II announced independence from Java and declared himself as the ‘Chakravartin,’ meaning the universal king. Stretching for more than 13km down to the Angkor Plain, the Phnom Kulen is home to a slew of temple ruins and several centuries-old consecrated carvings as well as sculptures. Further, since most of the areas in Phnom Kulen are still untouched, this allows visitors to immerse in the cool, spellbinding attractions that nature itself offers by way of jungle-covered verdant surroundings, rivers and dazzling waterfalls. Phnom Kulen National Park. Another attraction worth seeing in Phnom Kulen is Chup Preah – a plain with refreshing streams that meander into the mountain valley. This is truly a serene spot with a big 16th century Buddhist image, in addition to a tree about 15 meters high alongside it. Equally interesting are Preah Ang Thom–a Buddhist temple that enshrines an enormous 2.5 meters high and 7-metre long statue of a reclining Buddha and the Terrace of Sdach Kamlung – with a small wrecked brick temple at its centre. Studies reveal that this spot was covered by lava for hundreds of years. Aside these, there are two impressive waterfalls that form the focal point of Phnom Kulen.
 

An excursion off the beaten track which will make you discover a truly authentic Cambodia with a good guide who will make you appreciate these corners of countryside, a comfortable minibus driven by a careful and friendly driver. Banteay Chhmar is the biggest temple of Cambodia, it is really worth the detour, the inhabitants of the village which borders the temple are farmers, they will put at your disposal a private room within their farms. Attention in the countryside we go to bed early but so we wake up very early, before daybreak you will be woken up by the sounds of daily farm work. This real immersion will then lead you to an even deeper Cambodia, where you will discover a very well preserved and still active church built by French settlers at the beginning of the last century.

Program of this 2 days trip:

Day 1 :
7am : Departure by private car to the province of Banteay Menchaey to discover forgotten and unknown temples in a preserved environment.
Upon your arrival, welcome by a member of the community and settle in at the homestay, hosted by a local inhabitant.
Guided tour of the Bantaey Chhmar temple, a 13th century gem.
Local lunch at the community center.
In the afternoon, tour the village in a Koyon (local tractor) until sunset.
Private dinner in the timeless setting of Banteay Chhmar temple with traditional music nearby.
Overnight : homestay.

Day 2 :
The next morning, after breakfast, accompanied by a guide, bike tour to 2 other mysterious nearby temples.
Lunch near the baray (large body of water from the Angkorian period).
Departure to visit the Soieries du Mékong workshops , a social enterprise specialized in silk weaving (except weekends and public holidays).
Return to Siem Reap in the afternoon by private car.

You'll fly like an eagle over Angkor's rainforests in this unbelievable zipline adventure. Located deep inside the Angkor Enterprise complex, you'll have the option of choosing between a full course of zipline adventures or a custom one. This breathtaking experience will have you flying up to over 15 trees, 21 platforms, numerous single and double ziplines, sky bridges and more. If you're looking for a taste of adventure in Siem Reap that will have you soaring and swooping through the treetops, this is the place to go. Under the guidance of world-class staff who will accompany you to ensure your absolute safety, you'll also learn about the amazing wildlife within the park, and hear of interesting stories about the location. This adventure is an exciting new take on an eco-tour that will have your adrenaline rushing.

A 2-hour drive from the center of Phnom Penh, you will enter the lush, elevated park of Kirirom. Known for its unique high elevation pine forest which forms the headwaters for numerous streams feeding Kampong Speu Town, this national park has some really interesting hiking trails. Whether by bike or on foot, you can explore the winding trails of the park that lead you through pine forests until you break through to cascading waterfalls and cliffs with amazing views of the Cardamom Mountains. Kirirom Mountain is actually known to the locals as the “mountain of Joy” as the King of Cambodia named it appropriately to how the area makes people feel. Sounds cool right? So if you want to be filled with joy, plus maybe being able to spot a pileated gibbon or two along the way, this national park is calling for you.

One of the largest protected areas in Cambodia, Virachey National Park is another doozy for hiking and trekking till your heart's content! Stretching 3325 sq km to Vietnam in the east, Laos in the north and the Stung Treng Province in the west, the park has never been fully explored; this makes a great hiking environment as the area offers everything from undiscovered trails to easy walking routes. Named an Asean Heritage Park in 2003, this national park is home to so many rare mammals, so keep your eyes peeled for elephants, gibbons, clouded leopards, tigers, and sun bears to name a few!

The Mekong River is a Southeast Asian icon, slicing through six countries as it makes its way from Tibet to Vietnam. In Cambodia, it enters the northeastern province of Stung Treng from Laos, passing through Phnom Penh on its way to Vietnam.
Trans-country cruises are available that take passengers along the Mekong from Laos to Cambodia and onto Vietnam, or a mix of the countries. These tend to span several days, or a few weeks, depending on the itinerary.
Alternatively, a sunset cruise along the Mekong is a must while in Phnom Penh. At dusk, the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers light up with boats of varying sizes hitting the water for an evening of cruising. Many include food and drink options. Kanika Boat is a popular choice. Of course, if there’s a group of you, then there’s the option of hiring a private boat, bringing along your own booze and refreshments and sailing solo.

It’s surprising how many places you can go kayaking in Cambodia, all you have to do is decide what’s the most exciting tour for you.
Fancy kayaking down the Mekong or Tonle Sap River combined with some cycling or a jungle trek? Or do you want a scenic paddle in a flooded forest or to challenge yourself with some ocean kayaking?
Whatever you prefer, there is sure to be a trip that suits you best. Personally, ocean kayaking is a favorite! Not only is it usually combined with a remote island stay in a rustic beach bungalow and some snorkeling, but there is nothing else that beats that feeling of being alone out on the water.