Cambodia remains a tourist destination that never ceases to be mysterious and captivating, drawing visitors in with its magnificent and sacred religious architecture and legends that challenge human curiosity. Every landmark you visit in this country tells a story you will remember forever. Therefore, there is no reason not to begin your journey to explore the land of temples and pagodas.
A Brief Introduction to Cambodia
Cambodia is a Southeast Asian country located on the Indochina Peninsula, notable for its diverse ecosystem, many rare animal species, and rich religious and cultural heritage. Buddhism is the main religion in Cambodia, manifested in many impressive architectural works, most notably the Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom complexes in Siem Reap.
Cambodia also boasts a long, beautiful coastline and many pristine islands such as Sihanoukville, Koh Rong, and Koh Thmei. It’s an ideal destination for those who want to explore the nature and culture of the land of temples. If you’re planning a trip to a foreign country, Cambodia is a perfect option to consider.
When is the best time to visit Cambodia?
Cambodia’s weather is quite similar to Vietnam’s, with two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The best time to visit is from November to February. During this period, the weather is cool, sunny, and mild, with occasional rain to alleviate the heat.
Besides, from mid-November onwards, you might be lucky enough to experience the local water festival or boat races. Furthermore, April is the Khmer New Year, with countless unique traditional festivals that no one wants to miss.
Travel Guide to the Land of Temples
How to get to Cambodia
According to the experiences of many previous independent travelers to Cambodia, flying is the fastest way to get to Cambodia. You can fly from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Cam Ranh, and Phu Quoc to Phnom Penh with Vietnam Airlines. Alternatively, you can fly from Phu Quoc with Pacific Airlines.
For road travel, bus companies like Kumho, Sapaco, Mekong Express, and Mai Linh Express are quite reputable. You can check the ticket prices and travel times beforehand to find a suitable option. These bus companies will take you from major cities in Vietnam across the border to Cambodia.
Transportation in Cambodia
Within the city, you can choose eco-friendly modes of transport such as walking, renting bicycles or motorbikes, taking a taxi, or calling a tuk-tuk, a very interesting cultural feature on the streets. Tuk-tuks can accommodate groups of four people. Remember to negotiate the price before getting in; a 4km ride costs around $4 (approximately 92,000 VND).
If you rent a motorbike or bicycle, you should consider the possibility of encountering traffic police if you are not familiar with the laws in this country. Not to mention breakdowns, getting lost, bad weather, finding gas stations, etc.
When traveling between cities like Sihanoukville, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, or Battambang, you should choose buses or coaches; they are cheaper and safer.
Tourist Attractions in Cambodia
Phnom Penh
The first place that comes to mind is Phnom Penh, the capital and one of the most important cities in Cambodia. It’s the confluence of three major rivers: the Mekong, Bassac, and Tonle Sap. Life in Cambodia is quite peaceful, friendly, and deeply rooted in national culture through its architecture, clothing, religion, and cuisine. Some must-see attractions in Phnom Penh include: the Cambodian Royal Palace complex, which includes the Silver Pagoda, the Emerald Buddha Temple, Wat Phnom, etc.
Note that, similar to Thailand, Laos, or Malaysia, the people are very religious. When visiting religious sites such as temples and palaces, you are not allowed to wear tank tops, shorts, or short skirts. Otherwise, tourist police will stop you. A good idea is to buy a linen sarong to keep in your backpack; it can be used as a substitute for a knee-length dress and also provides sun protection during midday.
With cool, breezy afternoons, you can begin experiencing the vibrant and exciting rhythm of Cambodian life from evening to night. Along the windy Sisowath Quay riverbank, find a bar, pub, restaurant, or cafe that suits your style to enjoy local food and drinks. Suggestions include crispy fried insects, crepes, mango smoothies, durian, and the famous Angkor beer.
In Phnom Penh, shopaholics can also indulge their passion with affordable designer goods, most notably the Russian Market with many brands like CK, Levi’s, Polo, etc. Guaranteed you’ll shop till you drop!
Siem Reap
Once known as the capital of the Khmer Empire, Siem Reap remains a bustling, modern city, and remarkably preserves many historical and mystical spiritual features. Siem Reap is both glorious and ancient. It is the most popular tourist destination in Cambodia. Siem Reap also preserves many Cambodian national treasures such as Wat Bo, Wat Preah Prom Rath, the Angkor National Museum, and the Angkor Silk Farm.
The most magnificent and mysterious of all is the Angkor Wat complex (Temple City), located more than 6 km north of Siem Reap. Angkor Wat is divided into several areas: Angkor Wat – Angkor Thom, Little Circuit – Big Circuit, the Roluos group, and the surrounding temples.
Visiting Angkor Wat
The Angkor complex is a masterpiece of ancient Khmer art and architecture, built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II. The complex comprises over 1000 different temples, spread over an area of more than 400 square kilometers and surrounded by large moats. Initially, Angkor was a place of Hindu worship, but later converted to Buddhism.
The three most prominent temples are Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Bayon, with their exquisite and vivid reliefs depicting the epic stories of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The Angkor complex is modeled after Mount Meru in India, with the tallest tower reaching 65 meters, symbolizing Mount Meru, and five surrounding towers representing the five peaks. All structures are made from sandstone and laterite, stacked on top of each other without adhesive. The Angkor complex is a must-see destination when traveling to Cambodia.
Banlung Town
When Cambodians think of this place, they picture a beautiful, emerald-green landscape. Located in Ratanakiri Province, Banlung town is famous for Wat Rahtanharahn, Chaong Waterfall, Virachey National Park, and the volcanic lake Yeak Laom, a stunning natural wonder.
Explore Kampong Phluk Floating Village by Boat
Kampong Phluk Floating Village in Siem Reap is another unique tourist destination suggested by MIA.vn, offering you the opportunity to admire Cambodian rural life. You will see vast rice paddies, bustling floating markets, bizarre mangrove trees, and countless towering wooden houses on the river. Kompong Phluk Floating Village preserves the traditional culture and pristine nature of the region, making it a worthy destination to visit in Cambodia.
Sihanoukville
Cambodia is not only home to temples and mountains, but also boasts pristine and beautiful coastal cities. Sihanoukville is a coastal city that connects you to several stunning island paradises such as Koh Rong, Song Saa, and Koh Ta Kiev…
The sea is a clear, emerald green, reflecting the sky; the fine white sand caresses every step; and the peaceful, rustic pace of life will transport you to moments of relaxation and serenity amidst nature.
What makes Cambodian cuisine special?
Cambodian cuisine is famous for its various fermented fish pastes, Phnom Penh-style noodle soup, fried insects, and several dishes with rich coconut curry flavors.
In addition, in Cambodia, you can also find many snacks such as fresh fruit, smoothies, sweet soups, and many delicious traditional cakes, many similar to those in Vietnam, such as palm sugar rice cakes, but at affordable prices.
Speaking of food, enjoying it at traditional markets is the best, but you need to pay close attention to food hygiene. This is your chance to experience the culture in the most interesting, intimate, and authentic way.
Cambodia is not just a tourist destination, but also a journey of discovery into its culture, history, and profound spiritual values. From ancient temples and pristine nature to its gentle people, every experience here leaves an unforgettable mark. Hopefully, the above experiences will help you better prepare for your trip, making your exploration of Cambodia complete, meaningful, and inspiring.
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