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Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap is the most travelled to destination in Cambodia, and not without good
reason. The city is home to the once lost city of Angkor – The biggest temple
ruins complex in the world. Even if you are not a city person, a visit to the
Angkor temples is an essential addition to your Cambodia itinerary. Other than
this awe-inspiring wonder of the world, Siem Reap is just like most other
South-East Asian cities. You will find the generic markets, nightlife, and food
scene, as well as some historical points of interest. We suggest spending
3-days in Siem Reap to cover all of the cities highlights.
- Angkor Archaelogical Park
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Battambang, Cambodia
If you are looking to get off the beaten path in Cambodia, Battambang is a great
place to start. Located in the heart of the countryside, we were pleasantly
surprised by just how much this rural town had to offer. You don’t need much
time here to cover all the attractions. Nonetheless, located just 3 hours South
from Siem Reap, it’s well worth a brief stopover. There are only a few
opportunities to experience the real Khmer culture when travelling Cambodia, and
this is one of them.
- Killing Caves Of Phnom Sampeau
- The Old Bridge
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Sihanoukville, Cambodia
A year ago, I would have told you to spend a lot more time in this part of
Cambodia; however, the word on the street is that Sihanoukville has changed a
lot in the past 12 months. And not in a good way. While the main tourist area of
Sihanoukville was always a bit of dive (sorry if that offends anybody), Otres
Beach was an eccentric backpacker enclave. From hippie markets to jungle raves,
and a beautiful beach to boot, it was in short, a backpackers paradise.
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Koh Rong, Cambodia
Located just across the water from Sihanoukville, Koh Rong is Cambodia’s largest
island. A few years ago there was barely anybody here, and only those in the
know would spend their time in beach huts, lapping up the island life. Today,
tourism in Koh Rong has well and truly caught on, yet despite recent
developments, the backpacker scene continues to flourish. It’s gained itself a
bit of a reputation as a party island; however, outside the main village of Koh
Toch, you can find secluded beaches and dense rainforest. In short, it’s a
paradise! *Tip – There are no ATMs on the island, so be sure to bring plenty of
cash.
- Long Set (4km) Beach
- Sok San Beach (Long Beach)
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Koh Rong Sanloem, Cambodia
Koh Rong Samloem is what I imagine Koh Rong was like in the yester-years. A
virtually untouched paradise with little else to do other than appreciate your
surroundings. Unlike its touristic big sister, you’ll not find much nightlife
here. You’ll be lucky to have electric 24/7. And good luck finding wifi because
it’s practically non-existent. This is what we love about this island though!
When do you get the chance to completely escape and experience life off the
grid? It’s heaven, I tell you! If you have 3 weeks in Cambodia, there is no
excuse to miss this island off your itinerary. Saracen Bay and M’pei Bay are the
two most developed areas on the island, and where you will find most
accommodation options. Alternatively, you can check out sunset bay for a more
rustic vibe. *Tip – There are no ATMs on the island, so be sure to bring plenty
of cash.
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Kâmpôt, Cambodia
If a week on the islands wasn’t enough to relax you, a few days in Kampot and
Kep will finish the job. First, head to Kampot, a charming riverside town
boasting French colonial architecture and quaint cafes. Days here are spent
meandering the streets, enjoying relaxing river cruises, or getting drunk at the
Arcadia water park. Or for something more adventurous, take a scooter to Bokor
National Park where you can explore abandoned buildings.
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Kep, Cambodia
Kep is just a 45-minute drive from Kampot, and the main attraction here is the
National park. Here you can enjoy incredible hikes of various lengths and
difficulties. Most famous is the Stairway to Heaven where you will be rewarded
with a beautiful pagoda and incredible views at the peak. Finally, check out the
pepper plantations located between Kampot and Kep.
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Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Phnom Penh is not only the capital city of Cambodia but also the countries
cultural and historical centre. Nestled alongside the Mekong River, it’s
surprisingly charming and quirky. You can expect to find a chic cafe culture,
good nightlife, and bustling markets. Conversely, it is also a city steeped in a
sad history. You should be prepared for a heartbreaking experience as you get to
the heart of what happened during the Khmer Rouge. Here are some of the
hotspots.
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
- Choeung Ek Genocidal Center (The Killing Fields) (មជ្ឈមណ្ឌលប្រល័យពូជសាសន៍ជើងឯក)