Cambodia, stands behind its neighboring countries, Thailand and or Vietnam in terms of facilities but in terms of tourism it has things to say and actually a lot to offer. If you are a first-time traveller to Cambodia we will give you all the reasons to travel along the most beautiful places on your Cambodia tours. Find step by step guide on some highlights in a row for a perfect mix of culture, nature, history, adventure and and relaxation for a perfect holiday for a first-time traveller to Cambodia.
Phnom Penh: a good starting point
Located at the bank-side of the Mekong river, the capital of Cambodia and a destination where you will undoubtedly plan to visit and the quickest way of transport is the bus, because roads are limited in Cambodia. Do not expect hysterical traffic and towering rooftop bars. Phnomh Penh is not Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur or Ho Chi Minh city. A long promenade along the Tonle Sap river is where it all happens. Here you will find the backpacker area, but also the more luxurious hotels and an endless strip of good and affordable restaurants offering all sort of foods from Khmer dish to western foods. Also worth a visit: the Royal Palace, where the king of Cambodia reside along with the handsomely decorated Silver Pagoda.
Killing field
What are the highlight of a visit to Phnom Penh? This is not the right word for this site, because you cannot bring this gripping history lesson back and when you traveling through Cambodia. Phnom Penh is the ideal base for visiting the Killing Fields (Choeung ek), where some 17,000 Cambodians were murdered between 1975 and 1978. An intensely sad place but one that gives you an indelible mark on the history of Cambodia. To best way to visit Killing field is to hop on a Tuk Tuk that drive you there and back for about $ 8. Guided tours are offered only through an audio guide whatever equal ensures that the site remains shrouded even on busy days in a silence. The audio tour costs $ 5. Many visitors leave a bracelet behind as a sign of respect, causing parts of this place are buried beneath the colorful straps forming a sharp contrast with the more intense sad surroundings. Once you dove with the Killing Fields, ask your guide or from the tuk tuk driver to take you to the Tuol Sleng museum. This former prison of the Khmer Rouge is the story of the genocide complete. Admission fee is $ 3 per person.
Angkor Wat temples
Angkor wat temples are the largest religious complex in the world and is located on the northwest of Phnom Penh. The ruins are the remains of gigantic temples from the time of the Khmer Empire. The most famous temple is the glorious Angkor Wat temples , also, there are countless numbers of different edifice and temples to visit . You can opt for a day pass, a 3 day pass or weekly pass. The area is incredibly large and there are plenty of temples to keep you busy for a week. Watch out that you do not overexert yourself, literally because of the heat and figuratively because over time all the temples seem to go together. Here are great ideas for Angkor wat tours
Siem Reap
Siem Reap is the base for visiting Angkor wat complex. It is better to stay here few days as here is a tourist trap but very pleasant town where you can explore the town and surrounded area and get a good Khmer style massage. Siem Reap is home to Angkor Wat with lots of quality hotels, luxury resorts and a wide selection of backpackers hostel and bars, oh yea good food too. Just do not forget to get a day trip to visit what is called the largest fresh waters in Asia, the Tonle Sap Lake where you see the famous floating villages.
Boat to Battambang
Travellers often asking what is the best way to get to Battambang from Siem Reap? This is quite a unique experience when traveling in Cambodia, from Siem Reap you can embark on a boat at the Tonle Sap Lake to Battambang. Along the way you'll pass floating villages complete with churches and schools, Karaoke, Police stations, clinics and so on. A unique glimpse into the lives of the locals in the area, but you do it at high water level for at least 5 hours and at low tide more than 9 hours. A best trip that last forever.
Sihanoukville and islands
You’ve done and seen all above and now it’s for a relaxing holiday. Sihanoukville is the most popular seaside resort in southern edge of Cambodia. Here you can choose from hundreds of accommodations, ranging from basic to luxury high-end beachfront villas. Also no lack of fine restaurants , whether you want to eat traditional or western food to sample. Therefore take the boat to nearby Koh Rong: an island that developed rapidly becomes the new Koh Samui, there are also other islands which worth to explore and get sunbathed.