An important part of planning the itinerary is deciding how to spend your time in Cambodia. Well, we can help you. Honestly, no trip to Cambodia would be complete without spending a couple of days at the majestic temples of Angkor. Whether you are watching the sunrise behind the sublime beauty of Angkor Wat or exploring the jungle-like temple of Ta Prohm feeling like Lara Croft herself (yes, this is where Tomb Raider was filmed), it is hard to not fall under the spell of the temples’ extravagant beauty.
If you have a week in Cambodia we would recommend spending a few days in Siem Reap, the lovely riverside town surrounded by the temples of Angkor, as well as a couple of days in Phnom Penh to soak up the country’s more recent turbulent history. The Tuol Sleng Museum, (a former school turned into a prison by the Khmer Rouge) and Killing Fields are a harrowing but important part of understanding this complex country today. Those with a week to spare may also care to take in the lovely French colonial town of Battambang where life moves at a slower pace and a real insight can be gained into rural Cambodian life.
If you have more time or are craving a few relaxing days on the beach we would recommend you head to the south coast. Highlights include the gorgeous white sandy islands off Sihanoukville (Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samleom – a setting that could be from The Beach) as well as the seaside town of Kep, home to the impressive morning crab market and picturesque high-end resorts. Nearby Kampot boasts a fabulous national park and acres of pepper plantations, while to the west Koh Kong has wonderful jungles to explore, stunning waterfalls and best of all a ‘luxury’ floating campsite on the river.
Those who have longer than two weeks, or are heading up to Laos, may also wish to explore the ‘wild east’ of the country. This untouched idyll is home to impressive forested mountains, thundering waterfalls, wild elephants and fresh Irrawaddy dolphins. These areas are much less developed; the roads are poor and the accommodation is more basic but it is ideal for the more intrepid traveller.
Take a look at our sample itineraries to give you a flavour of what your Cambodia holiday could look like. But rest assured, we specialize in tailor-made holidays so anything can be crafted to suit your unique tastes
