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Cambodia

6

Reasons To
Visit Cambodia

  • Festivals

    Otherwise known as the water festival, Bon Om Tuk is when Siem Reap and Phnom Penh come alive. Cambodia's most important festival, Bon Om Tuk celebrates the turning of the water in the Mekong, a phenomenon to which the Tonle Sap owes its very existence.

    Festivals

  • Khmer people

    Despite Cambodia`s turbulent history the Khmer people show true strength of character. Everywhere you travel you will be greeted with a smile, from the urbanites of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh to the eclectic indigenous populations of the remote Rattanakiri and Mondulkiri provinces.

    Khmer people

  • Local cuisine

    Often overlooked by the more famous cuisine from its neighbours Cambodia is actually home to some savoury delights. Sample a tasty amok at the market in Siem Reap or indulge in Kep's delicious crab. For those more adventurous you could try an infamous deep fried spider or cricket!

    Local cuisine

  • South coast

    From the sleepy coastal town of Kep with its dilapidated 1960s villas to the mangroves near Koh Kong, the Southcoast has plenty to offer. And for a bit of barefoot luxury, you can spend some time at Song Saa or the 'Sweetheart' islands.

    South coast

  • Temples of Angkor

    The number of visitors to Angkor multiplies exponentially each year but we can recommend ways to appreciate even the busiest sites, like Angkor Wat, and would encourage you to visit some of the lesser-known temples, such as Beng Melea and Banteay Srei. Alternatively, escape the crowds and explore the temples further afield on a temple camping safari.

    Temples of Angkor

  • The Khmer Rouge

    It's hard to ignore the mass genocide of an estimated 2 million people. The effects of Polpot transcend the nation and every Khmer can tell you a story of their time under the despot, the history can be felt and explored throughout the country - from the historical musuems in Phnom Penh to the final resting place of Pol Pot near Anlong Veng.

    The Khmer Rouge
 
 

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Excursions in Cambodia: Cycle Angkor Thom & The Bayon

Cycle to the complex from the small town of Siem Reap you are greeted by the magnificent sight of Angkor Wat, passing by as you approach the South Gate of Angkor Thom. The South Gate was one of only five gates entering the great fortified city.

Monks on the way into Angkor Thom
The serene smile of the Bayon, Siem ReapSerene stone face of The Bayon templeThe majestic Bayon Temple, Siem Reap

Cycle Angkor Thom & The Bayon

Siem Reap, Cambodia
  • Culture & History
  • Outdoor Activities
  • Walking & Biking

Venture into the main complex of Angkor and explore two of the more intriguing temples by bicycle.

Cycle to the complex from the small town of Siem Reap you are greeted by the magnificent sight of Angkor Wat, passing by as you approach the South Gate of Angkor Thom. The South Gate was one of only five gates entering the great fortified city. In the late 12th century it is estimated that the city had around a million inhabitants - more than any European capital of the time. A massive stone wall and deep moats (over 300 feet wide) guarded the city from attack by the Cham people who then inhabited what is now South Vietnam.

The Chams had sacked the previous capital centred around the Baphoun (close to the Bayon) earlier in the century. Lying at the exact centre of the city was the vast Bayon temple with its 216 icily smiling faces and extraordinary bas-relief decoration. Nearby the grand Terrace of the Elephants was where the Khmer Empire held its great public ceremonies. Imagine as you stand here the Khmer kings reviewing vast processions of infantry, chariots and war elephants. The exact schedule of the excursion may differ slightly depending on time spent in each area.

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Further reading:
CambodiaWhen to GoHighlightsItinerary IdeasPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout CambodiaCountry Guides

Other countries in Southeast Asia:
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