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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: Koh Ker via Beng Melea

The new toll road to the Koh Ker temples is now complete, making these incredible 10th century structures more accessible than ever before.

Beng Melea
Beng Melea

Koh Ker via Beng Melea

Siem Reap, Cambodia
  • Culture & History
  • Private Tour

Koh Ker is located in the province of Preah Vihear 120 k.m. from Siem Reap. Koh Ker offers over 55 temples which until recently were consumed by the jungle.

The new toll road to the Koh Ker temples is now complete, making these incredible 10th century structures more accessible than ever before. It is still a long drive and it can take between 3 and 4 hours to reach Koh Ker from Siem Reap. All of the temples have now been cleared of land mines.

Prasat Thom is the showcase, a 45m-high pyramid with spectacular views across the countryside. Nearby Prasat Krahom is covered in jungle and highly atmospheric. Other important temples in the area include Prasat Ling with the best preserved in situ lingas in Cambodia and Prasat Bram, with several smothering trees cloaking the brick towers.

 All-in-all, a trip to Koh Ker is like a trip to the Angkor of old before it was discovered by mass tourism. If you stop at Beng Melea on the way there or the way back this makes for a really interesting day of exploring temples off the beaten track. However, do not underestimate the time that will be spent in the car. This is a trip for those with a desire for discovery.

 

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

Other countries in Southeast Asia:
BorneoBurmaIndonesiaLaosMalaysiaPapua New GuineaThailandThe PhilippinesVietnam

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