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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: Kompong Khleang & the Tonle Sap

Travel southeast to one of the largest and least-visited villages on the Tonle Sap Lake, Kompong Khleang, about 55km from Siem Reap. It has a population of about 10,000 people, all of whom make a living from the fishing industry.

Local family resting in their house on Tonle Sap Lake, Siem Reap
Local family resting in their house on Tonle Sap Lake, Siem Reap

Kompong Khleang & the Tonle Sap

Siem Reap, Cambodia
  • Cruises, Sailing & Water
  • Culture & History

Travel southeast to one of the largest and least-visited villages on the Tonle Sap Lake, Kompong Khleang, about 55km from Siem Reap. It has a population of about 10,000 people, all of whom make a living from the fishing industry. You will explore the canals (wet season) or streets (dry season) of this incredible town.

In the wet season, the houses appear to be floating, as water laps at the verandas, but in the dry season towering stilts are revealed, the houses almost like wooden skyscrapers. We visit one of the pagodas here, built on the site of an ancient temple, and see the wall paintings. You may also stop off to visit a house in the village to learn a little more about local life.

You will also cruise into the open water of the great lake to see a small floating village and learn some more about this incredible natural flood barrier. Later you return to Siem Reap by road.

The water level of the Tonle Sap fluctuates greatly throughout the year and the lake will be at its most picturesque and scenic during the months of October to January when it is full from the heavy summer rains. By February and March the water level can be quite low, resulting in the muddy banks and bottom of the lake becoming visible, and by April most of the outer areas of the lake are dry, meaning that the villages are no longer "floating" as such, but towering high above the dry ground. May to September is the rainy season when the lake will again fill up.

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

Other countries in Southeast Asia:
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