As one of the fastest growing tourism destinations in Southeast Asia, Cambodia's rich heritage, culture and natural resources offer a full range of culture and eco-tourism sites that are both dynamic and sustainable. Highlights include Phnom Penh, the Angkor Wat and the Mekong River Dolphins, just to name a few.
Angkor Wat Temple
Angkor Wat is an enormous Buddhist temple complex located in northern Cambodia. It was originally built in the first half of the 12th century as a Hindu temple. Spread across more than 400 acres, Angkor Wat is said to be the largest religious monument in the world. Originally constructed as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu for the Khmer Empire by King Suryavarman II during the 12th century, it was gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple towards the end of the century; as such, it is also described as a "Hindu-Buddhist" temple.
Banteay Srei Temple
Banteay Srei is really quite a different experience to many of the other Angkorian temples. Here the demonstration of wealth, power and the veneration of the gods is apparent in detail and intricacy, rather than in the sense of enormity and gravitas of Angkor Wat or Bayon. It provides an interesting counterpoint for those willing to go a little bit further in their journey of understanding and experiencing the Kingdom of Angkor.
Banteay Samre Temple
Banteay Samre in Cambodia is somewhat "off the beaten track", located away from the more visited Angkor temples. The temple is named after the Samre, an ancient ethnic Indochinese tribe most likely related to the Khmers. Banteay, is a Khmer word for citadel. In its architecture and style the temple bears a very similar resemblance to both its neighbour, Banteay Srey, and the majestic Angkor Wat itself. Banteay Samre highlights would have to include the interior moat which when filled with water must have given the temple a mystical and peaceful sensation. And then of course, the temple's location and surroundings set within beautiful rice paddies and local villages.
Prasat Kravan Temple
Prasat Kravan is a 10th century Hindu temple which was originally dedicated to Vishnu. There are five brick towers which are oriented to the east and surrounded by a small moat. Unusually, the temple wasn’t built by the king, instead it was constructed by high ranking officials during the reign of King Harshavarman I or Ishanavarman II. The temple is often included in both the Grand Circuit and Small Circuit tours. If you have time on your tour, then it’s one definitely worth visiting. Prasat Kravan is in pretty good condition and its symmetry and lines make for a great photo opportunity.
Tonle Sap Lake
Tonle Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Also called Boeung Tonle Sap, it has one of the world's most vibrant ecosystems. There are different species of wildlife in and around the lake, which helped to sustain and grow the ancient Khmer civilization. Home to more than 3 million people, the Tonle Sap floodplain supports one of the world's most productive freshwater fisheries.
Khmer-style terracotta museum
Throughout Cambodia's history, religious principles guided and inspired its arts. A unique Khmer style emerged from the combination of indigenous animistic beliefs and the originally Indian religions of Hinduism and Buddhism. These two religions, along with the Sanskrit language and other elements of Indian civilization, arrived in mainland Southeast Asia during the first few centuries.
Mebon Oriental Temple
The East Mebon is a 10th Century temple at Angkor, Cambodia. Built during the reign of King Rajendravarman, it stands on what was an artificial island at the center of the now dry East Baray reservoir. The East Mebon was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and honors the parents of the king.
Silver Pagoda Palace
Cambodia is a monarchy, and the Royal Palace is a stunning architectural masterpiece of the 19th century. The palace is still sometimes used by the King, which is when the royal blue staff is flown. On days that he is not there, you can get an intimate look inside the opulent palace on guided tours that are run here. The Throne Hall and the Moonlight Pavillion are two places that you cannot miss. Entry to the gardens and the Silver Pagoda that stands right outside is free.
Ta Prohm Temple
This 12th century temple is a glorious snapshot into the Cambodian culture before the arrival of the French. An impressive stone monument in Hindu mythology that dominated the country at the time, the temple complex bears similarities to the more famous Angkor Wat. The Ta Prohm is a popular tourist attraction for people who are staying in Phnom Penh City.
Baksei Chamkrong Temple
The name Baksei Chamkrong means "The Bird Who Shelters Under Its Wings" and comes from a legend. In it, the king tried to flee Angkor during a siege and then a huge bird landed and sheltered him under its wings. This temple is one of the first temples constructed of durable material such as bricks and laterite and with decoration in sandstone. Much of the stucco on the surface of the temple has vanished. The main sandstone lintel is decorated with a fine carving of Indra standing on his three-headed elephant Airavata. Garlands emanate from either side of Indra in the style current to the monument. There is an inscription on either side of the small doorway. A towering 12- meter tall brick and laterite step-pyramid. Harshavarman I began construction or perhaps dedicated statues at the site in the early 10th century. It was later improved/restored by Rajendravarman II shortly after the capital was returned to Angkor from Koh Ker. According to inscriptions on the doorway, Rajendravarman II consecrated the temple with the installation of a golden Shiva image in 947AD. It may have also served as a funerary temple. Combine with a visit to the South Gate in the morning or Phnom Bakheng in the evening. Lighting is best in the morning.
Cardamom Mountains
The cardamom Mountains are the hidden gems of Cambodia. The people who are crazy about nature and wildlife, this is one of the must-visit places in Cambodia. Cardamom Mountains enfold rainforest with 450 bird species and more than 55 endangered species of vertebrates. It is home to Asian elephants that are roaming in the natural setting. Many adventure activities like trekking to ecological and waterfalls, bike trailing, and various others are attention seekers for adventure lovers. Without any question, Cardamom Mountain is one of the enormous places to visit in Cambodia.
Baphoun Temple
The Baphuon is the state temple of King Udayadityavarman II. It is located in the old Khmer capital city Angkor Thom, between the Royal Palace and the Prasat Bayon. The sandstone monument that was dedicated to Shiva is in the shape of a stepped pyramid. When the temple was converted into a Buddhist temple in the 15th century, part of the Baphuon was demolished and the stones used to build a Buddha image on the West end of the temple. The very large reclining Buddha image, which shape is difficult to make out, was never completed.
South Gate of Angkor Thom
The South Gate of Angkor King City is 23 meters high, with a huge four-faced Buddha statue above it, with a peaceful smile on its face, as if welcoming the people who come, it is one of the symbols of Angkor monuments. There are also three elephants on the city gate for decoration, and there are thick decorative patterns on the nose like waves, which is extraordinary. The stone carvings on both sides of the entrance to the city gate show the story of "churning the sea of milk". On the right side of the city gate is Asura, who represents the devil, with wide eyes and a ferocious expression; Slender, with a subtle expression.
Climate
Cambodia is a tropical country–it’s located just a smidge above the equator–with a usual temperature range of 21 to 35 °C (69.8 to 95 °F). Hot and steamy would be a good way to describe the weather here, but lest you find this unappealing, imagine walking around at night in a T-shirt without ever having to worry about bringing along a sweater. (Although that T-shirt may be covered in mango juice, since Cambodia’s weather means cheap tropical fruit year round.) There’s no harsh winter, and in fact no winter to speak of at all. Bring a sweater anyway, though, since many buses, offices, and stores like to keep the air-conditioning on high.
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