After a terrible civil war in the 70’s, Cambodia evolved, and nowadays it has become an extremely popular destination for tourists from around the world. Cambodia offers visitors a vast array of stunning temples, tropical beaches, colonial buildings, restaurants, resorts and an abundance of natural attractions. Cambodia is so diverse and so worth going to. Check out our Top 7 Things To Do In Cambodia.
[booking_product_helper shortname=”cambodia”]
Angkor Wat
1
Angkor Wat is nothing but one of the most beautiful and finest temples in the world. Located among many other temples, its magnificent architecture monumental size makes of Angkor Wat the top tourist attraction in Cambodia. King Suryavarman II ordered its construction in the middle of the 12th century. It was built in a way that its three rectangular terraces would lead up to the central shrine and tower in order to reflect the traditional Khmer idea of the temple mountain, in which the temple represents Mount Meru, the home of the gods in Hinduism. Angkor Wat is also one of The Most Famous Lost Cities In The World.
Bayon Temple
2
Bayon Temple is part of the Angkor complex but this temple is world known for its large collection of 200 colossal stone faces looking everywhere. Locals say they are a portrait of king Jayavarman VII or a combination of him and Buddha.
Royal Palace-Phnom Penh
3
The Royal Palace of Cambodia is an exquisite example of Khmer architecture including typical Khmer roofs and elaborate ornamentation with a subtle and elegant French touch. It is of course the official residence of King Sihamonin.
Preah Vihear Temple
4
This famous Hindu temple was once disputed by Cambodia and Thailand in international courts. It is an ancient Hindu temple built during the period of the Khmer Empire, on top of a 525 meters (1722 ft) cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains. It used to be the country’s spiritual center, it was supported and modified by successive kings so it displays elements of several architectural styles.
Tonle Sap
5
Tonle Sap is a freshwater lake located north of Phnom Penh. It is home to a unique eco-system of fish, birds, reptiles and other mammals as well as floating villages. This lake is considered like a gift from God as it feeds provides 75% of the inland fishing catchand supports over 3 million people with food.
Banteay Srei
6
Banteay Srei is a beautiful 10th-century Hindu temple complex about 37 km (23 miles) north of Angkor Wat. People say it is the finest example of Angkorian art. It is well preserved and many of its carvings are three-dimensional.
Sihanoukville
7
Sihanoukville which used to be called Kompong Som is Cambodia’s most popular seaside town known for its wonderful beaches and its surrounding islands. Sit along the coconut trees and drink tropical juices all day long while enjoying the beauty of its landscape.
Just So You Know…
- Cambodia, unlike the other southeast Asian countries, has a heavy Indian influence. The dance, music, clothing, and writing could easily be mistaken for Indian.
- Tonle Sap river is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, and is unique in that its flow changes direction twice a year.
- To be respectful, make sure you cover your shoulders and your legs to below knee level when visiting the temples.
- Doing the “come here” motion with the hand is also rude, because apparently that’s how you call animals over.
- It is completely rude and embarrassing for people to lose their temper in public. So never shout or criticize people in front of others.
- 95% of Cambodians practice Therevada Buddhism. Monks with bald heads and orange robes can be seen all over doing everyday activities.
- Cambodia is the land of a Mopeds (Scooters). There are 1.5 million people in Phnom Penh the Capital, and 1.3 million mopeds. Mopeds are everywhere.
- An amazing 50% of the Cambodian population is under the age of 15, making it one of the youngest countries across the world.
- In Cambodia it is considered disrespectful to let your feet or soles to point at people, so always tuck your feet in when sitting.
- Cambodia is full of wildlife, it is home to dholes, elephants, Leopard Cats, bears, monkeys, tigers and more.
- Phnom Penh is a gay friendly city. Find your freedom at Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels In Phnom Penh.
