Guide de voyageTripadvisor

Things to see and do in Cambodia

13/04/2019 1.127 Views
Angkor, the former capital of the ancient Khmer Empire, is one of the greatest and most spectacular Hindu religious sites in the world. Construction of this elaborate temple complex - built in honour of the god Vishnu - began in AD 879 during the reign of King Suryavarman II and was completed in 1191

Angkor

Angkor, the former capital of the ancient Khmer Empire, is one of the greatest and most spectacular Hindu religious sites in the world. Construction of this elaborate temple complex - built in honour of the god Vishnu - began in AD 879 during the reign of King Suryavarman II and was completed in 1191. It lay concealed for many years, however, until the site was discovered by Frenchman Henri Mahout in 1860. The central complex, Angkor Wat, features an elaborate, unmortared 66-metre (215-foot) central tower surrounded by four smaller towers. Stretching around the outside of the temple complex is an 800m-long (2625ft) bas-relief, the longest in the world. This is Cambodia's most iconic sight, and particularly popular at sunset among tour groups. The temple is so synonymous with the country that it dominates the national flag, and to visit it today is to marvel at the scale of its ambition, built as it was in the 12th century.
Angkor Temple
Angkor Temple

Bayon 

Another of the most distinctive Angkor temples, Bayon is characterised by a series of colossal stone faces, gazing out serenely in all four directions, as well as some painstakingly detailed bas-reliefs. Bayon was built at a similar time to Angkor Wat.
Bayon temple
Bayon temple

Bokor Hill Station 

An abandoned French hill station in the south of the country, Bokor was built originally as a weekend sanctuary for settlers stuck in stifling Phnom Penh. Today, the hotel and casino complex stands as an eerily derelict reminder of days gone by.


Cycling around Angkor 

Hire a bike and spend a few days exploring the myriad glories of the jungled Angkor Temple Complex. The showpiece architecture of Angkor Wat makes it the best known of the temples, but there are dozens of others to discover.
Cycling around Angkor 
Cycling around Angkor 


Dolphin spotting 

The claim to fame of the Mekong town of Kratie is its population of Irrawaddy river dolphins. Various tour operators organise early-morning boat trips to observe these peaceful creatures in their natural habitat.


Feast on fresh seafood 

Cambodia's coastline offers the chance for the archetypal Asian beach experience, but no amount of sea and sand is complete without sampling its ocean-fresh seafood. The stretch around Kampot and Kep is excellent for just-caught crab.


Fire a rocket-launcher 

Not your standard tourist activity, but then Cambodia's not your standard tourist destination - for a price, visitors can take control of high-grade weaponry on countryside shooting ranges. Machine guns can also be hired.


Kampot 

The southern town provides a gateway to exploring the Cham villages and sweeping vistas of the surrounding countryside. If you're looking to travel in an unrushed fashion and to get acquainted with another side of the country, this is as good a base as any.


National Museum 

Set in Phnom Penh, the National Museum (www.cambodiamuseum.info) is the country's leading archaeological and historical museum. It plays home to what is one of the world's most comprehensive collections of Khmer art, including bronzes, sculptures and ceramics. It was constructed by the French in 1917.
National Museum
National Museum


Phnom Tamao Wildlife Sanctuary 

A large park south of Phnom Penh given over to animals retrieved from poachers and traffickers. Wildlife in the sanctuary includes tigers, elephants and gibbons, and it offers an effective way of learning more about Cambodian fauna.


Revisit history 

To get a clearer understanding of the brutal reign of Pol Pot, visit the Killing Fields outside Phnom Penh. It makes for a sobering experience, but a salutary one in terms of learning more about the realities the country faced.


Royal Palace 

Phnom Penh's showpiece attraction was built in the 1860s, and makes for a spectacular sight with its stupas, murals and towering spires. The adjoining Silver Pagoda houses a number of precious Buddha statues, while the tropical plants of the palace gardens have appeal in their own right.

Shop for silver 

Prized locally since the 11th century, silver is today one of the most sought-after Cambodian souvenirs. Coming in the form of anklets, jewellery and other decorative items, it's known for being fashioned with real care and artistry.

Sihanoukville 

The port city's main draw is its relaxed beach atmosphere, a laid-back counterpoint to the more visited coastal areas of neighbouring Thailand. It takes its name from King Norodom Sihanouk, one of the main agitators for independence from France.


Ta Prohm 

Perhaps the second most famous Angkor Temple after Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm is best known for the roots and branches that have taken hold of its walls to picturesque effect. The temple featured as a location in the film Tomb Raider.
Ta Prohm Temple
Ta Prohm Temple


Take a cruise 

Travelling from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by boat is the most scenic way of reaching the Angkor Temples from the capital, giving visitors a chance to take in the scenery and culture of Cambodia's life-giving waterways.


Take an elephant ride 

Another option readily available at the Angkor Temples, do as Khmer royalty did centuries earlier by straddling an elephant for a memorable sunset journey. The activity is also offered in Rattanakiri and Mondulkiri.
Take an elephant ride
Take an elephant ride


Tuol Sleng 

Set in the former high school that would later become the notorious S-21 detention centre, Tuol Sleng today acts as a museum of tribute to the genocide of the chilling Khmer Rouge era. Torture instruments remain in some rooms. This is an emotive experience.


Watch traditional dance 

Classical Khmer dance displays have become popular inclusions on tourist itineraries, complete with ornate costumes and accompanying musicians. Many of these performances take place in the international hotels around Siem Reap, but villages may have their own spontaneous versions on special days. Water FestivalTaking place in October or November - when the flow of the Tonle Sap River changes direction - the Water Festival is a chance to watch races between hundreds of rainbow-coloured boats, as well as to engage in three days of merry-making.
Watch traditional dance
Watch traditional dance
ONLY WITH US : 100 % MONEY BACK GUARANTEE within 10 days from the date of booking if not satisfied.
For further information, or simply a free quote, please contact us at any time via our email: info@galatourist.com, our experienced consultants will reply to you within 48 hours.
Sincerely yours & see you soon!
GALATOURIST since 2005.
Related Articles
Visiting Roluos Group Temples, Siem Reap - A place of monuments in Cambodia
Visiting Roluos Group Temples, Siem Reap - A place of monuments in Cambodia
Roluos is a Cambodian modern small town and  the site of an ancient center of Khmer civilization known as Hariharalaya (the abode of Hari-hara). The archeological site is about 13 km east of Siem Reap along NH6. It is known to  be the first capital of Khmer Empire north of Tonle Sap.
Tonle Sap Lake - The great lake in Siem Reap, Cambodia
Tonle Sap Lake - The great lake in Siem Reap, Cambodia
Tonle Sap lake is one of the most unique ecological water wonders in the world. The Lake is the largest fresh water in South East Asia. Its dimension changes depending on the monsoon and dry season. During raining season from June to October, the lake is filled by water flowing from the Mekong with 14 meters in depth and expands the surface of 10,000 square Kilometers. In dry season from November to May its size 3,000 square kilometers with two meters in depth and water flows out from the Lake to the Mekong, in and out flowing is the natural phenomenon occurrences.
Top 5 attractions must - see in Siem Reap, Cambodia
Top 5 attractions must - see in Siem Reap, Cambodia
As a Cambodian tourist capital, Siem Reap is the unique old city with hundreds of natural and man-made attractions. From beautiful temples to unique museums, cultural parks, vast lakes and mountains covered with green grass. Discover this special land with Galatourist !
Angkor Thom - Acient capital of the Khmer empire, Cambodia
Angkor Thom - Acient capital of the Khmer empire, Cambodia
Angkor Thom is a laterite coumpound of temples which is the last the most enduring capital of Khmer Empire. It was established in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII after driving out the Chams, who destroyed the old capital Yasodharapura. He fortified the city by building a high wall around it, in turn enclosed by a 100 meter wide moat. Therefore, it is an almost square city surrounded by 8 meter high walls a little over 12 kilometers long with five impressive gopura gates providing access to the city. The city’s name translates to “large city” or “great city”.
General information for traveling to Angkor Wat
General information for traveling to Angkor Wat
When talking about Cambodia, surely almost tourists will think to Angkor Wat the first. It is the reason why will introduce about tour guide Angkor Wat to help you have fun and safe trip in there.
Phnom Penh Postal Code
Phnom Penh Postal Code
If you are sending mail or packages to anywhere in Phnom Penh City, you can ensure faster and more reliable delivery by using the official area code.
Useful Contacts in Cambodia
Useful Contacts in Cambodia
Find out Useful Contacts, Public Services, Emergency Contact Numbers, Tourist office, Police, Fire, Ambulance, Traffic, Airports, Country Code, Local Area Access, Public Institutions when travelling in Cambodia.
Foreign Embassy in Cambodia
Foreign Embassy in Cambodia
All foreign embassies in Cambodia are located in the country’s capital, Phnom Penh. Siem Reap has no foreign embassies. But some countries, for example France and South Korea, are represented by a consulate in Siem Reap, offering limited diplomatic and consular services. The following list gives an overview of all foreign embassies and consulates in Cambodia.
Health Care in Cambodia
Health Care in Cambodia
Health insurance, including emergency evacuation, is absolutely essential. Doctors and hospitals expect cash payments for any medical treatment. The cost of medical evacuation is high. The hospital in Phnom Penh is reliable.
Cambodia Currency & Money
Cambodia Currency & Money
Riel (KHR; symbol CR) is the country’s official currency but locals prefer to use dollars. Riel notes are in denominations of CR100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, 200, 100 and 50. Dollars notes (not coins) are widely accepted, yet visitors in small villages and shops vendors may not have change for high notes (including $10+). It is advisable to keep hold of small Riel change wherever you can as it is very useful.
Shopping & Nightlife in Cambodia
Shopping & Nightlife in Cambodia
Visitors to Cambodia have a tendency to leave with bulkier luggage than on arrival: the country's markets are heavy with potential souvenirs, ranging from silks, textiles and statues to carvings, silverwork and Buddhist artworks.
Cambodia Food and Drink
Cambodia Food and Drink
As elsewhere in South East Asia, the quality of the food is a draw in its own right. Khmer cuisine shares much with that of both Thailand and China, although it tends to steer clear of excessive use of spices. Quality restaurants are found in all areas that see mainstream tourism, while cheap but tasty food stalls are ubiquitous around the country. Most meals are rice-based.
Filter articles
Top
free telephone appointment
tripadvisor
call
Customize your trip
Customize
Leave a message
Contact
(+84)
Call now!
WhatsApp
WhatsApp
Messenger
View Google Map
Google Map