Best Places to Visit in Cambodia

A City Built on the Glorious Days of the Khmer

It was only a few centuries ago that Phnom Penh was one of the principal cities of Asia. Today, it stands at the vanguard of tourism as one of the best places to visit in Cambodia. Caught dramatically where the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers kiss, its diverse land has all it takes to cure your wanderlust in a day. Khmer-style pagodas and eclectic temple complexes pepper the city from end to end. And, the phenomenal Silver Pagoda takes the lead. Pay a visit to the picture-perfect shrine, and you will also get to see the adjacent Royal Palace and National Museum in full glory. But, wait until the darkness falls to see Phnom Penh find its mojo. The city’s cosmopolitan swagger takes over the historic scene at night, painting the streets in a carnival of colors and sounds.

The Spiritual Center of Theravada Buddhism

In the holy city of Siem Reap, there is an exquisite temple in the place of a building and a Khmer treasure wherever you step foot on its land. The crown jewel is the one of a kind Angkor Wat, defining the city’s skyline with its matchless silhouette. It is the sole reason why many visitors flock to Cambodia. But once you become satisfied, see beyond the marvelous temple complex and give its surroundings a chance. There are several other temples delivering what many hail as Cambodian architectural flair. They are at the top of the list when it comes to the best places to visit in Cambodia. Siem Reap is also the place to be for the culturally-inclined and intellectually curious travelers. This is where the local tastes and entertainment concentrate.

Cambodia’s Heart Beats in Its Countryside

The true character of Cambodia lies somewhere between its richly varied countryside and its treasure trove of ancient imperial relics. Battambang is the best place to experience it, set amidst the rice fields of the country’s verdant north. It boasts a handful of mountains and caves that will immediately mark your trip. If you have time, riding the Bamboo Train through the luminos rice fields is the highlight activity in any Cambodia itinerary. The juxtaposition of nature and culture is beyond imagination in the vibrant villages of the countryside. It is also home to some of the most valued monuments like Phnom Banan, a beckoning temple complex charming visitors with its old-world vibes.