Cambodia remains one of our favourite places in South East Asia. We travelled around the country for four weeks, and loved every moment of it! There is a raw charm about Cambodia, where despite a war torn past and genocide within living memory, the local people are extremely friendly and inviting. As a country that is finding its feet, you feel as though you have gone back and been frozen in time; poor infrastructure means the roads are poorly built and transport networks are yet to be established - so be prepared for long bumpy minibus rides! All of this adds to the whole Cambodian experience and is part of what makes it so special.
Angkor Wat is undoubtedly the jewel of Cambodia, and although the temple ruins don’t disappoint, you will come away from Cambodia with much more than you were expecting.
- PHNOM PENH -
Phnom Penh was much smaller and less busy than we were expecting, and the majority of the action is alongside the river where you can find a variety of dining options and bars. The Royal Palace is a must see whilst you’re in Phnom Penh, an extravagant place painted with gold, surrounded by green grass and flowers; find a shady spot to sit and take in the tranquil surroundings.
A trip to the killing fields is also unmissable. The headphone tour guides you around the burial site of those killed in the genocide at the hands of the Khmer Rouge regime. It’s an unbelievable place and really realises the horror that many Cambodians have lived through. There are often children begging around the perimeter, and the emotional nature of the site might make you want to give them money. However, it is strictly advised that you do not because it encourages them not to go in to education, plus when we witnessed donations of any amount they always ask for more.
- SIEM REAP -
This was definitely our favourite place in Cambodia! Angkor Wat is the major tourist attraction and it is truly an amazing place, we would highly recommend booking the three day pass to explore as many temples as you can! The best way to get around is to hire a tuc-tuc driver for the day (or three if you are happy with him) and they will wait outside the temple until you’ve finished exploring, then take you to the next one. Hotels do offer their own tuck-tuc services, but we preferred paying the drivers directly.
ITINERARY
CAMBODIA
GALLERY
COMING SOON
- SIHANOUKVILLE -
Much more of a party town popular with outgoing backpackers, Sihanoukville is the best place to meet fellow travellers, eat good food, and have a drink! Busier and more commercial than Kep and Kampot, the beaches here are still postcard perfect; our favourite were Otres Beach and Serendipity Beach.
Look out for ‘Olive & Olive’ an Italian restaurant near the Golden Lion roundabout, they serve possibly the best (and biggest) pizzas in all of Cambodia at very good prices!
- KEP & KAMPOT -
A small beachside fishing town, Kep is great place to watch the world go by. If you are looking for a beach destination with some peace and quiet look no further than here. With nearby Thonsay Island to explore ,and Kep National Park to satisfy your inner nature lover, this little town is the perfect place to start your trip in Cambodia.
Slightly more lively than Kep, Kampot offers a wider range of activities such as mountain biking and water sports while river cruises offer an excellent opportunity to take in the views of distant mountains. Time rolls by in this sedate town, and we found it a great place to take stock and re-energise.
B E A U T Y.
ROYAL PALACE
TRIED, TESTED & APPROVED
BY
Rachel & William
WEEK ONE: KEP, KAMPOT,SIHANOUKVILLE
Eat. Sleep. Swim
