Top 10 Most Beautiful Places in Cambodia
Cambodia is a country rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. It is home to some of the most stunning and ancient temples, pristine islands, charming towns, and diverse landscapes in Southeast Asia. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or inspiration, Cambodia has something for everyone. In this post, we will explore the top 10 most beautiful places in Cambodia that you should not miss on your next trip.
Top 10 Most Beautiful Places in Cambodia
1. Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is the most famous and iconic attraction in Cambodia. It is the largest and best-preserved temple complex in the world, dating back to the 12th century. Angkor Wat was built as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, but later became a Buddhist shrine. The temple is renowned for its intricate carvings, majestic towers, and stunning sunrise and sunset views. Angkor Wat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Cambodia’s national pride.
2. Koh Rong
Koh Rong is a paradise island in the Gulf of Thailand, about 25 kilometers off the coast of Sihanoukville. It is the second largest island in Cambodia, with 43 kilometers of white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and lush jungles. Koh Rong is the perfect place to relax, swim, snorkel, dive, kayak, or hike. You can also enjoy the nightlife, visit the local villages, or witness the bioluminescent plankton that light up the sea at night.
3. Banteay Srei
Banteay Srei is a 10th-century temple located about 25 kilometers northeast of Angkor Wat. It is also known as the “Citadel of Women” or the “Citadel of Beauty” because of its delicate and elaborate carvings of female figures and floral motifs. Banteay Srei is made of pink sandstone, which gives it a unique and charming appearance. The temple is dedicated to Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction, and features scenes from the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
4. Tonlé Sap Lake
Tonlé Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and one of the most productive ecosystems in the world. It is connected to the Mekong River by the Tonlé Sap River, which reverses its flow twice a year, creating a natural phenomenon that affects the water level and biodiversity of the lake. Tonlé Sap Lake is home to many floating villages, where people live in stilt houses, fish, farm, and trade on the water. You can take a boat tour to see the lake’s wildlife, culture, and scenery.
5. Kampot
Kampot is a charming riverside town in southern Cambodia, known for its colonial architecture, laid-back atmosphere, and pepper plantations. Kampot pepper is considered one of the best in the world, and you can visit the farms to learn how it is grown and processed. You can also enjoy the scenic views of the Bokor National Park, the Phnom Chhngok Cave Temple, the Teuk Chhou Rapids, and the salt fields. Kampot is also a popular base for exploring the nearby Kep, a seaside resort with a famous crab market.
6. Preah Khan
Preah Khan is another impressive temple complex in the Angkor Archaeological Park, located about 12 kilometers north of Angkor Wat. It was built in the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII as a Buddhist monastery and a royal residence. Preah Khan means “Sacred Sword” and it was dedicated to the king’s father. The temple is surrounded by a moat and a wall, and features a maze of corridors, chambers, and courtyards, adorned with carvings, statues, and stelae. Preah Khan is partly restored and partly overgrown by the jungle, creating a mysterious and enchanting atmosphere.
7. Kep
Kep is a small coastal town in southern Cambodia, famous for its fresh seafood, especially crab. Kep was once a fashionable resort for the French and Cambodian elite, but it was largely abandoned during the Khmer Rouge regime. Today, you can still see the remnants of the colonial villas, or visit the Kep National Park, which offers hiking trails, viewpoints, and wildlife. Kep is also a gateway to the Rabbit Island, a tranquil island with sandy beaches, palm trees, and coral reefs.
8. Preah Vihear
Preah Vihear is a spectacular temple situated on a cliff edge of the Dangrek Mountains, near the border with Thailand. It was built between the 9th and 12th centuries by several Khmer kings, and dedicated to Shiva. Preah Vihear is composed of a series of sanctuaries, connected by staircases and walkways, and decorated with carvings and sculptures. The temple offers breathtaking views of the Cambodian plains and the Thai forests, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
9. Battambang
Battambang is the second largest city in Cambodia, located on the banks of the Sangker River. It is a cultural and historical hub, with a well-preserved colonial architecture, a vibrant art scene, and a rich heritage. Battambang is also known for its bamboo train, a unique and fun way to travel along the old railway tracks. You can also visit the Phnom Sampeau, a hill with a Buddhist temple, a killing cave, and a bat cave, or the Wat Banan, an ancient temple on top of a mountain.
10. Cardamom Mountains
The Cardamom Mountains are a range of mountains in southwestern Cambodia, covering about 20% of the country’s land area. They are one of the last remaining wilderness areas in Southeast Asia, with a diverse and endangered flora and fauna. The Cardamom Mountains are home to many ethnic minorities, who live in harmony with nature. You can explore the mountains by trekking, biking, kayaking, or camping, and discover the waterfalls, rivers, caves, and wildlife that make this place so special.
Conclusion
Cambodia is a country that will surprise and delight you with its beauty, culture, and history. It has something for every traveler, from ancient temples to tropical islands, from charming towns to wild mountains. If you are planning to visit Cambodia, make sure to include these top 10 most beautiful places in Cambodia in your itinerary. You will not regret it.