Top 10 Highlights of Cambodia

Cambodia, the extraordinary country between Vietnam, Thailand and Laos, has a lively history full of highs and lows. Despite the reign of terror of the Khmer Rouge, the small country has kept many of its traditions, above all the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat. The vast temple complex captivated visitors and locals with its ancient splendour then, as it does now.

But Angkor Wat and the Phnom Penh attractions of the capital aren't the only sights in Cambodia! Here we present the top 10 sights of Cambodia, so you can learn about the best places and prepare perfectly for your trip to Cambodia.

There are many attractions in Phnom Penh, since it's not only the capital but also a vibrant city of millions in the south of the country.

The spiritual atmosphere in the metropolis's temples combines with the colonial flair of the old French quarters. Modern architecture of recent times mixes into the picture too.

The Royal Palace is a real jewel. Its ornate, pointed roofs and the impressive park right by the river make a picturesque sight. Stroll through the venerable halls and learn a great deal about the city's history.

At the capital's night market, you dive right into the everyday life of the locals. It's the best place to discover what Cambodian cuisine has to offer: try street food such as noodle soups, seafood and hearty portions of Bai Sach Chrouk (pork with rice). And on every corner there's Num Chet Chien (banana nuggets).

You get an insight into the bloody history of the 1970s on a visit to the so-called Killing Fields, where the politically motivated mass murder of the Khmer Rouge is documented. Tragic and not for the faint-hearted, but this too is Cambodia, because these events profoundly shaped the country.

Anyone who wants to delve even deeper into the country's history will find plenty at the National Museum.

Angkor Wat is one of the most famous temple complexes in the world. This is definitely one of the best places in Cambodia and is described in just about every Cambodia guidebook as the Cambodia travel tip par excellence.

The temple ruins of the ancient Khmer Empire stretch over more than 400 km². Built between the 9th and 15th centuries, they are today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can't write a list of the top 10 sights of Cambodia without mentioning Angkor Wat straight away.

The best-known and most impressive temple is Angkor Wat itself. This 12th-century structure is dedicated to the deity Vishnu.

You can see the temples' age, but in a mystical, beautiful way: the temple Ta Prohm is an impressive example of how nature eventually reclaims everything made by human hands.

Mighty tree roots have penetrated the masonry here over the centuries – a fascinating sight and spectacular photo subject. Other exciting temples are Angkor Thom, Banteay Srei and Ta Keo.

If you glance at the map of Cambodia, you'll see that right next to the temple complex of Angkor Wat lies a town called Siem Reap.

It serves as a starting point for visitors heading to the temple ruins. But the town itself is worth seeing too! That's why one of our Cambodia hidden gems is: in Siem Reap, don't just stay the night but also have a bit of a look around! There's plenty to explore in the town of 250,000 inhabitants.

At the town's Old Market (Psar Chaa) you'll find everything your heart desires. Built in the 1920s, the market serves the locals for their weekly shop and for everything a household in Siem Reap might need.

There are juicy dragon fruit, savoury dried seafood, traditional clothing and even a trendy watch – a shopping stroll turns up all sorts.

In the old French quarter, lovers of colonial architecture will get their money's worth. This part of town is home to the best bars and restaurants. Looking for delicious Cambodian and international cuisine? Over the dinner table in this quarter, locals and tourists mingle.

Especially for those who like to party, Pub Street has become one of the classic Cambodia travel tips. This town has a nightlife!

Here too, the country's tragic history has left its mark. At the Landmine Museum you can learn why an estimated 6 million landmines are still hidden in Cambodia's fields today. An impressive exhibition informs visitors about the Vietnam War and the regime of the Khmer Rouge.

Another glance at the map of Cambodia shows that very close to Siem Reap lies the largest lake in South-East Asia: Tonlé Sap. It's a source of food, a workplace and a transport route for thousands of people.

The inland body of water measures 250 kilometres in length. More than 150 fish species live here, and water birds as well as South-East Asian Siamese crocodiles feel at home here too.

One of our Cambodia hidden gems: along the lake shore there are “floating villages” that are home to around 80,000 people!

170 of these houses are built on stilts directly in the water. No one gets away dry-footed here, so boats are the main means of transport. As well as homes, the wooden structures house shops, temples, schools and much more.

A bungalow overlooking the river, exciting caves, a secret lake: the riverside town of Kampot is a little idyll away from Cambodia's cities. It sits right on the Praek Tuek Chhu river, which just ten kilometres further south flows into a picturesque bay on the Gulf of Thailand.

In the surroundings of Kampot, a series of caves await adventurous explorers. In the grotto of Phnom Chhngok, a charming temple welcomes you, built deep in the cave even before Angkor Wat. Right next door you can cool off in the “Secret Lake”.

Not much further lies the coastal town of Sihanoukville. It isn't among Cambodia's most famous sights, but it's a dream destination for anyone longing for palm trees and turquoise views.

The fine sandy beaches, including Otres Beach, feel almost Caribbean. You're invited to linger and relax, and on Saturdays there's music and handicrafts at the local market.

Other picture-perfect beaches of Cambodia are Ochheuteal Beach, Independence Beach and Sokha Beach.

Anyone needing a break from beach life can enjoy a great view by visiting the picturesque Wat Leu temple. With its golden pagoda, it sits enthroned above the coastal town and offers an idyllic view over the expanse of the Gulf of Thailand.

Fancy an island? Sihanoukville is the perfect starting point, and Koh Rong is especially worth seeing. Just ten years ago, the island was an untouched paradise without electricity or wifi.

Today the picturesque island has opened up to tourism while keeping its magic. Brilliant white sandy beaches, green jungle and water as far as the eye can see are the order of the day here.

Visit the beaches of Koh Tui and Long Beach, hike to the Sok San waterfalls or take a boat and snorkelling tour.

Temples, sea – and mountains! The Chuor Phnom Kravanh mountain range, known among travellers simply as the Cardamom Mountains, is also among the Cambodia travel tips. Cardamom plants up to 5.5 metres tall grow everywhere here.

The rainforest that covers the 1,800-metre mountains is one of the last in South-East Asia. It's dense and lush, and 450 bird species live here, along with a variety of endangered animal species. Among them are the mighty Asian elephants and the cuddly sun bears.

As a nature lover, there's a lot to do here: visit imposing waterfalls, take kayak tours on the winding Tatai River and visit jungle villages that have committed to ecotourism.

Another of our Cambodia hidden gems is a journey on the bamboo train in Battambang. A glance at the map of Cambodia shows that this town lies right in the middle between the Cardamom Mountains and Angkor Wat.

The locomotives of the former colonial railway have long since retired. But that doesn't stop a Cambodian from transporting their goods through Battambang province. Instead of heavy iron, skilful hands have simply built a platform out of bamboo, on which goods and travellers find room.

At the Phsar Nath market, foodies find the best street food. The choice ranges from rice-noodle dishes such as Lort Cha to noodle soups called Kuy Teav. For the hardy, there's the experience of eating a duckling straight from the egg (called balut)!

The east of Cambodia is home to the Bunong minority, who live here in harmony with nature among tigers, bears and elephants.

Numerous projects have committed to protecting the good-natured pachyderms. They aren't wild but were freed from captivity.

As well as hikes through the forest, spending a night in a hammock in one of the jungle lodges is a unique experience for getting to know the locals' close-to-nature way of life.