Su Sa Day – Welcome to Cambodia! The Kingdom of Cambodia is a small nation bordered by Thailand to the West, Laos to the North, Vietnam to the East and a coastline on the Gulf of Thailand in the South. For such a small nation, Cambodia packs a punch; from the awe-inspiring wonders of the Angkor Temple Complex, ecotourism adventures in the vast wilderness of the Cardamom Mountains, to pristine islands off the coast of its palm-fringed coastline. The countries story is both inspiring and depressing, one of the fascinating ancient empires as well as unbearably tragic recent history. But rising above it all is Cambodia’s true treasure, its people, whose irresistible friendliness and infectious optimism will leave any visitor with a sense of affection and admiration for this resilient nation. The last two decades of reconciliation and recovery has seen Cambodia emerge as one of Asia’s fastest growing economies. Foreign visitors have been warmly welcome leading to a steady growth in tourism, a major pillar of the country’s economic development. Dating back to 801 AD, the powerful Hindu-Buddhist Khmer Empire ruled over Cambodia and most of mainland South East Asia for over five centuries. Its greatest achievement was the capital of Angkor a city of unrivalled scale and opulence, the largest urban center in the world during its peak in the 11th to 13th Century. The golden age of Khmer rule led to significant influences in art, culture and architectural technique, a proud legacy that lives on in the ruins of the city today. But as always empire rise and fall, and fortunes turned when the Khmer Empire began to crumble in the 15th Century. For the next four hundred years, as the Khmer declined, emerging rivals in Siam and Vietnam carved up the territories of this once unstoppable civilization. In the 19th Century, Cambodia became a part of French Indochina, a federation of French colonies and protectorates in Southeast Asia. In 1953, the country declared independence but internal conflict and a civil war followed leading to the rise of the Communist Khmer Rouge Regime. During its rule between 1975 and 1979, the regime attempted radical social reforms and was responsible for the deaths of millions of Cambodians through forced labor and genocide. The senseless cruelty of the Khmer Rouge left the country devastated; a whole generation had been lost, and its economy, infrastructure, and cultural heritage left in ruins. In 1978, a Vietnamese invasion followed by two decades of fighting drove the Khmer Rouge out, and then, in 1993, UN-sponsored elections helped restore some level of normalcy. A coalition government, formed after national elections in 1998, brought renewed political stability and the surrender of remaining Khmer Rouge forces in 1998. The last two decades of reconciliation and recovery has seen Cambodia emerge as one of Asia’s fastest growing economies. Foreign visitors have been warmly welcome leading to a steady growth in tourism, a major pillar of the country’s economic development. Cambodia still bears the scars of its tragic past and daunting challenges remain, but the resilience and sheer optimism of its people has prevailed and now its young population looks hopefully towards the future. Located at the meeting of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, Cambodia’s energetic capital, Phnom Penh, is known for its rich history, friendly locals and world-class food scene. The primary drawcard of the city its visible heritage. The National Museum of Cambodia features a millennium’s worth and more of incredible Khmer design. The monumental Royal Palace, the official residence of King Sihamoni, houses the famous Throne Hall, used for coronations and ceremonies. Within the Royal Palace is the spectacular Silver Pagoda, named for its floor covered with five tons of gleaming silver. The Tonle Sap riverfront area provides a charming place to enjoy a meal and some fine French wine (an enduring colonial legacy), while the local nightclubs provide a fun, if somewhat bizarre, time out on the town, complete with karaoke singers and stage dancers. Best known as the gateway to the magnificent ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat, Siem Reap is a pleasant town with lovely French colonial and Chinese architecture, and a laid-back ambience. The main attraction here is of course the Angkor complex. Covering an area larger than Paris, it encompasses scores of exquisite temple structures featuring intricately carved detail – dancing ladies and lotus flowers embellish the walls, five-headed naga (serpent deities) fan out from chunks of rock. Abandoned for unknown reasons thousands of years ago, it was rediscovered in 1860 by a French explorer, Henri Mahout, and has been Cambodia’s crowning glory ever since. Other attractions in and around Siem Reap include an array of arts and crafts shops, a cultural village that allows a glimpse into traditional local life, and a bird sanctuary on the outskirts of town. Located where the northern plains of Cambodia meet the Dangrek Mountains in the north and the Mekong River to the west, the rugged and thickly-forested Preah Vihear Province is renowned for its impressive Angkorian temple ruins. Chief among these are the 10th-century Koh Ker Temple complex, the UNESCO accredited mountaintop Prasat Preah Vihear temple, and the Preah Khan Kompong Svay site, with its stunning 1000-year-old artworks. Adventurous visitors will have plenty to keep them busy with a variety of outdoor activities on offer. These include unforgettable motorcycle tours into lush jungles to discover remote temples and hiking or mountaineering trips through a remarkable variety of natural habitats – forest, jungle, grasslands and wetlands – where unique and endangered wildlife and birdlife are protected, including Cambodia’s national bird, the Giant Ibis. With a history that dates backs to the 11th century AD, and a modern role as a crucial national rice production area, Battambang has always played a key role in Cambodian affairs. Despite its commercial importance, the city has retained a slow-paced charm that – together with its cafe culture, riverside location, thriving arts scene and gracefully dilapidated architecture – lends itself to an enchanting visit. Surrounding the metropolitan area are emerald-green rice paddies, pepper plantations and lush rainforests with networks of trekking trails, many leading to traditional villages and quaint hilltop shrines. A must-do is the river cruise between Battambang and Siem Reap – widely acknowledged as the most scenic river route in the country. Set on a peninsula that juts out into the Thai Gulf, Sihanoukville is Cambodia’s most popular seaside destination, thanks to the sandy beaches that line its coast. By day, these shores and the surrounding ocean are the area’s main attractions – visitors can simply soak up the sun, enjoy drinks or a meal at one of the beachside bars or restaurants, or get active with snorkelling, scuba diving or jet-skiing. There’s also loads of nightlife to be had here – in recent years Sihanoukville has evolved into a bustling town with an abundance of bars, nightclubs, beach parties and even several casinos. And if you’re looking for a more peaceful experience, head to one of the region’s idyllic offshore islands, or to nearby Ream National Park, with its bird-rich mangrove swamps and secluded beaches. Also known as the Kravanh Mountains, the Cardamom Mountains are situated in the west of Cambodia. These famous mountains appear on the provincial seal of Trat Province in Thailand and are known for their scenic landscapes, endangered fauna and flora, ecotourism opportunities and thrilling ecoadventures. Stretching over more than 4 million hectares, the Cardamom Mountains are home to Southeast Asia’s largest remaining rainforest. This mountain range features a number of wildlife sanctuaries and encompasses the Central Cardamoms Protected Forest. Visitors can use the remote village of Osoam, a community tourism centre, and the Cardamoms’ northern gateway town of Pursat, as a base to explore the surrounding region. Discover one of Southeast Asia’s most pristine expanses of wilderness, explore the vast blanket of tropical rainforest, and soak up the mountain, marsh, plain and river landscapes. Koh Rong, also known as Monkey Island, is a blissful breath of sea air after travelling some of Cambodia’s more rough and rugged inland destinations. This little island, situated 25km off the coast of Sihanoukville, has 43km of exquisite sand beaches lining the east and west coasts, lapped by temperate turquoise waters. The interior is largely covered with rainforests where you can go hiking along beautiful trails. Koh Rong is still a relatively under the radar destination, with just a handful of accommodation options and entertainment venues, although there is good nightlife to be had at Tui Bay. Situated in the Gulf of Thailand of the coast of Cambodia, the Koh Russey Island or Bamboo Island falls within the Sihanoukville Province. Less than an hours boat ride from the popular tourist town of Sihanoukville, this tropical island boasts white sand beaches lapped by calm crystal-clear waters. The island offers an array of wonderful activities such a fishing, swimming, snorkelling surfing and deep sea diving. Stroll on stunning beaches, discover lush mysterious jungle, stay in a beachside bungalow and fall asleep to the sounds of the waves lapping the shore and spend your days swinging in a hammock. Song Saa Private Island is comprised of two exquisite little islands Koh Ouen and Koh Bong, fondly known as ‘the sweethearts’. Featuring pristine, powder white beaches, crystal clear azure waters, spectacular sunsets, and tropical reefs teeming with colourful marine life, Song Saa is the epitome of laidback luxury. Occupied exclusively by the The Song Saa Sanctuary, a small private resort designed with exceptional care and rustic elegance, the island offers a remote, eco-luxe getaway for travellers seeking some peace and tranquility away from the stresses of the modern world. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities including sailing, snorkeling and kayaking as well as peaceful yoga and meditation sessions and a variety of spa treatments. This unique, secluded pocket of paradise is an ideal destination for a romantic adventure combined with some wonderfully indulgent moments of pure relaxation. Set just off the coast of Cambodia north of Bamboo Island, Krabey Island, also known as Kaoh Chraluh, is a private island home to an exclusive eco-resort. The island features rocky shores dotted with white sand beaches lapped by turquoise waters and edged by lush tropical jungle. Kaoh Chraluh is known for its commitment to the sustainability and environmental protection of the region and boasts an organic farm, a protected marine area, a bottling plant re-using glass bottles and it involves the local community. Visitors can look forward to soaking up the island’s tranquil atmosphere as well as enjoying an array of activities including a range of watersports, thrilling island hopping boat tours, and relaxing spa experiences. The coastal province of Kep is located in southwest Cambodia. Despite being the smallest province in the country, this mountainous and arable province offers a diverse array of attractions, including an intriguing capital city (also known as Kep), rugged national parks and nearby islands. The capital, which contains abandoned French-style villas from when the city was established in 1908, makes a great base for exploring Phnom Sar Sear – a cultural and natural preserve home to Buddhist pagodas and caves containing beautiful mountain wells – and the Kep National Park, which offers jungle treks of varying lengths and difficulties. Finally, though Kep Beach is popular, most visitors will want to make the trip to nearby Rabbit Island, an idyllic retreat of towering palm trees, white sand beaches and brightly coloured tropical fish. With its riverside setting, elegantly decayed buildings, and timeless atmosphere, Kampot is one of Cambodia’s most beguiling towns. Days here go by in a pleasant haze of waterside wandering, sunsets over the river, laid-back boat cruises and culinary indulgences, followed by a lively nightlife in an array of restaurants and bars. The Central Market and Night Market provide a dose of local culture and cuisine, while the ironically named ‘Old Market’ has been recently renovated and is far more geared to tourists, with an array of international restaurants and several tour operators. Dotted about the town are quaint fishing villages, while just across the river, Bokor National Park offers an incredible kaleidoscope of tropical flora and wildlife, as well as a glitzy modern casino. Located in the Mondulkiri Province, the largest province in Cambodia, Sen Monorom is the largest town in the area and serves as the provincial capital. This frontier town is home to the indigenous Pnong community. In the heart of the town, visitors can view two magnificent lakes which add to the town’s charm. The surrounding area around Sen Monorom is scattered with glorious waterfalls amidst thick jungle and a lush rolling landscape dotted with hill tribe villages. Visitors can sample local Cambodian fare at an array restaurants that line the main strip, enjoy a drink at a buzzing bar and stay over in one of the many comforatable hotels. Other popular activities include: hill trekking, ecotourism trips, motorbike tours, and cultural experiences with the local indigenous Bunong people. Located in northeastern Cambodia, the town of Banlung serves as the capital of the Ratanakiri Province. This dusty red town is a popular jumping off point for visitors who want to explore the surrounding Ratanakiri region. One of the main highlights of the area is Boeng Yeak Lom, a beautiful, emerald-hued volcanic crater lake fringed by lush green jungle. Visitors can look forward to a host of activities such as: browsing the local handicrafts at the traditional market, discover the nearby Cha Ong waterfall, rent a bicycle to explore the streets and scenic surrounds, sample a variety of Cambodian cuisine. Other popular attractions include: Wat Rahtanharahm and Virachey National Park. WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOUBespoke travel and tours in Cambodia
Destinations
PHNOM PENH
SIEM REAP
PREAH VIHEAR PROVINCE
BATTAMBANG
SIHANOUKVILLE
CARDAMOM MOUNTAINS
KOH RONG
KOH RUSSEY
SONG SAA ISLAND
KRABAY (BAMBOO) ISLAND
KEP PROVINCE
KAMPOT
SEN MONOROM
BANLUNG
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Cambodia / Essential Information
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