I was in awe. The moment we got off the plane in Cambodia, I instantly fell in love. If you’re planning to travel to Cambodia, you’re in for quite a ride. It’s filled with so much beauty and history beyond the Angkor temples. The people show such strength and kindness. We truly got a taste of the entire country. Our 10 day itinerary took us from the ancient wonders of Siem Reap, to the jungle of Mondulkiri, and ended with relaxation in Kampot and Koh Rong Sanloem. There are many reasons to fall in love with this country, but here are some reasons why we did.
Travel to Cambodia: Here’s Why You Should Go
Are you deciding whether to go to Cambodia? We’ve put together a list of reasons to visit there, and why we’d love to go back. We even brought our 3 year old daughter with us, and she loved it! It’s a one-of-a-kind special place and once you go, you’ll know why.
Closeup details of Banteay Srei temple
The Wonder of the Siem Reap Temples
The first and obvious reason why you should travel to Cambodia are the Angkor temples. You truly can’t visit here without seeing them. We spent 3 days exploring a variety of them, and each one is unique. It’s incredible to see these ancient structures up close and personal. The detail and love is clearly shown in the carvings and bas reliefs. It’s no surprise why these are UNESCO World Heritage sites. You’ll have an unforgettable experience discovering each one, regardless of the crowds. If it’s not already on your bucket list, this post will help with that!
Wondering which ones to see? 13 Siem Reap Temples Worth Visiting
The gorgeous sunrise at Angkor Wat, so worth it!
Angkor Wat Sunrise
One of my main goals for traveling to Cambodia was to watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat. Yes you have to get up at 4am in order to get a good spot, but trust me it’s so worth it! Seeing Angkor Wat is already amazing enough. But watching the beautiful warm rays of the sun slowly rising from behind is mindblowing. And what’s even better? You get to explore the temple during the most magical time. The early morning sun makes for some beautiful lighting. And droolworthy shots. It doesn’t get any better than that!
See more: How to Capture the Angkor Wat Sunrise
A friendly street food vendor outside Angkor Wat
The Warmth of the Locals
I have heard great things about the people of Cambodia. But I didn’t expect to come across such an incredible welcome. Historically, the culture has been through so much tragedy. But the inner strength and bravery shines through. Every local we came across was very kind and welcoming to us. They were so great with our daughter and we were well taken care of. You will truly enjoy the culture here, and the people make it even more memorable. Take time to get to know some of the locals, they have quite the stories to tell.
Roben, our tuk tuk driver in Siem Reap
The Tuk Tuks
I absolutely loved going on the tuk tuks in Cambodia. There’s nothing like feeling that refreshing breeze after spending time in the heat. It was also so cool watching the life go by as you sit back and relax. I’ll forever remember all the outside smells while riding along. For the temples, we booked our tuk tuk driver in advance at a set price, which made it much easier while we were there. But there is definitely no shortage of them around the cities!
Some street food vendors along Pub Street
The Night Markets
Like most Asian countries, night markets are everywhere. Siem Reap is full of several of them to explore. Pub Street is one of the most popular spots to hang, and really comes alive at night. There are unique foods to try (like bugs!) and plenty to see. Get your feet massaged by fish, or shop for some souvenirs. It’s always a cool experience, and Southeast Asia is known for them.
A sampling of curries and amok in Siem Reap
The Exotic Food
Khmer cuisine has such wonderful flavor. The famous fish amok was full of interesting aromas and also so comforting. The curries were very mild and sweet, not spicy like those of Thailand. Dishes were typically served with a side of rice. One snack you must try is sticky rice. It’s typically sold along the streets in Siem Reap, and it’s just the perfect blend of flavors. Everything we had tasted extremely fresh, flavorful, and healthy. Also, the fruit is just incredible, some of the best I’ve had. And make sure to try a fruit shake! I must have had one every day. You really can’t go wrong with any of the food in Cambodia.
Overall view over Kompong Khleang floating village
The Floating Villages
There is more to do in Siem Reap beyond the temples. Along the Tonle Sap are several floating village communities. During dry season the water level is low, so many of the homes aren’t as submerged. Some of these villages are tourist traps though. But we did some research and found the perfect responsible choice in Kompong Khleang. It’s truly fascinating to get a glimpse into the way of life here. You’ll have an eye opening experience, and witness a gorgeous sunset on the Tonle Sap.
Learn more: Kompong Khleang Floating Village
One of the elephants roaming free at the Mondulkiri Project
Ethical Elephant Sanctuary
Deep into the eastern side of the country is the Mondulkiri Province. You can take a bus here from Phnom Penh and it’s a 6 hour journey. The area is beautiful and filled with dense jungle, home to indigenous Bunong tribes. There are also several elephant sanctuaries here to visit. We spent the day at the Mondulkiri Project to visit one. It’s a wonderful initiative to help preserve the forest in Sen Monorom and provide a protected home for the animals. You’ll spend the day in the jungle feeding, and bathing the elephants as they roam freely. And feel good about such a great cause too. How’s that for a bucket list idea?
Discover more about the project: Best Elephant Sanctuary in Cambodia
The view of the eco lodge in Sen Monorom, Cambodia
Jungle Eco Lodge
While you’re visiting the elephant sanctuary, take some time to unplug in nature. During our time in Sen Monorom, we stayed at a nature lodge surrounded by the beautiful jungle. It was quite remote, and we had the unique opportunity of falling asleep to wildlife sounds. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a busy itinerary at the temples in Siem Reap. We booked Tree Lodge Cambodia, which is owned by the same family who started the Mondulkiri Project. They have a restaurant and terrace with stunning views, and wifi for those who need it. At just $15 per night, how can you go wrong?
View of the empty salt fields in Kampot
Salt Fields in Kampot
Did you know there are salt fields in Kampot? Apparently sea salt production is pretty big here. Located within a rural area along dusty dirt roads are these magnificent salt fields. It’s a beautiful sight to see during sunrise or sunset. Kampot is such a serene and chill town, there’s so much more to explore. Definitely don’t leave here without trying some Kampot pepper, or even visit a pepper plantation. It’s the best pepper we’ve had! It was so wonderful here and we hope to return back someday.
See more: One Day in Kampot, Cambodia
A hammock at our jungle lodge in Mondulkiri
The Hammocks
Hammocks are a way of life in Cambodia. You can find them everywhere. We saw them hung beneath homes, within tuk tuks, and designated resting stations. It’s a daily routine here to take naps after lunch. I never truly appreciated just how comfortable they are until coming here. I can definitely get used to spending some time in one everyday. Can you imagine taking a break from work just to relax in a hammock? It’s a genius concept!
The beautiful Saracen Bay in Koh Rong Sanloem
Remote Islands of Paradise
The coastal town of Sihanoukville gives access to two remote islands. Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem are about an hour ferry ride from the pier. While Koh Rong is more of a party island, Koh Rong Sanloem is a much more remote and quiet escape. We stayed on Saracen Bay for a few days to end our long trip. The island is so beautiful and still has an untouched feel. You can snorkel, sunbathe, and swim with glowing plankton at night. M’Pai Bay Village was such a funky and artsy village in a more isolated part of the island. It’s just pure bliss staying here, you will not want to leave!
Visit Cambodia for an Unforgettable Experience
We hope this list helped you decide on travel to Cambodia. If it’s not already on your bucket list, I’m sure it is now! It’s truly just a beautiful country with so much variety. There is still even more to see beyond this list, so book a trip now and discover for yourself. You won’t regret it!
Start planning your trip with our Complete 10 Day Guide to Cambodia.
Have you been to Cambodia? Did you fall in love with it too? We’d love to hear more in the comments!
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