Exploring Time Cambodia: Top Rated Places 2023

Exploring Time Cambodia: Top Rated Places 2023

In September 2019 we decided to make a round trip to Asia and we found at Lidl Holidays, a very good offer. We found a round trip to visit 3 countries: exploring time Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand-Bangkok for 12 days with all visits included and breakfast .We paid 1300 euros per person and honestly I did not have high expectations from hotels considering that these countries are quite poor. Surprise, however! Lidl company exceeded all expectations, we had some beautiful hotels and rooms in this trip, and the breakfast was always rich and tasty.

time Cambodia on the map

Table of Contents

Cambodia Map

Informations

Cambodia is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. The capital and largest city is Phnom Penh, the political, economic, and cultural center of Cambodia.

Temperature: You can visit the country at any time of the year although the period from December to January is the ideal time to travel to the place due to comparatively low humidity levels, cool breeze and minimal rainfall.

Language: Khmer is the official language. Chinese and Vietnamese are also spoken. English is commonly spoken in Cambodia.

Currency: Cambodian Riel (KHR) but tourists can pay anything in dollars

Food Prices: Meal in a cheap restaurant-3 USD, Mid-range Restaurant 2 persons 20 USD

Informations about Visa you can find here.

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Things to do

We were extremely satisfied with the conditions offered in relation to the price, and the tourist guides who accompanied us during the trip were very nice, joking and helping you with whatever you needed, at any time.

Of course, although we had visits included, we also had a day off, sometimes. We chose to visit as many Attractions as possible and we did not stayed at the hotel at all.

Now that we have told you about the good conditions we had, we will continue to tell you about the trips we had.

Day 1 – Early in the morning, after breakfast we set off by speed boat on the Mekong River and after a few hours we managed to get to Cambodia, Phnom Penh.

Arriving in Cambodia we got on the bus, and on the way to the hotel we stopped at the National Museum, the Genocide Museum and the Royal Palace .

Mekong River

The Mekong or Mekong River is a trans-boundary river in East Asia and Southeast Asia. It is the world’s twelfth longest river and the third longest in Asia. Its estimated length is 4,909 km , and it drains an area of 795,000 km2 , discharging 475 km3 of water annually. From the Tibetan Plateau the river runs through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The extreme seasonal variations in flow and the presence of rapids and waterfalls in the Mekong make navigation difficult. Even so, the river is a major trade route between western China and Southeast Asia.

mekong

The National Museum Phnom Penh

The museum houses one of the world’s largest collections of Khmer art, including sculptural, Khmer ceramics, bronzes, and ethnographic objects. Its collection includes over 14,000 items, from prehistoric times to periods before, during and after the Khmer Empire, which at its height stretched from Thailand, across present-day Cambodia, to southern Vietnam. The National Museum of Cambodia is located on Street 13 in central Phnom Penh, to the north of the Royal Palace and on the west side of Veal Preah Man square. The visitors’ entrance to the compound is at the corner of Streets 13 and 178. The Royal University of Fine Arts is located on the west side of the museum.

The Museum Phnom Penh Cambodia

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is the former Khmer Rouge prison S-21 and serves to commemorate the crimes committed there during the genocide in Cambodia between 1975 and 1979 during the Democratic Kampuchean period. It is located in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. S-21 was one of the 196 prisons of Democratic Kampuchea. It was directed by Kaing Guek Eav, aka Duch. Around 18,000 people were imprisoned here.

genocide museum

King's Palace-Royal Palace

The Royal Palace of Cambodia is a complex of buildings which serves as the royal residence of the King of Cambodia. The Cambodian monarchs have occupied it since it was built in the 1860s, with a period of absence when the country came into turmoil during and after the reign of the Khmer Rouge. The palace was constructed between 1866 and 1870, after King Norodom relocated the royal capital from Oudong to Phnom Penh. It was built atop an old citadel called Banteay Keo. It faces approximately East and is situated at the Western bank of the cross division of the Tonle Sap River and the Mekong River called Chaktomuk (an allusion to Brahma).

Royal Palace Phnom Penh Cambodia

Silver Pagoda

The Silver Pagoda is located on the south side of the Royal Palace in Chey Chumneas, Phnom Penh. Here you can find national treasures including many golds and jeweled Buddha statues. The most significant are a small green crystal Buddha and a life-sized gold Maitreya Buddha commissioned by King Sisowath, weighing 90 kg and dressed in royal regalia and set with 9584 diamonds, the largest of which weighing 25 carats, created in the palace workshops during 1906 and 1907.

Silver Pagoda

Day 2- Although, the day before we had visited quite a few attractions of the city of Phnom Penh, we had not yet managed to discover everything and we had a free day for ourselves, separate from the group we were traveling with. We decided to visit the other attractions: Choeung Ek and and night we went to Phnom Penh night market.

Choeung Ek

Choeung Ek, a former orchard and Chinese cemetery about 17 kilometers south of Phnom Penh, is the most famous of the so-called killing fields where the Khmer Rouge regime executed around 17,000 people between 1975 and 1979. Mass graves containing 8,895 bodies were discovered here after the fall of the dictatorship, many of the dead being former inmates of Tuol Sleng Prison.

Choeung Ek

Phnom Penh night market

Night market with stalls mainly selling clothes. Especially counterfeit branded clothing. There is live music and several dining options. We recommend to go to the market if you want to buy chlotes, souvenirs or shoes.

Phnom Penh night market

Day 3- In the morning, after our breakfast, we headed to the Wat Phnom, a famous stupa in the capital of Cambodia. After that we headed to Independence Monument Phnom Penh.

We went to visit the Ruins of the Temples Koh Ker of Cambodia that are in that forest for hundreds of years. There were many groups of tourists, and the locals when they saw the tourists, smiled at them and asked them if they wanted to take pictures with them. It was a nice experience. These are our memories:

Wat Phnom

Wat Phnom is probably the most famous stupa in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh. Built on a 27 meter high artificial hill with a diameter of 300 meters, it is the highest religious structure in the city. The sanctuary is accessible via stairs and ramps. According to legend, the wealthy widow Daun Chi Penh commissioned its construction in 1372 after she found five Buddha statues, four bronze and one stone, in a koki tree trunk on the banks of the Mekong, destroyed by a great tidal wave washed downstream.

Wat Phnom

Independence Monument Phnom Penh

The Independence Monument in Phnom Penh, was built in 1958 to memorialise Cambodia’s independence from France in 1953. It is in the form of a lotus-shaped stupa, of the style seen at the temple at Banteay Srei and other Khmer historical sites. It stands 37 m tall. During national celebrations, the Independence Monument is the centre of activity. A ceremonial flame on the interior pedestal is often lit by a royal or high official on these occasions, and floral tributes line the stairs. Every year, the Independence Monument is visited by foreign tourists and locals alike.

Independence Monument Phnom Penh

Ruins of the Temples Koh Ker

Koh Ker is a remote archaeological site in northern Cambodia about 120 kilometres  away from Siem Reap and the ancient site of Angkor. It is a jungle filled region that is sparsely populated. More than 180 sanctuaries were found in a protected area of 81 square kilometres. Only about two dozen monuments can be visited by tourists because most of the sanctuaries are hidden in the forest and the whole area is not fully demined. Koh Ker is the modern name for an important city of the Khmer empire. In inscriptions the town is mentioned as Lingapura (city of lingams) or Chok Gargyar.

Ruins of the Temples Cambodia

Day 4 – We set off for the floating village of Tonlé Sap. It was wonderful to see the lives of the people there, but also sad to see their poverty. On our way back to the hotel we decided to visit the temple Phnom Bakheng. We where happy that we did not missed this attraction. We liked very much our visit to the temple.

Tonlé Sap

Tonle Sap Cambodia

temple Phnom Bakheng

The pyramid temple Phnom Bakheng, dedicated to Shiva, is located on the hill of the same name near the Cambodian city of Siem Reap, west of the road between Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. The Khmer word “phnom” denotes a precipitously rising elevation. 

temple Phnom Bakheng

On the last day of our trip we finally arrived in Siem Reap and were very excited waiting for the main attraction of the trip: to see Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. Here were many world famous people: Jacqueline Kennedy, Japan’s Prince Akishino, Bill Clinton , Mark Zuckerberg, Hillary Clinton, Beyonce, Michelle Obama, David Beckham, Eva Longoria and Angelina Jolie, who filmed scenes for the movie Tomb Raider. We also visited Terrace of the Elephants.

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Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is a temple complex in Cambodia and is the largest religious monument in the world, on a site measuring 162.6 hectares . Originally constructed as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu for the Khmer Empire by King Suryavarman II during the 12th century, it was gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple towards the end of the century; as such, it is also described as a “Hindu-Buddhist” temple.

Angkor Thom

Angkor Thom was the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer Empire. It was established in the late twelfth century by King Jayavarman.  It covers an area of 9 km², within which are located several monuments from earlier eras as well as those established by Jayavarman and his successors. At the center of the city is the Bayon, with the other major sites clustered around the Victory Square immediately to the north. The site is one of the major tourist attractions of southeast Asia.

Angkor Tom Cambodia

Kbal Spean

Kbal Spean, also known as the “River of a Thousand Lingas”, is an archaeological site in Angkor. It consists of rock reliefs and lingas in the Stung Kbal Spean stream, a tributary of Siem Reap, and is located not far from Banteay Srei in the Phnom Kulen National Park in the Cambodian province of Siem Reap. The rock carving and decoration began in the mid-11th century under the reign of the Khmer King Udayadityavarman II. Kbal Spean is included on the Tentative List of World Heritage in Cambodia as part of the sites at Phnom Kulen.

Kbal Spean

Terrace of the Elephants

The Terrace of Elephants is located in Angkor Thom, north of Siem Reap. It lies to the west of the north-south street at the Great Square and thus delimits the palace grounds of Phimeanakas to the east. To the north is the Terrace of the Leper King. The terrace was built by King Jayavarman VII at the end of his reign. It consists of three platforms of different heights, to which five stairs lead. The depictions of elephants and a great elephant hunt gave the terrace its name.

Terrace of the Elephants

Before leaving Cambodia to go to another great destination, namely Bangkok, we had one more thing to do – to explore the city at night. We left the hotel and went to the center where we bought clothes, and then we went to see Pub Street Siem Reap.

Pub Street is typical for the bustling nightlife in Siem Reap. It is a walking street with many restaurants, markets, bars, and pubs.

Pub Street Siem Reap

Pub Street Siem Reap

We liked it here because everywhere there were only smiles and good cheer, but unfortunately behind certain laughs there is also sadness, because here, at these bars, many young and beautiful girls come looking for rich tourists, either for an adventure or for to convince them to start a relationship, and then the tourists bring them to their countries. That’s how many women manage to escape poverty in Cambodia.

You probably won’t read something like this in other articles, but we want to tell our readers the truth and tell about our experience honestly, to explain the pleasant things, but also the less pleasant, regardless of the situation.

Where to stay

A good night’s sleep is particularly important when you are travelling. Cambodia offers its guests a host of luxurious, charming and also out-of-the-ordinary accommodation.

Whether in the heart of the city, near the lake or surrounded by nature – Cambodia’s hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses guarantee a relaxing and invigorating stay.

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What to eat

  • Samlor korkor– While amok is sometimes called the country’s national dish, and might be the one most familiar to tourists, samlor korkor has a better claim to being the true national dish of Cambodia. The soup always includes two Cambodian ingredients – prahok, a type of fermented fish, and kroeung, a fragrant curry paste – and is then thickened with toasted ground rice.
  • Amok – The curry is made with fresh coconut milk and kroeung.
  • Bai sach chrouk – Pork and rice
  • Kari sach moan – Chicken red curry
  • Nhoam krauch thlong – Pomelo salad
  • Kha trei svay kchai– Caramelized fish with green mango
  • Chrok krao chhnang – Out of the pot soup
  • Chaa kdam meric kchai– Fried crab with green pepper
Nhoam krauch thlong Kha trei svay kchai Chrok krao chhnang Chaa kdam meric kchai cambodia traditional food
  • Ang dtray meuk – Grilled squid with Koh Kong sauce
  • Sngor ngam nov sach moan – Pickled lime soup with chicken
  • Aluek trei ngeat – Dried fish and watermelon
  • Samlor m’chu kroeung sach ko – Lemongrass beef sour soup
Ang dtray meuk Sngor ngam nov sach moan Aluek trei ngeat Samlor m'chu kroeung sach ko cambodia traditional food

Best restaurants

In Siem Reap

 

  • Jomnan’s Kitchen– Khmer food
  • The Dining Room at Park Hyatt – The menu features traditional Cambodian dishes along with a few French-inspired innovations.
  • Khmer Grill -Khmer and Western food
  • Angkor Reach Restaurant – It serves a range of Khmer, Chinese, Thai and international dishes.
  • Blue Pumpkin – Angkor Cafe is a popular name in urban hubs, with the bakery and restaurant serving up a range of reliable Asian and French meals as well as baked goods, ice cream and sweet treats.
  • Cuisine Wat Damnak – Cambodian food with a French sensitivity 
  • Malis in Phnom Penh has made a name for itself as Cambodia’s finest, run by local celebrity chef Luu Meng. A couple of years ago, Malis in Siem Reap opened its doors
restaurant cambodia

In Phnom Penh

 

  • Warung Bali – is where you can find exotic flavours, especially if you’ve never had Indonesian food, but want to try.
  • Freebird Bar & Grill – is a comfortable American bar and grill that has an authentic neighbourhood feel to it.
  • Lemongrass Restaurant  – offers a very pleasant decor and atmosphere, greeting diners into its chic dining setting. Is serving authentic classical Thai and Khmer cuisine.
  • Frizz is a family-style restaurant in Phnom Penh serving both Khmer and some selections of international cuisine.
  • Chiang Mai Riverside is the place to go for some of the best authentic Thai food in Phnom Penh. They also serve excellent Khmer, Asian, western, and vegetarian dishes.
  • ARTillery Café Phnom Penh is an ideal dining option for health-conscious travellers. When you find yourself craving a real salad or something lighter and fresher than the fried meats and heavy curries you’ve been devouring from street food vendors and markets, ARTillery is the place to go.

Saving Tips

  • Arrange an e-visa in advance if traveling overland into Cambodia
  • Check out regional budget airlines flying into Cambodia
  • Cambodia has a short high season and a long low season. Consider a visit in the April to October
  • Buy a local SIM card to save on roaming charges
  • bars and restaurants throughout Cambodia go recklessly and offer 1000 Riel ($0.25) beers during their happy hours.
  • Travel by local Cambodia public transportation
  • You can pick up tasty local fare for cheap in Cambodia.
  • The long-distance bus is the cheapest way to get around Cambodia
  • Do as the locals do and buy a krama – a checked traditional scarf – for your travels 
  •  You can also try Hop-on, Hop-off tours or Big Bus tours and spare some money. As we are presenting a lot of good options you just have to pick the perfect one for you!

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Shopping

What to Buy in Cambodia?

  • Sculptures, rice wine, textiles, silverware and jewellery, antiques, basketry, betel nut boxes, t-shirts and tailored clothing, woodcarvings, gold and gems, silver, sculptured reproductions, silk and scarves.
  • Russian Market Phnom Penh – This Russian market is the ideal place for clothes shopping in Cambodia. Also, if you are looking for the best souvenirs and unique gifting options, this market showcases products that cannot be found anywhere else in the region.
  • Psar Thmei Phnom Penh – This market has four wings in total which accommodate many shops selling a variety of fashion accessories and apparel.
  • Artisans Angkor Siem Reap –  This is a beautiful shop which sells a variety of wooden artifacts which are wonderfully carved to represent the Angkorian statues. It also sells stone statues.
shopping cambodia
  • Angkor Night Market Siem Reap – It is filled with numerous stalls that offer a variety of beautiful artworks for sale. It accommodates many nightclubs and bars with plenty of opportunities for tourists.
  • AHA Fair Trade Village – This is a handicrafts market which sells locally-made products, which are perfect as a gift or souvenir. There are more than 20 shops in this place that sell a large variety of attractive traditional handicrafts.
  • Samatoa –  Is a store which sells the unique blend of common fabrics, such as silk and cotton, with lotus fibers.
  • Trunkh – Is a great shop to buy quirky gifts and offers the best souvenirs from Cambodiato take back home. The unique designs found here are not found in any other shops in the region.
  • Psar Chaa – Any kind of jewelry, traditional artifact copies, clothing can be purchased from here at affordable rates.

Getting around

Famed for its temples, jungles and beaches, Cambodia is a relatively compact country, making it quite easy for travelers to navigate. Roads have improved massively in recent years, but conditions can vary widely from the dry to the wet season, and getting around is cheap rather than quick.

geeting around cambodia transport bus

The two best ways for getting from one place to the other in Cambodia are by air and private car. Flying between cities is an inexpensive and popular option among visitors, while private cars provide the most comfortable and convenient mode of transportation. Other travel options, such as boats and ferries, buses, taxis, and bicycles do exist, but they’re usually time-consuming and inconvenient.

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Getting here

So the best response to how to reach Cambodia is to take a direct flight. One can board a flight from any of the major cities of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata. The major airports of Cambodia are Phnom Penh International Airport and Siem Reap International Airport. 

There are no direct flights to Cambodia from Europe, North America, Australasia or South Africa, so if you plan to fly into the country you’ll need to get a connecting flight from elsewhere in Southeast or East Asia.

Cambodia has two international airports, Phnom Penh International Airport in Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap International Airport in Siem Reap.

There are plenty of daily flights, many nonstop, from London Heathrow to Southeast Asian cities, with some airlines offering connections to Phnom Penh. Flight times vary depending on routing. The most direct route is via Bangkok (around 11–12hr from London, plus another 1hr on to Phnom Penh), followed by Kuala Lumpur and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

airplane getting to cambodia

Flying from the east coast of North America to Cambodia it’s quickest to travel via Europe. There are daily flights from New York and Los Angeles to Bangkok, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, all of which have onward connections to Phnom Penh. Conversely, from the west coast it may well be quicker and cheaper to fly westward via an Asian city such as Seoul or Taipei (the latter has direct connections to Phnom Penh on EVA Air.

There’s a wide selection of flights from Australia and New Zealand to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City, with onward connections to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

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