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Best places to visit in Cambodia

Nestled on the side of the Gulf of Siam, Cambodia is a fascinating country. You will probably be subdued by the wealth of Angkor temples or the diversity of landscapes, but it's perhaps the Cambodian soul, which is both serious and joyful, which moves you the most. This population expiates its painful history, its bubbling youth, smiling to the world, the Theravada Buddhism shapes society and guides the meaning of life and the Mekong unabatedly continues to enhance each monsoon with the Tonle Sap Lake, the cradle of Khmer civilisation.

Upon arriving to Phnom Penh, you will discover a human-sized, dynamic and noisy capital. The heritage of the French protectorate is still evident across architecture, such as the art-deco style central market, but it's visiting the royal palace which enables you to get your feet wet. The S-21 camp and the genocide museum provide a different atmosphere altogether, giving visitors the chance to descend into the hell of the Khmer Rouge.

Stop off at Kampong Thom, on the road to Siam Reap, to prepare for exploring the enormous city of the Khmer Empire. Take a photo of Angkor Vat during the sunset from Phnom Bakheng, visit Bayon and Ta Phrom but also Beng Mealea or Banteay Srei, a temple dedicated to Shiva.

Moving west, discover Battambang and the NGO Phare Ponleu Selpak, which helps young people to be emancipated by culture and art, get away by visiting Wat Bannan, a very well preserved temple. Stroll around the seaside resort of Sihanoukville or appreciate the authenticity of Kep and the famous pepper of Kampot.

For an end-of-the-world atmosphere, away from tourists, immerse yourself deep into Cambodia by exploring the remote and transforming regions of Môndol Kiri and of Ratanakiri discover the small town of Banlung where a sleeping Buddha temple and the prettiest waterfalls of the country in Bou Sraa await you... There are many wonders to discover!

Gaëtan MOLENE
Kbal Spean is a site located on a sacred river in the Kulen hills where unique sculptures have been carved into the riverbed and the surrounding rocks.
Kratie is most famous for trips along the Mekong in a - fruitless - search for the fresh water dolphins.
In northeast Cambodia, Mondulkiri is a province experiencing a total transformation. It doesn't seem to be taking the right path of development while sacrificing its authenticity. It's a shame.
Phnom Bakheng is an Angkor temple situated on a small hill, and is a very popular place for those who want to watch the sunset as it has an incredible view of the Angkor Wat temple.
Ream National Park is about 20 kilometres from Sihanouk and is made for lovers of nature and paradisaical beaches.
A little lost village in eastern Cambodia, 5 hours from Kratié, Sen Monorom is the capital of Mondulkiri.
Along Veng, a small town 2 hours from Siem Reap, is a stop that is often forgotten by tourists. However there are lots of things to do and see, especially from the historical viewpoint.
Koh Ta Kiev is an untouched island that is protected from mass tourism. Perfect for a day trip, or longer, off the beaten path ! 
Koh Tonsai is somewhere you really ought to go during your trip to Cambodia. Don't miss Kep's crab market and Rabbit Island (what the name "Koh Tonsai" means).
The little crossroads town of Snuol, around 60 km from Kratié, is famous for its culinary speciality: grilled spiders.
Ochheuteal Beach is Sihanoukville's main beach. There are many bars and restaurants, and there are nightly parties during the peak season! 
Lying just a few hours from Siam Reap, this is the busiest border crossing between Thailand and Cambodia.
Stung Treng is the last major town before the Laos border (with Si Phan Don – or "4000 Islands" – lying just 50 kilometres away). It's simply a place at which to make a brief stopover and has nothing of any real interest to offer, except perhaps that it serves as a way to get to Ratanakiri.

Best time to visit Cambodia

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