Despite poverty and the rebuilding of the Khmer Rouge terror, Cambodia is still a great place to visit. Apart from Angkor, the country is rich in natural and man-made attractions that will really make your trip to Cambodia worth the time and money.

There are different ways to enjoy your trip. You can make it as personalized as possible by thinking about themes that suit the type of trips you like the most. Here are some suggestions to help you enjoy the best attractions Cambodia has to offer.

relaxed getaway

If you want to simply relax and feel comfortable when you’re not touring Cambodia’s great temples, you can choose from a wide range of five-star hotels and guest houses in Siem Reap. One of the most popular and fastest growing cities in Cambodia, Siem Reap is a charming tourist center where you can enjoy local restaurants and food from the area.

backpackers getaway

If you don’t like large-scale tourism but like to go backpacking to get a better view of the country, then there are plenty of places to visit on your Cambodia tour. For example, the small town of Kratie is one of the best places for backpackers who want to see the beauty of the central market. It is also lined with French colonial buildings that have been in the area for many years.

The best part of backpacking this side of Cambodia is that you get to see the Mekong River, which is home to the very rare Irrawaddy dolphins. These dolphins are slowly becoming endangered. In fact, there are between 66 and 86 dolphins left in the upper Mekong River area.

In addition to the Kratie, you can also add the Tonlé Sap to your Cambodia tours. The lake is known as the largest freshwater lake in all of Southeast Asia and it shrinks and expands dramatically depending on the season of the year. The lake flows into Phnom Penh and the Mekong River from November to May. During the month of June, heavy rains caused water in the area resulting in the formation of a huge lake.

Temples and Historical Getaway

There are many temples and historical sites that you must include in your Cambodia tour. One of them is the Khmer temple of Preah Vihear which is located in the Dângrêk Mountains. This temple which is located on the border of Thailand and Cambodia is considered the most spectacular among the many Khmer temples. Built in the 11th and 12th centuries, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Another must-see in Cambodia is the Silver Pagoda, which contains many national treasures and Buddha statues. You must also see Bokor Hill Station in Kampot, Koh Ker, Banteay Srei, Angkor Wat and many other temples and historical buildings.