Cambodia Guide
Things not to miss
1 A sunset trip on the Mekong
• Cruise along the river through Phnom Penh enjoying the spectacular views as the sun sinks behind the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda.
2 Tonle Sap lake
• Akin to an inland sea, this freshwater lake supports hundreds of floating villages and is home to abundant birdlife.
3 Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
• Situated in the heart of the capital, the extravagant Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda are home to fabulous murals and a treasure-trove of statues, including a famous emerald Buddha.
4 Sambor Prei Kuk
• These mellow, well-preserved brick ruins are among the very earliest Khmer monuments.
5 Preah Vihear
• Superb temple perched on a remote hilltop on the border between Cambodia and Thailand.
6 Ream National Park
• One of Cambodia's finest national parks, with secluded, palm-fringed bays, a river lined with lush mangroves and lots of wildlife.
7 Irrawaddy dolphins
• These rare mammals live in small groups along a stretch of the Mekong in the northeast.
8 National Museum, Phnom Penh
• The country's top museum, home to a stunning collection of Khmer art.
9 Sihanoukville
• Cambodia's liveliest resort, with tropical beaches, abundant seafood and a busy nightlife.
10 Kep
• Once-deserted villas are being restored to luxurious accommodation in this tiny seaside resort, while its crab market is the place to feast on succulent crustaceans.
11 Wat Phnom
• One of Phnom Penh's most important shrines, dedicated to Daun Penh, the legendary lady who gave her name to the capital.
12 Bokor National Park
• Often swathed in cloud, the mysterious upland plateau of Bokor is dotted with waterfalls and the desolate ruins of an old colonial hill station.
13 Yeak Laom lake
• Sparkling lake, set in an almost perfectly circular volcanic crater.
14 Psar Toul Tom Poung
• One of Phnom Penh's most attractive markets, packed with vibrant silks and intriguing curios.
15 Angkor Thom
• Expansive walled city, entered through a huge gateway decorated with enormous stone faces.
16 Banteay Srei
• This beautiful rose-pink temple is the most elaborately decorated of all Angkor's monuments.
17 Ta Prohm
• Nature holds this ruined temple in a vice-like grip, with gigantic tree roots wedged between massive stones.
18 Angkor Wat
Page 179 • The zenith of Khmer architecture, this unforgettable temple, crowned with soaring towers and embellished with intricate bas-reliefs, is one of Cambodia's – and Asia's – most memorable sights.