 
Cambodian Highlights
Although Cambodia’s premier highlights are the
spectacular temples of Angkor, there is far more to
the country. In Phnom Penh, the colonial capital,
there are numerous pagodas and interesting museums
to visit; on the coast are beautiful unspoiled beaches
and inland there is impressive natural scenery.
 
KAMPONG SOM (Sihanoukville)
Snorkelling excursions can be arranged to the many
islands just offshore, and scuba diving is a possibility
if arrangements are made in advance. The closest
island is Koh Pos (Snake Island), just 800m offshore.
However, the closest offering recreational activities
are Koh Thas, located about 1 hour away. This island
has two nice beaches and surrounding rocks which
offer good snorkelling. Koh Rong Sanloem is the nicest
island within day trip distance (approximately 2 hours
each way), with several attractive, sheltered beaches.
Bokor National Park-
This vast nature reserve is home to an abundance
of animal and plant life. Atop the solitary peak
of Bokor Mountain is an abandoned colonial hill
station, with an echoing casino and church, now a
faded but compelling reminder of bygone days. Also
nearby are the beautiful Popokvil Falls.
KEP
Take a local fishing boat to explore the nearby islands,
located just off the coast of Kep. Take the opportunity
lounge in the sun and swim to your heart’s content.
Oudong
Travel northeast to Oudong, the former capital of
Cambodia between 1618 and 1866. The twin ridges
of Phnom Oudong feature several stupas containing the
ashes of former Khmer kings. On the larger hill are
the remains of Vihear Preah Ath Roes, Vihara of the
18-Cubit Buddha. After exploring the temples, enjoy
the panoramic views of the Cambodian countryside.
PHNOM PENH
Visit Wat Phnom, Wat Ounalom, Royal Palace & Silver
Pagoda, National Museum, Toul Sleng and Central
Market. Prior to 1975, Toul Sleng was a high school,
named Toul Svay Prey, but under the Khmer Rouge
it was converted into a prison and torture facility
known as Security Prison 21 (S-21). It processed
over 17,000 people, only seven of whom walked
out alive. The building now serves as a museum and
a memorial. It has largely been left in the same
state as when the Khmer Rouge abandoned it. The
prison kept extensive records, leaving thousands of
photos of their victims. Paintings of torture by Vann
Nath, one of the seven survivors, are also on display.
 
The Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng
This infamous camp was the site of mass executions
under the Khmer Rouge and is now a memorial to its
thousands of victims. Paintings of torture by Vann
Nath, one of the seven survivors, are also on display.
Takeo
This excursion goes to the provincial capital with visit to
Angkor Borei, a 6th century monument built in laterite
by King Rudravarman of Funan. His patron deity was
Vishnu and many Hindu statues survive from this site. It is one of the few remaining sites with traces of the
Kingdom of Funan (a kingdom influenced by India and
thought to have spread as far as southern Burma and
Indonesia).
SIEM REAP
Angkor
The temples of Angkor Wat may be seen in a day trip
from Phnom Penh, using a return flight. The itinerary
includes Angkor Wat and the Royal City of Angkor
Thom, including the South Gate, the Bayon, the Baphuon and others.
 
Anlong Veng
Anlong Veng is at first appearance just another small
Cambodian town. However, as it was the final stronghold
of the Khmer Rouge, this remote town near the Thai
border is anything but just another small town. The main
attractions are Pol Pot’s grave and Ta Mok’s old home.
Ta Mok was the chief of the Khmer Rouge armed forces
and leader of the organization after Pol Pot’s arrest.
Beng Mealea
Surrounded by a vast moat, this 12th century temple
follows a complex floor plan similar to Angkor Wat,
but with a haunting jungle atmosphere similar to
Ta Phrom. Visitors that make their way through the
ruined stone blocks and wandering tree routes are
rewarded by the sight of beautiful classical bas reliefs.
Koh Ker
Visit the remote group of early Angkorian ruins from
the 10th century capital of Jayavarman IV. Several
monuments and temples still remain, with some of
the most interesting being the pyramidal Prasat Thom,
Prasat Bram and Prasat Leung.
Phnom Kulen
Historically revered by all Cambodians as a sacred
place of pilgrimage, Phnom Kulen was the site then
known as Mount Mahendraparvata that Jayavarman
II chose in 802 to proclaim himself a divine universal
ruler and marked the beginning of the Angkor period
of Khmer history.
 
Phnom Kulen and Banteay Srei
Visit Phnom Kulen Mountain, featuring the river of
the hundred lingas, a cascading waterfall and the
Reclining Buddha. Afterwards, stop at Banteay Srei, a
miniature temple with exquisite sandstone carvings.
The site includes a pagoda with a reclining Buddha.
A nearby waterfall is very inviting for a picnic and
bathing in the fresh water.
Prek Tuol Bird Conservation Area
Part of the Tonle Sap Lake, this sanctuary contains
perhaps the most varied collection of birds in all of
Southeast Asia. A full day trip to the bird sanctuary
includes fishing villages and the submerged forest.
The best times for bird watching are from December
to March. Departure is at 4 or 5 am. Food and water
must be brought for the trip.
Tonle Sap Lake
Take a boat trip on the Tonle Sap
Lake, home to a complex ecological balance between
water, plants, wildlife and humans. Once every year, the
lake renews itself, expanding up to ten times its former
size. As the monsoon rains swell the Mekong River and
force the Tonle Sap River to reverse its flow, millions of
fish flock downstream to the lake, making it, for those
months, the richest fishing ground in Southeast Asia.
 
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