Naturally, one can’t visit Cambodia without paying respects to Angkor Wat and its surrounding temple ruins. The 900-year-old temple is the largest religious monument on Earth and a true world wonder yet the country is so much more than its most well-known site.
While the Angkor ruins speak to Cambodia’s illustrious past, its present and future are just as enticing for travellers, particularly with new luxury experiences and destinations opening up.
From flying by helicopter to the former Khmer capital of Koh Ker to wandering through the current country capital of Phnom Penh, zipping past ancient ruins in a vintage motorbike sidecar to lounging on tropical white sand beaches, this fascinating country offers a wealth of experiences and destinations no matter your travel style.
Here’s why you need to travel to Cambodia!
1. Local charm
The Cambodian people – or Khmer as they call themselves in a proud reflection to the region’s great history – gladly greet guests with genuine hospitality. With their welcoming communities, genuine care and clever sense of humour, the Khmer make excellent hosts. Outside of the growing cities of Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, the rest of the country remains refreshingly undeveloped, offering visitors an authentic look into both Cambodia’s past and current way of life.
Discover the A Day in the Life experience at a traditional farming village in Siem Reap.
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2. Natural beauty
While areas of the country are dry, other parts boast the lush jungles, well-preserved national parks, teeming wildlife and tumbling waterfalls travellers have come to expect from tropical Southeast Asia. The great Mekong River offers diverse wildlife and feeds the Tonle Sap Lake – a natural wonder – while Cambodia’s coastal area is dotted with white sand beaches and pristine islands that have all the appeal but none of the crowds you’ll find in neighbouring countries.
Soak up the country’s different natural settings on a 17-Day Cambodian Luxury Vacation where you will enjoy the destination to the fullest!
3. Family friendly activities
From active adventures, such as zip lining, kayaking, quad biking, bicycling and scuba diving, to cultural endeavours like hands-on art classes, the Cambodian acrobat circus, cultural villages and Buddhist pagodas, Cambodia offers a range of activities and experiences that will entertain travellers of all ages. (The sparkling swimming pools at one-of-a-kind resorts and beaches are also always a hit with families!)
Spend a half-day Kayaking in One of the Largest Tonle Sap Fishing Villages and enjoy a unique perspective on this fascinating habitat.
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4. Genuine hospitality
Service at Cambodia’s resorts, hotels, travel agents and attractions consistently rank top in the world – a fact easily recognised after spending just a couple of days in the magnificent kingdom and one of the many reasons why travellers want to return to Cambodia again and again.
Enjoy a Romantic Candle Lit Dinner & Sunset on a ricefield in Chhreav Village with a full catering service team!
5. Fascinating history
Preserved in time while being devoured by the jungle, the ruins of Angkor are awash in an air of mystery and spirituality and still highly revered. Here, archaeological research is ongoing and new findings are still being discovered but what we know now is that the ancient Khmer Empire and Angkor capital boasted the largest settlement in the world during the 12th and 13th centuries. Today, one can still imagine its immense grandeur while wandering through the picturesque ruins.
Venture through Angkor on the Classic Temple Tour by tuk tuk, electric e-bike, sedan or Jeep to explore the magnificent temples in Siem Reap!
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6. Varied cuisine
While Khmer cuisine still reigns supreme in, throughout the country’s more-visited destinations travellers will find a variety of local and global cuisine to fit any dietary preferences. With fresh produce available throughout the year and some of the world’s finest rice, dining in Cambodia is a surprisingly satisfying and delectable experience.
Taste an array of local specialities in Siem Reap during the Experience a Taste of Cambodia evening outing!
7. Sustainable initiatives
Both the country’s private sector and government are investing in sustainable, eco-friendly and environmentally responsible travel initiatives in everything from hotels and resorts, to activity and transportation options. Diethelm Travel Cambodia also plays an active role in supporting sustainable travel practices and solutions and we are always carefully selecting our sustainable partners.
Take part in the Rehash Trash Workshop & Sombai Liqueur Tasting in Siem Reap now!
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8. Return of wildlife
Throughout the country, well-preserved national parks accommodate teeming wildlife and hide awe-inspiring, tumbling waterfalls travellers have come to expect from Southeast Asia. Nationwide parks are now better protected than ever before and wildlife associations and conservation parks are well supported.
Participate in an exciting behind-the-scenes tour with the Free the Bears team in “Free the Bears” Tour in Phnom Tamao Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre.
9. Innovative accommodations
In recent years, there’s been a boom in Cambodia’s tourism industry and private investment. This has led to continuous innovation of resorts, hotels and boutique hotels offering a wide range of ways to experience the culture, as well as attractive contemporary comforts and the highest levels of services available to travellers.
Stay in one-of-a-kind sanctuaries, such as Shinta Mani Wild in Kirirom National Park, 4 Rivers Floating Lodge on Koh Kong, Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh or Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap, and more.
10. Excellent value for money
Across Cambodia, enticing accommodation, restaurants, activities, nightlife and more all offer excellent value for money. Even more so if you dare to Go Local…which you should!
Check out an Evening Market & Local BBQ Tour in Phnom Penh here.
Ready to start exploring? Contact dt_cambodia@kh.diethelmtravel.com for more information on exclusive products and experiences available throughout the country.
