Buzz
Before dreaming of far-off places, perhaps you should conquer Cambodia – a country right next to Vietnam, often hailed as the paradise of 'beautiful, unique, and affordable' tourism.
This summer, embark on a journey to Cambodia and discover 5 stunning destinations below
Song Saa
Song Saa Island is situated on the two islands of Cambodia, Koh Ouen and Koh Bong, part of the Koh Rong archipelago. You can book a flight or a bus to reach the port city of Sihanoukville. Song Saa Island is a 25-minute drive and a 40-minute boat ride from Sihanoukville International Airport. The resort provides free shuttle service from Sihanoukville International Airport and boat transportation from the city of Sihanoukville to Song Saa Island.
When you choose Song Saa, you have two options: a villa over the water or a villa in the jungle, both constructed entirely with eco-friendly materials. Each villa here has one to two bedrooms, along with a well-equipped and comfortable infinity pool. Additionally, most rooms offer a breathtaking view of the sea, a huge plus for you to enjoy the beauty of this land.
Tranquil and serene, Song Saa feels like stepping into a secluded world beyond the bustling life. With only azure sea, white sand, vibrant golden sun, starry night skies,... Song Saa is affectionately called the island of love for its pristine and dreamy beauty.
Koh Rong
If you've ever dreamt of a journey to a place with turquoise beaches, long wooden bridges stretching into the sea, quaint houses nestled in the trees, hidden behind leaves, or swings facing the ocean, then pack your bags and head straight to Cambodia's Koh Rong Island.
Koh Rong is an island in the Gulf of Thailand, 20 km from the coastal city of Sihanoukville. It is Cambodia's most famous yet still maintains its wild, dreamy charm. Known as an interesting and attractive tourist destination, Koh Rong is famous for its picturesque and peaceful beauty. It's an ideal place for you to enjoy the fresh air and tranquility after the hustle and bustle of life. Notably, Koh Rong was voted by the New York Times as one of the 45 must-visit places in the world in 2012 and is dubbed the 'Hawaii of Asia'.
In Koh Rong, tourists can engage in various activities such as snorkeling to admire coral reefs, trekking through the jungle, fishing on boat trips, playing volleyball, or simply lying on the beach reading a book.
Koh Rong Samloem
Alongside Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem is also an enticing destination in Cambodian travel tours, captivating visitors with its azure sea and white sand. Voted the best island for relaxation and rest, Koh Rong Samloem stretches along windy beaches under shady trees, offering a tranquil island experience that will leave a lasting impression on travelers.
On the island, you can freely use beach chairs, swings, treehouses, and hammocks on the beach, or even sit and relax in any restaurant without ordering anything. Besides swimming, you can explore the jungle to reach other resorts like HubaHuba, Robinson, The Lazy Beach. Additionally, you can join the 'Full Moon party' if you visit the island on the right day.
Siem Reap
Located in the northwest of Cambodia, Siem Reap is the most visited city in Cambodian tourism, thanks to the majestic Angkor temples. Once the capital of the ancient Khmer empire, modern-day Siem Reap, though bustling, still retains the mysterious, ancient charm of one of the most glorious civilizations of its time.
7 km from the center of Siem Reap is the world-famous Angkor Wat archaeological site. It is one of Cambodia's most important historical sites and is considered a pinnacle of Khmer architecture. UNESCO recognized Angkor Wat as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1991, placing it alongside the Great Wall of China, the Egyptian pyramids, and more.
In ancient times, Angkor Wat was the capital of the Khmer empire. The Angkor complex was built over 37 years on an area of over 1 square mile in the first half of the 12th century. This was the place of worship for the Indian Hindu god Vishnu. Later, when the Khmer dynasty embraced Buddhism, Angkor Wat became a sacred Buddhist temple complex. After the capital was destroyed by the Siamese, and the kings moved the capital to Phnom Penh in the 15th century, Angkor Wat gradually fell into oblivion, surrounded by the ancient forest.
Koh Tonsay
Koh Tonsay, also known as Rabbit Island, is an island located off the southern coast of Cambodia, approximately 4.6 km from the city of Kep. Unlike Koh Rong, Koh Tonsay remains quite pristine as it is not yet heavily frequented by tourists.
The moment you step onto Koh Tonsay, you'll feel the pleasant atmosphere, lush greenery, clear blue sea, white sandy beach, gentle waves, abundant coral reefs, and diverse marine life. Particularly, the sea around Koh Tonsay is quite shallow with a gradual slope, making it an ideal spot for swimming.
Most tourists visit Koh Tonsay in the morning and return to the mainland in the evening. However, many travelers opt to stay overnight for unique experiences. Currently, there are about 5-7 guesthouses on the island with approximately 20 beachfront bungalows made of coconut leaves, charming and affordable, starting from 5-7 USD per bungalow.
Similar to Koh Rong or most island beach destinations in Vietnam, freshly caught seafood is available right on the beach at a reasonable and remarkably fresh price. With a little effort, you can enjoy a seafood feast without breaking the bank. Overall, dining on Koh Tonsay is budget-friendly.
San San (Compilation)
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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour
MytourMarch 17, 2017
