Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Cambodia

The Royal Palace of Cambodia, a jewel in the heart of Phnom Penh, stands as a complex of sturdy architectural marvels featuring numerous towering spires, showcasing the unique style of the nation. It serves as the residence of the King and the Royal Family, hosting significant national ceremonies. Intricately decorated with elaborate designs and surrounded by vibrant gardens that enhance its beauty, the palace remains a top destination for visitors exploring the temple-rich land of Cambodia. The Royal Palace, with its array of magnificent structures, is centrally located in Phnom Penh. A protective wall adorned with unique sculptures separates it from the outside road. Except for the Khemarin Palace, the private residence of the Royal Family, other areas within the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda are open for public visits. The main entrance to the Royal Palace is located on Sothearos Boulevard.

The Royal Palace of Cambodia features grand, opulent buildings with intricate designs and patterns, rich in Cambodian culture. Visitors are allowed to explore several attractions within the Royal Palace. Established in 1866 by King Norodom when the capital was moved from Oudong to Phnom Penh, the palace is officially known in Khmer as Preah Barom Reachea Vaeng Chaktomuk. It was completed in 1871, with the surrounding wall finished in 1873, marking the completion of the entire complex. Over the years, additional buildings were constructed or renovated, including the Chanchaya Pavilion and the celebration hall. The Cambodian people hold deep respect for the king, queen, and royal family members, so it is important to show respect when referring to the Cambodian Royal Family.

Address: Samdach Sothearos Blvd, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

The mention of Cambodia inevitably brings to mind the genocide perpetrated by the Khmer Rouge, a dark period deeply etched in the nation's memory. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum stands as a stark reminder of humanity's capacity for cruelty, once a site of torture under the Khmer Rouge. Visiting this place leaves a profound sadness and a deep respect for the victims of the brutal regime. Tuol Sleng, meaning 'Hill of the Poisonous Trees' in Khmer, reflects its grim history. Originally a high school, it was converted into a prison, known as Security Prison 21 (S-21), by the Khmer Rouge in 1976. The museum, a former site of torture, housed over 17,000 people, with only 14 known survivors. It comprises four main buildings and additional structures used for interrogation and torture. The long, dark cells, constructed closely together from wood and brick, and the haunting empty rooms with remnants of torture devices, tell a story of unimaginable suffering. The second floor features paintings that depict the torture inflicted by the Khmer Rouge, adding to the museum's eerie atmosphere.

Address: St 113, Phnom Penh 12304, Cambodia.

Also known as Wat Preah Keo or the Emerald Buddha Temple, this iconic Cambodian pagoda is famed for its floor of 5,329 silver tiles, each handcrafted and weighing 1.125 kg. More a cultural and treasure repository than a place of worship, it holds over 1,650 valuable items. At its heart is an emerald (or crystal) Buddha statue, flanked by a future Buddha, Maitreya, cast in 90 kg of pure gold and adorned with 2,086 diamonds, including a 25-carat gem on its crown and a 20-carat diamond on its chest. Also notable are a golden and silver miniature stupa housing a Buddha relic, treasures from Queen Kossomak Nearirath, and noble contributions. The temple's hall features wall paintings of the Reamker epic, damaged over time but originally painted in 1903-1904 under the guidance of artist Vichitre Chea and architect Oknha Tep Nimit Thneak. A small library next to the main hall preserves sacred texts and houses a pure silver statue of the bull Nandin, discovered in Kandal province in 1983. Fortune telling services are available within the library for those interested.

Address: Oknha Chhun St, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Cambodia, a Southeast Asian tourism hotspot, enchants visitors with ancient relics like Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, natural wonders such as the Tonle Sap Lake and the Mekong River, and pristine beaches and islands like Sihanoukville, Koh Rong, and Koh Thmei. The Holiday Palace Casino Resort, situated in Sihanoukville, offers tranquil modern accommodations with free Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy outdoor pools, a 24-hour front desk, celebrated casinos, and complimentary parking. Beyond being an intriguing Cambodian destination, the resort offers insights into history and culture. Sihanoukville’s coastal cities boast untouched white sand beaches like Otres, Serendipity, and Ochheuteal Beach. For those staying in the city but craving the ocean's essence, Holiday Palace Casino Resort is the go-to, offering affordability, excellent food, beautiful pools, and a casino for a lucky streak. Adventure-seekers can take a 1-2 hour boat ride to the nearby Koh Rong island for offshore explorations.

Address: 2 Thnou St, Preah Sihanouk 18000, Cambodia.

Contrary to the outdated perception of Cambodia as a war-torn country with desolate fields and economic despair, a visit reveals a nation proudly showcasing its golden spires of ancient temples, reminiscent of its era as a formidable Southeast Asian empire. The Choeung Ek Killing Fields, a symbol of resilience and historical pride, lies just over 15 km from Phnom Penh's center, accessible by the quaint Tuk tuk rides through scenic routes and dense forests. This site, a spiritual home for the souls lost and tortured, has evolved into a must-visit for history buffs, featuring the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum tucked in the small district of Toul Svay Prey, south of Phnom Penh. Initially a school, Tuol Sleng was transformed by the Khmer Rouge into a prison known as Security Prison S21, a site of mass graves and the backdrop for an Oscar-winning movie.

Address: Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

The capital of the Khmer Kingdom, Angkor, was established in 802 AD on Mount Kulen under King Jayavarman II. Today, Angkor's most celebrated sites include Angkor Thom with the Bayon Temple's colossal smiling stone faces and Angkor Wat, the world's largest Hindu temple. Additional treasures like Ta Prohm, Preah Khan, Pre Rup, and Ta Nei showcase the architectural brilliance of the Khmer Empire, flourishing from the 9th to the 15th century. 'Angkor,' from the Sanskrit word 'nagara,' means 'city.' This era, spanning from King Jayavarman II's reign to 1431 when the Thai conquest prompted a southward migration to what is now Phnom Penh, marks a period of significant development. Angkor's ruins, including Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and others, are nestled in the forests and agricultural lands north of Tonle Sap Lake and south of Kulen Hills, near present-day Siem Reap (13°24'N, 103°51'E), and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With over 1,000 temples varying in size and style, Angkor stands as the pre-industrial world's largest city, covering 1,150 square miles, a feat only rivaled by the Maya city of Tikal in Guatemala, which spans about 50 square miles.

Location: Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia.

The Angkor Night Market stands as a vibrant, bustling hub of commerce, thrilling visitors with its array of shopping delights. This famous Siem Reap market comes alive at night, operating from late afternoon until past midnight. Here, you can explore a wide selection of souvenirs, food, and jewelry, all favored by tourists. The market is a safe haven, closely monitored by police to ensure a secure shopping environment. Stalls are neatly organized into kiosks, offering spacious walkways for a comfortable browsing experience. Vendors are friendly and not pushy, ensuring a pleasant interaction. Feel free to examine items at leisure without obligation to purchase, amidst vendors who are welcoming and straightforward with pricing. At the Angkor Night Market, bargaining is part of the experience, with diverse culinary options to satisfy any palate. From snacks to full meals, the food offerings blend traditional recipes with international flavors, including British, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese cuisines. With reasonable prices for both meals and drinks, visitors can easily find delightful dining options without stretching their budget.

Location: Angkor Night Market Street, Steung Thmei, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Koh Ker, located in Preah Vihear province and 140km northeast of Siem Reap, was the brief capital of the Angkor dynasty under King Jayavarman IV. Constructed over 23 years (921-944), its centerpiece, Prasat Thom, stands majestically amidst ancient forests and clear skies, earning it the moniker 'Angkor's Pyramid.' Once a cultural hub, Koh Ker's prominence was short-lived, as the capital moved shortly after completion. Unearthed in 2003, this site offers a tranquil escape, with a few modest vendors and a slow-paced life among its ruins. Visitors marvel at the ancient ruins, dust-covered and mossy, yet still showcasing the architectural brilliance of bygone artisans. Prasat Thom, despite its weathering, remains a preserved testament to Koh Ker's past, surrounded by verdant scenery and ancient trees, offering a serene backdrop for reflection.

Location: Preah Vihear, Cambodia.

Bayon Temple, the central jewel of Angkor Thom, is an architectural masterpiece nestled on a hill, known for its grand scale and majestic Khmer architectural design. Featuring 54 towers adorned with the serene faces of Lokesvara, symbolizing the omnipresent watchfulness over Cambodia, the highest tower stretches 43 meters into the sky, resembling the cross-shaped libraries within, later redesigned into full circular form. Angkor Thom, meaning 'Great City,' was the last and enduring capital of the Khmer Kingdom, established by King Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century. Today, it stands as a testament to Cambodia's rich cultural and archaeological heritage. Bayon, more than a kilometer from Angkor Thom's main gates, is famed for its intricate stone carvings. Despite time's wear, its three-tiered structure still stands, with the two lower square-shaped levels highlighted by stunning bas-reliefs. The third level's circular arrangement features towers with carved faces watching over. The lower corridors are an art treasure, preserving 11,000 bas-reliefs over 1,200 meters, depicting historical and mythological scenes, royal processions, and famous battles. Bayon's architecture, distinctively baroque compared to Angkor's classic style, reflects the visage of King Jayavarman VII, believed to be represented in the temple's serene stone faces. Within, two concentric galleries lead to the temple's core, offering a panoramic view that seems to reach for the heavens.

Location: Angkor Archaeological Park, Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Just 6 km north of Siem Reap, the Angkor Temple Complex, constructed by King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, spans over 248 square miles (400 km2), surrounded by a vast and deep moat. Originally dedicated to Hinduism, the site transitioned to Buddhism due to the religion's increasing influence, adding to its spiritual diversity. Home to over 1,000 temples of varying sizes and styles, this complex showcases the rich Khmer architectural heritage. Notable temples include Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple adorned with intricate sculptures. The Angkor Complex stands as a testament to ancient Khmer artistry, featuring a unique architectural style highlighted by its remarkable sculptures. Towering temples, expansive galleries, and detailed reliefs crafted from massive stone blocks create a natural yet majestic appearance, even at the dome's apex. Stone decorations depicting Buddhas, dancers, warriors, and lotus flowers vividly narrate epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata with grace and fluidity.

The temple architecture emulates the sacred Mount Meru, with the central tower reaching 65m, symbolizing the mythological peak, surrounded by five towers representing its ridges. This entire structure is constructed from sandstone and laterite, meticulously assembled without any adhesive or reinforcement. Another crucial aspect of Angkor is its advanced hydraulic system, developed over several dynasties, based on large reservoirs that supported both the local community and the economic infrastructure of the Angkor capital. Angkor Wat, the most majestic temple within the complex, features a west-facing main entrance aligning with the setting sun. With 398 interconnected rooms and 1,500m of corridors, the structure is crowned with five interconnected towers, the highest soaring to 65m, and the subsidiary four at 40m each. The approach to Angkor Wat's main gate, a stone causeway 230m long and nearly 10m wide, stands 5m above the adjacent water level. The entire temple area preserves ancient imprints with artistic stone carvings, including vast bas-reliefs, pillars, doors, ceilings, corridors, balustrades, and roofs, all showcasing the extraordinary strength and craftsmanship of the ancient Khmers.

Location: Siem Reap, Cambodia.