All Provinces Attraction
Banteay Meanchey
Situated in northwestern Cambodia, Banteay Meanchey Fortress of Victory in Khmer--is a charming province that offers a wide selection of natural and historical attractions, including ancient temple complexes, wildlife reserves, and a crane sanctuary. Though primarily known to visitors for its Thai-Cambodian border crossing in Poipet, Banteay Meanchey is much more than just a passing-through spot. Adventurous travelers will find the province presents plenty of opportunities to sample authentic Khmer culture and take in the stunning natural beauty Cambodia has to offer.
Banteay Meanchey's capital is Serei Sophon (also known as Sisophon).
The main attraction in Banteay Meanchey is the 12th century temple of Banteay Chhmar.
Built under Jayavarman VII between the 12th and 13th centuries, the Banteay Chhmar Temple complex is a lesser-known, but equally magnificent, alternative to the Angkor Wat temples. Just two hours from Siem Reap, Banteay Chhmar is a unique historical treasure: a massive, sprawling temple complex tucked away in a largely-untouched location, surrounded by lush vegetation. Banteay Chhmar Temple is one of the two temple complexes outside of Angkor that feature massive stone face-towers bearing Bayon-style enigmatic smiles. Abundant sandstone bas-reliefs in the temples depict images of mythical Cambodian battles along with scenes from daily life.
The enormous complex of Banteay Chhmar is perhaps one of the most intriguing in the Khmer empire, both in terms of its scale and its relative seclusion. This mysterious temple complex embodies perfectly the image of a lost Khmer city; ruined structures with exotic carvings are strewn about in dense forest surroundings, while the occasional bird call echoes through the temple walls to break the stillness. Those who visit the temple will find many beautiful carvings hidden amongst the ruins and broken colonnades.
In the vicinity, there are at least a dozen smaller temples, all in ruinous state. These include Prasat Mebon, Ta Prohm, Prom Muk Buon, Yeay Choun, Pranang Ta Sok and Prasat Ciem Trey.
Banteay Chhmar is not on the tourist map, but a trip to this exotic site is one adventure you will harbor in your memory for a long time.
>Battambang
Battambang, located in northwestern Cambodia, contains the second most populous city in the country after Phnom Penh. The provincial capital, also Battambang, has always been a popular destination for its nearby ancient temples, French colonial architecture, and Buddhist shrines.
Sitting on the Sangker River just south west of the Tonle Sap Lake, Battambang town is at the heart of Cambodia's 'rice bowl', and it maintains an untouched, bucolic feel. The streets are filled with remarkably well-preserved French colonial buildings alongside traditional Cambodian houses. The nearby countryside harbors old pagodas, Angkorian era ruins, caves, waterfalls, and Khmer Rouge period killing fields.
Attractions include Phnom Sampeu, a hill with caves of Buddha statues; the 12th Century Prasat Snung, Wat Banan, an Angkorian temple now occupied as a Buddhist shrine; Wat Baydamram where thousands of fruit bats reside, and Wat Ek Phnom.
>Kampong Cham
Kampong Cham, the most populous province in Cambodia, is a gateway to Stung Treng, Rattanak Kiri and Mondul Kiri Provinces through the province of Kratie.
This is a relaxed and quiet town that was once an important trading post during the French period; its legacy evident by the chastened yet classic buildings that are still standing in their full glory. It carries plenty of colonial French characteristics and is a good place to enjoy the laid back atmosphere and quaint charm.
The ruins at Wat Nokor, an Angkorian temple dating from the eleventh century, contain a standard assortment of Angkor architecture. A visit to this site can easily be combined with a trip to the mountains of Pros and Srei. The city boasts the first bridge to be built over the Mekong River in Cambodia.
The Kizuna Bridge was constructed in Kampong Cham and at 1500 metres in length was the longest bridge in Cambodia until the 1900 metre Thai-Cambodian bridge was built in Koh Kong took its place in 2002. The Kizuna Bridge links eastern and western Cambodia by road for the first time.
>Kampong Chhnang
Kampong Chhnang is a province well known for its fine clay pottery. The name of the province says it all in Khmer; Kampong Chhnang means "Port of Pottery". The people of this province enjoy making pots, vases and various others types of ceramics during the off harvest seasons.
Interesting sights include two floating villages and a hamlet famous for its distinctive pottery.
The quiet village of Ondong Rossey, is where the area's famous red pottery is made. Almost every household along this stretch of about 7km ride west of town through serene rice fields dotted with sugar palms, is making some form of pottery or so. The pots, mostly unpainted but decorated with etched or appliqué designs, are either made with a foot-spun wheel (smaller pieces) or banged into shape with a heavy wooden spatula (larger ones).
It is interesting to watch the pots being made.A short boat ride from the waterfront takes you to two amazing floating villages; Phoum Kandal to the east and Chong Kos to the northwest. Many of the people here are ethnic Vietnamese. Here floating on the water, they have all the amenities a mainland village would have - houses, shops, vendors, petrol station and even a mosque.
>Kampong Speu
Kampong Speu, west of Phnom Penh and almost on the capital's doorstep, is a province often overlooked, but an ideal place to get off the beaten track. Speu is the Khmer word for starfruit, but Kampong Speu is actually famous for its palm sugar, considered the best in the Kingdom. It also produces plenty of teuk t'not chu, or palm wine.
Mount Aoral (Phnom Aoral)'s tallest mountain located in this landlocked province bordered by Kandal, Koh Kong, Pursat, Kampot, Takeo and Kampong Chhnang. This is at 1813 meters above sea level.
Kampong Speu province palm sugar, awarded a geographic indication by the government in April, is set for increased overseas export despite limited capacity and poor production methods, traders said on December 5, 2010. Chhon Ravuth, general manager of the beverage-maker Confirel, a buyer and exporter of palm-produced products in Cambodia, said his company was looking for new markets to sell GI Kampong Speu sugar, even though it was little known to the outside world.
A geographic indication certifies that a product comes from a particular location and may possess certain qualities or enjoy an enhanced reputation.
>Kampong Thom
Situated in central Cambodia, Kampong Thom is one of five provinces located at the lower part of the Tonle Sap Lake and rich in historical sites such as temples from the pre-Angkorian era.
The famous Sambor Prei Kuk, an ancient city that has about two hundred brick temples is located here in this province. The city was built during the time of King Isanavarman when he successfully united the territories of Chenla Kork and the Khmer water territory of Chenla Toek. Sambo Prei Kuk served as the capital of the Khmer Empire for many centuries.
It is interesting to first visit Sambor Prei Kuk before visiting the splendid Angkor complex, as its design and style are the foundations that inspired the Angkor civilization.
>Kampot
Kampot, the third largest coastal province in Cambodia, shares a border with Vietnam to the east and extends into the Gulf of Siam to the south. Elegant colonial architecture, spectacular natural attractions, and bucolic charm make this province a favorite among locals, expatriates, and more recently, tourists.
Kampot's languid atmosphere and quaint, small-town feel are easy to fall in love with; many who stay in the province do so on the relaxed riverside, where visitors can swim in waters full of bioluminescent plankton or take a smooth kayak ride down the river.
Kampot is more than just a sleepy riverside town, however. The province offers plentiful historical and natural wonders to discover, and serves as a common gateway to Bokor National Park, the beaches of Kep, the beautiful rapids of Toek Chhou and other attractions in southwestern Cambodia.
Bokor National Park is popular for its cool mountain climate and remains a year-round favourite amongst locals and foreigners alike. The scenery from the top is captivating, especially in the morning hours when one can literally touch the clouds and take in the bracing mountain air.
Other attractions include the Popokvil Waterfall where thundering falls provide a cool, refershing pool to dip in. A short distance across the track, the Toek Chhou Rapids is yet another popular tourist attraction. The Prek Ampal Resort, Kampong Trach Mountain Resort and the Anlong Pring Bird Sanctuary are also worthwhile stops in Kampot.
>Kandal
Kandal is a province in central Cambodia that completely surrounds Phnom Penh. It's capital is Ta Khmau, and it contains Udong, the former capital of the country between 1618 and 1866. A number of kings, including King Norodom, were crowned in Udong.
Kandal Province completely surrounds the capital Phnom Penh. The province is also a part of the greater Phnom Penh Metropolitan Area with more than a million people living in and around the province. While traveling out of Phnom Penh, the boundary between the two provinces is nearly unrecognizable.
The province consists of the typical plain wet area, covering rice fields and other agricultural plantations. The average altitude of the province is no more than 10 meters above sea level. The province also features two of the biggest rivers in the country, theBassac and Mekong Rivers.
>Kep
Kep is a relaxing southwestern seaside province situated 168 Km away from Phnom Penh. This tiny seaside hamlet is known throughout Cambodia for the beach and its fresh seafood, especially crabs.
Kep (which means saddle) is Cambodia's forgotten resort. During Cambodia's golden years before 1970, this lush coastal region looking out over a myriad of islands was where the wealthy and famous came to relax. Although the beaches are not in the same league as those in Preah Sihanouk, the tranquil atmosphere is what most travelers seek here.
A small section of the beach doubles as a regular crab-trading depot and this busy crab market on the water's edge serves well as a popular tourist itinerary. The Crab Market (Psar Kdam) is the first market as you enter the beach area on the one-way loop road and is right on the beach. Fishermen bring in baskets of crabs by the boatload. Visitors can sit and watch them work while the market restaurants boil them fresh from the sea before your eyes for a small additional fee. Fish, squid and prawns are also on offer, often cooking slowly over coals out the front of all the restaurants.
Several islands, including the popular Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay), lay just a short boat ride off its coast. This coastal province should be included as one of the 'must visits' when in Cambodia.
By the way, about 15 kilometers from the Kep road towards Kampot is a sign pointing down a dirt road to some holy caves. Two kilometers from the turnoff is a school and Phnom Sia Pagoda. Walk up and through the pagoda, you will come to the maze of limestone caves inside Phnom Sia itself. The most famous is the Cave of the White Elephant, named after a rock formation locals say resembles an elephant. This cave is particularly sacred and there is a shrine in front of the rock. Between Kampot and Kep there are a few cave systems worth exploring.
>Koh Kong
Koh Kong is a quaint border province that has long had a reputation as a 'Wild West' frontier location. Situated at the southwestern tip of the country near the mouth of the Kah Bpow River, the city is only 10 kilometers from the Thai border. Koh Kong has a long coastline and a large forested interior that embraces part of the Cardamom Mountains and a section of Kirirom National Park. Its tourist attractions include a theme park, beaches, waterfalls and a rich mangrove forest.
There are many offshore islands nearby Koh Kong, the most interesting of which is Koh Kong Khoa, a practically uninhabited jungle paradise with seven magnificent white sandy beaches. This island is only about a forty five minute water taxi ride from shore.
The Bousra Waterfall is conveniently sited in Pech Chenda District, 43 kilometers from Sen Monorom. It can be accessed by red soil road. The waterfall is one of the most interesting places for keen tourists. It is divided into three stages:
Koh Kong has enjoyed quite a few tourism development projects that have turned the province into a great tour destination. The province is linked to Phnom Penh and Preah Sihanouk Province via Sre Ambel by National Route 4. This newly built road provides visitors yet another option to access the province by road. A drive on this road is highly recommend to those who love nature; the road winds through some of Cambodia's least developed and unspoiled regions - the Cardamom Mountains. Amidst thick forest, streams and charming waterfalls, the adventure rewards with scenic sites for stopovers and great photography.
Mangroves are spread along the coast from Kep to Koh Kong, and they cover an area of over 50,000 hectares in Koh Kong. Mangroves are specialized tropical trees that live on the edge where rainforests meet oceans. These rainforests by the sea are rich breeding grounds for shrimps, prawns, crabs, shellfish, snails and fishes, especially the beautiful Mud skippers that seem to enjoy the surface more than being in water. They are also nesting sites for many shore birds, lizards, sea turtles, and many other exotic animal species.
>Kratie
Kratie Province, located on east bank of the Mekong River, gets its fair share of visitors each year. Many come here to catch a glimpse of the few Irrawaddy Dolphins left in the world. The recommended place to see them is at Kampi Village, about 15 kilometers from town and the best time of day to watch them is during the late afternoon. These are an endangered species and are very rare; estimated to be only about 60 living in this stretch of the river.
A geographic indication certifies that a product comes from a particular location and may possess certain qualities or enjoy an enhanced reputation.
The town offers an authentic rural ambience and a good place to relax; to spend a peaceful night or two. It is a nice relief from some of the country's more visited areas.
There numerous sites to see here in Kratie. Phnom Sombok is a small temple located on a hill north of town where a long flight of steps lead to a pavilion with candid pictures of torture reminding visitors of the punishments in the afterlife if one does not lead a virtuous life. Wat Roka Kandal is a restored pagoda; ancient Lao style 'Stupa' o n the riverfront about 2 kilometers from the town center. Nearby, there is a more modern pagoda where chanting of the monks can be heard at dawn and in the evenings. About 15 kilometers from town, there is a big Cham community. This is known locally as the 'basket-weaving' village; it is the biggest in Kratie with over 4000 villagers living here.
>Mondulkiri
To the south of Rattanak Kiri is Mondul Kiri, the most sparsely populated province in Cambodia, despite being the largest in land area. This province is known for its thickly-forested hills, verdant landscapes, and cascading waterfalls. Its capital is Sen Monorom.
Though remote, Mondul Kiri will awe visitors who make the trip with its otherworldly tranquility and beauty. To truly appreciate this province, one should arrange for a trek (or an elephant ride!) through the area's lush jungles to enjoy unspoiled scenery and the bracing fresh air, not to mention some of the country's most spectacular waterfalls. Few visitors will pass up the chance to soak in the rare and dramatic beauty of a waterfall tucked in the thick of the Mondul Kiri jungle.
The Bousra Waterfall is conveniently sited in Pech Chenda District, 43 kilometers from Sen Monorom. It can be accessed by red soil road. The waterfall is one of the most interesting places for keen tourists. It is divided into three stages:
Mondul Kiri also offers a handful of unforgettable cultural attractions. Many visitors enjoy a stop at the Phnong minority villages where they can observe the rich culture belonging to local hill tribes. There are even opportunities to experience cultural community life on the edges of the forest through homestay arrangements in the corridor zone of Phnom Prich Wildlife Sanctuary and the Mondul Kiri Protected Forest.
>Oddor Meanchey
Oddar Meanchey, which lies in northwestern Cambodia, is the province where the former Khmer Rouge army maintained their last stronghold. The town of Anlong Veng, which housed the last home for Pol Pot--the notorious Khmer Rouge leader--has been earmarked by the Royal Cambodian Government as one of the country's historical sights. The provincial capital is Samraong.
Though remote, Oddar Meanchey has several historical sites worth visiting. In Anlong Veng district, along Road 68, about 100 kilometers east of Oddar Meanchey provincial town, is a house once owned by former Khmer Rouge Commander Ta Mok. From 1979 until late1997, this area was organized and controlled by the Khmer Rouge armies. Some remaining statues describe the way the rebels lived and how they arranged their troops during their bloody struggle against the government.
Additionally, there is a pile of tires in the forest that is thought to be the funeral pyre and burial site of Pol Pot, the leader of Khmer Rouge. Visitors who stop in Oddar Meanchey often make the visit to Anlong Veng to see and photograph the sites associated with the former regime.
The Cambodian-Thai border check point of Ou Smach is about 41km from the provincial town. At the border, there are restaurants, casinos and hotels.
>Pailin
Pailin is a province at the northern edge of the Cardamom Mountains in the west of Cambodia, 25km from the border of Thailand. This province is surrounded by Battambang Province, and was officially carved out of Battambang to become a separate administrative division after the surrender of the Khmer Rouge in 1996.
Known also for the precious gem mining activities, this province offers beautiful sceneries of mountains, waterfall and lush bamboo forest. Other interesting sites for tourists include Wat Rattanak Sorphon, a Burmese style pagoda more than 570 years of age.
Beautiful Burmese characters are inscribed on the gates. This is evident of early Burmese settlement in this area. Indeed, the Burmese were the first people to discover the precious gems and Pailin became the largest mining center for sapphires and rubies in Indochina then.
Phnom Yat has a good number of places where visitors could still see the gem-mining activities today. Being a border town, there are also casinos in Pailin.
>Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh, once known as the ‘Pearl of Asia’, is the capital and largest city of Cambodia. It is now an economic, commercial, cultural and tourist center.
Tourists can experience a fresh wave of Cambodian hospitality in this city of more than 2 million people.
Cambodians are by nature cordial and friendly. Here in the capital city, people are more enterprising. The city is now a center of diverse economic and urban development.
Around Phnom Penh
There are many places to visit when in Phnom Penh. Visitors can visit the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda located just next to the palace grounds, then stroll down about l00m to visit the National Museum. After which, walk along Sothearos Boulevard to patronise some neat ‘antique’ shops that sell silver trays, betel boxes, belts, ancient coins, silver or wooden statuettes and famed marble carvings from the province of Pursat.
It is pleasant to take leisurely strolls around Phnom Penh, browse the shops and take in the city. Boulevards peppered by beautiful colonial buildings and a park-like riverfront with cafes and restaurants together make this a beautiful city to visit. The art galleries on Street 178 between the National Museum and Wat Sarawan are a real treat.
The ‘Phsar Toul Tum Poung’ or The Russian Market as its most commonly known, offers antique pieces and the opportunity to buy factory over-run designer clothes at huge discounted prices. For the visitor who prefers air-conditioned comfort, there are a few modern shopping complexes; the Sorya Shopping Centre, Sovanna Centre and the City Mall.
>Preah Vihear
Preah Vihear province, which borders Thailand and Laos to the north, is home to three of the most captivating temples of the Angkorian era: the Preah Vihear temple, the Koh Ker temple, and the Preah Khan Kampong Svay temple. It also houses communities of many ethnic hill tribes.
Koh Ker used to be a capital of the Khmer Emperor King Jayavarman IV who built this city in the year 921AD. Some parts of the temples are still hidden in the jungle and are not accessible. The Preah Vihear temple is most significant in this province.
The temple of Preah Vihear, dedicated to Shiva, is situated on the edge of a plateau that dominates the plain of Cambodia. The temple is composed of a series of sanctuaries linked by a system of pavements and staircases over an 800 metre long axis and dates back to the first half of the 11th century AD. Nevertheless, its complex history can be traced to the 9th century, when the hermitage was founded. This site is particularly well preserved, mainly due to its remote location. It is exceptional for the quality of its architecture, which is adapted to the natural environment and the religious function of the temple, as well as for the exceptional quality of its carved stone ornamentation.
A unique architectural complex of a series of sanctuaries linked by a system of pavements and staircases on an 800 metre long axis, this temple is an outstanding masterpiece of Khmer architecture, in terms of plan, decoration and relationship to the spectacular landscape environment.
Preah Khan Kampong Svay, also known as Prasat Bakan, is a complex of gigantic proportions located in the southwest corner of Preah Vihear province. It covers an area 4 times that of the Angkor Wat with a 3 km long Baray and a large number of towers or Prasats within the compound. Largely unknown and rarely visited, the temple had been very badly looted over the years.
>Prey Veng
Prey Veng is a small but heavily populated agricultural province located on the southeastern banks of the mighty Mekong. The name of the province literally means tall forest, but it no longer has those lush forests as most of trees had been chopped down over the years.
Tour wise, there is not much to see. However, during the pre-Angkorian times, this must have been one of the most populated and lively areas of the country. One of the earliest pre-Angkorian kingdoms is located in the area around Ba Phnom.
This is also a good stopover on the way to Kampong Cham or Vietnam. The town itself preserves a few old colonial buildings, evident of it being a lively and important centre in the old days. It has its fair share of temples as well. The Chong Srok temple may be worth a visit. Otherwise, there is the Ba Phnom resort, the Ba Ray An Det resort and Viel Brang to relax at.
Like the province of Svay Rieng, this province is also off the tourist maps, leaving backpackers the ones benefitting from this quaint province.
>Pursat
Located on the western side of the Tonle Sap lake, Pursat province is covered mainly by moutainous terrain. Although the province is not home to many ancient temples, the highlight of this province concerns the history of the war between Siamese and the Khmers that took place just before the French Colonial era in Cambodia. An popular historical site is that of the Tomb of Oknha Klang Meung, the Cambodian hero who led the war against Siamese and defeated them in 1482.
While in Pursat, visit the floating town of Kampong Luang, and take in the natural beauty of the Ouda. These are unspoiled attractions that this charming province boasts. This is also a town known for its top-quality marble. Besides farming, most of the residents make their living sculpting using marble as the main medium.
Kampong Luang, a town floating on the Tonle Sap Lake is just 40 km away from the Pursat town center. The floating village includes a police station, schools, restaurants, a clinic, shops and bars. The town is self-sufficient and is equipped with all the facilities of a grounded city.
The Ouda, a remote attraction, refreshes even the most tired travelers with its gorgeous scenery and tranquility. Any stress brought on by the challenges of work or family life will be carried away in the natural splendor of the river, which flows from the Arai River in the Cardamom Mountains. The mouth of the river, approximately 500 meters wide, is framed by thousands of large and small rocks. During the rainy season, the crystal clear water crashes over the smooth stones, but when the rains dry up, sentimental travelers can take a seat on the rocks to reflect on their journey. Opened just a few years ago, Ouda is located in Rokat Commune in Kravanh district 58 km from Pursat town.
Pursat and its surrounding attractions are sure to season even the savviest traveler. Lunch along the highway, dip into history with Oknha Kleang Mueng, a floating village tour, and a bathe in the healing waters of Ouda for an unforgettable trip.
>Rattanakiri
Rattanak Kiri Province is located in the Northeast of Cambodia, 588 km. from the capital, Phnom Penh. The population of the province is 149,997 (according to a 2008 census). It covers an area of about 10,782 square km. Rattanak Kiri is a region rich in natural beauty and is home to several ethnic hill tribe minority groups. Tourists are able to visit local communities and experience firsthand the everyday life, traditions, customs and rituals of the indigenous people.
The provincial town of Rattanak Kiri is Bun Lung, nestled on a highland plateau surrounded by mountains, valleys, waterfalls and volcanic lakes. The population of Ban Lung is 19,412 including some ethnic groups living on the outskirts of town.
In the center of town is a large market where local people carry out their daily trade. All of the local products such as fruit, vegetables, fish, chickens and ducks, as well as home made products and forestry items can be found in this market. All of the local agricultural products are purely organic (except for some imports from Phnom Penh). The market opens is very early in the morning when hill tripe people can still be seen delivering their wares to the various market stalls.
A memorable experience for tourists is to see the sunrise over the Phnom Svay Mountain and then go to visit and explore the busiest time at Rattanak Kiri market when farmers and local traders do business. It's a fascinating market with many kinds of different products and strange foods; thing that you won't find anyplace else. Local organic fruit costs much less than other places in Cambodia.
>Siem Reap
Siem Reap, located in northwestern Cambodia, is the gateway to the world-famous Angkor temple complex, which includes the magnificent Angkor Wat. The province also contains a vibrant capital city boasting many luxury hotels, beautifully-aged colonial buildings, a buzzing Pub Street, silk farms, markets, and much more.
The city of Siem Reap, also the capital of the province, is a must-visit destination for all visitors to Cambodia. This is where the glorious 12th Century Angkor Wat temple, the largest religious building in the world, is located. Situated on the northern bank of the Tonle Sap Great Lake, this mesmerizing eighth wonder of the world can be easily accessed by plane, land, and boat.
The ruins of Angkor, located in thick jungle, are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are over one thousand temples ranging in scale from nondescript piles of rubble scattered through rice fields to the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat--the best-preserved temple.
Apart from the legacy of the vast Angkor temple complex, Siem Reap has a lot more to offer to tourists, from the spectacular floating village on the Tonle Sap Lake to the heritage site of the Kulen Mountain, to the recentlydiscovered Koh Ker ruins.
In town, there are a bevy of ethnic craft shops, galleries, cafes, eateries and top-notch restaurants serving every type of cuisine. The famous Pub Street and the night markets of Siem Reap are now renowned tour destinations in their own rights. Additionally, siilk farms, rice-paddy countryside, fishing villages and a very rich bird sanctuary near the Tonle Sap Lake make Siem Reap one of the most captivating places in the world.
>Preah Sihanuk
Preah Sihanouk Province is a seaside resort located on the coast between Thailand and Vietnam at the Southwesterly end of Cambodia; an ideal destination for that dream holiday. Meant to be a port city in the late 1950s, the town has evolved; it is newer, more urban and cosmopolitan than most other Cambodian provincial cities. This is now more a beach town catering to beach-going holiday makers from Phnom Penh as well as the increasing number of foreign tourists although it is still the port town it has always been.
Although the pace in the province is very relaxed, there is a lot for sight-seeing and other interesting activities in this province besides the attractions of the islands and the beaches and because the town is bordered on three sides by tropical beaches, fresh seafood especially crabs, squids, prawns and ocean fish, has always been one of the town's biggest draws. All about town and along the beaches, there is also a wide selection of foreign cuisines including Japanese, Australian, Korean, Chinese, French, Indian, German, Sri Lankan, British, and Italian. There are also pizzeria, bakeries and a few nice coffee shops in town.
Night life is extremely exciting; a wide variety of bars, especially those on Weather Station Hill and in the downtown area, stay open well into the wee hours. The beach bars on Ochheuteal, Serendipity and Victory Beaches are also open until very late; some remain until the last customer leaves which sometimes can be when dawn breaks. The accommodative and friendly attitude of the joint owners contributes to make this a favourite with many foreign tourists.
In Preah Sihanouk Province, there are waterfalls, nature reserves, night clubs and casinos, but being the beach town it is, there are lots of water sports and other interesting and enjoyable off-shore activities including boating, island-hopping, fishing, diving and snorkeling. Along the beaches, boats of all types and sizes are available for charter. Some boat operators offer group fishing trips while others are specialized in diving expeditions.
Many foreign-owned scuba and snorkeling companies offer package diving lessons complete with equipment. It may be well worth taking the time to learn the basics of managing the breathing apparatus and understanding the ‘buddy’ underwater communication system. These lessons can make your dives safer and more enjoyable.
For the expert enthusiast who wants to explore the mysterious underwater world of coastal Cambodia, there are many islands off the Cambodian coast with lots of opportunities to explore breath-taking unspoiled coral reefs and the hosts of marine life forms. The province has PADI Dive Centres and qualified instructors and guides in town who knows just the spots to take you.
For the less adventurous, snorkeling can still be an enjoyable and relaxing experience. It can also give you a chance to see the marine life and coral. No training is necessary but you should be a strong swimmer though.
There are several beaches in Preah Sihanouk; each has its own uniqueness and attractions. Just a little to the south of the busy port with plenty of accommodation for the budget conscious is Victory Beach which actually covers a long stretch of white sand but a rocky point puts a pause to the seemingly endless stretch. The rocks segregate the entire beach into two parts; a northern and southern part. The southern stretch is popularly known as the ‘Hawaii Beach’. Unlike the northern stretch which is less crowded, the Hawaii Beach is peppered by thatched roofed eateries and cafés and has always been quite popular.
Then, there is the white sandy Independence Beach which is named after the 7-storey Independence Hotel there. The Independence Beach is calm and quiet; just the place for you to spend some quiet moments with your loved ones, taking in the pleasures of life and enjoying the beauty of nature.
Sokha Beach Resort takes up and blocks most of Sokha Beach for their residents. However, a small part of this stretch of beach is still open to public.
By far the most popular beach is Ocheuteal. Here is where all the fun and frolicking never seem to relax. In a place with so many gorgeous beaches, this one is surely the one that attracts people most. Its picturesque beauty combined with the endless activities it offers, plus its proximity to the center of the city, these are perhaps some of the reasons behind its popularity. This beach is packed everyday of the week; you will see both tourists and locals gathering here to eat, drink, and make merry.
The northern stretch is the fabulous Serendipity Beach where you can find cheap guesthouses right on the sands along with different types of shops and eateries. This stretch of beach never sleeps and is a favorite to foreign tourists.
For you who prefer to stay off and away from the coast, motor cycles and bicycles are available for rent everywhere. These are a great convenience for sight-seeing; it is the best way to enjoy the mountains, areas down town and go bar hopping. The place has so much to see and do. You can also visit the waterfalls and the Ream National Park which is only about a 30 minutes ride away from the town center. This is a “Must see” for all nature and bird lovers. The Ream National Park is home to a number of rare birds and animals which is indeed a treat for the nature lovers. There are estimated to have about 155 bird species, monkeys, mouse deers and pangolins. An additional major attraction during the months of December through February is the magnificent fresh water white dolphins. The Kbal Chhay Waterfalls, situated at the Prek Tuk Sap River is also only about 30 minutes away from Sihanouk town center. The Kbal Chhay can be best enjoyed during the wet season between July and October.
If you wish to just relax and be pampered, what could be nicer and more relaxing whilst in Sihanouk Province than a body massage? A one hour session on the beach sets you back for as little as U$5 and an indoor massage, providing a little more privacy and in a nice air-conditioned room, starts from as little as U$8 an hour depending on where you go. There are many nice spas in town which also offer massage services as well as other cosmetic treatments and herbal baths. Cambodian therapists are very well trained and dedicated to their work.
In the province of Preah Sihanouk, there will always be something to keep your vacation jolly and memorable.
>Stung Treng
Stung Treng is a beautiful province located on a high sandy bank overlooking the Mekong River where it is joined by the Se Kong River. It is about 455 km from Phnom Penh and some 40 km to the Laos border. This charming city is linked to Banlung (Rattanak Kiri) and is actually more than just a ‘stopover’. The Sekong Bridge, itself an attraction, serves as a convenient passage to the border of Laos.
There are several nice places to visit when in Stung Treng. The amazing Sopheakmith Waterfall never ceases to mesmerise visitors and the stretch of the mighty Mekong at this province is also a popular place for observing the very rare Irrawaddy dolphins.
The Thala Barivat is only 4 kilometers from the provincial town. This is accessible by crossing the Se Kong River. Thala Barivat is the historical site where the Preah Ko, a 7th century brick temple of King Jayavarman I is located. Preah Ko is consists of six brick towers arranged in two rows of three towers each perched on a sandstone platform. This is one of the earliest temples built during the Angkor era.
Here in the vicinity are a few other small ancient temples; the Prambuon Lveng Temple, Srei Temple and the Angkor Kmao Temple. The Hang Kho Ba Pagoda, a 300 year old temple in the Hang Kho Ba Village, is also only about 6 Kilometers from the provincial town and worth the while to pay a visit.
Steung Treng province is also famous for sweet tamarind the Pa Si Yi fish; a local delicacy enjoyed by many tourists.
>Svay Rieng
Svay Rieng may be one of the smallest provinces in Cambodia, but it has the country's busiest highway running right through town. National Highway No 1 links Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam just after the Mekong River via the Neak Loeung ferry point. Here is the international gateway of Bavet which leads to Vietnam.
This is a prosperous town reaping the benefits of the border trade traffic. There is a lively marketplace and the people here are friendly. The province comes with good food and great accommodation options.
Nearby, the Waiko River and its vast, scenic marshlands provide pleasant settings for photography. Not far from town is a bridge over the Waiko donated by prime minister Hun Sen.
>Takeo
Takeo province, bordering Vietnam to the south, is blessed with natural beauty and many historical sites. Takeo is often recognized as the cradle of the Cambodian civilization, and contains several significant pre-Angkorian sites.
While heading towards Takeo, make a trip to Phnom Chisor to visit a well-preserved 11th century temple from the Angkor era. The temple is built on the crest of the hill and surrounded by panoramic views of the countryside. The climb up-- 503 steps-- to the top may be vigorous, but the stunning view of the countryside at the end makes it truly worthwhile. This ancient temple is now an active one where Buddhists make pilgrimages on religious occasions. There are monks quarters and a school. Fine carvings of Hindu deities can still be seen on the towers and at the libraries, and unique carvings decorate the door of the main temple.
In Takeo, the Tonle Bati a favourite recreational spot for the locals during leisure is a pleasant place to stop by for a standard Khmer meal. The nearby Tonle Bati Temple is a largely intact Angkorian-style temple with a picturesque garden. The Yeay Pov Temple, named after King Ta Prohm's mother, is another another historical temple situated near the popular Tonle Bati Lake.
For families, a visit to the Phnom Ta Mao wild life rescue centre is an enriching trip. The centre was set up to preserve rescued rare and endangered local wildlife. Eighty hectares of the area serves as a zoo for visitors.
The allure of this pretty province is not just in its conveniences; its friendly nature, the beautiful Prey Ba Sak lake area just outside of town and the Prasat Prasat temple make this a worthwhile stopover. There are a couple of little known temple ruins here in Svay Rieng as well; they are the Prasat Chea Hao and Prasat Basac.
The province of Svay Rieng is off the tourist maps but it is great for those who want a slice of rural life in Cambodia.