Cambodia is one of the most countries not so well discovered by travelers. It has a rich culture and history; here existed the ancient Khmer civilization, which originated in the XIII century BC. For tourists, the resorts of Cambodia offer a lot of interesting and entertaining things: both spiritual and cultural monuments of the past, and the opportunity to relax on the sea coast.
Check this tourist guide about best beach resorts in Cambodia that worth exploring in 2024.
Beach resorts in Cambodia
Where it is better to go on vacation to Cambodia depends largely on the goals of the traveler. If you want to look at the ancient cultural monuments – for sure Angkor Wat and Koh Ker are must-visit places.
Sihanoukville Resort
However, if you would like to spend time on the beach, then it’s worth considering Cambodia beach resorts, for example Sihanoukville, which is a relatively small city in terms of its territory.
It is washed by the South China Sea, and is located very close to the capital of Cambodia – Phnom Penh.
This resort is not so popular among tourists; however, it several years it can gain a reputation as one of the best beach resorts in Cambodia. There are excellent clean beaches and clear sea water.
Prices in Sihanoukville are low (the lowest ones not only in Cambodia, but throughout South Asia). Another advantage is that beaches in Sihanoukville are not overcrowded. This young resort is great for families with kids and lovers of active water sports.
Koh Rong Island
Koh Rong island is known for its picturesque views of the sea, beach with white, fine sand and azure color of translucent water.
On this island, you can lie on the beach or have fun hanging out at a party: there are many bars that worth visiting. If you would like to visit this beach resort in Cambodia, it is worth remembering that there is a wide choice of hotels in Koh Rong, but no 4 and 5 star hotels.
Koh Tang
A small island where travelers will find serene solitude and peace. Koh Tang is in close proximity to Vietnam; and for this, the Khmer Rouge began to call it “the island of smugglers.”
The island is popular for its rocky outcroppings, which are ideal for diving. The beaches here are secluded and deserted; there is also a freshwater river flows, which is known for its healing thermal springs.
Kep – Crab Capital
It is worth mentioning this provincial town, which gained its fame only thanks to one of its features. Kep is famous for its blue crabs. And this is the main attraction of Kep. Crab meat of this breed is a real delicacy containing easily digestible protein and a number of vitamins.
Siem Reap and Angkor Wat
Siem Reap is an ancient city founded in 802. Nowadays it is a stop for many tourists whose plan is to visit the temple complex Angkor Wat. The resorts of Cambodia taken together, probably, are not as popular as this complex.
Tourist infrastructure is actively developing due to the high interest to Angkor Park.
Angkor Wat is one of the largest monuments of ancient culture in Asia. It is located near Siem Reap city itself. Angkor is an internationally recognized gem of the art of the Khmer civilization.
What is the best time to visit Cambodia if your goal is to visit the temple complex and other attractions? The best season is autumn or winter months, when it is not so hot and there is less rainfall.
Siem Reap has many restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops. In addition to Angkor, there are other interesting places to visit in the city. These are picturesque national park Phnom Kulen and War Museum.
Bayon Temple is also worth a visit – an amazing ancient monument that still causes controversy among archaeologists and researchers about its significance. It has 54 towers, as well as 4 identical faces carved from stone. Depending on the time of day, these images change their expression so that the environment of this place is also transformed.
Phnom Penh
The capital of Cambodia is its cultural and economic center. Tourist infrastructure is well developed: you can find hotels of different categories, cafes and restaurants, both cheap and expensive. You can explore Phnom Penh by foot or rent a bike, visit local attractions, or relax on the waterfront. It’s also a perfect place to taste national Cambodian cuisine in local cafes.
Battambang: Temples and Historic Sites
Not all resorts in Cambodia have close proximity to the sea. Battambang, for example, is popular with tourists who want to visit temples and shrines. Despite the fact that Battambang is a large city, there is no hustle and bustle.
Travelers are attracted by the provincial, almost rural atmosphere of the city. Temples such as Phnom Sampov, Phnom Banan and Wat Ek Phnom can be visited as a day tour. Tourists are very fond of this place for a single-lane rail track, made of wood and bamboo.
In the center of Battambang, there are many colonial-era buildings can be found. Those who find Phnom Penh too noisy and bustling city prefer to stay here.
Banlung
The city is perfect for tourists who want to explore unusual places. In Banlung, you can take an excursion to the mine or participate in the search for precious stones. The most intrepid travelers can go on an excursion into the jungle, but it is better to do this with a guide.
Ratanakiri Province
One of the uninhabited parts of Cambodia. It is crossed by numerous dirt roads that lead to ethnic minority villages. This part of the country is suitable for exploration by those who love adventure.
Here you can go trekking, watch the gibbons in the Veun Sai-Siem Pang national park, where you can stay overnight and sleep in hammocks, and go in search of gibbons in the morning until dawn. You can also visit Virachey National Park, home to elephants, tigers and sun or Malay bears.
In Ratanakiri you can relax and swim in Yeak Laom Crater Lake with turquoise water located near the town of Banlung. You can visit the Cha Ong and Ka Tieng waterfalls. Most often, tourists who are tired of visiting temples go to Ratanakiri.
Prasat Preah Vihear
While Angkor Wat gets all the glory, Prasat Preah Vihear wins the award for most dramatic location. It is located on the slopes of the Dangrek Mountains, offering stunning views of the Cambodian floodplains. This temple complex with carved pavilions, built in honor of the god Shiva, is located on the border of Thailand and Cambodia. It was the reason of many conflicts and disputes. In 2013, the International Court of Justice ruled in favor of Cambodia. So this temple can again be included in tourist routes.
Kampot
Kampot is the calm coastal town, where the atmosphere of an old town preserved well. Be sure to take a walk in the central area of the city, where trading houses have been preserved, many of which have been restored. The city of Kampot captivates with its tranquility; travelers stay here longer than they plan.
For those who prefer an active holiday, Kampot offers an explore the sights of the south. Here you can find an abandoned church, and the remains of a once popular hotel. You can visit the limestone caves of Phnom Chhngok and Phnom Sorsia as part of a day tour.
Tonle Sap
Tonle Sap is Cambodia’s most important waterway and the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. The lake plays an important role not only in the country’s irrigation system and is an important source of food, it also has 170 floating villages that survive only on fishing.
Houses, churches, shops, temples in these villages are built on barrels and bamboo fastened together, and boats are used for transportion.
Kratie Province
If you want to get the most out of visiting the Mekong River, then you’ve come to the right place. Along the banks of the river is the town of Kratie, which is popular for its dolphin-watching tours. The Irrawaddy dolphin are endemic to the Mekong River and are endangered.
Steps are being taken to protect this species. Tourism plays an important role in this process, offering an alternative source of income for the local population other than fishing. To see dolphins, head to Kampi.
