18 Photos to Make You Fall In Love With Cambodia

The Cambodian coast is dotted with almost-remote tropical islands, with Koh Rong Samloem boasting pretty empty shores, powder white sands, turquoise seas and jungle.

The iconic Angkor Wat is number one on most visitors’ list of attractions and it’s easy to see why. Most flock to the site before dawn to catch the sun rising from behind the temple’s towers.

Angkor Wat temple, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

Battambang is known as Cambodia’s ‘rice bowl’ and is full of twinkling emerald green paddies during wet season. Phnom Sampeau is a great spot to see the countryside in all its glory, as well as the perfect place to catch a beautiful sunset.

As well as Angkor Wat, the archaeological park is home to a series of other stunning temples, including root-riddled Ta Prohm, which rose to fame after featuring as the backdrop in the movie Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, starring Angelina Jolie.

Ta Prohm, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

Cambodia’s network of waterways are the life and soul of the country and can be explored in a variety of ways. Stand-up paddle-boarding is a one fun way to enjoy Kampot.

Monks adorned in orange robes are a common sight throughout Cambodia. Every morning, they can be seen collecting alms from shops and homes across the country.

If sunsets are your thing, then Cambodia offers plenty of chances to see stunning skies from equally spectacular locations. Watch the sky become painted with colour while kicking back with a cocktail.

Many visitors to Cambodia seek to tap into its spiritual nature, and yogis can enjoy a variety of yoga and meditation sessions in some of the most tranquil retreats.

Cambodia is mostly a rural country and once you escape the urban centres, there is an abundance of sprawling countryside. There are many easy escapes from the city, including Koh Krobey, which is about an hour from Phnom Penh and is dotted with temples, lotus ponds and paddies.

Visitors are sure to get their history fix in Cambodia, as it is full of ancient monuments and structures that hark back centuries. The Stone Asura, near the South Gate of Angkor Thom in Siem Reap, is a tranquil spot to take it all in.

A wonderful world of flora and fauna can be discovered in Cambodia, with a host of eco-tourism initiatives across the country showcasing the diversity. The Elephant Valley Project in Mondulkiri allows visitors to get up close to elephants in their natural habitat.

Elephant Valley Project, N.R 76 Phum Kandal, Khum Speanmeanchey, Mondul Kiri Province, Cambodia, Krong Saen Monourom, Cambodia, +855 99 696 041

The Cambodian calendar is littered with public holidays and many colourful celebrations take place throughout the year. The last day of the religious festival Pchum Ben is marked with buffalo racing and wrestling in the village of Vihear Suor, Kandal Province.

The Mekong River is the lifeblood of many Cambodians and a trip along it won’t fail to disappoint, offering a glimpse into life along the river, the fishermen who frequent it daily and the wildlife that call it home.

The intimate coastal resort of Kep is famed for its crab and Kampot pepper. A trip to the town’s bustling crab market brings with it the chance to watch women wade into the water to collect their catch before tucking into some fresh crab.

Cambodia’s heat can be oppressive at the best of times. Thankfully, there are plenty of spots where you can cool off, including stunning waterfalls for swimming. Phnom Kulen, in Siem Reap, is a popular spot for walking and swimming.

Paddies, paddies and more paddies. With rice being a staple in the Khmer diet, the countryside is dotted with lush paddies that come to life during the monsoons.

After all that exploring, chilling by the pool is a must, and there are plenty of super spots to be found if you want to relax and recharge.

Cute kids, smiles and happy faces are available in abundance across Cambodia so brace yourself to be showered with cries of “hello”, “how are you?” and “what is your name?”