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Cambodia: General Information
Phnom Penh - The capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia is located at the confluence of three rivers: the Mekong, the Bassac and the Tonle Sap. Once considered the loveliest city of Indochina, the colonial city still maintains considerable charm. In addition to such tourist sites as the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, the National Museum and Wat Phnom, there are several markets selling silk, silver and antiques. Also worthwhile is a visit to the notorious “Killing Fields” and Tuol Sleng Museum, which chronicle the years under the rule of the Khmer Rouge.
Battambang (292 km from Phnom Penh) - The second largest city in Cambodia, Battambang is located in a rich and fertile plain, which provides much of the rice and other important crops for the country. The Sangker River cuts through the town center, which is filled with interesting colonial architecture. The region has numerous Angkorian and pre-Angkorian sites. Some of the most interesting are the Wat Ek Temple (11th C.),Wat Baset Temple (7th C.) and Phnom Banon.
Sihanoukville (Kompong Som) (230 km from Phnom Penh) - Cambodia’s only deep-sea port. Although tourism has increased over the past years, the beaches of Sihanoukville are among the most unspoiled in Southeast Asia. It is a perfect tropical getaway, with facilities for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving or just sun-bathing. Boat trips are also available to many of the nearby islands. There are several hotels and local restaurants serving fresh, delicious seafood on the beach.
Kampot - Kep (148 km from Phnom Penh) - Kampot is a pleasant town on the banks of the river Tuk Chhou. It is once again developing a reputation as an appealing retreat with quiet beaches and wonderful seafood. The seaside resort of Kep (formerly known as Kep-sur-Mer) is located 30 km from Kampot. This beautiful coastal area was once the favorite holiday spot for Cambodia’s French-influenced elite. Kampot is also a base for excursions to Bokor National Park, famous for the beauty of its forests, waterfalls, and amazing view of the Gulf of Siam.
Siem Reap (314 km from Phnom Penh) - Home of Angkor Wat, one of the greatest religious monuments in the world, Siem Reap is a charming city with a river flowing through the center of town. While most visitors spend their time exploring the ancient temple ruins, there are plenty of other diversions in this city. The Tonle Sap Lake, the heart of Cambodia, is located here and boat tours offer visitors a glimpse into the traditional Khmer way of life. Floating villages, sunset cruises and tours of the bird reserve of Prek Tuol are all worthwhile. Touring the pagodas of Siem Reap, visiting the local stone and wood-carving school or the nearby Silk Farm are also interesting options.
Kompong Thom (168 km from Phnom Penh) - Kompong Thom is a small town located on the banks of the Stung Sen River. It is the base for excursions to the important archaeological site of Sambor Prei Kuk, the ancient capital of Chenla. Located 35 km from the city, this site can only be reached by traveling down a rough road. There are about 100 temples from the pre-Angkorian period here (7th C.) which are surrounded by the lush forest.
Tonle Bati - Phnom Chisor - Takeo (72 km from Phnom Penh) - A one-day excursion from Phnom Penh allows the travelers to visit some of the major archeological sites of Cambodia: Angkor Borei, the capital of the Pre-Angkorian Empire of Funan and Phnom Da temple (6th C.), Ta Phrom temple (12th C.) near Tonle Bati lake or Suryagiri temple (11th C.) on top of Phnom Chisor mountain. It is also a chance to discover the Khmer countryside with its traditional villages and handicrafts.
Kompong Cham (124 km from Phnom Penh) - A lively port on the banks of the Mekong with fine examples of colonial architecture, as well as some interesting wats (including Wat Nokhor -13th C. and Wat Preah Nokor). Outside the provincial capital is the rubber plantation of Chhup, formerly operated by the French tire maker Michelin.
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