Tour Guide, Siem Reap, Cambodia
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Cambodia or Kampuchea is a small gorgeous country explored in Southeast Asia, geographically situated between Vietnam and Thailand. At the same time, the northern east shares a border with Laos. Cambodia dramatically suffered from over 2 million casualties during the tragic genocide between 1975-1979.
Cambodia is one of the best destinations in Asia, with fascinating Siem Reap being a highlight of this country. This town is famed for the marvellous Angkor Wat, unrivalled masterpieces & the finest ancient architecture. From Angkor archaeology to the modern capital city of Phnom Penh, where precious Royal Palace stands, Cambodia's southern coasts & natural islands offer the perfect vacation with a beach break, an unlikely northern Cambodia’s speciality.
When people talk about the fame of the Angkor Wat temple, it reminds us of the rich civilization of The Khmer Empire that dated to 802 CE until the fall of Angkor in the 15th century. Nowadays, the entire area comprises 181,035 square kilometres with a southern coastline of 443 square kilometres. The country’s population is 15 million, estimated in 2017, with a density of 82 people per square kilometre. The basic income of 3-5 US dollar per day, and 85% of the population relies on agriculture, farming and fishery.
Cambodia’s longest river is the Mekong - the trans-river from Tibetan Plateau running via a few Southeast Asian countries before reaching Cambodia. It then extends into southeast Vietnam. With the central flood plain, Cambodia features the Great Lake or Tonle Sap - the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and well-known as the biosphere reserve area listed by UNESCO in 1997. It is surrounded by 5 provinces Kampong Cham, Pursat, Battambang, Siem Reap & Kampong Thom.
The country's economy is based in Phnom Penh Capital, where the garment factories, foreign property investment and tourism industry have rapidly grown. However, the overall economic growth is still low if compared to the last decade. The major shipment ports in both Phnom Penh Capital and Sihanoukville are the key vessel to boost the country’s commercial challenges with the open market.
Phnom Penh Capital
The capital's population is over one million and a half. Situated along the Mekong, Tonle Sap River and Tonle Bassac, Phnom Penh features significant cultural and historical sights like the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum, and religious Wat Phnom atop the hill in the heart of the capital. On the flip side, the killing field of Cheung Ek and the transformed Tuol Sleng Museum (S21 Prison) attracts hundreds of tourists to explore its tragic sites before continuing to stroll around Tuol Tompoung (Russian market). Some other highlights of the capital include stopping at the independence monument, yellow post office, local markets, active pagodas or an art museum.
The fresh riverside gives a pleasant walk overlooking Tonle Sap & Mekong, with taking picturesque photos of the Royal Palace should not be missed. There are busy cafés, interesting boutique shops, restaurants, urban hotels, and colonial buildings along the riverfront. At the same time, the other side is teeming with colourful restaurants & bars, which make the nightlife exciting.
Siem Reap, Angkor Wat
Siem Reap is a notable tourist destination of Cambodia, 320km from Phnom Penh Capital with a short flight of 45 minutes, 6-7 hours by speed boat in high-water season (mid-September to December), and 6 hours overland. It is where hundreds of impressive ancient Angkor temples were constructed by the Khmer Empire. Especially the renowned Angkor Wat temple complex was built in the 12th century, the largest monument in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Tomb Raider temple “Ta Prohm”, intricately carved Banteay Srei “, The Pink Sandstone Temple”, the national park of Phnom Kulen waterfall and Tonle Sap floating villages are desirable destinations for any traveller.
When the twilight starts to end, the busy, colourful Siem Reap pub street begins to fill out a hundred tourists. Alleys full of boutique shops and night markets offer various local handicrafts, paintings, clothes, silk, statues, etc. In contrast, the old market and riverside carts offer tasty street food and $1.00 cocktails.
The secluded countryside offers pleasant sightseeing overlooking beautiful rice paddies dotting with palm trees, vegetable gardens. Come across interesting rural activities and spot cattle, water buffaloes while being welcomed by lovely kids with the word “HELLO”. Additionally, biking is the perfect way to explore the charming Siem Reap countryside.
Battambang
Battambang has picturesque countryside. At the same time, the colonial town boasts French architecture, old yellow buildings and some Angkorian temples still in good condition, including Banan and Ek Phnom temples. The walkable Sangker riverside offers fun evening activities and mouth-watering street food.
The most interesting thing to do in Battambang is riding the BAMBOO TRAIN – a unique bamboo platform attached with a motor engine that runs over the train tracks. Its route offers beautiful landscape and fresh air. While having a short stay in a tranquil Battambang resort, there is much more to be explored/ This includes the infamous Prahok market, observing rice wine & rice paper making, tasting Cambodian bamboo sticky rice, visiting a host family with tropical fruit tasting, exploring grape plantations and seeing the oldest wooden house in the region.
Walk to a suitable spot to see thousands of bats flying to their caves in the evening; the mysterious Phnom Sampov is an ideal destination to admire the spectacular sunset and taking amazing photos.
In addition, Prek Toal Bird Core Reserve is the most important bird sanctuary within Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve. It is a lush area housing many endangered waterbirds, including darters, little cormorants, grey herons, greater adjutants, milky & painted storks, black-headed ibis, spot-billed ducks. Several species yearly migrate from different sites to Prek Toal sanctuary for breeding during and after the wet season. This is the best time to watch, learn and observe the conservation effort.
The Southern Coast
Cambodia’s southern part consists of 443 square kilometres of coastline with 4 provinces: Sihanoukville, Kampot, Kep and Koh Kong - standing along the crystal blue sea. At the same time, you can go diving and snorkelling to see the Cambodian underwater flora and fauna. The tasty fresh seafood and the instant fishing Kep crabs are a must-try, followed by green Kampot peppers dipped into local spicy sauces that make your dishes more delicious.
Accommodating at beautiful resorts or standard hotels on the mainland is a basic relaxing experience. The Koh Andet Island in Koh Kong, Koh Rong Samloem Island, Koh Rong Island, Koh Russey, Koh Sramauch are ideal for a better experience. Even plan an exclusive beach holiday at the private island “Koh Song Saa” to capture the true sense of tranquillity.
Northern Cambodia
The mother of nature in Cambodia clusters around Stung Treng, where the Mekong River, rapids, birds, and mangroves meet. The Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri, and Kratie provinces make for an amazing off-the-beat journey. The natural volcanic lake “Yeak Laom” and the Sen San River provide a great opportunity to witness ethnic activities, routine, ancestral beliefs, customs and culture in notable villages. In the Kratie province, see glimpses of Irrawaddy – rare freshwater dolphins. The Koh Trong Island of Kratie is still popular for exciting experiences either by local bikes or horse cart ride with a stop for tasting pomelos. The neighbouring Mondulkiri offers feeding and bathing elephant families in the pleasant river within the Cambodian jungle. Do not miss out on the chance to bathe under the beautiful waterfall “Bou Sra” and take photos of the stunning views of Mondulkiri before leaving for the next destination.