Cambodia’s cities are gateways for adventures into this captivating country: it’s through them that the magic of Cambodia and the kindness of its people is unveiled. Spend a few days shopping in local markets, drinking in neighborhood bars and lounging along the banks of the Mekong and the layers of this charming country start to reveal themselves. So, here are the best cities in Cambodia for you to visit, get stuck into and fall in love with.
11. Kampong Cham
With the Mekong’s orange waters meandering their way through the city,
Kampong Cham is a centre for trade in the area. The friendly little city
is lacking in development and tourism, but this doesn’t mean it should
be passed by; its charm lies in the friendliness of the local people.
There isn’t too much to do here other than stroll along its buzzing
boulevard and rambling riversides. One of the top attractions here is
the bamboo bridge that’s rebuilt every year after the Mekong floods –
the bridge connects to an island community that is also interesting to
explore.
10. Kep
Kep is a seaside city that lures tourists with delicious food, a
sandy beach and a national park. The city was created as a seaside
resort for French socialites in the early 1900s when they built huge
Western-style villas. Many of the villas are now derelict and have have
been sucked up by the encroaching jungle making for some fantastic photo
opportunities. A variety of tourists come to this family-friendly city
for its sleepy sunsets and succulent seafood, as well as the excellent
hiking routes in Kep National Park.
9. Kampong Thom
Halfway between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, Kampong Thom is sometimes
overlooked but there’s much more to this city than a quick stop-off
point. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy spending time in Kampong Thom’s
surrounding wildlife. Small farms and picturesque rice fields create the
perfect environment for birds and wildlife. Sambor Prei Kuk, the
intriguing remains of the Chenla Kingdom also lie on the outskirts of
town – this ancient city unbelievably predates Angkor by 400 years!
8. Koh Kong
Koh Kong city is still is very much developing, but that doesn’t mean
the urban area aren’t worth your time. More tourists are beginning to
arrive and the city’s burgeoning adventure tourism trade has also led to
a rise of ecotourism in the surrounding countryside. Spend a couple of
nights in the city and take a tour to the nearby beaches and gushing
waterfalls located deep in the jungle.
7. Banlung
Far-flung Banlung is located on the remote borders with both Vietnam and
Laos, comprising dusty red roads and charming countryside. The area has
been affected by logging and illegal trade and tourism in the town is
still very new. Brave the busy marketplace and then take a day trip out
to experience the city’s surrounding natural gems; just outside the
city, Boeng Yeak Lom is a huge crater filled with gleaming turquoise
water amidst the depths of the jungle.
6. Kampot
Kampot is a city by name but not in nature. The sleepy hedonism of
the city seduces travelers who plan to stay for a couple of nights but
stay much longer. The quiet streets are ideal for cycling around on a
push bike, past locals who are busy with their daily chores and children
who are heading to school. The city has a friendly, family feel and
people here are welcoming. Like a hippie enclave, travelers often stop
here and stay long term, deciding to set up small businesses. Mingle
with other visitors in the cafes and sleep in one of the many great
guest houses.
5. Kratie
Kratie is a small city that’s shaped by the bends of the majestic
Mekong. Travelers stop off in the town to enjoy its local life and for
the chance to spot the Irrawaddy dolphins that live in this part of the
river. Sitting in one of the markerside cafes reveals the hard and
impoverished lives of many of the locals – children without clothes beg
while travelers snap pictures of them on their SLRs. However, the people
of Kratie are amazingly welcoming to tourists. Take the fun ferry boat
across the Mekong and spend a day pedaling around Koh Trong island to
see the small island community that live in the middle of the river.
4. Battambang
The city of Battambang, with its crumbling colonial architecture and
stunning surrounding countryside, is proving to be somewhat of an
artistic hub. Battambang isn’t only a space for Cambodia’s future
artistic talents, but also a place to take in ancient temples and
pagodas. The dreamily dozy city is the perfect antidote to the swirling
city streets of Cambodia’s bigger cities. There is a threat from big
business to tear down the town’s center beautiful old buildings so make
sure to visit here before it’s too late and concrete replaces history.
3. Sihanoukville
Sleepy and secluded, Sihanoukville is Cambodia’s premier seaside resort
city. The little fishing port has become a magnet for tourists who want
to kick back and relax along Cambodia’s coastline. The city is a resort
destination that still remains under the radar in terms of mass tourism,
but big business and development is on its way. The white sand beach is
edged by small shacks and bars where you can find people reclining with
a drink, while they spend days gazing out to sea. Hotels here are
numerous and often very affordable, and although there is often a seedy
feeling around the town, with many lingerers and single older men
traveling alone, the city is a jumping off point to Cambodia’s tropical
islands.
2. Siem Reap
Siem Reap is a dusty, fun and energetic city. Most visitors to Southeast Asia will find themselves in Siem Reap at some point, if not particularly for the city itself but for its world famous temples of Angkor.
A speedy tuk-tuk ride out of the city center and the jungle-enshrined
temple complex appears like something from the pages of a book. The city
of Siem Reap itself is a place for tourists to let their hair down,
enjoy dinner and drinks with friends and dance the night away, if this
isn’t your scene then maybe you can spend time unwinding at one of the
many massage parlours.
1. Phnom Penh
Cambodia’s capital city has seen – and still does see – its fair
share of hard times and struggle, but with the city’s checkered past
comes a strength and resilience that is infectious. The Killing Fields
are a short journey away from the busy city streets, but continue to
serve as a humbling reminder of the atrocities and victims of the Khmer
Rouge regime. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, housed in an old school, also
works as a sobering reminder of the horrors the people of Cambodia have
faced in recent living memory.
Cambodia, however, isn’t all about its dark past. Walking the streets
of the Phnom Penh yields smiles from locals who are going about their
daily business, browsing the markets or just hanging out along the banks
of the Ton Le Sap River. Make sure to visit the Wat Phnom temple, after
which the city is named, for some space and time to reflect on this
amazing city. Source : touropia
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