6 Best Places To Visit In Cambodia

Cambodia is a land of rich cultural and architectural heritage. Best known as both the home of the colossal temples of Angkor Wat and for the brutal Khmer Rouge era of the 1970s and later civil war, Cambodian history encompasses both some of humanity's greatest artistic accomplishments and most dreadful deeds.

Beyond the temples and the jungle-swathed countryside, this emerging tourist destination I Southeast Asia has the most interesting and captivating places to offer to the world.

Here are the best places to visit on your trip to Cambodia:

* Angkor Wat

The temple of Angkor Wat itself, the world's largest religious building, is only one sliver of the site in total, and the sprawling circuit of temples deserves three days to explore if you want to understand the scope of the Angkorian period's architectural achievements.Accessed from the town of Siem Reap, the temples of the Angkorian period are so ambitious in scale and in the majesty of their construction, that Angkor Wat is rated as one of the world's must-see ancient sites. Built between AD 802 and 1432, this was the largest city in the world during the medieval age and the vast powerhouse of the Khmer kings. the main highlights after Angkor Wat are the tree-root clasped temple of Ta Prohm (which first found international fame as a location used in the movie Tomb Raider), the Bayon Temple for its 216 stone-carved faces, Angkor Thom, and Preah Khan.

* Angkor Wat

The temple of Angkor Wat itself, the world's largest religious building, is only one sliver of the site in total, and the sprawling circuit of temples deserves three days to explore if you want to understand the scope of the Angkorian period's architectural achievements.Accessed from the town of Siem Reap, the temples of the Angkorian period are so ambitious in scale and in the majesty of their construction, that Angkor Wat is rated as one of the world's must-see ancient sites. Built between AD 802 and 1432, this was the largest city in the world during the medieval age and the vast powerhouse of the Khmer kings. the main highlights after Angkor Wat are the tree-root clasped temple of Ta Prohm (which first found international fame as a location used in the movie Tomb Raider), the Bayon Temple for its 216 stone-carved faces, Angkor Thom, and Preah Khan.

* Phnom Penh

Deserted completely during the Khmer Rouge madness and left to wither and decay, Phnom Penh has bounced back to become one of Southeast Asia's most dynamic cities. It's also home to a scattering of important historic sites that help unravel both Cambodia's modern and ancient history. The National Museum is home to a swag of Khmer sculpture that traces the nation's history from the pre-Angkorian age right through to the phenomenal majesty of the god-Kings of Angkor. The Royal Palace provides gorgeous examples of traditional artistry, while Tuol Sleng Museum and the killing fields of Choeung Ek speak of the horror and brutality the people of this country suffered under Khmer Rouge rule.

* Shianoukville Beaches

In Kompong Som Province, shoreline area of Sihanoukville is home to a vibrant beach resort. The beaches here are Cambodia's top destination for sand and sun holidays. Sokha Beach and Independence Beach boast the luxury hotels. Brash Ochheuteal Beach and the Serendipity Beach area are the most popular sandy strips and in recent years have emerged as one of Southeast Asia's backpacker party areas. For a much quieter scene Otres Beach with beach huts huddled directly on the sand, a sprinkling of classy boutique hotels, and a number of up-and-coming restaurants serves as an ideal destination.

* Prasat Preah Vihar

The temples of Angkor Wat may gain all the glory, but Prasat Preah Vihar wins the prize for the most dramatic location. Sitting atop the Dangrek Mountains, on an escarpment with dizzying views across the Cambodian floodplains, Prasat Preah Vihar is a monumental temple complex of intricately carved pavilions linked by long causeways, built originally to honour the Lord Shiva.This UNESCO World Heritage Site can be accessed from Sra Em and Siem Reap.

* Battambang

Some of the most tranquil rural scenery in Cambodia are the countryside of rice fields and tiny villages surrounding the northwest city of Battambang. The temples of Phnom Sampeau, Phnom Banan, and Wat Ek Phnom are all within day-tripping distance from Battambang. The famed Bamboo - a single-line rail track where "carriages" made from a platform of wood and bamboo travel between Battambang's east bank and the tiny village of O Srav - is one of the most popular activities for visitors.

* Koh Rong Samloem

Just off Cambodia's south coast lie a scattering of islands just as beautiful as their Thai counterparts. These islands are a slice of laidback tropical bliss, where sun and sand take centre stage, and the big resorts have yet to make their mark. Of all the islands, Koh Rong Samloem is one of the most beautiful with the long, sandy Saracen Bay home to a dozen beach hut resorts that offer a welcome respite from the world. You can access these islands from Sihanoukville and enjoy one of the best scuba diving experiences.