Despite the poverty and rebuilding terror of the Khmer Rouge, Cambodia remains a great place to visit. Apart from Angkor, the country is rich in natural and man-made attractions that will really make your Cambodia tour worth the time and money.

There are different ways to enjoy your trip. You can personalize it as much as possible by thinking about themes that suit the type of trips that you like the most. Here are some suggestions to help you enjoy the best attractions Cambodia has to offer.

Relaxed getaway

If you want to just relax and feel comfortable when you are not touring Cambodia’s great temples, choose from a wide range of five-star hotels and guesthouses in Siem Reap. Siem Reap, one of the most popular and rapidly improving cities in Cambodia, is a charming resort where you can enjoy the local restaurants and food in the area.

Backpacker getaway

If you don’t like large-scale tourism but like to go backpacking to get a better view of the country, then there are plenty of places to visit on your Cambodia tour. For example, the small town of Kratie is one of the best places for backpackers who want to see the beauty of the central market. It is also surrounded by French colonial buildings that have been in the area for many years.

The best part about backpacking this side of Cambodia is that you can see the Mekong River, which is home to the very rare Irrawaddy dolphins. These dolphins are slowly putting themselves in danger. In fact, there are about 66 and 86 dolphins left in the upper Mekong River.

Besides the Kratie, you can also add the Tonlé Sap to your Cambodia tours. The lake is known as the largest freshwater lake in all of Southeast Asia and contracts and expands dramatically depending on the season of the year. The lake empties into Phnom Penh and the Mekong River during November to May. During the month of June, heavy rains pour water over the area resulting in the formation of a huge lake.

Temples and historical getaway

There are many temples and historical sites that you must include in your Cambodia tour. One of them is the Khmer temple of Preah Vihear which is located in the Dângrêk Mountains. This temple which is located on the border of Thailand and Cambodia is considered the most spectacular among the many Khmer temples. Built in the 11th and 12th centuries, the temple is dedicated to the god Shiva.

Another must-see in Cambodia is the Silver Pagoda, which contains many national treasures and Buddha statues. You should also see Bokor Hill Station in Kampot, Koh Ker, Banteay Srei, Angkor Wat, and many other historic temples and buildings.