9 Attractions in Cambodia For First-Time Visitors

Are you planning a trip to Cambodia but haven’t been there before? Then you have come to the right place. This blog will show you the best 9 destinations in Cambodia. Consider visiting a few destinations listed here, especially if you haven’t explored the Land of Kingdoms yet.

Cambodians are very friendly to foreign tourists, and the environment is welcoming. It is a place where Southeast Asian culture has been well-preserved. From rich history to spectacular landscape,s you will be able to experience the essence of Asian culture in every corner. The architecture of ancient structures will help you travel to the past.

Great Places You Must Visit in Cambodia

Here, we have mentioned some of the must-visit spots in Cambodia for a first-time tourist in the country.

Angkor Wat

It is an iconic Hindu-Buddhist temple Complex in Cambodia. Visiting this place should be on your bucket list as it is located on a site measuring 162.6 hectares within the Khmer capital city of Angkor. The architecture represents a high level of social order and ranking within the Khmer Empire.

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Angkor Wat is the world’s largest religious monument.

Key Highlights to Explore Within the Temple Complex.

• The largest religious structure in the world.
• The central tower is surrounded by five towers that represent the peaks of Mount Meru.
• The 617-foot bridge
• The walls are covered in sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses that depict the scenes of the Mahabharata and the Ramayana.

Angkor Thom

In Cambodia, it is a well-preserved ancient city. Angkor Thom was once the capital of the Khmer Empire, which was built around the 12th century by King Jayavarman II.

Bayon Temple was built by the Angkor Empire, which is related to Buddhism at Angkor in Cambodia. It is located in the Angkor Archeological Park in the Siem Reap Province of Cambodia. This temple is so special because it is the one and only temple built by the Angkor Empire.

Must-see features: The Giant Stone Faces and Elephant Terrace.

• The giant stone faces of the Bayon temple are carved into the towers of the temple. It represents a lot of things, including the Bodhisattva, Brahma and the King of Cambodia.
• The Elephant Terrace has detailed carvings. It is an amazing place to see the craftsmanship of the Angkor era.

Ta Prohm Temple

The face towers have a similar structure to those at the Bayon. Ta Prohm Temple is famous for its giant tree roots growing out of its walls. It has five rectangular walls that surround the central sanctuary. Beautiful moats are present both inside as well as on outside of the fourth enclosure. The temple has been built with bulging walls and has bas-reliefs on them.

Why It’s a Must-See For Photography & History Enthusiasts?

The temple is rich in history, and photographers can capture the ancient structures with their lenses without any restrictions. Just like Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat, the history of Ta Prohm temple fascinates every tourist. It was built around the 12th century and was later rediscovered in the 19th century. The giant roots of the trees look unreal, and the temple has maze-like corridors and courtyards.

Killing Fields of Choeung Ek

If you want to visit a place that has a dark history, then you can go to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. Visit the Tuol Sleng museum and the mass graves where 8,895 bodies were discovered at the Choeung Ek.

The Choeung Ek is a former orchard in Dangkao, Phnom Penh. It was used as a Killing Field by the Khmer Rouge in perpetrating the Cambodian genocide from 1975 to 1979.

Royal Palace, Phnom Penh

It is a complex of ancient structures that serves the King of Cambodia as the official royal residence. The front of the Royal Palace has magnificent Cambodian architectural features. You can also visit the grand Independence Monument, which is surrounded by colored fountains.

Key Attractions Within the Palace

The Throne Hall is the main attraction in the Royal Palace. You can visit the Throne Hall because it is made up of seven buildings.

Silver Pagoda

If you want to see much more than the Royal Palace but don’t want to travel far, then you can visit the Silver Pagoda. It is a famous landmark next to the Royal Palace. The Pagoda has a silver-tiled floor, the diamond-encrusted golden Buddha, and the Emerald Buddha.

Other than the silver floors, the Silver Pagoda is also popular for its artefacts and ancient Cambodian architecture.

Sihanoukville Beaches

If you want to experience the coastline of Cambodia, then you must visit these beaches in Sihanoukville.

Otres Beach, Sihanoukville: It is the second most visited beach in Cambodia by tourists, which is very close to Sihanoukville. Quite popular among the young locals to spend holidays and weekends.

Koh Thmei Beach: Located in the province of Sihanoukville, it is popular for its mangrove forests and different types of watersport activities. You can get private boat tours over there.

Ochheuteal Beach: It is the most visited beach in Cambodia by tourists and has a 45 km coastline. The beach has crystal clear blue waters, white sands, palm trees, and excellent seafood.

Tonle Sap Lake

Have you ever seen floating villages? If not, then this is the perfect destination for you. Tonle Sap Lake is famous among tourists because it offers a wide range of unique experiences. You can go for boat rides or bird watching.

The most exciting activity you can do in Tonle Sap Lake is visiting floating villages. It is an amazing experience observing how people live in the houses on the water. Apart from these, the wildlife and sunsets of this place are worth experiencing as well.

Battambang

Tourists who don’t like crowded places can choose to visit Battambang. It is a place that is less crowded than other Cambodian cities and has many sites to see and multiple activities to get involved in.

The place is known for its French colonial architecture, Battambang Caves, and hilltop shrines. It is the countryside that can be explored by bicycle.

How to Apply & Obtain a Tourist Visa to Cambodia

Now you know all the top 10 attractions in Cambodia, it’s time to know what it takes to get a visa for Cambodia. As a tourist, you can either apply for an e-visa or get a visa on arrival.

How to Apply for an eVisa to Cambodia

• Go to a reputable website that has high authority where you will apply for an e-visa to Cambodia.
• Fill out the visa application form online.
• Upload all the required valid documents because it is a visa requirement for traveling to Cambodia.
• Pay the e-visa fee online and wait for approval.
• Receive your e-visa through email.
• Carry your e-visa certificate to show immigration at the checking point.

How to Apply for a Visa On Arrival

• After landing, locate the visa on arrival section in a Cambodia  International airport.
• Collect the entry/exit and visa application forms.
• Fill out the visa application form to submit.
• Provide all your required documents.
• Pay for the fee of the visa on arrival.
• After getting your visa approved, complete the immigration process.

Now you know all the steps for getting a visa for Cambodia, quickly apply without waiting.

Visit Cambodia & Experience the Culture of South East Asia

Now you know about the best attractions of Cambodia, so pack your bags and start by getting a visa for Cambodia.

If you want to see the largest religious monument, then visit Angkor Wat. People who want to visit temples with unique architecture can visit Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm temple. Apart from this historic architecture, you can visit the tragic place and then go to Choeung Ek. The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda are famous for their elegance. Tourists who want to experience the natural beauty can go to Sihanoukville beaches, Tonle Sap Lake, or Battambang.