Best Places to Visit in Cambodia – A Complete Travel Guide for Indian Tourists

Have you heard about the lotus culture of Cambodia? Just as the lotus is sacred for Indians, in Cambodia it is a symbol of purity and is used in daily life for tea, desserts, and even for eco-friendly fabrics. If you are planning to visit Cambodia, a country in Asia, there are many attractions that you will love. There is a bamboo train running on old tracks in the paddy fields and there are many villages that float entirely on water.

But before you begin your journey, do not forget to secure yourself and your family with an international travel insurance policy from Bajaj General Insurance. It will help you have a safe travel experience.

Exploring the Geography of Cambodia

Cambodia shares its border with Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. The geography of Cambodia consists of central plains, mountains and highlands around the plains, and rivers and coastline.

• Central Plains: In the heart of Cambodia lie the central plains. The land here is flat and fertile and home to the Tonle Sap Lake and Mekong River. The Tonle Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital, is located at the junction of the Mekong and Tonle Sap.
• Mountains and Highlands: Around the plains, you will find Cardamom & Elephant Mountains in the southwest, Dângrêk Mountains in the north, and Eastern Highlands.
• Rivers and Coastlines: Cambodia also has a short coastline along the Gulf of Thailand. There are sandy beaches and small islands near Sihanoukville and Kep.

Regarding climate, the cool dry season in Cambodia is from November-March. In April and May, the temperature is very hot, while the monsoon is from June-October, when there are lush landscapes but occasional flooding as well.

Best Places to Visit in Cambodia

Explore the must-visit places in Cambodia and bring back those beautiful memories that you will cherish forever.

Angkor Wat (Siem Reap)

Angkor Wat is a Hindu-Buddhist temple in Cambodia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It appears on the country’s national flag. You can walk around Angkor Wat’s huge halls, courtyards, and towers and see the beautiful stone carvings from Ramayana and Mahabharata. You can also watch the sunrise behind the temple towers, which is magical.

Phnom Penh – the capital of Cambodia

Phnom Penh is the capital city on the banks of the Mekong River, where you will find royal palaces and museums. You can visit the King’s royal palace which has golden roofs and the Silver Pagoda, a temple in this area, which has a floor made of silver tiles and many precious Buddha statues. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum shows Cambodia’s painful past and the strength of the people. Inside the museum, you will see prison cells and the stories of survivors.

Sihanoukville and Nearby Islands

This is Cambodia’s beach destination, where you can go for snorkelling, diving, and stay peacefully. The beaches are full of white sand, clear waters, and relaxing vibes. You can take a trip to the nearby islands and try seafood at beachside shacks.

Battambang

Battambang is a quiet town, but has its own charm. There are French colonial buildings, countryside with rice fields, and it is peaceful, away from tourist crowds. You can ride a bamboo train through fields and villages. Your kids would love this adventure. In this area, there are the Killing Caves, which are linked to Cambodia’s tragic past. In the evening, thousands of bats fly out of the caves; you can watch this spectacular show.

Kampot and Kep

Kampot and Kep are two small towns in southern Cambodia. Kampot is famous for its riverside beauty, colonial buildings, and world famous pepper farms, while Kep is a coastal town known for its seafood, beaches, and natural beauty. You can take a boat cruise along the river and buy the strong aromatic-flavoured pepper. You can also relish fresh crab at the seaside restaurants. At nighttime in this area, there are fireflies that glow; watching them is a unique experience.

Kratie

Kratie is a small, quiet town on the banks of the Mekong River. It is famous for Irrawaddy dolphins, which are freshwater dolphins found only in a few places in the world. In the early morning, you can take a boat ride in the Mekong river to watch these beautiful dolphins. The area is full of small villages, rice fields, fruit orchards, and traditional stilt houses. Those who enjoy village life can stay at the Koh Trong Island.

Enjoying a Countryside Experience in Cambodia

If you want an authentic Cambodian countryside experience, check the following points:

• In Tonle Sap, entire villages float on water. You can take a boat tour to see how people adapt to the lake’s rising and falling water levels.
• You can rent a bicycle and go cycling around the small island to see wooden houses, mango orchards, and shining white rice fields.
• Relaxing at the sandy white beaches, snorkelling in the clear waters, or just chilling in the hammocks by the beach is a truly magical experience.
• The traditional Khmer massage in Cambodia is different than the Thai massage, as it uses stretching and gentle pressure. This can be relaxing after long temple walks.
• You can also try the amazing street food snacks like fried spring rolls, grilled skewers, and noodles.

Conclusion

Cambodia, a beautiful country in Asia, is famous for its history, culture, nature, adventure and more importantly, countryside experience. There are many things you can enjoy like relishing local food, watching freshwater dolphins, enjoying river cruises, and exploring the floating villages.

But, remember, emergencies do not strike with a warning. Therefore, it is important to be prepared and buy travel insurance online from Bajaj General Insurance. It covers medical emergencies and hospitalisations, protects against trip cancellations or delays, and compensates for lost baggage.

FAQs

1. What is the best place to visit in Cambodia for first-time travellers?

Siem Reap and Angkor Wat are the top choices for first-time visitors because they combine rich history, cultural immersion, and easy accessibility.

2. What are the must-see things to see in Cambodia?

You must definitely visit these places: Angkor Wat, Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, Tonlé Sap Lake, Koh Rong beaches, and Battambang’s bamboo train.

3. Is Cambodia safe for Indian tourists?

Yes, Cambodia is safe for tourists. But general safety rules need to be followed so that you are not a victim of scams or theft and have a safe journey.

4. Do I need to purchase travel insurance for Cambodia?

Travel insurance is not compulsory when you visit Cambodia, but it is highly recommended because emergencies do not strike with a warning.

5. When is the best time to visit Cambodia?

The climate in Cambodia in November-March is cool and the weather is dry. You can visit Cambodia during this time.

6. How can I buy travel insurance online for Cambodia?

You can purchase travel insurance online by visiting the official website of Bajaj General Insurance.

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***Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.