From bustling cities to peaceful villages, Cambodia has it all! This Southeast Asian nation has a myriad of landscapes spanning low-lying plains, the Mekong Delta, mountains, and the Gulf of Thailand coastline. The tourist-friendly country is home to lush jungles, ancient temples, and most importantly, friendly people. Yes, its people deserve a special mention! I have never met such kind and compassionate people ever! Earlier, I was really impressed by the warmth of Balinese people when I travelled across Indonesia last year, but now after spending time with Cambodians, I can undoubtedly say that they have set the bar quite high when it comes to kind-heartedness!
I included 2 cities in my itinerary– Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Siem Reap is Cambodia’s main activity hub, offering anything from cycling excursions of the verdant countryside outside town to Cambodian cooking classes. Phnom Penh (capital city), on the other hand, is a bustling metropolis with motorcyclists and car sirens that can be overwhelming at first!
Wandering through ancient corridors, lost in time, it was so easy for me to see why Cambodia is becoming an increasingly popular destination among globetrotters.
Let Me Take You On A Virtual Tour Of Cambodia!
My Top Picks In Siem Reap
1. Workshop Visit And Sombai Liqueur Tasting
View this post on Instagram
If you are looking for a unique experience in Siem Reap, the Sombai Liqueur Tasting Workshop is the perfect place to visit. There is a wide range of homemade liqueurs and artisan products in an artistic Khmer house, plus a curated Cambodian souvenir shop. The workshop was headed by an expert mixologist who took me through the process of creating the perfect Sombai cocktail. She guided me through various steps such as selecting the right ingredients, creating the perfect balance of flavours, and adding the finishing touches to the drink. I tried ten different liqueurs (including traditional flavours such as lemon, lychee, and pineapple, as well as more exotic flavours such as tamarind and ginger) along with 3 alcoholic jams.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cost: ₹425
2. Kampong Phluk Floating Village Tour
View this post on Instagram
During this tour, I experienced a different way of Cambodian life in Kampong Phluk floating village. The tour starts with a boat ride from Siem Reap, giving a glimpse of the stunning scenery and the traditional stilted houses. The local guide took me to explore the partially submerged village, floating on the Tonle Sap Lake, which is Southeast Asia’s largest lake. I entered a sustainable and self-sufficient community that has thrived since the civil war ended. The tour included observing the locals going about their daily activities. The highlighting feature was witnessing the most magical sunset on Tonle Sap!
Duration: 6 hours
Cost: ₹1,734
3. Angkor Wat
View this post on Instagram
Angkor Wat Complex is HUGE! It is the largest religious monument in the world and dates back to the 12th century. The outer wall measures over 1.5 miles and an inner temple spreads across 500 acres. The four-level central temple is surrounded by a moat and tall walls and is the most iconic part of the complex. Inside are intricate carvings, bas-reliefs, and statues of various Hindu deities. Moreover, I combined my visit to Angkor Wat with other Angkorian temples such as Bayon Temple, and Ta Prohm Temple (my favourite).
Duration: Half day
Cost: ₹3,202
4. Pub Street
It was my last day in Siem Reap and I decided to end this chapter with a little celebration. I checked out Pub Street, which is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. It is a great place to explore the many street markets selling a variety of items. There is a wide array of pubs and restaurants here, which are great for grabbing a quick bite or having a few drinks. The street is known for its lively and vibrant nightlife, featuring many bars and clubs open late into the night. The area also has several local shops selling traditional Cambodian crafts, souvenirs, and other items.
Also Read: My Trip To Thailand With My Bestie Was Filled With Sun, Sand, Sea & Happy Memories
My Top Picks In Phnom Penh
1. Live Kickboxing at National TV Stadium
View this post on Instagram
Watching live Kun-Khmer kickboxing at a TV stadium was the highlight of my Cambodia trip! The country is known for kickboxing culture and watching it live is a thing in Phnom Penh. It was a unique and exciting experience for me as I saw some of the best kickboxers in the world battling it out. There were four fights that night, and the atmosphere of the arena was electric and bursting with energy. The audience cheered on their favourite fighters and it was a great way to experience Cambodian culture while seeing the sport.
Duration: 3 hours
Cost: ₹3,302
2. Mekong Silk Island Cruise
View this post on Instagram
Silk Island is a traditional weaving village and exploring the lifestyle of locals there was quite enjoyable! During the boat trip to the island, I saw stilted houses, fishing villages, the Mekong, and the Four Faces River. When I reached there, I took a tuk-tuk around the village, so I could also see mango and banana plantations, and the different crops that are grown on the island. The silk farm was the highlight of this tour where I observed the traditional silk-weaving process. While going back, I also saw a Buddhist monastery and children in a local school.
Duration: 4 hours
Cost: ₹2,811
How Much Did My Cambodia Trip Cost?
Round-Trip Flights
₹21,000
Note: I entered Cambodia (Siem Reap) from Thailand (Phuket). So the flight ticket was cheaper in comparison to flying from India.
Tour Tickets
₹11,500
Accommodations
Siem Reap: ₹1,570 per night at La Residence Blanc D’Angkor (4-star)
Phnom Penh: ₹2,170 per night at House Boutique Eco Hotel (3-star)
Visa
₹3,100
After including conveyance, food, shopping, and other miscellaneous expenses, I spent less than ₹50,000 on this trip. Not bad, huh?
Also Read: In Pics: Cambodia Celebrates National Water Festival Grandly After 3-Yr Hiatus Due To COVID-19
Cover Image Credits: @strolling_shoes/Instagram
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.
Good news! We are on WhatsApp! Subscribe to Curly Tales WhatsApp Channel to stay up-to-date with exclusive content and BTS. Join HERE.