VACATION DETAILS

If you are in Siem Reap and fancy a break from the temple trail, a two-day trip to Battambang, Cambodia, is a good option. Battambang is located 108 mi/175 km from Siem Reap. Cambodia's second-largest city can be reached by road or by a ferry from Tonle Sap. Depending on the season, the journey can take four to seven hours. It's quickest by boat during the rainy season when the waters are high.

Battambang provides many fine examples of French-colonial architecture and old temples. Sitting at the heart of Cambodia's "rice bowl," the town is surrounded by picturesque villages and rice fields. Although the town receives many visitors, it is not overrun by tourists and is a pleasant place to spend a few relaxing days. Points of interest include the Battambang Provincial Museum. Located on the riverfront road, it houses a good collection of artifacts and provides insight into the area.

If you are a fan of the vibrant wet markets in Asia, Phsar Nath will not disappoint. Situated in the southern part of town, the market supplies the local population with all its needs and is a great place to visit in the early morning for excellent photo opportunities.

One of the most intriguing forms of entertainment in town is a circus performed by the disadvantaged Cambodian children who attend the the Phare Ponleu Selpak art school, located at Anch Anh Village, Ocha commune on the outskirts of town. The circus performs Monday and Thursday evenings. Most tuk tuk drivers will know where it is. http://www.phareps.org.

While in Battambang, it is worth getting out into the beautiful countryside. Hire a tuk tuk driver for the day and explore the villages to see rural life, and visit local temples and ruins.

While the nearby resort town of Sihanoukville has long since woken up to tourism, Kampot, Cambodia, still slumbers. This enchanting town is set against the backdrop of the Elephant Mountains and offers an interesting mix of Chinese and French colonial architecture that gives it a special character. It is located 91 mi/148 km from Phnom Penh.

There are some nice riverside cafes and restaurants to enjoy the unhurried atmosphere of this pleasant town. Kampot is easy to explore on foot or by bicycle. A main attraction is the nearby Bokor Hill Station, the remains of a hotel and residences built by the French in the 1920s. This fascinating site not only offers a glimpse of history, it also enjoys spectacular views of coastline. Guided trips to Bokor Hill Station can be arranged in Kampot as can treks and cycle tours. The quiet nearby beach resort of Kep is also worth a visit.

Kampong Cham is a port city on the banks of the Mekong River north of Phnom Penh. The city is most known for Phnom Proh and Phnom Srei, which are temples situated on two hills just outside of town. The views from both temples are lovely, and Phnom Proh is home to a band of very cheeky monkeys who entertain visitors for food. Wat Nokor is an 11th century temple that stands within the city limits. It is truly a beautiful place and many people take the time to wander around the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.

The small provincial capital of Siem Reap stretches along the Siem Reap river – surrounded by rice paddies and serving as the gateway to centuries-old temple ruins of the Khmer Empire. Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Angkor Archaeological Park contains numerous temple ruins including Bayon, Banteay Srey and legendary Angkor Wat. Those visiting the site stay in Siem Reap. Experience some local flavor, attend a dance performance, or shop in some local craft shops. Angkor Wat’s artistic and archaeological significance rivals the Pyramids in Egypt, Machu Picchu in Peru and the Taj Mahal in India. Unspoiled by over-development, many areas of the area are possible to explore away from crowds. Its three-tiered massive pyramid is crowned by five beehive-like towers on the ground. It is the centerpiece of any visit to temples in Angkor. This amazing structure is thought to be dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu.

Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia and situated at the confluence of three rivers, the Mekong, Tonle Sap and Bassac. Considered the gateway to this exotic country, everything of interest can be found within its reach – the temples of Angkor, the beaches to the south and the ethnic minorities and jungles of the north. Being the hub of the country, the city is filled cultural and historic attractions, such as national museums, monuments and the Silver Pagoda. The Silver Pagoda is probably the city’s most visited pagoda because of its vast display of historical objects. There are also over 5000 silver tiles which cover the floor. Over the past few years, the city has experienced an influx of tourists.

Excursions