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It is clear that Cambodia is enjoying peace, political stability, security, and order in society and development in all
sectors. Notably, we recorded economic growth of 7.6% in 2013. GDP reached USD 15 billion and GDP per capita
increased to USD 1,036 in the same period. Moving forward, economic growth is projected to exceed 7% per annum
in 2014 and in the medium term. This optimistic growth projection attests to development in all sectors, especially
agriculture, tourism, garment and construction that provide impetus for GDP growth.
As acknowledged by the UN, tourism is a socio-economic sector that helps promote economic growth,
employment, poverty reduction and reduction of global warming and play an important role in regional integration.
Cambodia regards the tourism sector as green gold. In 2013, we welcomed 4.2 million inbound tourists, an increase
of 17.5% compared to 2012, with USD 2.5 billion of tourism revenue. The numbers of inbound tourists are projected
to reach 4.8 million and 6.1 million in 2015 and 2018 respectively followed by the projection of 7.5 million inbound
tourists in 2020 that will bring USD 5 billion to the economy and create 80,000 jobs.
In addition, tourism sector has been playing an important role in promoting Cambodia’s reputation in the region
and the world, through the launch “Cambodia: Kingdom of Wonder” campaign and “Clean City, Clean Resort, Good
Service” contest movement. In this sense, the Royal Government of Cambodia is committed to further developing
tourism into a key sustainable sector for promoting sustainable economic growth and Cambodia’s integration into the
ASEAN. Going forward, Cambodia as well as other ASEAN member countries is firmly and aggressively moving
toward shared prosperity. Economic growth in ASEAN member countries, facilitation of cross-border transport and
connectivity of physical infrastructure along with facilitation of cross-border movement of people, goods and services
mean Cambodia have opened a new chapter of regional tourism and ASEAN region is now considered a very
attractive and open tourist destination in the world. In integrating its tourism sector into the region, Cambodia must
keep control of key pulses by centering on “Integration for Tourism, Tourism for Integration” which requires all of
Cambodian peoples to focus on the blood vein of tourism sector. Two key fundamentals, improved competitiveness
and sustainability of tourism development must be developed in parallel. In this sense, Cambodia must grab new
opportunities arising from regional and global tourism developments and maximize our comparative advantages.
Following to the Cambodian Prime Minister’s recommendation, the Ministry of Tourism will prepare the “Strategic
Tourism Development Plan 2012-2020” which set out clear vision, strategic direction and concrete measures for
developing the national tourism sector in line with ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan 2012-2015 and the concept of
ASEAN tourism integration implemented by all ASEAN member countries on the basis of “think globally, plan
regionally and act locally”.
Tourist Attraction Places in Cambodia
Cambodia is slowly recovering from the horrors of the Khmer Rouge’s reign of terror. Major problems still exist:
land mines, poverty and a devastated infrastructure. But the reconstruction and healing process is now well under
way and increasing numbers of tourists are rediscovering Cambodia’s attractions. The stunning temples of Angkor
are the obvious draw for most tourists, but the country has much else to offer: tropical beaches, colonial buildings
and an abundance of natural attractions.
From the white sanded beaches of Preah Sihanouk Province in the south, to the jungle villages of Rattanakiri in
the east and from the largest fresh water lake South East Asia’s – the Tonle Sap Lake - to the impressing world
wonders of Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, the colorful country of Cambodia with its friendly and welcoming charm offers
its visitors a variety of things to see, venues to be visited and experiences to be made.
Phnom Penh
The capital city Phnom Penh has been the capital of Cambodia for 567 years.
Today, it is a place of diverse economic and urban growth. A swift wave of
development has brought in new high-rise buildings--including business center-restaurants catering to every palate, and stylish hotels promising all levels of
luxury. Contributing to this development are burgeoning culinary and nightlife
scenes that can rival any other in the region. The alluring capital city also features
a wide variety of historical and cultural attractions, along with myriad opportunities
to sample local Cambodian culture. Here, classic colonial facades endure
alongside sleek new eateries, golden-spired pagodas, and buzzing markets-- all
evidence of the dynamic energy of Phnom Penh's city streets.
Wat Phnom
Is where Phnom Penh begun. A famous laywoman called Daun Penh built a small
Wat on top of a hill (the hill also built by her) to house the sacred Buddha statues
that were found inside the trunk-hole of a floating Koki (teak) tree. The teak was
used to build the delightful little temple to store these religious relics. The name
referred to the founder of this place and it was originally called Phnom Daun
Penh, and was later shortened to Phnom Penh. Behind the pagoda is a huge
ancient stupa (tomb) that contains King Ponhea yat's ashes (the king who
abandoned the Angkor City in 1431 AD). Visitors should not leave the site without
visiting a memorial that recalls the returning of these territories during the World
War II. This memorial is located on the South side at the foot of the hill. The hill
is generally covered and surrounded by the tropical trees that represent the
various kinds found throughout the country. These have become home to many
monkeys and birds. Ask your guide to point out the hundreds of large flying-faxes
(bats) hanging from the branches of the trees.
Royal Palace
The Royal palace was built in 1866 during the region of King Norodom, great
grandfather of our current King Norodom Sihanouk. There are many Prasats
inside the palace that have their own special functions relating to royal and other
official ceremonies. The construction of the temples within the compound was
inspired by traditional Khmer architecture of this civilization. The surrounding wall
has five doors. Located within the Royal Palace compound in Phnom Penh, the
Silver Pagoda houses many national treasures such as gold and jeweled Buddha
statues. Most notable is a small 17th century baccarat crystal Buddha (the
Emerald Buddha of Cambodia) and a life-sized gold Maitreya Buddha decorated
with 9584 diamonds. The internal wall of the Silver Pagoda courtyard is decorated
with a richly colored and detailed mural of the Ramayana myth, painted in 1903–
04 by 40 Khmer artists.
Independence Monument
A single tower of Angkorian style, standing on the heart of the capital. The
independence from France on the 9th November 1953. It from all other structures
in the city. The independence Monument's nighttime lighting gives it a magical
aura that is striking to see and is worth photographing.
National Museum
Built in 1920, today this museum stores and displays more than 5,000 Khmer art
objects conserved from Angkor era and post- Angkorian art produced until the
late colonial era. The artifacts are made of sandstone, bronze, silver, copper,
wood, pottery and other art materials. Beside this purpose, the museum is also
home to more than two million tomb bats living between the roof and the ceiling.
They swarm into the sky startling those unfamiliar as its looks exactly like smoke
from a steel factory.
OUDONG (former capital of Cambodia)
Before Phnom Penh was permanently settled as the capital of Cambodia,
Oudong served as the capital city almost century. Most of the rest hills were
topped by ancient stupas, which were believed store the ash of the king and royal
family. The number of visitors to the recent construction of a huge new stupa
(Buddhist mausoleum), which has just been completed. The Grand stupa where
Buddha's teeth (a religious relic) will be moved here soon from Phnom Penh,
where it is currently kept. The new stupa is a beautiful attraction, its design based
on traditional Khmer architecture and adorned with authentically reproduced
Angkorian decoration. On the other side of the hill, is the Vipassana Meditation
Center.
Siem Reap province
Siem Reap, located in northwestern Cambodia, is the gateway to the worldfamous Angkor temple complex, which includes the magnificent Angkor Wat. The
province also contains a vibrant capital city boasting many luxury hotels,
beautifully-aged colonial buildings, a buzzing Pub Street, silk farms, markets, and
much more.
The city of Siem Reap, also the capital of the province, is a ‘must-visit’ destination
for all visitors to Cambodia. This is where the glorious 12th Century Angkor Wat
temple, the largest religious building in the world, is located. Situated on the
northern bank of the Tonle Sap Great Lake, this mesmerizing eighth wonder of
the world can be easily accessed by plane, land, and boat.
Angkor National Museum
The Angkor National Museum is a profound cultural landmark in Siem Reap. With
an area of 20,000 Sq.m, this world-class museum reveals the legend of Golden
Era of Khmer Kingdom. Angkor National Museum takes pride in revealing the
royal historical path of this Golden Era of Khmer Kingdom through the state of the
art multimedia technology to provide visitors a full picturesque story of the legend
in an easy understanding.
Angkor Wat Temple
Angkor Wat, which literally means ‘City Temple’, is a Hindu temple complex built
to replicate the heavens on earth. Constructed for King Suryavarman II in the
early twelfth century, it is the best-preserved temple and is the only one to have
remained a significant religious centre since its foundation. The temple is the
epitome of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It was declared a world
heritage site by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in 1992.
Angkor Thom
Angkor Thom – UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of
the World - is magnificent inner royal city built by the end of the 12th century by
king Jayavarman VII. It covers an area of 9 km² and is renowned for its temple
grounds, towering southern gate and Bayon. Angkor Thom (literally: "Great City"),
was the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer empire. At the centre of
the city is Jayavarman's state temple, the Bayon, richly decorated temple with its
most distinctive feature of serene and massive stone faces on the many towers.
Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm is the modern name of the temple at Angkor, Siem Reap Province,
built in the Bayon style largely in the late 12th and early 13th centuries and
originally called Rajavihara .Located approximately one kilometre east of Angkor
Thom and on the southern edge of the East Baray, it was founded by
the Khmer King Jayavarman VII as a Mahayana Buddhist monastery and
university. The "Tomb Raider" Temple, which was left as found - crumbling walls
intertwined with tree roots - to show tourists the state in which the rest of the
surrounding temples were discovered.
Banteay Srei Temple
Although officially part of the Angkor complex, Banteay Srei lies 25 km (15 miles)
north-east of the main group of temples, enough to list it as a separate Cambodia
attraction here. The temple was completed in 967 AD and is built largely of red
sandstone, a medium that lends itself to the elaborate decorative wall carvings
which are still clearly visible today. Banteay Srei is the only major temple at
Angkor not built for a king, instead it was constructed by one of king
Rajendravarman’s counselors, Yajnyavahara.
Koh Ker Temple
Koh Ker was the capital of the Khmer empire for a very brief period from the year
928 to 944 AD. In this short time some very spectacular buildings and immense
sculptures were constructed. The site is dominated by Prasat Thom, a 30 meter
(98 ft) tall temple pyramid rising high above the surrounding jungle. A giant
Garuda (mythical half-man, half-bird creature), carved into the stone blocks, still
guard the very top, although its partially covered now. Left to the jungle for nearly
a millennium, Koh Ker was one of Cambodia’s most remote and inaccessible
temple destinations. This has now changed thanks to recent de-mining and the
opening of a new toll road.
Pub Street in Siem Reap Province
Pub Street and Siem Reap Night Market, an area with the vibe of New Orleans
at Mardi Gras. There are plenty of restaurants and "spas". We dined at The Red
Piano, beginning with the lip-smacking cocktail, "Tomb Raider," and then stuck
our feet in one of the many "fish pedicure" tanks out on the thrumming streets.
Preah Vihear Temple in Preah Vihear Province
Preah Vihear is a Khmer temple situated atop a 525 meter (1,722 ft) cliff in the
Dangrek Mountains, on the border between Cambodia and Thailand. It has the
most spectacular setting of all the Khmer temples. Most of the temple was
constructed in the 11th and 12th century during the reigns of the Khmer kings
Suryavarman I and Suryavarman II. It was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
Preah Vihear Temple was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site On July
7, 2008.
Preah Sihanouk Province
Preah Sihanouk province, also known as Kampong Som, it is about 230 km
southwest of Phnom Penh and boasts pristine white-sand beaches, unspoiled
tropical islands, and a dynamic nightlife. With its palm-studded shores and warm,
clear waters, it hardly comes as a surprise that Preah Sihanouk attracts crowds
of locals, expatriates, and tourists eager for a beachside holiday. Do as locals do
and enjoy the stretches of powdery white sand with a chilled coconut and some
toothsome grilled seafood. Or, indulge in a beachside massage, take a dip in the
sea, and go for dinner in any of the local restaurants that serve fresh crabs,
prawns, lobsters, fish, and scallops in a mouth-watering array of styles.
It is a prefect tropical area, filled with lovely beaches and facilities for swimming,
snorkeling, scuba diving, and sunbathing. Tourists can enjoy the white-sand
beaches and fresh air in nearby islands such as the Koh Rong Island, Koh Rong
Somloem, Koh TaKiev, and the Bamboo Island.
Kampot Province
The third largest coastal province in the Kingdom of Cambodia. The province has
a relaxed atmosphere; it possesses a quaint, welcoming small town ambiance
that is soothing to the soul. It known as a gateway to visit the Bokor Mountain
(National Park), the beaches of Kep, and the beautiful rapid Teuk Chhou along
with dozen of durian pepper plantations. Bokor Mountain is most popular with its
cool climate. On the top of the mountain, the captivated scenery is very attracted
especially in the morning hours since we can touch the clouds. There are many
other attraction sites as like Popokvil Waterfall, Kampong Trach Mountain Resort,
Prek Ampal Resort, Anlong Pring Bird Sanctuary.
Preah Monivong National Park/BoKor National Park in Kampot province
Bokor Hill Station near Kampot was built by the French in the 1920s to be used
as a retreat from the heat of Phnom Penh. It has since been abandoned twice,
first in the 1940s when the Japanese invaded Cambodia and again in the 1970s,
when the Khmer Rouge engulfed the country. Today, Bokor Hill Station and its
abandoned buildings have an eerie, ghost-town feel. As of October 2008, the
road to Bokor is officially closed due to ongoing reconstruction. Independent
access seems to be impossible. Though there are hiking tours arranged by local
travel agents. Phnom Bokor (Ox Hump Mountain) was named after its shape and
is part of the Elephant Mountain range. Aside from the adventure the ride to the
mountain offers, tourists can enjoy the scenery and the cool mountain air.
Bousra waterfall in Mondulkiri province
The town of Sen Monorom in Mondulkiri province is the best camping place for
travelers who want to explore the Bousra waterfall which is considered as one of
the country's most beautiful waterfalls. The double-drop area is very popular with
the locals who use it as a bathing and picnic area. Snacks are sold around the
area, but visitors can bring their own food. From Phnom Penh to Mondulkiri
Province, it takes around 6 to 8 hours by bus.
Tonle Sap Lake
It is a great lake of Cambodia and largest in Asia. Tonle Sap Lake is the most
prominent feature on the map of Cambodia – a hug dumb-bell-shaped body of
water stretching across the north-west section of the country. The lake is very
important commercial resource, providing more than half of the fish consumed in
Cambodia. For their specialized ecosystems, the human occupations at the
edges of the lake is similarly distinctive – floating villages, towering stilted houses,
huge traps, and an economy and way of life deeply intertwined with the lake, the
fish, the wildlife and the cycles of rising and falling waters
TOURISM IN OTHER PROVINCES
It is considered that almost all of the Cambodia's provinces are attractive to foreign visitors for a variety of reasons
including the lifestyle, culture, customs, the access to natural habitat etc. found in these places. Some provinces
below are recommended for those who intend to learn more about Cambodian culture, lifestyle, civil society and
history.
Koh Kong Province (Conservation Corridor): (278 km from Phnom Penh)
The southern Cardamom Mountains are an exceptionally beautiful area and a
biodiversity hotspot. They are one of the last remaining elephant corridors and
large predator ranges in the region. The mountains host more than half of
Cambodia's 2,300 bird species and are home to 14 globally threatened mammal
groups. Explore the inhabited islands, isolated beaches, pristine rainforest,
mangrove-lined rivers and remote waterfalls. Ecotourism is starting to open up
the Koh Kong Conservation Corridor.
Takeo Province (77 km from Phnom Penh)
Southern Cambodia, about 77 km from Phnom Penh. Highlights of some things
to see: Historic sites of earliest Cambodian history and also the Angkor era,
including Tonle Bati Temples, Prsat Neang Khmau, Chiso Phnom s hilltop temple
ruins, Phnom Da, Angkor Bori, Phnom Baong.
Kampong Thom Province (168 km from Phnom Penh)
Kampong Thom is a small town located on the banks of the Stung Sen River. It
is the base for excursions to the archaeological site of Sambor Prei Kuk. Among
the most interesting places to see here are a group of 7th Century AD temples,
which used to be the capital of the Khmer Empire before Angkor City. Many other
day brick temples are scattered throughout the province including Angkorian-era
temples such Kuha Nokor and Rokar. One cam also observes craftsmen create
sculptures of sandstone at the foothills of Santuk Mountain. If there is sufficient
time, we suggest a climb up to see this historic site where you can behold ancient
giant studies of reclining Buddha.
Kampong Cham Province (124 km from Phnom Penh)
This lively port on the banks of the Mekong has some good examples of colonial
architecture, as well as some interesting temples (including Wat Nokhor and Wat
Kohear Nokor). Outside the provincial capital, on the other bank of the Mekong
River, is Chhup, a rubber plantation that was first established in the region by the
French tire maker Michelin.
It is located on the bank of the Mekong River at a distance of 124 km from Phnom
Penh on national route No.6 and 7. Kampong Cham province has the largest
population and rich red soil which presents a great opportunity for farmers of
various tropical crops and rubber plantations. Highlights: 12th century AD Angkor
Bachey Temple, Phnom Pros Phnom Srey, Han Chey (pre-Angkorian temple), a
city tour plus visits to a weaving and rubber plantations.
Kampong Chhnang Province (91 km from Phnom Penh)
Kampong Chhnang is a province well known for its fine clay pottery. The name
of the province says it all in Khmer: Kampong Chhnang means "Port of Pottery".
The people of this province enjoy making pots, vases and various others types of
ceramics during the off harvest seasons. Interesting sights in the province include
two floating villages and a hamlet famous for its distinctive pottery.
The quiet village of Ondong Rossey is where the area's famous red pottery
originates. Almost every household in this region populated by serene rice fields
dotted with sugar palms is making some form of pottery or so. The pots, mostly
unpainted but decorated with etched or appliqué designs, are either made with a
foot-spun wheel (smaller pieces) or banged into shape with a heavy wooden
spatula (larger ones). The intricate process is fascinating to observe.
Battambang Province (292 km from Phnom Penh)
Battambang is the Western-most province of Cambodia, famous in rice
plantations and tropical fruits. More than just a natural resource, the province is
reputed for ancient temples as well. Highlights: Prahok Market, old style
monasteries, antique museum, Angkorian-style temples such as Ek Phnom,
Baset and Banan temples, Phnom sampeou, agriculture dam of Kamping
Puoy and many remote, interesting natural sites such as water falls and other
natural habitat.The second largest city in Cambodia, Battambang is located on a
rich and fertile plain, which provides much of the rice and other important crops
for the country. The Sangker River cuts through the town center, which is filled
with colonial and shop house architecture. The region has numerous Angkorian
and post-Angkorian sites. Some of the most interesting are the Wat Ek and
Phnom Banon (both 11th century – Suryavarman I).
Banteay Mean Chey Province ( 364 km from Phnom Penh)
Bordering Thailand, Banteay Mean Chey is a new province that was only recently created from parts of Battambang
and Siem Reap provinces. Beside its importance as busy border check-point, a community of skilled stone sculptors
who ply their craft here attract visitors as do the great ancient temples such as Banteay Chhmar and many others.
Kratie Province (315 km from Phnom Penh)
Kratie is a port town on the Mekong River, roughly halfway between Phnom Penh
and the Laos border. This small provincial town has good examples of sumptuous
colonial architecture and is home to a rare and endangered species of river
dolphins. Traveling around Kratie provides an interesting opportunity to discover
a peaceful rural Cambodia with beautiful villages, lush vegetation and serene
monasteries.
Kratie is a small town located on the banks of the Mekong River and is dominated by a central marketplace
surrounded by old, French colonial buildings. There’s no large scale tourism, but plenty of backpackers pour through
here during the peak season. It is the place in Cambodia to see the rare Irrawaddy dolphins, which live in the Mekong
River in ever-diminishing numbers. It is estimated that there are between 66 and 86 dolphins left in the upper
Cambodian Mekong area.
Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri and Stung Treng Province (600 km from Phnom Penh)
There are over 20 different ethnic groups, each with their own distinct language, culture, traditions and handicrafts,
in these two provinces. These highland people still practice a way of life untouched by progress. Various birds,
elephant and tigers living in the dense jungle are protected from hunting. Trekking through the forests to the
waterfalls, lakes and villages provide an alternative insight.
All Northeast provinces of Cambodia are popular among travelers interested in eco-tourism and natural beauty. Other
highlights for tourists in these provinces: hill tribes, a gamete stone mine and beautiful waterfalls.
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