Cambodia
Siem Reap-Phnom Penh-Koh Rong-Kampot
In April 2023, my partner and I finally visited Cambodia, a country that had been on our bucket list for a long time. We traveled from Frankfurt to Cambodia via Bangkok with Qatar Airways for €1000 per person, including baggage.
Overall, we spent 1.5 weeks in Cambodia, exploring as much of the country's beauty as possible. After our trip in Cambodia, we continued to travel to Vietnam and flew back to Germany from Hanoi.
In this blog, I will share our adventures in Cambodia and provide our experiences and recommendations for our destinations in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Koh Rong, and Kampot.
Currency: Cambodian Riel, USD
Siem Reap
Siem Reap is a city in Cambodia, known for its proximity to the famous Angkor temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important tourist attractions in Southeast Asia.
When we arrived in Siem Reap, the airport reminded us a lot of the one in Koh Samui - small and manageable. After disembarking from the plane, we headed into the airport building. Those who hadn't applied for a visa in advance had the option to purchase it at the counter on-site. Unfortunately, we waited in line for quite a while at the passport control counter. While waiting, we struck up a conversation with a friendly Irishman who told us that the passport control staff used to ask for tips in the past. That's why there's now a sign there stating that you don't need to pay anything.
Accommodation in Siem Reap
Won Residence &Spa
Location: The location is central and peaceful.
Cost: We paid a total of 90€ for 2 nights, including breakfast.
Value for Money: The value for money is good.
Positive: The staff was very friendly and helpful. The hotel itself is beautiful and perfectly situated. We felt very comfortable during our time there.
Negative: The breakfast could be more diverse.
Conclusion: We can highly recommend Won Residence & Spa and would come back anytime.
Food in Siem Reap
Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is a temple complex located in the northwestern province of Siem Reap, Cambodia. It's a significant archaeological monument and a masterpiece of Khmer architecture, part of the historic city of Angkor. The temple complex covers an area of about 162.6 hectares and consists of numerous temples, tombs, water channels, and other architectural structures. Angkor Wat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous attractions in Southeast Asia, drawing thousands of visitors each year who are captivated by the beauty and cultural heritage of this place.
We booked a Sunrise Tour through Klook. We were picked up from our hotel at 4:20 am and dropped off at our hotel around 12:30 pm. We started our day early and visited the Angkor Wat temple for sunrise. After that, we explored the temple and had breakfast at a restaurant. Then we visited the Ta Prohm temple and concluded with the Bayon temple.
Opening Hours: Mon. - Sun. 5 am - 5:30 pm
Cost: $37
Transportation: TukTuk, taxi, tours, etc.
Tours: For example, through GetYourGuide, Klook, Viator (we have linked the tour we participated in through the button below).
Conclusion: The tour to Angkor Wat truly impressed us, allowing us to learn a lot about the culture and history. A stop at a restaurant is common in most tours, but we were not as pleased with this one, as it felt more like a tourist trap.
The food didn't taste good to us, and the prices were unreasonably high. The service was very slow, and overall, we found the break there to be too long. From what I saw on Google Maps, there were much better-rated restaurants nearby.
Note: Feel free to watch our summary video of Angkor Wat by clicking on the "Reel..." button below the text.
Ta Prohm Temple
Bayon Temple
Pub Street
The Pub Street in Siem Reap is a well-known and bustling street famous for its vibrant nightlife and variety of bars, restaurants, and entertainment options. It's a popular gathering spot for both locals and tourists alike.
Pub Street offers a wide range of dining options, from local Khmer cuisine to international dishes. Here, you can sample local specialties or opt for an evening filled with entertainment and music at one of the bars.
The atmosphere on Pub Street is lively and inviting, with street performers, live music, and a multitude of shops offering souvenirs and handicrafts. It's a great place to experience local culture, meet new people, and enjoy the exciting nightlife of Siem Reap.
If you're looking for a fun and vibrant environment, Pub Street is definitely worth a visit.
Siem Reap Art Center Night Market
It's worth buying some food to eat at the night market and then strolling around the area. There are many beautifully illuminated bridges and buildings that are worth visiting. They provide an impressive backdrop and invite you for a leisurely walk.
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 4pm-11pm.
More Activities:
Angkor National Museum
Located in Siem Reap, Cambodia, the Angkor National Museum is dedicated to the history and culture of the ancient city of Angkor. It opened in 2007 and presents a comprehensive collection of artifacts and exhibitions that illustrate the history and archaeology of Angkor. The exhibitions encompass a variety of artifacts, including ancient sculptures, statues, and replicas of temples and shrines. Visitors can gain insight into the history, art, and culture of the Khmer Empire and explore the fascinating world of Angkor.
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 8:30am-6pm
And much more...
Feel free to watch our video about Siem Reap by clicking on the "video" button.
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the vibrant capital of Cambodia and also the largest city in the country. It is situated in the southern part of the country, at the confluence of three significant rivers: the Mekong, the Tonle Sap, and the Bassac.
The city boasts a long and rich history that dates back to the 14th century when it was established as a small settlement. Over the subsequent centuries, Phnom Penh evolved into a crucial hub for trade and culture, serving as the capital of the Khmer Empire.
Throughout its historical journey, Phnom Penh has witnessed various phases of prosperity and challenges. It has experienced the rise and fall of different empires and played a central role in shaping Cambodia's cultural and political landscape.
In the present day, Phnom Penh stands as a bustling metropolis that harmonizes its historical heritage with modern advancements. Visitors can explore the Royal Palaces, Buddhist temples, lively markets, museums, and the bustling waterfront along the Mekong River. The city also boasts an emerging arts and culture scene, as well as a diverse culinary environment featuring traditional Khmer cuisine and international fare.
Arrival to Phnom Penh
Travel Options to Phnom Penh:
1.Bus Option
Departure: Between 00:30 to 23:55
Duration: 5 hours and 30 minutes
Costs: Between 10-17€ per person
2. Taxi Option
Duration: 5 hours and 30 minutes
Costs: Starting from 80€
We opted for the first option and took a minibus to Phnom Penh.
Note: At the bus company's office or departure point, you need to present the digital ticket on your phone to receive the physical ticket.
Accommodation in Phom Penh
Accommodation - Baitong Hotel & Resort Phnom Penh
Location: The accommodation is centrally located.
Cost: Starting from 65€ including breakfast.
Value for Money: Good.
Positive: Beautiful and unique ambiance, with a lovely jungle pool. The hotel is situated in a central location and there is a small supermarket nearby.
Negative: The breakfast was not diverse, lacking lactose-free and plant-based milk alternatives.
Conclusion: Despite the breakfast, we would recommend the hotel due to its appealing ambiance and facilities.
Note: Feel free to watch our summary video of the Baitong Hotel & Resort by clicking on the "Video" button below the text.
They were in Phom Penh
Serviceliste
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Little Italy at Luigi PizzeriaListenelement 1
Opening Hours: Mon - Sun 11:30am - 14:30pm 5:30pm - 10:30pm
What: Italian
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Namaste India RestaurantListenelement 2
Opening Hours: Mon - Sun 10am-11pm
What: Indian
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Night Market
Unfortunately, the market hardly offers any vegetarian dishes. Unfortunately, we only had the coconut ice cream, which was very tasty!
Opening hours: Mon.-Sun. 5pm-11pm
Things to do in Phom Penh
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
The museum is a former prison and torture site that was used during the regime of the Khmer Rouge in the 1970s. Thousands of people were imprisoned, tortured, and killed here. The museum was opened in 1979 after the end of the regime and now serves as a memorial and museum that commemorates the atrocities committed during that time. It is an important historical site in Cambodia and a place that contributes to raising awareness about the horrors of the genocide.
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 7am - 5pm
Address: រាជធានី, សង្កាត់បឹងកេងកង៣ ខណ្ឌចំការមន, St 113, Phnom Penh 12304, Cambodia
Wat Phnom
Wat Phnom is a significant Buddhist temple and a historical landmark in the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh. It was built on a hill in the year 1373 and is considered an important site of spirituality and religiosity in Cambodia.
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-6pm
Note: Feel free to watch our summary video of Wat Phnom and Wat Langka by clicking on the "Video..." button below the text.
Wat Langka
Wat Langka is a Buddhist temple in Cambodia that was constructed during the 15th century under the rule of the Khmer Empire. It is one of the lesser-known temples in the region. Nonetheless, it's worth a visit as it houses many well-preserved artworks and sculptures that are typical of Khmer architecture.
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 6am-7pm
Night Market
The market didn't convince us, which is why we left shortly after arriving.
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 5pm-11pm
ÆON Mall Phnom Penh - Dream Games
Inside the mall, there are numerous shopping opportunities and restaurants. Ultimately, we went to the top floor of the mall and purchased $10 worth of tokens to play at Dream Games. There's a variety of games available, but unfortunately, some machines were out of order, and points weren't being counted.
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 9am-10pm
Further activities:
Experience Cambodian Living Arts, Phnom Penh
Experience Cambodian Living Arts is a non-profit organization based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, dedicated to preserving and promoting Cambodian arts and culture. Visitors can enjoy traditional music, dance, and theater performances, as well as participate in workshops on traditional crafts. The organization also focuses on nurturing young talent through scholarships and training programs to keep Cambodia's arts alive.
Royal Palace
The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh is a significant landmark in Cambodia, serving as the official residence of the king and a venue for important ceremonies and events. Built in the traditional Cambodian style in the 19th century, it also houses the famous Silver Pagoda temple. Visitors can explore the splendid buildings and gardens while learning more about the country's rich history.
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 9am-5pm
Russian Market / Tuol Tompoung Market
In Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the Tuol Tompoung Market, also known as the Russian Market, is a popular shopping destination for both tourists and locals. The market offers a wide variety of products, including clothing, jewelry, electronics, souvenirs, and food items. Originally known as the Russian Market due to the large number of Russian expatriates in the area, it has evolved into a vibrant place to discover local goods and find bargains. The relaxed atmosphere makes shopping a pleasant experience.
Opening Hours: Thu-Tue 6am-4:30pm
And much more...
Koh Rong
Koh Rong is an island located in the Sihanoukville province of Cambodia, renowned for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters.
The island is a paradise for those who love beach life. There's so much to do and discover here, such as snorkeling, diving, swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing under the sun. There are plenty of accommodation options on the island, catering to all budgets. Whether you prefer simple huts or luxurious resorts, there's something for everyone.
There's both a larger and a smaller island.
Arrival to Koh Rong
Getting there:
1.Option Bus+Fähre
Anbieter: Booked through 12go
Cost: $20-40
Duration: 4-5 hours
We traveled from Phnom Penh to the port of Sihanoukville by bus and continued our journey to Koh Rong by ferry. On the way to the island, the ferry made a stop at Koh Rong Samloem, a small island, before arriving at 2 ports on Koh Rong.
Info: Upon arrival at the ferry port, go to the office and show the digital ticket on your phone to receive the regular ticket.
Accommodation on Koh Rong
Golden Beach Resort:
Location: The location of this accommodation is not central.
Cost: €140 per night.
Value for Money: Expensive for Cambodia.
Positive: This hotel boasts a fantastic atmosphere with an immaculate sandy beach and crystal-clear water. We had the opportunity to use stand-up paddling and kayaks for free, and on some evenings, there was an open-air cinema or a beachside BBQ. The culinary offerings were a highlight of our journey through Cambodia.
Negative: Nothing (except the price).
Conclusion: We highly recommend this accommodation!
Note: Feel free to watch our summary video of the Golden Beach Resort by clicking on the "Video" button below the text.
The Secret Garden Koh Rong:
Location: The location of this accommodation is not central.
Cost: Starting from €60 per night.
Value for Money: Acceptable.
Positive: The Secret Garden offers a pleasant atmosphere and provides free stand-up paddling and kayaks.
Negative: The kayaks and stand-up paddling equipment were damaged. The transfer to the harbor was more expensive compared to other hotels on the island.
Conclusion: We recommend this accommodation.
Note: Feel free to watch our summary video of the Secret Garden by clicking on the "Video" button below the text.
Food on Koh Rong
Since we enjoyed the food at our accommodations and it was expensive to travel to the city center where most restaurants are located, we decided to exclusively dine at our hotels.
Serviceliste
Beaches on Koh Rong
We exclusively visited the beaches that belonged to our hotels. We were particularly impressed by the beach at the "Golden Beach Resorts."
Golden Beach Resort
The beach at the Golden Beach Resort left us incredibly impressed and definitely ranks among the most beautiful beaches we have ever been to. The sand was incredibly fine, and the water was crystal clear, clean, and simply perfect for snorkeling. We truly felt like we were in paradise there and enjoyed the beauty of nature. It was an unforgettable experience that will stay with us for a long time.
The Secret Garden
While we found the beach at The Secret Garden Hotel to be beautifully designed and offering various activities like Stand-Up Paddling and Kayaking, in comparison to the Golden Beach Resort, we preferred the beach at the latter significantly. The water at Golden Beach was just much clearer and more beautiful during our stay. Nevertheless, we still felt very comfortable at the beach of The Secret Garden Hotel and enjoyed the activities there.
Other beaches:
- Royal BeachSok
- San Beach
- Pagoda Beach
- ...
Activities on Koh Rong
Snorkeling
There are many companies offering snorkeling trips where you can explore the various coral reefs and fish species. Popular snorkeling spots on Koh Rong include Coral Garden, Long Set Beach, and Sok San Beach. It's also possible to arrange a private boat tour and stop at secluded snorkeling sites. It's recommended to rent or bring snorkeling equipment as it might not always be available on the island.
Diving
Koh Rong is also a popular destination for divers. The waters around the island offer an abundance of marine life and coral to be explored. There are several dive schools on the island that offer courses for beginners and advanced divers. Popular dive sites in the area include the dive sites of Koh Rong and the nearby island of Koh Rong Samloem. Here, you can observe a variety of marine creatures such as sharks, rays, barracudas, and octopuses. Wrecks can also be visited, like the Sunset Boat sunk in 2011, now covered in corals and a popular diving spot.
Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddling
A fantastic way to explore the stunning nature of Koh Rong is through a kayaking tour on the turquoise water. Many hotels in the area even offer complimentary kayaks to their guests, allowing you to enjoy the adventure without additional costs. This provides the opportunity not only to admire the breathtaking landscape but also to discover the underwater world with its colorful fish and corals.
And much more...
Note: Feel free to watch our summary video of Koh Rong by clicking on the "Koh Rong - Video" button.
Kampot
Kampot is a province located in the south of Cambodia, renowned for its scenic beauty, particularly the river and the surrounding mountains. The region is also famous for its pepper plantations, which produce some of the world's finest pepper varieties. In Kampot, there are numerous opportunities for outdoor activities such as trekking, kayaking, and boat tours.
We used Kampot as a starting point for our journey to Vietnam, crossing the border from there.
Arrival to Kampot
Getting there:
Provider: 12go.asia
Cost: Starting from 24€ per person.
Duration: Approximately 4-5 hours.
To get from Koh Rong to Kampot, you first need to take a ferry from Koh Rong to Sihanoukville. Once you arrive at the ferry terminal in Sihanoukville, you can either book a bus in advance online through 12go.asia or take a taxi to Kampot. However, we missed our bus to Kampot and had to take a taxi for a total of 50€. The road to Kampot is mostly in poor condition, with many potholes and lacking pavement. As a result, vehicles travel relatively slowly.
Information: At the ferry company's office at the Koh Rong port, you need to show the digital ticket on your phone, and you will receive the regular ticket in return.
Accommodation in Kampot
Kampot Sweet Boutique
Location: Not central.
Cost: 56€ per night including breakfast.
Value for money: Okay.
Positive: Friendly staff.
Negative: Unfortunately, the accommodation was very noisy and the rooms were located right by the pool. Due to the many families with young children staying at the hotel during our visit, who did not consider the quiet hours and other hotel guests, it was very loud. They used the pool until late at night, creating a high level of noise. The next morning, we were once again woken up by the noise at 6:30 AM. The staff spoke very little English, leading to some misunderstandings. Unfortunately, there were only a few vegetarian options available for breakfast. We booked a transfer to Ha Tien in Vietnam through the hotel and paid a comparatively high price for it. However, the hotel did not inform us that the transfer only goes to the Vietnam border and not all the way to Ha Tien. If we had known this earlier, we would have booked a taxi through the Pass app, which would have cost only about a third of the price of the hotel transfer.
Conclusion: Although the hotel itself was okay, due to the incompetence of the staff, we did not have a positive experience and would choose a different accommodation for our next stay.
Food in Kampot
Activities in Kampot
The plantation
La Plantation in Kampot is a farm specializing in the cultivation of pepper and spices. They offer tours where you can learn more about the cultivation and processing of pepper and spices. The farm is renowned for its high-quality Kampot pepper, appreciated for its unique aroma and quality.
The farm offers free tours followed by tastings. The last tour is offered at 4 pm.
On-site, you can purchase products from the plantation, and payments can be made with a credit card starting from around $20.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9 am - 5 pm.
Getting there:
To reach the farm, you either need your own vehicle or you can order a tuk-tuk or taxi. I recommend arranging with the driver to wait for you and take you back, as you can't easily order a taxi from there.
Kampot Night Market
This market had the best food offerings for us in Cambodia. During our time there, there was also a boxing match taking place.
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 8 am - 10 pm.
Further activities:
Bokor Hill National Park
The Bokor Hill National Park in Cambodia is a highly popular destination for tourists visiting the Kampot province. The park is known for its breathtaking scenery and the multitude of activities it offers. There is a wide range of hiking trails that allow you to explore the park's picturesque waterfalls. The view from Bokor Hill National Park is spectacular, offering a panoramic vista of the surrounding landscape and the sea. Moreover, exploring the abandoned buildings and casinos of the Hill Station provides an intriguing experience for history and architecture enthusiasts. Overall, Bokor Hill National Park is a fantastic place for nature lovers, adventurers, and history enthusiasts looking to experience the beauty and history of Cambodia.
BoTree Farm
BoTree Farm is an ecological agricultural operation located in the Kampot province of Cambodia. The farm produces high-quality organic products such as pepper, rice, fruits, as well as various herbs and vegetables.
Visitors can take guided tours of the farm to learn more about sustainable agriculture and the production of organic goods. There's also the opportunity to participate in cooking classes and taste regional specialties.
BoTree Farm stands as an excellent example of ecological farming and sustainability in Cambodia, offering a unique chance to learn more about local agriculture and culture.
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 9 am - 4:30 pm.
Salt Fields
The salt fields in Kampot are a significant aspect of the region's economy and culture. The saline soils and tropical climate provide ideal conditions for producing high-quality salt. Visitors can tour the salt fields and observe the workers as they harvest and process the salt. There are also opportunities to purchase the salt and taste local specialties made with this natural resource. The salt fields not only offer intriguing insights into the local economy but also provide a chance to explore the diversity of Cambodian cuisine.
And much more...
The next day, we used Kampot as a starting point to take a taxi to the Vietnamese border. After our passports were checked, we crossed the border on foot and went through passport control in Vietnam. From there, we continued our journey with a taxi to our next destination in Vietnam.
Discover more of our journey through Cambodia on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@travelguidebyisabel
Learn more about our exciting journey through Vietnam on our dedicated travel blog that focuses solely on Vietnam, to uncover more captivating stories, tips, and information.
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