Cambodia: Hike, Bike & Kayak

Striking pagodas, historic monuments, and bustling markets await you in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital and former seat of the Khmer Empire on the banks of the Mekong River. South of the country’s iconic Angkor Wat temple, Phnom Penh is the perfect urban center to begin your adventures in Cambodia!

Though less frequented than Siem Reap’s Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh boasts beautiful Buddhist temples of its own. From Wat Phnom, the towering pagoda surrounding by an exquisite botanical garden, to the sparkling Silver Pagoda, which lies mere steps from the city’s golden Royal Palace, Phnom Penh offers plenty of spiritual landmarks ideal for reflection and guaranteed to leave you in awe. Travel two blocks from the Silver Pagoda to visit the bright red National Museum of Cambodia, which holds thousands of centuries-old Cambodian artifacts and will immerse you in the history of Khmer culture.

Phnom Penh’s dark (and fairly recent) past still haunts some of its most visited landmarks. Choeung Ek Genocidal Center and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum are vital pieces of this city’s history and detail the brutal effects of the Khmer Rouge’s occupation of Phnom Penh after the Cambodian War. These essential monuments will give you a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the city as it stands today.

After exploring Phnom Penh’s famous monuments, take time to unwind and savor the city’s vibrant social life! Eat your way through the Phnom Penh Street Market to enjoy amazing street food, browse the Old Market for fresh and local fruits, or sit in one of the city’s many restaurants or distilleries to taste fresh made noodles and sweet rum.

Striking pagodas, historic monuments, and bustling markets await you in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital and former seat of the Khmer Empire on the banks of the Mekong River. South of the country’s iconic Angkor Wat temple, Phnom Penh is the perfect urban center to begin your adventures in Cambodia!

Though less frequented than Siem Reap’s Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh boasts beautiful Buddhist temples of its own. From Wat Phnom, the towering pagoda surrounding by an exquisite botanical garden, to the sparkling Silver Pagoda, which lies mere steps from the city’s golden Royal Palace, Phnom Penh offers plenty of spiritual landmarks ideal for reflection and guaranteed to leave you in awe. Travel two blocks from the Silver Pagoda to visit the bright red National Museum of Cambodia, which holds thousands of centuries-old Cambodian artifacts and will immerse you in the history of Khmer culture.

Phnom Penh’s dark (and fairly recent) past still haunts some of its most visited landmarks. Choeung Ek Genocidal Center and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum are vital pieces of this city’s history and detail the brutal effects of the Khmer Rouge’s occupation of Phnom Penh after the Cambodian War. These essential monuments will give you a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the city as it stands today.

After exploring Phnom Penh’s famous monuments, take time to unwind and savor the city’s vibrant social life! Eat your way through the Phnom Penh Street Market to enjoy amazing street food, browse the Old Market for fresh and local fruits, or sit in one of the city’s many restaurants or distilleries to taste fresh made noodles and sweet rum.

Angkor Wat, located near Siem Reap in Cambodia, is a mesmerizing testament to the grandeur of the Khmer Empire and one of the world's most remarkable archaeological sites. Built in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu but later became a Buddhist temple. The temple complex is the largest religious monument on the planet, spanning over 162 hectares, and is renowned for its intricate bas-reliefs, towering spires, and expansive moat that surrounds the central temple. As the sun rises over the iconic lotus-shaped towers, the play of light creates an ethereal atmosphere that captivates visitors, making sunrise visits an unforgettable experience.

Beyond Angkor Wat itself, the wider Angkor Archaeological Park is dotted with many other temples and ruins, each telling a story of Cambodia's rich history and spiritual heritage. Bayon Temple, famous for its enigmatic stone faces, stands at the heart of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire. Nearby, Ta Prohm, known for the massive trees that intertwine with its stone structures, offers a unique blend of architecture and nature, giving visitors a glimpse into what early explorers might have felt upon discovering these ancient temples hidden in the jungle. The contrast between the towering trees and the intricately carved walls covered in lichen and moss creates a scene that is both haunting and beautiful.

A visit to Angkor Wat is not complete without exploring the cultural aspects of the region. Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor, is a vibrant city offering a mix of traditional markets, bustling night bazaars, and authentic Khmer cuisine. The Old Market (Psar Chaa) and Angkor Night Market are excellent places to sample local delicacies like amok trey (a fragrant fish curry) or bai sach chrouk (pork and rice). Visitors can also enjoy traditional Apsara dance performances, which tell the stories of Cambodian myths and legends through graceful movements and ornate costumes. These experiences enrich a journey to Angkor, blending history, culture, and adventure into one compelling narrative.

Fun fact: Angkor Wat is featured on Cambodia's national flag, making it the only national flag in the world with a building on it. This is a testament to the profound significance that Angkor Wat holds for the Cambodian people, symbolizing their cultural pride, resilience, and national identity. Exploring Angkor is like stepping back in time, where ancient wonders and living traditions converge to create a truly awe-inspiring travel experience.