Cambodia

PHNOM PENH
Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia, is literally booming and is a good representation of the high-speed development that the country is currently experiencing. Phnom Penh is a city breathing South Asian urban life: the heavy traffic is sometimes chaotic and the shops and street markets are mushrooming at every corner. However, in all this frenziness, several major landmarks can be found in the city.

Phnom Penh Royal Palace
It is the symbol of the Kingdom and the home of the Royal family. Thus, the building is impressive for its architecture, with its roofs and Khmer ornaments. Since the Royal Palace is the King’s official residence, only one section is open to the visitors. Tourists can visit the incredible gardens that are filled with many species of tropical plants. The Throne Hall is sumptuous, and the structure of the Napoleon III Pavilion is amazing. In order to visit this place, you need to at least wear a short reaching to the knees, as well as a shirt with sleeves reaching to the elbows.

Silver Pagoda
Next to the Royal Palace is the extravagant Silver Pagoda, which floors are made of a bright silver. About 5,000 silver tiles are inlaid at the entrance. The building is home to many fabulous treasures, such as Buddha statues made in gold and in precious stones, including the imposing "Emerald Buddha" made of Baccarat crystal. Part of the outdoor facade has been renovated with precious Italian marble. The Silver Pagoda is a one-of-a-kind monument, and its beauty makes it one of the most remarkable attractions in Phnom Penh.

Wat Phnom
The Wat Phnom is the symbol of the capital. It is standing at the top of a 27m-high wooded mound. According to a legend, the first pagoda on this site was built in 1373 in order to house four statues of Buddha made in bronze and one statue made of stone, allegedly discovered in a tree trunk washed up on the shores of Mekong by a rich widow named Penh. The sanctuary of the temple was renovated several times (most recently in 1926). Wat Phnom also houses other treasures, such as a stupa containing the ashes of the first King of Cambodia (King Ponhea Yat), beautiful murals and many altars.

Russian Market
Tuol Tom Pong Psar market is a gigantic bazaar also famously named "Russian Market" since the 1980s, when the vast majority of foreign tourists visiting this market came from Russia. This is a must for shopping, and probably the best known market in Phnom Penh. There, you can find pretty much of everything, and you should not hesitate to negotiate and try to get great prices!

SIEM REAP
Siem Reap is an increasingly popular destination in Asia, thanks to its chic and luxurious hotels, its wonderful spas and its famous restaurants. But above all, it is the departure point for all visits to the famed Angkor temples, perhaps the most amazing religious site in the world. You can also go outside the city center to explore the surrounding villages, floating markets and rare bird sanctuaries. A visit to Siem Reap is a journey that will leave you with lasting memories.

Temples of Angkor
The enormous site of Angkor temples is full of grandiose buildings that are all equally exciting. Listing exhaustively each building would take too long, but you can find a short description of the major monuments to visit in Angkor below:  

• Angkor Wat: certainly the most famous of all the temples in Angkor, it is also the largest religious building in the world and it is unanimously regarded as the 8^th wonder of the world. Erected by King Suryavarman II in the 12^th century, Angkor Wat is today the pride of all Cambodian people.
  
  
• Angkor Thom: this architectural masterpiece was built during the reign of Jayavarman VII, arguably the most powerful Khmer king. It can be accessed through five huge gates and the fabulous Bayon, famous for its giant smiling stone faces of Avalokitesvara, is nestled at its center. You can also visit the Phimeanakas, the Baphuon, the Terrace of Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King.
  
  
• Banteay Srei: built in the 10^th century, this temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and is mostly recognizable for being made of pink sandstone. The beauty of this site also lies in the fabulous decorations and reliefs, which details were very meticulously carried out. Nowadays, the Banteay Srei is considered a jewel of Khmer art and is a very popular tourist destination.
  
  
• Ta Phrom: unlike most of the other temples in Angkor, Ta Prohm has largely been left unchanged and has not undergone any major restoration. Thus, large trees have begun to grow from inside the temple. The combination of the temple’s beautiful architecture and the intertwined tree branches, along with the surrounding jungle, make of Ta Prohm a very atmospheric and picturesque site.

The fabulous Angkor site includes many other amazing temples. Please note that the majority of those temples can be visited during our tours. They include Banteay Samre, Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Ta Keo, Pre Rup and East Mebon.

Other sites, built during the same period as the temples of Angkor, can be found in the Siem Reap, such as Beng Mealea or the former capital of Koh Ker.

KAMPONG THOM
Kampong Thom province is best known for hosting the magnificent archaeological site of Sambor Prei Kuk, dating from the 7^th century. It is the largest and most important pre-Angkorian site (built under the Chenla kingdom, reigning from the 6^th century to the 9^th century). This imposing site consists of three architectural groups: Prasat Sambor in the north, Prasat Tao in the centre and Prasat Yeaye Peou in the south.

KAMPONG CHAM
The region of Kampong Cham region is widely known for its huge plantations. Indeed, you can make an excursion to Chup, through highlands mostly made of red soils (which are old volcanoes craters). The land is therefore conducive to crops such as rubber (hevea brasiliensis). In the early 20^th century, this land was also selected by Michelin as being perfect for rubber cultivation. In addition, Kampong Cham province is also home to a wonderful temple, the Wat Kokor Bachey, built during the reign of Jayavarman VII and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

BATTABANG
Battabang, the country’s second largest city, is a pretty town with a relaxing atmosphere and fine architecture inherited from the French colonial era. Nevertheless, it is mainly outside of the city that the region’s most amazing treasures are found. In the surroundings, there are picturesque landscapes and charming villages made of beautiful traditional houses can be visited. Finally, we also recommend you to make the trip between Battambang and Siem Reap aboard a small boat on Sangker River. It should be an incredible adventure during which you should pass through very scenic locations, including across Tonle Sap Lake.

RATANAKIRI
Ratanakiri province is the perfect place for adventurous travelers seeking for off-the-beaten-tracks itineraries. This isolated region is sparsely populated and retains an authentic feel. To this day, it remains little known by tourists but is nevertheless very worth visiting. Indeed, its landscapes are made of wonderful ponds, amazing waterfalls and lush forests. In addition, several villages are perched on the hills of Ratanakiri province and are inhabited by warm and welcoming ethnic minorities.

SIHANOUKVILLE
In the past few years, this small southern town has become the most famous beach holiday break destination in Cambodia. Surrounded by lavish white beaches and untouched tropical islands, Sihanoukville attracts tourists looking for soothing and relaxing landscapes. The Sihanoukville area includes incredible beaches like Otres and beautiful islands such as Bamboo Island (Koh Russei), Koh Chaluh, Koh Tang, Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, the last one mentioned being a popular diving spot.