15 best resorts in Cambodia – which one to choose for recreation, photo, description, map
Cambodia is an organic synthesis of the wonders of nature and the ancient history of mankind, embodied in the amazing monuments of the ancient Khmer civilization. But these are also the resorts of Cambodia with modern infrastructure and a rich variety of leisure activities that satisfy the most demanding demand. Fruit abundance, delicious cuisine, the friendliness of the locals are a pleasant bonus of staying in Cambodia. Virgin nature with crystal waterfalls, the famous lake with a floating village, impenetrable jungle, unique fauna and magnificent beaches have made the once war-torn country attractive for tourists. But before traveling to this exotic region, you should worry about vaccinations against hepatitis, encephalitis, etc.
Siemreap
Located in the northwest of Cambodia, the city is considered the gateway to the ancient capital of the country – Angkor. Once the largest spiritual and cultural center of the Khmer Republic, it was built up with majestic palaces and temples – unsurpassed examples of amazing wooden architecture. Now it is a tourist site protected by UNESCO. Many choose Siem Reap to be closer to Angkor (6 km) and see the unique monument. The local airport of international importance receives aircraft from many Asian countries.
Book a private transfer from the airport to your hotel in Siem Reap for 1,306 RUB
Siem Reap (translated from Khmer meaning “victory over the Siamese”) is located on both banks of the river of the same name, a narrow ribbon winding through the city. Every year the city is rapidly developing as a modern resort with many good hotels, restaurants, various food stalls, pizzerias, bars. In addition to Angkor, tourists are given the opportunity to see other equally interesting sights directly in Siem Reap and its environs.
Sihanoukville
The young resort of Sihanoukville acquired such a status only in the 90s of the last century, and until that time the city served as a convenient port built by the French in 1955-60. Today it is the main beach resort not only for Cambodians, but also for foreigners. Clean sandy beaches and the sea, low prices attract Russian tourists who want to relax in seclusion.
Basically, these are those who like to travel on their own, without vouchers. It is the possibility of cheap beach leisure, the absence of crowds of vacationers, local exoticism that is the main incentive to visit Sihanoukville (lion's jaw). The choice of beaches, which differ significantly from each other, is quite large here. Among them there are crowded, “party places”, with the appropriate infrastructure, many restaurants, bars, hotels.
An example of such a beach is Serendipity, where day and night life is in full swing, cheap alcohol is sold. But the downside of this is the lack of perfect cleanliness, a lot of garbage (from the reviews) Those who do not like the noise and the crowd can find quiet, calm stretches of the coast with beautiful views – the beaches of Otres, Sokha, for example. Interesting to visit the local islands, Ream National Park, filled with exotic.
Phnom Penh
The city of contrasts, which embodies the unique religious traditions of the past and modern development trends, makes a double impression on tourists. Here you can admire ancient palaces, Buddhist temples with golden Buddha statues, chic hotels in the tourist districts of the metropolis and resent the dirty, littered streets of the outskirts.
To leave here with a positive attitude, you need to dedicate your stay to seeing the stunning sights of Phnom Penh. Undoubtedly, everyone will like the national cuisine of tropical products and sea delicacies, a selection of various souvenirs. The magnificent Royal Palace, or rather, the palace complex, is very impressive here.
Book a private transfer from the airport to your hotel in Phnom Penh for 1,502 RUB
In addition to the main building, it includes the Silver Pagoda, Napoleon Villa, the emerald Buddha statue, the Golden Tower. Each of these objects is a real architectural and sculptural masterpiece. Tourists are interested in visiting the Wat Phnom hill with a beautiful park located on it, in which a temple with the same name is open. The hill and the temple are considered sacred for Cambodians – from here, according to legend, the city began. The best time to travel to Phnom Penh is October-December.
Battambang
The 2nd largest Cambodian city after the capital, Battambang, has long become a tourist Mecca for lovers of Asian exoticism. Coming here, you are immediately transported to a completely different colonial era. In the architectural appearance of Battambang, the features of French colonialism have been preserved, captivating with their authenticity. The atmosphere of cute provinciality is especially attractive to those who are fed up with the urbanism of large cities, and are happy to plunge into the life of ordinary Cambodians.
There are not many “cool” hotels here, the tourism industry is still underdeveloped compared to the popular resorts. There are no gambling, drinking and entertainment establishments. Calm and measured contemplation of local attractions, excursions in the surroundings are the main occupation of the guests. There is also no beach holiday as such, so people usually come here for 3-4 days, imbued with the special atmosphere of an Asian province.
Banlung
If you want to be in a corner of Cambodia, almost devoid of civilization, visit Banlung – a small town (17 thousand inhabitants) in the northern province of Rattanariri. It is surrounded on all sides by villages, tropical forests, lakes and waterfalls. A dirt road, not completely paved, still leads to it. But infrastructural work here has revived with the increased interest of tourists in recent years.
The surrounding flora, full of exotic charm, pleases with curiosities at every step: rubber trees, oil palms, cashew nut bushes, etc. From Phnom Penh you can get to Banlung by an 8-seater plane, taxi or regular bus. The land route is quite long, it is not easy to drive almost 600 km on bad roads. But those impressions that await everyone here will pay off the red tape. Visiting the villages of the Khmer mountain tribes, getting to know their way of life, crafts opens up a completely different world for Europeans.
A visit to the crater lake Yaklom, which is considered sacred by local residents, will be remembered. A tourist path leads from the town to it, furnished with souvenir shops selling original products of local craftsmen. Wat Ratanyaram temple with a reclining Buddha statue makes a great impression. Popular tourist sites are picturesque waterfalls, the Boker gem mine and elephant villages.
Kampot
The southeastern Cambodian province, washed by the waters of the Gulf of Thailand, is famous for its picturesque nature, excellent beaches and ancient sights. The administrative center of the province – the city of the same name is located on the banks of the Tuk Chhou River, 5 km from the bay. This is a popular tourist attraction where people come to see the architectural and religious monuments of the past.
Here is the dead city of Bokor Hill Station, built for the French aristocracy and abandoned after the liberation of Cambodia from colonial dependence. Excursions are organized to the cave temple (10 km from the city) – an amazing man-made dungeon. Bokor National Park is located 8 km from Kampot, where today a modern route has been laid. It contains a miracle of nature – a 2-tier waterfall Popokvil, impressive in its power.
The Black Palace, once owned by King Sihanouk, is of constant interest to tourists. Many make a pilgrimage to the early 19th century Buddhist temple Sampov Pram. An inexpressibly beautiful panorama opens up from the neighboring ledge, which serves as an observation deck. Popular excursions include a trip to black pepper plantations where you can buy chemically pure pepper, turmeric and other spices. It is a pleasure to visit Arcadia Water Park (7 km) with many attractions and entertainment.
Ko Rong
This island, 25 km from Sihanoukville, covered with jungle, is considered by many to be paradise. Here, in the depths of the jungle, the French and Americans filmed the reality show “The Last Hero”. Australians love to come here. Everyone is attracted by the wonderful sandy beaches (23) with different colors of sand, virgin nature, picturesque views and good nature of the locals. The purest warm, like fresh milk, the sea, fine as flour, the sand is either white, or gold, or pink, creating a paradise picture.
All beaches have inexpensive cafes, bars, eateries where you can taste seafood dishes. Staying on Rong will appeal to tourists who are not spoiled by luxury hotels, content with more modest housing in the form of bungalows, small houses. There are many young people among tourists who are attracted by wild nature, fishing, tranquility, and the opportunity to relax. Local cafes with cheap alcohol in the evenings in the high season are packed to capacity.
Co. Kong
An exotic land of untouched nature with unique flora and fauna, with fantastic views, enchanting beaches and clear waters of the Gulf of Thailand – Koh Kong province. It has only recently begun to be explored by leisure tourists looking for environmentally friendly places that have not yet been spoiled by civilization. The eponymous city of the province and at the same time its administrative center Koh Kong is the main resort in which the infrastructure is rapidly developing.
It is located near the border with Thailand, so the Thais are frequent guests here visiting the casino. The natural decoration of these places is the Cardamom Mountains, unusually picturesque. Many waterfalls, dense tropical thickets, rare species of animals and birds that live here give a lot of thrills. Tourists are not recommended to walk in the forest on their own due to the presence of predators in them. And in order to avoid encounters with crocodiles, it is forbidden to swim in local rivers.
But there are no restrictions on relaxing on wonderful beaches and swimming in the sea. Diving schools are open here – the local underwater world is unusually diverse and beautiful. Gambling fishermen get complete satisfaction from fishing with a rich catch. There are many small private hotels in the city offering very cheap but good service.
Ko-Dek-Kul
A small island in the turquoise of the Gulf of Thailand – a resort with one Mirax Resort hotel, owned by a private individual. This is a wonderful tropical oasis with incredibly beautiful flora, white sandy beaches washed by clear waters. Once a completely deserted island, today it has become a popular place for interesting, active recreation. Ko-Dek-Kul is located 4 km from Sihanoukville, from where boats depart. According to tourists, here is a real paradise, in which the primordial nature is successfully combined with luxurious domestic services, ancient legends coexist with incredible adventures.
The chic hotel has only 12 rooms, so there is no crowd on the island. No one bothers those who like to soak up the beach to enjoy relaxation. Fans of active leisure will find a lot of entertainment here: water skiing, paragliding, snorkeling, day and night diving with the participation of experienced instructors. For beginner athletes, courses with teaching in Russian and English are open. Divers explore coral reefs and ancient wrecks. Daredevils participate in extreme excursions to the jungle after special training.
Kep
The southern Cambodian town, which in the past earned the glory of an elite resort for the French and local nobility, suffered significant destruction during the civil war. Once beautiful architectural masterpieces, luxurious villas and gardens were practically wiped off the face of the city. Now local authorities are striving to return the status of a luxury resort. Surviving villas, public buildings are being actively reconstructed, hotels are being built. Kepa's symbol – crab is sold everywhere here, there is a separate crab market where they can cook it right away on order.
This is the main commodity thanks to which the local population survives. As a sign of gratitude to the arthropod – the blue crab – a monument was erected on the shore. Nearby on a pedestal is a statue of an Asian woman looking out to sea – a symbol of expectation. Tourists make excursions to the national park with amazing flora and fauna, with a tropical butterfly farm. Many visit the caves with sanctuaries, the palace of King Sihanouk. Walking through mangrove and banana groves, snorkeling and fishing are a pleasure.
Co Russay
The Bamboo Island of Roussay, belonging to the Riem National Park, is located 20 km from Sihanoukville. It is covered with lush tropical vegetation. Bamboo, mangrove, banana groves, wide beaches with white sand, exotic fauna organically fit into a unique ecosystem. Here you feel the atmosphere of the spirituality of nature, merge with it together, forgetting about the benefits of civilization. Sailing on narrow-nosed boats among the mangroves, communicating with the good-natured inhabitants of local villages brings great pleasure.
Active recreation on the beaches is provided by rental equipment for water sports. The cleanliness of the sand is strictly controlled, every evening the beach is carefully cleaned. Local hotels organize fishing trips, visits to ancient pagodas and many entertainments. Guided hikes in the jungle, boat trips are made. Reviews of tourists about the hotels of Roussey are filled with delight: excellent service, impeccable service, luxurious rooms. This is truly a paradise holiday.
Sun Neil
The little island is often called the Magic Island because when you come here, you find yourself in a magical realm of beauty and peace. Mind-blowing landscapes make you freeze with delight, blessed silence sets you up for a lazily measured rest. The state of bliss covers the whole being, and you are completely immersed in the world of tropical nature. Here you can't help but admire the beaches with fine white sand, the pure turquoise of the sea with a calm surface.
It is especially liked here by romantic natures, who do not pretend to great comfort and nightly entertainment. On Sun Neil, you can stay in bungalows, in which quite acceptable conditions of stay. Romantic evenings are held in the coastal restaurant. Seafood dishes, good wine, music program brighten up the evenings. Gambling fishing, diving near coral reefs, walking along palm alleys, swimming and the beach are included in the tourist leisure program.
Ko Tang
One of the largest islands of Cambodia, Koh Tang (Legend Island), indeed, has a legendary past. It is located on the border with Vietnam and served as a shelter for Vietnamese smugglers for many years. In the local convenient caves, they hid their goods, and the Khmers dubbed Koh Tang the island of smugglers. This natural pearl of the Gulf of Thailand attracts tourists with its unique natural environment with an amazing landscape. Majestic ledges of rocks cover the coast like a necklace, forming grottoes and caves.
The richest tropical flora is represented by almost all types of exotic fruits: coconuts, bananas, mangoes, pineapples, dates, etc. The underwater world around Koh Tang, which attracts divers, is also unusually rich. There are no snakes and predatory animals to be feared here. A river with hot springs flows through the island, there is also a thermal lake. There are many tiny charming islands around, where excursions are organized on old long-nosed boats.
Ko Pring
3 small islands during the Vietnam War with the Americans were the firing point of the Vietnamese, placing their machine guns and cannons on them. Prince was repeatedly bombed and burned with napalm by the Americans. The memory of a terrible time still lives here, but this does not prevent it from being a picturesque island, a popular tourist attraction. The largest of the islands has a fishermen's village and sandy beaches.
On the other island – Koh Moan, the beaches are rocky, surrounded by trees. The 3rd island is completely rocky, it is called naked. All of them are considered the best place in Cambodia for diving and fishing. The water around is so clear that you can see everything at a depth of 20 m. In the dive sites at the bottom there are boulders covered with hard and soft corals. A huge number of diverse marine fauna lives here: several species of sharks, various fish, moray eels, cuttlefish and mollusks. Particularly exciting is diving in the anemone garden with many marine life.
Koh Damlong
Located 60 km from mainland Cambodia, the island became known to the whole world in connection with the scandal involving Russian businessman Sergei Polonsky. His plans to build a respectable resort on Damlong were thwarted by his arrest and deportation to Russia. This natural artifact has only recently become a place of tourist pilgrimage, so everything here has been preserved in its original form. Virgin jungle with relic trees, clear sea, huge boulders on the coast, exotic fauna create a fantastic picture.
But civilization has already left its traces on a mysterious piece of land. Comfortable air-conditioned bungalows have been built here, a restaurant with a bar and 3 meals a day has been opened. There are small cheap houses located right in the jungle. Usually people come here for 2-3 days to swim in the azure waves, sunbathe, walk around the island. Snorkelling will allow you to see the unique marine fauna, which is not found in other places.