Extended Journeys to Cambodia

Getting there will be half the fun-or perhaps half the challenge is more accurate-as you negotiate rugged potholed roads through traditional villages. Crawl over crumbling walls and descend jungle vines to access the inner courtyards. Note: This area is strewn with land mines-it is imperative that you stay with your guide on the established path at all times.

Battambang

This city hosts Khmer temples, French colonial architecture, a colorful market and interesting museums. It's possible to take a riverboat trip to Siem Reap, a popular Cambodia travel destination.

Sisophon

Travel overland from Thailand, stopping in Sisophon to access Banteay Chhmar and Banteay Top.

Tatai River Area (Four Rivers)

This area is truly remote, yet boasts an upscale eco-lodge, with bungalows that float on the river. A unique Cambodia vacation experience.

Banteay Chhmar

Built at the height of the Khmer Empire, this site is considered to have been as important as Angkor Thom, but has unfortunately been damaged by looting and the elements. A foliage-clearing program by the government has made the site more accessible and visible, at the expense of the jungle-covered mystique. Note that this excursion could take most of the day, due to road conditions.

Sambor Prei Kuk

The remains of this ancient city are of great cultural and archaeological significance. UC Berkeley recently undertook a digital reconstruction of this 7th century site, noting that the Sambor Prei Kuk area illuminated "the eastern expansion of Hinduism along the trade routes from its Indic origins into Southeast Asia-one of the great cultural assimilations in human history." Tourism has not infiltrated the area; indeed, there is only one boutique hotel available. However, it is very comfortable, and the entire experience offers a glimpse into what Cambodia was like a mere 15 years ago. We recommend a stay of two nights, and for those so inclined, the area is a wonderful place to explore by bicycle. It lies about half way between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.

Kompong Thom

Located between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, this area makes an excellent midpoint stop on an overland journey between the two main highlight areas in Cambodia. The area is home to several pre-Angkorian sites including the solid brick Sambor Prei Kuk and the 11th Century Kuhak Norkor pagoda. Accommodations are modest here if looking to stay overnight. A home village stay can be arranged here as well.

Ratanakiri Province

A rare combination of the remote, the rough and the regal. Hike to tribal villages of the Kathca, Kreung and Brao people. Spend the night in a former palace and search for tigers, leopards and wild elephants in Virachay National Park.

Kompong Cham, Kratie &
Stung Treng

Travel by public ferry on the Mekong River, stopping to explore these seldom-visited towns, then cross overland into Laos.

Sen Monorom

This quaint little town is situated around two lakes and surrounded by green rolling hills and remarkable waterfalls. Very remote, traditional Phnong villages may be visited in this area: the Phnong are easy to spot for the distinctive baskets on their backs in which they carry seemingly everything, including small children.

Kep

Well known for its seafood, Kep is returning to its former glory, complete with abundant national park areas and rocky, black-sand beaches. Nearby Rabbit Island offers beautiful white sand beaches and the shallow sea is ideal for swimming and snorkeling - both popular things to do in Cambodia.

Sihanoukville (Kompong Som)

This southern beach area, named for the late king, has exorcised the ghosts of Khmer Rouge destruction to reclaim its place as Cambodia's premier beach destination. Numerous newly opened and renovated resorts are making "Snookyville" the next great Asian beach utopia. It is also logistically feasible to visit the area on a daytrip from Tonle Bati, Phnom Chisor or the hill station of Phnom.

Kampot

We know a great little-known resort on the beach a few miles from Kampot, between Kep and Sihanoukville, for those who want to get away from it all on their trip to Cambodia.