Angkor Wat is one of this region’s important and beautiful architectural wonders. The area also has Southeast Asia’s biggest freshwater lake.
International tourists come to Northwestern Cambodia from across the globe to see the splendors of Angkor Wat. The region is worth additional exploration, full of history and natural beauty. Just across the border with Thailand, the area is one of Cambodia’s poorest, but it overflows with religious and historic sites. Some sites have already been partially reclaimed by lush forests. Tour Northwestern Cambodia to feel the contradictions and beauties of this fascinating country.
Start in Siem Reap, the region’s largest city. Visit Angkor Wat and linger to get a glimpse of the city’s local silk production. See an even more ancient site at Sambor Prei Kuk, whose brick buildings were constructed before Angkor.
In the dry season, journey to remote and quiet Banteay Chhmar, about a 1-hour drive north of Sisophon, for an Angkor experience without crowds. See a darker part of Cambodian history in Anlong Veng, where Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge stayed after their expulsion from the capital.
Appreciate the region’s natural splendors, including Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Venture into the mountains for amazing panoramas from Prasat Preah Vihear, a temple that seems to cling magically to a cliff. Return to civilization in Battambang, where colonial-style buildings nestle amid green hills.
Northwestern Cambodia is relatively easy to access. Fly to Angkor International Airport in Siem Reap, which has flights throughout Asia, or to Phnom Penh International Airport farther south. Reach Siem Reap from Phnom Penh in 5 hours by car or 6 hours by hydrofoil across Tonle Sap Lake.
Navigate the region by buses that connect the cities, by taxi or by pick-up truck. Hitchhiking is relatively common, especially on tractors, but comes with some risk. Do not leave marked roads and paths, especially near Anlong Veng, where land mines are still concealed beneath the earth.
If continuing overland to Thailand, get off the main street in infamous Poipet for an unexpected glimpse of daily life in Northwestern Cambodian.