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Bali and Thailand are the two top destinations that come to mind when you consider flying halfway around the world South East Asia.
The ancient pagodas, lush green nature and beautiful coastal scenery all seem heavenly enough, okay, but maybe not if you want to avoid the crowds…
Due to the dollarization of prices and ongoing Westernization, both Bali and Thailand now represent a far cry from the idyllic, mystical East, and unless you sign up for a wellness cult in Ubud, or want to party hard in Phuket, you’re unlikely to . find the spiritual awakening you seek.
Fortunately for the passionate off-path explorer, no all of Southeast Asia is on the radar of the average Western Generation Z, and certainly not Cambodiaone of the last hidden gems of the region:
Why Cambodia is Southeast Asia’s rising star
Although traditionally considered a supplement to multi-country travel, especially for travelers primarily heading to Thailand or Vietnam, interest in Cambodia as a independent destination is increasing among Westerners:
Last year the Asian hub received 5.4 million tourists, up a whopping 139.5 percent year-on-year, and it looks set to continue growing even further in 2024, with 2 million arrivals already registered between January and May.
If Cambodia is nothing more than a name or a vague location on the map to you, you might be wondering why Europeans and Americans alike are suddenly entertaining the idea of visiting there – well, let us introduce you with the pristine kingdom of Southeast Asia.
A charming historic capital
Cambodia has yet to be discovered by the masses nothing less than a cultural colossuswhich traces its origins to a 9th-century Khmer civilization and has been part of several empires over the centuries, including Greater India and France.
The national capital of Phnom Penh is home to an assortment of ancient and colonial-era landmarks, including the Central Market, an art deco-inspired market hall, Hotel Le Royal, reminiscent of the largest in Europe, and the monumental Royal Palace, seat of the Cambodian Royal Family.
As charming as Phnom Penh, Cambodia WHERE wonders lie beyond the rather compact capital: the country is crossed by the Mekong Deltaa watercourse it shares with Vietnam, and one of the longest in the world, reaching to the South China Sea.
If you leave from Phnom Penh, there are several boat trips on the Mekong, including this one incredible sunset river cruise on GetYourGuide for just $9, but for the casual nature lover it is just the starting point to a much more exciting adventure.
This is Southeast Asia after all, and you can expect some breathtaking natural vistas:
The most beautiful nature you have ever seen
The picturesque Bou Sra is located near the Vietnamese border one of the main attractions of Cambodiaand three waterfalls between 15 and 20 meters high. For the thrill seekers, you can even zipline over the waterfall for around $45, for the equivalent in Cambodian riel.
Elsewhere in Preah Monivong, on Cambodia’s southeastern side, tourists are greeted with emerald green jungles and epic hikes, one of which leads to Bokor Hill Station, a French-built ghost town that fell into disrepair after leaving Southeast Asia.
In addition to visiting the local Catholic Church, one of the few spread across Cambodia where Buddhism is king, the province is known for its blooming wild animals: If you are lucky you can spot elephants, macaques, Asian tigers and many other endangered species.
Another must-see attraction is Phnom Kulen: Thailand can lay claim to ‘The Beach’, aka the overtoured Maya Bay, where Leonardo DiCaprio spent time filming the 2000 drama, but this sanctuary in Cambodia had Angelina Jolie as a guest during the filming of her 2001 blockbuster Tomb Raider.
Hollywood trappings aside, we can’t forget picturesque Battambang, a small town about a six-hour drive from host Phnom Penh to a spectacle created by nature you simply can’t miss it: at sunset, hundreds of thousands of bats spew out of the local caves in a mesmerizing synchronized dance.
Cambodia also has a 445 kilometer long, mainly sandy coastline along the Gulf of Thailand.
Countless peninsulas jut out into a blue-green sea, and sleepy fishing villages are tucked away in secluded, picturesque bays, making it a literal paradise for sun worshipers.
The number one beach destination on the south coast, however, is the exotic island of Koh Rong, with its 42 kilometers of largely undisturbed white sandy beaches, fast-flowing waterfalls and relaxed villages that still have the spoils of mass tourism.
Culture vultures, you’ve all slept in Cambodia Far Too long
Aside from its awe-inspiring nature, Cambodia is on the rise in part thanks to its ancient heritage:
The country’s signature postcard, decorated with its own flag, the ruins of Angkor Wat millions of visitors per year.
Convenient in the quiet resort of Siam Reap, in the northwest, it is an amalgamation of temples built during the Khmer Empire.
Some are already dated 900 yearswith a series of chedi towers and delicately sculpted facades, and the best part is that unlike other historic sites in Bali or Phuket, you can still enjoy Angkor Wat without the crowds, especially if you book Viator’s small group sunrise tour.
Even more remote Angkor Thom, a short tuk-tuk ride from Angkor Wat, is the site of the last and longest surviving capital of the bygone Khmer Empire. settled in the 12th centuryand it features stunningly preserved temples.
Best value for your money
Not only is Cambodian culture fascinating, but so is the country itself very budget friendly:
There have been complaints from tourists that certain beach areas in Indonesia and Thailand are becoming increasingly expensive to visit as gentrification continues and luxury resorts begin to cut off access to privileged beach locations.
They’re still pretty cheap to visit, but in terms of overall affordability, they are not nearly as attractive for the budget-conscious tourist, as Cambodia:
The four-star hotel, on the ocean BeachWalk Hotel on Koh Rong Island it costs $92 to book per night, and at this rate we’re talking world-class service and exceptional catering; elsewhere in Phnom Penh, the M9 Kirirom Hotel costs just $33 per night and offers stunning views of the capital’s skyline.
In Siem Reap the main tourist destination in Cambodiafive star rating Metta’s Villa will only cost you $95 a night, and if you’re really frugal, there are private double rooms (fan only) for just $8 in the centrally located Damn riverside villa.
Food is remarkably cheapalso: whether you order their signature fish amok, or the flavorful Samlor Korkor soupaccompanied by pepper crab sides and soft drinks, it probably won’t cost you more than $16, even at the most expensive mid-range restaurants that cater to visiting foreigners.
In cheap eateries frequented by locals, it can be as cheap as $4 for a meal.
Overall, the average daily cost of a one-way ticket to Cambodia for one person is, believe it or not, a negligible $431, based on Budget your trip estimates (for a non-luxury trip).
Flying to Cambodia can be relatively expensive for most Americans and Europeans as they typically involve multi-stop flight routes, and availability is lower compared to tourist hotspots like Bali, but once there, you can live like a king…even on a small budget.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
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