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[wakingdream]

It seems from the forums there are plenty of people going this way. Cambodia is much more than the temples, not to say they aren't magnificent! There is plenty to do once you've seen Angkor Wat. It is certainly my favorite SEA country aside from Burma.

I think it's a bit of a shame that many people not only view Angkor as their highlight but as their main activity, and many people leave after they've toured the area.Don't overlook all the other, lesser known attractions or you'll really miss out in my opinion.

Here are a few ideas for anyone planning on visiting Cambodia;

Both the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Museum seem to come in at a close second to those visiting Angkor and looking for more to do. Take a look. History, albeit pretty dark, abounds in both places.

Hit the south and take in some beautiful forests and beaches. Visit Bokor National Park, a relic from the colonial period. here there is much peace away from the busy city areas.

See the Irrawaddy dolphins from Kratie. This city exudes colonial grace and is laid back and a nice place to hang out for a bit, walk by the river and try some great food.

See beautiful tigers, elephants, crocodiles and black bears in Virachay National Park

Check out Tonlé Sap Lake and the floating Vietnamese village of Kompong Luong.

Head to remote Ratanakiri for some great trekking among waterfalls and lush jungle environments and meet fascinating people throughout the secluded minority villages.

Happy Trails!

[jonsalt]

Thanks for that list, i will definately make sure that i go to some of them. Although i will also be doing the traditional Ankor Wat - I have been told, the same as you that Cambodia is Ankor Wat. although doing research on teh country it is so much more than that.

Cheers Wakingdream

[wakingdream]

Cool Jon. I'm glad you're going to check out more than Angkor. The ruins are incredible, they really are. And the history...wow! I must admit it took me a few trips to venture out beyond the main attractions but it was so rewarding. I think when people take a tour of SEA, it's hard to not just hit the highlights b/c there is so much to see and do. I can understand that for sure. But, getting off the path well traveled always has its advantages!

When are you heading over again?

[hanson]

Yes, you are right. Cambodia has more than only Angkor Wat and its temples. Not only sightseeing, you can join many activities and festival of the locals. Both the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Museum is worthy for an excursion from Pnhom Penh.

[wakingdream]

Yes, you are right. Cambodia has more than only Angkor Wat and its temples. Not only sightseeing, you can join many activities and festival of the locals. Both the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Museum is worthy for an excursion from Pnhom Penh.

Those are good choices for sure. They are still a litte more on the beaten path, but for good reason.

[danstravelworld]

Can I add Koh Kong, Kampot & Kep? And the amazing orphanage I work at outside the Reap. Landmine Museum here in SR, as well as stilt villages, beautiful countryside and the far flung temples. Angkor Wat covers a huuuuge area much like Bagan. It reaches upto the border with Laos in terms of architecture and Khmer design (Angkor Era). Of course there's also Preah Vihear on the Thai border as well.

[pradbitt]

For me the highlight was Sihanoukville.
Kampot is very small and very boring, really not worth the effort.

[danstravelworld]

For me the highlight was Sihanoukville.
Kampot is very small and very boring, really not worth the effort.

True, there isn't heaps to do, but if you drive out into the countryside, visit a farm for example, hit the coastline, hire a boat, do some fishing etc, it's a cool place to relax away from S'ville for a few days. Depends what you're after. If you loved S'ville then, no Kampot area probably isn't best for you. Same works vica versa as well.