Eastern Cambodia Travel Guide

Explore the rich cultural and natural sights of Eastern Cambodia with this comprehensive travel guide, including the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and local customs and cuisine.


Introduction to Eastern Cambodia

Eastern Cambodia is a captivating region filled with a rich mixture of cultures, history, and natural beauty. Located in Southeast Asia, this region offers a unique travel experience for those who seek a different sort of adventure. Eastern Cambodia is known for its grandeur temples, natural sites, and secluded communities. Tourists can get various experiences like hiking and biking, trying local enticing cuisine, lively markets, and exploring ancient ruins, and enjoying traditional celebrations.

List of Places to Visit in Eastern Cambodia

Eastern Cambodia is abundant with places to visit, ranging from historically significant places to naturally breathtaking landscapes. Here are some must-visit places:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Angkor Wat
  • Banteay Srei
  • Ta Prohm
  • Beng Mealea Temple
  • Preah Vihear Temple
  • Koh Ker Temple
  • Tonle Sap Lake Floating Villages
  • War Museum Cambodia

Natural Attractions of Eastern Cambodia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Rabbit Island
  • Kep National Park
  • Bokor Mountain
  • Kbal Spean
  • Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary
  • Phnom Kulen Waterfalls
  • Cardamom Mountains
  • Kratie for Irrawaddy Dolphin encounters

Hiking/Biking Routes of Eastern Cambodia

The rugged terrain and beautiful natural landscape of Eastern Cambodia offer excellent opportunities for hiking and biking routes. Here are some of the best routes for adventurers:

  • Battambang Countryside Bike Tour
  • Biking around Angkor Wat Complex
  • Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary by Kayak
  • Stop-Over in Kampong Thom
  • Kulen Mountain Waterfalls and Hiking
  • Mondulkiri Adventure

Best Things to Do in Eastern Cambodia: Activities and Tours

Eastern Cambodia offers numerous enchanting activities and tours. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • The Living Land Farm: Learn How Rice Is Grown
  • Sampling Kep’s Fresh Crabs At Market
  • Elephant Valley Project: Meet Cambodia’s Elephants
  • Phare, The Cambodian Circus
  • Tonle Sap Lake Floating Villages
  • Battambang’s Bamboo Train
  • Sihanoukville Islands Boat Trip
  • Oh Phnom Penh Bike Tour

Week-Long Itinerary for Eastern Cambodia

If you have a week, this is a sample itinerary that you may want to follow your trip to Eastern Cambodia:

Day Destination
Day 1 Siem Reap
Day 2 Angkor Wat and Surrounds
Day 3 Preah Vihear Temple
Day 4 Battambang
Day 5 Kep or Sihanoukville
Day 6 Rabbit Island excursion
Day 7 Phnom Penh

Food and Drink Scene of Eastern Cambodia

Eastern Cambodia’s cuisine is famous for using locally sourced ingredients, including noodle and rice dishes, fresh seafood, grilled meats, and vegetables. Here is some must-try food and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Amok Fish
  • Fried White Sticky Rice Cake with Pork and Shrimp
  • Grilled Beef with Loc Lac Sauce
  • Khmer Sour Soup
  • Num Pang Pate

Local Beverages

  • Angkor Beer
  • Teuk Tnout Chhou

Where to Stay in Eastern Cambodia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Eastern Cambodia has an array of accommodations. Here are some options:

  • Rambutan Resort – Siem Reap
  • Wooden Angkor Hotel- Siem Reap
  • Battambang Lotus Hotel- Battambang
  • Veranda Natural Resort- Kep
  • Ren Resort – Sihanoukville

What to Buy in Eastern Cambodia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Eastern Cambodia has plenty of souvenirs to bring back to enhance your memories of this unique region. Here are some of the best things to bring home:

  • Handmade Stuffed Animals
  • Sugar Palm Fruit Candy
  • Krama Scarves
  • Cambodian Silk Products
  • Handmade Art & Homewares

Local Culture and Customs of Eastern Cambodia

Like most Southeast Asian cultures, Cambodian culture values respect and humility. Locals practice Buddhism, so visitors should be respectful of temples and religious customs. It’s essential to learn some of the basics of the Khmer language to make interactions more comfortable.

Best Time to Visit Eastern Cambodia

The ideal time to visit Eastern Cambodia is from November to April when the climate is cooler and drier. May to October are the monsoon season, where heavy rains and flooding can make regional travel challenging.

Do’s and Don’ts of Eastern Cambodia

Do:

  • Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples or religious sites
  • Remove your shoes when entering temples or homes
  • Say “Som Teuk Trey” (please put fish sauce on the side) to restaurants if you don’t want fish sauce in your dishes
  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Learn basic Khmer phrases for easy communication with locals

Don’t:

  • Touch people’s heads, as they consider it disrespectful.
  • Wear shoes inside homes or religious sites
  • Argue or raise your voice in public areas

Safety and Health

Safety in Eastern Cambodia

Eastern Cambodia is a relatively safe region for visitors. However, it’s best to remain cautious and vigilant with your belongings, especially at crowded tourist areas. It’s advisable to avoid any political gatherings, which can turn violent.

Health in Eastern Cambodia

Visitors should take precautions when traveling to Eastern Cambodia. The water quality in Cambodia is questionable, so carry water bottles with appropriate filtration systems. It’s best to avoid street food, especially meat dishes, as they may not be hygienic. Consider getting vaccinated for diseases like hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and ensure you have appropriate medications and travel insurance.

Getting to Eastern Cambodia: Transportation Options and Logistics

One can easily access Eastern Cambodia from Phnom Penh or other nearby regional hubs by various transportation means.

Airports Near Eastern Cambodia

  • Siem Reap International Airport
  • Phnom Penh International Airport

Bus Stations Near Eastern Cambodia

  • Phnom Penh Central Bus Station
  • Siem Reap Bus Station

Other Options

  • Private Car hire
  • Motorbike rentals

How to Get Around in Eastern Cambodia

Renting a motorbike or car is one of the easiest and most affordable options to get around Eastern Cambodia. Also, various tuk-tuk rides and taxis are available to move around. Rentals can be arranged by speaking with hotel staff or local tour agencies.

Where to Go Next from Eastern Cambodia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are various Asian countries and destinations to explore beyond Eastern Cambodia. Here are some popular tourist spots which visitors can visit:

  • Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi
  • Laos – The Luang Prabang region

Conclusion

Eastern Cambodia is a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia that features unique historical and cultural landmarks, scenic outdoor experiences, and delightful cuisine. With its fascinating history, stunning temples, mesmerizing natural beauty, and friendly locals, Eastern Cambodia should top any travel bucket list. Visitors are guaranteed to have a memorable trip whether traveling solo or with a group of loved ones.



    Banlung
    Kratie
    Stung Treng
    Virachey National Park