Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains Travel Guide
Discover the hidden gems of Cambodia's Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains with our comprehensive travel guide. Plan your trip with our list of must-visit attractions, local food and drink scene, and transportation options.
- Introduction to Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains
- List of Places to Visit in Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains
- Best Things to Do in Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains
- Food and Drink Scene of Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains
- Where to Stay in Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains
- Best Time to Visit Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains
- Do’s and Don’ts of Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains
- Where to Go Next from Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains
Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains is the perfect destination for travelers seeking adventure, natural beauty, and rich culture. Situated in Cambodia, in Southeast Asia, these regions boast an abundance of historic temples, lush jungles, and stunning rice paddies. Not only is it a great destination for backpackers, but it’s also perfect for families looking for a unique and culturally enriching experience.
List of Places to Visit in Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Angkor Wat
- Royal Palace, Phnom Penh
- National Museum of Cambodia
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
- Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
Natural Attractions of Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Tonle Sap Lake
- Mekong River
- Koh Ker Temple
- Banteay Srei Temple
- Kulen Mountain
Hiking/Biking Routes of Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains
- Phnom Kulen National Park
- Angkor Wat Circuit
- Bamboo Train, Battambang
- Kep to Kampot bike route
- Outlying ruins, Sambor Prei Kuk
Best Things to Do in Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains: Activities and Tours
- Visit a rice paddy
- Take a boat along the Mekong River
- Try local street foods at the market
- Attend a traditional dance performance
- Ride a tuk-tuk around the city
Week-Long Itinerary for Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the temples of Angkor Wat |
| 2 | Explore Phnom Penh, including the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and National Museum |
| 3 | Take a boat ride on the Tonle Sap Lake |
| 4 | Visit Kulen Mountain and the waterfalls |
| 5 | Relax on the islands of Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem |
| 6 | Go hiking in the Phnom Kulen National Park |
| 7 | Try the street food and shop at the night market in Siem Reap |
Food and Drink Scene of Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains
Must-Try Dishes
- Amok fish (steamed fish in banana leaves)
- Khmer curry (coconut-based curry with meat and vegetables)
- Lok lak (stir-fried beef with vegetables and rice)
- Kep crab (crabs cooked with Kampot pepper)
- Num banh chok (Cambodian noodles with curry and vegetables)
Local Beverages
- Angkor beer
- Palm sugar juice
- Sombai (Cambodian rice wine)
- Cambodia coffee
- Sugar cane juice
Where to Stay in Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Mad Monkey Hostel, Siem Reap
- Rambutan Resort, Siem Reap
- The Pavilion Hotel, Phnom Penh
- White Rabbit Hostel, Battambang
- Garden Village Guest House, Kep
What to Buy in Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Krama (traditional Cambodian scarf)
- Lotus silk (hand-woven silk made from lotus flowers)
- Kampot pepper
- Palm sugar
- Cambodian pottery
Local Culture and Customs of Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains
When visiting temples, it’s considered respectful to dress modestly and take off your shoes before entering. Additionally, showing affection in public is not culturally acceptable, and it’s customary to greet people with a smile and a bow.
Best Time to Visit Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains
The best time to visit Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains is during the dry season (November-March). The humidity is low, and temperatures are more comfortable. However, if you’re looking to avoid the crowds, traveling during the rainy season (May-October) may be a better option.
Do’s and Don’ts of Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains
Do:
- Dress modestly when visiting temples
- Take off your shoes before entering buildings
- Respect local customs and traditions
- Keep valuables safe at all times
- Haggle at markets and street vendors
Don’t:
- Show affection in public
- Disrespect Buddha statues
- Point your feet at people or objects
- Use your left hand for eating or passing objects
Safety and Health
Safety in Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains
Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains is quite safe for travelers, but it’s always best to take precautions when traveling. Keep your valuables secure at all times and be aware of your surroundings when walking around at night.
Health in Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains
It’s essential to get the necessary vaccines and consult with your doctor before traveling to Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains. Mosquitoes can be prevalent, so it’s advisable to bring insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants to avoid bites. Additionally, it’s crucial to stay hydrated and avoid drinking tap water.
Getting to Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains
- Siem Reap International Airport
- Phnom Penh International Airport
- Sihanoukville International Airport
Bus Stations Near Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains
- Capitol Tours, Siem Reap
- Giant Ibis, Phnom Penh
- Sorya Transport, Battambang
Other Options
- Private taxi
- Motorbike rental
- Boat rides (especially on the Mekong River)
How to Get Around in Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains
Tuk-tuks are a popular and affordable way to get around in cities and towns. Additionally, cyclos (bicycle rickshaws) are a great alternative to tuk-tuks. For longer distances, buses and private taxis are available.
Where to Go Next from Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Kampot for its scenic countryside and pepper plantations
- Vietnamese border town of Ha Tien
- Koh Kong for island hopping and ecotourism activities
- Kep for its beaches and seafood market
Conclusion
Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains is a stunning destination with plenty of natural beauty, rich history, and unique culture. From exploring ancient temples to trying local street food, there is something for everyone here. With our comprehensive travel guide, you can plan your trip with ease and make the most out of your visit to this fantastic region.
