Cambodia, often famous for its history and impressive monuments such as the temples of Angkor, is also beautiful on a natural level. With serene lakes, lush jungles, and stunning bleached white beaches, Cambodia’s natural settings are as varied as they are beautiful. For anybody who wants to explore the more peaceful, tranquil landscapes and off-the-beaten-path grottos the country has to offer, there’s an altogether different Cambodia still waiting to be unearthed. No matter if you are an adventure-junkie, a photography lover, or just wanting to relax in Mother Nature herself, Cambodia offers plenty of scenic spots that will leave you gasping for air.
Among the most well-known and awe-inspiring sites in all of Cambodia is the Angkor Archaeological Park, where the world-famous Angkor Wat temple can be found. But beyond the grand features of Angkor Wat, the greater Angkor site is a panorama of relics of a civilisation utterly overtaken by nature, green and quiet. The Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm, and less popular temples have a wow factor, not just because of their historical value, but because of the way natural trees and vegetation surround them. It is one of three amazing dogwoods growing through temples at Ta Prohm, more famously known as the Tomb Raider temple. But oh, that sight of the sun rising over Angkor Wat, bathing the temple in a golden hue: it’s an image that is indelibly printed on the brain of any visitor to the place.
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For an escape from the crowds and a lesson in a different kind of Cambodia, the countryside in the northeast is a must. Tucked away amongst the rolling hills, lush forests, and tranquil rivers of the Mondulkiri Province is a rare gem for nature lovers. The Banoi people inhabited this mountainous land, which is famous for its waterfalls, most notably the grand Bou Sra Waterfall. You hear the roar of rushing water, the lush green jungle around you, the mist lifting from the falls, and you feel at peace. It’s also home to the Mondulkiri Protected Forest, where travellers can trek through thick forest to remote waterfalls, spot Cambodia’s range of wildlife (including elephants in the wild), and spend some time at one of its many eco-lodges. The calmness, peace, and serenity of this location make it an ideal spot to relax in.
The massively mesmerising Tonle Sap Lake is also the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. The lake is not only an important part of the everyday life of the Cambodians, but also a very picturesque place. The waters of Tonle Sap are rich in marine life, and you can visit floating villages, with houses on stilts, where you can witness daily local life activities. Sunrise or sunset on the lake by boat offers a unique view of rural Cambodian life. The soft waves of the water, the bright hues of the sky and the sight of fishermen, Ahmed from her account, rowing out to cast out nets, make for a magical sight that’s ideal for fans of photography.
If you’re itching for some beach time, the southern coast of Cambodia has some of the region’s most tranquil and idyllic beaches. Koh Rong is a tropical island praised for its pristine, turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and untouched jungle. This island is a slower pace, and great for lying back, taking a swim, or hiking through the island’s dense jungle. Koh Rong: Wonderfully long beaches and the tranquil vibe make Koh Rong a perfect spot for a bit of excitement and relaxation.
The island of Koh Rong isn’t far, with its sleezy nightlife and party beaches, and it is located in the smaller, more peaceful Koh Ta Kiev, which is another magnificent island near Sihanoukville. The atmosphere in Koh Ta Kiev is still quite untainted, as only a few eco-friendly resorts exist and allow for the opportunity to spend time in nature without huge crowds of tourists. Its coastlines are clean and its waters clear, and its jungles teem with animals. The relaxed feel and natural beauty of the island make it the perfect escape from the busyness of life.
And Cambodia has a few outstanding national parks, including one of my favourites, the Cardamom Mountains in the country’s southwest. Biodiversity: This is one of the last rainforests in Southeast Asia, filled with diverse plants and animals. The mountains are not only home to endangered wildlife like tigers, elephants, and numerous birds, but also boast incredible hiking through thick jungle, waterfalls, rivers, and more. For those who enjoy a sense of adventure and the possibility of discovering something off the beaten track, the Cardamom Mountains are one of the most beautiful and least-touched areas of Cambodia. The unspoiled setting also makes it perfect for trekking, wildlife-watching, and getting into the wilds of Cambodia.
For something a bit more relaxing, try the Kampot River, found in the town of Kampot, as it’s a beautiful landscape with mountain views and thick greenery. It’s an attractive town, with French colonial buildings along the riverfront. A boat cruise along the Kampot river at sunset offers an ideal opportunity to marvel at the surrounding natural beauty with the mountains in the water and the sky bursting with bright colours. Nearby, Bokor Hill Station, the well-known station, offers another kind of landscape: misted mountains, old French colonial buildings, and a panorama of the Gulf of Thailand.
On the last leg of this picturesque voyage, we find ourselves in the province of Kratie, where the Mekong River has been host to generations of Irrawaddy dolphins. The calm south-flowing river is being broken into pieces by clusters of small villages, and is the ideal place to escape for a while, checking out how life is outside the city. A key attraction for Kratie is the opportunity to see rare Irrawaddy dolphins in the wild. To see those gentle beasts leap into the air set against the setting sun is pure magic. This peaceful, scenic atmosphere of Kratie along the riverside has been central to life in Cambodia for centuries!
Cambodia is home to an array of natural beauty with old temples, unspoiled islands, calm rivers, and green mountains. The country is well-known for its countless beautiful cultural sites, but among the lush rice paddies and cloud-piercing mountains, the scenery is equally attractive. Whether you’re traipsing through thick jungle, lounging on a remote beach, or appreciating the still beauty of a river at sunset, Cambodia has it all for all types of travellers. The most rain-soaked or picturesque corners of the country offer something more than visual awe: an in-person confrontation with nature that is both peaceful and humbling.
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