By Briana Seftel
Cambodia’s modern capital city of Phnom Penh excites visitors with its prime location near the Mekong River, glimmering Royal Palace, and fragrant markets. Once you’ve seen and done it all, escape the city on these five day trips.
View vacation packages to Phnom Penh >
(trips include flight, hotel & excursions)
Udong (Oudong)
Cambodia’s ancient capital, literally meaning “victorious,” is where several kings were crowned from 1618 to 1866. The main attractions is the twin-hill Phnom Udong on Udong Mountain. Once you climb to the top, you will be treated with majestic views of the Cambodian countryside.
Silk Island (Koh Dach)
On the outskirts of Phnom Penh lies Silk Island (also known as Koh Dach), a rural weaving village known for its silk production. Wander the village as you see women weaving silk using traditional hand looms, and expect a few sellers to try to hawk their wares to you.
Kampong Cham
Situated on the banks of the Mekong River, Kampong Cham is considered Cambodia’s third city after Phnom Penh and Battambang. The city was an important trading post during French rule and is home to streets of classic colonial buildings. Cross the longest bamboo bridge in the world and explore Koh Pen, a picturesque island of stilted houses and quaint villages.
Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre
Located 25 miles south of Phnom Penh, this wildlife animal rescue and rehabilitation center cares for and rehabilitates animals rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. Run by Wildlife Alliance (WA), tours can be booked online and include pick up/drop off from Phnom Penh, feeding elephants, lunch, a visit to the nursery, and more. If you count yourself an animal, this is one experience you’ll never forget!
Choeung Ek Killing Fields
Take a sobering trip to the killing fields where the Khmer Rouge regime executed over one million people between 1975 and 1979. After the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime, mass graves containing 8,895 bodies were discovered at Choeung Ek. The memorial standing today is marked by a Buddhist stupa filled with more than 5,000 human skulls.
