Beyond Angkor: Things To Do in Cambodia

With the recent opening of the Bensley Collection’s Shinta Mani Wild, it’s a great time to discover rural Cambodia. Nestled in tranquil southwestern Cambodia, this new offering consists of 15 luxury tents positioned along the idyllic Tmor Rung River. Located on the southern border of the Cardamom Mountains, this property is the perfect base for exploring Cambodia’s undiscovered territories. The camp is also doing its bit to protect the local environment – they’ve partnered with the local Wildlife Alliance, whose rangers have a station on-site to help look after the precious wildlife corridor. There’s so much to do during a stay at Shinta Mani Wild, from mountain biking and kayaking to fishing, foraging and cooking classes. 

Along with the rest of Asia, Cambodia is an incredible foodie hotspot. Some of the country’s best dishes can be found in the cultural capital, Siem Reap. For a truly local experience, Siem Reap’s West Baray is the go-to spot for traditional charcoal grilled chicken. Packed full of amazing flavour, this dish is a must-try whilst in Cambodia. Other local delicacies include bahn sung, a rice noodle salad, and freshly pressed sugar cane juice. 

With deep roots and a complex history, Cambodia’s past is turbulent at best. In perhaps the most well-known event in recent Cambodian history, the country suffered horrific mass executions between 1975 and 1979 under the rule of the Khmer Rouge. Although today Cambodia’s resilience is palpable, the country pays worthy remembrance to the Khmer Rouge’s victims through memorials and museums. 

Although Phnom Sampeau is a little known part of Cambodia, this peaceful commune is home to an incredible natural phenomenon. Every evening, at around 5.30pm, the sky is littered with bats emerging in a remarkably uniform fashion from Sampeau mountain. Located around 12 kilometres south of Battambang city, this hidden wonder is easily accessible. As the sun sets over the picturesque mountain, the wonderful display of bats makes its mark across the evening sky for around 30 to 40 minutes. With few people knowing about this incredible spectacle, you’ll be avoiding the crowds while witnessing one of nature’s greatest shows. 

The largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, the Tonle Sap is home to many fishermen, most of whom are of ethnic Vietnamese descent. For an authentic view into the way of life here, head to the floating villages near Pursat and Kampong Chhnang. The lake is great for birdwatching enthusiasts too, as the nearby Prek Toal Biosphere Reserve is home to an exciting array of waterbird species. 

From local performing arts companies to culinary delights, there’s plenty of worthy local causes to get behind in Siem Reap. One of our favourites is the Phare circus, which sees incredible shows put together by students and graduates from Battambang’s Phare Ponleu Selpak vocational training centre. This centre provides training opportunities for young people living in poverty. 

Cambodia’s coastline is still beautifully untouched. From the colonial seaside resort of Kep to the isolated island of Song Saa, Cambodia’s coastline is sure to make an impression. A quaint seaside town and former French colonial retreat, Kep was known in the 50s as Kep-sur-Mer. During the 70s, much of the city had fallen into disrepair under the Khmer Rouge influence. Today, the town has been through somewhat of a regeneration and people now visit for its laid-back seaside atmosphere. It’s also the centre of the Cambodian crab fishing industry, so it’s great for seafood lovers.