A Photo Tour Through the Wonders of Cambodia

A diverse country rich with ancient history and cultural exploits, Cambodia is a Southeastern Asia destination for travelers looking for the ultimate authentic experience. Since the US dollar is widely used within the country, the extra task of exchanging money when traveling abroad is eliminated. (It should be noted that the only requirement is to have newer bills in very good condition - old and ripped won't work!)

Although visiting during the drier months of November through May promises less rain and humidity, it also means more tourists. Traveling during the rainy season can be tricky with some closures in the south as far as restaurants and potential boat service if there are storms. Aiming for the shoulder season provides the best balance of both worlds.

Get ready to see painting-worthy sunrises behind archaic temples, explore the beauty of crumbling ruins, take a sunset dip in the warm sea, try Khmer cuisine, be welcomed by friendly locals, ride in tuk-tuks and authentic fishing boats, and drool over the scenery. But we'll let these photos do the talking.

The Victory Gate at Angkor Thom temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia is like an actual portal back in time. You'll want to include a lengthy pause before entering the impressive complex, so you can stare in awe at the magnificently detailed and massive gate. The tuk-tuk flow in and out of the gate adds a nice effect for photos and videos as well.

Pre Rup is one of the top sunset spots in the temple complex, with fiery skies creating a postcard-perfect backdrop against ancient history. (We're talking 961AD, NBD.) Time-worn beauty sprawls amongst the property, allowing visitors to climb up each terrace of what resembles a mountain. Explore the courtyards with what used to be old galleries lined with regal pillars along the edge of the main structure.

A true wonder, floating breakfasts are an actual thing at the Templation Hotel in Siem Reap and you may never want your pancakes on dry land again. You can choose to have your breakfast delivered to your room, set up on your patio table, inside your air-conditioned room, or on a floating tray in the gorgeous villa pool. (The best choice is obvious!) This unique start to the day might be reason enough to travel to Cambodia!

The Spean Praptos bridge (dragon bridge) in Kampong Kdei is still very much intact despite being constructed in the 12th century, and worth a quick side trip outside of Siem Reap to appreciate the craftsmanship in person. The twenty-plus stone arches and carved statues at the entrance points exude attention to artistic detail. Only foot, bicycle, and motorbike traffic are allowed presently to preserve the history of this bridge that used to be part of the main road on the highway from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap.

Most people visit the larger, more popular temples, but the smaller structures definitely shouldn't be overlooked. The Chau Say Tevoda temple just outside of the Angkor Thom complex is a great example of intricate design and allure in a less-visited spot. It also has a sibling temple, Thommanon, just across the way. Visitors will see stone flower carvings adorning the walls and who knows, you may even have it all to yourself.

Kampong Khleang, one of the lesser-known floating villages on the outskirts of Siem Reap, presents a colorful scene with houses upon houses on stilts and plenty of smiling locals. A visit to this village offers a glimpse into everyday life, with fishing as the main source of income. Travelers can visit with a local driver and English speaking guide, to learn more about the history of the village with Cambodia Private Taxi.

Street food is a wonder of its own in Cambodia. With authentic Khmer cuisine on every corner, you'd be seriously missing out on the wildly affordable and delicious treats during your travels in the country. Make sure to hit up a cart or two (or twenty). A few specialties to try: fish amok, beef lok lak, chive cakes, and deep-fried shrimp cakes.

The five Pre Rup towers seem even more impressive thinking that they were completely overgrown and weren't excavated until the early 1900s. The theory is, that the temple itself was used for funeral ceremonies during ancient times but still remains a mystery as to if it actually was. The tower giants are a prime example of Khmer architecture and are still very well preserved.

When nature meets history: Ta Prohm temple. This jungle absorbed temple may have been thrust into the spotlight by serving as the set for the Tomb Raider movie, but the unique, otherworldly character makes it famous in its own right. Large roots hug the structure's stone walls, a tree shoots skyward out of the temple's roof, and the movie-set feel makes complete sense. Tip: go in the morning when everyone else is still doing the circuit at Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom...there will be a lot less people.

Bayon Temple in the Angkor Thom complex is host to over 200 smiling faces carved atop the many towers. They represent Avalokiteshvara, a bodhisattva (an enlightened being who holds off on the final state of becoming a buddha in order to benefit humanity with compassion). Despite the numerous faces staring at visitors, it's very peaceful to walk the temple grounds. In addition to these carvings, scenes from everyday life in the 12th century grace the temple walls as well.

Cambodia cuisine is fantastic, providing the excuse to eat all the things. Influenced by neighboring Thailand and Vietnam, Khmer food has some of its own flavor in the fresh spices (especially Kampot pepper!). Nom Banh Chok is a popular breakfast dish, Num Pang Pate sandwiches are a quick meal, and of course, the red curries and beef lok lak can be found almost anywhere. Adventurous eaters might consider heading to the village of Skun, where the spider market will test your limits. Yes, it's exactly what you think.

Sunset happy hour is a happening time on Koh Rong Samloem's Saracen Beach. Walking down the beach will present you with more than enough options, and almost all of the beachside bars advertise some sort of happy hour deal. Score an Angkor beer or a beachy cocktail without breaking the bank. So saddle up with a beverage in a cushy chair, sans shoes as the sun dips down...you're on an island, after all.

Island blue hour on Koh Rong Samloem adds some serious drama to the skies just before sunrise. Perhaps the best part about slumbering seaside is that the effort required to roll out onto the beach is minimal for a front-row seat to the island dawn. Another day...another Cambodian marvel.

Kampot, Cambodia is an idyllic river escape. With adorable cottages along the Preaek Tuek Chhu river, opportunities for outdoor, culinary, and cultural adventures, and a bustling downtown area, this destination won't be under the radar for much longer. Properties such as Sabay Beach offer comfortable accommodations and a treehouse restaurant and lounge overlooking the river. Sunset anyone?

Incredible detailing went into the design of every temple on the grounds of the Angkor Wat Archeological Complex. Each one represents artwork during the period of time that they were constructed, including depictions of Buddhist scenes, guarding lions, and dancing figures carved into the stone walls.

Wandering the local markets is one of the best opportunities for cultural immersion. They're usually separated into sections with vendors selling fresh catch fish, produce, meats, flowers, prepared foods, and much more. It's a five senses overload that operates at a quick pace, but an unforgettable experience. Depending on where in the country you are, there are options for day markets as well as night markets with handmade crafts and local goods.

Taking a cooking class in Cambodia is a great way to delve into the culture via the amazing cuisine. Many classes include a visit to the local market in order to shop for fresh ingredients used for the dishes you'll be attempting to make. Learn the techniques and homemade recipes for creating some of the dishes well-known in Cambodia. And then you get to eat the fruits of your labor!

Amping up the relaxation game, the island of Koh Rong Samloem has over-water hammocks for the ultimate beachside lounging experience on Saracen Bay. Just strolling the beach will have you passing by several of these comfy gems for anyone to take a load off over the clear waters.

Kayaking the 'Green Cathedral' is a must in Kampot, in southern Cambodia. The leisurely 1-2 hour loop on the offshoot of the Preaek Tuek Chhu river will have you gliding through a canopy of palms which gave the route its name. Champa Lodge is a great spot for renting kayaks and setting off with clear directions from the staff. Grab a mango smoothie upon your return to the lodge as a refreshing reward for all that paddling - they do not disappoint.

There is no shortage of beach swings in Cambodia. Every island or waterside location seems to have an abundance of wooden swings, some over the water, some from trees, and all amazing. Almost every resort or boutique hotel has a swing or two with plenty of island character. Your inner 10-year-old will rejoice.

Fish Amok is one of the local delicacies and a definite must to try. It's prepared by steam cooking fresh fish in a curry sauce within a banana leaf. Coconut cream, spices like galangal (a kind of ginger) and chili peppers, along with fresh-catch fish from rivers, lakes, and the sea are some of the delicious ingredients. Add it to the top of your "to try" list when eating in Cambodia.

Hoping to encounter a friendly pup in your travels? Not a problem in Cambodia. No matter where you are in the country, there will be a happy little dog to greet you. Just make sure to practice safe interactions with the animals by not feeding them, and refraining from petting the strays (they may have fleas, etc.). Admire their cuteness though, because they are adorable.

A sandy sunrise with cotton candy-colored skies on the Sok San Beach Resort is an epic start to the day. The skies the morning after a storm make traveling during the rainy season not such a terrible thing either. Staying oceanside on the island of Koh Rong provides ample opportunity for dawn and dusk swims and strolls on the beach with ease. And you know there's a fresh fruit smoothie waiting for you afterward.

A jungle path from a calm bay with white sand to a rocky beach and mountain backdrop is the contrast that Koh Rong Samloem reveals. Visitors arriving in M'Pay Bay can take a short walk down the beach through the path to this gorgeous scene on the other side, proving that a quick jaunt will land you in very different setting from five minutes ago.