Top 6 Scenic Road Trips Across Cambodia
A road trip is the best way to travel across Cambodia. If you hire a car to travel across Cambodia, you will have more freedom to explore the countryside. You can make as many stops as you want and interact with local people to gain unique experiences. Explore the countryside with rice paddies, beautiful landscapes, and much more.
It is like becoming one with the country and its unique culture. Moreover, the road trip can be an affordable mode of transportation compared to any guided Cambodian tour. Now, let’s get into the top scenic road trip locations across Cambodia.
Best Road Trip Locations in Cambodia
Exploring Cambodia can be a treat for your wanderlust eyes. The key is to plan smartly and choose locations that are easy to access from the last location you have visited. Look at the following locations that might help you plan your itinerary for a road trip to Cambodia.
Phnom Penh - History and City Life
Besides being a tourist attraction, Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia. When you visit the city, you will find many places worth exploring, with a blend of ancient history and modernity.
However, some tourist attractions might be upsetting for you. For example, the Tuol Sleng prison was used to torture and murder them during the rule of the Khmer Rouge in the late 70s. Another unsettling historical incident is Choeung Ek. It is known for the killing field where mass killing took place under the Khmer Rouge.
However, the people of the city are friendly, and you can truly have a beautiful experience interacting with them.
Kampot & Kep - Coastal Charm and Pepper Farms
It is located in Southern Cambodia, which is a famous tourist destination for its relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. Moreover, the French colonial architecture and the world-famous pepper farm area treat the eyes. There is more - if you are a lover of seafood, you can get plenty of the here, caught freshly from the sea.
Also, you can visit the salt field in the area, which stretches across the coastal area of the place. It plays a vital part in creating the agricultural legacy of the place. When you are done exploring the countryside, you can go to the riverside for a relaxed time and enjoy the fresh atmosphere at the riverside.
Sihanoukville & Koh Rong - Beaches and Island Hopping
Sihanoukville and Koh Rong will offer you a diverse experience, so keep it in your itinerary when planning a road trip to Cambodia. You can experience a pristine atmosphere with white sand beaches and spend some time with your favourite people on one of the small islands.
You will have to go through Sihanoukville to reach the islands. Once you get to the small islands, your heart is bound to be moved by the sight of stunning beaches. You can also make your time more enjoyable by taking part in water sports and blending in with the nightlife of the location.
Battambang - Countryside and the Bamboo Train
If you want to explore the true side of Cambodia's countryside, it is the best place to do so. What is most attractive about the place is the quirky Bamboo Train, which the local people call Norry.
Experience the true essence of Cambodia's rural life, its culture, and local traditions to know more about the rural people of Cambodia.
Siem Reap - The Temples of Angkor
If you are planning a Cambodian road trip, the itinerary must include the temples of Angkor Wat. And Siem Reap works as the gateway to the Temples of Angkor Wat. But why should you visit the area? It is a massive archaeological park that UNESCO has recognised as a World Heritage site. What is most exciting about the place is that it was built in the 12th century, and the temples are a living testament to the architectural mastery of the ancient people.
Kompong Thom (Kampong Thom) & Return to Phnom Penh
It is also another Cambodian province that has several ancient temples. The most attractive site of the location is the UNESCO-listed Sambor Prei Kuk. You can also experience the floating villages and enjoy a ride on ox-carts.
If you love exploring sites with historical significance, Kampong Thom can be a paradise for you. Give it 2 or 3 days to explore the area and complete the road trip, and return to Phnom Penh.
Cambodia is a great country for a road trip, but it's also essential to have some key items packed in your bags before embarking on the trip.
Pre-Trip Essentials
Before you make a plan for a road trip to Cambodia, you must know what the best time is to drive on the roads of Cambodia safely, or what the best vehicle is for you to use on the road trips. So, let’s start by understanding the best time to visit Cambodia for a road trip.
Best Time of Year for Driving
Going on a Cambodian road trip can be best enjoyed if the season is dry and the weather is pleasant. Cambodia is mainly a tropical country with high temperatures all year round. However, the country experiences a rainy season from May to the mid of November, and a dry season follows shortly after, lasting from mid-November to April. The dry season of Cambodia starts with winter, and in December, the temperature is the lowest.
So, if you enjoy the winter season, you can visit Cambodia at the start of November when the temperature might be on the moderate side. However, if you are visiting from Western countries and have no issues with the chilly temperature, then visit in December.
No matter when you visit the country, make sure to avoid the scorching heat.
Renting a Car vs. a Motorbike in Cambodia
The option you chose depends on the number of people you have with you. For example, if you are travelling the country with a group of friends, you should rent a car where multiple people can sit together. However, there might be one downside of renting a car - you cannot go deep into the countryside with the car.
On the other hand, a scooter or motorbike can travel deeper into the countryside, and you can explore the beauty of the country firsthand. But there is a limitation on the number of passengers on the scooter.
Only the driver and another person can travel together on the two-wheeler. You enjoy the flexibility of travelling, but limitations on the number of passengers. However, if your budget permits, you can rent multiple scooters for a shared ride experience.
Whatever you do, never forget to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) before you visit the country. Without an IDP, you are not allowed to drive around in Cambodia.
Required Documents
Besides the International Driving Permit, you will have to carry a valid passport and a Cambodian visa. Make a copy of these documents and keep them in your handbag. So that you can show the documents whenever they are required.
Enjoy a Road Trip to Cambodia and Comply With the Rules
The thought of a road trip to Cambodia can be truly exciting and enjoyable when you follow the rules and comply with the legal norms. For example, apply for a Cambodian visa before you plan to visit the country. It is the most important document besides an IDP (if you plan to drive by yourself in Cambodia).
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