1. Angkor Wat: Who hasn’t heard of this? The worlds largest Hindu temple dating back to the 12th century. The marvelous architecture will take your breath away as you wander through the buildings and complex.

2. Phnom Penh Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda: “King in the Castle, King in the Castle”, a little Borat impression for you there… All jokes aside, the kings of Cambodia have inhabited this beautiful complex since the 1800s. Go check it out for the historical as well as architectural qualities.

3. The Bayon, another attraction withing the Angkor complex; this eerily decorated temple calls for respect. And some say the gods and giants still live here…

4. Ta Prohm… Take a look at the picture below, need I say more?

5. Tonlé Sap Lake is the only lake in the world that flows both ways depending on the season. And to make the lake even more interesting: an entire village lives on it. Yes, ON it. The floating village, as it is called, comprises of communities who live in houses constructed to float on the lake all year round. Always.

6. Before we get into the serious stuff let’s take a look at Bamboo Island. This is tropical paradise with a tiny population, just what you need to get away. The picturesque beaches and clear waters offer an amazing one day relaxation and it only takes about half an hour to get there. However, after you have completed the last few spots you might want to spend a night or two here to recharge.

7. Tuol Sleng Museum and Choeng Ek Memorial was originally a secondary school, but during the Khmer Rouge regime this school was converted into a torture and interrogation center. Take tour around and learn about a piece of history that seems to be forgotten by the rest of the world, but plays a sadly significant role in the Cambodian societies.

8. The Khmer Rouge would gather up their victims and throw them into a cave that is now known as the Killing Cave.

Skulls collected from the caves

Clothes of the dead hung from a line

9. Some may be creeped out about number 9, but if you’re anything like me and love spiders, you’ll just get excited. Introducing the fried tarantulas of Cambodia! Now a delicacy, before they were the only means of survival when food was scarce. Now I’m tempted to fry up my pet spider and see if he’s any good…

10. Now go back to Bamboo Island. You need it.

To find out more visit Visit Mekong and Wild Asia