Cambodia ranked number one among the “World’s Friendliest Countries”, according to a reader poll conducted by London-based international website “Rough Guides”.
Taking submissions through Twitter and Facebook, “Rough Guides”, a well-known travel agency and publisher of guidebooks, said the Kingdom “was by far the top answer in our poll, and a popular choice among staff members and Rough Guides Twitter followers alike”.
Twitter handle @AndreaLeber said: “They’ve been through so much and still have a smile on their faces!”
Pacific Asia Travel Association Cambodia chapter chairman Thourn Sinan lauded the distinction as “good news” for the Kingdom’s tourism sector, especially as the government gears up for a reopening for vaccinated foreign tourists.
He told The Post on October 12 that the accolade would inspire a great deal of foreign travellers to visit Cambodia. “More or less, promoting such positivity will help make Cambodia’s tourism sector more visible and more attractive,” he said.
However, Sinan cautioned Cambodians not to let praise go to their heads, and take the time to make adequate preparations. “We have to remember that the more people compliment us, the harder we have to work to live up to those praises,” he said.
Cambodia Association of Travel Agents president Chhay Sivlin pointed out that travellers nowadays do plenty of research for entertainment venues, accommodation, food, hospitality and tourism products and people-friendly destinations before their trips.
She said the poll, coupled with high Covid-19 vaccination rates would provide a lift in confidence for people who may be looking to travel or invest in the Kingdom.
“An uptick in the tourism sector during Pchum Ben, the proportion of the population vaccinated, as well as the latest word from Rough Guides will be driving forces in attracting foreign visitors, luring them to visit Cambodia in the future,” Sivlin said.
“This is another new light for the redevelopment of the tourism sector in Cambodia.”
Rounding out the top 10 “World’s Friendliest Countries” were, in order, the Philippines, Laos, Nepal, Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia, Fiji, Scotland and Sri Lanka.
Holidaymakers made 911,147 domestic trips across the Kingdom from October 4-10, during the main Pchum Ben festivities, with Kampot province ranking as the top destination, according to the Ministry of Tourism.
The ministry noted that 904,163 Cambodians and 6,984 foreign residents visited Phnom Penh (19,777) and the provinces of Kampot (140,168), Kep (111,840), Preah Sihanouk (98,229), Pursat (79,678), Kampong Cham (65,639), Battambang (54,969), Kampong Speu (48,148), Siem Reap (44,157), Mondulkiri (42,186), Kandal (32,284) and Takeo (29,231).
The remaining 13 provinces saw 144,841 visitors over the seven days, each with fewer than 20,000.
For the 15 days following the harvest moon, Cambodian Buddhists observe Pchum Ben – which fell from September 22 to October 6 this year – the first 14 days of which are enumerated as the first-through-14th Kan Ben Days, where families typically gather at pagodas, bringing food and other offerings for monks.
The main festivities were celebrated from October 5-7 this year, starting on the 14th Kan Ben Day and ending a day after the primary day of “great offering”, or Ben Thom, on October 6, which coincides with the new moon. The holiday is dedicated to blessing the spirits of the dead and is an occasion for families to get together.
On June 24, US travel firm Tripadvisor Inc named a three-day discovery tour across northwestern Cambodia’s Siem Reap province as the world’s number one luxury tour in the 2021 Travellers’ Choice “Best of the Best” Things to Do Awards.
The package includes a tour on the main circuit in Angkor Archaeological Park and beyond to Phnom Kulen National Park and its refreshing waterfalls, the famous floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake and the endearing Banteay Srei temple – or “citadel of the women”, according to the Tripadvisor website.
From January-July, Cambodia received 112,544 international visitors, marking a steep decline of 90.6 per cent year-on-year, according to data from the tourism ministry.
Foreign investors have joined local businessmen in developing hotels, resorts and better-quality restaurants. To be sure, there is some way to go – but for the people of Phnom Penh and for foreign travellers, trips to the coast and long hours of swimming and sunbathing by the Gulf of Thailand are back in vogue.
The coast features palm-fringed beaches, a scattering of resorts and some beautiful offshore islands. A short distance inland are a series of national parks and some impressive mountain scenery.
Kampot, the capital of the eponymous province, is a small, relaxed town of around 33,000 people. Just 5km (3 miles) inland, by the banks of the Sanke River, there is a coastal feel to the place which adds to its rather languid appeal.
A series of narrow, colonnaded streets lead west from the main central roundabout to the riverfront. Although in need of restoration, there are some fine examples of French and Chinese architecture to be seen in this warren, as well as the best of Kampot’s restaurants. There are some particularly handsome colonial buildings in this area, notably the Governor’s Residence and the main post office at the southern end of the riverfront. Fishing boats cluster on the far side of the Sanke River.
The Chuor Phnom Damrei, a wild region of wildlife-rich forests and sheer rock outcrops about 40km (25 miles) northwest of Kampot. Part of the range is protected by the Bokor National Park, within which is the 1,079-metre (3,506ft) high former hill station of Bokor. Often shrouded in mist, the hill resort was built by the French in the early 1920s, but later fell on hard times under the Communist guerrillas and the Khmer Rouge. The hillsides still harbour the danger of landmines, so visitors should keep to the tracks.
The ruins of the old hill station include the Black Palace complex, King Sihanouk’s former retreat, and the huge Bokor Palace Hotel, which included a casino as well as a small church.
There has been only modest encroachment by development and Bokor (and the other southern parks Kirirom and Ream) is a treasure trove of endangered species. Tigers, elephants, gaur, leopards and langurs are found in the jungles.
Once a holiday haven for the rich, these days Sihanoukville is packed at weekends with visitors from the capital. As the country’s third-most-visited tourist destination, it is seeing a steadily increasing number of foreign visitors, and can be crowded during the dry season. There are numerous hotels and guesthouses of all classes, with many run by expatriate Westerners. Sihanoukville’s restaurants offer a wide choice of cuisines, and seafood is fresh and plentiful.
The main activities are, as one might suspect, sunbathing and swimming. There’s also good snorkelling and fishing, while diving trips are available with experienced dive instructors. In all, Sihanoukville has about 10km (6 miles) of beachfront, divided into four main beaches. The nightlife here is the liveliest in the country.
Koh Kong – confusingly the name of the province, the provincial capital and an offshore island – is a fast-developing island resort, a beautiful tropical backwater which is establishing itself as a leading ecotourism centre: the nearby Koh Kong Conservation Corridor encompasses the Cardamom Mountains, Peam Krasaop Wildlife Sanctuary, Koh Por and Tatai waterfalls, Koh Kong Island, Southern and Central Cardamoms Protected Forests, and a portion of Botum Sakor National Park. All of these sights present endless outdoor activities and opportunities to see endangered species.
Kampot, a small town in southern Cambodia, is becoming an increasingly popular destination for travelers seeking a more laid-back and authentic experience in the country. Kampot boasts a unique charm and offers visitors a range of activities to enjoy. With these top 10 things to do in Kampot, you’ll have an unforgettable trip to Kampot, Cambodia.
During your visit to the pepper plantations, you will have the opportunity to see the lush green fields and meet the local farmers who work there. You can also explore the nearby countryside, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and rivers. Whether you are a food lover or just someone who appreciates natural beauty, visiting the Kampot pepper plantations is a must-do activity on any list of things to do in Kampot.
Visit the Kampot Pepper Plantations
Kampot pepper is considered to be one of the best peppers in the world, and visiting the pepper plantations is definitely one of the top things to do in Kampot. You can take a tour of the plantations to learn about the process of cultivating and harvesting the peppercorns, as well as their various uses in cooking. Additionally, you can sample different types of pepper and purchase some to bring home.
During your visit to the pepper plantations, you will have the opportunity to see the lush green fields and meet the local farmers who work there. You can also explore the nearby countryside, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and rivers. Whether you are a food lover or just someone who appreciates natural beauty, visiting the Kampot pepper plantations is a must-do activity on any list of things to do in Kampot.
Explore Bokor National Park
Bokor National Park is a must-visit attraction and one of the top things to do in Kampot. Located just a short drive from the town center, the park covers an area of over 140 square kilometers and is home to an array of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and macaques. The highlight of the park is the abandoned French colonial hill station, which was once a popular retreat for the wealthy. Visitors can explore the old buildings, take in stunning views of the surrounding countryside, and even try their luck at the nearby casino.
Kampot pepper is considered to be one of the best peppers in the world, and visiting the pepper plantations is definitely one of the top things to do in Kampot. You can take a tour of the plantations to learn about the process of cultivating and harvesting the peppercorns, as well as their various uses in cooking. Additionally, you can sample different types of pepper and purchase some to bring home.
or those who enjoy outdoor activities, Bokor National Park offers several hiking trails of varying difficulty levels. The trails wind through lush forest and lead to scenic waterfalls, hidden caves, and remote temples. Visitors can also opt to explore the park on a mountain bike or motorbike, taking in the stunning scenery as they ride. Whether you’re interested in history, wildlife, or adventure, Bokor National Park is a must-visit attraction and one of the best things to do in Kampot.
Take a sunset river cruise, top things to do in Kampot
Kampot is not only famous for its pepper plantations and national park, but it also has a beautiful river where visitors can take a sunset cruise. The river is a popular spot for locals and tourists to relax, unwind and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding hills and countryside. The river cruise is an ideal way to experience the charm and tranquility of Kampot at dusk. As the sun sets, the colors of the sky change, and the atmosphere becomes magical. The river cruise is a perfect way to end a busy day of exploring the city and its surroundings.
Taking a sunset river cruise in Kampot is definitely one of the best things to do in Kampot. The experience is not only beautiful but also relaxing and peaceful. The river is calm, and the cool breeze is refreshing, making it a perfect way to unwind and enjoy the beautiful scenery. During the cruise, you can also see local fishermen catching fish or crabbing, which is an excellent way to see local life. Overall, taking a sunset river cruise is a must-do activity when visiting Kampot, and it is an experience that you will cherish for a lifetime.
