Cambodia is one of the world’s most exciting honeymoon destinations; its reputation grew around a breathtaking ancient wonder, but this buzzing country also offers lively cities, lots of incredibly romantic accommodation, adventure-filled jungles, and gorgeous islands with deserted beaches, soft powder white sands and lapping turquoise waters. Isolated romantic spots are aplenty and stretches of Koh Rong Samleom are ideal for forging those enduring honeymoon memories.
Your Cambodia honeymoon should be an adventure first and foremost, with the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat temples playing an important part in your trip. Cambodia is a superb destination for light adventure and full of exciting ways to burn off steam.
To be even more richly rewarded in a true exploration of the Khmer Kingdom, take a cruise on the Mekong River, go jungle trekking in the wildlife-rich Cardamom Mountains, kayak the Tatai River, meet and greet with remote tribes and elephants in Mondulkiri, and then relish some rest and relaxation in a romantic floating tent. Or, if you truly want to splash out − it is your honeymoon after all − check yourself into Song Saa Private Island Resort for a slice of luxurious tropical island paradise.
Read on for your Cambodia honeymoon guide:
Every bit as wondrous as their reputation, these ancient jungle temples are simply spectacular. The 12th-century Angkor Wat temple complex is the world’s largest religious monument. It started Hindu and later became Buddhist, and features some of the most spectacular architecture and unbelievable carvings anywhere. It is grand beyond belief, and absolutely worth every second spent.
Sunrise is an epic time to go, but plan to spend a few hours here and don’t skimp on finding yourself a good, solid guide. You may even want to consider taking a hot air balloon or helicopter to get a spectacular bird’s eye view of the temples from above. Angkor Wat is far from the only worthy temple to tour. In fact, depending on your preference for architecture and ambience you may find some of the other Angkor temples to be even more magical.
There’s Ta Prohm, whose ruins are seemingly held together by twisting strangler figs − the main tree has become a symbol of love, it is said that honeymoon couples will love each other forever if they take a photograph together underneath it. Then there is the pink sandstone Banteay Srei, the pyramid-shaped Koh Ker and the mystical overgrown Beng Mealea, where you might just want to employ a professional photographer for a post wedding shoot that, again, captures your love for each other.
Elephant in the forest
As free-thinking newlyweds, you can pursue your wanderlust by escaping ‘the trail’ in Cambodia’s wild and beautiful eastern provinces. If it’s memorable experiences you’re after, then a trip to Mondulkiri could be on the cards. The word Mondulkiri literally means “Meeting of the Hills”, reflecting its highland geography, and due to its amazing wildlife, it is regarded as the “Wild World of the East”, home to leopards, bears, and the renowned elephants of the Bunong People.
You can expect to get down and dirty with nature in this mountainous region. The Elephant Valley Project gives you the chance to hang out with elephants in their natural habitat and wash them in the river. The Mayura Hill Resort is a honeymooner’s dream come true offering the perfect base to explore Mondulkiri. Here, overlooking Sen Monorom Valley, you might see a few elephants passing by from your window. The resort presents only 11 villas to ensure that personal service, space, and intimacy for couples is guaranteed.
sunlight coming though the forest
If spending your time surrounded by unspoiled virgin forests, rare orchids, fragrant frangipanis, and the tropical flora and fauna of the off-the-beaten-track Koh Kong, then this might be the ideal honeymoon destination for you. Furthermore, if you want to discover this side of Cambodia in style, then checking into 4 Rivers Floating Lodge is a must.
Boasting solitude and privacy, combined with romance and luxury, 4 Rivers Floating Lodge is a trail of delicately floating tents along southwest Cambodia’s jungle fringed Tatai River, the perfect place to cement wedded life. Wake up as newly-weds to the sound of birdsong and gibbon calls and watch the morning mist rise and clear over the forested Cardamom Mountains, which will be your view from the deck of these dreamy tents, each one on a floating pontoon.
There is no pool, but the river awaits. Kayaks are free to use, and staff can organize waterfall trips – great for a hydro-massage, and firefly and sunset cruises, rainforest hikes and village excursions. This is a good location for trips to Tatai Waterfall, Koh Kong Island and the surrounding jungle, and Cardamom Mountain treks can be arranged.
private island in cambodia
The magical private island resort of Song Saa in Cambodia’s southern Koh Rong archipelago takes secluded tropical luxury to the next level, with pitch-perfect ethics to boot. Dotted across two tiny rainforests isles ringed by calm clear waters teeming with tropical fish. It comes with 24 romantic thatched roof villas, a spa and a host of unforgettable local experiences.
Despite its remote location, Song Saa offers numerous exciting activities from morning snorkels in search of seahorses, to afternoon kayaking through mangroves and night-time dips in bioluminescent waters. There are jungle villas, sea view villas and Maldivian-style overwater villas. All are beautifully decorated in a contemporary-tropical style, with soaring thatched roofs, cool stone walls and vast four-poster beds. The indoor / outdoor bathrooms are dreamy, especially in the evenings, when the huge soaking tubs for two are illuminated by tealights.
ideas kep
The quaint coastal resort of Kep was once reserved for Cambodia’s elite and is dotted with once-decadent villas that hark back to a bygone era. However, the town is regaining its reputation as “Kep-sur-Mer” and boasts a growing collection of upmarket boutique resorts, and restaurants, and is also home to a dish that has made its way round the world – crab and Kampot pepper.
Kep also delights visitors with its scenic nature, including the Kep National Park perched behind Kep Beach. Go with your loved one to discover the iconic “Stairway to Heaven” trail, the Park’s most picturesque trail.
Situated right beside the Kep National Park, the Veranda Natural Resort offers what all honeymooners seek – beauty, tranquility, and intimacy. Here you can enjoy both the gorgeous green surrounds and spectacular ocean views, especially the stunning view of the sun setting over the ocean.
nice diner mekong cruise
See Phnom Penh at its most magical as you journey past the city’s glittering skyline on a romantic sunset dinner cruise along the Mekong River. Glide by the Royal Palace, and through the floating villages of Tonle Sap, sip cocktails as you watch the sunset over Phnom Penh and Silk Island, and tuck into a delicious dinner on-board.
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