What to See in Cambodia for Sports Tourists

Sports tourism is a growing business around the world. Increasing numbers of dedicated sports fans aim to see their favourite sports events in person. One of the advantages of sports tourism is that you can combine visiting a country to see a sports event with taking the time to explore the local attractions and sites of interest, from spectacular wildlife to historic monuments. And, for those who like to bet on their favourite sports, modern mobile and online technology makes it easy to access a variety of fast withdrawal bookmakers, wherever you are, enabling you to access your money as quickly as possible as you travel to and from the top sports events.

Such was the case, for instance, with the latest FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Visitors combined watching football matches and travelling. Among the many top sports events in 2023 there are the South-East Asian Games taking place in Cambodia. Some sports fans see them as a perfect chance to see the country as well.

South-East Asian Games: one of the longest-running modern sports competitions

The South-East Asian Games are considered one of the longest-running modern sports competitions, dating back to 1959, when the inaugural event was staged in Bangkok, Thailand. Nowadays the competition involves athletes from 11 nations, including Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. And although it has been staged in 15 different countries over the years, this year’s tournament is taking place in Cambodia (May 5th – May 17th) for the first time, making it a particularly special event.

The opening ceremony will be at the Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom-Penh, an absolutely new multipurpose sports arena that holds 60,000 spectators. Visitors will enjoy watching an incredible range of sports, from athletics, to weightlifting and waterskiing. Most events take place in Phnom-Penh. Other Cambodian cities will also host some SEA events. Siem Reap (the cycling competition), Sihanoukville (sailing and jet skiing), Kep province (triathlon events), Kampot (canoe, kayak and other boating competitions).

So, when the sports action has finished, there are plenty of other attractions and interesting sites to visit in Phnom Penh and elsewhere in Cambodia.

Phnom-Penh

The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh is still the main residence of the King of Cambodia. It is one of the most spectacular architectural sites in the country. The palace contains many must-see features, including the famous Silver Pagoda, with a floor that is made up of over 5000 silver tiles. In total, the site covers over 174,000 square meters and is made up of several compounds.

Tourists are usually able to wander around the Silver Pagoda as well as the central pagoda. This contains the Throne Room, where the monarch is crowned. You may also be able to take

a closer look at the famous Chan Chhaya Pavilion, which was once used to stage spectacular dance performances.

Cambodia National Museum

Built in 1920, this beautiful building houses a fascinating collection of more than 1,800 artifacts. It provides a glimpse into Cambodian culture and history. Located on Street 13 in the capital, the Museum features such exhibits as the giant Vishnu head that was excavated at Angkor Wat. You can also see a variety of statues from the Koh Ker and Angkor Thom temples and a huge collection of pre-Angkor relics.

Phnom Penh River Cruise

One of Phnom Penh’s many charms is its river views. There are plenty of opportunities for tourists to enjoy the riverine nature of the Cambodian capital.

There are regular sunset cruise trips that set out every evening along the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. If you are confident in your river skills, you can hire a private boat. Cruising the rivers is a great way to take a break from the bustle of the capital’s busy seats and enjoy a gentler pace of exploration.

Wat Phnom

Located on Norodom Boulevard, the temple of Wat Phnom stands on the only high ground in the capital – a 27-meter hillock. It is one of the most historically significant buildings in the city. The original religious building on the site was built during the 14th century. It has been rebuilt many times since then, with the latest construction dating back to 1926.

It isn’t just of historical interest, either. Wat Phnom is regarded as one of the capital’s most important Buddhist sites. Visitors to the temple will find a busy and bustling focal point with locals leaving offerings and praying at some of the many shrines that surround the temple building itself.

Siem Reap

Angkor Wat

The largest religious site in the world, Angkor Wat was built during the twelfth century and is known as a Hindu-Buddhist temple. It was built at the request of the king of the Khmer Empire. It features some of the most fascinating and beautiful architecture you will find anywhere in the world.

Not surprisingly, this UNESCO World Heritage site is popular with tourists and visited by around three million people every year. For those staying in Phnom-Penh, it is important to note that Angkor Wat is around 319 km from the capital. While there are various options for getting there, including air travel, it is a good idea to plan your visit carefully.

Sihanoukville, Kep and Kampot

These are all coastal places in Cambodia, with nice resorts and sea-based activities. Sihanoukville is famous for having the best beaches in Cambodia. The Kep province is famous for its crabs, and Kampot – for its pepper. All over the places you will find nice resorts where you can spend some wonderful days at the sea.