Mondulkiri

This wild, sparsely populated area of Cambodia is another one away from the tourist trail. Dotted with rolling hills, jungles, waterfalls and valleys, it is home to some of the country’s most rare and endangered wildlife, including leopards, water buffalo and elephants. Homestays are available throughout the province, mostly run by bunongs, the minority group who predominantly inhabit the area. For a more unique proposal why not seek their help in arranging a bunong themed way to pop the question?

Romance may not naturally come coupled with the dusty Cambodian capital but there are plenty of special spots to get the romantic juices flowing. Eclipse skybar, which sits on the 24^th floor of Phnom Penh Tower, is the highest spot in the city and offers 360-degree views of the sprawling capital below. While it does get crowded at sunset, there are private booths boasting the best views, that can be reserved for free, with staff happy to help arrange that special moment. Finish it off with a visit to Malis (Norodom Boulevard), the capital’s finest Cambodian restaurant owned by revered chef Luu Meng. 

Mondulkiri

A strong sense of national pride exists in Cambodia, and there is an abundance of sites that locals hold close to their hearts. Here are a few of the most-favoured spots.

This iconic temple complex may well be Cambodia’s main tourist draw but, more importantly, it sits at the centre of Khmer national pride. It’s also well worth remembering that while it’s a major tourist attraction, it also serves as a temple and sacred place of worship – the largest religious monument in the world – for Cambodians, of which the majority are Buddhist. Built in the 12^th century as a Hindutemple, it later changed to a Buddhist temple, and served as the capital of the ruling Khmer Empire. It appears on the national flag.

The eastern province of Mondulkiri is predominantly home to Cambodia’s hill tribes, the Bunong. The minority ethnic group, who have inhabited the rugged region for generations, have been dubbed the caretakers of Cambodia’s sacred forests. Living alongside nature, the Bunong people deem areas of the thick forest sacred due to ancestors being buried there. Nature lovers will be in their element in Mondulkiri thanks to the vast jungle, which is being threatened by illegal loggers, and its rare flora and fauna. It is also home to a handful of elephant sanctuaries.