Cambodia used to be an afterthought for travellers who quickly sandwiched a visit in between travelling from Thailand to Vietnam. However, as its wonders have come to the fore, more and more people are treating Cambodia as a destination in its own right.
These amazing places in Cambodia will provide a good starting point for those planning to visit the country, offering everything from bucket list spots to off-the-beaten-track destinations. Which one will be your favourite?
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- 🇰🇭 Cambodia Country Guide
- 📍 Cambodia Itineraries for Travellers
- 💰 Cambodia’s Currency – Riel vs. USD
15 Cambodian Destinations You Should Visit
1. Phnom Penh (The Capital)
Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital city, is a little like Marmite – you either love it or hate it. For today’s travellers, the city is a clash between old and new Asia; extremes of rich and poor, modern technology and tradition.
As the sea of motorbikes and frantic traffic hurtle through the dusty streets, passing bustling markets, piles of rubbish and saffron-robed monks, there is no doubt that Phnom will both overwhelm and astound you. While the city is best known for its genocide tourism, there is plenty more on offer if you stay for a few days and do more than scratch the surface.
Visit the poignant Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Museum to learn more about the recent history of the country or delve into the country’s ancient past at the National Museum. The nature lovers among you may be surprised to learn that this is one of the best places to see hornbills in the country, just head to Wat Phnom and remember your camera.
2. The Angkor Temples
Angkor Wat, outside Siem Reap, is hailed as one of the most magnificent examples of architecture created by man. Built for King Suryavarman II, this awe-inspiring site flourished as the capital of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to the 13th Century.
Heralded as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’, the ancient city is a photographer’s paradise offering a staggering 400 km² of temple ruins. You’ll feel like you’re in an Indiana Jones movie as you wander around crumbling ruins, in places overpowered by the force of nature as trees grow amidst the stone.
Researchers have suggested that Angkor Wat was constructed by just 12,000 workers, some of whom were slaves. Its full construction is believed to have taken only 35 years to build.
3. Siem Reap
Siem Reap, while initially only used as a base for visiting Angkor Wat, has become a fun and lively destination in its own right. With a nightlife bazaar aptly named Pub Street, you’ll find plenty to indulge in on a visit to Siem Reap!
As well as unbeatable accommodation options (some with swimming pools) a fun night market, delicious street food and the unmissable Phare Circus, you’ll also find the Tonlé Sap Lake, one of the largest in Southeast Asia.
Siem Reap is a great introduction to Cambodia and its people. You’ll find culture and history aplenty, not to mention countless wellness retreats and spas to help rejuvenate your weary legs after a long day traipsing around temples!
4. Koh Rong
Koh Rong, Cambodia’s largest island, was once a deserted tropical paradise, but with increasing tourist numbers, development has boomed. Despite once being a popular backpacker hideaway, it is being overtaken by resorts and luxury establishments.
The party scene is still thriving though! These days, hedonists pitch up along the Koh Touch strip and rave til’ the sun comes up. If you’re looking for a more tranquil scene, head away from the main tourist town or see what Cambodia’s other islands have to offer!
5. Koh Rong Samloem
Koh Rong Samloem, Koh Rong’s sister island, lies 4 km south and offers a very different vibe! Boasting stunning sands and a range of accommodations to suit all budgets, it is a favourite among travellers and has even been voted one of our top 50 islands in Southeast Asia!
Gorgeous white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and great snorkelling are likely to take up all of your time on the island – put simply, relaxing is the name of the game here! Speed ferries arrive at both Saracen Bay and M’Pai Bay, make sure you let the captain know which bay you’d prefer to be dropped at when you board.
Read 👉 Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem – Choosing the Right One For You!
6. Kratié
The picturesque, riverside town of Kratié in Eastern Cambodia is one of the best places to catch a glimpse of the rare Irrawaddy dolphin. A highly endangered species, environmentalists believe that there are fewer than 100 dolphins left in this part of the Mekong! Read about seeing the Irrawaddy dolphins in Kratié here.
In the town itself, you’ll find interesting French colonial architecture, some great Cambodian food (don’t miss the BBQ snails!) and colourful local markets. Use the town as a base to explore the nearby Koh Trong, a beautiful island lodged in the centre of the Mekong River clad with banana trees. The 9 km cycle trail makes for a great day out and there are even homestays which allow you to stay overnight while experiencing the ‘real’ Cambodia!
7. Preah Vihear Temple
Preah Vihear sits on top of a vast cliff in the north of Cambodia. It comes with breathtaking views and a little controversy, making it a perfect sightseeing destination!
When France drew up the lines between Thailand and Cambodia in the early 20th century, the temple was half on the Thai side and half on the Cambodian side. This, of course, provoked disputes as to who could lay claim to it but when Cambodia became independent in the 1950s, a court ruled that Preah Vihear belonged to them.
In recent years, the temple has been awarded UNESCO Heritage status. The best way to get there is to rent a motorbike and ride yourself independently from Siem Reap. There’s a military checkpoint at the bottom of the hill (you can see the flag of the Thai checkpoint too), so have your passport ready.
Read 👉 Thailand or Cambodia – Which is Right For You?
8. The Floating Villages of the Tonlé Sap Lake
Tonlé Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, lies just south of the tourist hotspot, Siem Reap. It is also known as the ‘Inland Cambodian Sea’. Every year during the rainy season, its waters swell over three months, transforming the lake from 160 km long to up to 250 km!
The lake is particularly special because the local people have made their homes on floating houses on the lake. You can take a day tour to visit the lake with its stilted villages hovering over the flooded forest and get an up-close look at the lives and traditions of the natives. However, it’s important to do your research about the floating villages before visiting.
Some villages, such as the notorious Chong Kneas, are the site of travel scams and unethical tourism. Read more about the floating villages of Siem Reap here and learn how to find an ethical tour.
Top Tip!
Want to see Cambodia’s floating villages firsthand but don’t like the idea of an organised group tour? Make Battambang your next destination and hop on board the boat which services the two destinations. Journeys are far from comfortable and can be long but we think the experience outweighs any of the negatives! Read more about the boat from Siem Reap to Battambang here.
9. Battambang
The charming city of Battambang is a great place to while away a few days during your Cambodian adventure. A picturesque city of French colonial architecture, quaint cafés and pretty surrounding countryside, it’s a place where many travellers decide to make a base for a while.
The Bat Cave, the infamous Killing Cave and the Bamboo Train lie just outside the city and make for an interesting day trip! A range of trips run from different travel agencies and accommodation options and offer good value for money. Explore on two wheels for a novel experience.
10. Koh Ta Kiev
Although not one of Cambodia’s most famous beach destinations, the island of Koh Ta Kiev is well worth a visit. Known for its old-school backpacker vibe and rustic accommodation, you’ll feel like you’ve jumped back in time when you first plunge your toes into the white sand.
Flying well and truly under the radar for most tourists, there are no roads on the island and the only way to get from A to B is to tackle the network of jungle trails on foot. Despite its relative lack of development, there is plenty to do here, from swimming with bioluminescent plankton to kayaking and boat trips!
11. Kampot
Kampot is a beautiful sleepy town with a developed expat scene and excellent adventures on the doorstep. Explore the nearby Bokor Mountain, Preah Monivong Bokor National Park and Kampot River. As well as this, if you hire a bike, you can explore Kampot’s iconic salt and pepper plantations, and visit caves and hidden lakes.
Kampot is a great place to unwind for a bit and soak up some real Cambodian countryside. For those wanting to take a break from the Banana Pancake Trail, don’t miss Yoga Barn, Cambodia’s most budget-friendly yoga retreat. Rolling retreats occur year-round and attract a range of travellers, from backpackers to older couples. Find your zen here!
Also read: The best yoga retreats in Cambodia.
12. Kep
Once a popular beach resort for rich French colonials, Kep is now a chilled seaside town, home to decaying French mansions and abandoned resorts – ideal for urban explorers! Hanging out along the beachfront is the ultimate way to relax and there are several bars where you can grab a cheap cocktail and watch the sunset.
Crab is a speciality here and the seafood market is well worth a visit if you’re looking to try the local cuisine. You can also explore the nearby pepper and salt plantations from Kep, or hop on a boat trip to escape to nearby Koh Tonsay. Kep is only a 30-minute drive from Kampot and can be visited on a day trip by motorbike.
13. Phnom Kulen
An hour and a half outside Siem Reap, you’ll find this lush green mountainous forest dotted with waterfalls and temples. Accessible by motorbike or bus, Phnom Kulen is wonderful for those seeking a fresh day out in nature and is, for the time being, an off-the-beaten-track spot!
In the rainy season, the waterfalls here are truly spectacular and if you make it to the summit of the mountain (a relatively easy climb) there’s a beautiful Buddhist temple where you can see locals making offerings.
14. Cardamom Mountains
Few people are aware that Cambodia is home to one of Southeast Asia’s most species-rich tropical rainforests, covering 4.4 million hectares. The jungle, as well as boasting Cambodia’s highest mountain, is home to a large variety of flora and fauna, many of which are in danger from recent deforestation and/or poaching.
Trekking and camping in the Cardamon Mountains is possible and there are a few eco-lodges offering luxury accommodation as part of their tour packages too. The area is also home to many of Cambodia’s ethnic minorities. For a really unique off-the-beaten-track experience, visit the Osoam Community, an ecotourism project run by some amazing people. Alternatively, stay around the town of Koh Kong are arrange hiking trips from there.
15. Sen Monorom
If you’re really looking to get off the beaten track, North Eastern Cambodia, notably Mondulkiri Province, is one of the least visited, most remote, yet most beautiful parts of Cambodia. Mondulkiri means ‘Meeting of the Hills’ and the province is much higher (and much colder) than the rest of Cambodia, sitting at an average height of 800 metres. The city of Sen Monorom is likely to be the base of your adventures and a great place to organise onward trips to the local area.
Rolling hills, mountains, volcanic crater lakes and trekking to local minority villages – there is plenty for adventure-seeking travellers here. If you’re in the area, don’t miss the Elephant Valley Project, one of Cambodia’s best elephant sanctuaries. Offering a truly ethical experience with a hands-off policy, a visit here facilitates the rescue of Asian elephants and supports the local community who care for them.
👉 Book your visit to the Elephant Valley Project or spend longer volunteering for an experience you’ll never forget! 🐘
16. Sihanoukville (Avoid!)
Once a cheap backpacker heaven, now an outright tourist hell, Sihanoukville is one of the saddest stories in Southeast Asian backpacker history. When we asked our Facebook community for their latest tips for Cambodia, many of them simply said AVOID SIHANOUKVILLE.
Sadly, the beach town is an example of everything that can go wrong when it comes to tourism; over-development, tacky hotels, disregard for the environment, littered beaches and general seediness. Go there simply to catch a boat to the islands and avoid spending the night.
When you think of places to visit in Cambodia, I’d bet that only a couple spring to mind. However, do more than scratch the surface and you’ll discover a wealth of wonderful destinations, all with their own unique charm and history.
From the isolated sands of Koh Ta Kiev to the rich heritage of Preah Vihear Temple, there really is so much more than Angkor Wat – but only for those that go out and find it.
Sheree Hooker | Editor @ South East Asia Backpacker + Winging The World
Sheree is the awkward British wanderluster behind Winging The World, a blog designed to show that even the most useless of us can travel. Follow Sheree’s adventures as she blunders around the globe, falling into squat toilets, getting into cars with machete men and running away from angry peacocks. In recent years, Sheree has also taken on the role of editor at South East Asia Backpacker.
