Cambodia continues to maintain a delicate balance between being a popular tourist destination and an unexplored eastern locale. Unlike the throngs found in Thailand to the west, areas like the remote north and the untamed Cardamom Mountains have largely remained undiscovered, with travelers beginning to unveil their tribal communities and enigmatic Khmer temples.
Nevertheless, there are indeed renowned attractions in this region of Southeast Asia, ranging from the intricately carved corridors of UNESCO-listed Angkor Wat to the pristine beaches along the Kep Peninsula. Meanwhile, places such as Sihanoukville and Battambang accommodate the bustle of backpackers, while the capital city of Phnom Penh offers an insightful and educational perspective on the tragedies of Cambodia’s 20th-century history alongside its majestic temples and royal courtrooms.
Thus, if you are seeking a destination that amalgamates adventure, cultural exploration, history, and tranquility in a tropical setting, this may just be the ideal location.
Let us delve into the top places to explore in Cambodia:
1. Angkor
The site of the renowned Angkor Wat is indisputably one of Cambodia’s essential destinations.
Unfortunately, due to its famed pagodas and vine-clad stupas recognized by UNESCO, it is also among the most frequented areas in the country.
Nonetheless, it is certainly worthwhile to face the crowds and venture out from Siem Reap for a while to witness this global marvel.
Surrounded by lush rice paddies and thick jungles, it rises from the foliage in a collage of historic Khmer towers and captivating former Hindu temples.
Presently, it is the chants of Buddhist monks and astonished visitors that fill the air, as they navigate the intricate base reliefs and the grand sandstone sculptures of mythical creatures.
2. Sihanoukville
Sihanoukville serves as Cambodia’s equivalent to the beach towns found in Thailand across the gulf.
A disheveled location with tin-roofed hostels and bamboo bars spilling onto the sands, it exudes a relaxed atmosphere that offers a welcome respite from the country’s other urban environments.
The beaches are the focal point for both daytime and nighttime activities, with establishments along Ochheuteal providing ample lounge spaces and water sports.
For those seeking a more tranquil experience, one can easily venture around the headlands to reach the lesser-known Otres Beach or pay for access to the serene Sokha Beach nearby.
3. Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh embodies a city in transition: a place where neighborhoods of makeshift homes coexist with gilded temples and modern highways of the 21st century.
This makes it an ideal location to grasp the essence of Cambodia as a whole; a nation artfully merging the old and the new.
The crown jewel is undoubtedly the opulent Royal Palace complex, gleaming with the spires of the Silver Pagoda at its core.
For an authentic taste of local life, be sure to visit the vibrant Sisowath Quay, which runs along the Mekong River, featuring an eclectic mix of markets and picnic areas.
Moreover, the region also includes the memorial sites known as the Killing Fields, which serve as solemn and stark reminders of the tragic events of Cambodia’s recent history.
4. Kratie
Characterized by the twists and turns of the Mekong River as it flows toward the delta and the South China Sea to the southeast, this quaint location is slowly evolving into one of Cambodia’s genuine backpacker hubs.
It is easy to understand the appeal for budget travelers—consider affordable wooden guesthouses and traditional craft markets situated by the water.
Furthermore, Kratie is also recognized as one of the prime locations to observe the endangered Cambodian river dolphin.
Guided excursions to observe these majestic creatures in the Mekong depart from the docks daily.
5. Siem Reap
It is true that the majority of visitors flock to Siem Reap to access the UNESCO site of Angkor Wat.
Nonetheless, largely due to the growing number of tourists in recent years, this city has matured into a worthy destination in its own right.
Travelers can explore a historical town filled with graceful French colonial homes and charming Chinese shops, all accented by the bustling atmosphere of Psah Chas market (ideal for finding delicious noodle soups!) and numerous lively bars (notably, the well-known Pub Street). Additionally, notable museums such as the poignant Cambodia Landmine Museum and the equally impactful War Museum Cambodia add to the city’s cultural depth.
6. Koh Ker
Koh Ker is the lesser-known counterpart to Angkor Wat.
Nestled deep within the northern Cambodian jungles, this area served as the capital of the powerful Khmer Empire for merely 20 years.
However, those two decades of prominence are still evident in the ornate stupas emerging from the treetops and the 1,000-year-old tiered Prasat Thom temples that rise above the forest floor, reaching over 30 meters in height.
Visitors will also witness an impressive array of fortifications dating back to the 10th century, alongside crumbling ruins of shrines now nearly completely enveloped by the roots of vast teak trees.
In summary, this is an excellent alternative for those seeking a reprieve from the crowds at Angkor.
7. Koh Rong
This elongated island, situated where the waters of the Thai Gulf converge with the South China Sea, is an epitome of tropical splendor.
It features an impressive 23 distinct beaches, all of which are significantly quieter and less developed than those across the straits in Sihanoukville.
Rustic, oceanfront bungalows are sparsely scattered along the shoreline, offering plenty of opportunities for hiking in the forests or enjoying a snorkeling adventure in the vibrant coral-filled waters.
Koh Rong is also renowned for its bioluminescent waters, which illuminate at night under the dark sky—you’ll be able to spot them unless you are preoccupied with enjoying beverages in the nearby Koh Tuch Village!
8. Banlung
The provincial capital of Ratanakiri remains largely off the tourist map—at least for the time being.
Gradually, more adventure enthusiasts and outdoor lovers are donning their hiking boots and venturing to this secluded part of the country, where monkeys mingle with slithering snakes amid the forest canopies.
The town itself may be a dusty, bustling affair, but there are numerous tour companies available to arrange excursions to the scenic Yeak Laom Volcanic Lake, the stunning Cha Ong waterfall, or the sprawling rubber plantations that encompass the province.
9. Kampot
Although Kampot may seem tantalizingly close to the coast, it offers experiences that extend far beyond beaches, sun, and surf; this riverside town along the Praek Tuek Chhu delta provides a distinct ambiance.
Start by exploring the pepper farms that dominate the local agricultural landscape, which are not only the primary economic contributors here but also yield the unique Kampot pepper variety.
The town also features a range of rustic fishing villages, where seafood is often prepared with zesty chili and lemongrass.
To add to its charm, the central area boasts a collection of decaying colonial buildings, alongside the dilapidated remnants of old trains at the Kampot railway station.
10. Mondulkiri
Asian elephants wander the fields and wetlands of remote Mondulkiri Province; water buffalo and traditional timber houses encircle the marshlands as hills of wooded rock rise toward the Vietnam border.
This eastern treasure offers a stark contrast to the sun-baked regions and sweltering tropics that dominate the rest of Cambodia, and is gradually becoming famous for its exceptional elephant conservation initiative.
Cultural interactions with the local Bunong communities are also possible, and such ecotourism experiences are increasingly becoming the main focus here.
11. Battambang
Statue-dotted Battambang stands out as a somewhat unique choice among the typical backpacking route in Cambodia.
Why is that? The town itself does not offer an extensive number of attractions, and its temples do not rival the splendor of those in Siem Reap.
Nevertheless, visitors continue to be drawn to this second-largest city, and there is no complaint about it.
Vibrant bars line the streets, and various quality accommodations abound, often nestled among Buddhist temples and the energetic Central Market.
Surrounding Battambang, one will find Wat Baydamram (home to numerous fruit bats) and the haunting Wat Samraong Knong, which previously functioned as a Khmer Rouge prison!
12. Kep
Once a prestigious vacation destination for Cambodian elites, Kep has been diminished to shadows of its former glory since the early 20th century.
Indeed, decades of conflict and the destruction brought about by the Khmer Rouge severely impacted this coastal jewel, leaving behind derelict villas and burned-down hotels visibly scattered along the coastline.
However, Kep is experiencing a resurgence, with its picturesque stretches of soft yellow sand along the Kep Peninsula once again bustling with seafood restaurants and bars.
Additionally, a visit would not be complete without sampling the renowned Kep crab—one of Cambodia’s most celebrated culinary delights!
13. Koh Thonsay
Rabbit Island (known in English) is one of Kep Province’s hidden gems, situated just off the coast in the waters of the Thai Gulf.
Encircled by gently sloping yellow sands and swaying coconut palms, it boasts all the attributes one anticipates from an idyllic tropical island.
Furthermore, Koh Thonsay experiences far fewer crowds compared to its counterparts across the sea in Thailand, along with more affordable prices! The best activity is to don walking shoes and traverse the coastal trails.
Sooner or later, you will discover a hidden cove with crystalline waters, entirely unoccupied apart from the occasional passing fishing boat.
14. Koh Kong
The rugged, wind-battered shores of the Koh Kong coast signify where the primordial forests of the Cardamom Mountains Rainforest cascade down to meet the Indian Ocean.
Remaining undeveloped and untouched by the influences of modern tourism, this area is a vivid representation of wild Southeast Asia.
A handful of casinos and questionable massage parlors endure from the period when Krong was a smuggling hotspot along the Thai border; however, the main attractions undeniably include cascading waterfalls, dense jungles, and the legendary beaches of Koh Krong Island.
15. Pailin
Pailin lies deep within the Cardamom Mountains of western Cambodia.
Encircled by lush green hills and dominated by the jagged peaks of the adjacent mountains, it was previously recognized as the primary gem mining hub of the nation.
This subsequently made it a significant conflict zone during the Khmer Rouge era, leaving behind a history steeped in darkness to explore.
Today, the area presents a pleasantly walkable and sleepy ambiance, with convenient access to the wild and untouched Roneam Daun Sam Wildlife Sanctuary, in addition to a series of lookout pagodas and waterfalls to visit.
