Updated: Feb 3, 2024
Embark on a journey to Cambodia and discover some of Southeast Asia’s most captivating experiences. From awe-inspiring temples to pristine beaches and exotic wildlife, Cambodia has it all. With so much to explore, it’s worth spending a few weeks in this enchanting country.
Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, has come a long way since its tumultuous past and is now a bustling hub of contemporary life. However, Siem Reap, the gateway to the majestic temples of Angkor, is giving the capital a run for its money with its sophisticated restaurants, lively bars, and chic boutiques. And let’s not forget about the World Heritage-listed Angkor, home to some of the most spectacular temples on earth.
Several up-and-coming beach resorts and tropical islands are emerging on the South Coast of Cambodia. Northwestern Cambodia is home to Battambang, a French-colonial city that offers a more traditional slice of Cambodian life and several remote jungle temples. The country’s wild east is where elephants roam, waterfalls thunder, and freshwater dolphins frolic.
Cambodia is a country that is home to some of Southeast Asia’s most awe-inspiring experiences. To begin your adventure, here are some of the best places to visit in the country.
A stunning display of sacredness
The Angkor temples, a globally recognized destination, consistently rank first on the world’s top attractions lists. The most renowned structures include Angkor Wat, the largest religious edifice globally, and the Bayon, a unique temple known for its intriguing collection of sculpted stone faces. Another notable site is Ta Prohm, where nature has reclaimed its dominance over the ancient stonework.
The ancient Khmers constructed an array of structures equivalent to all of Europe’s cathedrals within an area comparable to Los Angeles, making it worthwhile to spend time exploring. Numerous peripheral temple sites attract fewer crowds, such as the intricately carved Banteay Srei, the overgrown remnants of Beng Mealea, and Prasat Thom at Koh Ker, a temple resembling a Mayan-style pyramid.
Best for beaches relaxing
Although the Cambodian coast, adorned with sand, may not hold the same fame as the beaches of Thailand or Indonesia, it nonetheless provides a complete tropical retreat experience, minus the overwhelming crowds. The neighboring islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem are the most frequented, surrounded by clear blue waters and plentiful pristine white sand.
The coastline is dotted with numerous other islands, including the largely unexplored Koh Sdach Archipelago and the vast, almost untouched Koh Kong. The smaller islands near the imposing Sihanoukville, such as Koh Russey with its high-end resorts and Koh Ta Khiev with its relaxed backpacker bungalows, should not be missed.
Best for fine dining and nightlife
The capital of Cambodia, despite its chaotic charm, has emerged from the dark shadows of its conflict-ridden history to embrace a promising future. With one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating riverfronts, Phnom Penh is evolving into a refined modern capital, thanks to its remarkable array of boutique hotels, gourmet restaurants, and bohemian bars.
Urban adventurers can indulge in day-long feasts and night-long festivities, or delve into the awe-inspiring National Museum and the chilling Tuol Sleng prison, which together encapsulate the highs and lows of Cambodia’s history. Once referred to as the ‘pearl of Asia,’ Phnom Penh is reclaiming its luster.
Best for countryside scenery
The southern twin provinces present an ideal blend of travel amenities and genuine local charm for those desiring a more comprehensive experience than the typical island getaway. The delightful town of Kampot offers a variety of backpacker hostels, riverside resorts, and boutique hotels as bases for visitors to appreciate the French architectural heritage, explore the scenic river via paddleboard or kayak, or journey into the idyllic countryside on a bicycle.
The beachside boutique allure of Kep boasts its renowned Crab Market, hiking opportunities in Kep National Park, and the nearby Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island) - a perfect refuge from the hustle and bustle. Rural escapades encompass the serpentine climb to the atmospheric Bokor Hill Station, hidden cave pagodas dating back to the 7th century, and visits to traditional pepper farms. Make sure to take a leisurely drive through the salt flats at sunset, where workers employ a conventional yoke and baskets to collect the region’s ‘white gold’.
Best for motorcycle adventures
Encompassing a vast area of 20,746 square kilometers (or 8010 square miles), the Cardamom Rainforest Landscape protected area is home to one of Southeast Asia’s last remaining wilderness regions – the remote Cardamom Mountains. This region of extraordinary beauty and remarkable biodiversity includes a green corridor that houses many of Cambodia’s most exceptional natural sites.
If possible, traverse the landscape on a motorbike to fully immerse yourself in the surroundings. Notable features include the secluded Stung Areng Valley, the expansive grasslands and striking cliffs of Khnong Phsar, award-winning eco-lodges in Botum Sakor National Park, and the Tatai Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its iconic waterfall, numerous eco-adventures, and enchanting accommodations. For those seeking a journey into the wild, the Cardamom Mountains are the ideal destination.
Best for a taste of local life
While Siem Reap may primarily be known as the gateway to the temples of Angkor, this enchanting town has evolved into a destination of global stature, boasting an excellent array of restaurants, cafes, and bars, vibrant markets, trendy boutiques, and avant-garde galleries. Beyond the town center, you’ll find ethereal floating villages on the Tonlé Sap lake, adventurous activities like quad biking and ziplining, and cultural experiences such as cooking classes and martial arts courses.
For a unique experience, venture to the nearby traditional villages where you can immerse yourself in local life through warm and inviting homestays. Siem Reap experienced significant impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the closure of many businesses. However, concerted efforts have been made to ‘build back better’ with improvements such as renovated roads, riverside gardens, and city-wide cycle lanes.
Best for wildlife-spotting
In the northeastern region of the nation, the boundless rice fields and sugar palms that typify most of Cambodia’s landscape yield to the untamed rolling hills of Mondulkiri, the homeland of the Indigenous Bunong people.
The area’s wildlife is a major attraction, offering the chance to ‘walk with the herd’ at the Elephant Valley Project (a commendable alternative to detrimental elephant-riding) or to spot douc langurs or gibbons on an expedition through the Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary. With the addition of resounding waterfalls and a jungle zipline, you have all the elements for an unforgettable ecotourism adventure.
Best for contrasting historic architecture
Meandering along the Sangker River, Battambang represents the quintessential urban Cambodia and is one of the nation’s most well-conserved towns from the colonial era. Its streets of shophouses accommodate everything from fairtrade cafes to art galleries. Beyond the town, in the rural landscape, lies a group of ancient temples that, while not as renowned as the temples of Angkor, are typically less crowded.
Battambang is also the base for the inspiring Phare Ponleu Selpak, a distinguished arts NGO that nurtures performing artists and hosts compelling performance art shows that blend circus skills with theater and storytelling. Battambang, far removed from the hustle of Phnom Penh and the throngs at Angkor, is certainly worth a detour from the usual tourist path.
Best for ruins with a view
Prasat Preah Vihear, the paramount of all mountain temples, majestically perches atop the Dangkrek Mountains, a ridge cloaked in forest that once marked a disputed boundary between Cambodia and Thailand. The temple’s foundation stones extend to the brink of a cliff that plunges dramatically to the plains beneath, offering awe-inspiring views across northern Cambodia.
Built over three centuries ago, the temple serves as a three-dimensional embodiment of Mt Meru, the epicenter of the universe in Hindu mythology. It provides intriguing glimpses into the progression of carving and sculpture during the Angkorian era. The temple’s allure lies in its location – remote and challenging to access, but the journey is undeniably rewarding.
Best for Mekong River adventures
Kratie serves as the starting point for excursions to observe the rare freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong River. It’s a bustling crossroads on the land route between Phnom Penh and northeastern Cambodia or southern Laos. Beyond the dolphins, the town exudes a certain charm of fading colonial elegance and offers some of the country’s most stunning Mekong sunsets.
The nearby Koh Trong island is a tranquil spot to enjoy genuine Khmer hospitality at a local homestay or to explore on a rented bicycle. To the north of Kratie is the Mekong Discovery Trail, offering a variety of adventures and experiences centered around the mother river, including community-based homestays, bike rides, and boat trips.
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Cambodia Tour Operator - Cambodia Tour Packages 2024/2025
