12 Best Cities to Visit in Cambodia. At the urban scape of Cambodia, it is the gateways that lead you to the vibrant adventure to this beautiful country: in the cities, the splendor of Cambodia and the generosity of its people are revealed.
Spend a few days wandering local markets, sampling neighborhood bars, and lounging on the banks of the Mekong River, and the multifaceted charms of this lovely country will slowly be revealed. So here they are, the best cities in Cambodia that you can explore, experience, and fall in love with.
Kampong Thom
Kampong Thom, in between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, is often overlooked aside from the rest stop break. Natural wildlife enthusiasts will absolutely love what there is in and around Kampong Thom. The beautiful rice fields and lovely small farms make a perfect home for many birds and wildlife.
Sambor Prei Kuk, the enchanting ruins of the Chenla Kingdom, is also on the outskirts of the city. But even more remarkably, this ancient city is 400 years older than Angkor!
Koh Kong
Koh Kong City is currently undergoing rapid development, but that doesn’t mean its urban area is less beautiful. Weighing in as buoyant bannans behind the increasing inflow of tourists, the booming adventure tourism industry in the city has also contributed to promoting the growth of ecotourism in the adjacent rural areas.
Consider overnighting in the city and taking a tour to explore the neighboring beaches and stunning waterfalls hidden in the thick jungle.
Banlung
Banlung, this remote town located on the borders of Vietnam and Laos, is surrounded by beautiful countryside and dusty red roads. But the site has suffered from illegal trade and logging. Still, the town’s tourism is in its infancy. If you’re ready for some adventure, navigate the vibrant marketplace, then take a day trip to experience some of the natural beauty nearby. Among them is the Boeng Yeak Lom, a giant crater deep in the jungle filled with clear turquoise water.
Kampot
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Although Kampot is labeled as a city, it is not one of those busy, hustle-bustle places that most of us know from urban lifestyle. Its peaceful, relaxed vibe enchants visitors who thought they’d stay a night or two at most, but find themselves lingering longer. The calm streets are perfect for leisurely bike-riding as you weave through the locals going about their business and kids on the way to school.
It has a warm, welcoming atmosphere that is somewhat of a community. Much like a hippie haven, travelers here often stick around for long stays and open their own little shops. Connect with other visitors in the local cafes, and sleep easy in one of the many excellent guest houses.
Kratie
Kratie, a small city, is shaped by the bends and curves of the magnificent Mekong River. Many visitors stop in this town to experience life in the Slow Lane and to see one of the few remaining Irrawaddy dolphins in this stretch of the river.
Just sitting in one of the riverbank cafes, one can observe what a miserable life and poor conditions most of the locals are living in. The children beg, dressed inappropriately, and travelers document the beggars with their SLR cameras. Somehow, the people of Kratie are incredibly friendly and welcoming to tourists, despite the above.
Take a pleasant ferry ride over the Mekong, followed by a full day on Koh Trong island, home to a small community in the river. With its round island dirt road, pedaling around is a great way to experience their lifestyle.
Battambang
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Battambang has become an artistic hub—known for its crumbling colonial buildings and picturesque farmland. This city not only nurtures Cambodia’s budding artistic talents but also provides a window into the world of ancient temples and pagodas.
Battambang, with its peaceful atmosphere, is a welcome sanctuary from the nearby lively streets of Cambodia’s larger cities. But this historic architectural gem of a town is under the imminent threat of being torn down by commercial interests. You must travel here before more concrete takes over and, as a result, wipes out the long history of what was once on the river.
Sihanoukville
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Sihanoukville, a quiet and remote city, is recognized as Cambodia’s premier coastal resort. This delightful fishing port has recently attracted tourists looking to experience a quiet and laid-back part of Cambodia’s shoreline.
Unlike known destinations in Cambodia for mass tourism, Sihanoukville is a little off the beaten track; however, business and development are booming. Scattered along the white sand beach are little shacks and bars where people chill with a drink, enjoying the spectacular view of the sea.
There are many hotels in the city, available to your budget. Although some parts have a somewhat dubious feel, with lingering older, solo male travelers, Sihanoukville is a gateway to Cambodia’s beautiful tropical islands.
Siem Reap
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Siem Reap, a vibrant and lively city, is known for its dusty charm. It serves as a popular destination for travelers exploring Southeast Asia, primarily due to its renowned Angkor temples. A quick tuk-tuk ride away from the city center, the temple complex emerges amidst the jungle, resembling scenes from a captivating novel.
While Siem Reap is famous for its temples, the city itself offers a delightful experience for tourists. It provides an opportunity to relax, relish delicious meals, savor drinks with friends, and dance the night away. Alternatively, if you prefer a more tranquil atmosphere, you can indulge in a rejuvenating session at one of the numerous massage parlors available.
Phnom Penh
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“Phnom Penh has had and still has its share of tough times and difficult days. But, despite its troubled history, the city has emerged with an extraordinary strength and resilience that is nothing short of inspirational. The Killing Fields, found a mere stone’s throw from the busy city streets, stand as a tragic memorial to the crimes committed and lives lost at the hands of the Khmer Rouge.
A somber reminder of an, at times, even more terrible history that remains looming over the people of Cambodia is also housed within the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, which is built on the grounds of an old school building.
Still, that did not entirely define Cambodia. As you wander through the streets of Phnom Penh, you’ll see friendly locals doing their daily routines, shopping in lively markets, or just relaxing on the banks of the Ton Le Sap River. Make sure to visit the Wat Phnom temple, which the city was named after, and take a moment to sit back and really consider the majesty of this great city.”
Poipet
Poipet is a transit hub in Cambodia just across the border from Thailand. In recent years, its economy has expanded greatly due to an influx of Thai tourists visiting its casinos. It is now awash with wealth, as Bangkok’s elite flock to the gambling town that just a decade ago had been little more than a mediocre port. But Poipet is not a beautiful or nice place; many visitors come only for visa runs, and there are reports of scams at the border crossing. A visit to the old train station, a testament to the city’s past that now sits surrounded by slums, is a great way to get a feel of local life.
Kampong Cham
Kampong Cham, a town nestled by a winding stretch of the gleaming orange Mekong River, is a trading center for the region. The locals are warm and welcoming, making it one of the lovely cities to visit even if the city has not been developed much nor frequented by tourists. Although there are not exactly the most activities to enjoy, strolling down the busy boulevard and the beautiful riversides is a must. One of the city’s top attractions is the annual rebuilding of the bamboo bridge, which leads to a fascinating island community.
Kep is one of the 12 Best Cities to Visit in Cambodia
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Kep is a sleepy little beach town famous for its delicious seafood, white sandy beach, and national park. It was created as a coastal getaway for rich French elites in the early 1900s, and the remaining villas—often in disarray—resemble grand Western-style homes, now weathered by the surrounding jungle and making for an undisturbed setting for photographers. Most families visit Kep for sunset tranquility, replete with mouth-watering seafood and refreshing hiking trails National Park.
