“The 10 Best Places to Visit in Cambodia: If you are looking for something different from the sandy beaches of Thailand or the stunning scenery of Vietnam, then here’s a chance for the ancient ruins. And while its cities are modernizing at breakneck speed, Cambodia’s Angkor site is the home to the continent’s largest and most magnificent temples. Smaller towns and villages offer insight into traditional lifestyles, while jungle treks and more ancient ruins await exploration. Cambodia has a lot more to offer, and this is just a small list of why you should visit.”
Kampot
Kampot, located on a river close to the Gulf of Thailand, is known more for its peppers than its tourism sector, but it is becoming increasingly popular. “Black peppercorns from Kampot are highly sought by gourmet chefs around the globe for their unique flavor.” Kampot is not only a gateway to Bokor National Park, home of an abandoned French hill station, cool climate, and pristine primary rainforest; it also allows tourists to boat and raft on the river that passes through town, with the opportunity to appreciate many beautiful falls along the way. Spelunkers interested in ancient ruins won’t want to miss the Kampot Kompong Trach caves. Crab curry is a local favorite.
Kratie
Kratie is a small town along the Mekong River, with a central market ringed by French colonial-era buildings. There isn’t a major tourism industry, though a whole lot of backpackers crowd the area in the best season. This region is famous in Cambodia for its endangered Irrawaddy dolphins, which still breed in the Mekong River in the country. There are between 66 and 86 of these dolphins in the upper Cambodian Mekong region.
Sihanoukville
Sihanoukville, which is named after the former king Norodom Sihanouk, is a beach resort on the Gulf of Thailand in Cambodia. The city is known as Kompong Saom, which is a historical reference to the United States’ final battle in the Vietnam War.
This southern Cambodian coastal city has both sandy and rocky beaches. Sihanoukville beach, though not the best in the southeast, can be a must-see while in Cambodia after visiting the Khmer and other impressive ruins in the country.
North Goa and South Goa, although the two regions are different in their own right, are most popularly known for their golden beaches, attracting all types of travelers—from backpackers choosing to stay in beach huts to the five-star hotel crowd. Snorkeling is also a popular activity at some of the islands close to the city.
If all the water stuff isn’t your thing, you can go get a motorbike on the beach and head into the surrounding jungles of Sihanoukville. Plus, if time allows, we highly recommend a trip to the beautiful, unspoiled Ream National Park. This Sihanoukville easy-to-reach park is a paradise for nature lovers, with over 200 species of birds living there.
Siem Reap
Siem Reap (meaning “Siam Defeated”—not the local Siam, but the early name of Thailand) is a fast-growing city in Cambodia and a pleasant gateway to the famous Angkor temples. Thanks to these famous sites, Siem Reap has emerged as a major tourist hub. It is a mellow and fun place to base yourself while seeing the temples. In Siem Reap, there is no shortage of accommodations, from high-end 5-star hotels to dozens of budget guesthouses, and also a wide choice of restaurants serving all types of food.
Koh Ker
Koh Ker is an isolated temple area about 120 kilometers (75 miles) northeast of Siem Reap. It was briefly the capital of the Khmer Empire from 928 to 944 AD. Over this period, several incredible structures and enormous sculptures were built. The largest structure at the site is Prasat Thom, a 30-meter (98 ft) high pyramid temple that rises above the jungle surrounding.
For almost a thousand years, Koh Ker lay dormant, buried deep in the jungle. Nonetheless, recent mine clearance work, as well as the introduction of a new toll road, have altered this faraway temple hotspot, now easily reached by tourism.
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, has borne that title since the French colonial era. Once known as “the pearl of Asia,” Phnom Penh is one of the most beautiful cities the French built in Indochina, even while it continues to recover from war and revolution. The marks of French influence still remain in the city, and you can trace its history back to the 15th century.
Among the top attractions in the city is the Royal Palace, the official residence of Cambodia’s royal family. Also of note is the Silver Pagoda, which features 5,000 silver tiles underfoot and a stunning gold Buddha encrusted with diamonds. Popular among those who wish to purchase local handicrafts or trinkets, the night market or Phsar Reatrey is a place you cannot miss.
But Phnom Penh is also home to more somber locations that memorialize the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge regime. You can see reminders of this dark chapter in history, such as the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the notorious Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. The Killing Fields, comprising 129 mass graves, include a memorial stupa filled with the skulls of more than 8,000 people who perished here.
Angkor
The Khmer Empire was the dominant empire in Southeast Asia, and Angkor was its capital from the 9th to the 14th century. Now there are many historical treasures that make Angkor one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. Among the ruins are a thousand temples, including Angkor Wat, the temple known throughout the world; the Bayon, famous for the huge faces carved onto its stone walls; and Ta Prohm, a Buddhist temple entwined with great trees.
Many of these temples have been restored, so Angkor is a marvel of the ancient world and provides incredible insight into Khmer history. Over the course of its long-standing history, Angkor experienced religious transitions, alternating from Hinduism to Buddhism. It is now not only a symbol of Cambodia but also one of the region’s top tourist destinations, and it is even emblazoned on its national flag today.
Kep
There are so many beach activities to enjoy in this beautiful coastal city named Kep. Coral reefs exist under the shallow sea, inviting snorkelers to indulge their eyes. Rabbit Island is one of the more popular beaches outside of Kep, but it is very rustic. Power is only available a couple of hours daily in the evening. Consequently, the majority choose to travel to the island as a day trip.
Founded in 1908 as a getaway for the French elite, Kep retains vestiges of its colonial history. The ruins of old colonial villas are scattered throughout town, to the dismay of the Khmer Rouge period. Besides its beautiful beaches, Kep National Park is home to beautiful ocean views, in addition to a butterfly preserve and the chance to see organic peppers being cultivated.
Banlung
Ethan Crowley / Wikipedia
Banlung, in northern Cambodia, is a great option if you enjoy the outdoors. Many tour agencies offer overnight or multi-day excursions into the dense jungles, allowing adventurous travelers to get up close and personal with nature.
These adventure tours allow visitors to see many types of monkeys, which dislike leeches as much as they do. If you want a shorter trip, Yeak Laom Volcanic Lake is a visit into the deep beauty and into watching Cambodian women do some of the traditional art of weaving.
Battambang is one of the 10 Best Places to Visit in Cambodia
Milei.vencel / Wikipedia
Battambang, Cambodia’s second most populous city, is a must-visit for anyone interested in the country’s history. Founded as a trading post in the 18th century, Battambang was incorporated into French Indochina, and it retains some colonial architecture. The town is filled with a variety of Angkor-style temples and Buddhist shrines and is walkable or easily ridden by bike. Visitors will also find various statues, including animal and deity sculptures, placed randomly in public locations, with the most well-known being an ancient Khmer king on the road to Phnom Penh. Plus, don’t miss the Central Market.
