What’s up, guys! We’re here in Cambodia, and in this blog, we’re going to show you our favorite places to visit in the country. I’ll be enjoying it, and you will too! Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Cambodia is bordered by Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. Renowned for its rich history, unique culture, and warm hospitality, this hidden gem destination offers a diverse range of attractions—from ancient temples to pristine beaches, bustling cities, and authentic countryside villages. There’s something for everyone!
In this blog, we highlight 10 amazing places to visit in Cambodia. Be sure to read until the end, as we also share helpful travel tips and suggested itineraries to help you plan your own trip to Cambodia. Now, let’s dive in!
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is located in the southeastern part of the country. With most international flights arriving here, it’s often the first place people visit. The capital city offers a fascinating blend of modern developments and traditional charm, as well as a rich cultural, historical, and culinary heritage. Places you can’t miss include the ornate Royal Palace, the moving Killing Fields, and the shocking Security Prison S-21. Learn more about this city in our full video about things to do in Phnom Penh.
Tonle Sap floating village
Located in the north of Cambodia, Tonle Sap is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. The lake swells and shrinks greatly in size throughout the year. During the rainy season, the lake expands and floods the surrounding countryside, creating a network of floating villages. These villages are home to fishing communities who have adapted to the water as part of their existence. It’s possible to visit some of these villages by boat. Two popular options include Kompong Khleang and Kompong Phluk, where you can witness stilted houses and the daily lives of the locals. Both villages are within a short distance from Siem Reap, so you can visit as a half or full day tour.
Ratanakiri Province
Ratanakiri, a remote province in northeastern Cambodia, is an off-the-beaten-path destination known for its lush jungle, ethnic minority villages, and stunning waterfalls. This region offers a fantastic opportunity for ecotourism. A great place to explore this region from is Banlung, the province’s capital city. From here, you can arrange jungle tours as well as other outdoor adventure activities.
We went on a day tour to some of the region’s best waterfalls, a volcanic lake, and a hill tribe village where we learned about their traditions and way of life. Our guide explained why the traditional houses are built in such a unique design, with wooden floors elevated above the ground. During the day, they relax downstairs, and at night, they sleep and store important items upstairs.
Kampot
Located in southern Cambodia, Kampot is a charming riverside town known for its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful scenery. The town itself boasts French colonial architecture and a relaxed riverside ambiance. Attractions in the area include visiting the pepper farms, indulging in delicious seafood cooking on the river, and exploring nearby Bokor National Park. Kampot is the perfect place to unwind and connect with nature while experiencing the lush countryside. The best way to explore these attractions is by renting a motorbike or taking a guided tour.
Siem Reap
Siem Reap is situated in northwestern Cambodia and is most famous for being the gateway to the world-renowned Angkor Wat complex. But aside from ancient temples, which we’ll talk about later in this video, Siem Reap offers a wide range of other attractions.
The vibrant and lively Pub Street is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, with a variety of restaurants, bars, and street food. But the night markets offer dance performances and a visit to a spa cannot be missed. Learn more about this destination in our other blog all about Siem Reap.
Phnom Kulen National Park
Phnom Kulen National Park is a mountainous area located about 50 km north of Siem Reap. The park is known for its immense cultural and historical significance, being the birthplace of the ancient Khmer civilization. It’s home to spectacular waterfalls, lush forests, beautiful viewpoints, and ancient temples dating back to the ninth century.
We went here on a day tour from Siem Reap, visiting the sacred temples, reclining Buddha, and picturesque waterfalls. We left a link in the description below the video to the tour that we joined. At the end of the day, our guide explained more about the history of the Kulen Mountains and why this is such an important place for Cambodians.
Its capital city before Siem Reap was built in 802 by King Jayavarman II. It’s associated with the Hindu god Shiva, and it’s believed to be a holy place.
Kratié
Kratié is a peaceful town located in eastern Cambodia. This hidden gem often gets overlooked by tourists but offers a unique and authentic experience. The province is home to one of the few remaining habitats of the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins, also known as the Mekong dolphins. You can take a boat or kayak tour on the Mekong River to spot these playful dolphins in their natural environment.
Tours typically take you to the nearby town of Kampi, only 15 km away from the provincial town of Kratié. A tour generally includes kayaking downstream on the river, trying some local food for lunch, and spotting these fantastic creatures.
Koh Rong
Koh Rong is a beautiful island located in the Gulf of Thailand, about 25 km off the coast of Sihanoukville in Cambodia. This stunning island is the perfect destination for those seeking a tropical paradise, with its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush jungles. It’s an ideal place to relax and enjoy a stress-free environment.
It’s possible to drive around the island and visit other beaches and attractions, but keep in mind that the level of development is limited, so road conditions can be challenging. Our favorite beaches include Long Set Beach, Long Beach, and Sok San Beach.
Koh Rong Samloem
Koh Rong Samloem is the smaller and more secluded of the Koh Rong Islands. If you’re looking for an even more peaceful getaway, this island is perfect for you. Saracen Bay is the most popular beach on Koh Rong Samloem, offering calm waters and powdery white sand. But if you’re looking for pure tranquility, then Sunset Beach, Lazy Beach, or M’Pai Bay might be for you.
Read our full article comparing both of the Koh Rong Islands to learn more about them. There’s not a lot of things to do here on the island, but it’s just really relaxing, and there’s this really long main beach where you can just keep walking as far as you want.
Angkor Archaeological Park
Once you’ve arrived in Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a true archaeological wonder located near Siem Reap, this vast complex of ancient temples, which includes the iconic Angkor Wat, is a must-visit. Marvel at the intricate carvings, explore the hidden temples, and witness the magical sunrise or sunset inside the park for an unforgettable experience.
Exploring these temples is like stepping back in time and provides a fascinating insight into the ancient civilization that once thrived in the region. Watch our full and comprehensive video to learn more about how to visit these temples so that you can have the best experience possible when you’re there.
Travel tips and Itinerary
As promised at the beginning of our blog, we’ll share five things that we learned in Cambodia that will help your trip.
First, the official currency of Cambodia is the Cambodian riel. However, US Dollars are widely accepted and often used for larger purchases. It’s recommended to carry a mix of both currencies, especially smaller denominations of the riel for daily expenses. Just make sure that your dollars don’t have any small tears or marks on them because they won’t be accepted in a number of touristic places. You can also not pay with a credit card. Cambodia offers Visa on arrival for most nationalities. This means that you can obtain a tourist visa when you get to the international airports in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, as well as at some other land border crossings.
Third, traveling within Cambodia can be challenging due to the developing road infrastructure. In some areas, it’s best to book your travels at your accommodation or travel agency at the destination itself. We recommend downloading the Grab app or the Pass app; these are ride-hailing apps and they work for both taxis and tuk-tuks.
Cambodia’s weather can be categorized into two seasons. The dry season offers pleasant temperatures and is generally considered the best time to visit, especially from November to February when the humidity is lower. However, we visited during October, which was also a nice time to visit as it was fairly quiet.
Finally, Cambodia is generally a safe country to visit. Like in any destination, it’s essential to take basic precautions. Always keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas or tourist hotspots. If you need full guide budget travel tips i make another blog for that check that out.
We also included a few Cambodia trip itinerary options on here in case you want to use them to guide your own adventure around the country.
1 week
Phnom Penh (2 days)
Koh Rong Islands (2 days)
Angkor Park (3 days)
*This itinerary requires flying from Phnom Penh> Sihanoukville (+ferry to Koh Rong) > Siem Reap.
2 Weeks
Phnom Penh (2 days)
Kampot (2days)
Koh Rong Island (4 days)
Siem Reap (6 days)
Angkor Park (3days)
Phnom Kulen (1 days)
Floating Village (1 days)
Siem Reap (1 days)
3 Weeks
Phnom Penh (2 days)
Kampot (2 days)
Koh Rong Island (5 days)
Siem Reap (6 days)
Angkor Park (3 days)
Phnom Kulen (1 days)
Floating Village (1 days)
Siem Reap (1 days)
Kratie (2 days)
Ratanakiri (3 days)
These 1, 2, or 3-week options will give you a great mix of what Cambodia has to offer. There are other places to visit in Cambodia that we didn’t mention, and we put a list of those here for your planning. I hope it will help you.
We’ll catch you on the next adventure!
