Cambodia sometimes slips under the radar, being sandwiched between 2 of the most popular Southeast Asian countries (Thailand and Vietnam). All the more reason to include it on any trip to either of those countries, for a much more relaxed feel. The famous temples alone are reason enough to visit!
I loved the month I spent there and recommend you go before it becomes as crowded as its neighbors.
Cambodia is definitely among the best cheap countries to travel to. We’ll share a separate post with many examples of lodging prices for these Cambodian destinations soon.
Here are the 6 best destinations in Cambodia.
Map of the 6 best destinations in Cambodia
Cambodia is a small country, about 3 times the size of Nova Scotia. Its population is 17 million, less than half that of Canada.
Here’s a map to locate all the destinations in this post.
1. Phnom Penh
Welcome to the capital, located in the plains in the southern part of the country. Founded in the 14th century, Phnom Penh has a tumultuous past, particularly due to colonization (French Indochina) and the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s.
Despite its scars, Phnom Penh has become a dynamic and diverse city, with 2.3 million inhabitants. You can visit the sublime Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, stroll along the banks of the Mekong River, and savor Khmer cuisine in the street markets.
2. Angkor and Siem Reap
The city of Siem Reap is located in the north-west of Cambodia. It is known as the gateway to the famous ruins of Angkor, the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to the 15th centuries. Siem Reap is the country’s 2nd most populous city and is visited a lot thanks to its world-famous attractions.
On top of visiting the famous Buddhist temples such as Angkor Wat (the world’s largest religious structure according to the Guinness World Records book), Bayon, and Ta Prohm, travelers can learn more about the region by visiting the national museum, exploring the floating villages on Tonlé Sap lake, attending a Cambodian circus show, and by sampling authentic local dishes.
3. Koh Rong
Koh Rong is a beautiful island in the province of Sihanoukville, in the Gulf of Thailand. It became famous as a filming location for several seasons of the TV show “Survivor”. Koh Rong is the country’s 2nd largest island after Koh Kong, and its sister island is Koh Rong Sanloem.
It’s a true tropical paradise, with preserved beaches, vast tropical forests, beautiful waterfalls, and an array of wildlife. Koh Rong also attracts many party lovers who can enjoy the vibrant nightlife in the bars and at beach parties in the Koh Touch area.
4. Sihanoukville
This coastal town is situated in southern Cambodia, on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. It’s the country’s main port city and the departure point for the ferry to the islands of Koh Rong (about 1 hour), Koh Rong Sanloem, and Koh Ta Kiev.
Sihanoukville is renowned for its beautiful beaches, such as Serendipity and Otres, but also for its festive nightlife atmosphere, and its casinos. Unfortunately, factors such as the degradation of the environment, over-urbanization, and crime rates have affected the reputation of this city, which has experienced incredible growth in recent years.
5. Krong Kampot and Kep
Krong Kampot and Kep are located in southern Cambodia, just 25 kilometers from each other. These 2 small towns near the coast are great for relaxing in a rural setting after visiting the big cities. Krong Kampot is famous for its high-quality pepper production while Kep is known for its crab, so you already know what to eat first when you get there.
In the area, you’ll see plenty of French colonial buildings as well as beautiful beaches in Kep. If you want to get lost in nature, don’t miss Bokor National Park and Kep National Park. None of these cities have hostels though. Kampot has more accommodations and restaurants for travelers, and you can easily visit Kep in a day if you stay in Kampot.
6. Battambang
In the northwest of the country lies Battambang, a city too often underestimated by travelers compared to the capital or Siem Reap. Although a little less lively, Battambang will charm you with its French colonial and traditional Cambodian buildings.
There you can visit ancient temples like Wat Banan and Wat Ek Phnom, explore several caves, take a cruise on the Sangker River, or ride the bamboo train, a one-of-a-kind activity. In addition, Battambang joined UNESCO’s City of Gastronomy network in 2023.
