Traveling to Cambodia is a journey that combines history, culture, nature, and spirituality, offering authentic Southeast Asian experiences unlike anywhere else. With reasonable costs, proximity, and diverse landscapes, Cambodia is an ideal destination for both adventure seekers and vacationers.
If you’re looking for a fresh yet authentic Cambodian adventure, let Vietnamtour.in guide you to the most worthwhile places to visit in Cambodia.
Angkor Wat & Siem Reap: The Heart of Khmer Civilization
Angkor Wat and Siem Reap will always be at the top when discussing the most legendary places to visit in Cambodia. Not only is Angkor Wat Cambodia’s highest attraction for tourists, but it is also one of the most important archaeological discoveries available in all of Southeast Asia.
The Largest Religious Monument in The World: Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is the world’s largest religious monument, a national symbol of Cambodia, and is depicted on the Cambodian flag. Built in the early 12th century as a Hindu temple devoted to Vishnu, Angkor Wat was converted into a Buddhist temple and is a testament to the remarkable architectural achievements of the Khmer Empire. Angkor Wat features superbly proportioned structures and has fantastic bas-relief sculptures and giant stone towers.
Seeing the sun rise over Angkor Wat, painting the sky with rays of shimmering gold, is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences you can never forget. You should visit in the very early morning hours for free access, and you must wear clothing that covers you appropriately. You should not miss the opportunity to experience the beauty of all the galleries on both sides of the temple and the galleries surrounding the temple.
Angkor Thom and Bayon Temple
Angkor Thom, an ancient metropolis situated to the north of Angkor Wat, houses the Bayon Temple in its center. Bayon Temple contains very large stone faces that have been meticulously carved into the temple walls. These stone faces are believed to represent both wisdom and compassion. Due to their high level of intrigue, the Bayon Temple has become one of the most popular tourist places to visit in Cambodia.
Ta Prohm Temple is located on the opposite end of town from Bayon Temple and lacks all modern amenities, including any form of electrical lighting. Ta Prohm remains nearly identical to the way it was originally constructed because it was never officially restored. Instead, it has been left to decay naturally through time and is currently covered by copious amounts of vegetation. Giant trees grow directly over and through Ta Prohm, providing an exceptionally beautiful yet hauntingly eerie backdrop. Ta Prohm has also become one of the most photographed locations within the entire area of Angkor.
Siem Reap: More than Just the Temples
Apart from temples, Siem Reap is an interesting town that serves as an excellent complement to your experience in Angkor. You can unwind in local coffee shops, walk along local markets, or sample Khmer food along Pub Street. If you wish to discover more about Khmer culture in the evening, you can attend an Apsara dance show.
Because of its distinctive combination of ancient heritage sites and modern amenities, a visit to Angkor Wat and Siem Reap is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Cambodia, including first-time visitors.
Tonlé Sap Lake and Floating Villages
Located just outside Siem Reap, Tonlé Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and one of Cambodia’s most distinctive natural landmarks. The lake is best known for its floating villages, where houses, schools, and markets rise and fall with the seasonal water levels.
A boat trip on Tonlé Sap offers a rare glimpse into daily life on the water, with villages such as Kampong Phluk and Kampong Khleang showcasing stilted homes, flooded forests, and wide open lake views. Visiting Tonlé Sap creates a striking contrast to the stone temples of Angkor, adding depth and variety to the list of places to visit in Cambodia.
Phnom Penh: History, Culture, and Modern Life
Phnom Penh is the capital city and also one of the best places to visit in Cambodia. It has an incredible mix of rich royal history, painful history (that continues today in modern life), and represents many different aspects of modern-day Cambodian life. Many Cambodian cities may feel less crowded for travel, but the capital is important for understanding Cambodia!
The Royal Palace and The Silver Pagoda
The Royal Palace is located on the banks of the Mekong River. The major attractions of the Royal Palace are the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. Both of these attractions feature traditional Khmer architecture, with a gold dome and an ornate design. The grounds of the Royal Palace are made up of manicured gardens, with lots of greenery.
The Silver Pagoda contains hundreds of thousands of silver tiles as well as many important Buddhist relics. Additionally, it is one of the best places to relax and get away from the bustling streets of Phnom Penh. If you are visiting Phnom Penh for the first time, then this is definitely an attraction that should be on your list to see.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields are part of many travelers’ journeys to learn more about Cambodia’s recent history. These two places tell the story of what happened during the Khmer Rouge regime and how the Khmer people have come back since then.
Taking time to visit these places will help people understand how strong the Khmer people are, and give visitors an appreciation of how far Cambodia has come as a nation since that time.
Central Market and Russian Market
Phsar Thmei (Central Market) is a perfect example of the urban character of Phnom Penh, with its impressive Art Deco-designed dome topped by a symmetric ground plan as well as its various shopping options. A wonderful architectural landmark of Phnom Penh, the Central Market allows visitors to enjoy observing the everyday lives of the Cambodian communities that live around it.
Unlike Central Market, the Russian Market (which is an example of a traditional market) is filled with excitement and vitality. It is vibrant and busy with narrow alleyways and lots of activity, which adds to the historical sights of the City of Phnom Penh, as well as allowing for an interactive shopping experience. The Russian Market has food stalls selling local, authentic Cambodian street food, and it also sells handmade crafts and unique souvenirs of Cambodia.
Wat Phnom and the Independence Monument
The Independence Monument is located in downtown Phnom Penh and is one of the most recognisable monuments listed in nearly all travel guides. The monument is illuminated at night and provides an excellent backdrop for visitors’ photos. Additionally, it is located near Wat Phnom, which is the temple that gives the city its name. Both the temple and the hill on which it sits are stunning and offer a unique perspective from which to see the surrounding area. In addition, both sites are historically significant for Cambodia and provide a peaceful escape from the hustle of Phnom Penh.
Sihanoukville and Cambodia’s Best Islands
Of all the coastal destinations in Cambodia, Sihanoukville and its surrounding islands contain some of the greatest views available. With their beautiful sandy beaches, high-end resorts, and incredible pictures of all that nature has to offer, travelers seeking an escape from reality can do so by relaxing in a beautiful place surrounded by breathtaking views.
Sihanoukville: A Beach Resort City
Cambodia’s premier beach resort town, Sihanoukville, offers a long stretch of coast with plenty of beachfront resorts and a lively community. Otres Beach and Independence Beach have numerous skirtable areas covered with fine sand and unobstructed views of the ocean that are ideal for watching sunsets or taking a leisurely stroll along the beach at dusk.
Sihanoukville has some very high-end beachfront clubs and resorts that boast excellent locations along the coast, including infinity pools, ocean view seating, and beautiful furnishings; thus, it makes an excellent choice for those seeking a luxurious getaway with stunning views of the ocean. Additionally, Sihanoukville has everything an Indian tourist wants: all the conveniences of modern-day living combined with the breathtaking beauty of the countryside, creating a magical escape and great backgrounds for your next Instagram posts.
Koh Rong: Dramatic White Sand and Turquoise Waters
Koh Rong is a stunning island vacation spot! With crystal clear seas and pristine white sandy beaches, Koh Rong is a gorgeous destination for anyone taking an island getaway. Located just over a half hour from the mainland by ferry or speedboat, guests will be amazed by the scenery as they arrive. On arrival, visitors will see the beautiful beaches along the coastline, the turquoise waters, the long stretches of coastline, the wooden piers, and the jungle-covered hills that surround the island, providing numerous opportunities to experience the island’s natural beauty firsthand.
During the day, there is so much to do on the beach! Experiencing the bioluminescent blue plankton in the ocean after dark is one of the most spectacular and unique experiences you will ever have while traveling in Cambodia!
Rong Samloem: Tranquil Beauty and Luxurious Island Escapes
If you are looking for a quieter vacation in Cambodia, Koh Rong Samloem would be an excellent choice.
While Koh Rong Samloem is not well known, it has many quiet areas with beautiful waves, beachfront resorts, tranquil lakes with ducks, luxury villas that are beautifully designed, palm trees lining the sandy beaches, and crystal clear water.
Whether you want to have a relaxing holiday or create romantic memories with your partner, Koh Rong Samloem has everything you need for the perfect holiday at a slow pace and luxurious accommodation on the beach.
The natural beauty and tranquility of Koh Rong Samloem stand in stark contrast to the more active beach areas of Cambodia. Koh Rong Samloem is definitely one of the best beach locations in all of Cambodia.
Battambang: Unique Landmarks and Countryside Wonders
Located in the northwest portion of Cambodia, Battambang is unlike any other city in Cambodia and has much of its colonial architecture. The scenery is very rural, compared to many of the larger cities in Cambodia, and Battambang contains many attractions that cannot be found in the other major cities of Cambodia. Battambang is one of the best places to visit in Cambodia to experience a different aspect of this country’s culture and avoid too crowded tourist areas.
Bamboo Train (Norry)
Locally known as “Norry”, the Bamboo Train is among Battambang’s most popular attractions and is composed of a wooden platform that is placed on elevated embankments alongside abandoned railway lines. Even though it is a simple construction, riding a Norry is just fun, plus it offers incredible views as you go past beautiful open farmland, which makes it a one-of-a-kind thing to do in Battambang (you will not often find this type of experience anywhere else in Cambodia).
Along the way, while taking in breathtaking panoramas from high above and capturing numerous photos in stunning rice-field vistas and countryside landscapes, you will have many opportunities to make great memories.
Wat Banan
Wat Banan is a smaller version of the Angkor temple complex, located on a mountain with stunning views over green fields and mountains. While the hike to reach the temple requires long steps along the winding path, it is well worth the climb due to its stunning views from the summit. Wat Banan is a picture-perfect location for photography and should be included in any visitor’s itinerary while in Battambang; the original towers have remained, and the height above the Temple gives it great majesty.
Phnom Sampeau and the Bat Caves
Near the city center sits Phnom Sampeau, a collection of limestone hills, Buddhist temples, and panoramic views from the highest hilltop. At dusk, when thousands of bats stream out of Bat Cave atop this hill, you can see what many believe to be the most stunning sight in Cambodia.
While the stunning vistas offered by Phnom Sampeau allow for an unforgettable visit by tourists, there are also many historical monuments at the site that represent important dates and events in Cambodia’s rich history. As such, visiting Phnom Sampeau is an opportunity to witness both the natural beauty of Phnom Sampeau and learn about the history of Cambodia.
Battambang Old Town with Colonial Architecture
Among the best examples of colonial architecture that exist today are found in Cambodia, and these are evident in Battambang’s Old Town. This area has many distinct features, such as beautiful facades of buildings, broad roads, and a serene environment that reflect the significance of Battambang as a trading center.
Through the blend of colonial and indigenous elements, Battambang is rather attractive and is an ideal place for taking a leisurely walk and photography.
Kampot and Kep
Kampot & Kep are located in the southern part of the Kingdom of Cambodia and are known for incredible scenery with relaxed coastal settings that offer a balance to one another in terms of landscape and atmosphere. These areas provide this combination through their mountains, historical places, and coastal landmarks, making a unique travel destination within Cambodia.
Bokor Mountain and Bokor Hill Station
Bokor Hill Station is just one of many areas in Cambodia built by the French while they occupied the country long ago, including all of the other hotel buildings & structures found in Bokor Hill Station. Bokor Hill Station also has many scenic views; due to the fog that often hovers over the mountains surrounding it, photographers come to capture their images from atop the hills within this part of Cambodia.
Kep Crab Market and Kep National Park
In Kep, near the water, is the popular Kep Crab Market, where there are many vendors with seafood products. Many vendors come to the market by boat, anchored close to the shop. It is an energising environment for customers due to the similar feel and experience of being in an ocean-like setting.
For nature lovers, the paths in the parks surrounding Kep National Park have beautiful wooded areas with colourful flowers and scenic views of the coastline. The beauty of the woods around the park adds an additional dimension to the area’s beauty, as it continues to develop as a tourist destination.
Northern – Eastern Cambodia: Grand and Remote Sites
The less-frequented northeastern part of Cambodia has lots of awesome and exciting attractions that are located away from the larger tourist areas. In this part of the country, you will find very large temples, wide open spaces, and a number of places to go that may take some time and effort to reach; give you a different perspective, a larger view of Cambodia as seen from the north and east parts of the country.
Preah Vihear Temple
Because of its beauty in architecture, Preah Vihear is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is different from other sites in that it sits on a mountain and offers visitors the opportunity to discover something new by visiting. Visitors will travel on scenic roads to get there and will see breathtaking views as they approach the temple.
Sambor Prei Kuk
Sambor Prei Kuk has been identified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been known to have a relaxed atmosphere where one can perform meditation amidst the plenty of temples surrounding it, which in turn are covered by elevated trees and the heavy remains of earth covered with moss. These temples have brick structures and can also be observed to be present around the forested regions.
Mondulkiri
In Mondulkiri, adventure awaits! You’ll find a vast region with extensive plateaus, gentle sloping hills, and cascading waterfalls that all reveal the spectacular scenery. The natural beauty of this area can best be experienced by visiting the Bousra Waterfall and the surrounding forest areas, along with the scenic viewpoints around the falls; together, they create a truly memorable journey for those who appreciate the great outdoors.
A Suggested Itinerary through the Best Places to Visit in Cambodia
With this itinerary, travelers will enjoy an abundance of experiences of Cambodia’s rich history, from magnificent temples and royal monuments to breathtaking countryside scenery and beaches.f
- Day 1 & 2 Siem Reap, a vibrant city that has lots of restaurants and activities, as well as the temples and monuments of Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, and Ta Prohm, among others.
- Day 3 In Battambang, you’ll see the countryside of Cambodia’s rural areas that are considered to be some of the best in Southeast Asia, including bamboo trains, Wat Banan, and Phnom Sampeau.
- Day 4 In Phnom Penh, take a leisurely stroll down the riverbank in front of the Royal Palace, then visit the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and Independence Monument.
- Day 5 Moving south to Bokor Hill Station, where the views of the Kampot River are stunning, and spend some time relaxing at Kep beach.
This short sample itinerary can be easily customized to match different travel styles, durations, and interests. If you are looking for a worry-free journey to the best places to visit in Cambodia and Vietnam, where every detail is carefully handled, from planning and logistics to on-the-ground experiences, Vietnamtour.in offers expert, fully customizable travel solutions designed to help you explore Cambodia with ease and confidence.
Conclusion
Visit the Kingdom of Cambodia once to admire the land of ancient temples and pagodas; you will find landmarks steeped in the mysterious legends of history. With these suggestions for the best places to visit in Cambodia, we hope you will have a truly enjoyable journey of discovery.
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