On this guide, we are going to show the most beautiful places to visit in Cambodia.
After a month exploring this amazing country, we have put together our best tips and tricks so you can make the most of your trip.
You won’t only find the best places to visit in Cambodia, but a lot of detailed information about:
- Packing tips
- Travel itinerary
- Where to sleep
- Where to eat
- & much more!
So if you want to learn all you need for your trip to Cambodia and see amazing pictures, keep reading!
Best time to visit: Cambodia’s climate can be divided into wet and dry seasons. The best time to visit Cambodia is between November and April as this is typically the dry season. However, if you want to avoid crowds and find better deals, the low season offers also great landscapes with vivid colors.
Language: Cambodia has a single official language which is Khmer.
Currency: The Cambodian Riel is the currency of Cambodia, although US dollars are also accepted in most places.
Do I need a Visa to travel to Cambodia?: Click here to learn if you need a travel Visa.
Safety: Cambodia is generally a pretty safe country. We stayed for about one month and never had any issues. Check here to be updated on current safety in Cambodia.
Also, for the best medical advice is worth checking the Fit for Travel website.
It is important that you have good travel insurance when traveling to Cambodia.
We always travel with World Nomads. It’s designed for adventurous travelers with cover for overseas medical, evacuation, baggage, and a range of adventure sports and activities. You can buy and claim online, even after you’ve left home
You can also get a quick quote here.
What to pack: All year round, bring lightweight clothing of natural fibers, comfortable shoes, and just an extra layer that you can use if it gets chilly.
How to move around: The best way to move around Cambodia is by using the website 12GoAsia. Alternatively, every hostel or hotel where you stay can easily arrange a van or provide you with the information you need to travel by van.
In case you need to cover larger distances, then Skyscanner would be the best option to find cheap flights to travel within the country.
How much cost to travel to Cambodia?
We spent a total of 22$ per day during the 18 days we spent in the country.
The price will also depend on how many places you visit in Cambodia since transportation can add up quickly to the expenses.
Cambodia can be a very cheap destination if you stick to local food. Otherwise, restaurants and alcohol will increase your budget quite a lot.
How is the average price calculated?
It is the total of all our expenses in Cambodia divided by 18 days, which is the time we spent there. That is taking into account:
- Accommodation. We managed to stay for free a whole week with Workaway in Koh Rong Island. The rest where budget hotels.
- How did you move around? We always moved with vans arrange from wherever we were staying.
- What kind of food did you have? We had most of the time local food or cheap restaurants.
- What do you consider entertainment? Alcohol, tickets for attractions, Angkor temples, etc.
PHNOM PENH
Phnom Penh was a hub for both the Khmer Empire and French colonialists.
On its walkable riverfront, lined with parks, restaurants and bars, are the ornate Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum. At the city’s heart is the massive, art deco Central Market.
SIEM REAP
Siem Reap is the gateway for the temples of Angkor and one of the most vivids cities in Cambodia.
It’s difficult to get bored in this ever-evolving city. The variety of cuisine, accommodation, shopping, and daily activities is quite impressive and makes it a great place to embrace Cambodia culture and food.
ANGKOR
Angkor it is filled with historic treasures, making it one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world.
Stretching over some 400 km2, including forested area, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire. They include the famous Temple of Angkor Wat and, at Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations.
One of the highlights is go to Angkor Wat for the sunrise, but expect to find thousand of people since this is the peak time.
KEP
Kep is a small sea-side village that offers a variety of beach activities.
Apart from being a good place to relax, a day trip to the beautiful Rabbit Island is a popular activity. Kep was founded as a colonial retreat for the French elite in 1908 and the town is still full of ruined shells of old villas, destroyed in the Khmer Rouge days.
For people who like to go off the beaten track, this is a great destination.
BANLUNG
Banlung makes a great destination for travelers who enjoy being outdoors.
From here you can adventure into the jungle to spot some wildlife with some of the tour companies in the area.
One of the highlights is the visit to the stunning Yeak Laom Volcanic Lake.
SIHANOUKVILLE
Sihanoukville is probably the most popular Cambodian beach.
You can find both sandy and rocky beaches and there is plenty of accommodation. This is a popular destination due to the vast offer of budget accommodation. And although the beaches are ok, they cannot compete with the ones in Koh Rong and Koh Rong Saloem.
KOH RONG/ KOH RONG SALOEM
Probably the most beautiful islands in Cambodia are Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem.
Famous for its vibrant atmosphere and its serene pristine beaches, these islands are the perfect place for a relax vacation. They are great destinations where to spend some time lying back, admiring the magnificent views and enjoying water activities in the warm sea.
KAMPOT
Kampot is mainly known for its pepper plantations and salt fields.
It is a beautiful and relaxed destination, where the countryside and the river provide many good options for things to see and do.
Despite its small size, it has some good restaurants and it is specially pleasant the area by the river at night.
The best places to visit in Cambodia by category
Best place for culture and temples –> Angkor
Best place for unspoiled beaches –> Koh Rong
Best place for nighlife and shopping –> Siem Reap
Best place for wildlife –> Banlung
Best place for outdoors lovers –> Kampot
Cambodia Itinerary
There are so many places to visit in Cambodia. So we would recommend to plan a 2 weeks travel itinerary in Cambodia.
If you have less time to visit the country, the musts are Siem Reap with Angkor, Kampot, and Kep since are close to each other as well. Also, even from Kampot or Kep you could easily go island hopping and see the amazing beaches of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Saloem. Although Phnom Phem is ok, and the genocide museum is a really interesting visit, I would not miss any of the other places for staying here.
However, if you do have the time to explore the country, the most likely is that you are going to land in Phnom Phem. In that case, the proposed itinerary in the infographic on the right is a great starting point.
Simply check if you’d like to visit each of those places and how many days you’d like to spend on each of them.
A suggested 2 weeks travel itinerary to Cambodia could be:
Day 1: Phnom Penh
Day 2: Phnom Penh
Day 3: Siem Reap/Angkor
Day 4: Siem Reap/Angkor
Day 5: Siem Reap/Angkor
Day 6: Banlung
Day 7: Banlung
Day 8: Kep
Day 9: Kep
Day 10: Kampot
Day 11: Kampot
Day 12: Sihanoukville
Day 13: Koh Rong/Koh Rong Saloem
Day 14: Koh Rong/Koh Rong Saloem
There many different places to visit in Cambodia, and each of them, offer many different kind of things to do.
Either if you like temples, city life, jungle or beaches, Cambodia got you covered.
If you are planning on going on high season, you should definitively check Get Your Guide for a complete list with top things to do in every place.
The advantage of doing it though is that you can book any tour in advance. Also, if you have limited time, it might be a good idea to take a look, at least to have an idea of the options.
Cambodia is a very trendy destination, especially Angkor and Siem Reap.
That’s why in most of the places to visit in Cambodia, is easy to find a great variety of accommodation for all the budgets.
Check here the full list of the best hotels in Cambodia.
Where to stay in Phnom Penh.
Panorama Mekong Hostel is located in the city center, which is perfect to explore the city. It is on the fourth floor from a restaurants/bars building with great views to the Mekong river. Rooms are comfortable and the bunk beds have with private curtains to protect you from the light and have more intimacy.
Where to stay in Siem Reap.
Seconfold Appartments is for us, one of the best places to stay in Siem Reap. Location wise is quite convenient as it is located 5 minutes walk from Pub Street, one of the busiest streets in Siem Reap, full of pubs and restaurants, but it is far enough so you won’t hear the noise.
This accommodation also has a swimming pool to cool down after a hot day out exploring Angkor Temples. This is without any doubt one of the best hotels in Cambodia.
Where to stay in Banlung.
With a wonderful location and very clean, Ratanaquiri Boutique Hotel, makes a great choice.
You can book a balcony room with a lake view or mountain view. It is located in a great area, and they can help you organise any activity.
Where to stay in Kep.
Atmaland Resort are all separate bungalows in nice gardens .
The rooms are big with large bathrooms and outside area with comfy seats and a hammock. The food is also great and they offer plenty of choices.
They also have a large and clean pool to cool down during the hot days.
Where to stay in Kampot.
Offering an outdoor saltwater pool and views of the mountain, Hotel Five.S is our top choice.
This high rated hotel offers rooms with a flat-screen tv, some of them have a seating area to relax and views of the pool, garden or city.
Rooms are big and comfortable with private bathroom and free toiletries and bathrobes. The hotel also offers delicious breakfast and bicycles to rent and explore around.
Where to stay in Sihanoukville.
Samot Baitong Resort is a great place where to spend some holidays. Location wise is excellent, super quiet and in a pretty spot by the river.
The buildings are greatly designed and decorated. There is also a nice pool and breakfast is probably one of the highlights.
Where to stay in Koh Rong.
With an outdoor pool, a fitness center and a sundeck, Long Set Resort is simply what you need to make of y0ur holidays on the island a real pleasure.
Rooms feature breathtaking views of the sea or the pool, some rooms feature a private bathroom with a hot tub, while others have bathrobes and slippers.
The resort has a front desk, concierge service, transportation service and shops at the resort. Laundry service is also available which is quite convenient for a longer stay. Food-wise, you can enjoy both Asian and Western dishes as well as refreshing cocktails at Long Set Restaurant & Bar.
Where to stay in Koh Rong Saloem.
Sara Resort is facing the beachfront, and offers 4-star accommodation featuring a garden, bar and terrace.
The little bungalows are fantastic. Very clean and comfortable.
It has a great location just by the beach.
If you prefer something more according to your style and budget, you can check your options in Booking.
Where to eat in Cambodia.
Cambodian food is often overlooked and people think is similar to Thailand and Vietnamese food but it is not.
Khmer food is one of the major national identities that reflect the ways of life, thought, and mind of the Cambodian. Average meals typically consist of more than one dish and ideally contrast flavors, textures and temperatures within the meal using plenty of herbs, leaves, pickled vegetables, dipping sauces, edible flowers, and other garnishes and condiments.
From the many places to visit in Cambodia, maybe Phnom Phem and Siem Reap are the ones with the greatest offer. However, one of the best meals of my life, was in a small local restaurant on our way to “La plantation” pepper farm in Kampot. So you just need to keep your eyes wide open.
Where to eat in Phnom Penh.
Namaste India Restaurant BKK. We love indian food and we like to try indian food wherever we go. Namaste Indian restaurant is one of the best indian meals we have ever had. It is comfy, the service is exquisite, and prices are ok. Not to mention the amazing flavors and how well cooked every single dish is.
Mok Money. Is a good place to have great Khmer food. The staff is extra friendly and helpful. Some of the dishes you should try are the Fish A Mok, and the Grilled beef wrapped with betel leaf.
Romdeng. Romdeng is set in a beautiful colonial building whose wooden carvings, tables, chairs, and unique lights were all hand made in Cambodia. They offer traditional Khmer food with a modern touch. Although it is a bit pricy, it is good value for money.
Where to eat in Siem Reap.
WILD – Creative Bar & Eatery. Wild offers really nice and cheap tapas in a lovely atmosphere. Is the perfect place where to go for a relaxed meal.
HAVEN. HAVEN creates new life prospects for disadvantaged young adults, teaching them valuable work & life skills while treating you with delicious, honest food that loves you right back It is a beautiful restaurant with a very warm welcome and incredible food with sophisticated flavors.
Where to eat in Banlung.
Banlung Reggae Bar and Restaurant. Although there are not many choices in Banlung, maybe this is the most complete option you can find. It is not only about the tasty homemade food, but also the lively atmosphere.
Cafe Alee. Perched above a valley in Banlung Town, every evening the sun goes down over the hills across the way, and you can watch this as you eat delicious food and enjoy the great atmosphere. Highlights include home-baked breads of various kinds, a mix of Khmer and Western foods, and great Western-style breakfasts.
Where to eat in Kep.
Holy Crab. If seafood is your thing, then you’ll love this place. The garlic prawns, fish curry and the crab are absolutely delicious.
Sailing Club. Although this option is a bit pricey, the local is beautiful and provides a romantic atmosphere. The lamb with ratatouille tower and the fish cakes are some of the things we really liked.
Where to eat in Sihanoukville.
Sandan. This is an incredible restaurant with a wonderful service and totally focused on the local people culture and future. The concept is all about training local youngsters to have a sustainable future. However, in addition to that, the food is fresh, fast and delicious.
The Secret Garden Bar & Restaurant. The perfect restaurant to sit back, relax and watch the waves. It is also one of the best options for vegetarians and vegans.
Where to eat in Kampot.
Rikitikitavi. Superb Cambodian and international food, great service, and excellent drinks with fabulous happy hour served on a gorgeous breezy terrace with the best views in Kampot. Situated looking over the river towards the elephant mountains and the setting sun.
Epic Arts Cafe.The ground floor is the dining room and the first floor is an Epic Creations shop. The menu consists of all-day breakfast options, light lunches, bagels, paninis, traditional Khmer dishes, salads, ice-creams, cakes, brownies, cookies, cold and hot beverages, including an amazing state-of-the-art espresso machine.
Conclusion.
When it comes to places to visit in Cambodia, there are options for all kind of travelers and budgets.
It is a safe country easy to travel on a budget and with great cuisine.
So now you have seen the different options, all you need to do is to start planning your trip now!
For more information about Cambodia check the official site of tourism Cambodia.
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