Best Places to Visit in Cambodia: Top Attractions & Travel Guide
If you are planning a trip and looking for the best places to visit in Cambodia, this guide will show you where to start. We’re happy to share the top spots travelers love most, from Angkor temples and Phnom Penh’s landmarks to sandy islands and quiet riverside towns. Through these places, you’ll discover Cambodia’s mix of history, culture, and everyday life that makes the country so memorable.
1. Cambodia Overview – Culture & Geography
Cambodia is a country in Mainland Southeast Asia, bordered by Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, with a coastline along the Gulf of Thailand. Its capital, Phnom Penh, is the largest city and the center of modern life. Most of the population are Khmer, and Khmer is the national language.
Cambodia on map
What is Cambodia known for? For many visitors, the first thought is Angkor Wat, the temple on the national flag and a symbol of Khmer heritage. But Cambodia is more than temples. It is markets filled with street food, green rice fields, floating villages on the Mekong, and quiet islands by the sea. Traveling through the country, you’ll see how history and daily life continue to share the same space
2. Best Places to Visit in Cambodia
The Cambodia places to visit map shows the top 5 best places where history, culture, and nature come together.
2.1. Siem Reap & Angkor Temples
Siem Reap is located in northwestern Cambodia and is the gateway to the temples of Angkor. The city is full of culture, with markets, food stalls, and craft shops. Siem Reap is special because it mixes old history with modern life. It is close to Angkor Wat, making it one of the top spots in Cambodia.
Angkor Wat Temple
The Angkor complex, built in the 12th century, includes Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Ta Prohm. Angkor Wat is the most popular tourist destination in Cambodia and a national symbol. Visitors reach nearly two million each year, and the whole site is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bayon Temple in Angkor Thom
Ta Prohm at Angkor, where tree roots weave through ancient stone walls.
What not to miss in Cambodia? Sunrise at Angkor Wat, the giant stone faces of Bayon, and the tree roots winding over Ta Prohm. In town, walking through the markets shows Cambodian life up close, and you can find unique crafts, clothes, and local art.
2.2. Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia and the country’s largest city. The city has history, culture, and today’s urban life all together.
Phnom Penh in Night
Best places to visit in Cambodia Phnom Penh attracted every visitor:
- The Royal Palace – A stunning landmark and home to the Silver Pagoda.
- National Museum of Cambodia – Displays artifacts and art that reflect Khmer heritage.
- Killing Fields (Choeung Ek) – A reminder of Cambodia’s tragic past under the Khmer Rouge.
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) – A former prison that tells the stories of those who suffered.
- Central Market and Russian Market – Markets in Phnom Penh are not only for shopping and local craft but also for food lovers. To learn more, check out our guide on must-try Cambodian food.
A stunning view of the Royal Palace, one of Phnom Penh’s top landmark
Central Market in Phnom Penh, a bustling hub for shopping and local life
The former S-21 prison, now Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, preserving stories of the Khmer Rouge era
Exploring Phnom Penh gives travelers cultural highlights and insight into Cambodia’s history, making it one of the must-visit stops in the country.
To fully experience Cambodia, plan time in Siem Reap and the Angkor temples. A week-long trip is enough to see both the culture and the landscapes.
Here are some suggested itineraries:
- 9D/8N Highlights of Cambodia: Phnom Penh, Battambang, and Siem Reap with Angkor Temples: View itinerary
- 11D/10N Cambodia Luxury & Wellness: Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Kampong Khleang, and Shinta Mani Wild: View itinerary
2.3. Koh Rong Island – Best places to visit in Cambodia with family
Koh Rong is the biggest island in Cambodia, sitting off the coast near Sihanoukville. Many visitors come for the long white beaches and fresh blue water. You can swim, dive, or just nap under the sun by the sea.
Families often skip the party side of the island and stay on the quiet beaches, where small resorts feel safe and laid-back. For many visitors, Koh Rong is one of the best places to visit in Cambodia with family thanks to its natural beauty.
Koh Rong Island, Cambodia — famous for white sandy beaches and clear blue water.
Beachside dinner in Cambodia, where food meets ocean breeze
2.4. Sihanoukville
Sihanoukville sits on Cambodia’s southern coast and is best known as the jumping-off point to the islands. The town has beaches, seafood stalls, and plenty of boats heading out to sea.
Popular beaches and attractions:
- Serendipity Beach – lively at night, full of bars and parties.
- Otres Beach – quiet, good for relaxing walks.
- Ream National Park – green forests and wildlife for nature lovers.
The beaches of Sihanoukville, Cambodia’s southern coast getaway
Diving tours
From here, boats run daily to Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem. It’s the easiest way to take a short trip and enjoy some of the best Cambodia islands.
2.5. Kampong Cham
Kampong Cham is called the heart of Cambodia. It has river views, lively communities, and historic sites that reflect the country’s spirit.
Highlights in Kampong Cham:
- Kizuna Bridge – once the longest bridge across the Mekong, now a local icon.
- Wat Nokor – a 12th-century temple blended with a modern pagoda.
- French Colonial Buildings – faded yet charming reminders of the town’s past.
- Koh Pen Island (Bamboo Bridge) – seasonal bridge leading to island villages, perfect for cycling and seeing traditional life.
The seasonal Bamboo Bridge in Kampong Cham
Wat Nokor Temple, a unique mix of Angkor-era ruins and living faith in Kampong Cham
Kampong Cham gives you a rich journey into Cambodian culture, where traditional life and history come together. It’s a must-see among the places to visit in Cambodia.
3. Travel Tips for Visiting Cambodia
3.1. Cambodia weather by month
Cambodia has two main seasons:
- November to April – Dry Season: Cool weather and clear skies. Best time for temple visits and outdoor activities.
- May to October – Wet Season: Heavy afternoon showers, but the countryside is green and rivers are full.
3.2. Practical Travel Tips for the Best Places to Visit in Cambodia
- Getting around: Between Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville, buses or shared vans are the usual way to travel. If you want to cut the journey time, you can book a short flight or hire a private car.
- Traveling with family: A hotel pool makes the hot afternoons easier to handle. Keep travel days short, and balance the busy cities with calmer stops like Kampong Cham or a quiet island.
- Local guides and tours: A local guide can bring the temples to life with stories you won’t find in books. Day tours or river cruises are an easy way to see more without having to plan every detail yourself.
The hill temple of Wat Phnom, a must-see spot in Cambodia’s capital
Your adventure in Cambodia is waiting. Here you’ll see ancient temples, lively markets, and quiet islands that each tell their own story. From short trips to extended journeys, each destination leaves its own impression.
Want to explore Cambodia’s best destinations with Vivu Journeys? Don’t hesitate to become our partner or contact us a booking enquiry today and start planning your trip.
