CAMBODIA MUST-VISIT DESTINATIONS
This country is home to Southeast Asia’s grandest archaeological site — the ancient city of Angkor. Most of visitors only go to Siem Reap to see Angkor Temple Complex. Although it is a beautiful sight and we will be talking about it in this post, it’s a shame that this is usually the only place visitors know about.
This amazing country can offer a lot more to explore. Apart from the world famous Angkor temple, Cambodia is comprised of Preah Khan; another ancient temple amidst greenery, Battambang Bat Caves which are known as killing caves among the tourists, Phnom Penh Royal Palace where the exact style of Khmer architecture is properly displayed, Tonle Sap Lake that exhibits nature’s blessings purely and not to miss Cambodia’s flamboyant museums and war memorials.
Although the architecture created by humans has a remarkable space in the visitors’ good book, Cambodia’s natural abundance is something to be appreciated. To name a few, Koh Rong, Banlung, Kratie, Kep, and etc give away the visitors some breathtaking moments with their beauty. Cambodians share equal space with everyone and everything, be it nature, animals, tradition, history, tourists. Hopefully, this list will inspire you to visit the country longer and see to other destinations that are worth a peek.
Siem Reap: The City Of Ancient Ruins
Siem Reap is thriving. This town is Cambodia’s number one tourism destination thanks to the grand temples of the Angkorian era sitting right on its doorstep. Everyone who arrives is here to see Angkor Wat, but the town’s burgeoning popularity with travelers has led to a whole host of other attractions and activities opening up, which provides some downtime from temple-hopping.
Siem Reap itself isn’t the prettiest town but it has a lively café and restaurant scene that is beginning to compete with Phnom Penh for cosmopolitan flair, and the central city area is home to some of the best souvenir shopping you’ll find in the country with both market stalls for great bargains and a whole host of plush boutiques for special gifts.
Best Time to Visit: November – March
Nearest Airport: Siem Reap International Airport
Top Things to Do in Siem Reap: Angkor Temple Complex, Angkor National Museum, Landmine Museum, Banteay Srei Butterfly Center, War Museum Cambodia, Tonle Sap Lake…
Phnom Penh: The capital city of Cambodia Kingdom
Vibrant, bustling Phnom Penh is the heartbeat of Cambodia. This sprawling capital, spread out beside the banks of both the Tonlé Sap and Mekong Rivers, is a city of wide central boulevards and skinny back alleys where modern and old collide.
The Royal Palace complex is the city’s must-do, but for anyone interested in exploring Cambodia’s 20th-century history, Phnom Penh is also a vital stop, for it is home to two of the country’s most sobering sites. The killing fields of Choeung Ek and Tuol Sleng Museum (the prison of S-21) both provide an insight into the reign of terror this nation suffered under Khmer Rouge rule.
Travelers heading out to Cambodia’s premier attraction of Angkor Wat also benefit hugely from a stop in the capital as the wonderful National Museum of Angkor is here.
Best Time to Visit: October – May
Nearest Airport: Phnom Penh International Airport
Top Things to Do in Phnom Penh: Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Wat Phnom Pagoda, Cambodia National Museum, The Killing Field of Choeung Ek, Tuol Sleng Museum, Russian Market…
Battambang: A perfect blend of relatively urban modernity and small-town friendliness.
Battambang is the main hub of the Northwest connecting the entire region with Phnom Penh and Thailand, and as such it’s a vital link for Cambodia. Battambang city is a peaceful and pleasant place these days. The main parts of the city are situated closed to the Sangker River, a tranquil, small body of water that winds its way through Battambang Province. It is a nice, picturesque setting.
Forget the fact that there’s really not all that much to do in the city proper: the colonial architecture teetering into genteel disrepair, the riverside setting, the laid-back cafes – they all make up for it. It’s the perfect blend of relatively urban modernity and small-town friendliness.
Best Time to Visit: October – May
Nearest Airport: Battambang Airport
Top Things to Do in Battambang: Wat Ek Phnom, Sammaki Art Space, Battambang Provincial Museum, White Elephant Pagoda, Battambang Bat Cave, Wat Banan Temple, Bamboo Train…
Kampot: The Scenic Riverside City
It’s not hard to see why travelers become entranced with Kampot. This riverside town, with streets rimmed by dilapidated shop-house architecture, has a dreamy quality; as if someone pressed the snooze button a few years back and the entire town forgot to wake up. The Kompong Bay River – more accurately an estuary – rises and falls with the moons, serving as both attractive backdrop and water-sports playground for those staying in the boutique resorts and backpacker retreats that line its banks upstream from the town proper.
Best Time to Visit: October – January
Nearest Airport: Kampot Airport
Top Things to Do in Kampot: Bokor National Park, Bokor Hill Station, River Park Zipline, Rabbit Island, Salt Fields, Durian Roundabout, Cave Temple, Local Markets…
Kep: The city of salt and crabs
Charming locations, quiet beaches and friendly people make Kep one of the cool places to visit for Cambodia sightseeing. Take a lazy stroll along the shiny white shores of the Kep Beach, view the bottomless statue and enjoy some delicious fare from the seafood vendors here. And do try some delicious crabs at the Crab Market while sitting under quirky umbrella trees. A walk at the Kep National Park that is filled with waterfalls, elusive monkeys, the Stone House and Little Buddha is recommended.
Best Time to Visit: October – March
Nearest Airport: Sihanouk Ville Airport or Phnom Penh Airport
Top Things to Do in Kep: Kep National Park, Kep Butterfly Farm, Giant Crab Statue, Crab Market, Pepper Farm, Kep Beach, Koh Tonsay, Wat Kiri Sela…
Kratie: Home of rare river dolphins
Your answer to where to visit in Cambodia in winter is here. View well-preserved French colonial buildings at the little charming town of Kratie that lies on the banks of Mekong River. Enjoy a magical sunset at the Mekong River here and also watch the rare Irrawaddy dolphins in action. The French buildings here are definitely among the top places to visit in Cambodia.
Best Time to Visit: October – January
Nearest Airport: Kratie Airport
Top Things to Do in Kratie: Watching Dolphins on Mekong River, Koh Trong, Chhlong Pagoda, Phnom Sambok Pagoda, 100-Column Pagoda, Mekong Turtle Conservation Center…
Sihanouk Ville: The Snorkeling Spot
There’s quite a lot of variety among the things to do in Sihanouk Ville. The coastal town is famous for having some of the best beaches in Cambodia, making it the getaway destination of choice for the city dwellers of Phnom Penh. The beaches are many and the nightlife is vibrant. These elements combine to make Sihanouk Ville a popular place for people visiting the country.
Sihanouk Ville’s must-sees include manmade and natural sights, ranging from exciting places to spend time with the family to great spots to relax and unwind in peace and quiet. There’s culture to admire and casinos to try your luck, waterfalls, markets and monuments and a lot more to enjoy in this vibrant city on Cambodia’s southern coast.
Best Time to Visit: October – January
Nearest Airport: Sihanouk Ville Airport
Top Things to Do in Sihanouk Ville: Wat Leu Temple, Bamboo Island, White Sand Beaches, Kbal Chhay Waterfall, Koh Rong Island, Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Local markets, Nation Park…
