Cambodia Travel Guide: Best Places to See and Amazing Things to Do

June 01, 2023, 12:48 PM
by Shahriar Rabab

UNB News
Publish- June 01, 2023, 12:48 PM
Shahriar Rabab
Update- June 01, 2023, 02:01 PM

Cambodia Travel Guide: Best Places to See and Amazing Things to Do

Koh Rong, Cambodia

Located around the edge of Southeast Asia, Cambodia is a country bestowed with natural beauty and archaeological heritage. This small country has a mix of everything from luscious beaches down south to the ethereal jungle temples in the north. It’s a maze of amazements waiting to be explored. Let's take a look at the 10 most amazing tourist attractions in Cambida.

10 Most Popular Tourist Destinations in Cambodia

The Temple of Angkor Wat

It's difficult to find someone who hasn’t heard of the legendary temple of Angkor Wat. This UNESCO world heritage site was built in the 12th Century by the Khmer Empire. There’s a lot to explore other than the main temple of Angkor Wat. The temple of Bayon and Ta Prohm gets a special mention in this regard.

The Temple of Angkor Wat

The entry fee to Angkor Wat will vary from 37 to 72 USD depending on the duration. Tour guides within Angkor Wat will cost around 20 to 40 USD. Nearby Siem Reap has good accommodations ranging from cheap lodges to luxury hotels. For anyone visiting Angkor Wat, Fish Amok and Lok Lak are must-try local delicacies.

Phnom Penh

The next destination on the list is the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh. This is where tourists come to experience the historical landmarks, bustling city, and extravagant nightlife. Other than that, the city is known for the National Museum, the royal palace, and the killing fields.

Phnom Penh Temple

Tourists can take a bus or taxi straight from Phnom Penh International Airport to the city centre. Unlike other attractions of Cambodia, Phnom Penh has an abundance of luxury hotels and budget guesthouses to choose from.

A local tour guide in Phnom Penh will cost about 5 USD to 15 USD depending on negotiation skills. Khmer red curry and Nom Banh Chok is like a staple in every restaurant in the capital, so be sure to check it out.

Siem Reap

Siem Reap is like a gateway to the Angkor Wat. The entire park is so big that it is quite difficult to cover all of it even in a week. As a result, Siem Reap is a favourite destination for those who want to experience a great Archaeological Park.

With a high tourist influx each year, Siem Reap has established itself as a pub street city. There are countless pubs and vibrant parties all across Siem Reap. Tourists can either land directly at Siem Reap International Airport or catch a bus from other cities.

Siem Reap, the opening gate of Angkor Wat

There are ample staying options from hostels for solo travellers to luxury cottages and budget boutique hotels.

Sihanoukville

Let’s take a look at the tourist spots in southern Cambodia, near the beaches. Sihanoukville is known for its beautiful beaches and its parties. The entire coastal region is lined with beachfront hotels and guesthouses each of whom has their vibrant party plans.

Like most other coastal tourist destinations, several water activities like swimming, sunbathing, snorkelling, and scuba diving are available in Sihanoukville.

Sihanoukville, coastal city of Cambodia

Unlike other places in Cambodia, there isn’t any particular need to hire a tour guide here. The accommodation cost is a bit higher in Sihanoukville if one goes with the beachfront accommodation. Other than that, this is an excellent destination for beach retreats.

Battambang

Battambang houses the golden relics of French colonial rule in Cambodia. The city is known for its French architecture, art galleries, and bamboo train rides. Here you can see the Statue of Ta Dambang. It’s almost as if a piece of pre-renaissance Paris juxtaposed in the southeastern corner of Asia.

Statue of Ta Dambang, Battambang

The best way to get to Battambang is by bus, either from Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. There are several guest houses designed with French elegance for overnight stays. Tourist attractions in Battambang include a boat ride in the Sangkae River and the killing caves of Phnom Sampeau. As for local delicacies, be sure to try out Kralan and Samlor Machu Trey.

Koh Rong

Now let’s move further south from Sihanoukville to the tropical paradise of Koh Rong. Koh Rong is home to unobstructed beaches and clear waters, much like the coasts of Maldives.

Koh Rong beach

Unlike Sihanoukville, Koh Rong is much more laid back. It’s more like a destination away from the city bustles and night parties. People visit Koh Rong to experience nature in its raw form and have a relaxed laid-back retreat by the sea. Koh Rong can be accessed via speed boats from Sihanoukville. Staying options include inner and beachside cottages.

Kampot

Another scenic retreat near the capital is Kampot. Located near Battambang, this riverside town is home to beautiful French architecture and a pepper plantation. Kampot is like those Italian vineyards seen on postcards. It's as picturesque as it is quiet and serene. The laid-back life of Kampot will appeal to those who love urban exploring and getting lost in hidden alleyways.

Kampot

Kampot has several staying options from lodges, eco-resorts, and boutique hotels. Hiring a tour guide will cost anywhere between 20 to 40 USD. And do not forget to try the local pepper crab and Bok Svay.

Koh Ker

In the northern corner of Cambodia, there is another ancient temple complex little visited by tourists. As most tourists focus on Angkor Wat, Koh Ker is still relatively unknown and unexplored. Yet it offers exciting adventures providing a peek into the past.

Koh Ker Temple

The remote location of Koh Ker doesn’t really have many overnight staying options. The best way to explore Koh Ker would be to stay over at Siem Reap and take a taxi from there or opt for a guided tour of the complex.

Preah Vihear

Preah Vihear is home to the famous Preah Vihear temple complex. The complex is one of the certified UNESCO global heritage sites. Akin to Koh Ker, the lodging option in Preah Vihear is limited.

The entire temple complex can be explored in one day making it a perfect day trip destination from the nearby city of Siem Reap or Battambang.

Preah Vihear, temple of Hindu community

Tour guides will cost around 20 to 50 USD on-site. But tourists can opt for guided tours as well which will include pickup and drop off to hotels.

Kratie

The last but not the least Cambodian tourist attraction on our list is Kratie. Unlike other destinations which are mostly catered for tourists, Kratie is a small town along the Mekong River. The small town became famous for its freshwater dolphins and amazing sunset viewpoints.

Mekong River, Kratie

There are small cottages and guesthouses for staying. It's nothing luxurious, rather it will bring that small local town life feel to the tourists. The easiest way to reach Kratie is either by bus or taxi from Phnom Penh or Kampong Cham.

Final Words

Cambodia beyond its natural beauties and exceptional temple complexes, is a tropical paradise welcoming tourists from all over the world. The best thing about Cambodia has to be its diversity in different regions. Each corner of Cambodia offers something new making it an amalgamation of cosmopolitan experience.

So far, we have described 10 most popolar tourust spots in Cambodia. Hope this Cambodia travel guide will help you to plan your next travel itinerary. Be sure to explore these places and remember to negotiate. Being a Southeast Asian country, it's possible to bargain for virtually everything here. With that said, Happy travelling!