Situated across the Mekong delta and Gulf of Thailand Coastline, you have to visit Cambodia to get the real taste of ancient South Asia. Home to various ancient temples, archaeological ruins, and aesthetic beaches, this beautiful country is renowned for some of the greatest artistic and cultural achievements.
Cambodia is also known for its brutal history from the Khmer Rouge era and the Civil war, evidence of which can be found in the National Museums and the mass graves. Every year travelers visit this country to soak in the rich, timeless history, and buzzing, lively atmosphere. It is a must-visit place in Cambodia to enjoy the confounding wildlife and partake in the adventure its tropical jungles offer.
Drafting your itinerary for your vacation but don’t know where to go in Cambodia? Here is a list of the top 15 places you can have guaranteed fun and gain experience and knowledge by exploring some of the most breathtaking places in Cambodia.
15 Top-Rated Places to visit in Cambodia
1. Krong Siem Reap
Krong Siem Reap is most famous for its UNESCO world heritage of Angkor Wat. You have to experience the oldest Buddhist temple at Wat Bo village as well as Ta Prohm Temple, which was built in Bayon style.
Besides this, you can book boat tours on Tonle Sap Lake and enjoy the spirited, lively night markets, silk markets, and rice paddies. You can also visit the Angkor National Museum as well as see the internationally renowned Phare the Cambodian Circus.
Also, you have to remember to watch the Apsara dance in which women dressed in traditional dresses perform a myth or religious story. Pub street is also one of the popular tourist attractions of Cambodia.
What is the best time to visit Siem Reap?
You should visit Krong Siem Reap between November and March to enjoy cooler weather and manageable humidity.
To reach Siem Reap, you can just book a flight to Siem Reap International Airport and enjoy travelling here without any difficulty.
You can easily finish visiting every place in Siem Reap in 3 days.
2. Phnom Penh
Popular as the city of Brahma’s face, this capital city is full of life with chaotic streets and honking of the vehicles on the road. Phnom Penh is a famous cosmopolitan destination that has bounced back as one of the most dynamic cities in Southeast Asia.
It is the home of various crucial historical ruins that play an unrivalled role in deciphering both Cambodia’s modern and ancient history. You must visit the Royal Palace as well as Wat Phnom to see the pieces of evidence of Cambodian majestic traditional artistry.
One of the most famous Cambodian tourist places includes the National Museum, where you can witness the Khmer sculptures firsthand. There is also the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum as well as the Killing fields of Choeung Ek you can visit.
These places hold the proof of the horrors Cambodia’s people suffered at the hand of the Communist Party of Kampuchea, popularly known as the Khmer Rouge.
What is the best time to visit Phnom Penh?
The best time to visit Phnom Penh is between October to May.
You will have no trouble travelling to Phnom Penh as the Phnom Penh International Airport is well-connected to the world’s major cities.
You can finish visiting every location in Phnom Penh in about two and a half days.
3. Koh Rong
One of the famous tourist attractions of Cambodia, you have to come down here to bask in the glory of the paradisical island of Koh Rong. It has numerous charming beaches where you can partake in various activities.
One of those activities is snorkeling and swimming among seahorses, jumping fishes, blue-spotted Ribbon-tail Rays, squids, and Diamond fishes. Also, you can go kayaking, diving as well as zip-lining.
Also, you must visit the lonely beach and Coconut Beach to see the Bio-Luminescent Plankton. Also, it is worth a visit to experience the abundant wildlife on Police Beach. It has a mini zoo and a butterfly farm!
What is the best time to visit Koh Rong?
The best time to visit Koh Rong is between October to January for favorable weather.
You will have to travel to Sihanoukville International Airport and, from here, take a ferry to reach Koh Rong.
You have to stay at least two nights on this paradisical island before moving forward to the next location on your itinerary.
4. Preah Sihanouk
Named after the king Norodom Sihanouk, this coastal city of Cambodia is one of the popular attractions among backpackers. This is the beaches are a must to visit during both the day as well as the night! Backpackers stay in the hostels with tin roofs and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of this town.
You can also stay in various establishments offered around Orchestral beach and rent water sports aplenty.
What is the best time to visit Preah Sihanouk?
The best time to visit Preah Sihanouk is between October to January.
You can book your flight to Sihanoukville International Airport or get connecting flights from Phnom Penh.
You can fully enjoy Sihanoukville in 3 days before moving forward to the next location on your itinerary.
5. Banteay Srei
One of the sacred places to visit in Cambodia is the Banteay Srei temple, located in the Banteay Srei District. It is a very important part of Cambodia’s Heritage treasure.
The most special thing about this temple is that it was carved out of pink shades of stone. Banteay Srei means ‘Citadel of the Women’, and this Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is proof of fine craftsmanship.
What is the best time to visit Banteay Srei?
The best time to visit the Banteay Srei temple is early morning or late evening. The temple walls don’t provide many shades, so it’s ideal to visit here when it’s cooler.
Also, you can get some awesome pictures of the changing colors during sunrise and sunset.
You can visit Banteay Srei in one long day, including exploring the Banteay Srei temple as well as the local areas. You can also plan a trip to the river of Thousands of Lingas located at Kbal Spean and Beng Mealea.
6. Krong Kampot
Kampot is a riverine town where you can wind down in its old-world ambience and enjoy the easygoing, laid-back atmosphere. This charming town used to be a major trading port during the French Colonial era, and it has several buildings from that time.
Pièce de résistancelies of Kampot is the Durian roundabout which is a landmark traffic roundabout. You can explore the main market of Kampot, also famous as ‘Old Market’. Its shops range from clothing and jewelry to fruits, meat, vegetables, etc.
You must explore Rabbit Island, Preah Monivong National Park, as well as the Kampot Salt fields, and Phnom Chhngok Cave Temple.
Also, you have to try the delicious crab curry, a local specialty of Kampot.
What is the best time to visit Krong Kampot?
The best time to visit Krong Kampot is from October to January.
You need at least 3 to 4 days to fully experience Kampot, partake in fun activities like boat cruise, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and relax by enjoying sunsets from riverside restaurants.
To reach Krong Kampot, you need to take a flight to Phnom Penh International Airport and then another flight to Kampot Airport. You can also take a bus or cab to Kampot.
7. Krong Battambang
Battambang is a rather sleepy town, missing the buzz of other cities in Cambodia, but you can’t underestimate the beauty of this lush countryside!
Battambang has rightly earned its place among the top places to visit in Cambodia with its various quirky cafes and peaceful ambience. You can go biking along the streams and rice paddy. You also have the option to go kayaking along the peaceful Stung Sangkae River.
Also, visit the Well of Shadows, though; it is not for the faint-hearted. It is a memorial for the lives lost during the Khmer Rouge’s reign of horror.
Another thing you must remember is to catch a ride on the bamboo train that takes you outside the town in half an hour at a speed of no more than 40 km/h.
Don’t forget to catch a performance of one of Cambodia’s best Circus called Phare Ponleu Selpak and a Cambodian dance performance.
What is the best time to visit Krong Battambang?
The best time to visit Krong Battambang is from October to January.
You need only two days to fully experience Battambang, explore the city, visit art galleries as well as visit the Damrey Sor Pagoda and Wat Ek Phnom.
To reach Krong Battambang, you need to take a flight to Siem Reap International Airport and then another flight to Battambang Airport.
8. Tonlé Sap
Tonlé Sap is the largest freshwater lake in Cambodia and a vital source of food and irrigation for its people. Because of its high biodiversity, it has also been designated as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
It has a fascinating local community and the main reason behind the tourist attractions– It has a floating Village!
It is a must for a day of exploration for its sprawling village of Kompong Luong on Tonle Sap’s western shore and Chong Kneas near Siem Reap.
What is the best time to visit Tonlé Sap?
The best time to visit Tonlé Sap is from December to April, which are the dry months when the water level lowers and birds cluster in a smaller area.
You need only one day to fully experience Tonlé Sap, explore this floating village, and then move forward to the next location o your itinerary.
You can easily reach Tonlé Sap via a boat trip from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and Angkor Temples. Then, you can either hire a cab or catch the commonly used tuk-tuk rides.
9. Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is the largest temple in the world and the biggest tourist attraction in Cambodia. Its unrivalled glory and prestige made it a part of the UNESCO World Heritage list.
It was built in the 12th century as a tribute to Lord Vishnu. It is also a popular destination because the movies the Tomb Raider and Lara Croft were shot here.
It is a must to visit the Ta Prohm Buddhist temple ruin with its picturesque views and towering trees.
What is the best time to visit Angkor Wat?
The best time to visit Angkor Wat is between November to March, when it’s relatively cooler weather.
You need only three days to fully explore Angkor Wat and experience these archaeological treasures before moving forward to the next location o your itinerary.
To visit Angkor Wat, you can take a direct flight to Sein Reap International Airport. From there, you can either hire a taxi or take a tuk-tuk.
10. Ratanakiri
Ratanakiri is the best place to visit in Cambodia if you are tired of temples and ruins. It is full of nature with endless dirt roads and serene scenery. It is perfect for quenching your thirst for adventure as well.
You can go trekking, hiking, and plan an overnight trip which can include spotting buff-cheeked gibbons and sleeping on hammocks. You can visit Virachey National Park, which houses elephants, sun bears, and tigers.
Yeak Loam Lake is another quite popular Tourist attraction in Cambodia. It was formed by a volcanic eruption that took place about 4000 years ago.
However, according to local folklore, it was formed by a giant who dug a pit to retrieve his runaway daughter. It also has a small museum on its shore showcasing Tampuan culture.
If you love waterfalls, you must visit the mesmerizing Chaa Ong and Ka Tieng waterfalls.
What is the best time to visit Ratanakiri?
The best time to visit Ratanakiri is between October and February. During these months, you can enjoy mild weather, and it is also the perfect time to hike mountains. These months are after the monsoon season, so the waterfalls are at their best.
Depending on what activities you are planning, you can have a fulfilling time in Ratanakiri in 3-5 days.
You can easily reach Ratanakiri via a flight or a bus, or a taxi ride from other places in your itinerary.
11. Koh Russey
Also known as the Bamboo Island, Koh Russey is the best place to visit in Cambodia for a relaxing retreat to the beachside. Koh Russey is also one of the busiest Islands in Cambodia!
It’s quaint yet one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cambodia and Thailand. You can go hiking through the jungle or swim or just enjoy the view of aquamarine water and golden sand with a drink in hand.
Don’t forget to try out the local food and nightlife. It is always vibrant in the evening on the beach with the locals performing Khmer dance and everyone just relaxing.
What is the best time to visit Koh Russey?
Although the water is suitable for swimming all year round, the best time to visit Koh Russey is between December and March.
You should spend at least three days and enjoy various water activities like scuba dive, which is quite popular there.
As it is located 6 miles away from the coast of Sihanoukville, you have to get on a ferry.
12. Koh Kong
Stretching within the Cardamon Mountain range, Koh Kong is another one of the best places to visit in Cambodia. It has dense rainforest, mesmerizing waterfalls, and rivers you can go exploring on a hike or by joining a boat tour.
It has a few boutiques eco-resorts along the Tatai River, which offer tourists activities like kayaking. Further south, you can visit Chi Pat village, which is an eco-tourism center. It offers accommodations as well as other tourist activities like wildlife spotting and multiday trekking.
What is the best time to visit Koh Kong?
The best time to visit Koh Kong is between December and February, when you can enjoy cooler weather as compared to other months of the year.
According to the time you are vacationing in Cambodia, you can fully explore Koh Kong for two days if you are here for no more than two weeks. If you are planning for a longer time, 4-5 days are more than enough.
To reach Koh Kong, you have many options. The most convenient would be to first take a flight to Sihanouk International airport. From there you can either take a bus or hire a cab.
13. Kratie
Kratie is a charming little town of well-preserved buildings from the times of French colonization. It is also one most the popular tourist attractions of Cambodia that lies on the bank of the Mekong Rivers
You can visit the Phnom Sombok Pagoda, a small hill Buddhist temple, as well as the lovely island of Kaoh Trong to enjoy its lush view and unspoiled surroundings.
It is a must to make time to sit and watch the incredible and magical sunset at Mekong River.
If you love dolphins, it is the perfect place to come and watch incredibly rare Irrawaddy Dolphins.
What is the best time to visit Kratie?
The best time to visit Kratie is in the winter season, which are the months of December and January.
You have to stay at least three nights in this town before moving forward to the next location on your itinerary.
To reach Kratie, you have many options. The most convenient would be to first take a flight to Phnom Penh International airport. From there you can either take a flight to Kratie airport or hire a cab or take a bus.
14. Koh Ker
Koh Ker is one of the best and most famous Tourist attractions in Cambodia because of a prevalent local legend. It is a belief that if you drop a coconut at Koh Ker Temple’s well, it will emerge at the pond near Neang Khmao temple.
Koh Ker consists of various temples, starting with the Neang Khmai temple, which lies on a small hill. It is made from sandstone and shaped like a stupa.
Don’t forget to visit the Prasat Thom Complex, Pram temple, Preng Temple as well as Chen Temple.
What is the best time to visit Koh Ker?
The best time to visit Koh Ker is between October and February when the humidity is tractable, and the weather is cool.
You can fully explore Koh Ker and its temples in 1 day.
Koh Ker is only two and half an hour away from the town of Seim Reap, so it is totally up to you whether you want to hire a taxi. The Travel to the temples will also include a trek of around 20 minutes.
15. Sambor Prei Kuk
Among the top places to visit in Cambodia, Sambor Prei Kuk has to be included because of its majestic Pre-Angkorian monuments. It has around 100 temples scattered throughout the forest.
Sambor Prei Kuk has rightly earned its place on the list of UNESCO World Heritage of Cambodia.
It is a place of rich history. These temples are dedicated to the incarnations of Lord Shiva, and their walls have remarkably clear carvings, the structures covered in enormous roots.
What is the best time to visit Sambor Prei Kuk?
The best time to visit Sambor Prei Kuk is between November and February, when you can enjoy cooler weather as compared to other months of the year and humidity manageable.
To reach Sambor Prei Kuk, you have to make a drive from Kompong Tom.
Top Tips when you visit Cambodia
To help you plan accordingly, here are some top tips to follow when you visit Cambodia, as well as answers to some frequently asked questions.
What to pack when you travel to Cambodia?
Appropriate Clothes: Cambodia has a hot, humid climate. So, even if you pick the best time to visit Cambodia, make sure that the clothes you are packing are breathable and able to absorb heavy sweating. Also, stow in a light rain jacket if you are visiting during the Monsoon season.
When you would be visiting any religious place here, you have to cover your shoulders and knees. For this reason, pack suitable, proper clothing.
Protection against bugs: Cambodia is a tropical country and home to various insects. So, make sure you are packing stuff that protects against bugs and mosquitoes, like Mosquitoes spray and insect repellent.
First Aid Kit: Make sure to pack your first aid, which must contain essentials like painkillers, antibiotic cream, bandages, and any prescription meds, especially the medicine for your allergies.
Power Bank: A Power bank is a worthful investment because you never know when your phone’s battery dies and never want that to happen in case of an emergency.
Sunscreen: You have the option to pick as many places to visit in Cambodia but to protect your skin against the ruthless sun of Cambodia; Sunscreen is a must.
Torch: In the case of Power Cut, it serves well to have a torch handy. Also, while visiting various locations, it can be pretty helpful to look in the dark areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cambodia trip cost?
Cambodia is the best country to vacation under budget. It would cost around $350 for a person to enjoy one whole week here. You can enjoy food and use public transportation for under $20 a day. To save further money, you can choose your accommodation in a Hostel Dorm, which costs around $7 per night only!
Is Cambodia safe to Travel alone?
If you want to travel around Cambodia solo, then rest assured that Cambodia is a relatively safe country to travel to. Cambodia has been ranked higher than countries like Thailand and Nepal in terms of safety by the UN. Of course, you have to be careful of scams and petty criminals.
What is the best time to visit Cambodia?
The best time to visit Cambodia has to be between November and February. These months have the perfect weather for a perfect vacation as it is neither too hot nor cold in these months in Cambodia. There can be light rainfall, but it would still be mildly warm.
However, keep this in mind that these months are also the peak tourist season which raises the prices, airfares as well as a higher crowd.
Does Visiting Cambodia need a visa?
The answer is yes and no. If you want to visit Cambodia, then you will need to apply for a visa before entering the country. However, there are some exceptions to this rule and you can get easily one in online. Here is How to Get Cambodia e-Visa in 3 Easy Steps
Conclusion
Suffice to say that Cambodia should be on your bucket list if you want to experience true cultural history with its classic ruins. All the best places to visit in Cambodia provide an unparalleled experience with its archaeological treasures, floating villages, and a tropical adventure in its jungles and breathtaking, pristine beaches.
This country is the perfect holiday destination if you are planning under a budget because everything is so cheap here!
Don’t you want to wind down and just relax under the warm sun by the lovely beaches and then go biking, snorkelling, and even cruising to see Dolphins!?
For more travel Inspiration under budget, check out our other blogs- Before you know it, you’ll be planning your trip!
Ready to take on this adventure? Leave a comment down below, and Remember to share your adventurous story with us because we would love to hear from you.