13 Places to Visit in Cambodia + Things To Do for First-Timers

Do not miss Cambodia, if you love to go on temple runs.

This country to home to Southeast Asia’s grandest archaeological site — the ancient city of Angkor.

Most travelers only go to Siem Reap to see Angkor Wat.

Hopefully, this list will inspire you to visit the country longer and see to other destinations that are worth a peek.

Read on to discover must-visit places and top things to do for first-time travelers.

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1. Siem Reap

Apsara Dancers, in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap-Pub Street, Cambodia

Siem Reap riverside, Cambodia

Angkor Wat is a good reason to wander into this part of the world. It is but one temple in the ancient city of Angkor, which is filled with many other ruined structures worth visiting as well. Travelers arrive by way of Siem Reap, the tourist hub to Angkor and busiest international gateway to Cambodia.

How to go — Siem Reap International Airport (REP) is Cambodia’s busiest airport. This airport serves direct flights from Kuala Lumpur (2h flight duration), Bangkok (1h), Singapore (2H), Hong Kong (2H 40m), Seoul and other cities in Southeast and East Asia. Popular airlines include AirAsia, Cambodia Angkor Air, SilkAir, Sky Angkor Airlines, Thai Airways & Vietnam Airlines.

Siem Reap is a popular route along the Thailand-Cambodia-Vietnam “Banana Pancake” trail. It is possible to travel by land to Siem Reap from Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) via several border crossings. Travel time to Siem Reap from Bangkok is 10 to 12 hours. Meanwhile travel time from Ho Chi Minh may take 12 hours.

From the Philippines, direct Manila to Siem Reap flights are operated by Cebu Pacific Air. Flight duration is around 3 hours.

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Places to see + things to do

Angkor Wat

View of Angkor Wat (temple) from the lotus-filled reflecting pond, in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Angkor Wat wall relief – The Churning of the Ocean of Milk, in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Sunrise at Angkor Wat, in Siem Reap, Cambodia

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Angkor Small Circuit

Ta Prohm (temple), in Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Bayon Temple, in Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Sunset at Phnom Bakheng (temple), in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Ta Prohm, Angkor Thom & more

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Angkor Grand Circuit

Banteay Srei in Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Preah Khan (temple), in Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Neak Pean (temple), in Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Banteay Samre (temple), in Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Banteay Srei & more

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Koh Ker & Beng Mealea

Koh Ker-Thom Temple near Siem Reap, Cambodia

Beng Melea Temple, near Siem Reap, Cambodia

Bakong Temple in Rolous Temple Group, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Koh Ker-Pram Temple near Siem Reap, Cambodia

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Phnom Kulen

Phnom Kulen Waterfall near Siem Reap, Cambodia. Photo by Narith5.

Kbal Spean, Cambodia. Photo by eric yeargan.

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See more

Siem Reap Travel Guide

2. Phnom Penh

National Museum, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Angkor Wat replica at the Royal Palace, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Central Market in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Choeung Ek Genocidal Center (Killing Fields), in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital city, is a popular spot on the famous Thailand-Cambodia-Vietnam Indochina trail. This city is home to the Royal Palace, found on the riverside along with the impressive National Museum. Phnom Penh is also a jump-off point to several sites of the infamous Killing Fields.

How to go — Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) is Cambodia’s second busiest airport. This airport serves direct flights from Kuala Lumpur (1h 45m), Bangkok (1h), Singapore (2H), Hong Kong (2H 40m), Taipei, Seoul and other cities in Southeast, East Asia and the Middle East. Popular airlines include AirAsia, Cambodia Angkor Air, SilkAir, Sky Angkor Airlines, Thai Airways & Vietnam Airlines. Flight duration between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh is 1 hour.

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3. Sihanoukville

Otres Beach in Sihanoukville, Cambodia

Sokha Beach in Sihanoukville, Cambodia

Ochheuteal Beach in Sihanoukville, Cambodia

This seaside resort town on the southern coast of Cambodia boasts of some of mainland Southeast Asia’s best white sand beaches. If Thailand’s islands are too touristic for you, the off-shore islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, near Sihanoukville, might be a more worthwhile visit.

How to go — The quickest way is to go by flight. Sihanouk International Airport (KOS) serves flights from Kuala Lumpur (1.5 hours flight duration), Ho Chi Minh (1h 20m), Siem Reap (1h) and Phnom Penh (30m). Flights are operated by AirAsia, Cambodia Angkor Air, Cambodia Bayon Airlines & JC International Airlines. Sihanoukville is also popular reached by bus or car. The land trip from Phnom Penh take between 3.5 and 6 hours.

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4. Koh Rong Sanloem

Long Beach in Koh Rong (island), Cambodia

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5. Koh Rong

Saracen Bay Beach in Koh Rong Samloem (island), Cambodia

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6. Kampot

Kampot Lotus Pond, Cambodia

Kampot riverside, Cambodia

The provinces of Kampot and Kep are situated on Cambodia’s southern coast. They are popular destinations among Cambodians for weekend getaways and foreign travelers who want to get away from the tourist crowds at Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. Though only under an hour’s travel apart, each has distinct attractions to offer. Kampot, popular for trips to Bokor National Park, has a riverside setting, while Kep, is known for sandy beaches and upscale resorts.

How to go — Kampot and Kep are about a 4 to 5-hour drive south of Phnom Penh. You can go by bus, mini-bus, taxi or private car charter. Kampot and Kep are located close to each other. Travel time between the two towns usually takes 35 to 45 minutes.

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7. Kep

Kep Beach, Cambodia

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8. Kratie

Sunset at the Mekong River, in Kratie, Cambodia

Kratie is a small riverside city in North Cambodia that is a popular stopover on the long overland journey from Cambodia to Laos. It is the place to go if you want to see Irrawaddy dolphins and enjoy blissful sunsets along the Mekong River.

How to go — Kratie is 6 to 7 hours north of Phnom Penh or eight hours from Siem Reap. Buses from Pakse, Laos to Kratie take around 8 hours.

9. Tonle Sap

Tonle Sap-Kampong Phuk in Cambodia.

Phnom Krom Temple near Chong Khneas floating village, in Tonle Sap, Cambodia

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10. Mondulkiri

Mondulkiri, Cambodia. Photo by Tom Curt.

11. Koh Kong

Koh Kong, Cambodia. Photo by Rich.

12. Preah Vihear

Preah Vihear Temple. Photo by Tom Curt.

13. Battambang

Battambang-Wat Ek, Cambodia. Photo by Jacques Beaulieu.

Places to visit in Cambodia

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

Don’t Stop Here

Click below for more travel inspiration:

Siem Reap Travel Guide

Bangkok Travel Guide

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