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.

1. Siem Reap & Angkor

Sunrise at Angkor Wat, in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Sunrise at Angkor Wat, in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Why go — 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 that are equally as marvelous. Almost all travelers arrive here by way of Siem Reap, a tourist hub worth spending, at least, a few extra nights to explore.

How to go — Make sure to click the “Show more” buttons below to see the travel tips.

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.

Tickets, discounts & tours — Enjoy cashless convenience by pre-booking your tickets online.

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9% OFF Siem Reap Uncovering Angkor Tour.

Where to stay — Click below to see room rates & discounts.

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Siem Reap travel tips

2. Phnom Penh

National Museum, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

National Museum, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Why go — 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. Kratie

Sunset at the Mekong River, in Kratie, Cambodia

Sunset at the Mekong River, in Kratie, Cambodia

Why go — 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.

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4. Sihanoukville

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Why go — 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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5. Kampot & Kep

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Why go — Both provinces, situated on Cambodia’s southern coast, 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

Both 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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Kep

Don’t stop here

See more Cambodia blog tips & travel guides:

Check out these pages for more inspiration on places to go in Asia: