I seriously wasn’t ready for Cambodia. Everyone talks about Angkor Wat (which, yeah, is absolutely mind-blowing), but this country knocked me sideways in ways I never expected. One minute I’m watching wild dolphins in the Mekong at sunset, the next I’m swimming at a beach that looks like it’s never seen a footprint.
These are the most beautiful places to visit in Cambodia, and trust me, photos don’t do them justice. From temples that feel like they’re straight out of an Indiana Jones movie to islands that made me want to “forget” my flight home, these spots will make you fall head over heels for this incredible country!
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👉 My Favorite Tour in Cambodia
#1 tip to save money on your trip to Cambodia
Let’s first cover some quick tips that will save you time and money on your German adventure.
- FLYING: If you haven’t already, I HIGHLY recommend signing up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going). Last winter, I flew to Phnom Penh for just $445 roundtrip thanks to their email alerts. The premium and elite version are even better!
- Food: Save by eating at local markets and street food stalls. You’ll find delicious meals like lok lak (stir-fried beef), fresh noodle soups, and rice dishes for under $3. For basic supplies, use local minimarts instead of tourist-oriented stores.
- Transport: Use tuk-tuks for short trips (always negotiate the price first) and grab-bike apps for even cheaper rides. For intercity travel, companies like Giant Ibis offer comfortable buses between major destinations. In temple areas like Angkor, consider renting a bicycle or sharing a tuk-tuk with other travelers for the day. Many guesthouses offer free pickup from bus stations.
Cambodia may have a reputation for expensive temple passes. But if you follow the strategies above, you can explore its wonders on the cheap. Now, without further ado, let’s jump into the best places to visit in Cambodia!
The Prettiest Destinations in Cambodia
Ready to see why Cambodia blew me away? Let’s explore these beautiful places that’ll make you want to pack your bags right now.
1. Angkor Wat
- 📍 Location: Siem Reap Province, Cambodia
- 🏆 Best For: History buffs 🏛️, temple explorers 🧭, sunrise seekers 🌅
- 📸 Top Experiences: Watching sunrise over the temple, exploring Ta Prohm, climbing the Bakan towers
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to February for cooler, dry mornings ideal for temple visits ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Treeline Urban Resort – Stylish eco-friendly hotel near the riverside in central Siem Reap
Angkor Wat is the kind of place that sticks with you. Seeing the sun rise behind its towers is a real “wow” moment, especially with the reflection glowing off the moat. But the magic isn’t just in that first view as there’s a whole complex to explore.
Ta Prohm, with tree roots spilling over ancient stone, feels like a movie set. Then there’s Bayon Temple with all those smiling stone faces. Each part of the site feels different and alive in its own way.
Despite the crowds, it’s easy to find quiet corners for reflection. Walking the long galleries, spotting intricate carvings, and learning the history adds depth to the experience. It’s not just about photos, it’s about getting lost in a world built centuries ago. Angkor Wat delivers both a spiritual and cultural punch, making it a must for anyone visiting Cambodia.
2. Phnom Penh
- 📍 Location: Phnom Penh, Central Cambodia
- 🏆 Best For: Culture lovers 🏛️, foodies 🍜, urban explorers 🚶
- 📸 Top Experiences: Touring the Royal Palace, visiting Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, walking along the riverside promenade
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to February for mild weather and clear skies ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Palace Gate Hotel – Elegant boutique hotel near the Royal Palace with pool and spa
Phnom Penh is where Cambodia’s complex past and vibrant present collide. The city pulses with life, from morning markets to late-night street food stalls. The Royal Palace glimmers in the sun, while the Silver Pagoda next door offers a quieter, reflective moment.
To understand Cambodia’s recent history, the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is an emotional but important visit. It’s a reminder of the country’s resilience and how far it has come. Afterward, a walk along the Tonlé Sap River or a sunset cruise helps you process and unwind.
Beyond the landmarks, Phnom Penh rewards those who take it slow. Grab coffee at a trendy local café, hop on a tuk-tuk, and explore hidden alleys filled with art and unexpected stories. The city might be chaotic at first glance, but it reveals its beauty one layer at a time.
3. Siem Reap
- 📍 Location: Siem Reap, Northwestern Cambodia
- 🏆 Best For: Temple hoppers 🛕, night market fans 🌃, cultural travelers 🧳
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring Pub Street, visiting floating villages, shopping at Old Market
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to February for cooler evenings and active temple days 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Viroth’s Hotel – Mid-century modern retreat with lush gardens near the city center
Siem Reap might be known for Angkor Wat, but the city itself has a vibe that keeps travelers staying longer than planned. Pub Street is where backpackers and luxury travelers cross paths, trading stories over drinks and street food.
The markets are packed with handmade goods, spices, and snacks, while nearby temples like Banteay Srei offer a quieter alternative to Angkor’s main sites. For a different pace, take a boat ride through the floating villages of Tonlé Sap Lake and see how life flows on the water.
It’s also one of the best places in Cambodia to try local dishes like amok and Khmer curry. Add in massage spots, stylish cafés, and boutique hotels, and Siem Reap feels like the perfect mix of old-world charm and traveler-friendly comfort. It’s more than a stopover, it’s also a destination in its own right.
- Read next: Unique Travel Experiences
4. Kratie
- 📍 Location: Kratie, Northeastern Cambodia
- 🏆 Best For: Wildlife watchers 🐬, river lovers 🚣, slow travelers 🌅
- 📸 Top Experiences: Spotting Irrawaddy dolphins, biking Koh Trong Island, exploring colonial architecture
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to March for dry weather and river excursions 🐾
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Sorya Guesthouse – Laid-back riverside stay with Mekong views and hammocks
Kratie is a peaceful riverside town that offers something Cambodia’s bigger cities don’t—space to breathe and a slower rhythm. Most travelers come for a chance to see the rare Irrawaddy dolphins, and the boat ride alone is worth the trip. You’ll cruise along the Mekong with nothing but sky, water, and quiet.
Across the river, Koh Trong Island is great for a half-day bike loop past palm trees, wooden homes, and rice paddies. Locals will wave, kids will shout hello, and the whole ride feels like stepping into rural Cambodia at its most genuine.
Back in town, there’s charm in the old colonial buildings and relaxed cafés with river views. Sunset on the riverfront is especially beautiful. Kratie might not be flashy, but that’s what makes it special. It’s for travelers who value calm, connection, and places that still feel untouched.
5. Kampot
- 📍 Location: Kampot, Southern Cambodia
- 🏆 Best For: Scenic chillers 🌿, foodies 🌶️, river explorers 🚤
- 📸 Top Experiences: Cruising the Kampot River, visiting a pepper plantation, exploring Bokor Hill Station
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to March for cooler evenings and dry river days 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Pippali Boutique Hotel – Peaceful riverside retreat with garden views and outdoor pool
Kampot feels like Cambodia’s slow lane, but in the best way possible. The town sits on a peaceful stretch of river, perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, or taking a boat out during golden hour. It’s the kind of place where time stretches out and sunsets feel like an event.
Food is a big part of Kampot’s identity, especially its world-famous pepper. Local farms welcome visitors for short tours and tastings, and you’ll find pepper in everything from sauces to cocktails. The old French colonial buildings add charm, with cozy cafés and laid-back hostels scattered throughout town.
Up for a day trip? Head to Bokor Hill Station for misty views and abandoned buildings that tell stories from a different era. Kampot doesn’t need flashy attractions, it already wins people over with calm vibes, good food, and a river you’ll want to stay by a little longer.
6. Preah Vihear
- 📍 Location: Preah Vihear Province, Northern Cambodia
- 🏆 Best For: History buffs 📜, temple hikers ⛩️, view chasers 🌄
- 📸 Top Experiences: Climbing the stairways to the temple, watching sunset over the plains, learning the temple’s story
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to February for cooler hikes and clearer views 🏞️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Preah Vihear Boutique Hotel – Comfortable stay with easy access to the temple entrance
Preah Vihear Temple is perched on a mountaintop and feels like it’s watching over Cambodia. The climb to the top is a workout, but what waits at the summit is unforgettable. The temple sits near the Thai border and opens up to sweeping views of the lowlands below.
The structure itself is long and layered, with sandstone carvings and walkways that feel both ancient and alive. It’s quieter than Angkor, so you get more space to reflect and take in the surroundings without rushing. The setting gives it a spiritual quality you won’t forget.
For history lovers, this is a goldmine. Preah Vihear has been both a place of worship and a point of conflict, and the guides bring its past to life. If you’re chasing less-crowded temple magic with a side of adventure, this is the spot to circle on your map.
7. Mondulkiri
- 📍 Location: Mondulkiri Province, Eastern Cambodia
- 🏆 Best For: Wildlife lovers 🐘, nature seekers 🌲, cultural travelers 🎒
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting Elephant Valley Project, exploring Bou Sra Waterfall, learning Bunong traditions
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to February for cool weather and forest trekking 🏕️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Nature Lodge – Rustic eco-lodges surrounded by rolling hills and open forest
Mondulkiri swaps temples and traffic for waterfalls and forest trails. This eastern province is known for its cool climate, red dirt roads, and wild landscapes that feel completely different from the rest of Cambodia. It’s a favorite for travelers looking to breathe in fresh air and connect with nature.
The Elephant Valley Project is a standout. Visitors observe elephants in natural surroundings with zero gimmicks or rides, and the focus is all about ethical care and education. Hikes around the area pass by dramatic waterfalls and jungle paths filled with birdsong.
Local Bunong communities add depth to the experience. Their homes, music, and spiritual practices give real insight into the region’s roots. Mondulkiri isn’t polished or flashy, but that’s what makes it special. It’s Cambodia at its most rugged, honest, and grounding.
8. Bokor National Park
- 📍 Location: Kampot Province, Southern Cambodia
- 🏆 Best For: Hikers 🥾, history lovers 🏚️, mountain adventurers 🏔️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring Bokor Hill Station, hiking forest trails, soaking in Gulf of Thailand views
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to March for clear skies and cooler mountain air 🌬️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Le Bokor Palace – Restored colonial hotel with mountain views inside the national park
Bokor National Park blends misty mountains, abandoned buildings, and forest trails into one surreal day trip. Perched above Kampot, the park is a change in altitude and attitude. A drive or motorbike ride to the top brings you past lookouts, waterfalls, and stretches of dense jungle.
The centerpiece is Bokor Hill Station, once a retreat for French colonials. Its ghostly remains (church, casino, and hotel) are eerie but beautiful. Some have been restored, while others sit in quiet ruins, perfect for exploring at your own pace.
Nature lovers can branch off into hiking trails that lead to wildlife sightings or hidden views of the sea far below. The cool breeze is a welcome contrast from Cambodia’s usual heat. Bokor is ideal for travelers who enjoy contrast—natural beauty beside historical decay, all wrapped in a mountaintop setting.
9. Koh Ker
- 📍 Location: Preah Vihear Province, Northern Cambodia
- 🏆 Best For: Ruin explorers 🏯, offbeat travelers 🧭, history fans 📖
- 📸 Top Experiences: Climbing Prasat Thom, discovering jungle-covered temples, wandering quiet ancient ruins
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to February for cooler weather and clearer hiking paths 🌿
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Koh Ker Hotel and Restaurant – Family-friendly hotel with balcony, pool, and garden views
Koh Ker is one of those places that surprises you by how empty and powerful it feels. Once the capital of the Khmer Empire, it’s now tucked deep in the jungle and rarely sees big crowds. The quiet here adds to the mystery.
Prasat Thom, the seven-tiered step pyramid, rises above the trees and invites a short but steep climb. The view from the top reveals dense forest in every direction. Around it are smaller temples, many partly swallowed by roots and moss, perfect for slow wandering.
Unlike Angkor, there are no massive tour groups or long lines. The stillness lets the carvings and architecture speak for themselves. Koh Ker is ideal for travelers who want to feel like they’ve discovered something ancient on their own. It’s remote, atmospheric, and absolutely worth the journey.
10. Battambang
- 📍 Location: Battambang Province, Northwestern Cambodia
- 🏆 Best For: Creative souls 🎨, history lovers 📜, rural explorers 🚂
- 📸 Top Experiences: Riding the bamboo train, visiting Phnom Sampeau, watching circus performances
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to March for pleasant temperatures and outdoor activities ☁️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Bambu Hotel – Stylish boutique hotel with a pool and locally inspired design
Battambang blends Cambodia’s countryside calm with a surprising dose of creativity. The streets are lined with French colonial buildings and colorful murals, giving the city a strong visual charm. It’s less touristy than Siem Reap, which makes it easier to get a feel for daily life.
One of the most fun local experiences is riding the bamboo train, a quirky flatbed rail ride that bumps through the fields. Nearby, Phnom Sampeau offers both sweeping views and sobering history in its Killing Caves. It’s a place where nature and remembrance meet.
Evenings are best spent at the Phare Ponleu Selpak Circus, where young Cambodian performers put on powerful shows full of acrobatics and storytelling. Battambang rewards curiosity. Wander the riverside, try a cooking class, or explore the local temples. There’s always something to uncover here.
11. Koh Rong
- 📍 Location: Off the coast of Sihanoukville, Southwestern Cambodia
- 🏆 Best For: Beach bums 🏖️, snorkelers 🐠, laid-back travelers 🌴
- 📸 Top Experiences: Swimming at Long Set Beach, seeing bioluminescent plankton, hiking to Sok San Village
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to April for calm seas and sunny beach days 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Tree House Bungalows – Chill beachfront escape with wooden bungalows and hammock views
Koh Rong is the tropical island people picture when they dream of a beach escape. Its white sand beaches stretch for miles, the water is crystal clear, and the vibe is all about slowing down. Days tend to blend together in the best way.
Long Set Beach is one of the most popular spots to relax, but quieter coves are easy to find. After dark, the bioluminescent plankton make the water glow if you give it a stir. It’s surreal and one of the island’s most memorable natural shows.
Hiking paths connect the beaches with local villages where you can try fresh seafood and get a feel for island life. With limited roads and almost no cars, everything here moves at a gentler pace. Koh Rong is where you unplug, unwind, and stay salty.
12. Koh Tonsay
- 📍 Location: Off the coast of Kep, Southern Cambodia
- 🏆 Best For: Off-grid chillers 🐚, hammock loungers 🪢, seafood lovers 🐟
- 📸 Top Experiences: Lounging on Rabbit Beach, eating fresh crab by the shore, hiking island trails
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to March for dry, calm days and warm water 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Khim Vouch Ay Bungalow – Simple beachfront stay with basic comforts and ocean views
Koh Tonsay, or Rabbit Island, is small, quiet, and just right for travelers who want a break from busy itineraries. The boat ride from Kep takes only about 20 minutes, but once you arrive, it feels like a different world entirely.
Life here moves slowly. Hammocks hang between coconut trees, fishing boats bob in the distance, and the biggest decision of the day is where to sit for your grilled seafood lunch. It’s not fancy, but that’s part of the charm.
The beaches are wide and mostly empty, with soft sand and shallow water that’s great for wading. There are also short trails that loop around the island and lead to more secluded spots. Koh Tonsay offers the kind of peaceful reset that sticks with you long after you leave.
