10 Best Places to Visit in Cambodia (2025)

This temple complex is Cambodia’s top tourist destination. Located near the town of Siem Reap, the Angkorian-era temples are so grand in scale and construction that Angkor Wat is considered one of the world’s essential ancient landmarks. Built between 802 and 1432, Angkor was the world’s largest city during the medieval period and the heart of the Khmer Empire, where kings competed to create even more magnificent structures than their predecessors. While the city’s wooden homes were overtaken and decayed by the encroaching jungle, the mighty temples have endured. Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious building, is just one part of the vast site, and the entire temple circuit requires about three days to fully appreciate the scale and architectural brilliance of the Angkorian period.

For those short on time, however, the must-see highlights include the tree-covered temple of Ta Prohm (famously featured in the Tomb Raider movie), the Bayon Temple with its 216 stone faces, Angkor Thom, and Preah Khan.

Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, is the vibrant heart of the nation, where chaotic streets are filled with the sounds of motorbikes and car horns—a sensory overload that may feel overwhelming at first. Once abandoned during the Khmer Rouge era and left to deteriorate, the city has made a remarkable recovery and now stands as one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic urban centers.

For visitors, Phnom Penh offers the country’s most cosmopolitan experience, with a café and restaurant scene that surpasses the rest of Cambodia. It is also home to several significant historic sites that offer insight into both modern and ancient Cambodia. The National Museum showcases a collection of Khmer sculptures, tracing the nation’s history from the pre-Angkorian era to the grandeur of the Angkorian kings. The Royal Palace is a stunning example of traditional artistry, while the Tuol Sleng Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek serve as somber reminders of the brutal horrors endured during the Khmer Rouge regime.

Off Cambodia’s south coast lies a group of islands that rival the beauty of their Thai counterparts, yet remain far less visited. In contrast to the highly developed islands of Koh Samui and Phuket, Cambodia’s islands offer a more relaxed, tropical escape, where sun, sand, and tranquility take center stage, and large resorts are still a distant prospect.

Among these islands, Koh Rong Samloem stands out as one of the most stunning, with the serene, sandy stretch of Saracen Bay hosting a handful of beach hut resorts that provide a peaceful getaway. Here, relaxation is key, with plenty of hammock time to enjoy, though there are also scuba diving opportunities for those seeking more adventure. These islands are easily accessible from Sihanoukville.

While the temples of Angkor Wat are globally renowned, Prasat Preah Vihear stands out for its dramatic setting. Perched atop the Dangrek Mountains on a steep escarpment, it offers breathtaking views over the Cambodian floodplains. This monumental temple complex, originally built to honor the god Shiva, features intricately carved pavilions connected by long causeways.

Located near the border with Thailand, Prasat Preah Vihear has long been a source of territorial dispute between the two countries, both claiming it as their own. In 2013, the International Court of Justice ruled in Cambodia’s favor after tensions escalated between 2008 and 2011.

In recent years, the situation has calmed, allowing this UNESCO World Heritage Site to regain its place on the tourist circuit. Visitors typically access the temple from Sra Em, though many opt for a day trip from Siem Reap, located about 200 kilometers to the south.

The countryside surrounding Battambang, with its expansive rice fields and quaint villages, offers some of the most peaceful rural landscapes in Cambodia. This serene region is also rich in historical treasures, making the city a popular stop for travelers.

For history enthusiasts, the temples of Phnom Sampeau, Phnom Banan, and Wat Ek Phnom are all easily accessible for day trips. Additionally, the famous Bamboo Train—a unique rail track where makeshift carriages, built from wood and bamboo, travel between Battambang’s east bank and the small village of O Srav—is one of the area’s top attractions.

Tonlé Sap is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and a crucial waterway for Cambodia.

In addition to being a vital source of food and an essential tool for irrigation, the lake is home to 170 floating villages. These villages rely on fishing for their livelihood, with homes, shops, churches, schools, and temples built directly on the water. The structures are supported by buoyant foundations made from barrels and bamboo, and all transportation is done by boat, offering a unique and fascinating way of life.

Among the most intriguing villages is Kompong Luong, located near the town of Pursat on the lake’s western shore. However, the most visited village is Chong Kneas, which lies close to Siem Reap. These floating communities offer an unforgettable experience for visitors.

Koh Kong Island is one of Cambodia’s most tranquil and pristine destinations, offering an idyllic escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Located on the Gulf of Thailand, the island is surrounded by lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and clear turquoise waters. The island remains relatively undeveloped, providing a peaceful retreat far from the hustle and bustle of more tourist-heavy destinations. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, from exploring the island’s natural beauty and wildlife to relaxing on its quiet beaches.

Koh Kong Island offers plenty of opportunities for exploration and adventure. The island is home to dense mangrove forests and pristine coral reefs, making it an ideal spot for eco-tourism activities like kayaking, birdwatching, and snorkeling. The nearby Koh Kong National Park is also a highlight, with its rich biodiversity and opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting. The serene atmosphere and untouched landscapes make Koh Kong Island a perf

This pre-Angkorian temple complex, dating back to the early 7th century, once served as the capital of the Upper Chenla Empire. Hidden within the forest, more than 100 brick temples dedicated to various Hindu deities are scattered throughout the site, many of them partially embraced by the sprawling roots of towering trees.

Sambor Prei Kuk holds immense archaeological significance as it preserves some of Cambodia’s oldest surviving structures. Yet, you don’t need to be a history enthusiast to marvel at the mystical beauty of this tree-shrouded site. Key highlights include Prasat Sambor, Prasat Tao, and Prasat Yeay Peau, each adorned with intricate carvings and surrounded by a serene, jungle-clad atmosphere of twisting roots and vines.

Visitors can easily access Sambor Prei Kuk from Kompong Thom, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring Cambodia’s ancient heritage.

This sprawling temple complex lies cloaked in jungle in Cambodia’s remote northwest, offering visitors a chance to explore its highlights in peaceful solitude, away from the usual crowds. Built in the 12th century by Angkorian King Jayavarman VII, Banteay Chhmar is a masterpiece of Khmer architecture and artistry.

The intricately detailed stone reliefs are among the most impressive in Cambodia, with the south wall featuring breathtaking depictions of Avalokiteśvara and the eastern walls showcasing vivid battle scenes that reflect the skill and creativity of the Angkorian era. These bas-reliefs are a testament to the historical and cultural significance of the site.

For accommodations, visitors can stay in the nearby village, which offers simple homestay options, providing an authentic local experience. Alternatively, Sisophon, located 60 kilometers to the south, has more facilities, and many travelers opt for a day trip from Siem Reap to explore these awe-inspiring ruins.