10 Best Places to Visit in Cambodia

With an abundance of attractions and activities, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when you first visit Cambodia. The city can be chaotic and oozes with influences of French colonialism, but it has a thriving restaurant scene and a lively nightlife. Check out the Sisowath Quay, which offers a riverside walkway and lively sunset cruises. These spots are sure to make your trip to Cambodia one to remember.

Angkor

The ruins of Angkor Wat are a must-see on any visit to Cambodia, but there is more to see and do in the ancient city than a few hours of temple-hopping. You can take a cultural tour to learn about the region’s history and explore the hill tribes, which still use traditional gongs and large jars to celebrate important ceremonies. The Memang Gold Mines area is another must-see, as is the Phnom Prich Wildlife sanctuary. You can reach Phnom Prich Wildlife by air or by cab from the Siem Reap International Airport.

Before settling into Phnom Penh, explore the ancient city of Koh Ker, which was the capital of Cambodia before the Kingdom’s modern capital was established. Today, it is almost completely covered by jungle, but it has retained its primal feel. A drive to Koh Ker will take you past rural villages and the five-tower temple of Prasat Pram. You’ll also drive past the sacred reservoir of Andong Preng, which was reputed to hold mystical powers during the Khmer Empire.

Phnom Penh

While in Phnom Penh, make sure you check out the Independence Monument, an iconic landmark. This landmark commemorates the liberation of Cambodia from French colonialism and is home to vibrant national celebrations such as Independence Day and Constitution Day. You can also see the Independence Monument lit up in red, white, and blue floodlights on those days. The monument is also home to a statue of Lord Vishnu dating back to the 6th century.

If you’re traveling with your loved one, take some time to pamper yourself with a signature Khmer massage. You can find both individual and couples massages and soaks at these quaint spas. You may also want to take in the views during a romantic sunset cruise on the Mekong River. It is a beautiful way to enjoy the city and the surrounding countryside. madisonsdish.com

The capital city of Cambodia is a bustling metropolis with plenty to do. You can visit the National Museum, Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre, or Tuol Sleung Genocide Museum. Phnom Penh also has numerous historical sites and museums to explore. A day in Phnom Penh isn’t complete without a stroll through the streets and markets. It’s one of the best things to do in Phnom Penh, so make sure to plan your trip accordingly.

Koh Ker

The ruins of Koh Ker are scattered around the jungle. Overgrown trees cling to the overgrown temples. The main attraction is the seven-tiered Mayan pyramid, which stands majestically in the midst of the arid landscape. To enter the temple, visitors must pay an entrance fee of $10. There are many trails that wind through the forest, and you may find yourself lost if you’re not prepared.

The Angkor temple complex is one of the world’s most important and well-known monuments, so be sure to make time for a visit. The Angkor Wat complex, which is in Siem Reap, is perhaps the most famous of Cambodia’s tourist attractions. The complex spans more than 400 square kilometers and two-hundred acres. The complex is surrounded by a deep moat and features many temples and shrines built in the 15th century.

Despite its ramshackle appearance, Phnom Penh offers a laid-back vibe and fantastic beaches. Visitors can snorkel or swim along the shoreline and enjoy various water sports. A less-travelled beach is Otres, while Sokha is secluded and quieter. In addition, there are ten guestrooms in the Morokod Koh Ker Guesthouse. The guesthouse offers electricity, cold water shower, and a private bathroom.

Siem Reap

If you’re looking for a quieter side to Cambodia, consider spending some time in this laid-back city. This city has plenty of budget guesthouses and hotels and is a great place to relax after a day of sightseeing. The city’s most famous attraction is Angkor Wat, the largest Buddhist temple on earth. It took 30 years to build, and spans over 208 hectares. The Prasat Thom temple pyramid is also worth a visit.

While in Siem Reap, be sure to take in the traditional Apsara dance. In the past, these women performed for the royal family. This ancient dance was believed to have supernatural powers. Today, you can catch this dance at many hotels and restaurants throughout the city. If you have time, you can visit the Angkor Center for Conservation of Biodiversity, a nonprofit organization that uses 100% of its revenue to rescue native Cambodian animals and promote environmental protection.

If you are looking for a bit of nightlife, head to Pub Street, a long street in Siem Reap. You’ll find more than 200 local shops lining the streets. You can shop for souvenirs and eat a delicious meal at one of these pubs. You can even try a local beer and get snacks to go. The nightlife scene in Siem Reap is also worth checking out. https://madisonsdish.wixsite.com/my-site

Banlung

If you’re a night owl, Banlung has you covered. This charming town’s night market runs until the early hours, and you can listen to live music all night long. You can eat seafood or try some traditional Cambodian dishes at the local restaurant. Whether you’re hungry for a hearty breakfast or a late-night drink, Banlung has plenty to offer.

The area is home to many quaint, small towns. In Banlung, you can take a break from the bustling city by exploring the area’s unique culture. For example, you might find yourself staring at a colorful market in the middle of the town. It’s the perfect place to get a taste of Cambodian cuisine, which consists largely of rice and fish. You can also try a local dish called Fish Amok, which is coconut fish wrapped in banana leaves. Another dish worth trying is Nam Anksom Sach Chrouk. If you’re into nature, consider visiting the national parks. Virachey National Park and Ream Park are two of the best national parks in Cambodia, and both include a wide variety of plants and animals.

If you’d prefer to explore the natural beauty of the region, Banlung is the place to go. There are several waterfalls and mountain ranges to see here. The town is dotted with restaurants, shops, and tours. Getting to Banlung by car can take about seven hours, but it can take as long as nine hours during the wet season. In the meantime, you can visit some of the town’s famous temples, including Wat Rah-Tahn-Ah-Rahm and Wat Isana Rattanaram.

Kep

While the Khmer Rouge ravaged the area, it has since rebounded into one of the country’s most charming tourist spots. The town is alive with restaurants offering fresh seafood, including the legendary Kep crab. The province’s other jewel is Rabbit Island, a picturesque, coral reef set in the waters of the Thai Gulf. If you want to feel like a jet-setter, Kep should be on your bucket list.

Ream National Park is a nature retreat where you can get a feel for the local life. The park is home to many endangered species and a large variety of wild animals. Visitors can also embark on a safari to experience the natural beauty of the park. Be prepared to pay a lot of money for the privilege of seeing these animals in their natural habitat. Kep is a backpacker’s dream come true!

Kep is also home to an array of museums and markets. The Central Market is mainly an Art Decoration market that dates back to 1937. It features four wings filled with a range of stalls. The museum also has a Mayan-style pyramid temple, Prasat Thom. There are several good restaurants to choose from and you can spend the evening sipping a beer at a nearby pub.

Kampot

While there isn’t much to do in Kampot itself, the town’s surrounding countryside offers a plethora of activities. Motorbikes and tuk-tuks are great options for exploring the countryside. You’ll see rice paddies and palm trees along the way, and you can also find local handicrafts such as woven baskets and hats. You can also enjoy traditional Khmer food and take cooking lessons at a local restaurant.

The former French representative residence is now a museum. Exhibits here highlight the city’s history and include student artwork, archaeological artifacts, and a model of the city’s future development. Admission is just $2 and it is open from 8am to 5pm, but it closes erratically, so you might want to plan your visit around lunchtime or midday.

The city has many guesthouses and other accommodations, and the Kampot River provides an ideal setting for kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and swimming. Many guesthouses along the river offer river rentals, tours, and lessons. If you’d like to try stand-up paddle boarding, you can also check out SUP Asia, which rents out SUP boards and kayaks.

Battambang

One of the most fascinating things about Battambang is the floating village. It’s a beautiful way to experience local life, where boats are used to transport goods. You can also try the local cuisine, including crab curry. This second largest city in Cambodia has many ancient temples, shrines, and the famous bamboo railway. It is the perfect combination of colonial and modern architecture.

The city’s two night markets are a must-see, especially if you’re into local street food. You can sample cheap regional cuisines and souvenirs while you’re there. Both markets are located along the Sangker River and near Psar Nath. While you’re there, check out the markets’ unique selection of souvenirs, clothes, and other items. Remember to bargain! The locals won’t be happy to overcharge you for a souvenir, so bargaining is highly encouraged.

A short drive from Battambang is the city’s downtown area, where you can check out the historic architecture and enjoy a few drinks. For the adventurous, there are also many bars and clubs around town, where you can relax with a drink while enjoying the city. Alternatively, take a tuk-tuk ride to enjoy the beautiful countryside. You can even volunteer in an orphanage. While there’s little to do in the city itself, a trip on the bamboo train is an interesting experience.