Top 10 Places to Visit in Cambodia: Land of the Khmers

Ready to uncover Cambodia’s magic? Picture this: crumbling temples draped in jungle vines, beaches so white they’ll blind your Instagram feed, and cities buzzing with stories older than your grandma’s recipe book. Whether you’re here to geek out over ancient stones or snooze in a hammock with a coconut, Cambodia’s got your back. At The Travel Tinker, we’re obsessed with stitching together trips that’ll make your pals back home green with envy. Buckle up—here’s our no-BS guide to Cambodia’s must-see spots. 🇰🇭

1. Angkor Wat: Where Sunrise Meets “Holy Moly!”

Famous Sunrise view at Angkor Wat
Famous Sunrise view at Angkor Wat

Let’s cut to the chase: you can’t not go here. This mega-temple isn’t just big—it’s the Beyoncé of religious sites. Those spires? Carvings? Sunrise views that’ll have you questioning your life choices? All here. 

Pro move: Roll in before dawn, snag a local guide (trust us, their stories beat Wikipedia), and sneak off to Banteay Srei for carvings so delicate they’ll make you gasp.

Recommended Tour: Angkor Wat: Small-Group Sunrise Tour

Related Article: Angkor Wat Guide: Plan the Perfect Sunrise Visit

2. Bayon Temple: Smiles That’ll Haunt Your Dreams

Bayon Temple Bayon Temple- Smiles
Bayon Temple Bayon Temple- Smiles

Ever seen 216 stone faces staring into your soul? Head to Angkor Thom’s heart and meet Bayon. Built by a king with serious ambition, this place is like a stone-age Instagram feed of myths and wars. Don’t skip the “Churning of the Ocean” carving—it’s basically the Avengers: Hindu Mythology Edition.

For a deeper look: Best Time to Visit Angkor Wat: A Seasonal Guide

3. Ta Prohm: Where Trees Eat Temples (No, Really)

Tree eating temple! Told you!
Tree eating temple! Told you!

Remember that scene in Tomb Raider where roots strangle a temple? That’s Ta Prohm. Mother Nature’s been redecorating here for centuries, and the vibe is pure Indiana Jones. Go early unless you want your photos photobombed by 50 selfie sticks.

A must-read: Is Cambodia Safe? Tips for Solo Female Travelers

4. Phnom Penh: Chaos, Curry, and History That Hits Hard

Many monuments in Phnom Penh
Many monuments in Phnom Penh

Cambodia’s capital’s got layers—like a spicy amok curry. You’ll find gold-plated palaces next to markets selling fried tarantulas (yep, that’s a thing). Heavy but essential: The Killing Fields. It’s not fun, but it’ll stick with you longer than that tattoo you got in Bangkok.

Foodie tip: Try local delicacies like nom banh chok (Khmer noodles) and amok (coconut curry fish).

Find Your Cambodian Trip...

5. Kampot: Chill Vibes and Pepper That’ll Ruin Your Spice Rack

Stranded boat in Kampot
Stranded boat in Kampot

This riverside town’s so laid-back, even the river moves slow. Kayak through mangroves, lick pepper ice cream (surprisingly legit), and crash in a French villa that’s seen better days. Sunset boat rides here? Chef’s kiss.

Recommended Tour: Kampot Kayak Tour with Lunch

6. Kep: Crab Legs and Secret Islands

Cambodian lady has to come to the Kep crab market
Cambodian lady has to come to the Kep crab market

Two words: Pepper. Crab. Kep’s crab market is a seafood coma waiting to happen. Afterward, hike Kep National Park’s loop trail or boat to Rabbit Island—it’s like Koh Phi Phi’s quieter cousin.

For Your Consideration: All Our Guides to Cambodia

Recommended Tours & Tickets in Cambodia

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7. Koh Rong: Beaches That Glow in the Dark

Koh Rong Sanloem, Preah Sihanouk, Cambodia
Koh Rong Sanloem, Preah Sihanouk, Cambodia

Imagine sand so soft it feels like walking on cake flour. By day, snorkel; by night, swim through water that sparkles like a rave (thanks, bioluminescent plankton!).

Pro tip: Sok San Beach’s bungalows > party hostels.

8. Battambang: Bamboo Trains and Circus Freaks

This artsy town’s got a bamboo train (think: flatbed cart on rails) and circus performers who’ll bend your brain. Oh, and the Phnom Sampeau caves? Bats. So. Many. Bats. At sunset, they swarm like a living tornado.

Fun fact: Battambang is the birthplace of many Cambodian artists and performers.

Accommodation in Cambodia

9. Tonlé Sap: Floating Villages and Fishy Business

Tonlé Sap: Floating Villages
Tonlé Sap: Floating Villages

Southeast Asia’s biggest lake’s a shape-shifter—dry season vs. monsoon’s like two different planets. Cruise past floating schools and houses on stilts. Eco-warriors, this one’s for you.

10. Preah Vihear: Temple on the Edge (Literally)

Preah Vihear: Temple on the Edge (Literally)

Perched on a cliff so steep it’ll give your knees the wobbles, this temple’s got views that’ll humble even the most jaded traveller. Fewer crowds than Angkor, but bring your hiking shoes.

Best time to go: Late afternoon for breathtaking sunset views.

What to know How to Plan or Save for a Trip? Here are our best:

There you have it! One of my favourite places on earth! Cambodia’s like a mixtape—ancient temples, salty beach naps, and cities that’ll punch you in the feels. Whether you’re here for the history or the hammock time, this place sticks with you.

Your turn…

 

Which spot’s got your wanderlust buzzing? Spill in the comments—we’re all ears. Let’s chat!

Adventure on,
The Travel Tinker Crew
🌍✨

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FAQs (Because You’re Probably Wondering…)

What’s the best time to visit Cambodia?

November to March offers pleasant weather, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Yes, most travellers require a visa. An e-visa or visa-on-arrival is available for many nationalities.

Yes, Cambodia is generally safe, but like any destination, it’s good to stay alert, especially in crowded areas.

The local currency is Cambodian Riel (KHR), but US dollars are widely accepted.

Not at all! Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Preah Vihear are just a few other incredible temples to explore.

 

Travel Planning Resources

 

Ready to book your next trip? These trusted resources have been personally vetted to ensure a smooth travel experience.

Book Your Flights: Kick off your travel planning by finding the best flight deals on Trip.com. Our years of experience with them confirm they offer the most competitive prices.

Book Your Hotel: For the best hotel rates, use Booking.com . For the best and safest hostels, HostelWorld.com is your go-to resource.

Find Apartment Rentals: For affordable apartment rentals, check out VRBO. They consistently offer the best prices.

Car Rentals: For affordable car rentals, check out RentalCars.com. They offer the best cars, mostly brand new.

Travel Insurance: Never travel without insurance. Here are our top recommendations:

  • EKTA for Travel Insurance for all areas!
  • Use AirHelp for compensation claims against flight delays etc.

Book Your Activities: Discover walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more on Get Your Guide. They have a vast selection of activities to enhance your trip. There is also Tiqets.com for instant mobile tickets.

Book The Best Trains: Use Trainline to find the most affordable trains or Rail Europe for rail passes!

Need More Help Planning Your Trip? Visit our Resources Page to see all the companies we trust and use for our travels.

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Author

Picture of Helen Ross

Helen Ross

I'm a 27-year-old photographer and travel enthusiast, journeying from place to place, immortalizing the hidden tales, unseen moments, and the narratives that lie between.

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