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Ancient stone faces of Bayon temple, Angkor wat Siam Reap Cambodia

Best Places to Visit in Cambodia

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By Robbie O'Brien


Although the magnificent temples of Angkor are undoubtedly the biggest draw, Cambodia also offers a diverse range of other attractions within its compact borders. With warm, hospitable people, a complex history, crumbling colonial architecture and natural highlights from endless paddy fields and beautiful waterways to lush jungles and tropical beaches, Cambodia is truly a South East Asian gem.

Read on for our guide to the best places to visit in Cambodia.

Phnom Penh

Situated at the confluence of three rivers, the Mekong, the Bassac and the Tonlé Sap, Cambodia’s fast paced capital city is undergoing a modern renaissance with a host of new dining options, boutique shops and riverside bars. With a wealth of history including gleaming temples and colonial remnants, as well as sobering Khmer Rouge era sites, Phnom Penh offers an unmissable opportunity to learn more about Cambodia’s diverse past.


 

The Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Siem Reap

Gateway to the famed temples of Angkor, Siem Reap has developed from a quiet provincial town to be the epicentre of modern Cambodia with stylish hotels, world-class dining and buzzing nightlife. Most visitors are here to explore the spectacular Angkor complex located just a few miles from the town, but the surrounding province also offers lush rice paddies, remote temples and floating villages. Siem Reao is without doubt one of the best places to visit in Cambodia.


 

Buddhist monk at Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Eastern Cambodia

One of Cambodia’s most unchartered provinces, this remote region boasts fantastic scenery with clear volcanic lakes, raging waterfalls and lush jungle. Here you will find some of Cambodia’s most isolated and diverse tribal communities. It is also home to a number of endangered animals such as the Asian elephant and the Irrawaddy dolphin. This adventurous area is the perfect place to discover a hidden side of Cambodia.


 

Elephant Valley Project in Mondulkiri Cambodia

Cardamom Mountains

Located in the province of Koh Kong, the untouched forest of the Cardamom Mountains is part of one of South East Asia’s most vital ecoregions. The rolling hills are covered with dense rainforest which is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, while the serene rivers offer pristine mangroves and pretty waterfalls. 


 

Beatiful nature in Cambodia. River through the rainforest of the Cardamom Mountains

Kep

A seaside retreat for the French elite in the 1960’s, Kep suffered at the hands of the Khmer Rouge but today this sleepy town is returning to its former glory. With a tranquil ambience, it is the perfect setting to dine on delicious seafood, visit picturesque markets and enjoy spectacular sunsets. Inland you can find pepper plantations set amidst open countryside and the charming town of Kampot, renowned for its colourful colonial shophouses and tree-lined riverfront.


 

Fishing boats in Kep, Cambodia

Coastal Cambodia

Off Cambodia’s south west coast, accessed from busy Sihanoukville, lies an archipelago of islands dotted among the emerald waters of the Gulf of Thailand. It’s just a short boat ride to the lovely islands of Koh Russey and Koh Krabey, or cruise a little further to the pristine shores of Koh Rong where white sands are lapped by turquoise water. These laidback islands are the perfect place to disconnect from daily life as you snorkel in crystalline waters, explore jungle trails or simply relax.


 

beautiful white sand exotic beach on Koh Rong island in Cambodia

For more inspiration take a look at our Cambodia Holidays pages.

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Written by Robbie O'Brien

Robbie is our Procurement Manager for for global touring and cruise, based in our Kensington head office. Robbie has worked at Trailfinders since 2013 and has travelled to 65 countries. His favourite destinations include Japan, Guatemala and New Zealand.

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