Best Places to Visit in Cambodia: More Than Just Angkor Wat

Cambodia is a country full of historical heritage, and is known for its ancient temples and rich culture. When you come up with a Cambodia tour, Angkor Wat may appear in your mind first as the No. 1 tourist attraction.

In fact, Cambodia is much more than just Angkor Wat, many other attractions worth visiting are ancient temples- Banteay Srei and Preah Vihear; natural wonders -Tonle Sap Lake and Cardamom Mountain; islands and coastal towns- Sihanoukville and the South Coast; vibrant cities such as Phnom Penh.

In this guide, we will explore the best places to visit in Cambodia, so you can make your trip unforgettable!

Angkor Wat is Always Ranked as the No.1 Place to Visit in Cambodia

When it comes to Cambodia, you can’t miss Angkor Wat. This magnificent temple complex is consistently ranked as a top tourist destination.

Built in the 12th century, Angkor Wat is the world’s largest religious monument. Originally a Hindu temple, it later became a Buddhist temple and is a masterpiece of Khmer architecture and a great symbol of Cambodian national pride.

Step into Angkor Wat and you’ll see three iconic towers and a plethora of smaller temples, with walls filled with ancient myths and legends. The intricate carvings, massive stone structures, and peaceful atmosphere make Angkor Wat a must-see. Especially when the Angkor Wat sun rises from behind the temple every day, everything shines with golden light, which is so amazing.

Don’t miss visiting Bayon, with its giant stone statues, and Ta Prohm, with its ruins full of trees (which was featured in the Tomb Raider movie!). Most people spend three days visiting Angkor Wat, or even more.

Beyond Angkor Wat, these Cultural Heritages are Also Best Places to Visit

Besides Angkor Wat, there are many cultural heritage sites that deserve to be included in the list of best places to visit in Cambodia.

Banteay Srei Temple

Often called the most beautiful temple in Angkor, it is also known as the Citadel of Women. Made of rose-colored sandstone, this temple is covered with intricate and delicate carvings, each of which tells an ancient myth and legend.

Located about 23 miles north of Angkor Wat, unlike the massive Angkor Wat, Banteay Srei Temple is small but perfect, with miniature lotus towers and small buildings surrounded by jungle.

Preah Vihear Temple

This temple sits on a 700-meter-high hilltop near the Thai border, offering stunning views of both the Cambodian and Thai countrysides. Unlike other temples in Cambodia, it has long walkways between doors, making it feel very open and spacious.

The Preah Vihear Temple has a long history with many stories and legends, and you can also get a glimpse into Cambodia’s ancient history while viewing the majestic ancient Khmer buildings and carved ruins.

Koh Ker

One of the largest ancient temple complexes in Cambodia, Koh Ker is a pyramid-like temple hidden in the north Cambodian jungle. This remote place, Prasat Thom, was briefly the capital of Cambodia in the 10th century.

You can explore the ruins of the Khmer Empire here without the crowds of Angkor Wat. With vines and crumbling walls all around, it’s one of the best places to visit in Cambodia for adventurous history lovers.

The rose-colored sandstone of Banteay Srei Temple is covered with intricate carvings.

Beyond Angkor Wat, Never Miss out these Natural Wonders of Cambodia

In addition to ancient temples and ruins, Cambodia has many natural attractions that are well worth visiting.

Tonle Sap Lake

Tonle Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. During the rainy season in Cambodia, the lake expands to five times its normal size, and the water flow changes direction with the change of seasons.

One of the most worthwhile places to visit, there are also floating villages in Cambodia, where people live in stilt houses or directly on boats. A boat tour of Tonle Sap Lake allows you to get up close and personal with the traditional lifestyle of local fishermen, and you can also see rare wildlife such as Siamese crocodiles and giant Mekong catfish.

Kulen Mountain National Park

Located in northeastern Cambodia, Kulen Mountain National Park is the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire. It is regarded as a sacred mountain by Cambodians and is a popular spot for hiking and picnicking.

The park is known for its peaceful atmosphere, and you can hike through the jungle, enjoy the fresh air, swim under natural waterfalls, admire ancient carvings in the riverbed, and visit the huge reclining Buddha.

The floating village on Tonle Sap Lake is peaceful and beautiful.

Virachi National Park

Located in the remote northeast, bordering Laos and Vietnam, this massive jungle park is one of Cambodia’s largest and most remote protected areas and a must-visit for adventure lovers in Cambodia.

Home to a variety of wildlife, with elephants, clouded leopards, and sun bears hiding in the dense forests, adventurous travelers can experience the pristine beauty of Cambodia’s natural environment on this challenging hike.

Banlung & Lake Yeak Laom

Ban Lung is located in the northeast of Cambodia, one of the best places for nature lovers to visit. The nearby circular Yelom Lake is set in an ancient volcanic crater and has clear waters perfect for swimming.

Surrounded by dense forests and rolling hills, it’s a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s perfect for kayaking, fishing, or just relaxing.

Cardamom Mountains and Waterfalls

One of Southeast Asia’s last wilderness areas, the Cardamom Mountains have some of Southeast Asia’s most pristine forests and are home to many endangered species.

A dream destination for nature lovers and eco-tourists, this is the perfect place to traverse the dense jungle and spot rare birds. The Koh Kong Conservation Corridor, one of Cambodia’s best tourist destinations, is also here.

Cardamom Mountain in Cambodia, with waterfalls sloping down the mountain.

Beyond Angkor Wat, these Islands are the Must Sees for Visiting Cambodia

Compared to the inland sites and nature parks, Cambodia’s coastal areas and islands offer a completely different kind of beauty. Don’t miss these destinations if you’re planning a trip to the best Cambodia destinations.

Sihanoukville and the South Coast

Sihanoukville and the South Coast are Cambodia’s beach hubs, with beautiful beaches, clear blue waters and a laid-back vibe, and are the jumping-off point to some beautiful islands.

Explore smaller islands like Koh Ta Kiev and Koh Thmei nearby, which offer pristine beaches and great snorkeling opportunities. The South Coast is perfect for relaxing by the sea, enjoying fresh seafood and watching the sunset.

Koh Kong Island

An emerging destination on the Cambodian coast, Koh Kong Island is less developed than Sihanoukville, but that means you can experience more pristine nature through activities like jungle trekking, kayaking and wildlife watching.

The Koh Kong Conservation Corridor also includes virtually undeveloped mangroves, rivers and islands, blending jungle-covered mountains with pristine coastline.

Kampot and Kep

Kampot and Kep may not be islands, but they are coastal towns that you must visit when exploring the best places to visit on Cambodia’s southern coast.

Situated beside a peaceful river, Kampot is famous for producing some of the best pepper in the world, which you can learn about on a farm tour, and you can also take a cooking class to make traditional Cambodian curries in Kampot. Kep has quiet beaches and delicious seafood - especially its famous crab dishes.

The beach in Sihanoukville is perfect for vacation.

Best Places to Visit in Cambodia Mainly Located in these 3 Beautiful Cities

Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Battambang, three of the vibrant cities in Cambodia, also have their charms and unique characteristics.

Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is the capital city of Cambodia and mixes Khmer culture and French colonial, making it one of the best places to visit in Cambodia.

This city is home to important historical sites and documents Cambodia’s complex history, such as the silver-floored Silver Pagoda, the golden-roofed Royal Palace, and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. For food lovers, the restaurants and markets in Phnom Penh also offer some of the best food in Cambodia.

Siem Reap

Siem Reap is not just the gateway to Angkor Wat; it deserves to be one of the best destinations in Cambodia in its own right.

Siem Reap is a vibrant city and is very popular with backpackers and culture lovers. There are many markets, art galleries and traditional performances, and you can also join in the cooking classes to learn Cambodian cuisine, visit artisan workshops, etc.

Battambang

Battambang is the second largest city in Cambodia, known for its leisurely pace and artistic atmosphere, and is home to well-preserved French colonial architecture, vibrant street art and quirky attractions like the famous bamboo train.

Battambang also offers a chance to experience rural Cambodian life, the surrounding countryside remaining in traditional style, so that you can enjoy authentic village life and visit ancient temples.

Conclusion

Angkor Wat is Cambodia’s jewel, but there’s more to Cambodia than Angkor Wat. There are so many different parts of the country to explore that we’ve already highlighted, including the ancient temples, natural wonders, coastal towns, and vibrant cities.

When you are making the travel arrangements to Cambodia, do not just visit Angkor Wat and leave. If you take the time to check out the best places we have covered, your trip to Cambodia will be a memorable one! Ready to explore? Pack your bags, your camera and get ready to discover this wonderful country!