Cambodia is a country in Southeast Asia with a diverse landscape that includes flat plains, the Mekong Delta, mountains, and a coastline along the Gulf of Thailand. The capital city, Phnom Penh, features landmarks like the Central Market, the Royal Palace, and the National Museum, which showcases the country’s history. In the northwest, the famous Angkor Wat temple complex, built by the Khmer Empire, attracts many visitors. The southern area has beaches and lively nightlife, especially in Sihanoukville, while Kep combines modern resorts with old French-style ruins. Nature tourism is popular in Koh Kong’s mangroves and the Cardamom Mountains, as well as in the northeast where jungles and riverside villages are found. Cambodian food includes dishes like amok, and French influences remain in the form of baguettes and strong coffee.
places to visit in Cambodia
Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is a famous temple in Cambodia and the world’s largest religious site by area.
It covers around 162 hectares of land.
Built in the 12th century, it’s known for its grand towers and stone carvings.
The temple was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu.
Today, it is a symbol of Cambodia and a major tourist attraction.
Tonlé Sap
Tonlé Sap is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia.
It changes in size depending on the season, growing during the rainy months.
The lake is connected to the Mekong River by the Tonlé Sap River.
Many floating villages are found on its surface.
It plays a big role in Cambodia’s fishing and farming.
Banteay Srei Temples
Banteay Srei is a small temple dedicated to the god Shiva.
It was built in the 10th century using pink sandstone.
The carvings on the temple walls are very detailed and well preserved.
It’s located near Phnom Dei, about 25 km from Angkor.
This temple is often called the “jewel of Khmer art.”
Beng Mealea
Beng Mealea is an old temple located 40 km from Angkor.
It was built in the same style and time as Angkor Wat.
The temple is surrounded by thick jungle, adding to its mystery.
Many parts are covered in vines and fallen stones.
It is less restored, giving visitors a sense of discovery.
Royal Palace
The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh is where Cambodia’s king lives.
It is made up of several elegant buildings.
Its official name is Preah Barum Reachea Veang Chaktomuk Serei Mongkol.
The palace is also used for official events and ceremonies.
It is a popular site for tourists in the capital.
Preah Vihear Temple
Preah Vihear is a Hindu temple built during the Khmer Empire.
It sits high on a cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains.
The temple is in Preah Vihear Province, near the Thai border.
Its location offers stunning views of the land below.
The site is both historically and spiritually important.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
Tuol Sleng is a museum in Phnom Penh that tells the story of the Khmer Rouge.
It was once a school that became a prison known as S-21.
Thousands of people were held and tortured there.
The museum now shows photos, cells, and stories of the victims.
It stands as a powerful reminder of Cambodia’s painful history.
Choeung Ek
Choeung Ek is a memorial site just outside Phnom Penh.
It was once a killing field used by the Khmer Rouge.
Victims were buried in mass graves in the area.
Today, a glass stupa holds thousands of skulls as a tribute.
Visitors come to learn and reflect on the country’s past.
Wat Phnom
Wat Phnom is a Buddhist temple in the center of Phnom Penh.
It was built in 1372 and stands on a 27-meter hill.
It is the tallest religious building in the city.
Legend says it was built to house sacred statues found in the river.
The temple is an important symbol of the city.
National Museum of Cambodia
This museum is the largest in Cambodia for cultural history.
It is located near the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh.
The museum holds many artifacts from the Angkor period.
It also displays religious and royal items from Cambodia’s past.
The building itself is designed in traditional Khmer style.
Silver Pagoda
The Silver Pagoda is next to the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh.
Its floor is covered with silver tiles, giving it its name.
The official name is Wat Preah Keo or Wat Ubosoth Ratanaram.
It holds many national treasures, including gold and jeweled Buddha statues.
It is used for royal and religious ceremonies.
Independence Monument
The Independence Monument is in the center of Phnom Penh.
It was built in 1958 to celebrate Cambodia’s freedom from France.
The structure is shaped like a lotus and is inspired by Angkor architecture.
It stands at a busy intersection in the capital.
It is also used during national celebrations and memorial events.
Top destinations in Cambodia
Siem Reap
Siem Reap is a town in northwestern Cambodia known as the main gateway to the ancient Angkor ruins.
These historic temples were built between the 9th and 15th centuries during the Khmer Empire.
Angkor Wat, the most famous temple, is featured on Cambodia’s national flag.
Bayon Temple, located in Angkor Thom, is known for its huge carved stone faces.
Siem Reap also offers hotels, markets, and cultural attractions for visitors.
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s capital city, located where the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers meet.
It was once an important center for both the Khmer Empire and French colonial rule.
Tourists enjoy walking along the river, visiting parks, restaurants, and the Royal Palace.
The Silver Pagoda and National Museum display Cambodian art and history.
At the center of the city is the large, art deco-style Central Market.
Kampot
Kampot is a peaceful city in southern Cambodia, sitting on the banks of the Preaek Tuek Chhu River.
It’s famous for growing pepper and producing salt, with fields and farms nearby.
Many old buildings from the French colonial era still remain, like the Governor’s Mansion.
This mansion is now the Kampot Museum, sharing the town’s local history.
West of the city, Bokor National Park offers cool weather, waterfalls, and wildlife.
Banteay Srei
Banteay Srei is a small, 10th-century temple in Cambodia built to honor the Hindu god Shiva.
It is about 25 kilometers from the main Angkor temple group, near Phnom Dei hill.
The temple is made of pinkish-red sandstone, which holds detailed carvings well.
Its name means “Citadel of Women,” possibly referring to the beauty of the art.
The site is popular for its unique architecture and fine decorative work.
Battambang
Battambang is a city in northwestern Cambodia, located along the Sangkae River.
It is known for its old colonial buildings, including the former Governor’s Residence, Sala Khaet.
The city’s museum displays Khmer cultural items and historical artifacts.
Nearby, Phare Ponleu Selpak runs art programs and a circus to support young locals.
Outside town, you can visit Ek Phnom, an ancient pagoda with carvings from the 11th century.
Best time to visit Cambodia
The best time to visit Cambodia is from November to February, when the weather is dry and the skies are clear. This makes it perfect for relaxing by the coast. Cambodia has two main seasons: the dry season from October to April, and the rainy season from May to September. Temperatures are hottest from March to June, often rising above 35°C. Each season has its own climate changes, especially around the seasonal shifts.
