Cambodia's ancient beauty is indisputable, but it's not only the famous Angkor Wat here. The whole country also offers other ancient sites, stunning paradise beaches, magnificent Mother Nature wonders, to peaceful and fascinating urban areas. Without further ado, let's take a look at the 10+ best cities to visit in Cambodia.
1. Phnom Penh - The City With A Legend
Phnom Penh is transformed after rising from the painful ashes of war and the most poignant and horrifying historical footprints in the Choeung Ek Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum under the Polpot Regime. Becoming one of Southeast Asia's busiest and most dynamic cities, the Cambodian capital is filled with not only unique buildings on each street and vibrant life crept on Phsar Thmei market, but also enchanting Buddhist architecture of the scenic Royal Palace and the sacred Wat Phnom. The perfect harmony makes Phnom Penh become one of the top cities to visit in Cambodia.
Phnom Penh - The capital of Cambodia
2. Siem Reap - The Land of Monuments
Siem Reap, considered "the land of monuments", is famous for its sophisticated and lively sculptural architectural complex imbued with the ancient beauty of Khmer culture featuring more than 1,000 symbolic temples in Cambodia such as Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Ta Prohm Temple. Coming here, you can enjoy music and art, immerse yourself in traditional festivals in the Cambodian Cultural Village and experience pilgrimage on the sacred Kulen Mountain with the thousand Linga River or explore life on Tonle Sap River, it would be a huge omission.
Visit divine temples in Siem Reap
3. Kep - The Province with Hidden Beaches
Tranquil, a tree-lined beach featuring the white-sand shores of Kep Beach, makes it become a unique beauty when coming to Kep. For those in search of a secluded part of Cambodia, Kep is definitely among the captivating cities to visit in Cambodia. Come and try delicious fresh seafood at the Crab Market and enjoy "forest bathing" through the Kep National Park trip to deep yourself in nature with waterfalls, naughty monkeys on the Stone House, and the Little Buddha.
The signature welcome sign of Kep
4. Sihanoukville - The Youngest Deep-water Port City
Sihanoukville, Cambodia's only and youngest deep-water port city, attracts tourists for its long sandy beaches and its rich biodiversity. Marine life diversity, but also very magnificent natural and pristine islands, from Koh Rong Samloem to Koh Ta Kyiv and the Kbal Chhay Waterfall. Trekking through the forest in Ream National Park is an extremely interesting experience for those who love mountains and forests. This dynamic city will make your experience in Cambodia much more vibrant.
Scenic tranquility in Sihanoukville
5. Battambang - The Lush Countryside
Despite being the second most populous city to visit in Cambodia, the pace of life in Battambang seems to slow down a few beats for people to live peacefully rather than fearfully. However, the city's tranquility does not imply that it is boring. There are many exciting experiences that you must try at least once: cycling to explore Battambang's outskirts, kayaking, overcoming the top of Sampeau Hill, and traveling on the "unique" Bamboo Train.
Participate in relaxing activities in Battambang
6. Kampong Cham - The Colorful Transportation Hub
Lie in southern Cambodia, Kampong Cham is not only being important trade, transportation hub but also a place to keep the remaining ancient temples such as Sambo Prei Kuh Temple, Andet Temple, Wat Kuhak Nokor Temple, Prasat Preah Tee Temple, Master Temple Death, Temple of Prasat Kok Rokar. One thing that will make you very surprised about the master's talent in the construction industry of the Khmer to connect Koh Paen Island, is unbelievable that they can build a kilometer-long bridge with only bamboo and eucalyptus trees.
Ancient sculptures preserved in Kampong Cham
7. Kampong Thom - The Relaxing City
Although just a stopover to rest after a long drive between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, Kampong Thom is such a pleasant and relaxing place for a good starting point from which to explore the countryside and temples of Sambor Prei Kuk, the pre-Angkorian capital Sambor Prei Kuk, the remote temples of Preah Khan and Prasat Preah Vihear. Kampong Thom is one of the cities to visit Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia.
A peaceful morning in Kampong Thom
8. Koh Rong - The Paradise Island
For those who are seeking a peaceful leisurely place to leave all stress and fatigue behind, Koh Rong is an extremely ideal place for visitors to Cambodia. Possessing a pristine beach, and crystal clear blue sea, any visitor to this island will be "stunned" by its magical beauty. This paradise is like a pearl in the middle of the sea in the Gulf of Thailand, no less compared to the Hawaiian Islands or Phuket with white sand stretching in the iridescent sunshine of the tropics and beautiful emerald green seawater.
Koh Rong is encompassed by green plants and emerald ocean water
9. Kratie - The Little Charming Town
Located in the Northeast of Cambodia, Kratie is suitable for those who love a gentle village space and want to enjoy a little aftertaste of nature, and rivers and immerse themselves in the idyllic rhythm of life. What's more interesting is that Kratie is also home to the world's rarest Irrawaddy freshwater dolphins. Traveling by boat or cycling along the Mekong River is also a very interesting experience.
Explore the life along the Mekong River in Kratie
10. Banlung - The Wonderland of Waterfall
Nestled in a remote land of Northern Cambodia, Banlung - the capital of Ratanakiri stands out for its dense ecosystem with waterfalls that gush Katieng Waterfall, Cha Ong Waterfall, Kachang Waterfall, Ou'Sean Lair Waterfall. The most prominent is the Yak Loum volcanic lake, voted one of the 15 most beautiful craters in the world. Coming to Banlung, do not miss the Phsar Banlung market with jewelry, carvings, and handmade baskets made by local tribes.
The imposing beauty of Katieng Waterfall
Characterized by a low-lying central plain with a tropical savanna and monsoon climate, the lower Mekong region and the Bassac River Delta are surrounded by mountain ranges to the north, east, southwest, and south that stretch too long coastlines where you find large mangrove swamps, peninsulas, sandbanks and headlands, bays and offshore.
Besides famous names like Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, and Battambang, many cities worth visiting in Cambodia, such as Kampot, Kep, Banlung, Kratie, Kampong Thom, Kampong Cham, and Koh Kong. Take a closer look at the listed attractions below.
