Places to Go in Cambodia – Cambodia Tourist Guide

Cambodia is a country located in Southeast Asia. Thailand borders it to the northwest, Laos to the northeast, Vietnam to the east, and the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest. The official religion is Theravada Buddhism, which is practiced by approximately 95% of the population.

The country has over 16 million people, and the official language is Khmer, but English is also widely spoken. Also, the Cambodian currency is called Riel (KHR).

The capital and largest city are Phnom Penh, with a population of over 2 million people. Other major cities include Siem Reap, Battambang, Sihanoukville, and Kampot.

Cambodia has a wide variety of places to visit, from temples and museums to beaches and forests. Here are some of the places that you can go to while you are in Cambodia:

1. Explore Angkor Wat Temple

The Angkor Wat temple complex is Cambodia’s most popular tourist destination. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Angkor Wat is a temple complex in Cambodia and the largest religious monument in the world, with an area of 162.6 hectares.

It was originally built as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu but gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple towards the end of the 12th century. It is widely considered one of Southeast Asia’s most important archaeological sites and a symbol of Cambodia.

The temple complex consists of three levels: an outer wall enclosing a rectangular courtyard, a middle level with galleries and halls, and a central sanctuary where the main statue of Vishnu is located. A moat surrounds the whole complex.

There are many things to see and do at Angkor Wat, such as exploring the different levels of the temple, viewing the reliefs and sculptures on the walls, and climbing to the top of the central tower for a panoramic view of the area.

You can also take a boat ride on the moat or take a guided tour of the complex.

Angkor Wat is located in the city of Siem Reap, which is a popular tourist destination in Cambodia. Other places to visit in Siem Reap include the Angkor National Museum, the Royal Palace, and the Old Market Area.

2. Walk Around Siem Reap

Places to go outside of Siem Reap include Phnom Penh (the capital city), Battambang (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Sihanoukville (a beach resort town), and Mondulkiri Province (home to elephants and waterfalls).

Siem Reap is a city in northwestern Cambodia and the capital of Siem Reap Province. It is the gateway to Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument.

And Siem Reap has a lot to offer visitors, from its rich history to its many cultural and natural attractions.

The city was founded in the 12th century as a small trading post on the banks of the Siem Reap River. Today, it is a bustling metropolis with a population of over 1 million people.

Siem Reap is well-known for its many temples, including the famed Angkor Wat, and its many markets and shops.

The city also boasts a vibrant nightlife scene, with numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants.

There are many things to see and do in Siem Reap. The Angkor Wat temple complex is the most popular attraction, but there are also numerous other temples, museums, and galleries to explore.

Siem Reap is also home to several natural attractions, such as the Tonle Sap Lake and the Kulen Mountains.

Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or nature, Siem Reap will have to provide you with many attractions that you can immerse yourself in.

3. Check Out Pnom Penh

Phnom Penh is the capital city of Cambodia and has a population of over 2 million people. It is the political, economic, and cultural center of the country.

Some places to visit in Phnom Penh include the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum, and Wat Phnom (a temple). You can also take a boat ride on the Mekong River or visit the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21 Prison).

Pnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital, sits at the confluence of the Mekong, Bassac, and Tonle Sap rivers. Phnom Penh was founded in 1372 by King Ponhea Yat but did not become the country’s capital until 1867.

The city was known as the “Pearl of Asia” in the 1920s due to its beautiful landscape and architecture.

Today, Pnom Penh is a bustling metropolis with a population of over 2 million people. The city is home to many historical and cultural sites and a vibrant nightlife scene.

Here are some places to check out when you’re in Pnom Penh:

The Royal Palace

The ornate Royal Palace was built in 1866 and is still the official residence of the Cambodian king. Visitors can explore the grounds and several buildings on the property, including the Silver Pagoda.

The National Museum

This museum houses a collection of Khmer art and artifacts from different periods in Cambodian history.

Wat Phnom

Wat Phnom is a Buddhist temple, the tallest structure in Pnom Penh, and is a popular spot for locals to gather and relax.

The Central Market

Go to the Central Market in Pnom Penh, the covered market is great for souvenirs, handicrafts, and other local products.

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

This harrowing museum chronicles the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime. It is a sobering reminder of the country’s dark past.

The Killing Fields

These are the mass graves of victims of the Khmer Rouge regime. They are now a memorial to those who perished during this tragic time in Cambodian history.

4. Visit Battambang Province

Battambang is a province in northwestern Cambodia and is a popular tourist destination. It is known for its temples, pagodas, and ruins. Some places to visit in Battambang include Wat Ek Phnom (a temple),

Battambang is the capital city of Battambang Province in northwestern Cambodia. It is the third-largest city in the country with a population of over 1 million and is an important tourist destination due to its rich history and culture.

The city was founded in the 11th century by the Khmer Empire and served as an important trading post between China and India. 

In recent history, Battambang was a key battleground during the Cambodian Civil War (1970-1975) and was heavily bombed by the US military.

Despite this dark past, Battambang is a thriving city with beautiful temples, markets, and restaurants. Visitors can explore the city’s many attractions on foot or take a boat ride on the nearby Sangkae River.

5. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is a former prison and torture center used during the Khmer Rouge regime. It is now a museum that documents the atrocities that took place during that time.

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is one of the places you can visit in Cambodia. It is a former high school that was turned into a prison and torture center by the Khmer Rouge regime during their rule from 1975 to 1979.

An estimated 20,000 people were imprisoned and tortured at Tuol Sleng, and only a handful survived.

Today, the museum is a testament to the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime. Visitors can see firsthand what happened there through exhibits of photographs, prison cells, and victims’ personal belongings.

If you’re interested in learning more about Cambodia’s dark history, visiting the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is a must. It’s an important place to remember the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime and to educate yourself about what happened during that time.

The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek

The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek is the site of mass graves from the Khmer Rouge regime. They are now a memorial to those who lost their lives during that time.

The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek is one of the most harrowing places to visit in Cambodia. Here, the Khmer Rouge regime committed some of their worst atrocities, murdering over 17,000 people and burying their bodies in mass graves.

Despite its dark history, Choeung Ek has become a place of remembrance and reflection. The Killing Fields have been turned into a memorial, with a stupa containing the skulls of 8,000 victims.

Visitors can explore the site, learn about what happened here, and pay their respects to the victims of this tragedy.

6. Royal Palace in Phnom Penh

The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh is the official residence of the King of Cambodia. It is a beautiful complex that includes several buildings and gardens.

The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh is one of the places you must visit when in Cambodia. The palace was built in 1866 by King Norodom and has been the home of Cambodian royalty ever since. Today, the palace is open to the public and is a popular tourist attraction.

There is much to see at the Royal Palace, including the Silver Pagoda, which houses over 5,000 silver tiles weighing 1 kg each.

The pagoda also contains many valuable objects, such as a life-size gold Buddha encrusted with 9,584 diamonds.

Other highlights of the palace include the Throne Hall, where the king would hold court; the Moon Pavilion, used by the queen for her daily constitutional; and the Napoleon III Pavilion, a gift from the French Emperor to King Norodom.

In addition to being a beautiful and historic site, the Royal Palace is also a great place to learn about Cambodian culture and history.

Several museums on the grounds, including the National Museum of Cambodia, houses an extensive collection of Khmer art and artifacts.

7. National Museum of Cambodia

The National Museum of Cambodia is the country’s largest museum. It houses a collection of artifacts from all periods of Cambodian history.

8. Beaches of Sihanoukville

The beaches of Sihanoukville are some of the most beautiful in Cambodia. They offer a wide range of activities, including swimming, sunbathing, and fishing.

If you are looking for places to visit Cambodia, Sihanoukville should be on your list. This beach town offers a variety of activities that will suit everyone’s taste.

The adventurer has plenty of opportunities to explore the jungle or go climbing. For those who want to relax, there are numerous beaches and restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood. And for those who want to experience Cambodian culture, there are several temples and historical sites to visit.

9. Kampot

Kampot is a city located in southern Cambodia. It is known for its laid-back atmosphere and its colonial-era buildings.

Kampot is a city in southern Cambodia. It’s located on the Gulf of Thailand, about 60 kilometers from the country’s capital, Phnom Penh. The city has a rich history dating back to the Funan Kingdom in the 1st century AD. Kampot was an important trading port during the Angkor period and was known for its pepper plantations. Kampot is a popular tourist destination for its scenic location, historic sites, and friendly people.

There are plenty of places to visit in Kampot. The old town is full of colonial-era buildings and Chinese temples. Kampot Pepper Plantations offer tours of their operations and tastings of their product. There are also several caves and waterfalls in the area that are worth exploring.

If you’re looking for a place to relax, Kampot is the perfect spot. The city has several nice hotels, guesthouses, some restaurants and cafes. There’s also a lively nightlife scene with plenty of bars and clubs to keep you entertained.

10. The Cardamom Mountains

The Cardamom Mountains are a range of mountains located in southwestern Cambodia. They are home to various wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and leopards.

The Cardamom Mountains are a mountain range in southwestern Cambodia. They cover about 15% of the country’s total land area, making them the largest forest region in Cambodia.

The Cardamom Mountains are home to a wide variety of plant and animal life, including many endangered species.

There are several places and things to see in the Cardamom Mountains. One option is to trek through the jungle and explore the wildlife.

You can also visit some of the many waterfalls or take a boat ride through one of the many rivers.

Several temples and ruins are also scattered throughout the mountains worth visiting.

If you’re looking for an adventure, the Cardamom Mountains are a place to go.

Thoughts and Conclusion

There is no doubt that Cambodia is a country with a lot to offer tourists. From the world-famous temples of Angkor Wat to the bustling city life of Phnom Penh, there are plenty of places to see and things to do in Cambodia.

Whether looking for history, culture, or just a good time, you’ll find it in Cambodia. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Cambodia today!