Why Cambodia surprises every traveler
Cambodia packs ancient temples, French-colonial towns, sleepy river ports and laid-back coastlines into a country you can cross in a day. Here are the cities worth building a trip around.
Siem Reap
The gateway to the Angkor Archaeological Park, Siem Reap is Cambodia's tourism heart.
- Known for: Angkor Wat, night markets and Pub Street
- Highlight: Watch sunrise over Angkor Wat, then explore the tree-strangled ruins of Ta Prohm. A one-day Angkor pass costs around 37 USD.
Phnom Penh
The capital is busy, raw and deeply moving, where modern cafes sit beside sobering history.
- Known for: The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
- Highlight: The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek give essential context to Cambodia's past. End the day on the breezy riverside at Sisowath Quay.
Battambang
Cambodia's second city keeps its colonial-era charm and creative spirit.
- Known for: Art galleries, rice fields and the bamboo train
- Highlight: Ride the bamboo train (norry) through the countryside, then visit Phnom Sampeau's bat caves at dusk.
Kampot
A dreamy riverside town framed by the Bokor mountains.
- Known for: World-famous Kampot pepper and slow river life
- Highlight: Tour a pepper plantation, then take a sunset boat cruise on the Praek Tuek Chhu River.
Kep
A tiny seaside retreat once beloved by Cambodia's elite.
- Known for: Fresh blue swimming crab
- Highlight: Eat crab fried with Kampot pepper at the Kep Crab Market, then island-hop to Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island).
Sihanoukville and the islands
The coastal launch pad to Cambodia's best beaches.
- Known for: Ferries to the islands
- Highlight: Skip the casinos and sail to Koh Rong or quieter Koh Rong Sanloem for white sand and bioluminescent plankton.
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