Siem Reap serves as the main gateway to Angkor and has grown into a relaxed and welcoming town in its own right. Beyond the temples, visitors find markets, cafés, galleries and a lively evening scene centred around the river and Old Market area.
Book and Go
Latest features
Cambodia things to see and do
Siem Reap
Angkor
Near Siem Reap lies Angkor, one of the most important archaeological sites in the world and the former heart of the Khmer Empire. Spread across a vast area of forest and farmland, the complex contains hundreds of temples, reservoirs and causeways built between the 9th and 15th centuries. Angkor Wat is the best known, but many visitors find equal reward in quieter temples such as Ta Prohm and Bayon, where stone faces, tree roots and ruins merge into a powerful sense of history and scale.
Battambang
Battambang is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, creative community and slower pace of life. Surrounded by fertile farmland, the town offers access to temples, caves and rural villages by bicycle or tuk-tuk. Its growing arts scene and traditional countryside setting make it an appealing stop for travellers looking beyond the main tourist trail.
Bokor National Park
Rising above the southern coast, Bokor National Park is one of Cambodia's most atmospheric highland areas. Once a French colonial hill station, the park combines cool mountain air, misty views and abandoned colonial buildings with forests, waterfalls and walking trails. From the plateau, visitors can look out across the coastline towards the Gulf of Thailand, making Bokor a popular day trip from Kampot.
Kampot
Set along a quiet river near the southern coast, Kampot is known for its laid-back atmosphere, colonial buildings and surrounding countryside. Visitors come for river cruises, nearby pepper plantations and easy access to both the sea and the Bokor highlands. The town's relaxed pace makes it a popular place to slow down for a few days.
Kep
Once a fashionable seaside retreat, Kep is a small coastal town known for its seafood, ocean views and access to nearby islands. Its calm beaches, national park trails and fresh crab markets offer a gentle alternative to Cambodia's busier destinations.
Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
Located just outside Phnom Penh, the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek are one of the most important memorial sites in Cambodia. During the Khmer Rouge period, thousands of people were executed here, and the site now serves as a place of remembrance and reflection. A visit provides essential context to Cambodia's recent history and is often combined with the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in the city.
Koh Rong Samloem
Smaller and quieter than neighbouring Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem appeals to travellers seeking calm beaches and a slower pace. Much of the island remains undeveloped, with soft sand, shallow waters and forested interiors. It is particularly popular with visitors looking to relax rather than party, and makes a peaceful island escape.
Phnom Penh
Cambodia's capital sits at the meeting point of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers and offers insight into both the country's ancient heritage and its more recent past. Royal palaces and colonial-era buildings stand alongside busy markets and modern cafés. Museums and memorials provide a sobering but important understanding of Cambodia's 20th-century history, while the riverside promenade is a popular place to walk, eat and watch daily life unfold.
Ream National Park
Located near Sihanoukville, Ream National Park protects a diverse mix of coastline, mangroves, forests and offshore islands. Boat trips through the mangroves and along quiet beaches offer a contrast to Cambodia's more developed coastal areas. The park is home to birdlife, marine species and small fishing communities, making it a rewarding destination for nature-focused travellers.
Sihanoukville
Sihanoukville is Cambodia's main coastal city and the primary gateway to the country's islands. While rapid development has transformed much of the city in recent years, it remains an important transport hub to nearby islands such as Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem. Outside the city centre, quieter beaches and headlands can still be found, particularly to the north and south.
Tonle Sap Lake
Tonle Sap is Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake and plays a vital role in Cambodia's ecology and food supply. Seasonal changes dramatically alter the lake's size, influencing fishing communities and the floating villages that move with the water levels. Boat trips offer a glimpse into a way of life closely tied to the rhythms of the river and lake.
Do you have any Feedback about this page?
© 2026 Columbus Travel Media Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission, click here for information on Columbus Content Solutions.
You know where