Since reopening to tourists in the early 1990s, Cambodia has captivated visitors from around the globe with its rich cultural heritage, warm and welcoming people, and extraordinary natural wonders. Phnom Penh, the nation’s vibrant capital, pulses with energy, offering world-class dining, lively markets, and a spirited nightlife. Yet the country’s true treasures lie beyond the city: the sleepy, French-influenced town of Kampot enchants with its riverside promenade, colonial villas, and charming cafés; the lush, jungle-clad Cardamom Mountains reveal spectacular waterfalls and pristine wilderness; and, of course, the majestic Angkor Wat complex stands as the world’s largest and most breathtaking religious monument. Cambodia seamlessly caters to every traveller, whether seeking exhilarating jungle adventures, serene golden-sand beaches, luxurious resorts, or a journey through its tantalising local cuisine. With its blend of history, nature, and culture, Cambodia remains a destination of endless discovery and wonder.
Best known as the gateway to the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat temple complex, Siem Reap is a charming town blending French colonial and Chinese architectural influences with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Its crown jewel, the Angkor complex, spans an area larger than Paris and is a labyrinth of intricately carved temples adorned with dancing apsaras, lotus motifs, and five-headed naga (serpent deities). Abandoned for centuries and rediscovered in 1860 by French explorer Henri Mahout, it has since become Cambodia’s cultural and historical highlight. Beyond the temples, Siem Reap offers a vibrant arts and crafts scene, immersive cultural villages that showcase traditional rural life, and a bird sanctuary on the town’s outskirts, providing visitors with a rich mix of heritage, nature, and local culture.
Located where the northern plains of Cambodia meet the Dangrek Mountains in the north and the Mekong River to the west, the rugged and thickly-forested Preah Vihear Province is renowned for its impressive Angkorian temple ruins. Chief among these are the 10th-century Koh Ker Temple complex, the UNESCO accredited mountaintop Prasat Preah Vihear temple, and the Preah Khan Kompong Svay site, with its stunning 1000-year-old artworks. Adventurous visitors will have plenty to keep them busy with a variety of outdoor activities on offer. These include unforgettable motorcycle tours into lush jungles to discover remote temples and hiking or mountaineering trips through a remarkable variety of natural habitats – forest, jungle, grasslands and wetlands – where unique and endangered wildlife and birdlife are protected, including Cambodia’s national bird, the Giant Ibis.
Tucked between the sprawling cities of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, Kampong Thom is a sleepy town set on the banks of the Stung Sen River. This unassuming town offers easy access to a number of popular attractions spread across the province, including Sambo and Prey Kuk Temples a popular archaeological site located 25 kilometres northeast of Kampong Thom. A visit to Phnom Santuk Mountain is a must as this sacred mountain is a place of pilgrimage for many and is dotted with many Buddha statues, carved along the mountain range.
Situated at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant capital, captivates with its rich history, welcoming locals, and thriving culinary scene. The city’s heritage is immediately evident: the National Museum of Cambodia showcases over a millennium of Khmer art and design, while the monumental Royal Palace—home to King Sihamoni—features the iconic Throne Hall and the dazzling Silver Pagoda, whose floor gleams with five tons of silver. Along the Tonle Sap riverfront, visitors can enjoy refined dining and French-inspired wines, a legacy of the city’s colonial past, while the evenings come alive with lively nightclubs, karaoke performances, and stage shows. Combining culture, history, and cosmopolitan energy, Phnom Penh offers a dynamic and immersive Cambodian experience.
Koh Rong—sometimes called Monkey Island—is a blissfully serene escape after Cambodia’s rugged inland adventures. Located about 25 kilometres off the coast of Sihanoukville, this idyllic island boasts 43 kilometres of powder-soft beaches washed by calm, turquoise waters. Its interior remains largely wild, cloaked in lush rainforest threaded with scenic hiking trails. Despite growing popularity, Koh Rong is still wonderfully low-key, with only a modest selection of accommodation and dining spots. Evenings can be lively around Tui Bay, but the island’s overall appeal lies in its unspoiled nature, gentle pace, and the feeling of stumbling upon a slice of tropical paradise.
