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.
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.
Also known as the Kravanh Mountains, the Cardamom Mountains are situated in the west of Cambodia. These famous peaks appear on the provincial seal of Trat Province in Thailand and are known for their scenic landscapes, endangered fauna and flora, and thrilling adventures. Stretching over more than 4 million hectares, the Cardamom Mountains are home to Southeast Asia’s largest remaining rainforest. This mountain range features a number of wildlife sanctuaries and encompasses the Central Cardamoms Protected Forest. Visitors can use the remote village of Osoam, a community tourism centre, and the Cardamoms’ northern gateway town of Pursat, as bases to explore the surrounding region. Discover one of Southeast Asia’s most pristine expanses of wilderness, explore the vast blanket of tropical rainforest, and soak up the mountain, marsh, plain, and river landscapes.
Kampot’s riverside charm, weathered French-era architecture, and unhurried rhythm make it one of Cambodia’s most atmospheric towns. Days unfold gently here—strolling along the water’s edge, drifting on sunset cruises, sampling the town’s rich culinary scene, and easing into its sociable bar culture after dark. The Central Market and Night Market reveal slices of everyday Khmer life, while the renovated Old Market caters to travellers with its selection of international eateries, cafés, and tour outfitters. Beyond town, traditional fishing villages offer a glimpse into local coastal life, and just across the river lies Bokor National Park—a misty highland escape teeming with tropical flora, rare wildlife, dramatic viewpoints and the contrasting presence of a modern hilltop casino. Blending old-world ambience with nature-backed adventure, Kampot remains one of Cambodia’s most enchanting southern escapes.
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.
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.
