So, you’re thinking about Cambodia.

Maybe you just rewatched Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (and suddenly feel like you, too, should be discovering ancient ruins in the jungle) or heard whispers of paradisiacal islands no one knows about. Maybe you just want a trip that feels a little different… raw, adventurous, and full of surprises.

We’ve been there. And here’s the thing: Cambodia is unreal. But it’s also so much more than Angkor Wat and ancient temples. From floating villages to laid-back riverside towns and some of Southeast Asia’s best beaches, there’s a whole side of Cambodia that most people miss.

That’s why we put this guide together. No fluff, no generic recommendations. Just the real stuff you need to know to make the most of your trip: the must-visit places, experiences, and the mistakes you don’t want to make.

Let’s get into it.

Cambodia Map

Cambodia might look small on the map, but don’t be fooled: there’s a lot packed into this country!

Here’s a map to help you get your bearings with every region:

Size-wise, Cambodia is about the size of Nebraska (USA) or half of Germany. So while it isn’t massive, it’s big enough that traveling overland can take time, especially with its sometimes bumpy roads. You’ll want to plan your routes strategically to avoid spending too much time in transit!

Fun fact: Cambodians are known for their warm hospitality, and the country is often referred to as the “Land of Smiles.”

Must-Visit Places in Cambodia

1. Angkor Wat Archeological Park

Once the seat of the Khmer Empire, which ruled most of mainland Southeast Asia from the 9th to the 15th century, Angkor had its peak during the 12th century before a long period of decline when the jungle swallowed most of it.

But Angkor Wat itself is just one of over a thousand temples preserved in Angkor Archeological Park. Its construction is thought to have taken 35 years, 300,000 laborers, and 6,000 elephants, according to inscriptions. Five million tons of sandstone were used to build it.

You can’t visit Cambodia and skip this. It’s legendary for a reason.

Hot tip: first timer? Read our complete guide made especially for you: Angkor Wat – The Ultimate Guide for First-Time Visitors.

Also read: Angkor Wat by Bicycle – Perfect One-Day Itinerary

2. Siem Reap

If you are in Siem Reap, chances are you’re here just to see Angkor Wat. But since you’re already made it, you may as well spend some time exploring the second-largest city in Cambodia, right?!

Despite being one of the largest cities in the country, you won’t find any tall buildings or busy roads in Siem Reap. Instead, you can expect eccentric colonial architecture, a thriving food scene, and exciting nightlife!

Also read: Top 12 Things to Do in Siem Reap – Beyond Angkor Wat

3. Kampong Phluk Floating Village

One of the most inexpensive yet super interesting day trips from Siem Reap is the Kampong Phluk Floating Village.

Located within the floodplain of the mighty Tonle Sap Lake, Kampong Phluk is a collection of three fishing villages, home to around 3,500 residents who live in the most peculiar way.

Although people refer to it as a floating village, the buildings are actually built on 6 to 10-meter-high stilts and give the appearance of a floating village when the water level of the lake rises.

Also read: Kampong Phluk Floating Village: Cultural Experience in Cambodia

Fun fact: the Tonle Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in all of Southeast Asia and is considered a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This combined lake and river system was also what largely maintained Angkor Wat during its glory times.

4. Koh Rong Island

Once a backpacker’s secret destination, Koh Rong used to be a challenge to visit just a few years ago: there was limited accommodation, no hot water, no wifi, and no roads. It’s no wonder the island hosted the 32nd season of Survivor in 2015!

Although roads are still in the making, the island has long developed into a great destination for all types of travelers and now offers plenty of accommodations and things to do; all while still retaining its magical small island vibe.

From white sandy beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters resembling the Maldives to lush jungles filled with waterfalls, Koh Rong is the paradise island you can’t miss in Cambodia!

Also read: Top 14 Things to Do on Koh Rong Island

5. Phnom Penh

The capital city of Cambodia is rich in history and offers a range of experiences, including the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and the Khmer Rouge Genocide Museum. Whether you’re drawn to exploring the architectural splendors or immersing yourself in the local lifestyle and nightlife, Phnom Penh has got you covered.

Also read: Top 11 Things to Do in Phnom Penh – The Capital City of Cambodia

6. Kampot

Backpackers are famous for turning unheard-of places into hotspots. It’s a blessing and a pity at the same time, but it’s because of these modern-day explorers (us included) that we get to know about amazing places like Kampot.

Nestled along a scenic riverbank, Kampot became popular for its serene atmosphere, colonial architecture, and world-renowned pepper. The quiet town is now booming with expatriates and locals alike who decided to live and explore the area.

As you wander through the streets here, you are immediately struck by the well-preserved French colonial buildings and the smell of delicious food.

Also read: What to Do in Kampot – Cambodia’s Latest Hotspot

7. Kep

If Kampot is where backpackers go to chill, Kep is where they go to soak up the sun and feast on seafood.

Once a glamorous seaside retreat for the French elite, Kep fell into decay during Cambodia’s turbulent years, leaving behind eerie abandoned villas and a coastline that felt forgotten. But in recent years, the town has slowly reclaimed its charm. This time, as a seafood paradise and a peaceful escape from the usual tourist trail.

The star of the show? Crab. The Kep Crab Market is legendary, serving up the freshest, juiciest crab straight from the ocean (especially when cooked with Kampot’s famous pepper!).

Pair that with a lazy afternoon on the beach, a visit to Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay), or a sunset hike in Kep National Park, and you’ll quickly understand why people fall for this sleepy coastal town.

Fun fact: the Cambodian flag is the only national flag to feature a building, specifically Angkor Wat, symbolizing the nation’s deep historical roots.

8. Battambang

Tucked away from Cambodia’s usual tourist trail, Battambang doesn’t have the ancient temples of Siem Reap or the energy of Phnom Penh, but that’s exactly why people fall in love with it.

Here, you can cycle through lush rice fields, admire French colonial buildings, and discover a growing arts scene that gives the town a creative, laid-back vibe. And then there are the quirks like the Bamboo Train: a one-of-a-kind rail adventure through the countryside, or the Bat Cave, where thousands of bats fly into the sky at sunset.

Battambang is all about soaking in the slow rhythm of local life and sipping coffee in cozy cafés.

Also read: 3 Days in Siem Reap – The Perfect Itinerary

Best Time to Visit

☀️ Dry Season: the months of November to April are considered the best time to visit Cambodia. The weather is generally warm and sunny, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The peak tourist season falls between December and February.

🌧️ Wet Season: from May to October, the wet season brings cooler temperatures and heavy rainfall. While this might deter some travelers, it also means fewer crowds and lush green landscapes. Rain usually occurs in short bursts, leaving plenty of time for exploration.

How long to stay in Cambodia?

If you want to explore beyond Angkor Wat, the ideal amount of time depends on how deep you want to go:

▪️ 1 Week – The absolute must-sees, perfect for first-timers.

▪️ 2 Weeks – A mix of cities, temples, and a beach escape.

▪️ 3 Weeks – A deeper dive into Cambodia’s countryside and remote areas.

▪️ 4 Weeks – The full experience, hitting all the major regions.

Transportation in Cambodia

✈️ By Air: Cambodia has three major international airports (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville). Domestic flights are available but limited, with routes like Phnom Penh to Siem Reap costing around $60-80 per ticket.

🚌 By Bus: Buses are the most budget-friendly way to travel between cities. Prices vary depending on the route. Longer trips such as Siem Reap to Koh Rong (including boat taxi) can cost up to $50, while smaller ones such as Kampot to Phnom Penh, only $10-15.

Book your transportation in Cambodia here >

🛺 By Tuk-Tuk: This is the most convenient and common way to navigate cities. Short city trips cost $1-5 per ride, and you should always agree on a fare before hopping in. For hassle-free rides, you can use Grab, which offers upfront pricing and is available in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Kampot, and Sihanoukville.

Pro tip: if you prefer to have more flexibility during your time in Cambodia, we recommend the most authentic way of travel in the country: renting and driving your very own Tuk-Tuk with TukTuk Rental! For a special discount, use our code “wheretoflow” when booking.

🛵 By Scooter: Renting a scooter can cost as little as $7-10/day and it’s our favorite way to explore! While no special permit is needed for bikes under 125cc, an International Driving Permit (IDP) with a motorcycle endorsement is legally required for larger bikes. We also recommend making a video of the bike’s condition before renting it for your safety.

Note: car rental is also an option but rental prices start at $40-80 per day, depending on the vehicle type. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required but some rental agencies may ask for a Cambodian driver’s license. Hiring a car with a driver ($50-100/day) is often a more convenient option if you need one.

⛴️ By Ferry & Speedboat: The only way to reach Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem is by boat from Sihanoukville. Speedboats take 30 to 45 minutes, with round-trip tickets costing $20-25 (you can book them here). Boats also connect the two islands, and longtail boats can take you to remote beaches for $5-20.

Also read: Koh Rong – The Ultimate Guide to The Maldives of Cambodia

Must-Eats in Cambodia

Cambodian food often flies under the radar, overshadowed by its Thai and Vietnamese neighbors. But trust us: it deserves a spotlight.

Here are the must-try dishes when in Cambodia:

🐠 Fish Amok: Cambodia’s National Dish, it’s a creamy, coconut-based curry with steamed fish served in a banana leaf. Absolutely delicious!

🥩 Lok Lak: a kind of stir-fried beef in a tangy, peppery sauce, served with rice, a fried egg, and a side of Kampot pepper sauce. Simple but legendary.

🍜 Kuy Teav: similar to Vietnamese pho, this local breakfast favorite is a light and flavorful noodle soup made with pork or beef broth and topped with fresh herbs, lime, and crispy garlic.

Cambodia on a Budget

🏠 Accommodation: Budget stays start at $5–10 per night for hostel dorms and $10–25 for private rooms. You can expect higher pricing on the islands (we paid $16 for a private room with no AC in Koh Rong).

🍜 Food: Local street food is super cheap, costing only $1-3 per meal, while restaurant dishes range from $3–7.

🚗 Transport: Buses between cities cost $10-15, while tuk-tuks for short rides range from $1–5. Renting a scooter costs $7–10 per day.

🎟️ Activities: Many temples and attractions are free or low-cost, but the Angkor Wat pass costs $37 for one day and you can’t miss it. Other tours and activities range from $10–30 per person.

Note: We visited Cambodia on a budget for a month in 2023 and managed to stay on a budget of around €24 per person per day.

Essential Travel Info

1. Visa & Entry Requirements

Most travelers need a tourist visa to enter Cambodia, which costs $30 and is valid for 30 days. You can get it on arrival at major airports and land borders, as long as you bring a passport-sized photo and $30 in cash.

You can also get it from the Cambodian Embassy or online, beforehand. For the E-Visa, you can apply at evisa.gov.kh for $36 (including the processing fee), but it’s valid for entry only at select ports.

Note: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date. Tourist visas can be extended once for 30 days at $45 via travel agencies or immigration offices. Overstaying costs $10 per day.

2. Health and Safety

💉 Vaccinations: Recommended vaccines include Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, and Rabies. Malaria risk is low in cities but present in rural areas. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory if you’re originally from a country with a risk of transmission (e.g. parts of Africa & South America).

🚰 Food & Water Safety: Tap water in Cambodia is not safe to drink, so always opt for bottled, filtered, or boiled water. Avoid ice in drinks unless you’re sure it’s made from purified water. When eating out, stick to busy food stalls and well-reviewed restaurants to minimize the risk of food poisoning.

🎒Scams & Petty Theft: Tourist areas, particularly in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, have incidents of bag snatching, pickpocketing, and scams. Always keep your belongings close and avoid using your phone while walking near roads. Common scams include inflated tuk-tuk fares, rigged ATMs, and fake tour services.

🆘 Emergency Numbers: Dial 119 for medical emergencies and 117 for police. Travel insurance covering medical emergencies is highly recommended.

3. Extra Travel Tips

💰 Currency & ATMs: Cambodia uses both Cambodian Riel and US Dollars. Prices are often quoted in USD, and change under $1 is given in Riel. ATMs dispense USD, but some charge high fees ($4–6 per withdrawal). Bring a mix of cash and a travel-friendly card like Wise to avoid fees.

📶 SIM Cards & Internet: We recommend the 4G SIM card from Smart as it offers the best coverage. Free Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, cafes, and restaurants.

🔌 Voltage & Plugs: Cambodia uses 230V, 50Hz, with Type A, C, and G plugs. A universal adapter is recommended if your devices use different plugs. Power cuts are common in some areas, so a power bank is also useful.

🛍️ Bargaining & Shopping: Markets and street vendors often overprice for tourists, so bargaining is expected. Supermarkets and restaurants have fixed prices.