Overview of Regions

Cambodia can be divided into five travel regions. Each has its own character:

Siem Reap & Angkor

For whom: Culture and history fans, photographers, all Cambodia visitors
The temple city of Angkor is by far the most important reason to travel. The city of Siem Reap is the tourist center with hotels, restaurants, and the infamous Pub Street. Also, the vast Tonle Sap Lake with its floating villages. Plan at least 3 full days for the temples.

Phnom Penh

For whom: City explorers, history enthusiasts, foodies
The capital at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap is rough, loud, and fascinating. The magnificent Royal Palace stands in stark contrast to the Khmer Rouge memorials. In between: Art Deco architecture, lively markets, and a burgeoning restaurant and bar scene. 2–3 days.

South Coast & Islands

For whom: Beach lovers, those seeking tranquility, gourmets
Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem are Cambodia's island paradises — still far from Thai overdevelopment. Kampot enchants with colonial charm and the best pepper in the world, Kep has the best crab market in Southeast Asia, and Bokor Hill Station offers ghost town atmosphere at 1,000 meters altitude.

Battambang & Northwest

For whom: Explorers, art lovers, travelers off the beaten path
Cambodia's second-largest city is a gem with French colonial architecture, the legendary Bamboo Train (reopened), and the Phare Ponleu Selpak Circus — a world-famous social project. In the remote northwest awaits the Banteay Chhmar temple, Angkor's forgotten twin.

Mondulkiri & Ratanakiri (Northeast)

For whom: Adventurers, nature lovers, animal friends
The wild east: red dirt roads, dense jungle, the perfectly round Yeak Laom volcanic lake, ethical elephant projects in Mondulkiri, and the last Irrawaddy river dolphins in the Mekong at Kratie. Here, Cambodia is still frontier.