Tourist map of Cambodia: Top Tips to Explore like a Pro!

If you're planning your trip to Cambodia and wondering which destinations to include in your itinerary, our detailed tourist map will guide you through the historical sites, natural wonders, and unique cultural experiences that make this country an enchanted destination. By following our tourist map of Cambodia, you'll uncover the hidden secrets of this fascinating land and immerse yourself in a rich and diverse culture.

Written by Hiep Bui (Local Expert) Updated on 15-03-2024

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1. An overview of Cambodia

• Official name of the country: Kingdom of Cambodia
• Location: Country in Southeast Asia on the Indochinese peninsula
• Capital: Phnom Penh
• Language: Khmer
• Currency: Riel (KHR)
• Religion: Theravada Buddhism (95%), with minorities of Christians, Muslims and other faiths.

Cambodia is surrounded by Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, and it offers a 443 km coastline along the Gulf of Thailand, dotted with beautiful islands and beaches. Cambodia's topography is unique, characterized by a vast central plain surrounded by low mountains, some of the largest freshwater lakes in Southeast Asia, and the famous temples of Angkor. As you explore this country, you will discover a variety of captivating landscapes and a rich history that is revealed at every step. 

Welcome to the Kingdom of Cambodia, a country that is home to some of the most remarkable architectural and artistic achievements of the ancient world!

>>>Read more: 

• How to say “Hello” in Cambodian like a local?
• Everything you need to know about Cambodia's weather and climate

Cambodia is surrounded by Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, and it offers a 443 km coastline along the Gulf of Thailand, dotted with beautiful islands and beaches. Cambodia's topography is unique, characterized by a vast central plain surrounded by low mountains, some of the largest freshwater lakes in Southeast Asia, and the famous temples of Angkor. As you explore this country, you will discover a variety of captivating landscapes and a rich history that is revealed at every step. 

Welcome to the Kingdom of Cambodia, a country that is home to some of the most remarkable architectural and artistic achievements of the ancient world!

2. The tourist map of Cambodia: the best sites to visit

Cambodia, blessed with exceptional geographic diversity, invites travelers to discover its different fascinating regions.

The Lower Mekong Plains (Mekong region): Local life flourishes in this region, ranging from the excitement of the capital to the authenticity of the floating villages on Lake Tonlé. Every corner of this area reveals a diverse palette of cultures and lifestyles.

• The West - Cradle of Traditional Culture: Western Cambodia is steeped in traditional cultural heritage, home to the impressive remains of the Angkor kingdom. Historic temples bear witness to the rich and complex history of this region, offering travelers a captivating dive into the past.
• The East - Outdoor Adventure: For adventure and nature lovers, Eastern Cambodia presents itself as an ideal destination. Stunning natural landscapes, preserved nature reserves, and opportunities for outdoor exploration make this region a paradise for nature enthusiasts.
• The South - Seaside Getaway and Paradise Islands: Finally, the South of Cambodia offers an unforgettable seaside getaway with its many paradise islands. Pristine beaches, crystal clear waters and a relaxing atmosphere create the perfect setting for total relaxation.

Explore the following sections for more detailed travel ideas.

3. Mekong region

• Tonlé Sap Lake and the floating villages

The Mekong region is mainly composed of low plains that extend across most of the central area of ​​Cambodia. The Mekong River flows through this region before turning around and heading back towards Vietnam. Tonlé Sap Lake, the largest lake in the country, is also located in this area. It is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and is recognized as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. 

The lake's waters are home to a wide variety of freshwater fish, providing a large portion of the country's fishery resources. If you want to enjoy the tranquility of nature, you can experience life in the floating village of Kampong Phluk, where Vietnamese and Cham communities have coexisted for centuries.

• The capital of Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is located at the mouth of the Mekong River and Tonle Sap Lake. The Kingdom of Cambodia's tumultuous past, particularly the French colonial period, continues to strongly influence Phnom Penh today. The city is a fascinating mix of old and new, where one can admire magnificent buildings such as the royal palace, dating from around 1800, and magnificent Buddhist temples, contributing to the country's nickname "the land of temples".

• Kampong Cham

Near Phnom Penh, about a 2-hour drive, is the peaceful town of Kampong Cham. In contrast to the dynamism of the capital, this region on the banks of the Mekong offers peaceful beauty, off the beaten track, with its ancient temples, its bamboo bridges crossing a long and thin island in the middle of the Mekong River,... Here, you have the impression of taking a leap into the past and rediscovering Phnom Penh as it was about ten years ago. This town is an ideal stopover on the way from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap or Kratie.

4. North West Region

• Siem Reap and the Angkor monumental complex

Located in the western part of the country, bordering the border with Thailand, the North-West region of Cambodia is one of the most popular places for tourists visiting the country, thanks to the famous Angkor complex, one of the most spectacular architectural wonders in the world. The city of Siem Reap , once the capital of the Angkorian Empire, is the main gateway to visiting Angkor Wat and the surrounding archaeological park. 

Traveling to Siem Reap, you will discover the land of remains, as more than half of the province is made up of Khmer temples and cultural sites. The crown jewel of the complex is the Angkor Wat temple, considered the largest religious temple in the world and a masterpiece of Khmer architecture. If you are looking for an unforgettable experience to admire the magnificent landscapes of Siem Reap at sunrise or sunset, there is nothing better than renting a hot air balloon to float in the air. 

Other famous temples in the complex include Bayon Temple, notable for its many face-shaped towers, and Ta Prohm Temple, overgrown with jungle and famous for its gigantic trees rooted in the walls. The latter became famous thanks to the film Tomb Raider. 

5. Eastern Region

The Eastern region, located east of the Mekong, remains a little-known destination for travelers. It is distinguished by a rugged and mountainous terrain, covered with dense and abundant forests near the border with Vietnam. The region's rich biodiversity is one of its main attractions, ideal for hiking enthusiasts.

• Kratie and the observation of freshwater dolphins

Located on the banks of the Mekong River, Kratie is a town renowned for being one of the best places to observe Irrawaddy freshwater dolphins in their natural habitat. The northern part of Kratie is home to the rare and valuable Irrawaddy freshwater dolphin species, which is in danger of extinction due to its limited population. The best place to watch them is Kampi, where you can rent a boat to watch the dolphins swimming happily for 1-2 hours.

Unlike many other cities in Cambodia, the years of war left buildings of French architecture in Kratie, creating a unique beauty. 

• Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri: the best places for hiking

The Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri regions are destinations of choice for travelers in search of raw and preserved nature. As the trails are poorly marked, it is often necessary to hire the services of a local guide to explore this land.

Nicknamed the “land of hills”, Mondulkiri is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes and well-preserved safari. The province is famous for its ethical elephant sanctuaries, gibbon watching, hiking and experiencing the unique culture of local ethnic minorities, including the Phnong tribe, who live in traditional villages in the mountains.

6. Southern Region

The Southern region of Cambodia, located in the southwestern part of the country and bordered by the Gulf of Thailand, is made up of four provinces: Battambang, Koh Kong, Kampot, Kep and Sihanoukville. It is a region known for its beaches and islands, as well as its national parks and nature reserves.

• Kep, peaceful seaside resort

Kep , located about 30 km from Kampot, is a quiet resort town with a long sandy beach and many neighboring islands and islets accessible by boat. Its long beach of golden sand offers an ideal setting for relaxing and enjoying the crystal clear waters. The city is also renowned for its fresh seafood and Kep crabs. It is truly a must-see destination when traveling to Cambodia. 

• Kampot, the city of pepper

Kampot, a popular destination located in southern Cambodia, near the Vietnamese border. Kampot is famous for its pepper, considered one of the best in the world. The town itself is charming, with its French colonial-style buildings, and it's also an ideal starting point for discovering Bokor National Park, where visitors can explore the local flora and fauna.

• Sihanoukville, the largest city in the South

Sihanoukville is the largest city in the region and the main tourist center on the Cambodian coast. It is famous for its white sandy beaches such as Ochheuteal Beach, Serendipity Beach, Otres Beach, Independence Beach and Sokha Beach. There you can explore the coral reefs and shipwrecks that are home to a variety of colorful fish and other sea creatures.

If you're looking for a less touristy experience, Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem offer an unspoilt island paradise, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Both islands are located off the southwest coast of Sihanoukville in the Gulf of Thailand and are accessible by boat from Sihanoukville town.

• Battambang and rural villages

If you are looking for a city with unique character and a peaceful ambiance, Battambang is the perfect choice. Soak up the natural beauty of the Cambodian countryside and explore traditional villages to learn about the history and culture of this fascinating region. 

The city is also famous for its magnificent French colonial buildings, Buddhist temples, museums and art galleries. Additionally, it has a thriving craft scene, particularly in silk and pottery. Visitors can visit local villages to see these artisans at work and purchase unique souvenirs.

One of the most exciting and attractive activities you can do during your trip to Battambang is cycling along the peaceful roads of the surrounding countryside. You might even recognize these country roads because they've already been featured on the popular National Geographic Channel.

Another must-do activity is kayaking in the floating village of Ksach Poy. This experience will take you along the scenic Stung Sangke River, where you can enjoy a peaceful and serene ambiance. Additionally, a unique experience not to be missed is traveling by “bamboo train”, invented after the closure of the city’s railway station.

The northwest region of Cambodia is also home to Cardamom National Park, one of the last natural habitats of the Asian elephant. This national park is a popular destination for hikers, nature enthusiasts and wildlife enthusiasts. 

Finally, don't miss the Banteay Chhmar Temple, a spectacular archaeological site including ruins dating back to the Khmer Empire. This temple is considered an Angkor Wat in miniature due to its impressive architecture and rich cultural value.

Our last words

Cambodia is a geographically diverse country, offering a variety of regions attractive to travelers. The region of the lower Mekong plains allows you to discover local life in all its diversity, from the bustle of the capital to the authenticity of the floating villages on Lake Tonlé. The Western region is considered the cradle of traditional culture, home to remnants of the Angkor kingdom, as well as its historic temples. If you're looking for a wilderness adventure, the Eastern Region is a great destination. Finally, the south of Cambodia is an ideal destination for a seaside stay, with its many paradise islands.