Cambodia Tourist Map: Your Guide to the Best Places to Visit

If you are planning your trip to Cambodia and wondering which destinations to include in your itinerary, our detailed tourist map will guide you through the best places to visit in Cambodia, including historical sites, natural wonders, and unique cultural experiences that make this country an enchanted destination. By following our Cambodia tourist map, you can discover the hidden secrets of this fascinating country and indulge yourself in its rich and diverse culture.

Written by Preetika Narula (Local Expert)Updated on 31-12-2024

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1. An Overview of Cambodia

Cambodia is a Nation in Southeast Asia. It has Thailand to the west and southwest, Laos to the north, Vietnam to the southeast, and along the Gulf of Thailand it offers a 443 km coastline, dotted with beautiful islands and beaches. The topography of Cambodia is unique, characterized by a vast central plain surrounded by low mountains. Accessing it would enable one to come across the holy Mekong River that traverses from north to south across the entire country, with one of its great ends forming the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, sustaining the lives of millions of people living on the banks of the Mekong River.

Nor can we forget that when we hear the name of Cambodia, it reminds us of the incredible creations of the ancients, the temple complex of Angkor.

2. The Cambodia Tourist Map: Best Places to Visit

Cambodia, with its exceptional geographical diversity, invites travelers to discover its various fascinating regions.

• The Mekong Lowlands (Mekong Region)

Local life thrives in this region, ranging from the bustling capital of Phnom Penh to the authenticity of floating villages on Tonlé Lake. Every corner of this area reveals a varied palette of cultures and lifestyles.

• The West - Cradle of Traditional Culture

The impressive remains of the Angkor Kingdom are preserved in the western region o Cambodia's traditional heritage. The ancient historic temples give visitors a taste of the rich and multifaceted historic past of the area.

• The East - Adventure in the middle of nature

Eastern Cambodia offers an understanding of adventure and nature for its visitors. The beautiful, unspoiled landscapes and untouched nature reserves, combined with opportunities for outdoor adventure, make this place a paradise for nature lovers.

• The South - Seaside Getaway and Paradise Islands

Finally, the south of Cambodia offers an unforgettable seaside getaway with its many paradisiacal islands. Pristine beaches, crystal clear waters and a relaxing atmosphere create the perfect setting for total relaxation.

3. Mekong Region

• Tonle Sap Lake and Floating Villages

Most of the central low-lying areas of Cambodia are part of the Mekong basin. It gets its river from the Mekong that comes to this region and then turns around to return to Vietnam. This region also houses the Tonlé Sap Lake, the biggest lake of the country. It is the biggest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and recognized as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

A wide range of freshwater fish are found in the waters of the lake, which contributes largely to the fishery resources of the country. If you want to enjoy the fascination of nature, you can opt for floating life in Kampong Phluk, a settlement of Vietnamese and Cham communities, which has survived coexisting for many years.

• The Capital of Phnom Penh

Near the mouth of the Mekong River and the Tonle Sap Lake lies Phnom Penh. Such a complicated past, with regard to the French colonial gives of the Kingdom of Cambodia, is reflected in the present Phnom Penh. An interesting blend of old and new, it has grand buildings like the Royal Palace built around 1800 and numerous great Buddhist temples within its borders, which contribute to the country's moniker as "the land of temples."(For more information, please read: What to Do in Phnom Penh, Cambodia)

• Kampong Cham

Near Phnom Penh, about 2 hours by road, is the peaceful town of Kampong Cham. Unlike the bustling capital, this area along the Mekong River offers a peaceful beauty off the beaten path, with its ancient temples, bamboo bridges crossing a long, thin island in the middle of the Mekong River, and more. Here, you get the feeling of stepping back in time and rediscovering Phnom Penh as it was about ten years ago. This town is an ideal stop on the road from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap or Kratie.

>>>> ✨ Experience the beautiful seaside paradise on our Cambodia 10-day itinerary.✨ 

4. Northwest Region

• Siem Reap and the Monumental Angkor Complex

Cambodia's northwest is a highly regarded tourism attraction in the country, located in the western part of the country bordering Thailand. Its high value largely comes from the famous Angkor temple complex, recognized as one of the most spectacular architectural wonders of the world. Some of the most famous structures in the complex include Angkor Wat Temple, Angkor Thom, and Bayon Temple, the last being distinguished by its many towers adorned with faces. On the other hand, Ta Prohm is overgrown by jungle and famous for its gigantic trees rooted in the walls. The latter gained notoriety thanks to the film Tomb Raider.

For a great experience, try a hot air balloon ride to see the wonderful landscapes of Siem Reap as well as the sunrise and sunset, or enjoy a pleasant bike ride.

In Siem Reap, make sure to catch the famous Sbek Thom show, an integral part of the art of Cambodia. The Sbek Thom is actually a Khmer shadow theatre, where large, non-articulated puppets made from chiseled leather can reach up to two meters in height.

Considered a sacred art prior to the Angkorian period, just like the Royal Ballet Apsara and the masked dance (or Lakhon Khol). Also, make sure you catch a Phare show in Siem Reap, which presents a riveting and mesmerizing choreography of Cambodian traditional art. This largely happens in the city of Siem Reap.

• Koh Ker – The mysterious ancient Khmer capital you probably don't know

On the northeastern side of Siem Reap, about 120 kilometers away, lies Koh Ker, which remains an intriguing archaeological site and stands as a testament to the greatness of the Khmer Empire in earlier times. It was once the capital during the reign of King Jayavarman IV—a now-forgotten city that holds architectural and cultural treasures of immense significance. The country is more than just a scattering of temples; Koh Ker represents a transitional period of richness, featuring bold capital construction and refined sculpture. See for yourself why this UNESCO World Heritage Site is indeed a must-see for anyone who loves Khmer history and culture.

5. Eastern Region

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

• Kratie and Freshwater Dolphin Watching

Located on the banks of the Mekong, Kratie is a town known for being one of the best places to visit in Cambodia to observe Irrawaddy freshwater dolphins in their natural habitat. The northern part of Kratie is home to the rare and precious Irrawaddy freshwater dolphin species, endangered due to its limited population. The best place to see them is Kampi, where you can rent a boat to admire the dolphins joyfully swimming for 1 to 2 hours.

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

>>>>> Disover Kratie Cambodia: Place of the Mekong River Dolphins 🐬🐬 

• Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri: Best Places for Hiking

Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri regions are top destinations for travelers seeking raw and unspoiled nature. The trails are often unmarked, so it is usually necessary to hire a local guide to explore this land.

Nicknamed the "land of hills," Mondulkiri is known for its breathtaking natural landscapes and well-preserved safari. The province is famous for its ethical elephant sanctuaries, gibbon watching, trekking, hiking, and discovering the unique culture of local ethnic minorities, particularly the Phnong tribe, who live in traditional villages in the mountains.

>>>> ✨ Discover the allure of Ratanaki in our Vietnam-Cambodia 14-day itinerary.✨✨

Located in the far northeast of Cambodia, bordering Laos and Vietnam, Ratanakiri province is a region of towering mountains, lush tropical forests, and traditional lifestyles led by Cambodia's significant indigenous population. With Virachey National Park to the north and Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary to the south, this province is full of nature and outdoor spaces to explore. Ratanakiri province is home to a significant population of Khmers Loeu, the collective name given to the indigenous groups living in Cambodia's highlands.

6. Southern Region

The southern region of Cambodia, located in the southwestern part of the country and bordered by the Gulf of Thailand, comprises four provinces: Battambang, Koh Kong, Kampot, Kep, and Sihanoukville. It is known for its beaches and islands, as well as its national parks and nature reserves. This region is renowned for its pristine beaches, islands, and vast nature reserves, including the magnificent Cardamom Mountains.

• The Cardamom Mountains

The Cardamom Mountains, stretching from Chanthaburi Province in Thailand to Pursat Province in Cambodia, form a rugged landscape of dense rainforest, rivers, and diverse wildlife. This area, located in Cambodia’s southwest, offers stunning natural beauty with mountains, lakes, waterfalls, plains, and Southeast Asia’s largest mangrove forest.

The Cardamoms are home to endangered species like Irrawaddy dolphins, Malaysian sun bears, and over 450 bird species, making it an ideal destination for nature and adventure enthusiasts.

• Kep, a Peaceful Seaside Resort

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

• Kampot, the City of Pepper

Kampot, a popular destination in southern Cambodia near the Vietnamese border, 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 is also an ideal starting point to discover Bokor National Park, where visitors can explore local wildlife and flora.

• Sihanoukville, the Largest City in the South

Sihanoukville is the largest city in the region and the main tourist center of the Cambodian coast. It is famous for its white-sand beaches, such as Ochheuteal Beach, Serendipity Beach, and Otres Beach. From Sihanoukville, visitors can easily reach the offshore islands for diving and snorkeling.

>>> 🏖️ Discover more about:  Sihanoukville: Cambodia's Dream Beaches 🐠🌴

• Koh Rong, a Paradise Island

Koh Rong is one of the best places to visit in Cambodia, known for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. It is an ideal destination for relaxation and water sports, such as snorkeling and diving.

• Battambang: The Cultural Heartland

Battambang, with its well-preserved French colonial architecture, ancient temples, and vibrant arts scene, is often considered the cultural heartland of Cambodia. The city's bamboo train ride is a unique experience, taking you through picturesque countryside. Battambang is also a great place to explore traditional Cambodian arts, including circus performances by the Phare Ponleu Selpak organization.

>>> Read now: Battambang Travel Guide: Explore Cambodia's Secret Charm 🛕🇰🇭🌿

7. FAQs

1. Is it safe to travel to Cambodia?

Yes, while caution is advised in certain areas—such as border regions or remote rural spots—these places are well-documented and typically off-limits, allowing travelers to plan wisely without much concern. In bustling cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, the activity doesn’t equate to danger.

2. Where should I go for the first time in Cambodia?

For first-time visitors, the best places to visit in Cambodia include Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, the floating villages of Tonlé Sap Lake, and the capital, Phnom Penh.

3. Which is better, Siem Reap or Phnom Penh?

When deciding between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, it depends on your travel preferences. Siem Reap is a smaller, greener city, best known for the iconic Angkor Wat, making it ideal for those seeking cultural exploration and nature. On the other hand, Phnom Penh, Cambodia's bustling capital, offers better shopping, hotel options, and a lively urban experience. If you're after historic temples and a serene atmosphere, Siem Reap is more rewarding for tourists. However, if you prefer a vibrant city with more modern conveniences, Phnom Penh might be a better fit.

4. Can I get a visa on arrival in Cambodia?

Yes, you can obtain a tourist visa upon arrival in Cambodia. You’ll need a valid passport, a recent passport photo, and you'll be given forms to complete when you arrive. However, to avoid any inconvenience, it’s highly recommended to secure your visa in advance. Additionally, it's wise to check with your airline’s customer service to ensure that you can board the plane and obtain your visa upon arrival at Cambodia International Airport.

>> For more information, please read: All about Cambodia visa

5. What is the best month to visit Cambodia?

The best time to visit Cambodia is during the dry season (November to March), with cooler weather and clear skies, perfect for sightseeing. For fewer crowds and lush green landscapes, visit during the rainy season (May to October), despite occasional short showers. (Read more: Best Time to Visit Cambodia)

Conclusion

Exploring Cambodia through its regions will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deeper understanding of its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and unique local experiences. From the bustling Mekong plains to the tranquility of the floating villages on Tonlé Lake, the historical remnants of Angkor in the west, the natural adventures in the east, and the serene beaches in the south, the country provides varied experiences. With its shared borders with Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand, a combined trip is a practical option to explore three countries in one journey!

We hope these detailed and practical insights help you make the most of your stay in the peaceful and captivating land of Cambodia!

>>> Read more: 

• Phnom Penh - Capital of Cambodia: Top 10 Activities Not to Be Missed
• Cambodian Cuisine: Top 15 Unmissable Dishes!!!
• Tips for a successful trip to Cambodia
• What to Bring back From Cambodia? Here Are 11 Must-Have Souvenirs!