Places to discover

Best places to visit in Cambodia

Nestled on the side of the Gulf of Siam, Cambodia is a fascinating country. You will probably be subdued by the wealth of Angkor temples or the diversity of landscapes, but it's perhaps the Cambodian soul, which is both serious and joyful, which moves you the most. This population expiates its painful history, its bubbling youth, smiling to the world, the Theravada Buddhism shapes society and guides the meaning of life and the Mekong unabatedly continues to enhance each monsoon with the Tonle Sap Lake, the cradle of Khmer civilisation.

Upon arriving to Phnom Penh, you will discover a human-sized, dynamic and noisy capital. The heritage of the French protectorate is still evident across architecture, such as the art-deco style central market, but it's visiting the royal palace which enables you to get your feet wet. The S-21 camp and the genocide museum provide a different atmosphere altogether, giving visitors the chance to descend into the hell of the Khmer Rouge.

Stop off at Kampong Thom, on the road to Siam Reap, to prepare for exploring the enormous city of the Khmer Empire. Take a photo of Angkor Vat during the sunset from Phnom Bakheng, visit Bayon and Ta Phrom but also Beng Mealea or Banteay Srei, a temple dedicated to Shiva.

Moving west, discover Battambang and the NGO Phare Ponleu Selpak, which helps young people to be emancipated by culture and art, get away by visiting Wat Bannan, a very well preserved temple. Stroll around the seaside resort of Sihanoukville or appreciate the authenticity of Kep and the famous pepper of Kampot.

For an end-of-the-world atmosphere, away from tourists, immerse yourself deep into Cambodia by exploring the remote and transforming regions of Môndol Kiri and of Ratanakiri discover the small town of Banlung where a sleeping Buddha temple and the prettiest waterfalls of the country in Bou Sraa await you... There are many wonders to discover!

The country's capital, which is worth visiting for its lively atmosphere, royal palace, silver pagoda and to learn more about the history of Cambodia.
As the main place to come in Cambodia for nightlife, partying and to enjoy the beach, Sihanoukville contains both some nice areas and some not so nice areas.
Kompong Phluk is a floating village located one hour from Siem Reap. It can be visited by boat during the rainy season and on foot during the dry season.
Banan temple is ideal for nature lovers: it's on a mountain so you can have a good walk before you visit the temple - perfect for those who love trekking.
Ratanakiri is Cambodia's most northerly province and shares borders with Laos to the north and Vietnam to the south.
Banlung is the capital of Ratanakiri, the most northern province of Cambodia, between Vietnam and Laos.
Koh Trong is a small island a few hours from Sihanoukville. A true corner of paradise that you should visit in the south of Cambodiak!
Sitting perched on a sacred hill 250 km from Siem Reap, Preah Vihear is not an easy site to reach. However, you won't regret the effort you make to get here.
Chao Srey Vibol is one of the most ancient temples in the region of Angkor but is situated outside the historic park, to the east of Baray oriental.
A little lost village in eastern Cambodia, 5 hours from Kratié, Sen Monorom is the capital of Mondulkiri.
Kratie is most famous for trips along the Mekong in a - fruitless - search for the fresh water dolphins.
Monolkiri is a region in the north-east of Cambodia, on the border with Vietnam, whose name means "meeting of hills".
Ream National Park is about 20 kilometres from Sihanouk and is made for lovers of nature and paradisaical beaches.
Kbal Spean is part of Angkor's archaeological sites, and it's one of the most sacred places in Cambodian Buddhist history. 
Phnom Bakheng is an Angkor temple situated on a small hill, and is a very popular place for those who want to watch the sunset as it has an incredible view of the Angkor Wat temple.
Kampong Thom is the closest city to the pre-Angkorian site of Sambor Prei Kuk.
Koh Tonsai is somewhere you really ought to go during your trip to Cambodia. Don't miss Kep's crab market and Rabbit Island (what the name "Koh Tonsai" means).
The little crossroads town of Snuol, around 60 km from Kratié, is famous for its culinary speciality: grilled spiders.
Koh Ta Kiev is an untouched island that is protected from mass tourism. Perfect for a day trip, or longer, off the beaten path ! 
Along Veng, a small town 2 hours from Siem Reap, is a stop that is often forgotten by tourists. However there are lots of things to do and see, especially from the historical viewpoint.