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<\/p>\nNestled between Thailand and Vietnam, Cambodia is an essential stop on any backpacking adventure around South East Asia, with a huge array of attractions and truly unique Khmer culture. Food lovers can fill up on fragrant dishes in busy cities and pretty towns across the country, while beach bums are spoilt for choice when it comes to tropical islands to laze around on. Love a bit of history? There are no shortage of heritage sites, from ancient Hindu temple complexes to royal palaces and poignant museums which document its harrowing history. If you want the lowdown on the best places to visit in Cambodia, you\u2019re in the right place.<\/p>\n
Cambodia has only really started to open up to travellers in the last two decades, following a period of civil war and political instability in the 70s and 80s. This means there\u2019s heaps to discover and the locals couldn\u2019t be more welcoming. Ready to start exploring? Let\u2019s go!<\/p>\n
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\ud83d\udcf7\u00a0@kyndal.rayne.travels<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7\u00a0@paisleypinard<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n The incredible temples at the UNESCO World Heritage certified Angkor Wat Archaeological Park should be top of your Cambodia backpacking<\/a> itinerary, even if you\u2019re the type of traveller who prefers staying under the radar. Rising up from lush jungle about 15 minutes by car from Siem Reap, the area\u2019s crumbling structures date back to the days of the Khmer Empire and form the bare bones of Cambodia\u2019s 12th century capital city.<\/p>\n The crowning jewel is Angkor Wat, the region\u2019s most famous temple and also the largest religious structure in the world. If you can, book a private car or tuk tuk tour in advance (go with one recommended by your hostel<\/a>) and aim to arrive before 6am to see the sun rise over the temple\u2019s towers. Other must-see temples<\/a> in the park include Ta Prohm, with giant trees growing through its ruins, and Bayon that\u2019s recognisable for its multiple Buddha faces.<\/p>\n There are also numerous smaller temples across the 400 square kilometre park, including quieter Banteay Srei that sits 25km north of Angkor Wat. The small, red-hued temple dates back to the 10th century and is magnificently decorated with intricate carvings and statues.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7\u00a0@rathanakh<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Siem Reap<\/a> is both the jumping off point for excursions to Angkor Wat and the city where you\u2019ll have some of your most epic nights out!<\/p>\n Pub Street, though busy and touristy, is an essential part of the Siem Reap experience. It\u2019s where you\u2019ll find a mix of lively nightclubs, cheap bars serving up drinks by the bucketload (literally) and dozens of rustic restaurants where you can try things like delicious Khmer BBQ.<\/p>\n The small city is also packed with buzzing markets selling everything from spices to elephant print trousers \u2013 just steer clear of some of the more extreme street food stalls if you have a sensitive stomach! Those with time to spare might want to check out the Angkor National Museum to discover more about the region\u2019s ancient culture.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re searching for somewhere to enjoy some R&R after an early morning expedition to Angkor Wat or a heavy night out on Pub Street, Siem Reap has some first-rate hostels. The Twizt Lifestyle Hostel<\/a> has beautiful d\u00e9cor and an insane rooftop pool, while Cozy Cloud Backpackers Hostel<\/a> has an awesome chill out area complete with squashy beanbags.<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t \ud83d\udcf7 @vouchlim<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Cambodia\u2019s capital is surprisingly cosmopolitan and has some truly stand-out eating and dining options \u2013 think Insta-perfect caf\u00e9s, chic cocktail bars and swish eateries serving up classics like amok (coconut curry) in addition to innovatively prepared insects (the locals love them).<\/p>\n Phnom Penh is found on the banks of the Mekong, making it a prime starting point for river cruises north to Siem Reap or south into Vietnam. You\u2019ll find the majority of the city\u2019s attractions in the central Riverfront district, including the Royal Palace and Wat Phnom (a 14th century Buddhist temple). It\u2019s also a good area for foodies and you\u2019ll likely spot French-style bistros sitting alongside quirky Cambodian fusion restaurants. Phnom Penh\u2019s caf\u00e9 scene is phenomenal \u2013 try picture-perfect Artillery Caf\u00e9<\/a> on St 244 for plant-based Poke bowls, and social enterprise Sugar & Spice Caf\u00e9 at Preah Sisowath Quay for brunch.<\/p>\n No matter how long you decide to spend in Phnom Penh, a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is essential. The building was used as prison during the country\u2019s Khmer Rouge Regime and is now an incredibly moving museum. Most people combine a visit with a trip to Choeung Ek (AKA the Killing Fields), another remnant of Cambodia\u2019s recent tragedies that was turned into a memorial in 2005. A more cheerful day trip idea is Koh Dach, a peaceful island upriver which has a booming silk industry.<\/p>\n There are loads of hostels in Phnom Penh<\/a> and they\u2019re very wallet-friendly. Chill out at sundown at Onederz Phnom Penh<\/a>\u2019s tiki-style rooftop bar overlooking the river, or enjoy a taste of home at Lovely Jubbly Villa<\/a> whose restaurant stocks foreign beers and serves a decent full English breakfast.<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t \ud83d\udcf7\u00a0@graciepap<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n After Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville is Cambodia\u2019s most visited metropolis. If you\u2019re picturing traffic-clogged streets and packed pavements, you\u2019re off the mark as it\u2019s much more chilled out.<\/p>\n While Sihanoukville does have a tackier side to it (cue casinos and copious souvenir shops), it\u2019s also blessed with five or six beaches and several awesome drinking holes where you can party right on the sand. Lively Serendipity Beach is a backpacker favourite, especially for those about to head to the Southern Islands. Otres Beach on the southern edge of the city is a lot more relaxed and perfect for scuba diving adventures.<\/p>\n Not a beach person? A cookery class might be a better fit and you\u2019ll find no shortage of them in Sihanoukville. Learn how to whip up your own Khmer feast at Tastes of Cambodia or book onto a day course at the Don Bosco Hotel School. Come nightfall, enjoy a tranquil snooze at quiet Mangroves and More<\/a> in Otres Village or stay closer to the action at Onederz Sihanoukville<\/a> a few minutes from Tola Street (ideal for nights out).<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t \ud83d\udcf7\u00a0@mrneasey<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Island life more your thing? Cambodia is blessed with a handful of idyllic isles on its south coast which not only have tropical vibes in abundance, but also their own unique personalities.<\/p>\n The largest and most popular island is Koh Rong<\/a>, a haven for those after an experience similar to Thailand\u2019s party islands. Koh Tuch beach and 4K beach on the south eastern side are thronged with ramshackle beach bars and cheap and cheerful hostels like Nest Beach Club<\/a> that\u2019s literally metres from the ocean. Keen to complete a \u2018full moon party\u2019? Nearby Police Beach hosts them every month, as well as all-night raves on Wednesdays and Saturdays.<\/p>\n Neighbouring Koh Rong Sanloem<\/a> is smaller and a little less rowdy, making it a good pick if you\u2019re after a balance of sun, sea and cocktails. For something even more low key, tiny Koh Ta Kiev<\/a> is a good option. It\u2019s charmingly underdeveloped and the perfect place to switch off and do nothing but swim, sunbathe and snooze. Note that all three islands have no ATMs, so take plenty of cash with you.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7\u00a0@alu213000<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Beyond the cities and temples, Cambodia also has stunning, untouched scenery in shedloads. The Cardamom Mountains in the north are home to the largest rainforest in South East Asia and are the natural (and currently protected) habitat of numerous endangered species such as clouded leopards, Asian elephants and sun bears.<\/p>\n Those who love the great outdoors and can\u2019t resist fitting in a trek during their travels will want to make a beeline for these peaks. Many companies organise guided walks through the jungle, plus there are numerous opportunities to get involved with community conservation projects, including wildlife rehabilitation and release programmes.<\/p>\n The Cardamom Mountains are quite remote, so you\u2019ll need to stock up on any essential medications (and insect repellent!), wear sturdy walking boots and be prepared to camp or stay in a local homestay.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7\u00a0@lindagre_<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Kampot is a prime spot for those after some peace and quiet. The sleepy oasis near the south coast is surrounded by paddy fields, salt fields and farms growing the region\u2019s most famous crop \u2013 peppers! The architecture is particularly unique here too, a real throwback to Cambodia\u2019s days as a French colony.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re after a combination of beach time, cultural trips and culinary treats, Kampot really delivers. The Phnom Chhngok Cave Temple 8km from the town is the area\u2019s most visited attraction and will see you descending down 200 steps into a huge cave to awe at a remarkably well-preserved, 1300-year-old temple.<\/p>\n Kampot may be a lesser-known location, but you\u2019ll still find decent hostels (Kool Kampot<\/a> has nice private en-suite rooms) and dozens of delicious places to eat. Foodies will want to put time aside to visit one of Kampot\u2019s pepper plantations. La Plantation offers free tours and has two restaurants onsite where you can try dishes made with their organic peppers.<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t \ud83d\udcf7\u00a0@2neel2<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Right on the border with Vietnam, the Mondulkiri Province is one of the best regions in Cambodia for those interested in eco-tourism<\/a>. Time really does seem to stand still here. The majority of the Mondulkiri is still thick with untouched, mountainous forest, while the only inhabitants are its indigenous hill tribes.<\/p>\n Mondulkiri is also awash with waterfalls and serene swimming holes, making it another prime hiking spot in Cambodia. Animal sanctuaries are also big here, particularly the Mondulkiri Project who allow visitors to feed and wash rescued elephants. Phnom Prich Wildlife Sanctuary is another brilliant option that\u2019s home to dozens of different species and some fascinating rural communities.<\/p>\n Most visitors stay in homestays when visiting Mondulkiri, however there are also accommodation options in Sen Monorom, the province\u2019s principal town. You can usually arrange for a tuk tuk to take you to nearby attractions like the Bai Chow Sea Forest which has a spectacular viewpoint at its summit.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7\u00a0@ithma<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n You may have seen travel vloggers journeying through the jungle on the Battambang bamboo train, \u00a0but there\u2019s so much more to this northern Cambodian city than just locomotives.<\/p>\n It\u2019s found about three hours by bus from Siem Reap (or eight hours if you catch a ferry up the river) and it\u2019s a lovely place for some respite after the busyness of Angkor Wat. Battambang has built up a reputation as a friendly and creative city thanks to its collection of hip restaurants with menus that merge Khmer and French cuisine, as well as various boutique hostels.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll also have numerous unique excursion options to fill your days with; head out on the Mekong in kayaks, cycle through pretty paddy fields or expand your knowledge of the Khmer Rouge at the beautiful yet harrowing Phnom Sampeu. It\u2019s a hill 7km from Battambang and its temple buildings and caves were requisitioned during the war as prisons and interrogation sites.<\/p>\n And then, of course, there\u2019s the bamboo train (known as the \u2018norry\u2019) which whizzes down a rough train track through the wilderness for a few kilometres and then back again. Many think it\u2019s a bit overrated, but for 5 USD, can you really go wrong?<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t <\/p>\n Ready to explore the best places to visit in Cambodia? If you\u2019ve discovered any more gems, we\u2019d love to hear about them in the comments!<\/strong><\/p>\n I\u2019m Jemima, a full time travel writer and part time explorer who feels most at home in sunnier climes\u00a0 \ud83c\udf1f Become a real life Lara Croft – the 11 best temples in Cambodia<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n \ud83c\udf1f The 15 best things to do in Siem Reap<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n1. Angkor Wat<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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2. Siem Reap<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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3. Phnom Penh<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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4. Sihanoukville<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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5. The Southern Islands<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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6. The Cardamom Mountains<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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7. Kampot<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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8. Mondulkiri Province<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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9. Battambang<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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To find your dream hostel in Cambodia, download the Hostelworld app!<\/h3>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\nAbout the author:<\/h2>\n
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\u00a0Besides gallivanting around the globe, you\u2019ll usually find me with my head in a book, drinking tea or plotting my breakthrough into fiction writing.<\/p>\nKeep reading:\u00a0\u2b07\ufe0f<\/h2>\n