What are the top cities or places to visit in Cambodia?

The capital is Phnom Penh situated on the banks of the Mekong River. Once known as the "Pearl of Asia," it was considered one of the loveliest French-built cities in Indochina in the 1920s. Founded in 1434, the city is noted for its beautiful and historical architecture and attractions. One can still see a number of surviving French Colonial buildings scattered along the city’s major boulevards. There are also numerous beautiful Khmer temples and monuments that give Phnom Penh a unique Cambodian atmosphere. The innermost part of the city, known as Sisowath Quay, is where most visitors find themselves with its plentiful cafés and restaurants. Phnom Penh is a city in which to relax, watch the street life and absorb local colour on Cambodia travel. 

Wat Phnom

The oldest and tallest religious structure here is Wat Phnom first built in 1373. It is set on top of a tree-covered knoll and is the only “hill” in the city. Today, people come here to pray for good luck and success. When a wish is granted, the faithful return to deliver offerings such as a garland of jasmine flowers or a bunch of bananas. 

The Royal Palace is a complex of buildings most of which are open to the visitor some of which are spectacular. The architecture with its gold-leafed roofs is stunning. With its classic Khmer roofs and ornate gilding, the Royal Palace dominates the skyline of Phnom Penh. It is a striking structure near the riverfront bearing a remarkable likeness to its counterpart in Bangkok. Being the official residence of the King, visitors are only allowed into the Throne Hall and a number of other buildings such as the beautiful Silver Pagoda, perhaps the highlight here and the Moonlight Pavillion. The Palace also has attractive gardens complete with tropical flowers and plants.  

The National Museum, constructed during the French Colonial era in the late 19th century in the classical Khmer style hosts a vast collection of Khmer antiquities and is home to the world’s finest collection of Khmer sculptures. 

Perhaps macabre but absolutely worth it on trips to Cambodia is a visit to the Tuol Sleng Museum, a former prison in which thousands of Cambodians were placed prior to being killed by the Khmer Rouge regime. Linked with a visit to the infamous Killing Fields just outside of the city, the two venues bring to life the history of the country during these times. The site is a former high school which was used as a notorious security prison by the Khmer Rouge regime from its rise to power in 1975 to its fall in 1979.

The Killing Fields, just outside the city, are a number of sites in Cambodia where collectively more than a million people were killed and buried by the Khmer Rouge regime. The mass killings were part of a broad state-sponsored genocide. The name was coined by a Cambodian journalist after his escape from the regime. 

There is no doubt Anglor Wat is the major attraction in Cambodia. It must be compared in importance to Machu Picchu in Peru or Petra in Jordan as one of the world’s major archaeological sites. This vast temple complex is situated 6 kilometres/4 miles north of the city of Siem Reap which visitors use as their accommodation base. The complex stretches over 400 square kilometers/ 155 square miles and contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to the 15th century. It was a city of over 1 million inhabitants but was eventually abandoned. Eventually, it was rediscovered by a French naturalist in the middle of the 19^th Century but was not a major tourist attraction until after the Khmer Rouge regime was over. The first temple to be visited is usually the famous and impressive Temple of Angkor Wat, dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu deity.  Also very important is Angkor Thom and its Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations and its Elephant Terrace and Terrace of the Leper King, Ta Prohm is best known as the temple where trees have been left intertwined with the stonework, much as it was when uncovered from the jungle. One might recognize a few scenes from Angelina Jolie's movie, Tomb Raider. Banteay Srey, somewhat further away is a red coloured temple known for its intricate carvings. Because of its size and numerous attractions, you should be prepared to spend at least two days to really appreciate it on Angkor Wat tours. 

Not far from Siem Reap is Tonle Sap Lake with its fascinating string of lakeside villages both floating and stilted. This large freshwater lake’s inhabitants are fishermen, mostly stateless ethnic Vietnamese who have been here for decades. Local life can be seen on a cruise around the lake. 

Sihanoukville's many beaches and nearby islands make it Cambodia's premier seaside resort with a steadily rising number of both national and international visitors. Many of the beaches here are filled with grass hut restaurants and bars. Some of them are rocky and some are pure sandy beach. A dozen islands surround Sihanoukville and are fairly unspoiled. Beaches, forest treks, scuba diving and swimming are the main activities here, all to be enjoyed on Cambodia tours.

The city of Battambang in northwest Cambodia is very attractive. It has some of the best preserved French Colonial architecture in the country. It is the country’s second most populous city and a popular destination due to the many ancient temples and Buddhist shrines. The city also has a number of fine early 20^th Century French Colonial buildings most of which can be found along the waterfront. One special activity here is to take a ride on the bamboo train, one of the world's all-time classic rail journeys, half an hour along warped, misaligned rails and high bridges left by the French. 

Cambodia promises a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences to both the leisure and intrepid traveller. Book one of Goway's Cambodia tours today and experience its vibrant culture, charming people and amazing sights. You won't be disappointed.

"Globetrotting with Goway" blog articles

For some additional reading, the following articles are from our blog “Globetrotting with Goway”….. a great source of information for those people who are, or who want to be, world travellers!

• Visit the Angkor Wat Temples – a “Must See” Cambodia Tour Gem
• The Top 5 Must-See Items for a First Time Visit to IndoChina
• Angkor Wat at Sunrise and Other Unforgettable Sights on an Asian Vacation
• What Wat? Understanding Asian Places of Worship
• Ten Iconic Sites to See on an Asia Vacation
• Waiter, Where’s the Fly in My Soup?
• Cambodia’s Amazing Circus in Siem Reap
• Two Top River Expeditions to Explore on an Asia Vacation

  Cambodia Travel Information

At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to Cambodia tours.

Learn about the history and culture of Cambodia, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Cambodia's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Cambodia for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our Cambodia tours today!

Extend Your Trip

After your Cambodia tour, consider taking the time to visit other destinations. Goway offers exciting China vacation packages and Thailand vacation packages plus a comprehensive selection of vacation packages in many other Asian countries.