The Best Destinations of Cambodia

Cambodia's Fast Facts

What You Need to Know Before You Go

Time difference:GMT + 7 Hours
International Airports:Phnom Penh (PNH), Siem Reap (REP) & Sihanoukville (KOS)
Border Crossing from:Thailand, Vietnam & Laos
Dress Code for TouristsTourists are suggested to dress modestly during the visits to temples in Siem Reap and the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, especially for WOMEN - No see-through clothes, have to bare shoulders and must be skirts below knee length.

Best time to travel:The best time to travel to Cambodia is during the cooler dry season from November to March. However, from April to September is the green season which you can enjoy fewer tourists and the best value holiday.
Climate:Temperatures in Cambodia remain fairly constant year-round from 22 to 38 °C (69.8 to 95 °F). Rainy Season: June to October (25-35 °C), Cool Dry Season/Winter: November to February (18-28 °C) and Hot Dry Season: March to May (29-38 °C).
Local Currency:Khmer Riel (KHR), while US Dollars are widely accepted (1$=4,100 KHR)

Tourist Visa:Pre Visa Application at Cambodian Embassy, Issued Visa On Arrival and E-Visa (https://www.evisa.gov.kh/)
Tourist Visa On Arrival:Apply upon arrival at the international checkpoints. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months with minimum 2 blank pages, 1 recent passport-size photo, cash USD30 and a completed visa on arrival form. The length of stay is up to 30 days and a single entry.

The Best Destinations of Cambodia

Where to visit and things to do

Cambodia is full of diversity and offers a variety of activities for visitors to quickly fill up their agendas with. From its array of glorious temples and religious structures, rich heritage and culture to the rare wildlife and stunning eco-tourism spots, the country has it all.

No visit to Cambodia is complete without laying eyes on Angkor’s ancient splendour, making Siem Reap the country’s most-visited destination. Also home to some of the country’s finest hotels, brightest culinary minds and most exhilarating countryside excursions, a trip to Siem Reap is always so much more than
temple gazing. Dive into the bustling streets and eats of Phnom Penh, explore the majestic temples of Angkor Wat, soak up the sea air on a tropical island paradise or take the road less travelled through dense jungle. Get the most from your visit to the Kingdom with our expert guide to the best Cambodia has to offer.

Phnom Penh Capital

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Once dubbed the Pearl of Asia, Phnom Penh has been reborn as a thriving commercial and cultural hub at the meeting of four rivers in the heart of Cambodia. Luxury restaurants and bars line streets resplendent with colonial and Buddhist architecture, from the golden spires of the Royal Palace to the modern majesty of Vattanac Tower. Here, we break down the best of the best of what this flourishing capital has to offer.

Where to visit and things to do?

The Royal Palace, admiring the 5,000 silver tiles covering the floor of the Silver Pagoda and the collection of shiny golden Buddhas.
The National Museum, home to Asia’s best artifacts collections
The harrowing S21 and killing fields to learn about the country’s tragic recent history under the Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970s
Another favorite is the Russian Market or Central Market
Enjoy dinner on a boat cruising on the Mekong River
French Colonial Buildings and more …

**Recommended time required: Three days to adequately explore all of the city’s main sights.

Siem Reap, Angkor Temples

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With some of the Kingdom’s finest hotels, brightest culinary stars and most enchanting countryside excursions, it’s no surprise that Siem Reap is the country’s most-visited destination. But no trip to this city of contrasts is complete without a visit to the ancient splendour of Angkor.

Where to visit and things to do?

Discover the most famous is the iconic Angkor Wat, said to be the world’s largest single religious monument. Be sure to visit Angkor Thom’s magnificent Bayon Temple, which features large, beautifully-carved faces, and magical Ta Prohm, where trees have become entwined in the ruins, their branches winding through doorways and over roofs.
Don’t miss the outer lying temples of the Rolous Group and the beautiful pink sandstone Banteay Srei.
To complete your experience, take a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake – the area’s lifeline – to visit stilt houses and floating villages.
Witness the hundred-year olds “Royal Ballet or Apsara Dance”
Learn Khmer Cuisine Recipe from Khmer Chef
Visit Kulen Elephant Sanctuary
Bicycle Tour, Quad Bike Adventure, Angkor Zipline etc.
APOPO Visitor Centre in Siem Reap (Humanitarian Demining) – Meet the hero rats that are helping to clear landmines in Cambodia.

**Recommended time required: At least four days to adequately explore all of the main iconic Angkor temples and surroundings.

Sihanoukville, The Islands

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You might think you need to head to Thailand or Indonesia to experience those tropical beaches with white sand and crystal-clear waters, but Cambodia also has one of the best beaches in Southeast Asia. Barely one hour’s ferry ride from the ever-evolving coastal city of Sihanoukville, Cambodia’s tropical islands are an eminently accessible slice of paradise on earth. Settle into the lush life with our suggestions of luxury getaways on Cambodia's picturesque islands. Relax on the beach or find peace at one of the sacred Buddhist temples.

Koh Rong archipelago and its surrounding islands
Koh Rong is a beautiful island in Cambodia, located in the Gulf of Thailand about 25 kilometers off the coast of Sihanoukville. It is the second largest island in Cambodia, and it is known for its pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush jungle interior.One of the most unique things about Koh Rong is its bioluminescent plankton. At night, the plankton glow in the water, creating a magical sight. Visitors can take boat tours to see the bioluminescent plankton, or they can simply swim or wade in the water at night. Koh Rong is a truly beautiful island with something to offer everyone. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an adventurous jungle getaway, Koh Rong is the perfect destination for you.

Other Luxury Island Resorts:

SONG SAA PRIVATE ISLAND
SIX SENSES KOH KRABEY ISLAND
ROYAL SANDS KOH RONG
VILLAS KOH RUSSEY VILLAS & RESORT

**Recommended time required: three to seven days to truly relax.
**How to get there: From Phnom Penh by car (230 Km, 2.5-hour drive); from Siem Reap by flight (40 minutes) and from Kampot by car (100 km, 2-hour drive).

Kep & Kampot, quiet beach towns

A soothing seaside jewel famed for delicious seafood and absolute relaxation. During Cambodia’s golden years before 1970, this lush coastal region was a seaside playground for the affluent. Kep is known for its famous crab market and idyllic resorts while its neighbour town of Kampot could be the perfect small town - quiet streets, a gentle river and boutique restaurants. Kampot is known for producing some of the best black, red and white pepper in the world and being able to see how it's made up close is an unforgettable experience.

Where to visit and things to do?

Admire Kampot’s colonial architecture for Street photography
Take an impressive sunset cruise along Kampot River with beer toast
The Crab Market (Psar Kdam) is an interesting place to see local fishermen bringing in their catch. Eat delicious seafood – waterfront restaurants traditionally cook seafood with local Kampot pepper.
Visit Kampot peper plantation & salt fields
Explore Kampot’s Caves and Ruins, and countryside adventure
Day trip to Bokor National Park or Kep’s Rabbit Island
Go Paddle Boarding – The mellow surface of the Kampot River is the ideal place for a day of paddle boarding

**How to get to Kampot: From Phnom Penh by road – 160 km (about a 3-hour drive) and about 100 km from Sihanoukville (2-hour drive). From Kep by road – 26 km (30-minute drive).
**Recommended time required: Three days to adequately relax and explore the surroundings.

Koh Kong, Cardamom Mountains

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Connect with nature and experience off-the-beaten-track adventure through jungle in one of Asia biggest Cardamom rainforests. Explore natural wonder in its truest form in the species-rich Cardamom mountains as it winds through some of Cambodia’s least developed and un-spoilt areas, amidst thick forest, streams and waterfalls.

Canvas & Orchids Retreat – An Eco-Lodge in the Cardamom Rainforest
With its 13 Floating and Island Tents, Canvas & Orchids Retreat provides a guilt-free luxury hotel experience deep in the heart of the Cardamom mountains, one of Southeast Asia’s most important ecosystems. Well-appointed tents float peacefully on the tranquil Tatai River, with the only sounds piercing the night sky those emanating from the jungle surrounds – a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the beauty and splendor of the Cardamom Rainforest.

Cardamom Tented Camp
Cardamom Tented Camp is a pioneering wildlife and nature conservation tourism project, striving to save the Botum Sakor National Park. Located in the heart of Cardamom forests, this eco-lodge offers nine luxurious safari-style glamping tents. The lodge aims to minimize the human footprint on the natural world and serve as a role model in promoting sustainable ecotourism practices within both the national park and Cambodia as a whole. From the foot of your door, you have the entire gamete of nature adventures waiting for you – trekking, wildlife & conservation, kayaking, etc.

**How to get there: From Phnom Penh by car (4-hour drive, 275 km). About 50 km (1.30 drive) from Cham Yeam border to Thailand.

The Charming Town of Battambang

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A world apart from Phnom Penh, Battambang enjoys an unhurried pace and has a reputation for friendliness and is also known as the country’s main rice-producing area. The Cambodia’s "second-largest city" is home to some of the best-preserved French colonial architecture remaining in Cambodia. Outside the centre, the two main attractions are Wat Banan – a well-preserved Angkorian temple – and Phnom Sampeu, the Khmer Rouge’s sacred mountain and killing caves.

Where to visit and things to do?

Explore the ancient Khmer ruins – Hilltop temple of Banan and Ek Phnom temple
Take a walking tour to explore the city’s French architecture and historical sites
Take a trip on the bamboo train – called a Norry in Khmer, the “train” consists of a small bamboo platform covered with a mat and a few thin cushions to sit on
Sip at a Winery – Prasat Phnom Banan Winery is your chance to taste a variety of wines like you’ll find no place else. Cambodia’s only winery, this unique vineyard grows its very own organic grapes to make some unique blends.
Visit the bat caves at Phnom Sampeou – join the crowds that gather at about 6 pm to watch the seemingly endless stream of bats pour out of the caves for a night of hunting.
Visit Khmer Ancient House – the stilted house showcases traditional Cambodian living, built from sturdy wood and surrounded by orchards and palm trees.
Visit an art gallery- no trip to Cambodia’s artistic hub is complete without visiting some of the city’s galleries and studios.
Join a guided bicycle tour of the charming town and its surroundings

**How to get there: Almost 300 km (5-hour drive) from Phnom Penh; 77 km (1.30-hour drive) from Siem Reap; 115 km (2.5-hour drive) from Poipet border to Thailand.
**Recommended time required: Three days to adequately explore all of the destination’s main sights.

The Eastern Highland: Kratie - Mondulkiri - Ratanakiri

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From the famous Mekong Irrawaddy dolphins to sticky rice, the less-visited province of Kratie has plenty to enjoy outside of Angkor Wat. Hub of remote, fascinating Mondulkiri province, Sen Monorom lies close to the spectacular Bou Sra Waterfalls as well as numerous ethnic minority villages, forest hiking, Jahoo Gibbon, and a heartwarming elephant rescue centre “Elephant Valley Project”. Ratanakiri is home to the tranquil volcanic lake of Yeak Laom near the town of Banlung, where you can swim in the refreshing turquoise waters.

Kratie: Taking a cruise to spot the famous Mekong Irrawaddy dolphins is a must-do in Kratie. Try some famous bamboo sticky rice “Kralan”, a local delicacy. Discover the 100-Pillar Pagoda (locally known as Wat Sorsor Muoy Roi), one of the most beautiful temples in Cambodia. From there, visit the Mekong Turtle Conservation Centre – dedicated to saving the endangered freshwater Cantor’s giant softshell turtle. If you have time, embark on a Koh Trong Island exploration by bicycle.
Mondulkiri: Day tour to the elephant sanctuary to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures in their natural habitat or trek around the Jahoo Gibbon. Day tour to explore the Phnong indigenous community & Bou Sra Waterfall. Enjoy a cup of fresh coffee and walk through the plantation. Enjoy the magnificent view from a hilltop known for its view of the ‘Sea Forest’ or enjoy a sunset view from Wat Phnom Doh Kromom.
Ratanakiri: Plunge into the ethereal green waters of Yeak Loam Crater Lake.

**How to get there: Phnom Penh to Kratie (340 km, 6-hour drive); Kratie to Mondulkiri (205 km, 3.30-hour drive); Mondulkiri to Ratanakiri (150 km, 2.30-hour drive); Phnom Penh to Mondulkiri (375 km, 7-hour drive).
**Recommended time required: At least four to five days to adequately explore all of the main sites.

Design your own unique experience

Our local insiders hold years of experience and know this country very well because they grow and live there. They are excited to help perfect your dream holiday at your own pace – maximize your time, fit your budget, parallel your travel style, refresh your inspiration, and give you room to experience the authentic feel of the destination.

ACL Travel

ACL Travel delivers highly personalized and quality inbound travel services to decent travelers – individuals, families, and organizations seeking unique travel experiences in captivating Cambodia. Going beyond the ordinary itinerary other travelers do, our local insider team, who possesses over 10 years of experience, certainly helps you make your Cambodia holiday extraordinary and unforgettable.

Contact us

Address : #463, Street 7C, Steung Meanchey, Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia.
Tourism License : 199/22
Phone : +855 81 679 811
Email: info@acltravel.com