Best places to visit in Cambodia: top 10 destinations

To fully explore the nature in Ratanakiri, and have time for jungle trekking, bunch of outdoor activites, spend at least 5 days here. It’s a long journey to get to Ratanakir from either Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, so a short stay may not worth.

The dry season in Ratanakiri is normally from November to April, which is often considered as the ideal time to visit the destination. Because the weather is sunny, dry, and low humidity.

Most of 3 to 4 star hotels is located in the town of Banlung – the capital of Ratanakiri. You should not expect luxury hotels, but nice and clean hotels are available. If you are fan of jungle trek, homestay is a good choice.

Top hotels in the region can cost around 40 to 50 USD per night, while the guest house and homestay is incredibly affordable. With under 10 USD you can have a place in a cozy homestay.

Ratanakiri’s traditional cuisine is based mostly on locally grown ingredients. The typical meal of native people here often consists of rice and fish.
If you’re going to take a guided tour or spend the night in a homestay, you may have the chance to taste the local specialties of rice and fish cooked in bamboo. And the food will surely come with the traditional rice wine.

To get around the area, motorcycle taxi, rental motorcycle, and bicycle are the primary options for tourists. For roughly $8, you may rent a motorcycle taxi for the entire day. The driver could ask for extra if they have decent English. A 100cc motorbike has a daily cost of $5. A bicycle is one dollar a day. Ask the guest house you’re staying; they may offer four-wheel-drives rental at $40 per day.

Tourist Bus:
It is possible to travel directly by bus to and from Phnom Penh to Banlung, the capital of Ratanakiri, stopping in Kratie. Several minibuses also offer the transport service, which costs about $10 to $20 but the price can vary during peak season. Most part of the road is new and surfaced, but expect bumpy, and dirt when you past Stung Treng. It is 100km before you reach Banlung.

Regular Bus:
You can also travel by regular buses which depart from Phnom Penh at 6:15am daily and from Banlung at 7 a.m. The journey is about 600km and costs you $15.

How long to stay really depends on how much you want to enjoy the destination. Some people visit Kep for a day trip from Kampot, while others stay for several days or even weeks. A good recommendation is to stay for at least two or three days, so you can visit the crab market, relax on the beach, and take a boat to Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsai), where you can swim, snorkel, or hike around the island. Kep is a great place to experience the natural beauty and culture of Cambodia.

The best time to visit Kep Beach is during the dry season, which last from October to early May. During this period, you can enjoy the warm and sunny weather, with temperatures ranging between 25°C and 33°C. This weather is favourable and let you explore the nearby attractions.

Although Kep is a quiet place, it still offer a plethora of accommodation options ranging from budget to luxury hotels.
Budget hotels like Tree Top Bungalows or sociable Kepmandou, where you can find a room with $5 to $25.
Best place to stay in Kep is Veranda Natural Resort, which is a secluded luxury cottage getaway located in a calm hillside.

Kep is an ideal destination for those who love fresh seafood. You can enjoy dishes such as crab, shrimp, squid and fish cooked in different ways, from grilled, steamed, fried to cooked with the local green pepper. Some of the famous restaurants in Kep are The Secret Bar & Restaurant, Holy Crab, Kimly Seafood Restaurant and Kep Coffee. You can also choose your own live seafood and have a picnic on the beach at a low price.

If you want to explore Kep, you have many options to get around.
You can rent a bicycle (about $2/day) or a motorcycle (about $5/day) and drive on the road that loops around the beach and the hills. This is the best way to enjoy the scenery and the atmosphere of Kep.

You can also take a moto-dup (about $2-$3 one-way and $6 round trip) if you don’t want to drive.
To enjoy the rustic island life of Rabbit Island, you can take a boat from Kep, which is about 30-minute travelling.

One of the easiest ways to get to Kep is to take a bus or a tuk-tuk from Kampot, which is only 25 km away. The ride will take about 30 minutes and cost around $9 for a bus or $12 for a tuk-tuk.

Another option is to take a train from Phnom Penh, which runs once daily and takes 3 hours. The train ticket costs between $4 and $8.
If you want more flexibility and are willing to pay more. You can take a taxi from Phnom Penh, which will cost between $100 and $130. The travel time is 2.5 hours. Whatever option you choose, you will enjoy the scenic views of the countryside and the coast along the way.

The most popular length of stay in Kampot is from 2 to 4 days, which allows you to explore Kampot’s most iconic attractions. However, if you’re here for the laid-back vibes and its atmosphere, don’t rush the time, you can extend the stay for a week or even more.

The best time to visit Kampot is from December to March, when the weather is dry, sunny, and pleasant. So you can enjoy various activities such as visiting the Popokvil Waterfalls, exploring the pepper farms, kayaking on the river, or cycling through the rice fields.

If you want to save money, you can choose a simple but clean and comfortable guesthouse, with prices starting from 5 USD per night.

The mid-range hotel can cost you about $30 per night with more facilities and space.

If you want a luxury hotel with outdoor pool, a restaurant and a bar, you have many options with great location and 5-star facilities. You should expect to pay at least $90 per night.

Kampot is famous for its pepper and seafood. It has many restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines, from European to Asian. Some of the best places to eat and drink in Kampot are Sabay Beach Restaurant and Cocktail Bar, Aroma House, Epic Arts Cafe, and Simon’s Tandoor Indian Restaurant.

Kampot is a small town so it’s to get around.
– You can walk or rent a bicycle for $1 per day and enjoy the scenic views of the river and the mountains.
– Or hire a tuk tuk or a moto for $4 to $6 per day to explore the countryside, the pepper farms, and the nearby town of Kep.

To get to Kampot, the best option is to travel from Phnom Penh.
– Take a bus or a van. There are many transport companies that offer this service with ticket price ranging from 4 to 10 USD one way. The travel time is about 3-4 hours. You can book tickets online or buy them at the bus stations.
– Take a train. There is a daily train from Phnom Penh station to Kampot station. The ticket price is 7 USD and the travel time is about 5 hours.
– Take a taxi or a self-drive car. You can rent a private taxi to go from Phnom Penh to Kampot for about 50 USD. The travel time is about 2 hours and you can stop for rest or sightseeing as you wish. You can also rent a car and drive yourself if you have an international driving license. The car rental price is about 19-28 USD per day.

To enjoy the best of Kratie, we recommend staying for at least two nights. If you enjoy the relaxing atmosphere, extend the time to 4 days.

The best time to visit Kratie is between October and January, when the weather is cool and dry, and the roads are in good condition. The rainy season, from May to October, can cause floods and landslides, making travel difficult. The hottest months are March, April and May, when the temperatures can reach up to 37°C.

Kratie offer basic accommodation options.
– budget homestay cost around $10 per night, offering clean and basic room.
– mid-range hotel: these hotels offer more stylish and comfortable rooms from $20
– luxury hotel: if you want to spring for luxury hotel, go for Koh Trong Island. Resorts here is at least $50 per night.

If you are looking for delicious food and drink in Kratie, Cambodia, you have many options to enjoy. You can try kralan, a specialty of this province, made from sticky rice and red bean, steamed in bamboo tubes and served hot. You can also visit restaurants that serve Asian, European, Italian and German dishes. You can also find lively cafes and bars along the Mekong riverbank.

A common and convenient way to get around Kratie is to rent a bicycle or a motorcycle. You can rent a bicycle for about 1-2 USD a day or a motorcycle for about 6-7 USD a day at many guesthouses and hotels. You can also hire a moto or a tuk tuk to explore the villages around Kratie or to see the Irrawaddy dolphins on the Mekong River. The price of hiring a moto or a tuk tuk depends on your destination, but it is usually cheaper than a taxi.

Bus
You can take a bus from Phnom Penh, which costs about $8 and takes six to seven hours. You can also take a minibus from Banlung or Stung Treng, which costs $6-$8 and takes three to four hours.
Flight + Bus
If you depart from another country, you should take a flight to Phnom Penh or Ho Chi Minh City and then take a bus or a taxi to Kratie.

If want to take a glance of all the main points of interest, a 1-day tour is enough. But if you want enjoy the sunrise and sunset over the water and experience the local culture and cuisine, you should stay for at least 2 days.

For whom would like to see the bird sanctuary, come during the dry season which last from December to April. This is when the water level is low and the birds are concentrated in a smaller area.
If your goal is to admire Tonle Sap Lake beauty, the best time to visit would be between June to October. Since it is currently the rainy season, the water level is higher, making the floating villages, and stilt houses are easier to approach.

There are no hotels on Tonle Sap lake. However, if you want to experience the local life, you can find some homestay with price of around $15 per night. But expect very basic services.

The most popular options is to stay in hotels in Siem Reap, and then take a tour to Tonle Sap. Siem Reap is a top destination in Cambodia, you’ll have many accommodations to choose from.

The popular dishes at Tonle Sap lake include fish, shrimp, snails and vegetables. In addition, tourists can also enjoy drinks such as beer, fruit juice and tea.

The only way to getting around Tonle Sap lake is boat. It’s recommended to book a tour to have hassle-free experience.

The easy way is to depart from Sieam reap. You can take a bus from Siem Reap, which is about 25 km away. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the lake, where you can board a boat or rent a bike to explore the area. This is the most popular and easiest way.
Boat
You can make your journey from Siem Reap to Tonle Sap by boat crossing the lake and dock at the village of Chong Khneas. It is recommended that you travel during Monsoon season, because in dry season the boat may get stuck.

How long to stay in Mondulkiri depends on your preferences and budget, but we recommend at least three days to explore its beauty and diversity.

The best time to visit Mondulkiri is between October and February, when the weather is mild and dry, allowing outdoor activities like hiking mountains and spot wildlife. During this time, the waterfall is better with full flow and greenery is all around.

Mondulkiri is the largest yet least populated province. It is recommended that you stay in Sen Monorom – the provincial capital of Mondulkiri, and then travel to the attractions within the province.
You can find many options for low budget guest house to mid-range hotels, starting from $10 to $15 per night. If you splurge on luxury resorts, there’s very limited choices here.

You can find many restaurants serving Asian, Italian, French and Cambodian dishes at reasonable prices in Mondulkiri. Some of the famous restaurants are Pizza Mondulkiri, Bunong Kitchen, Bamboo Cafe and Bananas. If you want to try a unique experience, book a meal with bamboo soup, chicken and vegetables along with white rice at Mondulkiri Jungle Trek.

If you want to get around Mondulkiri, you have a few options.
– You can rent a motorbike or a bicycle and explore the countryside on your own. The price is around $10 per day.
– You can also hire a local guide or join a tour group and visit the attractions. This is the easiest way, but less freedom because you have to follow a fixed itinerary.
– Another option is to use public transportation such as buses or taxis, but they may not be very reliable or comfortable.

The popular option for tourist is to travel from Phnom Penh.
The express van takes about 10 hours and costs around $10 to $13 per person. You can book your tickets online.
Renting a car and drive yourself.
The car takes about the same time and costs around $45 to $70 for gas. You can follow the paved road from Phnom Penh to Snoul, then take the laterite road to Mondulkiri. You will arrive at Sen Monorom, the capital of Mondulkiri.

Some people come to Preah Vihear just to visit the legendary temple of Preah Vihear. In this case, 2 days are enough. If you want to fully explore the area and its historic and nature, stay for at least 3 to 4 days.

The best time to visit Preah Vihear is between October and February, when the weather is cool, dry and the humidity is manageable. You should go out in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and catch the sunrise or sunset. This is when the landscape is at its best.

When it comes to accommodation, you have different options with different price ranges. You can choose a 4-star hotel which offers breakfast and pool. The price starting from 50 USD per night. Or you can choose a small and lovely guesthouse with a price of about 13 VND per night, including free wifi and a sun terrace.

At Preah Vihear, you can find Italian and pizza dishes, to Asian and Cambodian dishes. You can also find some food stalls on the street or near the taxi station, where you can enjoy noodle and rice dishes and fresh coffee. Preah Vihear Province has a variety of food and drink choices to suit your taste and budget.

Preah Vihear is a remote and rural area, so the transportation here is quite limited. If you are a good driver, you can rent a motorbike to get around. This is cheap and convenient option but be aware of bumpy and dirt road. In case you don’t want to drive yourself, rent a tuk tuk to travel between attractions.

– Public buses or vans: There are many bus companies that offer services to Preah Vihear town from Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. The buses or vans are modern and air-conditioned. The ticket prices range from $10 to $20 depending on the company and the destination. You can book online in advance.
– Taxis: You can also hire a private taxi to Preah Vihear town from Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. The taxi can cost you around $80 to $100 for a one-way trip. You can negotiate the price with the driver.
– Motorbikes: If you are adventurous and experienced, you can rent a motorbike and drive yourself to Preah Vihear. The motorbike rental fee is about $10 to $15 per day. You will need a valid driver’s license and a helmet. The road conditions are not very good, especially during the rainy season.

If you want to explore the city and its beaches, 3 to 4 days should be enough. However, if you want to visit the nearby islands and enjoy the sun and sea and nature, you may want to stay for a week or more.

The best time to visit Sihanoukville is between November and February when the weather is dry and sunny. The temperature is also cooler during these months, making it more comfortable to explore the city and its beaches. Monsoon begins in late July and lasts until September, with most regions witnessing landslides and floods.

If you’re seeking a quiet and peaceful nature experience, go to areas outside of the city central. However, if you enjoy the rush and the amenities of cities, then Sihanoukville has it all.
You can find low budget hostel from $15 to 5-star hotel with pool and restaurant.
Here are some recommeded area for different needs and budget:
best for first-time travellers: Otres Beach
best for low budget: Phum Bei
best for enjoying nightlife: Phum 1
best for family: Koh Rong Sanloem

You can enjoy fresh seafood, spicy curries, tropical fruits, and local beers at very affordable prices. Whether you want to dine at a fancy restaurant, a street stall, or a beach bar, you will find something delicious and satisfying. Don’t miss the chance to try some of the specialties, such as amok (fish cooked in coconut milk and spices), lok lak (stir-fried beef with lime sauce), and kuy teav (noodle soup). And of course, you have to sample the famous Angkor beer, or try some of the exotic cocktails made with local ingredients.

Getting around Sihanoukville can be easy and affordable if you know your options.

The most common and cheapest way to travel in the city is by motorbike taxi. You can find them everywhere in the street, but the tip is to negotiate the fare before you hop on. They usually charge between $2 to $15 depending on the distance and time of day.

Another option is to use a tuk tuk or a remork, which are trailers attached to motorbikes. They are more comfortable and spacious, but also more expensive and less flexible than motorbike taxis. They cost from $4 to $20 depending on your destination.

The last option is to use a car taxi, which is suitable for families, large groups or long trips to other places like Kampot or Koh Kong. You can book them through your hotel or online.

From outside of Cambodia:
You can fly directly to Sihanoukville International Airport, which is located 20 kilometres east of Sihanoukville City. You can fly from different countries, such as Vietnam, Thailand, China, Malaysia, or Singapore.

From Pnom Penh:
If you are travelling from Phnom Penh, you can either take a flight, taxi, bus, or train.

– Flight: Cambodia Angkor Air, JC Airlines or Lanmei Airlines offer direct flights to Sihanoukville. The flight time is only about 40 minutes, but if you include the time to travel to and from the airport and check in, the total travel time is almost the same as going by car or bus. The price of a one-way ticket usually ranges from $50 to $150 per person.

– Private taxi: You can hire a private taxi from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville for about 60 USD one way. The trip will take about 4 hours and you can stop for breaks or sightseeing. You should book your taxi in advance to ensure safety and quality of service.

– Bus: You can choose one of the many bus companies that offer services from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville. The bus ticket prices range from 4 to 10 USD one way, depending on the type of bus and the bus company. The trip will take about 5-6 hours and you will have one stop for food or toilet. You should choose reputable and comfortable bus companies, such as Cambodia Post VIP, Bayon VIP, or Giant Ibis.

– Train: You can choose to take a train from Phnom Penh station to Sihanoukville station. The train ticket prices are 5-10 USD one way and the trip will take about 6 hours. The train only runs once a day and you should book your ticket in advance to ensure availability.

Based on the advice of our travel experts, the recommended minimum length of a stay in Phnom Penh should be from two to three days. This will allow you to see the main attractions, such as the Royal Palace, the genocide museums, and the pagodas, as well as experience the culture and atmosphere of the city. You can extend your stay to five days or even a week if you want to explore more of Phnom Penh’s hidden gems and neighborhoods.

The best time to visit Phnom Penh depends on your preferences and activities. If you want to enjoy comfortable weather and avoid heavy rain, the dry season from November to January is ideal. However, this is also the most popular and crowded time of year for tourists. If you don’t mind some humidity and showers, the rainy season from May to October can offer lower prices and fewer visitors. The hot season from March to May is the least favorable, as temperatures can reach up to 37°C and make outdoor exploration unbearable.

If you are looking for accommodation in Phnom Penh, you have many options to choose from. You can find hotels, resorts, villas and more that suit different budget and preferences.
Here are suggested area to stay that cater for different needs:

– Best place for first time travellers: RIVERSIDE & DOUN PENH

– Best place for family: BKK 1 (Sangkat Boeung Keng Kang 1)

– Best place for local vibes: TUOL TOMPOUNG

Suggested hotels for different budget ranges:

– Luxury hotels: Raffles Hotel Le Royal, The Hyatt Regency, Rosewood Phnom Penh,

– Boutique hotels: Pavilion, Penh House & Jungle Addition, Plantation Urban Resort

– Mid-range hotels: Baitong, Double Leaf, Nou’s River Hotel

– Buget hotels and hostels: Sla Boutique Hostel, The Artist Residence, YK Art House

Phnom Penh is a city that offers a variety of gastronomic experiences, from traditional Khmer cuisine to international dishes. Some of the best restaurants in Phnom Penh include Malis Restaurant, which was established by celebrity chef Luu Meng to restore Khmer culinary to its former glory, Elia Greek Kitchen, which serves authentic Greek food with handmade pita bread and fresh hummus, and Iza, which offers Japanese sushi and ramen with amazing views of the city. Whether you are looking for fine dining, casual cafes, or street food, Phnom Penh has something for every taste and budget.

Getting around Phnom Penh can be challenging, but also fun and rewarding. You can choose from different modes of transportation, such as private cars, taxis, tuk tuks, motos, or bikes. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your budget, comfort, and preference.

Private cars are the most comfortable and convenient, but also the most expensive.

Taxis are cheaper, but you should bargain the price in advance.

Tuk tuks are the most pleasant and authentic way to explore the city, but they can be slow and noisy. Motos and bikes are the cheapest and fastest options, but they can be dangerous and exhausting in the traffic and heat.

The most common way is to fly to Phnom Penh International Airport, which has direct flights from 12 major cities in Asia and the Middle East. You can also take a train from Sihanoukville, Battambang or Poipet, but this is a slow and infrequent option. Another option is to take a bus from neighboring countries or other Cambodian cities, which is cheaper but less comfortable.

You’ll need to give yourself time at Angkor if you want to avoid the crowds, appreciate the temples and avoid walking around in the midday heat. It is recommended to spend at least four days in your itinerary to explore temple of Angkor in a more laid-back, crowd-free way. If you purchase a three-day pass, you can often use it across four days as long as your first entrance into the complex is late evening on day one.

The best time to visit temple of Angkor is during the dry season, which typically runs from November through March. These days are cooler and dry, but this is also the most popular time to visit, which means crowds. Even though these months are technically “winter,” temperatures are still quite pleasant.
If you want to catch the best sunrise at temple of Angkor, and don’t mind the heat, consider the period from April to October. This is when lotus pound around the temple is full of blooming flowers. So the light and temple silhouette are reflecting on the water among them, creating a magical scene.

There are many accommodations available in Siem Reap, which is the closest city to temple of Angkor. You can find hotels and guesthouses that cater to all budgets. The price varies depending on the type of accommodation you choose and the time of year you visit.
Budget guesthouses can cost about $10 to $20 per night, while luxury hotels can cost several hundred dollars per night. Some of the best 4 -5 star hotels here are Belmond La Résidence d’Angkor, the Park Hyatt Siem Reap, and the Shinta Mani Shack.

There are many delicious Cambodian dishes to try when you visit temple of Angkor. Some popular dishes include amok, a coconut milk-based curry with fish or chicken; lok lak, a stir-fried beef dish served with rice and a fried egg; and kuy teav, a noodle soup with pork or beef. You can also try some of the local street food, such as fried insects or grilled meat skewers.

Temple of Angkor is still a bit of a distance out of Siem Reap, which takes you about half an hour by car.
Tuk tuk is the best option for getting to and around temple of Angkor. Tuk tuk drivers will charge approx $20 USD to take you there and drive you around for the full day.
Taxi is also a popular option but be aware that it will not be cheap.
Scooter and bicycle are other choices for you. If you are fit, and good with the local road, it can be a great experience.

Temple of Angkor is over 300 km from the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh. You want to spend either 1-day visit or a week for this heritage, you’d better stay in Siem Reap, which is the closet city to the site.

Reach Siem reap directly
Siem Reap has a International Airport outside the city. Most full-service and budget Asian airlines have at least a few connections to Siem Reap from a lot of major Asian cities.

From Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
You can take a bus or private transfer. Essentially a taxi service, the private transfer is a car, van, or minibus. These transfers are the most expensive option but also likely to be the most comfortable and private.
You can also take domestic flights from Phnom Penh.