Written by Alex Robinson, our Cambodia specialist · Updated October 2026
Cambodia’s Regions: Where to Go and What to See
The temples of Angkor are what bring most people to Cambodia, but there is far more to this small, friendly country. Beyond Siem Reap you’ll find the riverside capital of Phnom Penh, French colonial towns, quiet beaches and islands, rare Irrawaddy dolphins on the Mekong and some of the last great rainforests in South-East Asia.
Cambodia is compact, so it’s easy to combine two or three regions in a single trip, or to add it to a holiday in Vietnam or Laos. Our Cambodia specialist Alex Robinson, who travelled across the country with Earth Trip for The Independent, explains what each region offers below.
1. Siem Reap and Angkor
The heart of most trips. Siem Reap is the gateway to Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the capital of the Khmer Empire, with hundreds of temples including Angkor Wat, the Bayon and Ta Prohm. Further out are Banteay Srei, Beng Mealea, Koh Ker and the sacred mountain of Phnom Kulen, while the Tonlé Sap lake has stilted fishing villages. Siem Reap itself has some of Cambodia’s best restaurants and hotels.
2. Phnom Penh and Around
Cambodia’s capital sits where the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers meet. See the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, the National Museum and the French colonial quarter, and learn about the Khmer Rouge years at Tuol Sleng and Choeung Ek. Day trips take you to the silk-weaving islands of the Mekong and to Oudong, a former royal capital on a hill of stupas.
3. Western Cambodia: Battambang and the Cardamom Mountains
Battambang is Cambodia’s second city, a relaxed place of colonial shophouses, arts and rice-field countryside, with millions of bats leaving the caves of Phnom Sampeau at dusk. To the south-west, the Cardamom Mountains are one of South-East Asia’s largest rainforests, home to gibbons, elephants and Siamese crocodiles. Stay at Cardamom Tented Camp beside Botum Sakor National Park, where Alex woke to wild gibbons outside his tent, or in a community homestay at Chi Phat.
4. Eastern Cambodia: River Dolphins and Forest Elephants
The north-east is Cambodia’s least-visited corner. On the Mekong near Kratie you can watch rare Irrawaddy dolphins from a small boat. Further east, the forested hills of Mondulkiri are home to the Bunong people, waterfalls and the Elephant Valley Project, where you walk alongside rescued elephants rather than ride them. In Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary, community guides lead walks to see gibbons and black-shanked douc langurs.
5. Southern Cambodia: Beaches, Rivers and Islands
Cambodia’s south coast is the place to slow down at the end of a trip. Kampot is a riverside town known for its pepper farms and old French buildings, with a 7th-century temple hidden inside the cave of Phnom Chhngok nearby. Kep is famous for its crab market, and Bokor Mountain has cool air and views over the sea. Offshore, the islands of the Koh Rong archipelago have white-sand beaches, snorkelling and Song Saa Private Island.
Cambodia’s Regions at a Glance
| Region | Best for | Highlights | Suggested stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Siem Reap and Angkor | Temples, history, food | Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm, Phnom Kulen, Tonlé Sap | 3 to 4 nights |
| Phnom Penh and around | City life, recent history | Royal Palace, Tuol Sleng, Mekong islands, Oudong | 2 to 3 nights |
| Western Cambodia | Countryside, rainforest, wildlife | Battambang, Phnom Sampeau, Cardamom Mountains, Chi Phat | 4 to 5 nights |
| Eastern Cambodia | Off the beaten track, wildlife | Kratie dolphins, Mondulkiri, Elephant Valley Project, Keo Seima | 3 to 5 nights |
| Southern Cambodia | Beaches, food, relaxing | Kampot pepper farms, Kep crab market, Bokor, Koh Rong | 3 or more nights |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which part of Cambodia is best for a first visit?
Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Three or four nights at Angkor and two or three in the capital give you Cambodia’s most famous temples and its recent history. With more time, add Battambang, the Cardamom Mountains or the south coast.
How far is it from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh?
About 320 kilometres. The drive takes around five to six hours with stops, or you can fly in under an hour. Many of our clients drive one way, stopping at the pre-Angkor temples of Sambor Prei Kuk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and fly the other.
Which region of Cambodia is best for beaches?
The south. Kep and the countryside around Kampot are best for relaxed seaside days and great food, while the islands of the Koh Rong archipelago have the best white-sand beaches and snorkelling. The coast is at its best from November to May.
Which region of Cambodia is best for wildlife?
The Cardamom Mountains in the west, for gibbons, hornbills and river kayaking, and the north-east, for Irrawaddy dolphins near Kratie, elephants in Mondulkiri and primates in Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary. Even at Angkor, the forest around the temples is home to monkeys and many birds.
Is eastern Cambodia difficult to reach?
It takes some time, but the roads are good. Kratie is around four to five hours’ drive from Phnom Penh, and Mondulkiri a further three to four hours. We recommend at least four nights for both, and we plan the journey with stops along the way.
Plan Your Cambodia Holiday
See how the regions fit together in our 18-day Cambodia In-Depth Holiday, read about the best things to do in Cambodia, browse our Cambodia hotels or check our Cambodia travel guide for practical advice. For more ideas, see our Cambodia bespoke holidays. To start planning, request a video call with Alex.
Speak to our Cambodia travel expert today
Alex Robinson, Travel Journalist, Photographer and Travel Specialist
Speak to our Cambodia travel expert today
Alex Robinson, Travel Journalist, Photographer and Travel Specialist
Tailor-Made Luxury Tours with a Private Driver
Earth Trip designs exclusive, bespoke tours featuring private drivers and hand-picked luxury accommodations, built entirely around your personal preferences and travel style.
Bespoke Holidays