2024 Cambodia Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in December)

Cambodia

A trip to Cambodia is a journey into a land of breathtaking temples, vibrant culture, and resilient history. The country’s iconic landmark, Angkor Wat, is a masterpiece of ancient architecture and a must-visit for any traveler. Exploring nearby temples like Bayon, with its enigmatic stone faces, and Ta Prohm, famously entwined with jungle roots, feels like stepping back in time. In Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital, the contrast between regal landmarks like the Royal Palace and the tragic history of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields is profound. These sites provide crucial insight into the Khmer Rouge era, making for a moving and reflective experience. For those seeking relaxation, Cambodia’s coastal destinations, like Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, offer pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. Inland, cities like Battambang and Kampot provide a quieter escape, with scenic countryside tours, pepper plantations, and river cruises. Food lovers will enjoy Cambodia’s distinctive cuisine, from the rich flavors of fish amok to the tangy taste of beef lok lak. Street markets are the best place to sample local delicacies and experience the lively atmosphere. Traveling in Cambodia is affordable, and the warmth of its people adds to the charm. However, infrastructure in rural areas can be basic, and it’s essential to practice responsible tourism to support the community. Overall, Cambodia is a land of contrasts: ancient grandeur meets a history of resilience, and serene landscapes complement bustling cities. It’s a destination that leaves a lasting impression, whether through its stunning beauty, cultural richness, or the stories of its past.

After 10 years of traveling, I finally visited Angkor Wat, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

From the start of our travels until now, it's been nearly ten years! Despite all these years, we hadn't visited Angkor Wat until this year's May Day, when we finally arrived at the place we've always dreamed of visiting. 📍 Angkor Wat is located 6 kilometers north of Siem Reap, Cambodia, and is the largest temple complex in the world, known as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Angkor Wat is incredibly vast, with over 50 temples, divided into three circuits (small, large, and outer). Tickets are available for 1 day ($32), 3 days ($62), and 7 days ($72). If you're on a whirlwind tour, one day is enough, but to truly appreciate its depth, a 3-day or 7-day pass is recommended. ✅ Must-visit temples in Angkor Wat: 1⃣️ Angkor Wat: Also known as Little Angkor, famous for its bas-reliefs representing the pinnacle of Angkorian stone carving, and its renowned sunrise views. 2⃣️ Angkor Thom: Also known as Big Angkor, it was the royal palace of the ancient Angkor Empire. 3⃣️ Bayon Temple: Known for the "Smile of Khmer," featuring 54 towers with smiling faces on each side. 4⃣️ Ta Prohm: Famous for the massive ancient trees growing amidst the solid and magnificent structures, showcasing the fusion of nature and time. 5⃣️ Banteay Srei: Known for its exquisite and beautiful bas-reliefs. 6⃣️ Beng Mealea: An undeveloped site where you can see the original Angkor from a hundred years ago. 7⃣️ Phnom Bakheng: Located on a hilltop, it's a famous spot for watching the sunset. My first impression of Angkor Wat is the overwhelming power of nature and time, making every corner unforgettable. 🍃 Towering trees rise between ancient structures, with massive roots tightly entwining the stones, leaving even seasoned travelers like us in awe. 🌈 Tips: ✨ Name: Angkor Wat 📍 Location: 6 kilometers north of Siem Reap, Cambodia 🚗 Transportation: There is an Angkor International Airport with direct flights, or you can take a bus from Vietnam, Thailand, or Laos; in Siem Reap, taxis are scarce, and travel is mainly by tuk-tuk. 👣 Route: Guangzhou - Siem Reap - Little Angkor - Bayon Temple - Baphuon Temple - Phnom Bakheng - East Gate - Elephant Terrace - Preah Khan - Neak Pean - Ta Prohm - Pre Rup - Tonle Sap Lake - Bakong Temple - Beng Mealea - Banteay Srei 🧤 What to bring: The sunlight is intense here, so it's recommended to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, an umbrella, and a sun hat; bring summer clothes and a light jacket #AngkorWat #Rimowa #HiddenGemSuitcase #TempleTravel

Discovering the Magic of Angkor Wat with a Seven-Day Pass

After exploring Angkor Wat for three days, I rented a motorcycle on the last day and finally experienced the freedom of traversing the Grand Circuit. Riding through the straight forest paths at 60 km/h was exhilarating! I was glad I chose to visit the museum and watch the sunset on the first afternoon, joined a hostel tour for the Small Circuit on the second day, and hired a car for the Outer Circuit on the third day. This way, I could mark important points on the map and freely explore the side routes, enriching my understanding of the different periods and kings' aesthetics. I could identify the carvings and stories, and see how Hinduism and Buddhism intertwined. Why do the four-faced king statues on the city gates smile? How do the gods and demons balance each other while churning the ocean of milk? These experiences gave me a preliminary but holistic understanding. Standing in the same corner I saw on the Lonely Planet cover as a child, I felt happiness and contentment beyond my imagination. Siem Reap, as a travel destination, wasn't as dangerous as I feared. Travelers from around the world have made it lively, and as long as you greet locals with kindness and respect, they are eager to share their lives and work with you. They love taking panoramic photos with you, asking if your hometown has four seasons, and how many rice crops grow annually. When I first got on the bike, I didn't realize I had the turn signal and headlights on. A tuk-tuk driver called out to me from afar and stopped to show me how to operate each button. I loved watching the sunrise and sunset. Siem Reap's flat terrain makes Phnom Bakheng a real Mount Meru, and Angkor Wat is built as an ideal Mount Meru, the center of the universe, closer to the heavens. Whether setting out at 4 AM or descending after sunset, you notice the absence of modern lighting around these temples and mountains, allowing you to walk gently in the same light as 2,000 years ago. Walking these dark paths isn't frightening; they are places built for faith, filled with pure and solemn energy. Moreover, many small spirits live here, from the grass to the high treetops, with colorful and lovely butterflies everywhere. Perhaps the artisans saw them fluttering and created various Apsara dancers, embodying waves and bestowing innate joy and light blessings. #AngkorWat #SiemReapTravel #Cambodia #LittleAngkorWat

Cambodia Plans Visa-Free Entry for Chinese Tourists by 2025

Cambodia is considering offering visa-free entry to tourists from mainland China and Hong Kong, with details still being finalized. The announcement is expected in early 2025. If successful, Cambodia will join neighboring countries like Singapore and Thailand, which have already introduced visa-free policies for Chinese tourists earlier this year. Currently, holders of diplomatic and official passports from China and Cambodia can enter each other's countries without a visa for up to 30 days. However, tourists with regular Chinese passports need to apply for a visa before entering Cambodia. There are several ways to obtain a Cambodian visa: 1. Visa on Arrival: Tourists can apply for a visa at airports and land borders. A 30-day tourist visa costs $30, while a business visa that can be extended costs $35. 2. Consulate Visa: Chinese citizens can apply for a single-entry, 3-month valid, 30-day stay tourist or regular visa at Cambodian consulates in China. They can also apply for 1-year, 2-year, or 3-year multiple-entry tourist or regular visas. 3. E-Visa: An e-visa can be applied for through Cambodia's official website, costing $36 for a tourist visa and $42 for a business visa. It is valid for 90 days from the approval date, allowing a 30-day stay upon entry. Cambodia is also upgrading and streamlining its visa process to make entry smoother for tourists. The traditional paper entry card is being phased out in favor of a new electronic entry card that integrates with the e-visa. Stay tuned for a detailed application guide in the next post! #OutboundTravel #InternationalTravel #VisaFree #Cambodia #AngkorWat #SiemReap

Sihanoukville, Cambodia.

Two beautiful islands in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, are must-visit tourist destinations. Here is a detailed introduction to these two islands: Koh Rong Features: As the second largest island in Cambodia, Koh Rong attracts a large number of tourists with its original natural scenery and tranquil atmosphere. It has a wealth of natural attractions, including coral reefs, tropical palm forests, tropical rainforests, waterfalls, and multiple pure white beaches, especially a 6-kilometer-long beach, which is spectacular. It is known as the last undeveloped paradise in Southeast Asia and the next seaside resort in Asia. Activities: Koh Rong is an excellent place for swimming, diving and snorkeling. Tourists can play in the clear sea water and explore the rich underwater world. In addition, you can also participate in activities such as hiking and fishing to feel the charm of nature. Transportation: Departing from Sihanoukville, you can choose to take a slow boat or a speedboat to Koh Rong. The round-trip fare for the slow boat is $10 per person, and the round-trip fare for the speedboat is $20 per person ($10 per person one way). There are three departures from Sihanoukville every day at 08:00, 11:00, and 15:00, and three departures from Koh Rong at 09:00, 12:00, and 16:00. Koh Rong Samloem Features: Compared with Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem is smaller and quieter. The sea water here is clearer and the beach is more delicate. There are no roads on the island, mainly relying on boats for transportation, which also retains more original scenery and tranquil atmosphere. There are not many commercial activities on the island and large resorts, only small shops scattered on the beach and seaside inns and homestays opened by Europeans. Activities: On Koh Rong Samloem, tourists can enjoy snorkeling, paddling, relaxing under palm trees and other leisure activities. At night, you can turn off your computer and mobile phone, throw away your worries, and spend a few days on the island isolated from the world. In addition, you can also visit M'phey Bei Village, stay in a homestay and interact with fishermen to experience local culture. Transportation: Departing from Sihanoukville, you can take a ferry to Koh Rong and go to Koh Rong Samloem on the way. The round-trip fare is $15 per person. There are three departures from Sihanoukville every day at 08:00, 12:00, and 15:00. In general, Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem are beautiful islands in Sihanoukville, Cambodia that are worth visiting. They each have unique natural landscapes and atmospheres, providing tourists with a rich travel experience. Whether you like lively or quiet, you can find your own fun here.

The Kep City

#familytrips2024 Kep city is about 30 mins by car from Kampot. We took a boat across to Kaoh Tonsay (Rabbit Island), USD25 for a private boat (max 6 pax). The island is beautiful, peaceful and with a nice beach and clear waters. Met a nice lady who owns chalets on the beach, Simone, had a delicious lunch at her restaurant, fresh fish, Khmer style soup n noodles. The island gets v busy on weekends though with local tourists according to people we met in Kampot. Drove by the crab market but did not stop

Galaxy Plaza Hotel

Hotel accommodation in Poipet Galaxy Plaza Galaxy Poipet that provides hotel services, rooms and various services. Room rates vary depending on the room type and prices increase on holidays. #Rainy season travel destinations

Noir Coffee TTP @ Phnom Pehn

Address - #15 St 135 and St 446, Tuol Tom Poung 1, Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh 12310 Phnom Penh, 12310 Ambiance/facilities - Noir TTP is a must-visit cafe restaurant in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, for those who appreciate a combination of modern and classic Khmer architectural design. The cafe has an amazing exterior and interior that is decorated in a Khmer manner. The atmosphere is pleasant and welcoming with a beautiful decorations. All the corner of this coffee shop are so aesthetic and well decorated with plants. Every corner has a different vibe. You can choose whether to seat indoor area with an aircon or outdoor garden area. The cafe offers a variety of delicious food and drinks, from local food to foreign food. The staff were friendly. The price are affordable, It was really worth your money. You get more than what you pay for. Highlights - Best place to relax with drinks and food. Perfect ambiance and interior design. It looks small from the outside but it is very spacious in the inside and you have a lot of options, where do you want to sit. Recommend for anyone looking for a place to have a meeting, work or just simply enjoy the delicious food and drinks. Avg. Price per person - 4 - 15 USD Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #tripblazers #cambodia #phnompehn #cafe #coffeeshop #lianvyver

Culture and Night Life in Cambodia 💕

Cambodia trip not complete without hangout in Pub Street🥰 Pub Street is a busy entertainment street. As night begins to descend, the street is flooded with led lights from signs of bars, restaurants, cafes. Just stepping into the beginning of the street you cannot help but swing and dance with all kinds of the sound of disco music. #travel #pubstreet #siemreap #cambodia #bars #sing #dancing

nottyjourney เจอนครวัด

#nottyjourney เจอนครวัด YOU MUST SEE ANGKOR WAT BEFORE YOU DIE คำที่กล่าวไว้โดย Arnold Joseph Toynbee นักประวัติศาสตร์และนักโบราณคดีชาวอังกฤษ.... มาหาคำตอบด้วยตัวเองนะ ตามรีวิวได้ตรงนี้ นครวัด" ใช้เวลาสร้างประมาณ 100 ปี และใช้ช่างแกะสลักลวดลายมากถึง 5,000 คน แต่อีก 1 ปราสาท ที่สวยและเราชอบมากเป็นพิเศษ คือ Ta Prohm , Angkor Wat Cambodia ตกหลุมรักตั้งแต่อ่านเรื่องราวจนถึงตอนนี้ ได้มาเยือนความอัศจรรย์ของศิลปสมัยโบราณที่ คิดในใจว่า ทำได้ไง!! เวลาผ่านไปเร็ว เดินยังไม่ทั่วเลย เกือบ 8 ชม. นักท่องเที่ยวหลายคนใช้เวลากว่า 3 วัน เพื่อซึมซับวัฒนธรรม ศิลปที่สวยงาม ในนั้น...#คิดถึงธรรมชาติ #nottyjourney #นครวัดนครธม

Cambodia 🇰🇭

Koh Rong Island

📍Transfer - take a boat from Sihanoukville. They leave quite regular. The island is definitely the most beautiful place in Cambodia, with crystal clear water and white sand beaches. It’s undeveloped area with thick jungles. Roads are only around the main streets with cafes and restaurants. Other parts of the island you will discover on foot. We were living in bungalows in the middle of the jungle. It was amazing to be so close to the nature. For people who prefer a wilder type of vacation there was a camping ⛺️ option available. For those who are looking for some fun there is a night life on the beach next to the cafes and restaurants. I highly recommend to visit Koh Rong Island and discover a unique corner of our world🌎. #asiatrip

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Stone faces at Angkor Wat. Surrounded by jungle and, in some cases, overgrown with huge trees and roots, the ancient structures of the Angkor complex may look like a movie set to some visitors. Wandering through Angkor Wat, the main centerpiece of the complex, it's easy to feel like you've entered another era. This is without a doubt, one of the most impressive sites in Southeast Asia and the main reason many people visit Cambodia. The stone faces peering out over the buildings and gates are images that you won't soon forget #themeparks#nationalpark #themeparks#nationalpark #themeparks#nationalpark

#mynovgetaway Sunflower Garden in Kompong Cham Province, Cambodia. It was actually a sunflower farm where are now turned into local tourists favorite garden. With approximately 10 hectares of land, you can see a stunning view of sunflower that is best for photo shoot. Kompong Cham is one of the largest provinces in Cambodia that was just divided some parts of its to establish a new province called Tbong Khmom Province. Family Trip VVLLL 77888 #mynovgetaway

#mynovgetaway my country view beautiful fields #mynovgetaway

Lost in festivity. Riding my motorcycle and heard chanting and rhythms. I saw a gathering of? people with plenty of monks. Everyone is invited to join and feast. #unforgettableexperiences

#kohrong #siemreap #temples #angkorwat

Kampot City, Cambodia 🏕⛱✈️ New experience to come here !!! So beautiful 😍 #tripaway#triplocal

teavel

Per capita 300 punches [Cambodia] This beautiful crying sea otter mentioned Cambodia, everyone first thought of Angkor Wat, but few people know that in addition to Angkor Wat, Cambodia and the sea ! ! And super beautiful is good! The name of this island is: Koh Rong Sanloem : Fly to Sihanoukville, then take the boat to the pier, 24km away, very close! The ticket can be set at the dock. I remember that there are several ships every day! Don't choose the wrong destination, because there are two islands called Koh Rong, one called Koh Rong Sanloem (this is the island I introduced) Koh Rong I also went, this island is bigger, development comparison Better, but the seascape is far worse than Koh Rong Sanloem, and Sanloem is more original and beautiful! Hotel: The One Resort : Around 600 photos are taken at the beach in front of the hotel. This hotel is the only one on the island with a pool : It is best to bring some US dollars, there is no ATM on this island, some hotels can swipe, to prepare some cash play: diving, snorkeling, watching the floating creatures at night, the hotel will be free The boat can be provided to the guests. This is really very special and very quiet. It is very suitable for couples to come on holiday~

The Cambodia National Museum was built in 1913. The museum now houses handicrafts and sculptures from the 4th to 10th centuries, the Angkor Dynasty, several photographs of Angkor photographed by French photographers, and many Angkor Wats. The authenticity of the sculpture. It will be helpful to do your homework before heading to Angkor Wat. The museum is open plan, very beautiful and exotic. There is a small pavilion in the center, which is dedicated to a statue. There are four artificial lotus ponds around it. The grass and the benches are like a soundproof wall.

Vealveng,Pursat provides Cambodia,best place good views

Siem Reap Angkor Night Market And a great statue of God carved on a mountain

#travel

amazing

Temples and beautiful scenery on the magnificent mountains in Siem Reap, Cambodia#travel

Phnom Cafe & Camping

Kitty on trend 😻

#kitty

Tree

Angkor Wat Teample Nice to see you Cambodia nice country and so amazing

#cambodia #angkorwat #angkorwattemple #angkorthom #bestview #culture #niceview #amazing #kindpeople