The Ultimate Cambodia Travel Guide (2026): Where to Visit, Stay & Eat
- Abby
- 23 hours ago
- 8 min read
When planning a trip to Southeast Asia, most travellers immediately think of Thailand, Vietnam, or Indonesia. However, one destination often overlooked is Cambodia.
Nestled between Vietnam, Thailand and Laos, Cambodia is a country that has so much to offer. From the ancient UNESCO-listed temples of Angkor and the vibrant city of Phnom Penh to lush jungles and incredible private island hotels, Cambodia is full of unforgettable experiences. Despite how incredible Cambodia is, it remains one of Southeast Asia’s most underrated destinations.
In this ultimate Cambodia travel guide, I’ll cover everything you need to plan your trip. If you’re looking for a ready-made itinerary, I have also created a detailed 10-day itinerary that you can read here.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links (any links marked with * are affiliate links). If you purchase through them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Where to visit in Cambodia?
Siem Reap - The gateway to the UNESCO-listed temples of Angkor. This is the perfect place to explore some of the best-preserved temples you will ever see, as well as some of Cambodia’s most beautiful landscapes around Kulen Mountain. The area feels incredibly authentic and makes you feel like you’ve stepped into an adventure movie.
Phnom Penh - Cambodia’s capital city, and a complete change from Siem Reap. Bustling and full of energy, this modern city is the perfect place to learn about Cambodia’s recent history while also visiting landmarks such as the King’s Royal Palace.
Sihanoukville - The gateway to some of Cambodia’s most luxurious island resorts. It’s also a great base for exploring the nearby Kampot region, which is famous for producing some of the world’s finest pepper.
Best Time to Visit Cambodia
November to February - Cool and dry season
March to May - Hot Season
June to October - Wet season with lush landscapes and fewer tourists
How Many Days Do You Need in Cambodia?
I recommend spending 10 days in Cambodia. This allows enough time to explore the temples of Angkor, learn about Cambodia’s history in Phnom Penh, and relax on the country’s coastline.
I suggest:
3 days -Siem Reap
2 days - Phnom Penh
4 Days - Sihanoukville/Islands
Arriving in Cambodia
While there are no direct routes to Cambodia from most destinations in Europe or North America, it’s easy to connect through major hubs such as Singapore (Singapore Airlines), Dubai (Emirates), Abu Dhabi (Etihad) or Doha (Qatar).
We chose Singapore Airlines because we both wanted to spend some time exploring Singapore. If you’re considering a stopover there, check out my stopover itinerary here.
For your Cambodia itinerary, I recommend flying into Siem Reap and then heading to Phnom Penh and then Sihanoukville.
Where to stay?
Siem Reap
This is where we stayed, and it set the tone perfectly for our trip. The resort is beautifully designed with traditional Khmer influences, creating an authentic atmosphere. The service is exceptional, and the hotel offers a range of carefully curated tours and experiences.
The Anantara Angkor resort has its own tuk-tuk drivers who offer exceptional customer service and make getting around Siem Reap convenient and easy.
A stunning hotel that features stilted villas overlooking rice paddies. The perfect choice for travellers seeking a unique countryside setting.
An iconic hotel located right in the heart of Siem Reap. The historic property showcases 1930s architecture.
Phnom Penh
This is where we stayed in Phnom Penh, and we found it offered excellent value for money. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, while the hotel also features a swimming pool, fitness centre and a convenient location close to many of the city’s main attractions.
Occupying the upper floors of a 39-storey skyscraper hotel in the heart of Cambodia’s capital. The hotel is home to the renowned Sora Sky Bar, several amazing restaurants, an indoor lap pool and a large, well-equipped gym.
Set within a beautifully preserved 1930s building, this hotel offers old-world charm. Famous stars such as Jackie-O have stayed here. Centrally located and home to some renowned restaurants and bars. Guests can also enjoy excellent swimming and fitness facilities.
Sihanoukville
For those seeking a super-luxurious escape, this private island resort offers incredible villas on a super-luxurious private island. The hotel is located on a beautiful tropical island surrounded by lush vegetation and wildlife. It is the perfect place to spend a few days relaxing after a busy trip. You can read my full review here.
Another private island resort, Song Saa, is renowned for its stunning overwater villas and beaches.
How to get around?
Between Cities
To get between the different cities, you have two main options: either car transfers or plane rides. We opted for private transfers because we found them easier than flying. However, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville all have regular routes between them.
Within the Cities
In Siem Reap, we used our hotel's tuk-tuk. However, in Phnom Penh, we opted to use Grab, which we found efficient and cheap and never had any problems.
Things to do in Cambodia
Siem Reap
Explore the Temple of Angkor
Angkor Wat – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is breathtaking and iconic. This is the largest religious complex in the world and actually features on the Cambodian flag.
Angkor Thom - typically referred to as the main entrance to the ancient city
Bayon Temple – famous for its serene stone faces
Ta Prohm – my personal favourite. This temple was a filming location in the movie Lara Croft, and is a temple that has been reclaimed by the jungle, with trees growing through the ruins
I have linked a good private tour here* (please note that some links in this post are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you).
Visit Kulen Mountain
A visit to Phnom Kulen National Park offers a completely different side of Cambodia and makes for a fantastic day trip from Siem Reap.
Poeng Ta Kho Viewpoint - incredible panoramic views
River of a Thousand Lingas - intricate carvings in the riverbed
Reclining Buddha: This statue has been carved into a sandstone boulder atop the mountain pagoda. It is a very active and sacred site for locals.
Waterfall - a beautiful spot where you can swim, it was really quiet here when we went, which made it even more magical.
We booked our tour through our hotel, but if you're planning your own visit, you can book a similar experience online here*, with options for both group and private tours.
Visit a Floating Village
An incredible cultural experience where you will ride a boat to visit a floating village on Tonle Sap Lake. Here you’ll find communities living on the water, with floating homes, schools and shops.
We went in the dry season, which meant many of the homes were not floating, so this would probably be a better experience in the wet season, but we still enjoyed it.
Phnom Penh
Spend today learning about Cambodia’s history by visiting some of the country’s most important historical sites.
Royal Palace
The official royal residence of the King of Cambodia, the Royal Palace has stunning Khmer architecture, beautifully maintained gardens and the spectacular Silver Pagoda.
Killing Fields (Choeung Ek)
The Killing Fields are a mass grave site where, sadly, many people lost their lives during the Khmer Rouge era. Today, it serves as a memorial to remember the victims.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21)
Formerly a high school, this site was used as a prison and interrogation centre during the Khmer Rouge era. Today, it stands as a museum dedicated to preserving the memory of those who suffered there.
Choeung Ek and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum are essential parts of any trip to Cambodia. I truly recommend coming here with a guide to help you understand what happened.
I found these places deeply moving, and they both really struck a chord in me. I believe it is incredibly important to visit here, as it helps honour those who suffered and ensures their stories are not forgotten.
Sihanoukville
Take a Day Trip to Kampot
Located 2 and a half hours from Sihanoukville. Kampot is a charming town for a day trip where you can:
Visit Le Plantation - a pepper plantation where you can learn about the production of Kampot pepper before taking part in a tasting.
Explore Kampot Town - Wander through the town’s charming streets and admire the French colonial architecture.
Cruise Along the Kampot River - Enjoy a scenic boat ride full of incredible views of the surrounding countryside.
Restaurants and Bars in Cambodia
The food in Cambodia is delicious, with everything from traditional Khmer dishes and street food to fine dining experiences. Whether you’re looking for authentic local flavours or a memorable evening out, these were some of our favourite places.
Siem Reap
Old Maison Eatery
An authentic Khmer restaurant known for its signature rice crackers. The food is outstanding, affordable and full of flavour, making it a great place to experience traditional Cambodian cuisine. We also thought the service was exceptional.
The rice crackers are delicious and definitely worth ordering.
Haven
This is a must-visit restaurant. Haven is a training restaurant for vulnerable adults, providing them with valuable life skills and career opportunities. The food is delicious and thoughtfully prepared with local ingredients.
I had the fish fillet with green mango (the chef's signature dish), which was excellent.
Phnom Penh
Sora Rooftop Bar
An iconic rooftop bar in Cambodia offering panoramic views across Phnom Penh. It is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset over the city skyline.
The drinks are excellent, and the views alone make it worth a visit.
Zhan Liang
A fine-dining Chinese restaurant serving exceptional food in an elegant setting. The drinks are excellent. The menu offers a range of beautifully prepared dishes, and the attention to detail is evident. They offer a roast duck, which is absolutely worth trying.
Designer Dining at the Anantara Angkor Resort in Siem Reap
The Anantara Angkor Resort offers a unique dining experience that combines traditional Cambodian culture with exceptional food and service.
We opted for the traditional Apsara dance performance alongside the five-course tasting menu with wine pairings, and it was one of the highlights of our time in Cambodia.
The show is truly amazing, with incredibly talented performers bringing Cambodian history and culture to life through music and dance. The hotel goes to great lengths to create a beautiful and intimate setting, making the entire evening feel very special.
Each course was thoughtfully prepared and perfectly paired with wine, showcasing both local flavours and refined culinary techniques. It is certainly a more luxurious experience, but if you're looking for a memorable evening in Siem Reap, it is well worth it.
Final Thoughts
Cambodia completely exceeded our expectations and quickly became one of our favourite destinations. It’s a beautiful country filled with incredible history, stunning landscapes, delicious food and unforgettable experiences. Despite being one of Southeast Asia’s most underrated destinations, I genuinely believe it deserves a place on everyone’s bucket list.
What makes Cambodia truly special, however, is its people. Everywhere we went, we were met with warmth, kindness and genuine hospitality. Everyone seemed excited to share their stories, recommend places to visit, and tell us more about their country, which made the experience even more memorable.
We left Cambodia, telling everyone we know how amazing it was, and I cannot recommend it enough. If you’re considering a trip, I hope this guide has helped inspire your travels. For a more detailed day-by-day route, be sure to check out my Cambodia itinerary here.
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