This Top 10 list has been set up for activities that you can do or attractions you can visit around Cambodia besides visiting the main attractions in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. These activities are carefully selected by Cambodia Indochina, independent travelers, and group travelers. In case you have time to spare and want to get off the beaten track to discover a different part of Cambodia, please consider one of our recommendations. Cambodia Indochina Travel wishes you a knowledgeable and prosperous stay.
No.1: Kep
Kep has long been known as the retreat place of Cambodia. Even during the French occupation, the missionaries and bureaucrats would choose Kep over any other beach destination in the region. Some of them even build their massive villas in town, which were abandoned during the Khmer Rouge regime and stand forgotten along the beach side of Kep. Much of the better accommodation in the south can be found in this tiny beach town. Its best beach is on the laying island of Koh Tonsai (Rabbit Island) and offers an amazing experience with snorkeling and beach BBQs. A retreat to the island is all you need to get completely refreshed perhaps finishing with a sunset walk through the hills that surround Kep.
No.2: Sambor Prei Kuk
Pre-dating any other temple site in Cambodia, Sambor Prei Kuk is a wonder to walk or cycle through. The three main temple groups make up for a wonderful forest exploration, which is run by a local community. The site is located 28km from Kampong Thom town, a small provincial capital with plenty of sites to visit. Kampong Thom is located midway between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh and offers an amazing retreat for a day with sunset hills, local handicraft villages, and forgotten jungle temples. A visit to Sambor Prei Kuk before Angkor Wat is highly recommended.
No.3: Battambang’s countryside
Battambang is known for its beautiful countryside. The city itself has revamped itself in recent years with a nice boulevard, beautiful accommodations, and a range of well-maintained cultural and historical artifacts. Located only 3 hours from Siem Reap or 4 hours from Phnom Penh, Battambang is a convenient stopover for people traveling between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Battambang is a perfect location for people who want to spend one or two extra nights in Cambodia but outside of the main tourism areas and explore temples and rural life the way it was before tourists invaded the Angkor Temples.
No.4: Beaches and waterfall in Sihanoukville
Sihanoukville is Cambodia’s best-known beach resort. Ongoing development has made the destination accessible for anyone with any budget. The place offers great boat trips to outlying islands with white sand and deserted beaches and exploration of waterfalls and Ream National Park, which is home to wonderful treks, dolphin-watching tours, and other adventurous activities. Sihanoukville easily entertains people for a few days.
No.5: Kratie, dolphins
Kratie is perhaps Cambodia’s most appealing town, located on the Mekong River, 254km from Phnom Penh. The main features in Kratie are the Fresh Water Dolphins. They can be easily spotted any time of the year. However, Kratie has much more to offer with the beautiful island trail of Koh Trong, located only 5 minutes by boat from town, or several other interesting places like Wat Sarsar Mouy Roy (100 Pillar Pagoda). You can easily spend two nights in Kratie and blend in with the local community while observing some of the finest sunsets you will ever witness along the Mekong.
No.6: Ecotourism is Koh Kong
Koh Kong is one of those provinces that developed rapidly in the past few years. It borders Thailand, which makes it a perfect starting or ending point when traveling from/to Thailand. The 4 Rivers Ecolodge is the place to stay. Visit waterfalls, go kayaking, and walk the mangrove boardwalk or visit some of the deserted outlying islands. Koh Kong is that one place that people often miss out on due to time restraints. Therefore, budget your time carefully and combine Koh Kong with a marvelous beach extension at Koh Chang before leaving the Indochina region.
No.7: Kampot and surroundings
Kampot is a town with an exceptional atmosphere mainly due to the preservation of its colonial buildings. It has been a town that long has been neglected by tourists but new resorts have opened up close to Kampot and accessibility has dramatically improved. The location on the river, the gentle atmosphere, and the walks observing colonial architecture make it a perfect getaway from Phnom Penh. Located in the south of Cambodia on the Gulf of Thailand, Kampot offers easy access to beaches and islands.
No.8: Waterfalls in Mondulkiri
With a new road that links Phnom Penh with Sen Monorom (the provincial capital), the traveling time has been reduced to 5 to 6 hours. Mondulkiri is a province that looks completely different from any other part of Cambodia. With grassy hills, pine forests, an area scattered by waterfalls, and a moderate climate, Mondulkiri is worth a 3-day escape and adventure away from the bustle of Phnom Penh. There is plenty to do for families and couples, which includes elephant trekking, cycling, and visiting minority villages.
No.9: Banteay Chhmar
Located between Poipet and Siem Reap, Banteay Chhmar has become accessible with a new road that links Sisophon to the temple and a heavily upgraded route 6. It is one of those temples that is far out and which doesn’t receive many visitors. However, for those transferring from Battambang or the border to REP, it would be a great temple to visit before exploring Angkor. In many ways, the temple is unique with its Bayon faces and exceptional stone carvings. A local community runs the project and hosts all guests with a guide and meals if required.
No.10: Ratanakiri
Ratanakiri is a world away from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in the far Northeast of Cambodia. Also referred to as Red Soil country, Ratanakiri is the absolute adventure destination of Cambodia. Long overnight jungle treks, kayaking trips on deserted rivers, and visiting local minority tribes that still practice amazing burial rituals are all part of the adventure that awaits Ratanakiri. The town also attracts people looking for fortunes, as most of Cambodia’s gemstone mining can be found east of the province. The famous Yeaklom Lake is Cambodia’s only crater lake and invites you for a refreshing dive.
