Cambodia is known for its vibrant culture, ancient temples, and breathtaking landscapes. From exploring the majestic Angkor Wat to unwinding on the pristine beaches of Sihanoukville, the country offers something for every traveler. If your trip planning to Cambodia includes history, adventure, or relaxation, you’ll find no shortage of unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re wandering through centuries-old temples or trekking through lush jungles, Cambodia’s top attractions will leave you captivated — and eager to return.
The extravagant Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, in the heart of Phnom Penh, are home to fabulous murals and a treasure trove of Khmer sculpture. The palace was built in Khmer style with French assistance in 1866. It functioned as the official residence of King Norodom Sihanouk from the time of his return to the capital in 1991, followed by his son, King Norodom Sihamoni, who ascended to the throne in 2004.
Leaving the main northern compound of the palace by a marked gateway in the southeastern corner, proceed along a narrow southwesterly route that leads to the North Gate of the celebrated Silver Pagoda compound. Commissioned by King Norodom in 1892 and then extensively rebuilt by Sihanouk in 1962, the floor of the pagoda is lined with more than 5,000 silver tiles weighing more than 1kg each, or 5 tons in total.
Getting around Cambodia is somewhat easy. You can easily reach the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda by tuk-tuk or taxi from anywhere in Phnom Penh. If you want a more scenic route, river taxis travel along the Tonle Sap, passing through beautiful views. Public buses #1, #3, and #14 stop nearby. For those staying near the city center, you can walk, and many people combine their visit with a riverside promenade stroll.
It’s best to visit in the early morning (8-10am) to avoid the midday heat and the crowds. Weekdays tend to be quieter than weekends. The dry season (November-April) brings more comfortable temperatures, while the wet season (May-October) has dramatic skies, perfect for photography, though you might encounter some closures due to weather.
The Royal Palace, Phnom Penh © mrmichaelangelo/Shutterstock
Harrowing monuments to Cambodia’s grisly past during the Khmer Rouge’s murderous rule. Not for the faint-hearted, just over 1km (0.6 miles) from Tuol Tom Pong Market, to the north of Mao Tse Toung Boulevard, stands the former Tuol Sleng Prison, now Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum I. Here, during Pol Pot’s years in power, around 20,000 people were interrogated under torture and murdered, generally together with their families.
Finally, after visiting Tuol Sleng, about 12km (7.5 miles) southwest of the town are the infamous Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. Here victims of the Khmer Rouge were executed and buried in mass graves. Many of these graves have now been exhumed, and a stupa-shaped mausoleum has been erected in the victims’ memory.
You can take a tuk-tuk or taxi to Tuol Sleng from central Phnom Penh. For Choeung Ek, hire a driver for the 30-minute journey. Many tour operators provide combined trips to both sites, with transportation and some historical commentary included.
A morning visit is recommended to help process the emotional experience. Plan to spend 2-3 hours at each site. It’s also good to visit Tuol Sleng first, then Choeung Ek, to follow the events chronologically. Weekdays tend to be quieter, with fewer tour groups than on weekends.
Prison of the Khmer Rouge high school S-21 turned into a torture and execution centre © diy13/Shutterstock
Visiting the wonderful Phnom Penh city market, packed with vibrant silks and curios, is one of the best things to do in Phnom Penh. Psar Toul Tom Poung is called the Russian market because all of its goods used to come from Russia. The country provided aid to Cambodia during the Vietnamese occupation.
This market remains the place to buy textiles, antiques, silver, and even motorbike parts. At the south end of the market, you’ll find vendors selling silver jewelry, handicrafts, and piles of multicolored silks.
The market, also known as the "Russian Market," is easy to reach by tuk-tuk from anywhere in Phnom Penh. Public buses #6 and #8 pass by the market, and ride-hailing apps are convenient too. If you're staying in the BKK1 area, it's an easy walk.
Early mornings (8-10am) are the best time to beat the heat and get first pick of merchandise. For better bargaining, late afternoon can be a good time to visit. The market is less crowded during weekdays, with Sunday being particularly busy as locals and tourists flock there.
Colourful purse selling at silk island Cambodia © Sothy An/Shutterstock
Kampot, the capital of the eponymous province, is a small, relaxed town of around 50,000 people. Just 3 miles (5 km) inland, by the banks of the Sanke River, there is a coastal feel to the place, which adds to its rather languid appeal. “Downtown” Kampot centers on a large roundabout space of about 1,300 feet (400 meters) east of the river. This area is the main commercial hub and also the location of the two best hotels.
The road north from the roundabout leads out past a large covered market—a favorite with visitors from Phnom Penh, who stop off here to buy the fresh seafood for which Kampot is renowned. One of the best things to do in Cambodia here for the foreign visitor, however, is the series of narrow, colonnaded streets leading west from the roundabout to the riverfront.
Kampot is accessible by minivan or bus from Phnom Penh (about 3 hours) or Sihanoukville (around 2 hours). Shared taxis can get you there faster if you're traveling with a small group. Once in Kampot, renting a bicycle or motorbike is the easiest way to explore, though tuk-tuks are also available.
The dry season (November-February) is the best time to visit, with pleasant weather for outdoor activities. If you’re looking for a quieter experience, weekdays are ideal since there are fewer crowds. Don’t miss out on sunset river cruises, which you’ll want to book a day in advance.
Kampot, Cambodia © JayHub/Shutterstock
You could easily build a one-week itinerary in Cambodia with just temples in Angkor Wat. One of the smallest but most perfect of all Angkor’s temples, constructed from delicate rose-pink sandstone and covered in a positive riot of intricate carvings. The justly famed temple of Banteay Srei lies about 30km (20 miles) northeast of Siem Reap. While Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and the Bayon impress by their sheer size, Banteay Srei inspires through meticulous detail.
It is, indeed, a scrupulously executed miniature temple complex carved in fine pink sandstone – and in the quality of the stone and the soft, almost mellifluous charm of the colour lies much of the temple’s appeal. The central complex consists of several structures, including, most importantly, shrines dedicated to Shiva (the central and southern buildings) and Vishnu (the northern building).
To get to Banteay Srei, hire a tuk-tuk or taxi for the 45-minute ride from Siem Reap. Many organized temple tours include transportation to this site. If you’re feeling adventurous, renting a bicycle or motorbike is an option, though the distance may be a bit challenging. If you're traveling with a group, private drivers can combine the visit with other remote temples.
Early morning (7-9am) is the best time to visit, especially for softer lighting that makes the pink sandstone glow. Weekdays are typically quieter than weekends, and if you visit during the green season (May-October), the surrounding countryside will be more vibrant, with fewer crowds competing for photographs.
Banteay Srei - Hindu temple in Cambodia © Rolf_52/Shutterstock
This unforgettable temple, crowned with soaring towers and embellished with intricate bas-reliefs, represents the zenith of Khmer architecture and is one of the coolest places to visit in Southeast Asia. From Phnom Bakheng hill, continue south to Angkor Wat. By any standards, visiting Angkor Wat is one of the best things to do in Cambodia—the great temple is simply unsurpassed by any other monument.
Construction of this masterpiece is thought to have begun during the reign of Suryavarman II and to have been completed sometime after his death. Authorities claim that the amount of stone used in creating this massive edifice is about the same as that used in building the Great Pyramid of Cheops in Egypt, though Angkor Wat has more exposed surfaces, nearly all of which are elaborately carved to a remarkable standard.
Angkor Wat is easy to reach from Siem Reap by tuk-tuk, taxi, or bicycle (about 8 km). Many people hire a driver for multiple days to explore the temple complex. Public transportation isn’t available, but you’ll find plenty of organized tours with transportation and guides to help explain the temple’s significance.
For sunrise photos, arrive by 5am (you’ll need to buy tickets in advance). Early mornings and late afternoons are great for cooler temperatures and better lighting. The temple gets crowded at midday, so it’s best to avoid those hours. If you have a three-day pass, you can explore at a more leisurely pace, visiting the temple at different times. For more advice, see our Cambodia travel tips.
Sunrise at Angkor Wat, Cambodia © Intarapong/Shutterstock
Set on a headland jutting into the Gulf of Thailand, Sihanoukville was the original heart of Cambodia’s “Riviera” and the first coastal resort to redevelop. Although certain neighborhoods had a slightly sleazy reputation, the fine beaches drew in large numbers of backpackers and mid-range travelers, and visiting Sihanoukville became one of the essential things to do in Cambodia
The far southeastern end of the beach is known as Otres Beach, which itself is divided into Otres 1 to the west and Otres 2 to the east. This is the area in which Sihanoukville still retains at least a dash of its original charm and is the best place to head for guesthouse-style accommodation and laid-back bars and restaurants.
From Sihanoukville town, tuk-tuks or motorbike taxis will take you to Otres Beach in about 20 minutes. Shared pickup trucks run sporadically from the downtown market. Many Cambodia accommodations also offer shuttle services. If you're staying between Otres 1 and 2, it's a pleasant walk along the beachfront path.
The dry season (November-April) is the best time for beach activities, with calm waters and sunny days. If you want a quieter experience, weekdays are ideal. Don’t miss the sunset when the beachfront restaurants set up tables on the sand for a relaxing meal with a great view.
Otres Beach, Sihanoukville, Cambodia © Chris Howey/Shutterstock
It’s possible to charter a boat or take a taxi to travel the 20 miles (30 km) north of Kratie to the peaceful riverside village of Sambor, with its attractive temple. If you travel on the river, there is a chance of seeing the rare Mekong dolphin, an endangered species that is making something of a comeback in the waters near Kratie and that has become a major attraction.
More correctly known as the Irrawaddy dolphin, this is a delightful and sociable mammal. It has been driven to the verge of extinction by fishermen using explosives and nets, collisions with rafts of teak logs, and fatal encounters with the sharp propellers of speeding long-tail boats.
From Kratie town, you can hire a tuk-tuk or motorbike to Kampi, which is 15km north. There are community-based tourism initiatives that offer guided boat trips with local knowledge, or some guesthouses arrange transport packages including boat hire. Public transportation is limited, so private options are more practical.
Dolphins are most active in the early mornings (6-8am) and late afternoons (4-6pm). The dry season (December-May) is the best time to visit, as lower water levels concentrate the dolphins in pools, making them easier to spot. Weekdays are quieter, so you’ll likely have a more peaceful experience.
Seeing the rare Irrawaddy dolphin is one of the most exciting things to do in Cambodia © Charlie Waradee/Shutterstock
Angkor Thom, or “Great City,” encompasses a huge, square area of land enclosed within a 26-foot (8-meter)-high defensive wall and outer moats approximately 330 feet (100 meters) wide. Each side of the wall is about 3km (2 miles) long, and it has been suggested that, at the height of its wealth and power, the city may have supported as many as 1 million people.
There are five gateways into Angkor Thom, each approached by a causeway built across the moat. As you approach from the south, the view of the fortifications is impressive. The causeway is flanked by 108 large stone figures, 54 gods on the left and an equivalent number of demons on the right. In the distance, at the far end of the causeway, the southern gateway bears four huge enigmatic faces facing in the cardinal directions (more on that in our guide to Cambodian culture).
Angkor Thom is just north of Angkor Wat and is easily accessible by tuk-tuk, taxi, or bicycle from Siem Reap (about 10 km). Most visitors include it in a temple circuit. The South Gate is the most popular entrance, but the other gates are worth visiting for photos without the crowds.
It’s best to visit in the morning (7-10am) to avoid the midday heat. Start with the Bayon to avoid the large tour groups that arrive later in the day. Set aside a full day to explore the site, as there are a lot of impressive structures. The shade makes it easier to explore later in the day compared to Angkor Wat. For more tips on staying safe in the heat, see our Cambodia health tips.
Bayon Temple, Angkor Thom, Cambodia © Efired/Shutterstock
Siem Reap, the base town for people visiting the nearby temples of Angkor just 3 miles (5 km) away, is a relaxing and pleasant place located by the shady banks of the eponymous river. The town itself has few sights, though with Angkor so close at hand, this is perhaps a good thing—the visitor will certainly feel the need to relax after a long day’s sightseeing.
At the northern end of town is the celebrated Victoria Angkor Resort, and next door is the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, which has been sensitively restored by the Singapore-based Raffles Group. Over the years many well-known visitors to Angkor have stayed here, including such luminaries as W. Somerset Maugham, Noël Coward, Charlie Chaplin, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and Angelina Jolie.
Siem Reap is served by international flights, and the airport is just a 20-minute ride from the city center by tuk-tuk or taxi. You can also take a bus from Phnom Penh (about 6 hours). Once in Siem Reap, tuk-tuks or bicycles are great ways to get around the compact center.
The peak season (November-February) brings the best weather but also higher prices. The shoulder seasons (March-May, September-October) strike a balance between good weather and fewer crowds. The town is lively every evening with night markets and Pub Street, but mornings are quieter as visitors head out to explore Angkor.
Cambodia. Koh Ker Temple ( Prasat Thom ). Preah Vihear Province. Siem Reap City © Kolinchev Andrii/Shutterstock
Some of the country’s most stunning art, including ancient statues, is on display in Phnom Penh’s National Museum and the Angkor National Museum in Siem Reap.
Phnom Penh’s National Museum, housed in a red pavilion that opened in 1917, holds a wonderful collection of Khmer art, including some of the finest pieces in existence. As you enter, buy a copy of the museum guidebook, Khmer Art in Stone, which identifies and discusses the most important exhibits.
Angkor National Museum, formerly known as the Angkor Conservatory is situated on the road between Siem Reap and the main entrance. The well-equipped galleries provide an excellent introduction to Angkor and the civilization that built it. Many visitors, however, give it a miss—being either impatient to see the real thing in situ or balking at the relatively expensive entrance fee.
Phnom Penh’s National Museum is a short walk from the Royal Palace, and you can easily reach it by tuk-tuk. Siem Reap’s Angkor National Museum is a quick tuk-tuk ride from downtown. Both museums are located on main roads with multiple transportation options, including bicycle rentals.
It’s a good idea to visit early in your trip to get some historical context before you explore the temples. The museums tend to be less crowded in the mornings, especially on weekdays. They’re also perfect midday attractions when it’s too hot to be outside, as the air-conditioned galleries are a welcome break.
National Museum in Phnom Penh © weltreisendertj/Shutterstock
One of the best things to do in Cambodia is to take an excursion from Siem Reap to the nearby Tonlé Sap, Cambodia’s Great Lake. The road from the town leads towards Phnom Krom, the only hill in an otherwise completely flat landscape. Phnom Krom—which is gradually being quarried away—is surmounted by a 10th-century sandstone temple of the same name, which may be reached by a long flight of steps.
The climb, while tiring, is well worth it for the view over the nearby lake and north towards Angkor. The scenery varies greatly from season to season, as during the rains, the Tonlé Sap expands considerably. The best-known of Tonlé Sap’s floating villages, Chong Khneas, is about 5km further on. From here you can hire a boat with a driver to get out to the lake. Choose a boat with a good roof as a sun shield.
Tour operators in Siem Reap offer half-day trips to various floating villages. If you want to go independently, you can hire a tuk-tuk or taxi for the 30-minute journey to Chong Khneas or take longer trips to quieter villages like Kampong Phluk. You’ll buy boat tickets separately at official entrances.
The wet season (June-October) is when the lake expands dramatically, making floating village visits more impressive. Early morning tours help you avoid the heat and crowds. If you’re into birdwatching, the dry season (December-May) is when you’ll see a lot of wildlife concentrated in the shallower waters.
Floating-village, Tonle Sap, Cambodia © Shutterstock
Khmer classical dance at its most elegantly stylized, with beautifully costumed performers evoking the legendary apsaras of Hindu mythology. Cambodian mythology and, more particularly, Cambodian temples are both richly endowed with bas-reliefs and murals of apsaras, or celestial dancing girls. These nymphs are graceful, sensuous females who dance to please the gods and to keep the cosmos moving in an orderly fashion.
In technical parlance, the term apsara refers to celestial females who dance or fly, while their sisters who merely stand, albeit with amazing grace, are called devata or “angels.” Almost every temple has its quota of apsaras, but it is generally agreed that the finest examples are to be found in the bas-reliefs at Angkor and that the best apsara is in the “Churning of the Ocean of Milk” in Angkor Wat’s East Gallery.
There are several places in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh that host evening Apsara performances. Most hotels can arrange tickets and transport. The National Museum in Phnom Penh also hosts performances. Some venues provide dinner packages with transport included. Tuk-tuks will take you to the performance venues easily.
Apsara performances take place year-round, with more shows during peak season (November-February). It’s a good idea to book tickets 1-2 days ahead if you’re visiting during busy periods. Arriving 30 minutes before the show will get you a good seat. Some venues even offer afternoon performances during high season.
Apsara dance, Cambodia © Shutterstock
Chi Phat Village is located in the Cardamom Mountains and is a popular destination for tourists who want to enjoy the local natural beauty. It is inhabited by a wide range of wildlife including elephants, tigers, and a variety of bird species. A visit to this area is one of the best things to do in Cambodia - here you can explore the surrounding forests and waterways while hiking and kayaking under the guidance of local guides.
In addition, Chi Phat provides visitors with the opportunity to experience the local culture and community. Visitors can stay with local families where they can enjoy traditional Cambodian food and experience daily life in the village.
To reach Chi Phat, take a bus from Phnom Penh to Andoung Tuek (5 hours), then continue by community boat (2 hours). Alternatively, you can take shared taxis via Koh Kong. Pre-booking through the Chi Phat Community-Based Ecotourism project will make your travel smoother while supporting local efforts.
The dry season (November-April) provides better trail conditions for trekking and biking. For the best wildlife viewing, go early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Spending 2-4 days in the area will give you a more immersive experience, and three-day homestay packages offer a deeper cultural connection.
Traditional Cambodian hut in the middle of banana plantation, Chi Phat, Cambodia © Cristina Stoian/Shutterstock
Walking with the elephants in Mondulkiri, gibbon-spotting in Rattanakiri or birdwatching around the Tonle Sap – should be on your list of things to do in Cambodia if you are into nature. Prek Toal Biosphere on the northwestern shore of Tonlé Sap is sometimes billed as the premier birdwatching destination in all of Southeast Asia. It is home to a plethora of rare species and is easily accessible by boat from Siem Reap.
The Ministry of Tourism is keen to promote both Rattanakiri and the adjoining province of Mondolkiri as destinations for eco-tourism and trekking, but this project remains in its infancy. As a part of this drive, and to protect threatened wildlife, almost half of Rattanakiri has been designated a protected area, including Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary and Virachey National Park.
You can get to Mondulkiri by bus from Phnom Penh (6-7 hours), but local transportation is needed to reach elephant sanctuaries. Prek Toal requires boat access from Siem Reap, organized through conservation groups. You can fly to Banlung (Rattanakiri) or take a bus from Phnom Penh.
The early dry season (November-January) has the best weather and abundant wildlife activity. If you're into birdwatching, visit during nesting season (December-April). Be sure to arrange trips with ethical conservation organizations. Multi-day excursions tend to provide a more in-depth wildlife experience.
Golden weaver, Cambodia © Shutterstock
Khmer cuisine is often said to be like Thai food, but less spicy. This is partially true. Cambodian cuisine developed more than 1,000 years ago, before the local introduction of the chili pepper by the Portuguese or the founding of the first Thai kingdom in the 13th century. Unlike their neighbors to the west, the Khmer cooks kept chili to the side as a condiment rather than a central ingredient.
Of course, other cultures have, in turn, strongly influenced Cambodia’s food. Central in the nation’s cuisine are soups and fish sauce from the Vietnamese and the Chams; Indian curries; stir-fries, fried rice, and sweet and sour dishes from the Chinese; and spices from the Far East. Even so, Khmer cuisine has combined these elements with a distinct set of flavors and ingredients to form a unique taste.
Cooking classes are available in tourist hotspots, many of which include market tours to learn about the ingredients. Street food tours in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are also great, and local restaurants serve authentic dishes across the country. Tuk-tuk drivers can often point you in the right direction.
Cooking classes typically run in the mornings (8am-1pm) and afternoons (2-7pm). Morning classes usually include a visit to the market when the ingredients are fresh. Street food is best enjoyed in the early evening (5-8pm). Seasonal ingredients vary, with the wet season (June-October) bringing unique vegetables and herbs.
Prawn Amok is a major national culinary tradition in Cambodia and is also popular in Laos and Thailand © sakadaphoto/Shutterstock
Abundant wildlife, secluded beaches and bays, and the beautiful mangrove-fringed Prek Touek Sap River. After crossing the Chuor Phnom Damrei, Route 4 forks as it drops down to the coast; the southern fork leads to Ream National Park, while the western route continues to Sihanoukville.
Just 12 miles from a town near the airport, Ream includes an 80-square-mile area of coastal forests, including the Prek Tuk Sap estuary, mangrove forests, and two islands, as well as coral reefs. English-speaking rangers lead guided hikes and boat trips around the park, though the resident macaques, pangolins, sun bears, and muntjac are most likely to be seen after dark when the park is closed.
Ream National Park is located 18 km from Sihanoukville and is easy to reach by tuk-tuk or motorbike (about 30 minutes). You can arrange boat tours through the ranger station at the park headquarters. Some tour operators in Sihanoukville provide transportation and guided experiences.
Mornings and late afternoons are the best times to spot wildlife. The dry season (November-April) makes hiking easier, and boat trips through the mangroves can be done year-round. Weekdays are quieter, and the park sees fewer visitors compared to nearby beaches, giving you a peaceful nature experience.
Ream National Park, Cambodia © Don Mammoser/Shutterstock
Trekking into the forested highlands of Rattanakiri, home to tall trees, rare wildlife, and the indigenous chunchiet, is one of the best things to do in Cambodia for witnessing the local wildlife. Half of Rattanakiri has been designated a protected area, including Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary and Virachey National Park. Lying along the southern frontier of Laos and the western frontier of Vietnam, Virachey is very remote.
Fauna that may be seen includes the slow loris, pig-tailed macaque, gibbon, and douc ur, as well as wild elephants, gaur, banteng, and sometimes even tigers. The area is also home to some of Cambodia’s smallest and least assimilated minorities. Despite its remoteness, Virachey is among Cambodia’s best-administered national parks, offering organized tours from the park headquarters at Ban Lung.
You can fly from Phnom Penh to Banlung, the capital of Rattanakiri, or take a bus (about 10 hours). To reach the trailheads, rent motorbikes or arrange local transport through guesthouses. If you’re planning to trek through Virachey National Park, make arrangements through the park headquarters.
The dry season (November-April) is the best time for trekking, with December-February offering comfortable temperatures. Be sure to book treks in advance during the high season. Most visitors spend 3-5 days in the region, with guided trips to ethnic villages offering a mix of nature and cultural experiences.
Ka Chanh waterfall of Ratanakiri in Cambodia. A suspension bridge is built over the jungle © MUTO KOJI/Shutterstock
Set high on a cliff on the edge of the Dangrek Mountains overlooking Cambodia, Preah Vihear (known to the Thais as Khao Phra Viharn) is remarkable both for its interesting Khmer architecture and its stunning location. Access to the site is from Siem Reap via Anlong Veng or from Kompong Thom via Preah Vihear City. The road up to the temple is very steep.
Visitors are required to purchase a ticket and use local transport (jeep or motorbike) and are not allowed to walk or use their transportation. The temple itself is best visited on a day trip. Be sure to leave early in the morning to allow enough time to explore it properly.
Tours to Preah Vihear depart from Siem Reap (3-hour drive) or Kompong Thom. You can take shared taxis to Preah Vihear town, where local transport is required to take you up the mountain. Local jeeps or motorbikes are included in the entrance fees for the final ascent.
The dry season (November-April) provides clearer views from the mountain temple. Early morning (7-10am) visits allow for cooler temperatures while exploring the site. Allocate a full day from Siem Reap, as Preah Vihear tends to be less crowded than Angkor, providing a quieter temple experience.
Cambodian ruins - Preah Vihear temple © rolling rock/Shutterstock
Since the ugly transformation of Sihanoukville, many visitors seeking sun, sea, and sand have turned their attention to the islands that lie offshore. Koh Rong is the largest island, accessed in around 45 minutes by fast ferry from Sihanoukville, and home to a wide array of accommodation. The main village, Koh Tuch, has a plethora of accommodation options and eateries and attracts young partiers.
Other coasts are far more sedate, and the interior remains undeveloped. To the south, smaller Koh Rong Samloem attracts a different crowd, seeking relaxation rather than beach parties. The main accommodation cluster is on the east coast at Saracen Beach, but there are other bungalow resorts and beachside guesthouses scattered around the coast, particularly on the west-facing Sunset and Lazy beaches.
Fast ferries depart Sihanoukville’s pier multiple times a day for the 45-minute trip to Koh Rong Samloem. During high season, it’s best to book tickets in advance. Boats also connect from Koh Rong. Once on the island, water taxis are available to get around, and jungle paths link different areas for those up for a walk.
The dry season (November-April) is the best time to visit, with calm seas and great snorkeling conditions. Weekdays are quieter than weekends, and it's a peaceful place to relax. The island is less developed and doesn’t have electricity. Book accommodation early during peak season (December-February).
An aerial view of M'Pay Bay village on Rong Samloem Island (Koh Rong), Cambodia © Shutterstock
Ready for a trip to Cambodia? Check out the snapshot of The Rough Guide to Cambodia. If you prefer to plan and book your trip to Cambodia without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.
written by
Andy Turner
updated 04.05.2025
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