If you’re planning a trip to backpack through Southeast Asia, then backpacking in Cambodia has to be on your itinerary. It has gorgeous beaches, mythical mountains and epic temples. This country is so beautiful and has so much to offer. A recent survey of backpackers revealed that almost all of them would recommend backpacking in Cambodia.

List of must visit places while backpacking in Cambodia

There are so many awesome places to see, so I will highlight some of the must-sees here.

1Siem Reap

Flying into Siem Reap is really easy. I think most backpackers choose to start their adventures here. This is the home of the largest religious monument in the world: Angkor Wat. Plan to get up early the day you visit the park. Maybe even before sunrise. It is so worth it and let me tell you why!  If you get up early, you will get a head start on buying your tickets (which you buy at a different location) and then getting to the park when it opens at 5:30 am to get that token sunrise picture. Plus there are over 1,000 temples to see so you need to give yourself time. I suggest hiring a tuk-tuk driver for the day and having him bring you around the park.

2Battambang

On your way to Battambang, time permitting; you can make a pit stop at the Vietnamese Floating Villages. They sit on Tonle Sap and are really a site to see.

The Bamboo Train is something Battambang is best known for. Just a small section of it remains so that tourists can experience it, but it was used as cheap transportation for the locals.

There are also many temples here too, such as Banan Temple and Phnom Sampov Temple. Definitely, try to get out and see them. Additionally, don’t forget the Killing Cave. This is where the Khmer Rouge killed and left thousands of bodies during the genocide in the 1970s. It is really heavy to see and be there, but I think it’s very important because Cambodia is still very saddened by all the terrible happenings during the Khmer regime.

3Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia. It is the home of the Killing Fields and S-21 prison. Be prepared for an emotional day, but again, like the Killing Cave in Battambang, it helps you understand Cambodia and it’s not so distant past. Almost a third of the Cambodian population was wiped out during the Khmer Rouge regime, and Cambodians are still deeply saddened and affected by it.

4Kampot & Kep

Both Kampot and Kep have amazing seafood!  It is a fun place for foodies, but it is also simply beautiful. You can easily explore the nearby Bokor National Park to spend a day in lush nature.

5Sihanoukville

Here you can enjoy sunset at the beach. If you like to party, then Sihanoukville is the place to go. It is a backpackers haven and you will meet many souls doing the same thing you are. Have fun and let yourself go a little crazy!

6The Cambodian Islands

The Cambodian Islands are still kind of a hidden gem. They aren’t very crowded, but they still have the facilities to welcome and accommodate tourists. They are easily accessible by ferry or boat from Sihanoukville.

The waters are so clear it is unreal and the sand is so white. You will be in heaven. Here is a list of some of the islands:

  • Koh Rong: Known to be the party island.
  • Koh Rong Samloem: Seems to be higher end and have nicer resorts.
  • Koh Ta Kiev: You can stay in tree houses here! So cool!
  • Ko Tang: Great for divers.

You may not have time to make it to all of the above, but maybe just pick a few. Definitely see Angkor Wat, The Killing Fields, and the islands. I promise you won’t regret it. Overall, backpacking in Cambodia is really easy; you just have to be prepared for long bus rides and some boat rides.

Have an amazing trip! Do share your experiences with us.

 


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