Cambodia is often synonymous with Angkor Wat, but this fascinating country offers much more than ancient temples. From floating villages to remote islands and mysterious ruins, Cambodia is packed with hidden gems waiting to be explored. If you’re looking for something beyond the usual tourist trail, here are 10 offbeat and unique places to visit in Cambodia that promise unforgettable memories, especially if you’re traveling solo or with family.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or already familiar with the country, these unique places to visit in Cambodia will make you fall in love all over again. And with easier travel options and a simple Cambodia visa process, exploring them has never been more convenient.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Banteay Chhmar
Often called the “second Angkor Wat,” Banteay Chhmar is a sprawling, jungle-covered temple complex that remains largely untouched by mass tourism. This is one of the top hidden gems in Cambodia for those looking for history without the crowds.
Location: Banteay Meanchey Province
How to Visit: It’s about a 3–4 hour drive from Siem Reap, best done with a guide, and several of the best hotels in Cambodia nearby offer family-friendly stays and local charm.
Also Read: Temples in Cambodia: A Journey Through Ancient Wonders
2. Koh Rong Samloem
Image Credit: Melnikov Dmitriy
While Koh Rong is famous for its parties, Koh Rong Samloem is its quieter cousin. With powdery white sands, crystal-clear waters, and no bustling crowds, this island offers the perfect off-grid beach escape. It’s one of those offbeat places to visit in Cambodia that beach lovers shouldn’t miss.
Location: Off the coast of Sihanoukville
How to Visit: After arriving via cheap flights to Cambodia, Sihanoukville, take a ferry (45–60 min) to the island
3. Kampong Phluk Floating Village
Image Credit: Kelly/Pexels
Experience the unique lifestyle of villagers living in elevated houses on the Tonle Sap Lake. During the wet season, the village appears to float, and you can cruise past homes, schools, and markets, all built over the water. It’s one of the best places to visit in Cambodia with family, especially for cultural immersion.
Location: Near Siem Reap
How to Visit: Join a boat tour from Siem Reap
Also Read: 9 Best Places To Visit In Cambodia
4. Bokor Hill Station
Image Credit: Tom D’Arby/Pexels
This eerie hill station in Bokor National Park was once a French colonial resort. Today, its misty mountaintop is dotted with abandoned buildings, a Catholic church, and the haunting Bokor Palace Hotel. Among the many underrated places to visit in Cambodia, this one stands out for its mystery and atmosphere.
Location: Kampot Province
How to Visit: Rent a scooter or hire a driver from Kampot
5. Prasat Preah Vihear
This mountaintop Hindu temple offers sweeping views across Cambodia and Thailand. Older than Angkor Wat, it’s one of the top 10 tourist attractions in Cambodia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that remains peacefully less visited due to Cambodia-Thailand border issues.
Location: Preah Vihear Province
How to Visit: Reach via private car or organized tour from Siem Reap
6. Kratie
Image Credit: Pepserine/Shutterstock
Kratie is the best place to spot the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong River. For nature lovers and anyone feeling tired from temple hopping, this riverside town offers a refreshing escape from both temples and busy cities.
Location: Kratie Province
How to Visit: Buses from Phnom Penh (5–6 hours)
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7. Battambang Bamboo Train
Image Credit: Cristina Stoian
The “Norry” or bamboo train is a quirky ride on a wooden platform powered by a small motor. It’s not just fun, it’s also one of the top 5 tourist attractions in Cambodia and a delightful way to enjoy the countryside.
Location: Battambang
How to Visit: Hire a tuk-tuk from town
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8. Cardamom Mountains
Home to some of Southeast Asia’s last remaining rainforests, the Cardamom Mountains are ideal for trekking, kayaking, and wildlife spotting. These Cambodia beautiful places are perfect for eco-conscious adventurers and photographers alike.
Location: Southwest Cambodia
How to Visit: Access via Koh Kong, Chi Phat, or Tatai
9. Phnom Kulen
Image Credit: Chandara Se/Unsplash
Known as the birthplace of the Khmer Empire, Phnom Kulen is sacred to Cambodians. With its waterfalls, reclining Buddha, and “Thousand Lingas” carvings, it’s a spiritual spot to include in your Cambodia tourist package for a deeper cultural connection.
Location: 50 km from Siem Reap
How to Visit: Tuk-tuk or car from Siem Reap
Also Read: Cambodia Visa Made Easy: What to Know Before You Go
10. Koh Ker
Once the capital of the Khmer Empire, Koh Ker is a remote archaeological site with a stepped pyramid rising from the jungle. It’s a must-see for history buffs, especially those planning a combined itinerary of unique places to visit in Cambodia and Vietnam.
Location: Preah Vihear Province
How to Visit: 2.5 hours from Siem Reap by car
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Best Time to Visit Cambodia
The ideal time to visit Cambodia to explore all these places is during the cool, dry season from November to March. During this period, the weather is pleasant with lower humidity, making it perfect for discovering untouched temples, unique villages, and scenic landscapes. Since this is also the peak tourist season in Cambodia, it’s advisable to book all-inclusive Cambodia tour packages that cover your reservations, transportation, and entry passes.
Final Thoughts
While Angkor Wat will always be iconic, there’s a wealth of lesser-known treasures to explore in this enchanting country. Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, or tranquility, these unique places to visit in Cambodia with family or solo will show you a different side of the Kingdom of Wonder.
Want to explore beyond the ordinary? Add these gems to your bucket list and plan your adventure today!
FAQs – Unique Places to Visit in Cambodia
What is the most beautiful part of Cambodia?
Cambodia has varied loveliness, ranging from the ancient Angkor ruins to the untouched beaches of Koh Rong and green Cardamom Mountains.
What is the top 1 tourist spot in Cambodia?
Angkor Wat, a world heritage site, is clearly Cambodia’s most visited tourist destination and the world’s largest religious monument.
What not to miss in Cambodia?
Don’t miss the breathtaking Angkor temples, the moving Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields, the bustling city of Phnom Penh and Koh Rong’s stunning beaches.
What is the underrated place to visit in Cambodia?
Koh Ker, an ancient capital and archaeological site featuring pyramid-shaped temples in a jungle setting, is an under-rated gem.
How many days in Cambodia is enough?
Although at least 5-6 days is recommended for a good overview, two weeks is the best to completely submerge yourself in Cambodian culture and experience its wide-ranging attractions.
Which thing is famous in Cambodia?
Cambodia is most noted for its grand Angkor Wat temple complex, yet also for its long history, such as the Khmer Rouge, and its breathtaking natural beauty.
What is the perfect time to visit Cambodia?
The best season to be in Cambodia is during the dry season, which stretches from November to February, when it has cooler temperatures and little rainfall, perfect for many outdoor activities and sightseeing.
What is typical Cambodian food?
Typical Cambodian cuisine includes fresh ingredients such as rice and freshwater fish, balanced flavors, aromatic herbs and spices (such as prahok and kroeung), and such dishes as Amok (fish curry) and Beef Lok Lak.
How many days in Angkor Wat?
Even though the big-ticket items can be visited within one or two days, at least three days are suggested to explore Angkor Wat and the other temples in the area without feeling hurried.
Liked what you saw? Don’t miss these:
Cambodia Solo Travel Guide for Independent Adventurers
Cambodia Itinerary: 7 Days & 6 Nights in the Kingdom of Wonder
Cambodia Travel Guide: When to Go, What to See & What to Do
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