Last checked: October 2026
Cambodia is compact compared with its neighbours, but the main sights are spread out, and some areas are affected by unexploded ordnance or by the border situation with Thailand. This guide groups the main destinations, explains what each is known for and notes the official safety advice that affects each one. Cambodia has five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, all cultural, according to Wikipedia, and several of the places below are among them.
How to Choose
Most visitors build a trip around Siem Reap and Angkor, add Phnom Penh, and sometimes finish on the southern coast. Remote temple sites need extra time and a local operator. Match your plan to the season using our best time to visit Cambodia guide, and see the Cambodia itineraries for routes.
Siem Reap and Angkor
Angkor was inscribed by UNESCO in 1992 and is the country’s best-known destination. Angkor Wat, the Bayon and Ta Prohm are among the sights most visitors plan around, and the temples are spread over a large area, so allow more than one day. Siem Reap is the town where most visitors stay. The US State Department flags Siem Reap province for unexploded ordnance, according to a news report on the advisory, so stay on marked paths and use established operators and guides. Sunrise at Angkor Wat is popular, so expect crowds in the dry season.
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the capital and has the Royal Palace, museums and the Cambodian Memorial Sites, which UNESCO inscribed in 2025. The US advisory, as reported, says the capital needs extra caution because of street crime, including phone and bag snatching where foreigners gather. Carry little, use licensed transport after dark and do not resist a robbery.
Sihanoukville and the Coast
The southern coast around Sihanoukville is the main beach area. Intrepid Travel lists January for scuba diving and snorkelling in Sihanoukville, February for beach time and island hopping, November for island life and December for snorkelling. The wet season from June to October brings heavy rain, so the coast is best in the dry months. Sihanouk International Airport (KOS) serves the area.
Koh Ker
Koh Ker, the archaeological site of ancient Lingapura or Chork Gargyar, was inscribed by UNESCO in 2023. It is remote, so plan transport and a local operator in advance, and check current advice for the province, because the US advisory flags Preah Vihear province for unexploded ordnance.
Sambor Prei Kuk
The temple zone of Sambor Prei Kuk, the archaeological site of ancient Ishanapura, was inscribed in 2017. Wikipedia gives 2017 in its table but 2018 in its introduction, so we use the table. The US advisory flags Kampong Thom province for unexploded ordnance, so follow marked paths.
Preah Vihear and the Border Temples
The Temple of Preah Vihear was inscribed in 2008. The UK Foreign Office lists Preah Vihear, Ta Krabey and Tamone Thom among the border temples that are closed, and advises against all but essential travel within 20 km of the Thailand land border. Do not plan to visit these sites until the advice changes.
Battambang and the North-West
Battambang is a provincial city in a province the US advisory flags for unexploded ordnance, along with Banteay Meanchey, Pursat and Pailin. These areas can be visited, but stay on marked routes and use local guides, and check advice for areas close to the Thai border.
Official Safety Advice
The US State Department rates Cambodia at Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution, with Level 4 areas along the Thai border, according to a report on the advisory dated 15 September 2026. The UK advises against all but essential travel within 20 km of the border. See the Cambodia travel guide.
Planning Your Time
Angkor alone can fill three days or more, because the temples are spread over a large area and the heat makes midday sightseeing hard. Phnom Penh works well as a two or three night stop, and a short flight links it with Siem Reap. The coast suits a few extra days in the dry season. If you have a week or less, choose Siem Reap and Phnom Penh and leave the coast and remote temple sites for another trip. Spending more nights in fewer places usually works better than a long list of short stops.
Guides and Operators
For remote temple sites and provincial areas, use an established operator or licensed guide who knows which paths are cleared. The US advisory, as reported, flags seven provinces for unexploded ordnance, so never leave marked paths, never touch unfamiliar metal objects and follow your guide at all times. Dress respectfully at temples, covering shoulders and knees, and ask before photographing people. Confirm in advance whether a site is open, because the UK lists several border temples as closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best place for a first trip to Cambodia?
Siem Reap and Angkor, usually combined with Phnom Penh, are the usual first trip.
How many UNESCO sites does Cambodia have?
Five, all cultural, according to Wikipedia: Angkor, Preah Vihear, Sambor Prei Kuk, Koh Ker and the Cambodian Memorial Sites.
Can I visit Preah Vihear?
The UK lists the Preah Vihear border temple as closed. Check the latest advice before planning a visit.
Is Angkor safe to visit?
Siem Reap province is flagged for unexploded ordnance, so stay on marked paths and use established guides.
Where should I go for beaches?
Sihanoukville and the southern coast, best in the dry season. See the flights guide for how to get there.