Cambodia Travel Guide: Temples, Capital and Towns

Angkor is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Cambodia's northern province of Siem Reap. It covers around 400 square kilometres and holds scores of temples, as well as reservoirs, dykes and canals built by the Khmer kingdom.

Most trips combine Angkor with Phnom Penh, the capital, which sits where the Mekong, Tonle Sap and Bassac rivers meet. Battambang, in the north-west, is a provincial town with a colonial-era hall and hills outside the centre.

Places to visit in Cambodia

Siem Reap and the Angkor temples

UNESCO describes Angkor as one of the most important archaeological sites of Southeast Asia and lists Angkor Wat, the Bayon, Preah Khan and Ta Prohm as examples of Khmer architecture. It was inscribed in 1992. Angkor Enterprise says over one thousand temples are waiting to be discovered, so choose a few.

Beyond the main group: Banteay Srei, Beng Mealea and Koh Ker

Angkor Enterprise describes Banteay Srei as a 10th-century temple dedicated to Shiva, 25 km north-east of the main group. It says Beng Mealea has an architectural style identical to Angkor Wat. It calls the Prasat Thom complex the most important temple complex of Koh Ker.

Phnom Penh

The Phnom Penh Capital Hall says the city lies at the confluence of the Mekong, Tonle Sap and Bassac rivers, in front of the Royal Palace. It names the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda and the National Museum among the city's cultural and historical attractions. Its list of attractions also includes the Central Market, the Russian Market, Wat Phnom and the Independence Monument.

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Phnom Penh

The museum is the memorial site of the S-21 interrogation and detention centre of the Khmer Rouge regime. Its website says exhibits may not be appropriate for visitors aged 14 and younger.

Battambang

The provincial administration describes the former Provincial Hall, built in 1905, which it was preparing as a heritage museum. The provincial site also describes Wat Keo and the Prek Toal bird habitat on Tonle Sap Lake.

Getting to Cambodia

The official e-Visa website lists three airports: Techo International Airport (KTI) for Phnom Penh, Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) and Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS). Cambodia Airports says Phnom Penh International Airport operations were due to move to Techo on 9 September 2025.

For Angkor, fly into Siem Reap. For the capital, use Phnom Penh. Check which airport your flight uses.

Getting around

Angkor Enterprise sells the Angkor ticket through its website, mobile app, self-service kiosks, ticket counter, or through your tour guide. It also sells boat visits to Chong Kneas.

Check transport for each leg between Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Battambang with your hotel or a local operator once your route is fixed.

When to go to Cambodia

Wet season (May to early October)

Cambodia's Ministry of Environment describes a monsoon that brings rain from May to September or early October, which it calls the wet season.

Dry season (November to March)

The same document says the northeast monsoon blows from November to March, bringing dry, cool air.

Hot spell (late March to late April)

The Ministry of Environment notes hotter air in late March to late April. It gives April as the warmest month, with temperatures as high as 38 degrees Celsius before the rains arrive.

What to book ahead

• Angkor tickets are sold only through Angkor Enterprise channels. Decide before you arrive which one you will use.
• Confirm the arrival airport when you book, since Siem Reap and Phnom Penh are served by different airports.
• Guided day trips to Battambang, Koh Ker and other outlying sites run on fixed days. Check dates before you fix your route.
• Tuol Sleng asks visitors to cover legs and arms. Pack for temple and memorial dress rules.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements depend on your nationality and change over time. Check the current rules on the Cambodia e-Visa government website before you book, and confirm again shortly before you travel.

Official source: eVisa Kingdom of Cambodia (Official Government Website).

Frequently asked questions

Where are the Angkor temples?

UNESCO places Angkor in Cambodia's northern province of Siem Reap. Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) is the airport named on the official e-Visa site for the area.

How many days do I need at Angkor?

Angkor Enterprise says over one thousand temples are waiting to be discovered, so no trip covers them all. Pick a few and add days if you want outlying sites such as Banteay Srei or Koh Ker.

When is the dry season in Cambodia?

The Ministry of Environment describes the northeast monsoon, which brings dry, cool air, as blowing from November to March. The wet season runs from May to September or early October.

Which airport serves Phnom Penh now?

The official e-Visa site lists Techo International Airport (KTI). Cambodia Airports says operations at the former airport were due to move to Techo on 9 September 2025.

Do I need a visa for Cambodia?

It depends on your nationality, and the rules change. Check the Cambodia e-Visa government website for the current requirements before you book.