Officially the Kingdom of Cambodia, this Southeast Asian nation on the Indochinese Peninsula’s southern tip has been an independent country since 1953. Famous worldwide as the home of Angkor Wat, which is only one of the many historical sites in Cambodia, the country is rich in history and stunning scenery. Despite its troubled recent Khmer Rouge history, Cambodia’s legacy stretches way back to the once-mighty powers that presided over these lands during the 3rd, 4th, and 5th centuries. Famed for its ancient ruins and unique traditions and customs, it’s no surprise that ‘The Kingdom of Wonder’ receives more than two million visitors a year. So join the millions who have discovered this hidden gem and tick these Cambodia landmarks off your bucket list.
21 Cambodia Landmarks
Top Tours
- Phare: The Cambodian Circus Show – in Siem Reap.
- The Killing Field and Toul Sleng Genocide Museum Tour – learn more about Cambodia’s grim history.
- Sunset tour of floating village – Kampong Phluk on the Tonle Sap
Historic Landmarks In Cambodia
1- Angkor Wat
The most famous Cambodia landmark is Angkor Wat, one of the world’s must-see ancient sites with its spectacular temples.
Built between 802 and 1432, Angkor Wat’s peak was during the medieval period when it was one of the world’s largest cities and the capital of the Khmer Empire.
Today, this spectacular marvel forms part of the larger Angkor Wat Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With over 1000 temples in total, the UNESCO site is the world’s single largest religious monument and the top Cambodia monument to visit.
Recommended tours:
- Sunrise Small-Group Tour of Angkor Wat from Siem Reap
- Private 2-Day Tour Temples with Sunset and Sunrise
- 2-Day Angkor Wat With Small, Big Circuit and Banteay Srei Tour
2- Banteay Chhmar
In Cambodia’s less-travelled north-western region, Banteay Chhmar is an enormous temple complex tucked away in a lush jungle fit for an Indiana Jones or Lara Croft film.
Constructed sometime during the 12th century by Jayavarman VII, an Angkorian king, Banteay Chhmar’s intricately ornate stone reliefs are some of the best in the country.
Visited by no more than 1000 people each year, Banteay Chhmar is one of the best sites portraying rich Khmer heritage, as you’ll more than likely have the entire site to yourself.
This allows for a peaceful experience of observing the very best Angkorian-era artistry removed from the overbearing crowds at Angkor Wat.
3- Prasat Preah Vihear
Angkor Wat may be Cambodia’s most famous temple complex, but Prasat Preah Vihear (Preah Vihear Temple) is home to some of some of the most beautiful temples.
Perched 550 m (1 804 ft) above the lowlands atop the Dangrek Mountains, the Prasat Preah Vihear UNESCO World Heritage Site enjoys commanding views of Cambodia and Thailand as far as the eye can see.
Given the UNESCO site’s location near the Thailand border, tensions flared between the two countries from 2008 till 2011, with both claiming Prasat Preah Vihear, however, the International Court of Justice ruled in favour of Cambodia in 2013.
Prasat Preah Vihear is safe to visit thanks to tensions dissipating in recent years, making it well worth your time the next opportunity you get to travel there.
4- The Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is easy to spot because of its golden-clad traditional Khmer-style roofs and is the official residence of King Sihamoni.
Resembling the Royal Palace of Thailand in Bangkok, Cambodia’s Royal Palace is every bit as beautiful and grand, portraying the very best of the Khmer Empire and French-inspired architecture.
Even though many sections of this sprawling complex are closed to the public, the Throne Hall, some surrounding buildings and the palace grounds are open to visitors.
As it’s an incredibly popular attraction in Phnom Penh, the crowds are usually large but it’s still worth your while to explore.
5- The Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh
One of the Royal Palace compound’s attractions open to the public, the Silver Pagoda houses some of Cambodia’s most important national treasures.
It’s home to the 17th-century baccarat crystal Buddha statue and the 9,584 diamond-encrusted Maitreya Buddha.
Named after the 5000 silver tiles on the floor of the pagoda’s interior, this spectacular building also contains a mural painted between 1903 and 1904 by over 40 different Khmer Empire artists.
Apart from being an extremely popular landmark, the Silver Pagoda is also regularly used for various royal ceremonies and functions and is one of the country’s most opulent attractions open to the public.
6- National Museum of Cambodia
Home to the world’s most extensive collection of priceless Khmer artefacts, the National Museum of Cambodia provides valuable insight into the country’s history like few other landmarks in Cambodia can.
Sculptures, ceramics, and other items are on display within the museum’s walls, taking visitors on a tour from prehistoric Cambodia to the post-Angkorian Cambodia we see today.
The National Museum is a treasure trove of valuable information and a must-visit landmark for anyone interested in the country’s history.
7- Bayon Temple
Situated right in the heart of what was once the thriving Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple is one of Angkor’s most-famous structures and was constructed in the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII.
The Bayon Temple is characterised by the more than 200 faces facing in all directions carved out of large pieces of stone.
These strangely smiling stone faces are one of Angkor’s most familiar images and are thought to be a combination of the king’s face and that of Buddha.
8- Ta Prohm
Nicknamed the ‘Tomb Raider Temple’, Ta Prohm is unique among Cambodia’s ancient ruins since it’s not as well-maintained as the other Angkor monuments.
Seemingly being swallowed by the jungle in an attempt to reclaim the ruins, Ta Prohm offers visitors a rare glimpse of what Angkor ruins must have looked like before European explorers first stumbled upon them.
The ancient city is one of the best locations to see first-hand the power Mother Nature wields as it reclaimed this once-bustling city effortlessly.
Where Angkor Wat has manicured lawns and hordes of visitors, Ta Prohm is the polar opposite, making it an excellent temple ruin to explore.
9- Koh Ker
When it was the capital of the Khmer empire (between 928 and 944), Koh Ker saw rapid expansion with fantastic sculptures and buildings being constructed during this short stretch, leaving a legacy still standing to this very day.
Koh Ker’s main attraction however is the 30m tall (98 ft) Prasat Thom pyramid temple topped with the mythical half-man, half-bird, stone-carved Garuda.
Once one of Cambodia’s most remote regions, recent de-mining and large scale engineering projects have led to the rediscovery of Koh Ker, opening it up for tourists to enjoy.
10- Bassac Lane in Phnom Penh
The leafy Phnom Penh neighbourhood of Tonle Bassac is home to many streets filled with restaurants and bars to enjoy the capital’s nightlife scene, however, none are as popular as Bassac Lane.
Eccentric boutique bars and interesting eateries line the narrow street, creating a lively atmosphere with the city’s ex-pat community coming out to play on weekends.
During mid-day weekdays, Bassac Lane is quiet enough to pleasantly stroll along while admiring the mix of quaint yet inviting shops selling all sorts of curiosities.
Bassac Lane’s prices are certainly higher than other parts of the country, however, if you’re looking for a safe and comfortable space to have fun and meet people from all over the world, this is it.
11- Vimean Ekareach
The Independence Monument or Vimean Ekareach is a memorial to the country achieving independence from France in 1953.
Built in 1958, the lotus-shaped stupa design channels the country’s famous Khmer historical temples.
Designed by Cambodian architect Vann Molyvann, it is a landmark in the city centre.
12- Phnom Kulen
Located near Angkor in the Siem Reap province, Phnom Kulen is one of the most sacred sites for Khmers and often sees many pilgrimages during weekends and festivals.
Nestled in a lush jungle, Phnom Kulen is home to the ruins of a 9th-century temple, two spectacular waterfalls featured in the film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and many other important Khmer sites.
Apart from the waterfalls that are perfect for swimming and picnicking, Phnom Kulen is also the site of an archaeological area called Kbal Spean and the River of a Thousand Lingas.
Phnom Kulen is perfect for a day trip from Angkor, given its proximity and value as a natural and historical Cambodian landmark.
Recommended tours:
- 2-Day Temples with Sunrise Small Group Tour of Siem Reap
- Full-Day Angkor Wat Sunrise Private Tour with Guide from Siem Reap
- Small-Group Explore Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour with Guide from Siem Reap
13- Wat Phnom
Phnom Penh’s very own urban refuge, Wat Phnom, sits atop the capital’s only hill and has served as a place of solitude and escape to the local population.
Home to a pagoda that dates back to 1372, Wat Phnom and its extensive collection of Buddhist temples and shrines are great to marvel at while you stroll around the tall tree-covered grounds of the site.
Wat Phnom’s famous fully functioning 20m wide (66 ft) lawn clock is an impressive Cambodian landmark in itself and one of many great Wat Phnom attractions to visit.
Groups of monkeys wander the park but be aware that these are wild animals, and petting or feeding them are not recommended.
More Landmarks in Asia:
Natural Landmarks In Cambodia
14- Ratanakiri
The Ratanakiri province is a little rough around the edges, with endless dirt roads and small villages crisscrossing the region’s landscape.
What Ratanakiri lacks in sprawling urban areas, it more than makes up for with outdoor attractions and natural beauty in the country, providing excellent hiking and wildlife watching opportunities.
Ratanakiri’s Virachey National Park is home to tigers, elephants and sun bears which visitors can marvel at, while Ban Lung’s Yeak Lom Crater Lake invites travellers to take a refreshing dip in its bright green water.
Ratanakiri truly is a refuge for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike, serving up some of the best sights and open-air entertainment anywhere in Southeast Asia.
15- Koh Rong Samloem
Cambodia has its fair share of islands with turquoise water and white sandy beaches.
The best example is Koh Rong Samloem, a collection of islands off the country’s southern coast that matches the beauty of Thailand’s islands while remaining free from mass tourism.
This makes Koh Rong Samloem the ideal place to enjoy pristine sun-baked beaches away from large crowds and overpriced resort chains in the down-to-earth atmosphere.
16- Tonle Sap
Apart from being an important waterway and Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, Tonle Sap is home to around 170 floating villages near the lake’s shoreline.
Built upon buoy foundations made of barrels and bamboo, these villages are excellent to explore while enjoying the view of the lake and the surrounding area.
The two most popular villages to visit are Kompong Luong and Chong Kneas, only accessible by boat.
Tonle Sap and its traditional villages are perfect for photographers and adventurous travellers looking to capture and enjoy the essence of rural Cambodia.
17- Bamboo Island/Koh Russei
A collection of tiny islands near the city of Sihanoukville, Bamboo Island or Koh Russei as its also known, has a permanent population of a mere 30 people.
The untouched natural beauty of these islands makes them such a Cambodian mainstay for tourists, especially if you’re hoping to escape the crowded cities and towns on Cambodia’s mainland.
Despite its small population and size, Bamboo Island has all the amenities one needs to relax in comfort, such as two restaurants, three bungalow resorts and bars.
What sets these islands apart from other Southeast Asian islands is the compactness of everything on the island; the restaurants, bars and resorts are all within walking distance, including the white sandy beach.
With no TV, internet or roads on the island, the serenity of waking up in a laid-back bungalow perched right next to the beach makes the 30-minute boat journey to reach Bamboo Island all worth it.
18- Sihanoukville/Kampong Som
This coastal city on Cambodia’s southern coast is a well-known locale, thanks to its unofficial title as Cambodia’s top beachside holiday destination.
While many consider Sihanoukville’s downtown area bustling but dreary, the same cannot be said of the city’s beaches.
The area is home to five beaches, all offering something unique to cater to every type of traveller.
Independence Beach and Sokha Beach are home to luxurious resorts and hotels, while Serendipity Beach and Ochheuteal Beach cater more toward backpackers on a budget.
Nearby Otres Beach offers a more intimate and secluded beach experience with boutique hotels and restaurants.
This puts Sihanoukville at the top of the list for any traveller looking for great outdoor beach fun and being near top-class amenities during their stay in Cambodia.
19- Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center
Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center is an excellent destination for anyone interested in spotting wildlife such as tigers and elephants or anyone interested in conservation.
As the name suggests, the centre’s main objective is to rescue animals harmed by illegal traders or poachers, nursing them back to health to be set free into the wild again.
The centre is open to visitors, with a tour available to anyone interested in getting a behind the scene look at how the centre works and what exactly they do daily.
20- Phnom Sampeau
Well-known throughout Cambodia for its incredible vistas and large bat colonies, Phnom Sampeau in Cambodia’s Battambang province is a great place to glimpse these nocturnal creatures up close.
While a large pagoda stands atop the hill, most people visit Phnom Sampeau for the splendid views of Battambang’s famous rice paddies and the Killing Caves, a stark reminder of the bloody history of Cambodia.
Phnom Sampeau is an ideal landmark in Cambodia to marvel at the stunning beauty of Battambang province from above and to learn more about what the country had to endure in the past.
21- Battambang Bat Caves
Down the road from Phnom Sampeau, the Battambang Bat Caves come to life after sunset when guests gather to watch the vast colony of bats fly out of the caves and into the night sky.
These wrinkle-lipped free-tailed bats have led to the onset of a booming economy in Battambang of bars, restaurants and stalls lining the street near the caves catering to visitors hoping to catch this nightly phenomenon in action.
If you’d like to get an up-close vantage point, be sure to arrange a guided tour through a hidden path to the mouth of the cave.
Stopping to marvel at the Battambang Bat Caves is a wonderful experience and can easily be accompanied by a visit to Phnom Sampeau, making it a pleasant day-long excursion.
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