When most travelers think of Cambodia, their minds go straight to Angkor Wat—and for good reason. It’s one of the world’s most impressive ancient structures. But Cambodia has much more to offer beyond its famous temples. If you’re the kind of traveler who looks for quiet landscapes, local experiences, and destinations not flooded with tour buses, this country has a lot waiting for you.
Whether it’s seeing rare dolphins in the Mekong, trekking through highland forests, or visiting towns where life is slow and authentic, Cambodia offers a different type of travel experience—one based on culture, nature, and community.
This is not the trip for luxury seekers or checklist tourists. It’s for those who want something real, don’t mind some rough road, and get a deeper reward. Best Places to Travel in Cambodia lesser-known places are rich in history, biodiversity, and local charm that’s tough to fake—and even tougher to forget.
Best Places to Travel in Cambodia if You Want Something Different
With traveling in Cambodia, most trips stick to a familiar pattern—Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and perhaps a brief beach stop in Sihanoukville. These destinations are well-visited for a reason, but they only scratch the surface of what Cambodia has to offer.
If you want something other—places that are less touristy, more real, and more based on local life—then Cambodia has secret corners waiting to be discovered. These destinations provide richer experiences without tourists or touristy infrastructure. Here, we will describe the best places to visit in Cambodia if you’re looking for something unusual.
Kratie – A Peaceful Riverside Town with Elusive Dolphins
Kratie is a village on the banks of the Mekong River in Cambodia’s northeast. It’s not well-trodden tourist territory, and that’s precisely why it shines. Tourists visit this place for tranquility, landscapes, and a unique opportunity to spot one of Southeast Asia’s most threatened animals—the Irrawaddy dolphin. Kratie doesn’t show off pretentious landmarks. Its beauty lies in the unhurried life, river vistas, and connection with Cambodia’s rural community.
The town itself is small, with a riverside esplanade, colonial buildings, and a couple of local markets. It’s simple to get around on foot or by hiring a bicycle. The main point of interest lies approximately 15 kilometers to the north of town, in a small village called Kampi. This is where boats transfer tourists onto the Mekong River to see Irrawaddy dolphins in the wild. They are not only scarce but also a central element in the region’s identity. Recent conservation figures indicate that fewer than 90 animals are left in the Mekong River, with most being found within this location.
The boat tour to view the dolphins is arranged by local cooperatives and last about one hour. The fare is $9 to $12 per person, depending on numbers. The boats are small and the experience is intimate—not industrial. Sighting is not guaranteed, but good chances exist, particularly in the morning and late afternoon. December through May is the best time to visit when waters are lower and dolphins are more visible.
Aside from dolphin watching, Kratie has other low-key amenities. One of the top activities is to go to Koh Trong, a little island in the Mekong River that lies directly opposite Kratie town. You get there on a short ferry ride (5 minutes). From there, you can hire a bicycle and cycle around a peaceful 9-kilometer circuit, going through rice fields, stilt houses, and tiny community projects. There are a few homestays and eco-lodges on the island, offering basic but comfortable accommodation.
Kratie is also a good spot to see Cambodians who live by the river go about their daily lives. Floating homes, fishing boats, and markets give you an idea of how people relate to the Mekong. The town’s principal market is functional, not touristy. Fresh produce, dried fish, street food, and household items can be found there. Prices are local, and there are few English speakers among vendors, but body language counts for much.
Getting to Kratie is easy but slow. Buses and minivans from Phnom Penh take 5 or 6 hours. From Mondulkiri or Stung Treng, travel times are comparable. Roads are commonly paved, but traffic moves slowly. Most visitors spend one or two nights in Kratie, which is generally sufficient time to see the principal sights without feeling rushed.
Accommodation-wise, Kratie has a number of small hotels and guesthouses. Choice is minimal but cheap. Clean rooms with air conditioning cost $10 to $20 a night. Favorite spots are Le Tonlé Guesthouse and Balcony Kratie, which have local hospitality training programs supported by them. Food is minimal but reasonable. There are a handful of riverside restaurants that offer Cambodian food, fried noodles, and grilled fish. The prices are affordable, with meals ranging between $2 and $5.
Kratie does not have luxury or high-end attractions to sell, but it provides something equally valuable—a way to slow down, appreciate nature, and enjoy a site that has not been overwhelmed with tourists. For tourists seeking the unusual in Cambodia, Kratie is a good and worthy destination.
Mondulkiri – An Elephant and Forest Highland Region
Located in eastern Cambodia, Mondulkiri is a province known for its highland terrain, dense forests, and cool climate. The provincial capital, Sen Monorom, is a small town surrounded by rolling hills and scattered villages. This region feels unlike the rest of Cambodia in both temperature and topography. It’s also home to the indigenous Bunong people, who maintain traditional ways of life.
Mondulkiri is best known for responsible elephant tourism. The best-known organization here is the Elephant Valley Project (EVP). While most so-called sanctuaries continue to permit riding, EVP provides a no-hands experience where elephants are simply watched in a natural forest habitat. Tourists can participate in day-long or extended programs that involve trekking into the forest, studying elephant behavior, and promoting conservation through tourism. The fee begins at $70 per day, including meals and a guide.
Aside from elephants, Mondulkiri provides trekking and wildlife viewing in the Seima Protection Forest, a gigantic protected area spanning over 290,000 hectares. The forest is very diverse with species such as gibbons, wild cats, and more than 300 bird species. Half- or full-day treks can be arranged with local guides in Sen Monorom. The hikes travel through diverse landscapes and are a suitable method of experiencing both nature and native villages.
Several waterfalls are also conveniently close to Sen Monorom that can be done on a day trip. The largest and most well-known is Bou Sra Waterfall, which is around 35 kilometers from town and has a two-stage drop with viewing decks. Admission fees are low—typically less than $1. Romanear and Dak Dam are two other waterfalls in the region, which are smaller and less busy.
It takes time to reach Mondulkiri. It’s roughly 6 to 7 hours by road from Phnom Penh. The journey may be long, but the landscape gets better as you go up into the hills. The climate here is cooler than the rest of Cambodia, particularly in the evening. It gets down to 15°C (59°F) during the dry season, so it’s a good idea to bring a jacket along.
Accommodation in Sen Monorom is a combination of guesthouses, eco-lodges, and mini-hotels. The prices are between $10 and $30 per night, depending on the location. Nature Lodge and Tree Lodge are favored among travelers on a budget and the middle class. Both have wooden bungalows overlooking the countryside. The food available is in the form of local Khmer restaurants and some Western cafés. Meals are usually priced from $2 to $6.
Mondulkiri lacks the development of Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, but that’s the charm. It’s a destination for adventure in the outdoors, community tourism, and experiencing a side of Cambodia that’s far off the beaten path. If you seek something new, this part of the country serves up with sincerity and substance.
Battambang – A City of Art, History, and Quirky Transport
Battambang is neglected by tourists interested in Cambodia’s top-of-the-page attractions. That is a shame, for this city has its own combination of colonial past, burgeoning art scene, and rural character. In northwestern Cambodia, Battambang is the second-largest city in the country but has a laid-back, small-town atmosphere.
One of the city’s most popular sites is the Bamboo Train, alternatively referred to as “norry.” It’s a rudimentary wooden platform resting on wheels and driven by a miniature engine. It travels on abandoned railway lines beyond the city. The journey is rough and brief—approximately 20 minutes in each direction—but it’s a good and quirky experience. The train had recently been moved and rebuilt for improved safety, but still has its homemade appeal. Rides are about $5–$7 per person.
Battambang is also the home of Phare Ponleu Selpak, a Cambodian arts organization with a circus school and culture center. The evening performances combine theater, acrobatics, and folk tales. The performances are all done by students and alumni, and the proceeds of the tickets go towards keeping the training going. Tickets are about $10–$15.
History buffs can appreciate Battambang’s Wat Banan, a hill temple that looks like a miniature of Angkor Wat. It’s situated approximately 25 kilometers from the city and involves a brief climb to get there. The scenery at the top is well worth the effort. Another place worth visiting is Wat Sampeau, a temple compound close to the Killing Caves—a somber reminder of Cambodia’s recent past under the Khmer Rouge. Both destinations can be explored within a half-day tuk-tuk trip for around $10–$15.
Battambang’s city center has a grid of colonial buildings, village markets, and riverbank cafés. A bicycle is a suitable option to tour the area, particularly the surrounding countryside. Some guesthouses have guided bike tours around villages, rice fields, and miniature pagodas.
Accommodation is cheap and diverse. Guesthouses begin at $8 a night, and mid-range hotels cost between $20 and $40. Options to consider are Bambu Hotel, The Sanctuary Villa, and Here Be Dragons Hostel. Restaurants in town offer both Cambodian and international cuisine with lots of vegetarian options.
Battambang is reached by bus from Phnom Penh (6 hours) or Siem Reap (3–4 hours). Alternatively, there is a picturesque boat journey from Siem Reap over Tonlé Sap Lake, from July to March. The boat ride takes approximately 6–8 hours and provides a glimpse of floating villages en route.
Kampot – A Relaxed Town Famous for Pepper and River Life
Kampot is a riverside town in southern Cambodia that combines charm, history, and relaxed travel. Although it has become more popular in recent years, it is still far from the hustle and bustle of tourist hubs. What distinguishes Kampot is the tranquil atmosphere, French colonial buildings, and intimate connection with the surrounding environment. It provides a laid-back experience with just enough to do without overstimulating the senses.
One of Kampot’s most distinctive attractions is pepper plantations. The area is renowned for Kampot pepper, which has been granted Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status—like Champagne or Parmigiano-Reggiano. Working pepper plantation tours are possible and provide a close-up view of how cultivation takes place. Most farms are situated around 15 to 30 minutes out of town, and tours are likely free or very inexpensive, especially if you buy some pepper at the end.
The Preaek Tuek Chhu River that runs through Kampot is at the center of life in the town. Tourists can hire kayaks or paddleboards and paddle around peaceful inlets and mangrove forests just a short walk from the town center. There are also boat tours available, especially around sunset. These cost approximately $5 to $10 per person and include basic snacks and drinks. For those who prefer land-based exploration, Kampot’s countryside is perfect for motorbike or bicycle rides. You’ll pass salt fields, rice paddies, and small villages without seeing a single tour bus.
One of the most popular half-day excursions is to Bokor National Park, a once French hill station some 40 km from Kampot. The park features the remains of an old casino, a church, and a newly restored temple. The region is usually shrouded in mist, which enhances the mood. The journey to Bokor is paved and smooth, ideal as a motorbike ride for experienced motorcyclists. Admission is free, but you’ll have to pay for fuel and any guiding services if you don’t want to go on your own.
Town has a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Guesthouses along the river, and small restaurants serving everything from Khmer to Western comfort food. Prices are affordable. A standard local meal is around $2–$4, and riverfront eating $5–$10. Prices for accommodation in Kampot vary from budget hostels at about $8 per night to mid-range boutique hotels in the $25–$50 bracket. Many places have weekly or monthly rates, so Kampot is a favored place for long-term travelers to stay.
Transport is convenient. Kampot is approximately 3–4 hours by bus from Phnom Penh and 1.5 hours from Kep. There are minivans and taxis, and the roads are well paved. Tourism is increasing, yet Kampot is still a destination where you can spend your days lying in a hammock, drinking iced coffee, or just talking to the locals by the river. If you’re on the lookout for a quiet location with understated elegance and genuine local culture, Kampot is an ideal destination.
Kep – A Tranquil Coastal Town with Fresh Crab and Ocean Views
Only 25 kilometers from Kampot is Kep, a seaside town that has a completely different atmosphere. In the 1950s, Kep was a luxury resort getaway for Cambodia’s rich, but during the Khmer Rouge years, it declined. Now, it is experiencing a quiet resurgence. It’s not its beaches that make Kep unique—it’s the fresh seafood, the deserted roads, and the peaceful walking trails that set it apart.
The town’s most popular destination is the Kep Crab Market, where fresh crabs are dragged from the sea and sold immediately to restaurants in the area. The market is tight but busy, with street vendors selling grilled crab, prawns, squid, and fish at rock-bottom prices. A plate of crab fried in local Kampot pepper ranges from $6 to $10 depending on quantity. You may dine on plastic stools overlooking the sea, see the boats arrive, and have seafood fresher than anywhere else in Cambodia.
There is also access to Kep National Park, which encircles the town and contains an 8-kilometer path that winds around the hills. The trail is well marked and is navigable without a guide. There are a number of lookout points along the route with ocean and jungle vistas. The trek will be around 2–3 hours based on your speed, and you can expect to see monkeys, birds, and butterflies. Admission costs around $1. Alternatively, if you want to take it easy, you can also go by tuk-tuk to highlight spots such as the Sunset Rock lookout or the old French villas which are gradually being taken over by nature.
Offshore, Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay) is one of Kep’s most relaxed destinations. It’s only a 20–30 minute boat ride from the pier in town, with daily departures beginning at morning time. Boats range from $8–$10 for a return trip. There are no roads, minimal electricity, and a few bungalow resorts on the island. Most of the accommodation is simple wood huts with mosquito netting and cold showers. Prices begin at $10 per night. It is not luxurious, but it is a tranquil retreat from the mainland. The sand on the beaches is clean, with shallow and safe swimming water.
Kep’s town center is minimal, with a few restaurants, cafés, and guesthouses scattered around. Don’t expect nightlife or shopping. This is a destination for quiet mornings, fresh food, and long walks. Accommodation options range from budget hostels to boutique resorts. A decent double room starts at $15, while beachside resorts like Knai Bang Chatt or Veranda Natural Resort go from $60 and up.
There is easy transport between Kampot and Kep either by tuk-tuk ($10–$15) or shared minibus ($3–$5). By road from Phnom Penh, journey time is around 4–5 hours. There is no airport in Kep, and so overland travel is the only means of access.
Though Kep may not have Cambodia’s most beautiful beaches or largest temples, it has something just as precious: tranquil, unhurried travel with a local twist. It’s ideal for those who wish to unplug, dine well, and experience a part of Cambodia that prizes simplicity over show.
Conclusion
Cambodia has much more than the temples of Angkor or the hectic streets of the capital. For those travelers looking for something new—something quieter, more intimate, and connected to local culture—the country has surprises in store.
Whether discovering Irrawaddy dolphins in Kratie, trekking with elephants in Mondulkiri, pedaling through streets lined with art in Battambang, or sampling fresh crab by the ocean in Kep, each of these places introduces a different aspect of Cambodia to life.
They are not groomed and stocked with contemporary amenities, but they have something infinitely richer in return: authenticity, serenity, and a real connection to the individuals and the earth. They can take a bit longer and more effort to get to, but the payoff is well worth it.
If your intention is to travel with purpose—far from the masses and closer to the heart of a nation—these destinations need to be on your itinerary. They demonstrate that Cambodia is more than a pit stop for a dash of temple visits but a land of richness, diversity, and unassuming majesty.
Selecting the Best Places to Travel in Cambodia if you prefer something different is not luxury—it’s about authentic experiences, and Cambodia is full of them in store.
