Is Cambodia Worth Visiting? What Makes This Country Special

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two monks in orange robes sitting on temple steps and the text "is it worth visiting Cambodia?"

Before visiting Cambodia, I kept wondering if Cambodia was worth visiting. I had heard so much about Angkor Wat before going, and it was one of the places I wanted to see most during my time in Southeast Asia. Yes, it lived up to the hype.

Watching the sunrise over Angkor Wat ended up being one of the most memorable experiences from my trip, but Cambodia surprised me in other ways too. I enjoyed the food more than I expected, liked spending time in Siem Reap, and quickly realized there was more to the country than just temples.

At the same time, Cambodia can feel heavier than some other destinations in Southeast Asia. The country’s recent history is impossible to ignore, and learning about it becomes part of the experience.

If Cambodia is on your travel list, here is what stood out to me and what I think you should know before deciding whether to go.

Last updated: May 20. 2026

Published: March 27, 2024

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Why Is Cambodia Worth Visiting?

Me sitting in one of the ruins in Angkor Wat.

Angkor Wat is the reason many people visit Cambodia, and honestly, it is reason enough on its own.

Watching the sunrise over Angkor Wat was one of the highlights of my time in Southeast Asia. Beyond the main temple itself, the entire temple complex is massive, and exploring places like Ta Prohm and Bayon made me realize there is much more to see than I originally thought. It is easy to spend longer there than you expect.

I also enjoyed spending time in Siem Reap beyond the temples. Between the night markets, restaurants, and local food scene, it felt like more than just a place people stay while visiting Angkor Wat.

Another thing that stood out to me was how Cambodia balances incredible places with a much heavier history. Visiting places connected to the 1970s can be emotional, but I think learning about Cambodia’s past gives you a deeper understanding of the country and makes the experience more meaningful.

Even though Angkor Wat may be what gets people to Cambodia, I do not think it is the only reason the country is worth visiting.

Best Things To Do In Cambodia

Cambodia has a lot more to offer than many people realize. While Angkor Wat is the biggest draw, there are cities, historical sites, nature, and islands throughout the country.

One of the famous ruins in Angkor Wat.
  • Watch sunrise at Angkor Wat: This was easily one of the highlights of my trip. Watching the sky slowly change behind one of the world’s most famous temple complexes is one of those experiences that actually lived up to expectations.
  • Explore the surrounding Angkor temples: Do not stop at just Angkor Wat itself. Temples like Ta Prohm, Bayon, and the many ruins around the complex ended up being some of the most interesting places to explore.
  • Spend time in Siem Reap: Siem Reap is more than just a gateway to Angkor Wat. The city has night markets, restaurants, cafés, and a good food scene that make it worth spending time in.
  • Learn about Cambodia’s history in Phnom Penh: Visiting places like Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields can be emotional, but I think they provide important context about Cambodia’s past.
  • Visit Tonle Sap Lake: Tonle Sap gives you a look at floating villages and a different side of life in Cambodia.
  • Explore Battambang: Battambang is known for its colonial architecture, arts scene, and bamboo train. It gives you a slower and less touristy side of Cambodia.
  • Visit Cambodia’s islands: Places like Koh Rong offer white-sand beaches and a slower pace. A lot of people do not realize Cambodia also has islands worth visiting.
  • Explore Cambodia beyond the cities: Cambodia also has places like the Cardamom Mountains and areas along the Mekong River if you want more nature and outdoor experiences.

One thing I liked about Cambodia is that even though Angkor Wat was the reason I initially wanted to visit, I ended up enjoying other parts of the country too.

Reasons Cambodia Might Not Be Worth Visiting

Me standing in front of one of the main sites in Cambodia.

As much as I enjoyed Cambodia, I can understand why it may not be the right fit for every traveler. Cambodia ended up being memorable for me, but there are a few things worth knowing before planning a trip.

  • The country’s recent history can make parts of the trip emotional: Cambodia’s history under the Khmer Rouge is impossible to ignore. Visiting places like Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields can be difficult and much heavier than a typical sightseeing day.
  • Cambodia can feel less developed than nearby countries: Depending on where you travel, transportation and infrastructure may feel less polished compared to places like Thailand or Singapore. I would not call this a reason to avoid Cambodia, but it can change the travel experience.
  • The heat can be intense: Cambodia can get extremely hot, especially if you are spending full days outside exploring temple complexes like Angkor Wat.
  • You may spend most of your trip in Siem Reap: For a lot of travelers, Cambodia ends up revolving around Angkor Wat and Siem Reap. If you are expecting nonstop major attractions across the country, the pace can feel different than places like Thailand.
  • The beaches are not the main reason people visit: Cambodia has islands and beaches, but if beach time is your top priority, nearby countries may have stronger options.

Even with those things in mind, I still think Cambodia deserves a place on a Southeast Asia itinerary.

Is Cambodia Worth Visiting For First-Time Southeast Asia Visitors?

Yes, I think Cambodia is worth visiting for first-time travelers to Southeast Asia, especially if you are visiting multiple countries during the same trip.

For many people, Angkor Wat is what puts Cambodia on the map, and honestly, I understand why. Watching the sunrise there ended up being one of the highlights of my time in Southeast Asia, and I think it is one of those places that is worth seeing in person.

I also enjoyed Cambodia beyond the temples. I liked spending time in Siem Reap, enjoyed the food more than I expected, and appreciated that the country offered a different experience from places nearby.

That said, if this is your very first trip to Southeast Asia, I would probably combine Cambodia with another destination. Cambodia works really well alongside places like Thailand or Vietnam and adds a completely different experience to a larger itinerary.

I would not skip Cambodia, but I also would not make it your only stop if you have time to see more of the region.

Cambodia Alternatives Worth Considering

ATVs lined up in Siem Reap.

If Cambodia does not sound like the right fit for your trip, there are several other destinations in Southeast Asia worth considering.

Thailand: Thailand is one of the easiest countries to visit in Southeast Asia and has a little bit of everything. You have cities like Bangkok, beaches and islands, temples, street food, and places like Chiang Mai if you want a slower pace.

Vietnam: Vietnam offers a mix of cities, history, scenery, and incredible food. Places like Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City all feel very different from each other and make Vietnam a great option if you still want history like the Cu Chi Tunnels and the War Remnants Museum.

Laos: Laos moves at a slower pace and feels more relaxed than some neighboring countries. Places like Luang Prabang are known for temples, waterfalls, and a quieter atmosphere.

Siem Reap: If you are unsure about visiting Cambodia as a whole but still want to experience Angkor Wat, I honestly think Siem Reap alone is worth considering. If you can only visit one place in Cambodia, this would easily be my choice.

The good news is that you do not necessarily have to choose one over another. Cambodia works really well as part of a larger Southeast Asia trip and combines easily with nearby countries.

So Is Cambodia Worth Visiting?

Me wearing a yellow helmet riding an ATV.

Cambodia ended up being one of the places I was most excited to visit in Southeast Asia, and I left glad that I made the trip.

Angkor Wat alone made Cambodia worth visiting for me. Watching the sunrise there was one of the highlights of my time in Southeast Asia, and seeing the scale of the temples in person felt very different from just looking at photos online.

I also enjoyed parts of Cambodia I was not expecting. I liked spending time in Siem Reap, enjoyed the food more than I thought I would, and appreciated that there was more to the country than just temples.

At the same time, Cambodia can feel heavier than some other destinations in the region. Learning about the country’s recent history becomes part of the experience, and I think that gives you a much deeper understanding of the place.

If you are traveling through Southeast Asia, I think Cambodia is absolutely worth adding to your itinerary.

Traveling to Cambodia soon? Here are my favorite things to use for travel planning:

Cambodia Visit FAQs

Is Cambodia worth visiting for a few days?

Yes, Cambodia is worth visiting even if you only have a few days. Many travelers visit Siem Reap and Angkor Wat on shorter trips, although I think spending extra time gives you a better feel for the country.

How many days should you spend in Cambodia?

I think four to seven days is a good amount of time for most travelers. This gives you enough time to visit Angkor Wat, spend time in Siem Reap, and possibly add places like Phnom Penh or Cambodia’s islands.

Is Cambodia worth visiting for first-time Southeast Asia travelers?

Yes, especially if you are visiting multiple countries during the same trip. Cambodia works really well alongside places like Thailand or Vietnam and offers a different experience from nearby destinations.

Is Angkor Wat worth visiting?

Yes, absolutely. Watching sunrise at Angkor Wat ended up being one of the highlights of my time in Southeast Asia. It was one of those places that actually lived up to the hype.

Is Cambodia safe for tourists?

Cambodia is generally considered safe for tourists, and I felt comfortable traveling there. Like anywhere, it helps to stay aware of your surroundings and take normal precautions.

Is Cambodia only worth visiting for Angkor Wat?

No. Angkor Wat is what draws many people there, but I ended up enjoying Cambodia beyond the temples too. I liked spending time in Siem Reap, enjoyed the food more than I expected, and appreciated learning more about the country.

Here are more Cambodia travel guides to help you plan a fantastic trip:

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