Top 8 Weekend Getaways in Cambodia That You Must Not Miss (2024)

Planning your next vacation in South-East Asia? Filled with enchanting landscapes, Cambodia has been attracting thousands of holiday-makers from different parts of the globe. Besides having a rich history and culture, what makes this country unique is the innate hospitality of the people here. Apart from being home to fascinating archaeological sites, Cambodia pleases your taste buds with unique flavors as well. Here are some of the best weekend getaways that you must visit during your stay in Cambodia, these place are within 400 kms of Phnom Penh.

Top 8 Weekend Getaways in Cambodia That You Must Not Miss

1. Siem Reap

Located 235 km away from Phnom Penh, Siem Reap is one of the thriving destinations that you must visit during your stay in Cambodia. Visited by thousands of tourists every year, this town is home to the Majestic Angkor Wat and a bunch of other attractions as well. Places that you must visit during your stay here include Angkor Archaeological Park, Angkor National Museum, Phare Ponleu Selpak, Landmine Museum, Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre, Les Chantiers Ecoles, etc. Shall you desire to go on a zip line tour, you should definitely visit Flight of the Gibbon. The vibrant cafe and restaurant scene here will leave you amazed.

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Location: Siem Reap, Northwestern Cambodia

Best Time to Visit: December and January

2. Trat

Situated 392 km away from Phnom Penh, Trat unravels the rejuvenating opportunity for you to experience white sand beaches and coral reefs. Being the eastern-most province of Thailand, Trat borders Cambodia, making it easier for you to experience beautiful islands such as Koh Chang, Koh Kood, and Koh Mak.. During your stay here, you should definitely visit the Ban Nam Chiao Old community which has won awards for being an eco-village being able to maintain a traditional life. Another must-do thing here is to take yourself on a trip to the Salak Khok Mangrove forest. Many travelers prefer to go on digital detox and rejuvenate their soul at the beaches of Koh Chang and Koh Mak.

Location: Trat, Eastern Thailand

Best Time to Visit: November to February

3. Phu Quoc

Located 236 km away from Phnom Penh, Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam is known for being home to spectacular beaches, historical sites, fishing villages, and Buddhist shrines as well. This island also features a UNESCO-listed national park where you can go on different activities such as hiking, bird-watching, camping, and so on. During your stay in Phu Quoc island, you must visit places such as Dinh Cau Rock, Suoi Tranh Waterfall, Su Muon Pagoda, Cao Dai Temple, etc. Another thing that you can’t miss here are the authentic regional specialities.

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Location: Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Best Time to Visit: November to March

4. Battambang

Located 293 km away from Phnom Penh, Battambang has a significant historical importance. After being founded in the 11th century, this city is home to some of the most amazing colonial architectures. Battambang is also known for being the largest rice producer in the country. Some of the places that you must visit during your stay in Battambang include Battambang Bat Caves, Wat Banan Temple, Battambang Crocodile Farm, Wat Ek Phnom, Mrs. Bun Roeung Ancient House, and so on. Constructed in the 13th century by Suryavarman I, Wat Ek Phnom is known for featuring a huge Buddha in the middle and hosting numerous celebrations round the year.

Location: Battambang, Northwestern Cambodia

Best Time to Visit: November to February

5. Vinh Long

Located 260 km away from Phnom Penh, Vinh Long is known for featuring quite a few attractions that can keep you busy for a few hours. During your stay here, you should definitely visit the Vinh Long Museum which features some of the war booty including a F-5 fighter jet and a Huey helicopter. The central market here unravels the best opportunity for you to experience the photogenic flowers and fresh fruits. Another spot that you shouldn’t miss is the Cai Bae floating market. You should ideally combine your trip to this market with a tour to the coconut candy factory and a paddle through the back canals.

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Location: Vinh Long, Vietnam

Best Time to Visit: September to November

6. Kampong Cham

Situated 124 km away from Phnom Penh, Kampong Cham is another popular weekend getaway that you must not miss during your stay in Cambodia. Some of the places that you must visit during your stay here include Preah Theat Teuk Chha, Wat Joy T’maw, Teuk Chhar, King, Koh Pen Beach, Chhrouy Chek, etc. The Preah Theat Teuk Chhar is a group of temples that were built in Ad 1005 under the rulership of King Suryavarman I. These temples were constructed on a site called Sithiborya where Leaksintra, the King’s adviser, started building these temples. Another place that you shouldn’t miss is the Nokor Bachey temple which is of historical and cultural importance. Built in the domain of the 11th century, this temple was constructed under the rulership of King Suryavarman II.

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Location: Kampong Cham, Southeastern Cambodia

Best Time to Visit: October to February

7. Kratie

Located 177 km away from Phnom Penh, Kratie is the place where you wouldn’t want to miss experiencing a sunset. Some of the places that you must visit during your stay here are Koh Pdao, Chruoy Rey, Phnom SamBok Resort, Phnom Sopor Kaley, Wat Sray Sahn-tah-rah-boh, etc. Koh Pdao unravels the best opportunity for you to experience the rejuvenating sight of fresh water dolphins swimming by your side. The historical site of Churoy Rey is home to historically significant buildings and attracts thousands of historians from different corners of the globe. The Phnom Sam Bok Resort here is a must-visit spot. This natural and historical resort is adorned with a clean water pond and natural plants. The mountain here is the best spot for witnessing the spectacular surrounding beauty of the Mekong river.

Location: Kratie, Kratie Province, Eastern Cambodia

Best Time to Visit: Decemeber to February

8. Tay Ninh

Located 175 km away from Phnom Penh, Tay Ninh is another must-visit spot for those looking for a getaway destination in Cambodia. During your stay here, you must visit places such as Ba Den Mountain, Pig Mountain, Phoenix Mountain, and a wide range of caves such as Thanh Long Cave, Ba Co Cave, Tuan Cave, Ong Ho Cave, and so on. You should also visit the Dau Tieng Lake and the Cao Dai temple here.

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Location: Tây Ninh Province, Vietnam

Best Time to Visit: December to April

If you are too tired of visiting the popular attractions in Cambodia, take yourself to these weekend getaways to rejuvenate your soul. Whether you want to witness spectacular archaeological sites or want to spend some time at serene beaches, these destinations are undoubtedly the perfect spot for you!