There are 13 images in this Cambodia photo gallery, every one of which I personally photographed travelling through Cambodia. Photography is a great way to explore an unknown destination, while also remembering amazing moments from travel. That’s why I created Travel Through Photography – I think images can be incredibly moving and inspirational.
Narrowing down what Cambodian sights to showcase was a struggle, it is difficult to detail the entire beauty of this country in a single collection of pictures, I’d love to hear what you think should make this list – just leave a comment below!
As a side note, I tried to add no more than one or two pictures for each particular place. However, Angkor Wat is the exception. The largest religious complex in the entire world is just too diverse to not include multiple stunning images…
Enough rambling – here’s Cambodians photo gallery!
Explore Bayon Angkor Thom
Angkor Thom was created in the 12th century and was the capital of King Jayavarman VII’s empire. Though Angkor Thom was abandoned sometime around the 17th century, many amazing stone carvings still exist today.
One of the most popular sites of Angkor Thom is Bayon Temple. Standing in the centre of the ancient capital, this intriguing ancient place of worship is, in my opinion, a must visit in the Angkor Wat Archaeological site.
Giant stone faces of Bayon are everywhere; large and oddly intimidating – just staring back with a slightly cheeky smile. Take your time and wander through this amazing ancient temple – you will be in awe of how something so intricate has weathered through centuries.
Hike Koh Rong Sanloem Island
Koh Rong Sanloem is one of the many beautiful Cambodian islands that has much to see and do. While I was there, it rained heavily for almost 3 continuous days –but when the rain went away, the locals came out! Despite the ever gloomy horizon, Koh Rong Sanloem still had it’s shining moments.
This “local guide” led my partner and I from Koh Rong Sanloem’s main ferry terminal, along beaches and thick jungle paths to Clear Water Bay – around an hour trek. He was also quite photogenic!
Clear Water Bay didn’t stay too clear for long, as the persistent storm clouds rolled back into the bay, and the little sunlight was vanquished suddenly. Sensing another downpour, our guide from the previous picture disappeared into the thick jungly mess and wasn’t seen again – I’m sure he got back fine, he knew the paths like the back of his paw!
My partner and I called the bluff of the incoming storm and explored Clear Water Bay for a while – we didn’t even get wet! One of my favourite pictures from all of Koh Rong Sanloem was the swing sets and hammocks raised high enough to just dip into the water. I’m sure on a sunny day these seats would be a little busier!
Witness Angkor Wat Sunrise and Temples
Most people have heard of the world’s largest religious complex. Sunrise at Angkor Wat is one of the most visited times of day of this amazing temple. With the first rays of light silhouetting the outline of the 5 pinecone shaped towers, it’s no wonder it’s such a popular activity!
Throughout the Angkor Wat Archaeological Site there are so many lesser known temples and structures to visit – most still standing after thousands of years. While some remain incredibly intact, others have felt a more aggressive change brought on by nature – trees seem to love sprouting through the cracks in the structures here.
As a lot of the complex was abandoned for centuries, trees had free reign over where they planted their roots, often making the once narrow gaps where modern-day mortar would be placed, gaping holes to the point of little supporting structure left.
While many trees spell destruction for ancient structures here, the site is a UNESCO World Heritage landmark. Meaning these trees cannot simply be removed. Manmade supports are erected to stop many temples from toppling over.
Swim at Otres Beach
Otres Beach is one of southern Cambodia’s lesser-known but nonetheless beautiful stretches of golden sand. Otres Beach is used as a departing point for many island hoppers in the area. Even though my time on the southern islands was plagued by monsoon downpours, the area of Otres Beach was still a beautiful place to visit.
Unwind on Koh Ta Kiev Island
Koh Ta Kiev is a small island just outside of the border of Ream National Park. Depending on the tide level, catching a ride to this small tropical island will most likely be from Otres Beach. This island sees very few visitors compared to mainland Cambodia. There is accommodation on the island, but it is limited, so booking ahead is advised.
Explore Ream National Park
Ream National Park sits right on Cambodia’s southern coast and a stone’s throw from many great island hopping possibilities. If you’re looking for accommodation, Monkey Maya should be high on your list!
Many great trails to see monkeys in the park are a short stroll from the hostel. Renting kayaks and paddling through the mangrove rivers was an incredibly quiet and picturesque adventure. This picture is of the Monkey Maya resident dog who tagged along for a beautiful beach walk. He knows exactly how to hunt for translucent crabs scattered along the golden sand.
Ride the Battambang Bamboo Train
I went into Battambang’s Bamboo Train thinking it to be little more than an average tourist trap. I was wrong. Reaching just over 31km/hr through thick jungle on either side of the regular iron train tracks, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous.
There are no seatbelts, just padded cushions on a flat slab of bamboo. Seeing as there’s only one set of rails, you will most likely encounter another train coming the opposite way. To continue the journey, the train with the least number of people stops, the train is pulled apart completely, and carried off the tracks and reassemble when the path forward is clear.
It’s worth noting here that this Bamboo Train has moved to a different location, around 20km outside of Battambang.
Travelling through Cambodia is amazing; from crystal waters to ancient structures that are just incredible. This list is my favourite places in Cambodia to travel because the memorable experiences are so special. Interaction with locals, awe-inspiring structures and gorgeous beaches are all in Cambodia, just waiting to be explored!
If you have travelled through Cambodia, I’d love to hear your favourite stories – just drop me a comment below! If you haven’t visited, where would you like to visit most in Cambodia?
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