Northwestern Cambodia

Looking for temples without the tourist hordes? The remote temples of Northwestern Cambodia are a world apart. While hilltop Prasat Preah Vihear is the big hitter, the other temple complexes – wrapped in vines and half-swallowed by jungle – are all fabulous to wander.

In the region's heart is Tonlé Sap, one of the world's most fish-rich lakes and a birder's paradise. Boat trips from Kompong Chhnang and Krakor (near Pursat) to the floating villages that cluster along this important waterway allow you to dip your toes in lake life.

When forays into the region's far-flung corners are complete, the Northwest has one more surprise up its sleeve. Laid-back Battambang, with its burgeoning arts scene, is the main city here. There's a wealth of brilliant sights all within day-tripping distance of town – making it a worthy pit stop when all the hard traveling is done.

Explore Northwestern Cambodia

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Northwestern Cambodia.

  • Buddhist Temple

    Banteay Chhmar

    Beautiful, peaceful and covered in astonishingly intricate bas-reliefs, Banteay Chhmar is one of the most impressive temple complexes beyond the Angkor…

  • Buddhist Temple

    Prasat Preah Vihear

    The most dramatically situated of all Angkorian monuments, Prasat Preah Vihear sprawls along a clifftop near the Thai border, with breathtaking views of…

  • Buddhist Temple

    Preah Khan of Kompong Svay

    For tantalising lost-world ambience, this remote temple complex about 90km south of Preah Vihear City can't be beaten. It's wrapped by vines and trees,…

  • Village

    Chong Kos Floating Village

    Much less visited than other floating villages near Siem Reap, the Tonlé Sap River hamlet of Chong Kos is a Cambodian village of colourful wooden houses,…

  • Buddhist Temple

    Preah Khan Main Temple

    The main temple is surrounded by a (now dry) moat similar to the one around Angkor Thom. Once through the grand gateway, the trail meanders past a…

  • Gallery

    Romcheik 5 Artspace

    Expanded from a workshop into a bona fide gallery in 2015, this impressive space has a permanent collection upstairs displaying the edgy, contemporary…

  • Hindu Temple

    Sambor Prei Kuk

    Cambodia’s most impressive group of pre-Angkorian monuments, Sambor Prei Kuk encompasses more than 100 mainly brick temples scattered through the forest,…

  • Buddhist Temple

    Phnom Sampeau

    This fabled limestone outcrop 12km southwest of Battambang along NH57 (towards Pailin) is known for its gorgeous views and mesmerising display of bats,…

  • Village

    Wat Kor Village

    About 2km south of central Battambang, the village of Wat Kor is centred around the temple of the same name. It's a great place to wander, especially late…

  • Winery

    Prasat Phnom Banan Winery

    Midway between Battambang and Prasat Banan, in an area known for its production of chilli peppers (harvested from October to January), Cambodia’s only…

  • Wildlife Reserve

    Veal Krous Vulture Feeding Station

    In order to save three critically endangered species – the white-rumped, slender-billed and red-headed vultures – the Wildlife Conservation Society (www…

  • Buddhist Temple

    Prasat Banan

    It's a 358-stone-step climb up Phnom Banan to reach Prasat Banan, but the incredible views across surrounding countryside from the top are worth it…

  • Buddhist Temple

    Wat Ek Phnom

    Hidden behind a colourful modern pagoda and a gargantuan Buddha statue is this atmospheric, partly collapsed 11th-century temple. Wat Ek Phnom measures…

  • Wildlife Reserve

    Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary

    One of the last places on earth where you can see Cambodia’s national bird, the critically endangered giant ibis. Trips here are run by the Siem Reap…

  • Hindu Temple

    Prasat Yeai Poeun

    Prasat Yeai Poeun is arguably the most atmospheric of Sambor Prei Kuk's three temple groups, as it feels lost in the forest. The eastern gateway is being…

  • Buddhist Temple

    Prasat Preah Stung

    About 2km west of Preah Khan's baray stands Prasat Preah Stung (known to locals as Prasat Muk Buon or Temple of the Four Faces). It's particularly…

  • Hindu Temple

    Prasat Tor

    The largest of the Sambor Prei Kuk temple complexes, Prasat Tor has excellent examples of Chenla carving in the form of two large, elaborately coiffed…

  • Buddhist Temple

    Phnom Santuk

    Its forest-cloaked summit adorned with Buddha images and a series of pagodas, this holy temple mountain (207m) 15km south of Kompong Thom is a popular…

  • Farm

    Santuk Silk Farm

    Santuk Silk Farm is one of the few places in Cambodia where you can see the entire process of silk production, starting with the seven-week life cycle of…

  • Memorial

    Wat Somrong Knong

    About 4km north of Battambang, Wat Somrong Knong was built in the 19th century on the site of a pre-Angkorian temple complex. The Khmer Rouge used the…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Northwestern Cambodia.