Southwest Cambodia

Region

Cambodia's coast and the Cardamom Mountains behind it, plus the rice-bowl provinces of the west. Kampot and Kep are the relaxed base for pepper farms, Bokor Hill and crab markets; Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem are the beach islands off Sihanoukville, and Koh Kong is the way into the rainforest. Battambang, further north, has colonial streets and the bamboo train. The coast is best from November to April.

Southwest Cambodia Tonlé SapBokor National ParkCardamom MountainsPreah Monivong National ParkReam National ParkKirirom National ParkKoh Rong SanloemBotum Sakor National ParkLongvekKoh TangKoh TonsayKep National ParkKoh RusseiWat BananWat Ek PhnomKbal Chhay WaterfallPhnom ChhnorkSouthern Cardamom National ParkCentral Cardamom Mountains National ParkKampong LuongPhare Ponleu SelpakPhnom SorsiaPopokvil WaterfallsTatai WaterfallIndependence BeachChi PhatOchheuteal BeachBattambangChbar MonSihanoukvilleKhemarak PhouminKoh KongNorryPhnom AuralKoh RongKampotKepPursatOudongPailin MunicipalityAnlong VilAmpil Pram DaeumSre AmbelSmach Mean CheyPhumĭ Véal TônsayOu CharKhnach RomeasSvay Rumpea

Southwest Cambodia essentials

Country: Cambodia
Driest months: Dec-Feb
Pay in: Riels (៛)
Language: Khmer
Emergency: 117

Where to Go in Southwest Cambodia

City Sihanoukville SihanoukvilleCoastal city known for beaches and resorts City Battambang BattambangColonial town of the bamboo train City Kampot KampotRiverside town of pepper and colonial buildings Island Koh Rong Koh RongCambodian island known for beaches and nightlife Island Koh Rong Sanloem Koh Rong SanloemSmall Cambodian island known for quiet beaches Island Koh Kong Koh KongMangrove-fringed island off Cambodia's southwestern coast History Longvek LongvekHistoric Cambodian capital ruins and Portuguese-influenced town History Phnom Sorsia Phnom SorsiaLimestone caves and hilltop pagoda with local shrines Nature Tonlé Sap Tonlé SapSoutheast Asia's largest freshwater lake and floodplain Nature Bokor National Park Bokor National ParkAbandoned French hill station with coastal views Nature Phnom Aural Phnom AuralCambodia's highest mountain, forested and biologically rich Nature Preah Monivong National Park Preah Monivong National ParkCambodian national park protecting Cardamom Mountains forests
Regions & Cities
Battambang Explore Battambang Rice paddies and French colonial villas frame Battambang, where quiet riverside cafés and a revived arts scene contrast with nearby temples like Phnom Banan. Chbar Mon Explore Chbar Mon A provincial hub framed by brick kilns and sugar palm groves, Chbar Mon offers gritty markets, roadside noodle stalls and dusty day trips to Phnom Aural’s foothills. Sihanoukville Explore Sihanoukville Sihanoukville is the ferry town for Koh Rong and nearby islands: most visitors transit its beaches to reach clearer waters offshore. Khemarak Phoumin Explore Khemarak Phoumin Khemarak Phoumin (Koh Kong) fronts mangrove channels and the Cardamom foothills; boat trips, seafood markets and access to Koh Kong’s islands and waterfalls attract eco‑minded travelers and fishermen swapping stories by the river. Koh Kong Explore Koh Kong Off Cambodia’s southwest coast, Koh Kong Island offers beaches, mangrove channels and access to the Cardamom foothills; visitors take boat trips, fish and camp in rustic beach sites. Norry Explore Norry In Battambang, the Norry or bamboo train is a makeshift rail trolley that runs on local tracks; tourists ride short stretches for a quirky view of rice paddies and village life. Phnom Aural Explore Phnom Aural Phnom Aural, Cambodia’s highest peak, rises within the Cardamom range; hikers and conservationists reach its forested slopes for long treks, endemic species and wide views. Koh Rong Explore Koh Rong Off Sihanoukville, Koh Rong offers long sandy beaches, reefs for snorkeling and a scattering of village guesthouses; travelers come for beach life, diving and relaxed island bars.

Southwest Cambodia at a Glance

Local Time
7:09 AM
GMT+7
Population
3,442,224

Best Things to Do in Southwest Cambodia