Battambang is the soulful heart of northwest Cambodia. This is a city where time slows down and stories unfold at every turn. Known as the country’s second-largest city, it charms travelers with a rare blend of French colonial architecture, vibrant art spaces, and lush countryside landscapes. Unlike the tourist bustle of Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, Battambang offers a gentler rhythm, inviting visitors to cycle past rice paddies, meet local artisans, and soak up the authentic Khmer way of life.

Population: Approximately 120,000 in 2019.

Economy: Battambang’s economy is rooted in agriculture, earning it the title “Cambodia’s rice bowl.” Beyond farming, small-scale industries like rice milling, fish processing, and handicrafts support local livelihoods. Tourism is an expanding pillar, with visitors drawn to cultural sites, art spaces, and eco-tourism experiences.

Landmarks: Famous for The Bamboo Train, Phnom Sampeau, and the Wat Banan Temple.

Set on the banks of the Tonlé Sap River, Kampong Chhnang is one of Cambodia’s most enchanting provinces, a place where the Khmer Empire’s legacy, floating villages, and pottery traditions meet. Only 90 km from Phnom Penh, this riverside town offers travelers a glimpse of authentic Cambodia far from the bustle of tourist hotspots. Known as the country’s “Pottery Capital,” Kampong Chhnang draws visitors with its handcrafted ceramics, vibrant river markets, and sweeping views of rice paddies. 

Population: Approximately 600,000 in 2024.

Economy: Kampong Chhnang’s economy revolves around agriculture, fishing, and traditional crafts. The fertile plains along the Tonlé Sap River support rice farming, making the province one of Cambodia’s key rice producers. Fishing and aquaculture thrive thanks to the river and nearby Tonlé Sap Lake. Small-scale trade, markets, and growing eco-tourism add to local income

Landmarks: Famous for the Andong Russey Pottery Village, Floating Villages on the Tonlé Sap, and the Phnom Santouch Hill.

Situated approximately 168 kilometers from Phnom Penh and 150 kilometers from Siem Reap, making it a convenient stop for travelers between these two major cities, Kampong Thom is a province located in central Cambodia, known for its rich historical significance and cultural heritage. The province covers an area of about 15,061 square kilometers and is bordered by several provinces, including Preah Vihear, Siem Reap, and Kampong Cham. It features a mix of low-lying plains, forests, and significant water bodies, including parts of the Tonle Sap basin.

Population: Approximately 700,000 in 2024.

Economy: Kampong Thom's economy is characterized by its agricultural richness, particularly in rice and cashew production, alongside a growing tourism sector that highlights its historical and natural attractions. This economic diversity not only supports local livelihoods but also enhances the overall visitor experience in the region.

Landmarks: Sambor Prei Kuk Temples, Prasat Tao, Prey Pros, Kampong Thom Museum, Wat Prasat (Prasat Temple), Tonle Sap Lake

Kampong Cham, is a charming riverside town situated along the Mekong River. Known for its historical significance and cultural attractions, Kampong Cham offers a blend of colonial architecture, ancient temples, and scenic landscapes. Kampong Cham is connected to the neighboring district of Tbong Khmum by the Kizuna Bridge, the first bridge in Cambodia to span the Mekong River, making it a crucial transportation hub for the area.

Population: Estimate 80,000 people (as of 2024)

Economy: While not yet a major tourist destination, Kampong Cham offers cultural and historical sites, such as the Wat Nokor temple and the Koh Pen Bamboo Bridge, along with natural attractions like forests and waterfalls. The government is focusing on tourism development to enhance the local economy.

Landmarks: Wat Nokor Bachey, Phnom Han Chey, Phnom Pros and Phnom Srey, Koh Pen Bamboo Bridge, Wat Joy T'maw, Preah Theat Teuk Chha, Abandoned US Airstrip

Sihanoukville, a coastal city in southwestern Cambodia, serves as the capital of Preah Sihanouk Province. Nestled on a peninsula along the Gulf of Thailand, the city is well-connected to Phnom Penh via major highways and is served by an international airport.

The city is home to Cambodia's only deep-water port, playing a crucial role in the country's logistics and trade. Sihanoukville's beautiful beaches, such as Ochheuteal and Serendipity, draw both domestic and international tourists. Economic development has boomed in recent years, particularly through the establishment of the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone (SSEZ) and significant Chinese investment in casinos, real estate, and resorts. The city also offers natural attractions like Ream National Park and several nearby islands, making it a diverse destination for both business and leisure travelers.

Population: The population of Sihanoukville was approximately 160,000 as of 2024.

Economy: Sihanoukville, a rapidly growing coastal city in Cambodia, stands out for its dynamic blend of economic development and tourism. The Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone (SSEZ) has become a major industrial hub, hosting over 180 enterprises and creating thousands of jobs. With Cambodia’s only deep-water port, the city plays a key role in the nation’s trade and logistics. Despite its transformation from a sleepy beach town into a bustling urban hub, Sihanoukville remains famous for its pristine beaches, attracting tourists year-round. Significant Chinese investment has fueled the growth of hotels, casinos, and real estate, making the city a center for both economic opportunity and hospitality.

Landmarks: Otres Beach, Ochheuteal Beach, Independence Beach, Ream National Park, Kbal Chhay Waterfall, Golden Lions Monument, Wat Leu,