Okay, let’s be real—Cambodia is basically a photographer’s playground. Between the ancient temples, lush jungles, floating villages, and ridiculously golden sunsets, you’ll be hard-pressed to take a bad photo here (unless your finger’s covering the lens, of course).
When I first visited Cambodia, I thought I’d just snap a few shots of Angkor Wat and call it a day. Spoiler alert: I ended up filling my camera roll with hundreds of photos—temples, tuk-tuks, random street snacks, you name it. And the wild part? Every corner felt Instagram-worthy.
So, if you’re planning a trip and want to load up on some jaw-dropping photos (and bragging rights), let me walk you through the best photogenic spots in Cambodia. Trust me, your followers will thank you later.
1. Angkor Wat – The Icon of Cambodia
Let’s start with the obvious star of the show: Angkor Wat. This UNESCO World Heritage site isn’t just the biggest religious monument in the world—it’s also the place where your camera will work overtime.
- Best shot? The sunrise reflection in the lotus pond. Yes, it’s cliché. Yes, it’s crowded. But honestly, it’s worth it.
- Pro tip: Get there super early. Like, beat-the-roosters early. Otherwise, you’ll have 500 selfie sticks in your frame.
Ever wondered why Angkor Wat photos look straight out of a fantasy movie? It’s because the temple’s symmetry, carvings, and lighting do all the work for you. You just press click.
2. Bayon Temple – Smiling Faces Everywhere
Right in the Angkor Thom complex sits Bayon Temple, famous for its gigantic stone faces. I swear, no matter where you stand, you’ll feel like one of those faces is low-key staring at you. Creepy? Maybe. Photogenic? Absolutely.
- Hot shot: Stand in front of one face and align your profile with it—hello, artsy Instagram post.
- Fun fact: There are over 200 faces carved here, so you’ll never run out of photo ops.
3. Ta Prohm – The “Tomb Raider” Temple
If you’ve seen Lara Croft running through Cambodian ruins in Tomb Raider, you’ve seen Ta Prohm. This temple is the ultimate mix of man vs. nature, with massive tree roots wrapping around ancient stone walls like they own the place.
- Best shot? The iconic “strangler fig” trees devouring temple walls.
- Pro tip: Early morning is the best time—soft light, fewer tourists, and a magical vibe.
It’s one of those places where your photos will make people ask, “Wait…is that even real?”
4. Phnom Penh Riverside
Cambodia’s capital isn’t all chaos and traffic. Head to the Riverside in Phnom Penh, and you’ll find vibrant street life, colorful boats, and golden-hour magic along the Mekong River.
- Perfect snap: The Royal Palace shining in the late afternoon light.
- Street style bonus: Capture monks in orange robes strolling casually—no filter needed.
5. Kampot – Chill Vibes & Colorful Streets
Kampot is a small riverside town with old French colonial buildings, quirky cafes, and those pastel-painted walls that scream Instagram backdrop. It’s the kind of place where you can take a photo of a cracked doorway and still get compliments.
- Hot spots for shots: Riverside sunsets, pepper farms (yes, pepper can look aesthetic), and old colorful shutters on the streets.
- IMO: Kampot gives you that “Pinterest board meets Southeast Asia” vibe.
6. Kep Crab Market
Not gonna lie, Kep Crab Market surprised me. I didn’t expect a seafood market to be photogenic, but the mix of locals grilling fresh crab, smoke rising in the air, and the sea in the background makes for some killer shots.
- Fun shot idea: A close-up of fresh crab with the ocean behind it.
- Extra bonus: Eat your subject after photographing it. Win-win. :)
7. Battambang Bamboo Train
Ever ridden a train that’s basically a bamboo platform on wheels? That’s Battambang’s Bamboo Train for you. It’s quirky, it’s photogenic, and honestly, it’s just fun.
- Perfect shot: Capture the train zooming down the tracks with lush greenery all around.
- Pro tip: Sit at the front for that “POV I’m adventuring through Cambodia” shot.
8. Tonle Sap Lake – Floating Villages
Tonle Sap Lake is Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, and its floating villages are straight out of a documentary. Houses, schools, and even markets sit on stilts or float on the water—it’s like Venice, but with fewer gondolas and more fishing nets.
- Best shot: Locals paddling small boats at sunrise or sunset.
- Cool detail: Kids literally paddle to school. Imagine that as your school commute.
9. Koh Rong – The Island Escape
When you think of Cambodia, temples usually come first. But did you know Koh Rong island has some of the bluest water you’ll ever see? Think Maldives vibes but without the $1,000-a-night price tag.
- Top photo spots: White sand beaches, hammocks over the water, and the glowing plankton at night (yep, the sea sparkles).
- FYI: Your camera might not capture the plankton glow, but your memories will. ;)
10. Bokor Hill Station – Abandoned Beauty
High in the mountains near Kampot, you’ll find the eerie yet photogenic Bokor Hill Station. Think misty abandoned buildings, old churches, and panoramic views of the Cambodian coast.
- Best shot: Fog rolling over the abandoned French casino. Creepy? Yes. Cinematic? Also yes.
- Pro tip: Bring a jacket—it gets surprisingly chilly up there.
11. Siem Reap Night Market
If you love neon signs, fairy lights, and endless colors, the Siem Reap Night Market is your jam. Beyond shopping, it’s a playground for low-light photography.
- Shot ideas: Lanterns, glowing food stalls, or even a cheeky selfie with a fried tarantula skewer. (Eat it, and you’ll earn eternal respect.)
- Extra tip: Night mode on your phone works wonders here.
12. Preah Vihear Temple – Temple on a Cliff
Located on the Thai border, Preah Vihear Temple sits dramatically on top of a mountain cliff. The views are insane—think wide-open landscapes, misty valleys, and ancient temple ruins all in one frame.
- Perfect angle: Capture the temple with the sweeping landscape behind it.
- Why it rocks: It’s less crowded than Angkor, so your photos won’t feature a million tourists in the background.
13. Phnom Kulen Waterfalls
Need a break from temples? Phnom Kulen National Park is home to gorgeous waterfalls where locals and tourists alike cool off. The waterfalls here aren’t just refreshing—they’re ridiculously photogenic.
- Best shot: Wide-angle of the falls with people swimming below.
- Bonus: You can combine nature shots with cultural ones—there’s also a reclining Buddha carved in stone nearby.
14. Mondulkiri – Elephants & Rolling Hills
Tucked in Cambodia’s east, Mondulkiri is famous for its rolling hills and elephant sanctuaries. If you love wildlife photography, this is your spot.
- Best shots: Elephants chilling in natural habitats, misty sunrise over green hills, and endless coffee plantations.
- Note: Always choose ethical elephant sanctuaries that don’t allow riding. Your photos (and conscience) will thank you.
15. Street Life in Siem Reap & Phnom Penh
Sometimes the best shots aren’t in temples or mountains—they’re in the streets. Cambodia’s street life is full of color, from tuk-tuks painted like rainbows to food carts lit by single bulbs.
- Shot ideas: Street vendors grilling skewers, monks walking barefoot, or candid portraits of locals.
- Why it works: The chaos makes for raw, authentic photos.
Quick Tips for Snapping Photos in Cambodia
- Golden hours rule. Sunrise and sunset give you the best light.
- Respect locals. Always ask before taking close-up portraits.
- Travel light. Sometimes a phone captures moments better than lugging around heavy gear.
- Backup your shots. Cambodian sunsets don’t repeat themselves.
Conclusion
So there you have it—the best photogenic spots in Cambodia that will make your Instagram feed explode with likes (or at least make your mom proud). From the legendary temples of Angkor to the untouched beaches of Koh Rong, Cambodia proves again and again that it’s a photographer’s dream.
Whether you’re chasing sunrise reflections at Angkor Wat, the mystical vibe of Ta Prohm, or the neon chaos of Siem Reap’s night markets, you’ll never run out of things to capture.
My advice? Don’t just snap photos—live the moment too. Because at the end of the day, the best memories aren’t just in pixels. They’re in the stories you’ll tell later (and maybe in the crab you ate after photographing it). ;)
