Today’s life is fast and hectic, which is why people look for destinations that allow them to explore cultures and places. However, traveling isn’t always about checking off landmarks or rushing from one attraction to another. Sometimes the best vacations are the ones where you slow down and allow a place to reveal itself naturally.
Cambodia, with its friendly people, timeless traditions and unhurried way of life, is perfect for travelers looking for exactly that kind of experience. This Southeast Asian country can offer you a great vacation experience when you want to relax and reconnect. Beyond its iconic temples, the country offers peaceful towns, quiet coastal escapes, riverside communities and countryside retreats where the days seem longer and life lighter.
With Experience Travel Groupyou can make the most of your Cambodia vacation by lingering over coffee in a sleepy town, watching the sunset by the river, or spending time in nature. From laid-back coastal spots to charming inland towns, here are seven peaceful places in Cambodia where you can slow down, relax, and enjoy a more mindful vacation.
Kampot Situated along the gentle flow of the Kampot River, this laid-back town is ideal for travelers looking to slow down and embrace everyday moments. If you are planning to get away from the fast and hectic lifestyle, Kampot has a lot to offer. Life here is unhurried, as you can spend a morning in the riverside cafes.
During the afternoon and evening, guests can enjoy sunset boat rides and savor casual meals overlooking the water. This city, located in southern Cambodia, offers a wide range of boutique hotels and guesthouses, as well as welcoming restaurants, bakeries and local markets that give the city its simple charm.
Surrounded by lush green countryside and famous pepper plantations, Kampot encourages long walks, leisurely exploration and the simple pleasure of doing less, making it one of Cambodia’s most rewarding places for a more leisurely vacation.
Kep
Once a quiet seaside retreat, Kep remains one of Cambodia’s most peaceful coastal getaways, perfect for relaxing by the sea. The town is known for its tranquil beaches, picturesque coastal walks, and gentle pace that encourages travelers to linger rather than rush. This is where you can simply decide to stand and watch time slowly pass by.
Days in Kep often revolve around fresh seafood lunches at the famous crab market, leisurely afternoons by the water and sunset walks along the shore. If you like to discover Cambodian cuisine, you can have a great time tasting local dishes.
With a selection of small resorts, cozy cafes and nature trails in Kep National Park, the town offers just what you need to stay comfortable while maintaining its laid-back, restorative charm.
Coremers If you’re considering an island escape, you can always find one in Cambodia. For travelers seeking true island calm, Koh Rong Sanloem offers a slower, quieter alternative to Cambodia’s busier beach destinations. It is here that your days begin around soft white sand, clear turquoise waters and a rhythm dictated by the sunrise, swimming in the sea and long afternoons of lazing in a hammock.
If you are looking beautiful beaches in Cambodiayou can find them here. Accommodation is mostly low-key, with beachfront bungalows and eco-lodges keeping the atmosphere relaxed and uncluttered. This also means you don’t have to worry about a high-end budget or luxurious resorts.
Simple seaside cafes and small restaurants serve fresh produce seafood and tropical favorites, while the lack of crowds and noise makes it easy to disconnect. Koh Rong Sanloem is ideal for doing very little and enjoying every moment.
Battambang Just a few hours from Siem Reap, Battambang is a quiet riverside town where life moves at an easy, stress-free pace. Known for her creative energy and keen sense of local culture, she invites travelers to slow down and explore without an agenda.
This is where you can relax and seek a better rural lifestyle experience. You can spend your days here cycling through quiet neighborhoods, visiting art galleries and colonial-era buildings, or lingering in riverside cafes watching daily life go by.
The city offers a comfortable mix of boutique hotels, family-friendly restaurants, and bustling local markets that keep things lively and grounded. With easy access to nearby countryside, temples and rural villages, Battambang rewards those who take their time and embrace its gentle pace. If you are interested in plan meaningful travel experiencesCambodia offers the ideal setting for reflection and rejuvenation.
Mondulkiri If you are looking for places in Cambodia that can offer you peace and lots of nature, Mondulkiri is the place to go. Located in the eastern highlands of Cambodia, Mondulkiri offers a refreshing change of pace with its cooler climate, open landscapes and sense of space.
See also
This sparsely populated region is ideal for travelers looking to unplug and spend time in nature, with hills, waterfalls and forest trails shaping the experience. You’ll have plenty of time to hike and explore the area at your own pace.
Although not as popular as other places in Cambodia, you can still find good eco-lodges and nature-focused retreats where the days are calm and unhurried. Simple cafes and hotel restaurants serve locally inspired meals, while activities such as ethical wildlife experiences and visits to nearby villages encourage a slower, more mindful way of traveling.
Kratie Kratie is a small riverside town along the Mekong that naturally encourages a slower mode of travel. It is a perfect city for those who want to spend their days in a quiet atmosphere. Your days here will start around the river, with mornings and evenings best spent walking or cycling along the waterfront and watching the boats drift by.
The town offers a handful of laid-back guesthouses and riverside cafes, as well as local markets that provide insight into daily Cambodian life. If you like exploring local markets and buying local treats to take home, this is a good place to stay.
One of Kratie’s highlights is the chance to spot rare Irrawaddy dolphins on leisurely river trips, an experience that fits perfectly with the town’s calm and thoughtful atmosphere. For travelers who appreciate simple comfort and a leisurely pace, Kratie is a rewarding break. A bit like the others peaceful island destinationsCambodia’s riverside towns offer their own unique charm.
Siem-Reap
While Siem Reap is famous for the Angkor temples, the city also offers a calmer, slower side to travelers who want to escape the crowds. This is where you can spend your morning hours cycling through nearby villages, watching the rice fields glow at sunrise, or having coffee in peaceful cafes away from the busy streets. With lots of unique things things to do in Siem Reap you can have a good time at your own pace.
You can stay in one of the boutique hotels and garden villas offering quiet retreats. When you wander outside, you can explore small local markets and artisan workshops. This allows you to focus on experiencing the countryside and enjoying Siem Reap without rushing, making it a perfect last stop for a slower Cambodia vacation. Before you leave, check out our essential packing tips to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
Better Living uses affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no cost to you..