15 Most Instagrammable Places in Cambodia in 2025 (With Photo Tips)

Discovering Cambodia’s Instagram Gold Mines

The first time I visited Cambodia in 2014, I completely underestimated its photographic potential. Armed with just my iPhone 5, I returned home with blurry, poorly framed shots that failed to capture the magic I’d experienced. Fast forward to my sixth visit last month, and I’ve learned exactly where and how to capture those jaw-dropping images that make your followers stop scrolling.

Cambodia has transformed significantly since my first visit – new locations have opened up, regulations have changed (some temples now restrict drone usage), and social media has revealed previously hidden gems. This guide combines everything I’ve learned from my multiple visits (including embarrassing photo fails) to help you capture Cambodia’s most photogenic spots in 2025.

Whether you’re shooting with a professional camera or the latest smartphone, these locations will give you those envy-inducing shots that truly capture Cambodia’s essence – without following the same overdone tourist patterns.

The Angkor Archaeological Park: Beyond the Obvious Shots

Let’s start with the icon everyone associates with Cambodia. Yes, Angkor Wat is spectacular, but there are ways to photograph it that avoid the clichés.

1. Angkor Wat at Sunrise (With a Twist)

Everyone shoots the reflection pools at dawn, but here’s the twist I discovered on my third visit: position yourself on the northern side instead of the crowded central pathway. You’ll capture the same magical light with fewer tourists in your frame.

The key is arriving by 4:30 AM – I learned this the hard way when I showed up at 5:15 AM during my first visit and found every good spot already taken!

Best time: December to January when skies are clearest
Entry fee: $37 for a one-day pass to the Angkor Archaeological Park (prices increased in 2023)

2. Ta Prohm: The Tomb Raider Temple

Famous from the Angelina Jolie movie, Ta Prohm offers incredible tree-root-covered ruins. I’ve found the best light here is actually in the late afternoon (around 3:30-4:30 PM) when most tourists have left for sunset at Angkor Wat.

For the iconic shot of tree roots embracing stone, head to the eastern entrance. I wasted an entire morning during my second visit looking for this specific spot because I entered from the west!

3. Bayon’s Stone Faces

The enigmatic smiling faces at Bayon are Instagram gold, but the harsh midday sun creates unflattering shadows. I now visit during the “blue hour” just before sunrise when the stone takes on a mystical blue hue and the complex is virtually empty.

Try photographing the faces from below, looking up, for a more dramatic composition that stands out from typical tourist shots.

Temple	Best Time for Photos	Unique Angle
Angkor Wat	5:00-6:30 AM	Northern reflection pool
Ta Prohm	3:30-4:30 PM	Eastern entrance tree roots
Bayon	5:30-6:00 AM	Low angle shots of faces
Pre Rup	5:30-6:30 PM	Top level western side

Phnom Penh: Urban Elegance for Your Feed

Cambodia’s capital offers a striking contrast to temple photography with its blend of colonial architecture, vibrant street life, and poignant historical sites.

4. Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda

The gleaming gold and white structures against blue skies create stunning compositions. I’ve found that visiting on weekdays around 8:30 AM provides the best lighting with minimal crowds.

Pro tip: Bring a polarizing filter if you have a DSLR – it will enhance the rich colors of the roof tiles and cut through haze. My first photos here without one looked flat and washed out.

Entry fee: 40,000 riel (approximately $10 USD)

5. Central Market (Phsar Thmei)

The Art Deco dome of Central Market creates fascinating interior shots with light beams streaming through. The geometric patterns and bustling activity make for dynamic compositions.

I love photographing this location between 10-11 AM when light streams through the windows but before the midday heat becomes unbearable. Look for repetitive patterns in the vendor stalls and interesting color combinations in the fabric and food sections.

Soum chomreab suor (hello) and orkun (thank you) go a long way when asking to photograph vendors. I always buy something small from anyone I photograph extensively.

6. Foreign Correspondents Club (FCC)

This colonial-era building overlooking the Tonle Sap riverfront offers fantastic evening shots. The warm lighting, ceiling fans, and colonial atmosphere create a nostalgic aesthetic that performs extremely well on Instagram.

Order their signature Kampot Pepper Martini (21,000 riel/$5 USD) for a foreground element that adds story to your composition. The second-floor balcony offers excellent golden hour shots of the riverfront promenade.

Siem Reap: Beyond Angkor

7. Banteay Srei Temple

Called the “Citadel of Women,” Banteay Srei features the most intricate stone carvings in Cambodia. The pink sandstone glows magnificently in morning light.

Unlike my first visit when I used standard wide shots, I now focus on the detailed reliefs using a macro lens or phone close-up mode. The intricate details and pink hue create unique, abstract compositions that stand out in feeds dominated by wide temple shots.

Located about 25km from the main Angkor complex, it’s worth hiring a tuk-tuk (around 118,000 riel/$30 USD for the round trip).

8. Pub Street from Above

For a different perspective on Siem Reap’s famous nightlife area, head to one of the rooftop bars like The Kanika Rooftop Bar at dusk. The neon lights coming on against the deepening blue sky creates a cyberpunk aesthetic that contrasts beautifully with your temple photos.

I recommend a slightly wider aperture (f/4 on cameras or portrait mode on phones) to capture the glow of the lights without overexposing them.

9. Floating Villages of Tonle Sap

Kompong Phluk or Kompong Khleang offer less touristy alternatives to the overvisited Chong Khneas floating village. The stilted houses, boats, and daily life on the water create compelling visual stories.

I made the mistake of visiting during dry season on my second trip when the visual impact is diminished. Visit during wet season (June-October) when houses appear to float directly on the water for maximum effect.

A boat tour costs around 79,000 riel ($20 USD) per person. Bring a zoom lens or use your phone’s 2x/3x optical zoom for candid shots of daily life without being intrusive.

Coastal Cambodia: Beaches and Islands

10. Koh Rong Samloem’s Saracen Bay

This island paradise south of Sihanoukville offers the quintessential tropical beach shot with powdery white sand and crystal clear turquoise water.

I’ve found the best photography spot is at the northern end of the beach during the “golden hour” before sunset. The curved shoreline creates leading lines, and the swing sets installed by some resorts make perfect foreground elements.

Budget tip: Accommodation here can be expensive, but Mad Monkey Hostel offers affordable dorm beds for 59,000 riel ($15 USD) in peak season while still providing access to pristine beaches.

11. Kep Crab Market

The famous crab market in Kep offers vibrant scenes of local food culture. The blue baskets full of fresh crabs against weathered wooden docks create compelling color contrasts.

Visit between 2-4 PM when fishing boats return with fresh catch. I recommend shooting in burst mode to capture the dynamic action of crab sorting and the splashing water.

Local insight: Order the famous Kep crab with Kampot pepper (around 59,000 riel/$15 USD) at one of the simple restaurants right on the water. The dish itself makes for a gorgeous food photograph with the sea as backdrop.

Offbeat Cambodia: Beyond the Tourist Trail

12. Kampot’s French Colonial Architecture

The sleepy riverside town of Kampot retains much of its French colonial charm. The pastel-colored buildings along the riverfront create atmospheric shots, especially during the “blue hour” just after sunset.

I stumbled upon the old colonial-era post office (now the Governor’s Mansion) during an evening walk on my fourth visit, and it’s become one of my favorite photography subjects in Cambodia. The yellow facade against the deepening blue evening sky is magical.

13. Battambang’s Bamboo Train

This unique attraction creates dynamic action shots unlike anything else in your feed. The makeshift bamboo platforms that run on abandoned railway tracks make for both interesting photos and a great story.

I learned to position myself at curves in the track to capture the approaching train against green rice fields. A slow shutter speed (1/15 sec on cameras or Night Mode on newer phones) creates a sense of motion with the background slightly blurred.

The ride costs about 39,000 riel ($10 USD) per person, and though it’s been relocated from its original location, it still offers unique photo opportunities.

14. Preah Vihear Temple

Located on a cliff in the Dangrek Mountains near the Thai border, this UNESCO site offers dramatic views and far fewer tourists than Angkor.

The temple itself is impressive, but I’ve found the most striking shots incorporate the dramatic drop-offs and sweeping views over the Cambodian plains. Visit in the morning before heat haze obscures the view.

Getting here requires effort (about 3 hours from Siem Reap), but you’ll capture images few of your followers have seen. Entry costs about 39,000 riel ($10 USD).

On my 2022 visit, I made the rookie mistake of not bringing enough water for this exposed site. The mountaintop location is significantly hotter than you might expect – pack at least 2 liters per person.

15. Mondulkiri’s Elephant Valley Project

For ethical wildlife photography, this sanctuary in eastern Cambodia offers opportunities to photograph rescued elephants in a natural environment without riding or exploitation.

The most compelling images come from the bathing sessions in the river around 11 AM. I recommend a slightly faster shutter speed (at least 1/250 sec) to freeze the water spray moments.

Day visits cost 197,000 riel ($50 USD) and include guided walks with the elephants. The money directly supports elephant conservation, making this a responsible choice for wildlife photography.

Your Cambodia Photography Action Plan

After six trips to Cambodia spanning over 10 years, I’ve developed a system for capturing those scroll-stopping images. Here’s your 5-step action plan:

Plan around light, not attractions: Schedule your days around golden hour (first and last hour of sunlight) for key locations. I use the PhotoPills app to track sunrise/sunset times and locations.
Engage with locals before photographing: Learn basic phrases like “som tot roub” (may I take a photo?) and show genuine interest. Some of my most compelling Cambodian images came after conversations with locals.
Pack strategically: Bring lens cleaning cloths (the humidity and dust are brutal on equipment), a polarizing filter for reducing glare on water and enhancing temple colors, and a lightweight tripod for low-light temple interiors.
Edit thoughtfully: Resist the urge to over-saturate. I’ve found a subtle boost to shadows and a slight warming filter preserves Cambodia’s authentic feel while making images pop.
Respect sacred spaces: Many Instagram-worthy locations in Cambodia are active religious sites. Observe dress codes (covered shoulders and knees), never pose with Buddhist statues, and follow local customs.

Money-Saving Photography Tips for Cambodia

Purchase the 3-day Angkor pass: At 157,000 riel ($40 USD), it’s only slightly more than the 1-day pass but allows you to visit during optimal lighting conditions over multiple days.
Hire drivers directly: Skip the tour companies and negotiate with tuk-tuk drivers for day rates. I typically pay 118,000-157,000 riel ($30-40 USD) for a full day, compared to $80+ through agencies.
Invest in a quality power bank: Phone photography drains batteries quickly, and not all remote locations have reliable power. My 26800mAh power bank cost 157,000 riel ($40 USD) but has saved countless photo opportunities.

Sustainable Photography Practices

Cambodia’s most photogenic locations face challenges from overtourism. During my latest visit in 2024, I adopted these practices:

Visit secondary temples during peak hours at major sites
Support local photographers as guides (they know the best angles and contribute to the local economy)
Avoid locations where operators use exploitative practices for Instagram shots
Print and share photos with subjects when possible (I use a portable printer)

Frequently Asked Questions About Photographing Cambodia

Is it safe to bring expensive camera equipment to Cambodia?

Yes, but exercise common sense. I’ve traveled with over $3,000 worth of gear without issues. Use a non-descript bag, keep equipment concealed when not in use, and be especially vigilant in crowded markets in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

What’s the best time of year for photography in Cambodia?

November to February offers the best combination of clear skies and comfortable temperatures. The wet season (June-October) creates dramatic skies and reflections but can limit access to some areas. March-May brings intense heat that can affect both equipment and your stamina.

Do I need permits for drone photography?

Yes, and regulations have tightened significantly. As of 2024, drone use is prohibited at all Angkor Archaeological Park temples without special permission (which is rarely granted to individuals). Coastal areas and some cities allow drone photography, but always check local regulations and never fly near airports or government buildings.

How do I photograph temples without crowds?

Three strategies have worked consistently for me: 1) Arrive at opening time (usually 5:00 AM), 2) Visit popular sites during lunch hours (12-2 PM) when tour groups leave, and 3) Focus on lesser-known temples like Banteay Kdei or Preah Khan which offer similar aesthetics to the famous sites with fraction of the visitors.

What’s the best lens selection for Cambodia?

If traveling with interchangeable lenses, I recommend a 16-35mm wide angle for temples and landscapes, a 24-70mm for general use, and a 70-200mm for portraits and details. Smartphone users should master their device’s ultra-wide mode for temple interiors and 2x/3x zoom for details.