The territory of Cambodia is divided into 23 provinces known as Khet. Additionally, there is one city of central subordination, which is the capital, Phnom Penh.
We've compiled a list of Cambodia's regions along with brief descriptions to make your travels around the country more comfortable and interesting. It's worth noting that the majority of Cambodia's terrain is lowland, with 75% of the land situated at an altitude of no more than 100 meters above sea level. Only in the west of the country are the Cardamom Mountains, which include Cambodia's highest point, Phnom Oral, standing at 1,813 meters in height.
Kampong Thom is a central province with its capital of the same name. It shares borders with seven other provinces and is the second largest Khet in Cambodia.
Kampong Chhnang is a Khet located in central Cambodia, situated around Tonle Sap Lake. The administrative center is the town of Kampong Chhnang.
Mondolkiri is a mountainous Khet in eastern Cambodia, considered the largest province in terms of land area. It has a population of just over 60,000 people, with the majority belonging to rare ethnic minorities. The capital is Senmonorom.
Pailin is a province in western Cambodia located in the Cardamom Mountains. It shares borders with Thailand and Khet Battambang. Pailin became an independent region in 2008 and was once a significant stronghold of the Khmer Rouge.
Pursat is a sizable region in the west of Cambodia, situated between Tonle Sap Lake and the northern Kravan Mountains. It is traversed by a river of the same name, and its capital is also called Pursat.
Kep is a small province in the southwestern part of Cambodia, near the Vietnamese border. Despite its size, Kep is known for its sandy beaches and several interesting islands. The administrative center is Kep.
Kampong Speu is the southern Cambodian Khet, with the capital city of Kampong Speu. It houses a significant portion of Kirirom National Park within Phnomsruot District.
Kampong Cham is a densely populated province in the southeast of the country, bordering Vietnam and five other Khet. It is home to more than one and a half million people, with the capital city being Kampong Cham.
Kampot is a coastal province in the south of Cambodia, with a population of half a million and its administrative center in the city of Kampot.
Kandal is a province in the southern part of the country, surrounding the centrally administered city and capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh. Its own capital is Takmau.
Koh Kong is a province in the very southwest of Cambodia, featuring a long and underdeveloped coastline. The province is partially traversed by the Cardamom Mountains. Tourists here may mainly be interested in the natural beauty, including some beaches.
Takeo is a province in the southeast of the country, bordering Vietnam, with the administrative center in the city of Takeo.
Prey Veng is located in the southeastern part of Cambodia, bordering Vietnam, on the eastern bank of the Mekong River. Agriculture is well developed here, with almost the entire territory dedicated to agricultural land. The administrative center is Prey Veng city.
Svay Rieng is a Khet in the southeastern part of the country, with its capital in Svay Rieng city. The province is notable for being the location of the Vietnamese border town of Bavet, which is accessible via Cambodia's main highway No. 1.
Sihanoukville is a province in southern Cambodia located on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Sihanoukville is one of the country's most developed and visited Khetas, driven by industrial development, the Sihanoukville port, and the influx of tourists attracted by its beautiful beaches and affordable prices.
Banteay Meanchey is the northwestern province of the country, bordering Thailand. Its administrative center is the city of Sisophon. Banteay Meanchey is home to the border town of Poipet, which is a common entry point to Cambodia from Thailand.
Battambang is a Khet in northwestern Cambodia with its capital in the city of the same name. It is the country's fifth-largest province.
Kratie is a Khet in northeastern Cambodia, bordering Vietnam. The administrative center is the town of Kratie. The province is crossed from north to south by the Mekong River, and flooding is common.
Oddar Meanchey is a province in the northwest of the country, bordering Thailand, with a small population of only 95,000 people. The capital of the province is the city of Samrong.
Preah Vihear is a province in the north of the country, sharing borders with Thailand and Laos. It is known for the Dangrek Mountains and was named after the famous Hindu temple complex of Prasat Preah Vihear. The province is also home to the Koh Ker temple complex, which can be challenging to access due to past political and military issues. Unfortunately, parts of its territory may still be mined from events that occurred thirty years ago. The capital is the city of Phnomtbengmeanchey.
Ratanakiri is a large northeastern province of Cambodia, characterized by its poverty and sparse population. It shares borders with Laos and Vietnam. Most of the population lives in villages, and three-quarters are illiterate. The province's territory partially occupies the Annam Mountains. The administrative center is Banlung.
Siem Reap is a Khet in the northeast and one of the most visited provinces of Cambodia. It is home to the sacred ancient city of Angkor, the former capital of the Khmer Empire, which existed from the ninth to 15th centuries. Particularly famous is Angkor Wat, the largest temple complex on Earth.
Stung Treng is a northern Cambodian province, bordering Laos and divided almost in half by the Mekong River. At one time, the province's territory was part of the Khmer Empire. The capital of the Khet is the city of Stung Treng.
Not all cities in the regions of Cambodia will be of interest to tourists. Cambodia is not considered a wealthy country, and while its attractions are scattered throughout the territory, it is advisable to explore them with the guidance of a knowledgeable guide. Plan your itinerary carefully, consult travel guides, and you'll have an enriching and safe trip.
