must visit in cambodia

14 Top-Rated Places to Visit in Cambodia

Written by Jess Lee Updated Mar 18, 2024

Best known as both the home of the colossal temples of Angkor Wat and for the brutal Khmer Rouge era of the 1970s and later civil war, Cambodian history encompasses both some of humanity's greatest artistic accomplishments and most horrific deeds.

The history is what draws most travelers here, but this Southeast Asian nation has more tourist attractions to offer for those who linger longer than a short temple hop to Siem Reap.

Beyond the temples, Cambodia is a prime destination for Southeast Asia travels that manages to charm all who come.

The coastline of sandy white beaches tempts every sun sloth. The jungle-swathed countryside is geared up for the more intrepid, and the buzzing capital of Phnom Penh envelops visitors in the frenetic pulse of contemporary Cambodian city life.

Plan your sightseeing in this fascinating country with our list of the top places to visit in Cambodia.

1. Angkor Wat (Angkor Archaeological Park)

2. phnom penh, 3. koh rong samloem, 4. siem reap, 5. ratanakiri, 6. prasat preah vihear, 7. battambang, 9. tonlé sap lake, 10. koh kong conservation corridor, 12. sambor prei kuk, 13. banteay chhmar, 14. mundulkiri, frequently asked questions, when is the best time to visit cambodia.

This temple city is the number one tourist spot in Cambodia.

Accessed from the town of Siem Reap, the temples of the Angkorian period are so ambitious in scale and in the majesty of their construction, that Angkor Wat is rated as one of the world's must-see ancient sites .

Built between 802 and 1432, this was the largest city in the world during the medieval age and the vast powerhouse of the Khmer kings who endeavored to outbid their predecessors in the beauty of their construction.

As the city's wooden dwellings were encroached and then decayed by the surrounding jungle, what remains today, are just those mighty temples.

The temple of Angkor Wat itself, the world's largest religious building, is only one sliver of the site in total, and the sprawling circuit of temples deserves three days to explore if you want to understand the scope of the Angkorian period's architectural achievements.

For those short on time though, the main highlights after Angkor Wat are the tree-root clasped temple of Ta Prohm (which first found international fame as a location used in the movie Tomb Raider), the Bayon Temple for its 216 stone-carved faces, Angkor Thom and Preah Khan.

Cambodia's capital is the frenetic heartbeat of the nation; a city of chaotic streets abuzz with motorbikes and car horns that can frazzle at first glance.

Deserted completely during the Khmer Rouge madness and left to wither and decay, Phnom Penh has bounced back to become one of Southeast Asia's most dynamic cities.

For visitors, this is Cambodia's most cosmopolitan destination, with a café and restaurant scene unrivaled in the rest of the country.

It's also home to a scattering of important historic sites that help unravel both Cambodia's modern and ancient history.

The National Museum is home to a swag of Khmer sculpture that traces the nation's history from the pre-Angkorian age right through to the phenomenal majesty of the god-Kings of Angkor.

The Royal Palace provides gorgeous examples of traditional artistry, while Tuol Sleng Museum and the killing fields of Choeung Ek speak of the horror and brutality the people of this country suffered under Khmer Rouge rule.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Phnom Penh

Just off Cambodia's south coast lie a scattering of islands just as beautiful as their Thai counterparts to the west, but much less visited.

Compared to the now very developed islands of Koh Samui and Phuket , Cambodia's islands are a slice of laid-back tropical bliss, where sun and sand take center stage, and the big resorts have yet to make their mark.

Of all the islands, Koh Rong Samloem is one of the most beautiful, with the long, sandy Saracen Bay home to a dozen beach hut resorts that offer a welcome respite from the world.

It's really all about hammock-time here, but there's plenty of scuba diving activities on offer for the more active.

You can access these islands from Sihanoukville.

Siem Reap is usually seen by travelers as among Cambodia's top places to visit due to it being the base for Angkor Archaeological Park, but the town itself offers more interesting attractions beyond the mighty temples.

This is the country's major activity center, with bundles of tours on offer, from cycle trips around the lush countryside just outside of town to Cambodian cookery tours.

Shoppers will also find plenty to keep them occupied, as central Siem Reap is brimming with opportunities to browse traditional crafts.

Make sure to visit Angkor National Museum, before heading to Angkor Wat itself, to dose up on the history of the site. The exhibits here explore the breadth of culture and artistry of the Khmer empire.

For evening entertainment while in town, don't miss Phare The Cambodian Circus. This internationally-renowned circus troupe and social enterprise puts on dazzling shows where performers combine theater, acrobatics, and music.

Ratanakiri is a nature-filled reprieve for travelers suffering from temple-fatigue.

This is outback Cambodia, and the endless red-dirt roads of the region, leading to ethnic minority villages, are an intrepid traveler's delight.

For those with an adventurous streak, the province is one of the best places in Cambodia for trekking, from spotting gibbons at Veun Sai-Siem Pang Conservation Area, where overnight trips involve sleeping in hammocks and early rises to track buff-cheeked gibbons, to hiking in Virachey National Park home to elephants, tigers, and sun bears.

There's more relaxing options on offer as well. The emerald water of Yeak Lom Crater Lake just outside of Ban Lung town is a tranquil swimming spot, while the waterfalls of Chaa Ong and Ka Tieng are fun diversions that provide more opportunities for getting wet.

The temples of Angkor Wat may gain all the glory, but Prasat Preah Vihear wins the prize for the most dramatic location.

Sitting atop the Dangrek Mountains, on an escarpment with dizzying views across the Cambodian floodplains, Prasat Preah Vihear is a monumental temple complex of intricately carved pavilions linked by long causeways, built originally to honor the god Shiva.

The temple is snug against the border with Thailand and has historically been a point of contention between the two nations, who both claim it as their own.

The International Court of Justice ruled in Cambodia's favor in 2013 after border disputes flared up between 2008 and 2011.

Tensions have dissipated in the last few years, meaning this UNESCO World Heritage Site can now reclaim its rightful role on the tourist trail.

Access is from Sra Em, although most visitors come on a day trip from Siem Reap (200 kilometers south).

The countryside of rice fields and tiny villages surrounding the northwest city of Battambang holds some of the most tranquil rural scenery in Cambodia, and the area is home to swags of historic riches as well.

All this has made the city itself a popular destination on traveler itineraries.

For history fans, the temples of Phnom Sampeau, Phnom Banan and Wat Ek Phnom are all within day-tripping distance, while the famed Bamboo Train - a single-line rail track where "carriages" made from a platform of wood and bamboo travel between Battambang's east bank and the tiny village of O Srav - is one of the most popular activities for visitors.

Battambang itself is a rather sleepy city compared to the buzz of the capital, with a central district brimming with colonial buildings.

For those who found Phnom Penh's hectic buzz a bit too much to handle, Battambang is a thoroughly approachable town to use as a base.

The laid-back riverine town of Kampot has oodles of old-world ambience.

The compact central district is a joy to ramble around, full of surviving shop-house architecture, some of which has been painstakingly restored.

Kampot's charm lies in its exceedingly chilled-out atmosphere, and many a traveler finds themselves waylaid here longer than they expected, having succumbed to its easygoing pace.

For the more active though, this is also an excellent base for discovering the surrounding sights of the south.

The old French summer getaway of Boker Hill Station, with its abandoned church and eerie, empty shell of a once-grand hotel, is an easy day trip from town, as are the limestone caves of Phnom Chhnork and Phnom Sorsia both with old temples inside.

Tonlé Sap is Cambodia's most important waterway and Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake.

As well as being an important source of food and a vital tool for Cambodian irrigation, the lake itself is home to 170 floating villages that depend on fishing for their livelihood, with homes built directly on the water.

The houses, shops, churches, schools, and temples of these villages are built on rustic buoy foundations of lashed together barrels and bamboo, and all transport is by boat. They're a fascinating place to spend a day exploring.

One of the most interesting is the sprawling village of Kompong Luong, near the town of Pursat on Tonlé Sap's western shore, although the most popular village to visit is Chong Kneas near Siem Reap.

The Koh Kong Conservation Corridor stretches across an area within Cambodia's Cardamom Mountains, south of the border town of Koh Kong in the country's southwest.

The highlands here, home to dense rainforest, winding rivers, and waterfalls, offer plenty of opportunities for hiking and boat tours.

Head to the Tatai River if you want to simply soak up the lush surroundings and take a time out from life. Here, you'll find a handful of boutique eco-resorts scattered along the riverbank all offering activities such as day hikes and kayaking.

Further south in the Cardamoms is the village of Chi Pat, an eco-tourism center with simple homestay and guesthouse accommodation and plenty of activities, ranging from multi-day treks into the forested mountains to wildlife-spotting river boat trips.

If you're here for the full Mekong experience, you've come to the right place.

Spread along the banks of the mighty Mekong, Kratie has become a major destination for travelers due to its dolphin-watching tours.

The endangered Irrawaddy dolphins are endemic to the Mekong, and environmental measures have now been put in place to try and help their dwindling numbers.

Tourism has played a good role in trying to protect the dolphins by offering an alternative economy to fishing.

To see the dolphins head to Kampi, just north of Kratie, where there are plenty of boat tours available.

This pre-Angkorian temple site dates from the early 7th century when it was the capital of the Upper Chenla Empire.

More than 100 brick temples dedicated to various Hindu gods sit within the forest here, many half-swallowed by mammoth tree roots.

Archaeologically, the site is extremely important, containing some of Cambodia's oldest surviving buildings, but you don't have to be an archaeology buff to appreciate the ethereal beauty of this tree-wrapped site.

The most important temples in the archaeological site include Prasat Sambor, Prasat Tao and Prasat Yeay Peau which all have remarkably clear carvings on their temple walls and plenty of ethereal ambience provided by twisting tree trunks and coiling vines.

You can access Sambor Prei Kuk from Kompong Thom.

For a touch of Indiana Jones-style temple exploring, you can't beat Banteay Chhmar.

This mammoth temple complex sits consumed by surrounding jungle in Cambodia's lonely northwest, providing the perfect opportunity to discover the highlights without the crowds.

It was built by the 12th-century Angkorian king Jayavarman VII, and the remarkable stone reliefs along its walls are some of the most intricately detailed you'll see in the country.

In particular, the spectacular bas reliefs depicting Avalokiteśvara on the south wall and the dizzying array of battle scenes depicted on the eastern walls are prime examples of the Angkorian era's artistry.

The village neighboring the archaeological site has simple homestay accommodation. Otherwise, most people stay in Sisophon (60 kilometers south) or take a day trip to the ruins from Siem Reap.

Adventurous travelers beeline to the hill country of Mundulkiri Province in Cambodia's far east for wildlife spotting, village life, trail-bike tours, and the Elephant Valley Project.

The most famous tourist attraction in the region, the Elephant Valley Project offers visitors a chance to walk with the sanctuary's elephants (no riding allowed) while providing an opportunity for local mahouts (elephant keepers) to earn a wage that doesn't involve overworking their elephants.

For adrenaline-junkies, the Mayura zipline course skims right over the top of Bou Sra waterfall, while bird-watchers and wildlife spotters will want to take a tour into Seima Protected Forest, home to gibbons, the endangered black-shanked douc langurs, and plentiful birdlife.

The small town of Sen Monorom is the main base for travelers in Mundulkiri and within easy day-tripping distance to all of the tourist attractions.

Most visitors who arrive in Cambodia are heading to the Angkor Wat temples as their main destination - so it makes sense that the best time to visit Cambodia is when the temples are at their best. Weather-wise, the best time to visit Siem Reap and Angkor Wat is between December and February, when temperatures drop into the high 20s and the humidity is low enough to be bearable.

However, these months are part of the cool season, which is also high season in the country - this means higher prices, bigger crowds, and more expensive airfares. For better prices and slightly smaller crowds, consider arriving in March or early April - while temperatures are rising fast at this time, the rainy season is just starting by then, so you should be able to still enjoy the outdoors.

Phnom Penh has hot and humid weather all year-round, with just a small dip in temperature and humidity dropping to around 70 percent during the cool season. This is also a good time to visit Koh Rong, Cambodia's best beach destination.

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written by Andy Turner

updated 28.03.2023

Cambodia is known for its vibrant culture, ancient temples and spectacular natural scenery. From exploring the majestic temple complex of Angkor Wat to relaxing on the pristine beaches of Sihanoukville, Cambodia has many of the finest activities to suit a variety of interests. Whether you are a history enthusiast or an adventurer, there are a variety of the best things to do in Cambodia that will leave you captivated and eager to return.

1. Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, Phnom Penh

2. learn about the past at tuol sleng and choeung ek, phnom penh, 3. shop at the marker at psar toul tom poung, phnom penh, 4. explore kampot, 5. see the beautiful temples of banteay srei, 6. exploring angkor wat - one of the essential things to do in cambodia, 7. relax at otres beach, 8. spot the irrawaddy dolphins.

• 9. Discover the "Great City" of Angkor Thom

10. See the town of Siem Reap

11. art of the khmer empire, 12. spend time by the beautiful tonle sap lake, 14. tour the natural beauty of chi phat, 15. wildlife and birdwatching, 16. try cambodian cuisine, 17. roam ream national park, 18. trekking in rattanakiri, 19. see the view from preah vihear, 20. see the sunset from koh rong samloem.

The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Cambodia , your essential guide for visiting Cambodia .

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Cambodia, created by local experts

22 days  / from 4799 USD

The Ultimate Southeast Asia Grand Tour

Explore the highlights of four countries in a bit over 3 weeks: Halong Bay & the Mekong Delta in Vietnam combined with the cities Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Proceed to Cambodia with Angkor Wat before watching the monks in Luang Prabang/Laos. Your trip ends in Thailand with elephants and Bangkok.

21 days  / from 4545 USD

Impressions of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos

Start and end your trip in Ho Chi Minh City and visit highlights such as the Mekong Delta, Phnom Penh with the Killing Fields, Angkor Wat, the historic city of Luang Prabang in Laos before heading back to Vietnam - Hanoi, Halong Bay and Hoi An await.

4 days  / from 1025 USD

Siem Reap Family Adventure

Traditional ox and carts, sprawling rice fields, majestic temples, glorious food and breath-taking countryside – this is Cambodia. Take some time out in Siem Reap with its Old Market and boutiques, savour local cuisine and be prepared for the trip of a lifetime. Perfect for groups and families.

Tailor-made trips for   Cambodia

The extravagant Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, in the heart of Phnom Penh , are home to fabulous murals and a treasure trove of Khmer sculpture. The palace was built in Khmer style with French assistance in 1866. It functioned as the official residence of King Norodom Sihanouk from the time of his return to the capital in 1991, followed by his son, King Norodom Sihamoni, who ascended to the throne in 2004.

Leaving the main northern compound of the palace by a marked gateway in the southeastern corner, proceed along a narrow southwesterly route that leads to the North Gate of the celebrated Silver Pagoda compound. Commissioned by King Norodom in 1892, and then extensively rebuilt by Sihanouk in 1962, the floor of the pagoda is lined with more than 5,000 silver tiles weighing more than 1kg each, or 5 tonnes in total.

Prepare for the best things to do in Cambodia on this tailor-made Cambodia Cultural Discovery . Tour the capital, Phnom Penh, with its romantic cafes and haute cuisine, discover ancient, awe-inspiring temples, and stunning countryside and explore one of the greatest wonders of the world.

The Royal Palace, Phnom Penh © mrmichaelangelo/Shutterstock

Harrowing monuments to Cambodia’s grisly past during the Khmer Rouge’s murderous rule. Not for the faint-hearted, just over 1km (0.6 miles) from Tuol Tom Pong Market, to the north of Mao Tse Toung Boulevard, stands the former Tuol Sleng Prison, now Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum I. Here, during Pol Pot’s years in power, around 20,000 people were interrogated under torture and murdered, generally together with their families.

Finally, for those with the stomach for the experience after visiting Tuol Sleng, about 12km (7.5 miles) southwest of the town are the infamous Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. Here victims of the Khmer Rouge were executed and buried in mass graves. Many of these graves have now been exhumed, and a stupa-shaped mausoleum has been erected in the victims’ memory.

Prison of the Khmer Rouge high school S-21 turned into a torture and execution centre © diy13/Shutterstock

Visiting the wonderful Phnom Penh city market, packed with vibrant silks and curios is one of the best things to do in Phnom Penh . Psar Toul Tom Poung is called the Russian market because all of its goods used to come from Russia. The country provided aid to Cambodia during the Vietnamese occupation.

This market remains the place to buy textiles, antiques, silver and even motorbike parts. At the south end of the market, you’ll find vendors selling silver jewellery, handicrafts and piles of multicoloured silks.

Where to stay in Phnom Penh:

• For central location: Plantation Urban Resort & Spa
• For amazing city views: The Peninsula Hotel & Residences

Find more accommodation options to stay in Phnom Penh

Colourful purse selling at silk island Cambodia © Sothy An/Shutterstock

Kampot, the capital of the eponymous province, is a small, relaxed town of around 50,000 people. Just 5km (3 miles) inland, by the banks of the Sanke River, there is a coastal feel to the place which adds to its rather languid appeal. “Downtown” Kampot centres on a large roundabout space of about 400 metres (1,300ft) east of the river. This area is the main commercial hub and also the location of the two best hotels.

The road north from the roundabout leads out past a large covered market – a favourite with visitors from Phnom Penh, who stop off here to buy the fresh seafood for which Kampot is renowned. One of the best things to do in Cambodia here for the foreign visitor, however, is the series of narrow, collonaded streets leading west from the roundabout to the riverfront.

Where to stay in Kampot:

• For boutique stays: Kampot Sweet Boutique
• For a charming atmosphere: Rikitikitavi

Find more accommodation options to stay in Kampot

Kampot, Cambodia © JayHub/Shutterstock

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One of the smallest but most perfect of all Angkor’s temples, constructed from delicate rose-pink sandstone and covered in a positive riot of intricate carvings. The justly famed temple of Banteay Srei lies about 30km (20 miles) northeast of Siem Reap. While Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and the Bayon impress by their sheer size, Banteay Srei inspires through meticulous detail.

It is, indeed, a scrupulously executed miniature temple complex carved in fine pink sandstone – and in the quality of the stone and the soft, almost mellifluous charm of the colour lies much of the temple’s appeal. The central complex consists of several structures including, most importantly, shrines dedicated to Shiva (the central and southern buildings) and Vishnu (the northern building).

Banteay Srei - Hindu temple in Cambodia © Rolf_52/Shutterstock

This unforgettable temple, crowned with soaring towers and embellished with intricate bas-reliefs, represents the zenith of Khmer architecture and is one of the coolest places to visit in Southeast Asia . From Phnom Bakheng hill continue south to Angkor Wat. By any standards, visiting Angkor Wat is one of the best things to do in Cambodia – the great temple is simply unsurpassed by any other monument.

Construction of this masterpiece is thought to have begun during the reign of Surayavarman II and to have been completed sometime after his death. Authorities claim that the amount of stone used in creating this massive edifice is about the same as that used in building the Great Pyramid of Cheops in Egypt, though Angkor Wat has more exposed surfaces, nearly all of which are elaborately carved to a remarkable standard.

This tailor-made Cambodian Family Adventure is an ideal exploration for all the family, it allows the chance to experience the majestic region of Cambodia’s Angkor region from an insider angle.

Sunrise at Angkor Wat, Cambodia © Intarapong/Shutterstock

Set on a headland jutting into the Gulf of Thailand, Sihanoukville was the original heart of Cambodia’s “Riviera”, and the first coastal resort to redevelop. Although certain neighbourhoods had a slightly sleazy reputation, the fine beaches drew in large numbers of backpackers and mid-range travellers, and visiting Sihanoukville became one of the essential things to do in Cambodia

The far southeastern end of the beach is known as Otres Beach, which itself is divided into Otres 1 to the west and Otres 2 to the east. This is the area in which Sihanoukville still retains at least a dash of its original charm, and is the best place to head for guesthouse-style accommodation and laid-back bars and restaurants.

Where to stay in Sihanoukville:

• For Otres Beach: Om Home
• For peaceful stays: Manoha Villa

The Rough Guides to Cambodia and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Find more accommodation options to stay in Sihanoukville

Otres Beach, Sihanoukville, Cambodia © Chris Howey/Shutterstock

It’s possible to charter a boat or take a taxi to travel the 30km (20 miles) north of Kratie to the peaceful riverside village of Sambor, with its attractive Temple. If you travel on the river there is a chance of seeing the rare Mekong dolphin, an endangered species which is making something of a comeback in the waters near Kratie, and which has become a major attraction.

More correctly known as the Irrawaddy dolphin, this is a delightful and sociable mammal. It has been driven to the verge of extinction by fishermen using explosives and nets, collisions with rafts of teak logs, and fatal encounters with the sharp propellers of speeding long-tail boats.

Seeing the rare Irrawaddy dolphin is one of the most exciting things to do in Cambodia © Charlie Waradee/Shutterstock

9. Discover the "Great City" of Angkor Thom

Angkor Thom or “Great City”, encompasses a huge, square area of the land enclosed within an 8-metre (26ft) -high defensive wall and outer moats approximately 100 metres (330ft) wide. Each side of the wall is about 3km (2 miles) long, and it has been suggested that, at the height of its wealth and power, the city may have supported as many as 1 million people.

There are five gateways into Angkor Thom, each approached by a causeway built across the moat. As you approach from the south the view of the fortifications is impressive. The causeway is flanked by 108 large stone figures, 54 gods on the left and an equivalent number of demons on the right. In the distance, at the far end of the causeway, the southern gateway bears four huge enigmatic faces facing in the cardinal directions.

See the best of beautiful Cambodia on this amazing tailor-made tour of Cambodia’s Beaches and Temples . Explore the busy capital Phnom Penh, laze on the golden sands of the south coast beaches, and discover local villages and Cambodian cuisine before you lose yourself among the mystical temples of Angkor.

Bayon Temple, Angkor Thom, Cambodia © Efired/Shutterstock

Siem Reap, the base town for people visiting the nearby temples of Angkor (just 5km/3 miles away), is a relaxing and pleasant place located by the shady banks of the eponymous river. The town itself has few sights, though with Angkor so close at hand this is perhaps a good thing – the visitor will certainly feel the need to relax after a long day’s sightseeing.

At the northern end of town is the celebrated Victoria Angkor Resort, and next door the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor , which has been sensitively restored by the Singapore-based Raffles Group. Over the years many well-known visitors to Angkor have stayed here, including such luminaries as W. Somerset Maugham, Noël Coward, Charlie Chaplin, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Angelina Jolie.

This is a tailor-made trip to Cambodia for the adventurer . This trip takes you from the glorious temples and rolling countryside of Siem Reap to the attractive riverside capital of Phnom Penh where you can explore the city’s broad boulevards, new restaurants and myriad sights.

Where to stay in Siem Reap:

• For luxury: Jaya House River Park
• For couples: Anansaya La Maison

Find more accommodation options to stay in Siem Reap

Cambodia. Koh Ker Temple ( Prasat Thom ). Preah Vihear Province. Siem Reap City © Kolinchev Andrii/Shutterstock

Some of the country’s most stunning art, including ancient statues, are on display in Phnom Penh’s National Museum and the Angkor National Museum in Siem Reap .

Phnom Penh’s National Museum housed in a red pavilion that opened in 1917, holds a wonderful collection of Khmer art, including some of the finest pieces in existence. As you enter, buy a copy of the museum guidebook, Khmer Art in Stone, which identifies and discusses the most important exhibits.

Angkor National Museum, formerly known as the Angkor Conservatory is situated on the road between Siem Reap and the main entrance. The well-equipped galleries provide an excellent introduction to Angkor and the civilisation that built it. Many visitors, however, give it a miss – being either impatient to see the real thing in situ or baulking at the relatively expensive entrance fee.

National Museum in Phnom Penh © weltreisendertj/Shutterstock

One of the best things to do in Cambodia is to take an excursion from Siem Reap to the nearby Tonlé Sap, Cambodia’s Great Lake. The road from the town leads towards Phnom Krom the only hill in an otherwise completely flat landscape. Phnom Krom – which is gradually being quarried away – is surmounted by a 10th-century sandstone temple of the same name which may be reached by a long flight of steps.

The climb, while tiring, is well worth it for the view over the nearby lake and north towards Angkor. The scenery varies greatly from season to season, as during the rains, the Tonlé Sap expands considerably. The best-known of Tonlé Sap’s floating villages, Chong Khneas, is about 5km further on. From here you can hire a boat with a driver to get out to the lake. Choose a boat with a good roof as a sun shield.

On this tailor-made trip to Khmer Cultural Treasures , you will discover the wonders of Khmer architecture through temple tours around ancient Siem Reap, explore the Cambodian countryside, the floating markets of Tonle Sap and see all the cultural highlights of Phnom Penh.

Floating-village, Tonle Sap, Cambodia © Shutterstock

Khmer classical dance at its most elegantly stylized, with beautifully costumed performers evoking the legendary apsaras of Hindu mythology. Cambodian mythology and, more particularly, Cambodian temples are both richly endowed with bas-reliefs and murals of apsara or celestial dancing girls. These nymphs are graceful, sensuous females who dance to please the gods and to keep the cosmos moving in an orderly fashion.

In technical parlance, the term apsara refers to celestial females who dance or fly, while their sisters who merely stand, albeit with amazing grace, are called devata or “angels”. Almost every temple has its quota of apsara, but it is generally agreed that the finest examples are to be found in the bas-reliefs at Angkor and that the best apsara is in the “Churning of the Ocean of Milk” in Angkor Wat’s East Gallery.

Apsara dance, Cambodia © Shutterstock

Chi Phat Village is located in the Cardamom Mountains and is a popular destination for tourists who want to enjoy the local natural beauty. It is inhabited by a wide range of wildlife including elephants, tigers, and a variety of bird species. A visit to this area is one of the best things to do in Cambodia - here you can explore the surrounding forests and waterways while hiking and kayaking under the guidance of local guides.

In addition, Chi Phat provides visitors with the opportunity to experience the local culture and community. Visitors can stay with local families where they can enjoy traditional Cambodian food and experience daily life in the village.

Traditional Cambodian hut in the middle of banana plantation, Chi Phat, Cambodia © Cristina Stoian/Shutterstock

Walking with the elephants in Mondulkiri, gibbon-spotting in Rattanakiri or birdwatching around the Tonle Sap – should be on your list of things to do in Cambodia if you are into nature. Prek Toal Biosphere on the northwestern shore of Tonlé Sap is sometimes billed as the premier birdwatching destination in all of Southeast Asia. It is home to a plethora of rare species and is easily accessible by boat from Siem Reap.

The Ministry of Tourism is keen to promote both Rattanakiri and the adjoining province of Mondolkiri as destinations for eco-tourism and trekking, but this project remains in its infancy. As a part of this drive, and to protect threatened wildlife, almost half of Rattanakiri has been designated a protected area, including Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary and Virachey National Park.

Golden weaver, Cambodia © Shutterstock

Khmer cuisine is often said to be like Thai food, but less spicy. This is partially true. Cambodian cuisine developed more than 1,000 years ago, before the local introduction of the chilli pepper by the Portuguese, or the founding of the first Thai kingdom in the 13th century. Unlike their neighbours to the west, the Khmer cooks kept chilli to the side, as a condiment rather than a central ingredient.

Of course, other cultures have, in turn, strongly influenced Cambodia’s food. Central in the nation’s cuisine are soups and fish sauce from the Vietnamese and the Chams; Indian curries; stir-fries, fried rice and sweet and sour dishes from the Chinese and spices from the Far East. Even so, Khmer cuisine has combined these elements with a distinct set of flavours and ingredients to form a unique taste.

Prawn Amok is a major national culinary tradition in Cambodia and is also popular in Laos and Thailand © sakadaphoto/Shutterstock

Abundant wildlife, secluded beaches and bays, and the beautiful mangrove-fringed Prek Touek Sap River. After crossing the Chuor Phnom Damrei, Route 4 forks as it drops down to the coast; the southern fork leads to Ream National Park, while the western route continues to Sihanoukville.

Just 18km (12 miles) from a town near the airport, Ream includes 210 sq km (81 sq miles) of coastal forests, including the Prek Tuk Sap estuary, mangrove forests, and two islands, as well as coral reefs. English-speaking rangers lead guided hikes and boat trips around the park, though the resident macaques, pangolins, sun bears and muntjac are most likely to be seen after dark when the park is closed.

Ream National Park, Cambodia © Don Mammoser/Shutterstock

Trekking into the forested highlands of Rattanakiri, home to tall trees, rare wildlife and the indigenous chunchiet is one of the best things to do in Cambodia for witnessing the local wildlife. Half of Rattanakiri has been designated a protected area, including Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary and Virachey National Park. Lying along the southern frontier of Laos and the western frontier of Vietnam, Virachey is very remote .

Fauna which may be seen includes the slow loris, pig-tailed macaque, gibbon and douc ur, as well as wild elephant, gaur, bintang and sometimes even tiger. The area is also home to some of Cambodia’s smallest and least assimilated minorities. Despite its remoteness, Virachey is among Cambodia’s best-administered national parks, offering organised tours from the park headquarters at Ban Lung.

Ka Chanh waterfall of Ratanakiri in Cambodia. A suspension bridge is built over the jungle © MUTO KOJI/Shutterstock

Set high on a cliff on the edge of the Dangrek Mountains overlooking Cambodia, Preah Vihear (known to the Thais as Khao Phra Viharn) is remarkable both for its interesting Khmer architecture and its stunning location. Access to the site is from Siem Reap via Anlong Veng, or from Kompong Thom via Preah Vihear City. The road up to the temple is very steep.

Visitors are required to purchase a ticket and use local transport (jeep or motorbike) and are not allowed to walk or use their transportation. The temple itself is best visited on a day trip. Be sure to leave early in the morning to allow enough time to explore it properly.

Cambodian ruins - Preah Vihear temple © rolling rock/Shutterstock

Since the ugly transformation of Sihanoukville, many visitors seeking sun, sea and sand have turned their attention to the islands that lie offshore. Koh Rong is the largest island, accessed in around 45 minutes by fast ferry from Sihanoukville, and home to a wide array of accommodation. The main village, Koh Tuch, has a plethora of accommodation options and eateries and attracts young partiers.

Other coasts are far more sedate and the interior remains undeveloped. To the south, smaller exotic Koh Rong Samloem attracts a different crowd, seeking relaxation rather than beach parties. The main accommodation cluster is on the east coast at Saracen Beach, but there are other bungalow resorts and beachside guesthouses scattered around the coast, particularly on the west-facing Sunset and Lazy beaches.

Where to stay in Koh Rong Samloem:

• For stunning surroundings: Sara Resort
• For remote beach location: Robinson Bungalows

Find more accommodation options to stay in Koh Rong Samloem

An aerial view of M'Pay Bay village on Rong Samloem Island (Koh Rong), Cambodia © Shutterstock

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The 11 best things to do in Cambodia

From the temples of Angkor to elephant sanctuaries and a famous circus, there's so much to see in Cambodia

You just won’t get the magic of Cambodia until you’ve been there yourself. This incredible country is home to rich jungles, rare wildlife and barely believable islands, but the best things to do here don’t stop there. If you’re making a trip to Cambodia, get ready for stunning ancient temples, peaceful elephant sanctuaries and much, much more. 

Of course, for starters, you can’t miss the twelfth-century temples of Angkor, Cambodia’s most famous landmarks. But if you’ve got a week or more to fill, we’ve rounded up the very best things to do in Cambodia, from culture to food and everything in between. Read on for our top picks. 

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Best things to do in Cambodia

1.  Temples of Angkor

Where is it? Fifteen minutes from Siem Reap.

What is it? A twelfth century city complex that was once the centre of the Khmer empire.

Why go? Angkor was the capital of the Khmer empire from the ninth to the fifteenth century, and you can explore the empire’s temples and ruins within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor Archaeological Park. Here, you can hire bicycles or a tuk-tuk driver to take you around, and a n accredited guide can help you understand the bas-relief carvings. The highlight – the immense Angkor Wat – is touted as the biggest religious monument in the world, and is visited by around two million tourists yearly.

Beyond Angkor Wat, don’t miss the Bayon within the walled Great City of Angkor Thom. Built by King Jayavarman VII, it’s a narcissistic temple celebrating his god-king status, incorporating over 200 massive stone faces. Ta Promh temple was made famous by the movie ‘Tomb Raider’. Unlike other temples, the jungle has not been restrained here. Strangler figs with roots like octopus tentacles cascade over many walls, and rubble is strewn throughout.

2.  Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre

Where is it? One hour outside Phnom Penh.

What is it? A Wildlife Alliance haven for rescued wild animals.

Why go? Every year, thousands of animals are caught by illegal snares in Cambodia’s jungles and destined for the pet trade or sold for body parts for traditional Asian medicines. This organisation cares for over 1,400 rescued animals across more than 100 species. The full-day guided tour includes behind-the-scenes action, such as an elephant with a prosthetic leg allowing staff to change his stump liner. You’ll also meet rescued clouded leopards, tigers, gibbons, bears, and otters.

3.  Phare Cambodian Circus

Where is it? Siem Reap.

What is it? Jaw-dropping cultural performances by at-risk Cambodian youth.

Why go? The circus uses dance, theatre, live music and acrobatics to tell Cambodian folklore stories relevant to the modern day with energetic, impressive shows. All performers are graduates of Phare Ponleu Selpak School, a non-profit association. Funds from shows support education and social support programs to give children and youth a focus and employment skills. Book ahead as performances sell out.

4.  Preah Vihear Temple

Where is it? Near the Thai border, two to four hours’ drive north of Siem Reap.

What is it? A remote clifftop temple.

Why go? This ancient temple has no busloads or package tourists. Perched on a clifftop at 625 metres elevation, the temple overlooks the northern Cambodian plains. Disputes between Thailand and Cambodia over the temple’s ownership have waged intermittently since 1907, most recently from 2008 to 2011. Entry to the temple is via five ceremonial entrance gates, and it’s an uphill slog. Tours from Siem Reap are easily arranged.

5.  Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Where is it? Phnom Penh.

What is it? A gruelling but powerful genocide museum.

Why go? Between 1975 and 1978, more than 17,000 people were detained and tortured by Khmer Rouge forces in this former high school, and later murdered. The school is now the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a testament to cruelty. Entry includes an audio guide, and tours are available. Progressing through rooms displaying photographs of victims, instruments of torture and human skulls is profoundly dismal. But it’s important to understand some of what this nation has endured and how it’s shaped the people.

6.  Osoam Cardamom Community Centre

Where is it? Cardamom Mountains, seven hours’ drive northwest of Phnom Penh.

What is it? A real Cambodian community providing sustainable tourism and development.

Why go? This ecotourism farm assists hundreds of families from the Chorng and Poer ethnic groups develop sustainable livelihoods in tourism and agriculture. You may choose to volunteer – constructing buildings or teaching English or computing skills. Alternatively, take an adventure with local guides with a single or multi-day hiking trip, where you’ll spot rare wildlife. Alternatively, just hang at the friendly homestay, swimming in lakes, browsing the pepper plantation or enjoying the Khmer food. All profits support the community.

7.  Koh Rong Sanloem

Where is it? Off Cambodia’s southern coastline.

What is it? A laidback island, perfect for relaxing in nature.

Why go? Koh Rong Sanloem is the quiet little sister of party island Koh Rong. The most popular beach is Saracen Bay, where the sand is white and the water is aquamarine. Once you’re tired of snorkelling and diving, take the one or two-hour hike to the island’s northern tip. Bring water and a few dollars to enter the lighthouse for spectacular ocean views. Watch for sea eagles, hornbill birds and monkeys. The trail passes through some forest clearing.

8.  Mondulkiri Project

Where is it? Northeast of Phnom Penh, about five to six hours’ drive.

What is it? An elephant sanctuary protecting forests and Indigenous livelihoods.

Why go? Cambodian forests are being threatened like never before, and the Indigenous Bunong people who previously relied on the forest are marginalised. The Mondulkiri Project employs Bunong people, teaching conservation skills and caring for rescued elephants. Here you’ll hike alongside five elephants through the jungle and join them for a bath in the waterfall swimming hole. A two-day tour incorporates hiking, a visit to the Bunong farms and an overnight stay at the jungle lodge. Choose your elephant operator carefully, as some don’t follow ethical practices.

9.  Grasshopper bike tours: Rats, Trash and Booze

What is it? Off-the-beaten-path cycling around quirky attractions.

Why go? If you’re suffering from temple fatigue, Grasshopper Tours offers a cycling trip through the quiet lanes of Siem Reap, visiting surprising social enterprises. You’ll meet the giant rats that have been trained to safely sniff out landmines, saving countless lives. Next, you’ll visit Rehash Trash, where disadvantaged women weave discarded litter into colourful bags and homewares. Join in to create your own souvenir. The final stop on this tour is a rice-wine distillery, where you’ll taste traditional spirits infused with local flavours.

10.  Kampot

Where is it? On the southern coastline, around three hours’ drive from Phnom Penh.

What is it? A low-key seaside town, featuring national parks and fishing villages.

Why go? Kampot is a sleepy town featuring charmingly dilapidated French colonial architecture set on the Kompong Bay River. Farms here produce famous pepper, although tourists come for boutique hotels and riverfront relaxing. If that’s too mellow, rock-climb through Cambodia’s largest cave system with Climbodia. Or, rent a motor scooter and ride up Bokor Mountain for amazing views (cloud-cover permitting), continuing on to nearby Kep, a French-era coastal retreat. Dine at Kep’s famous waterfront crab market for the freshest and cheapest crabs you’ll find.

11.  Foreign Correspondents Club

Temporarily closed for renovations

What is it? A rustic bar overlooking the Mekong River for tourists, expats, and locals.

Why go? The Foreign Correspondents Club (commonly called FCC) was opened by western journalists in 1993 in the upper floors of a slightly decaying colonial-style building overlooking the river. The FCC was the cultural and intellectual centre of Phnom Penh, and world-changing media stories were filed from here in the 1990s. The rustic bar is decorated with historic photographs and tropical river breezes are swished around by lazy ceiling fans. FCC’s connection with journalists ended in dispute, however the club remains an icon, perfect for a sunset beer.

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The Top 10 Things to Do in Cambodia

Oleh_Slobodeniuk / Getty Images

The Angkor temples may have overshadowed Cambodia ’s other wonders, but going off the beaten path will reward intrepid travelers with a far richer local experience.

Yes, there’s already plenty to see if you stick close to civilization—whether it’s the capital Phnom Penh , the Angkor-adjacent settlement of Siem Reap , or the bucolic Kampot —but none of these will get you dazzling white-sand beaches, close encounters with rare gibbons, or glamping in a forest clearing. Read on to find out what you can do in Cambodia and how much better it gets when you go further afield.

Get Your Temple Fix at Angkor Wat

Pakawat Thongcharoen / Getty Images

Everything about Angkor Wat is massive but curiously balanced. The site boasts a 500-acre square temple surrounded by walls, a wide moat crossed by an 800-foot causeway, and five stone towers that rise from the temple’s center, the highest standing some 700 feet above the ground.

The whole structure was conceived as a depiction of the mythical center of the universe, Mount Meru. That explains the temple’s symmetry and the amazing amount of detail on the temple’s walls and other surfaces, most notably the 160-foot-long gallery depicting the churning of the sea of milk in Hindu mythology.

Angkor Wat, together with nearby temples like Angkor Thom and Bayon, is part of the Angkor Archaeological Park, a major Cambodian tourist draw that ( in good years ) drew up to 2.2 million international tourists and earned $99 million in ticket sales.

Getting There: Angkor Archaeological Park is easily accessible by tuk-tuk from Siem Reap.

Meet Irrawaddy Dolphins in Kratie

John W Banagan / Getty Images

In a tiny section of the mighty Mekong River that runs through Cambodia, you can find the freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins living in their natural habitat, a hundred-mile stretch between the province of Kratie and the Lao border.

To see these unusual aquatic mammals in the wild, visit the town of Kampi in Kratie and take a motorboat across the river—not just to see the swimming cetaceans at play but also to skirt the flooded forests along the riverbanks.

About 20 dolphins make their home in Kampi’s stretch of the Mekong, where the waters are unusually slow-moving and surprisingly clear.

Getting There: Kampi is about 150 miles northeast of Phnom Penh, making it a five-hour drive by car or bus. Time your visit for the dry season between January and May, ideally during Khmer New Year.

Witness Khmer Rouge Atrocities at Tuol Sleng

Formerly a Phnom Penh high school, then a Khmer Rouge detention and torture camp, Tuol Sleng has since become a somber yet essential memorial to Cambodia's dark, genocidal past.

Renaming the school Security Prison 21 (S-21), the Khmer Rouge converted classrooms into interrogation chambers and prison cells. Getting at the truth was secondary to making prisoners confess to almost any crime the Khmer Rouge imagined—innocent teenagers, office workers, and even Communist intellectuals were forced to disclose to working for the CIA, which, in the end, cost them their lives.

Many reminders of the Khmer Rouge's inhuman cruelty can still be seen at Tuol Sleng: photographs of the facility's doomed men, women, and children, their eyes staring blankly into space; torture chambers and their instruments, mainly as the Khmer Rouge left them; and cases of skulls belonging to S-21's unfortunate victims.

Getting There: Tuol Sleng is easily accessible by tuk-tuk from Phnom Penh. The entrance fee costs $5 for non-Cambodian adults.

Take a River Cruise up the Mekong to Tonle Sap

Tonle Sap Lake is the centerpiece of various interconnected ecologies, all tied up with the ebb and flow of the Mekong River.

As the Mekong’s water volume rises and falls with the monsoon seasons, Tonle Sap expands and contracts—at its maximum extent, Tonle Sap covers 6,200 square miles. Residents around the lake live by this seasonal rhythm, setting up floating villages that help catch about half of all the fish consumed in Cambodia.

Getting There: Tonle Sap is easily accessible from both Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Wherever your starting point is, you can book a river cruise that takes you up close to the floating villages and nearby nature reserves like Prek Toal, a scenic spot for viewing Cambodia’s endemic and migrating birds.

Discover Khmer Food

Cambodia's culinary spread might not share the spiciness and range of Thai food, but comparisons hardly do it justice.

The dishes you'll find when dining out at Phnom Penh or Siem Reap reflect the local "terroir"—white rice underpinning wholesome fish and chicken dishes cooked with local herbs and spices like garlic, shallots, galangal, and lemongrass.

Fish is a major part of the Khmer diet, given the easy access to rivers, lakes, and coastlines. You can eat it fresh or prepared as amok, a curry-like favorite made from freshwater fish steamed with coconut milk, spices, eggs, and the local fish paste called prahok.

Uncover the Mystery of Banteay Chhmar

Mike Aquino

Banteay Chhmar was constructed in the 12th century to memorialize a Khmer king’s son who had fallen in battle. It sat squarely at the heart of the Khmer Empire when it was built. But bad foundations and shifting borders left Banteay Chhmar forgotten for centuries, allowing natural deterioration and human theft to take a toll.

Today, archaeologists and adventurous tourists can visit this massive temple—presently being reconstructed—as an overnight stay from Siem Reap. Visitors will find a large, rectangular city enclosed by a 200-foot wide moat, crossed by a causeway to the east.

Reconstruction is ongoing, and visitors can see the structures that remain. Wall carvings showing battles and the God of Mercy Avalokitesvara still stand, as does a single “face tower” with enigmatic smiling faces.

Getting There: Banteay Chhmar is a three-hour drive north of Siem Reap.

Go Glamping in Botum Sakor National Park

Courtesy of Yaana Hospitality

Cambodia’s largest national park covers 660 square miles between the Cardamom Mountains and the coastal wetlands on a peninsula jutting out into the Gulf of Thailand. The thick, evergreen rainforest cover shelters many of Cambodia’s most endangered animals, including the Asiatic black bear, pileated gibbon, Asian elephant, and the clouded leopard.

Beyond the forest cover, hikers can also explore the coastal mangrove habitats, the grassland clearings, and the Preak Tachan river, a perfect setting for an afternoon of kayaking.

Nearby accommodations range from simple homestays to luxe glamping getaways like the Cardamom Tented Camp , composed of nine safari-style tents within the park borders. The tents meet three-star hotel standards and are an excellent launching pad for the Camp’s multi-day nature tour packages.

Getting There: Travel by bus from Phnom Penh takes four hours over Highway 48 to Andong Teuk village in Chi Phat; alternatively, your local resort can book your transportation as part of your stay.

Enjoy Phare Circus’s Big Top Experience

Courtesy of Mike Aquino

Inspired by their heritage, eight Cambodian performers returned to their hometown Battambang to establish Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS). This charitable organization uses the performing arts to educate and rehabilitate children and youth.

You need only attend Phare's grandiose acrobatic show in Siem Reap to contribute to this worthy enterprise. Located on Phare Circus Ring Road south of Sok San Road, the 400-seater big top converts Cambodian folklore and culture into a frenetic performance reminiscent of Cirque du Soleil.

Phare Circus guests sit on bleachers surrounding a single circular stage within the Phare Circus' red tent. The acrobatic performances you'll see here are as authentically Khmer as the Apsara dance and, for many, far more entertaining. Speaking parts are performed in Khmer, though subtitles in three languages are projected on a screen to help non-speakers.

Getting There: Phare Circus is easily accessible by tuk-tuk from Siem Reap.

Go Scuba Diving in Koh Rong

Tony Calandruccio / Getty Images

The island of Koh Rong, one of the country's handfuls of islands on the Gulf of Thailand, offers a more secluded and off-the-beaten-path beach feel. Its miles of white-sand beaches have a more laid-back feel, but Koh Toch's party scene is always an option if you feel it's too quiet.

Under the sea around Koh Rong offers a real treat to tourists—a diverse marine life full of amazing fish and other ocean-dwelling creatures. On any given day, all year round, you'll find yourself swimming alongside blue spotted rays, schools of barracuda, and the occasional sea turtle. And thanks to the shallow reefs, scuba diving and snorkeling are relatively easy.

Getting There: From Sihanoukville on the mainland coast, motorboats take 40 minutes to get to Koh Toch, the key entryway for tourists to Koh Rong.

Trek Untamed Jungle Trails in Ratanakiri

Karin de Mamiel / Getty Images

The hiking trails in the remote province of Ratanakiri, bordering Vietnam and Laos, are a sight to behold due to the area’s seclusion and wildness. You can easily imagine you’re the first to visit, whether walking through the Ochum district’s tribal villages or tracking down gibbons in Virachey National Park.

Many treks begin at the town of Banlung and can go as long as you like—some of the deeper jungle treks can take over a week to complete. The treks often include homestays in a Chunchiet tribal village, visits to local Chunchiet cemeteries, and riding bamboo rafts down the Sesan River.

Treks to Virachey National Park offer a fair chance of seeing rare northern yellow-cheeked gibbons, among other native animals.

Getting There: Buses and shared taxis take up to eight hours from Phnom Penh to Banlung, with a stopover at Kratie.  

Cambodia Guide: Planning Your Trip

Visiting Phnom Penh's Wat Phnom Temple

The 13 Best Things to Do in Siem Reap

Traveling to Cambodia: Essentials to Know

Phnom Penh, Cambodia Guide: Planning Your Trip

Where Is Angkor Wat?

The Top 7 Things to Do in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

How to Visit the Must-See Temples in Angkor, Cambodia

Top UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Southeast Asia

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Top 15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Cambodia

Situated across the Mekong delta and Gulf of Thailand Coastline, you have to visit Cambodia to get the real taste of ancient South Asia. Home to various ancient temples, archaeological ruins, and aesthetic beaches, this beautiful country is renowned for some of the greatest artistic and cultural achievements.

Cambodia is also known for its brutal history from the Khmer Rouge era and the Civil war, evidence of which can be found in the National Museums and the mass graves. Every year travellers visit this country to soak in the rich, timeless history, and buzzing, lively atmosphere. It is a must-visit place in Cambodia to enjoy the confounding wildlife and partake in the adventure its tropical jungles offer.

Drafting your itinerary for your vacation but don’t know where to go in Cambodia ? Here is a list of the top 15 places you can have guaranteed fun and gain experience and knowledge by exploring some of the most breathtaking places in Cambodia .

WHAT IS COVERED IN THIS ARTICLE?

15 Top-Rated Places to visit in Cambodia

1. krong siem reap.

Krong Siem Reap is most famous for its UNESCO world heritage of Angkor Wat. You have to experience the oldest Buddhist temple at Wat Bo village as well as Ta Prohm Temple, which was built in Bayon style.

Besides this, you can book boat tours on Tonle Sap Lake and enjoy the spirited, lively night markets, silk markets, and rice paddies. You can also visit the Angkor National Museum as well as see the internationally renowned Phare the Cambodian Circus .

Also, you have to remember to watch the Apsara dance in which women dressed in traditional dresses perform a myth or religious story. Pub street is also one of the popular tourist attractions of Cambodia .

What is the best time to visit Siem Reap?

You should visit Krong Siem Reap between November and March to enjoy cooler weather and manageable humidity.

To reach Siem Reap, you can just book a flight to Siem Reap International Airport and enjoy travelling here without any difficulty.

You can easily finish visiting every place in Siem Reap in 3 days.

2. Phnom Penh

Popular as the city of Brahma’s face, this capital city is full of life with chaotic streets and honking of the vehicles on the road. Phnom Penh is a famous cosmopolitan destination that has bounced back as one of the most dynamic cities in Southeast Asia.

It is the home of various crucial historical ruins that play an unrivalled role in deciphering both Cambodia’s modern and ancient history. You must visit the Royal Palace as well as Wat Phnom to see the pieces of evidence of Cambodian majestic traditional artistry.

One of the most famous Cambodian tourist places includes the National Museum, where you can witness the Khmer sculptures firsthand. There is also the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum as well as the Killing fields of Choeung Ek you can visit. 

These places hold the proof of the horrors Cambodia’s people suffered at the haad of the Communist Party of Kampuchea, popularly known as the Khmer Rouge.

What is the best time to visit Phnom Penh?

The best time to visit Phnom Penh is between October to May.

You will have no trouble travelling to Phnom Penh as the Phnom Penh International Airport is well-connected to the world’s major cities.

You can finish visiting every location in Phnom Penh in about two and a half days.

3. Koh Rong

One of the famous tourist attractions of Cambodia , You have to come down here to bask in the glory of the paradisical island of Koh Rong. It has numerous charming beaches where you can partake in various activities.

One of those activities is snorkelling and swimming among seahorses, jumping fishes, blue-spotted Ribbon-tail Rays, squids, and Diamond fishes. Also, you can go kayaking, diving as well as zip-lining.

Also, you must visit the lonely beach and Coconut Beach to see the Bio-Luminescent Plankton. Also, it is worth a visit to experience the abundant wildlife on Police Beach. It has a mini zoo and a butterfly farm!

What is the best time to visit Koh Rong?

The best time to visit Koh Rong is between October to January for favourable weather.

You will have to travel to Sihanoukville International Airport and, from here, take a ferry to reach Koh Rong.

You have to stay at least two nights on this paradisical island before moving forward to the next location on your itinerary.

4. Preah Sihanouk

Named after the king Norodom Sihanouk , this coastal city of Cambodia is one of the popular attractions among backpackers. This is the beaches are a must to visit during both the day as well as the night! Backpackers stay in the hostels with tin roofs and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of this town.

You can also stay in various establishments offered around Ochheuteal beach and rent water sports aplenty.

What is the best time to visit Preah Sihanouk?

The best time to visit Preah Sihanouk is between October to January.

You can book your flight to Sihanoukville International Airport or get connecting flights from Phnom Penh.

You can fully enjoy Sihanoukville in 3 days before moving forward to the next location on your itinerary.

5. Banteay Srei

One of the sacred places to visit in Cambodia is the Banteay Srei temple, located in the Banteay Srei District. It is a very important part of Cambodia’s Heritage treasure.

The most special thing about this temple is that it was carved out of pink shades of stone. Banteay Srei means ‘Citadel of the Women’, and this Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is proof of fine craftsmanship.

What is the best time to visit Banteay Srei?

The best time to visit the Banteay Srei temple is early morning or late evening. The temple walls don’t provide many shades, so it’s ideal to visit here when it’s cooler.

Also, you can get some awesome pictures of the changing colours during sunrise and sunset.

You can visit Banteay Srei in one long day, including exploring the Banteay Srei temple as well as the local areas. You can also plan a trip to the river of Thousands of Lingas located at Kbal Spean and Beng Mealea.

6. Krong Kampot

Kampot is a riverine town where you can wind down in its old-world ambience and enjoy the easygoing, laid-back atmosphere. This charming town used to be a major trading port during the French Colonial era, and it has several buildings from that time.

Pièce de résistancelies of Kampot is the Durian roundabout which is a landmark traffic roundabout. You can explore the main market of Kampot, also famous as ‘Old Maket’. Its shops range from clothing and jewellery to fruits, meat, vegetables, etc.

You must explore Rabbit Island,   Preah Monivong National Park, as well as the Kampot Salt fields, and Phnom Chhngok Cave Temple.

Also, you have to try the delicious crab curry, a local speciality of Kampot.

What is the best time to visit Krong Kampot?

The best time to visit Krong Kampot is from October to January.

You need at least 3 to 4 days to fully experience Kampot, partake in fun activities like boat cruise, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and relax by enjoying sunsets from riverside restaurants.

To reach Krong Kampot, you need to take a flight to Phnom Penh International Airpot and then another flight to Kampot Airport. You can also take a bus or cab to Kampot.

7. Krong Battambang

Battambang is a rather sleepy town, missing the buzz of other cities in Cambodia, but you can’t underestimate the beauty of this lush countryside!

Battambang has rightly earned its place among the top places to visit in Cambodia with its various quirky cafes and peaceful ambience. You can go biking along the streams and rice paddy. You also have the option to go kayaking along the peaceful Stung Sangkae River.

Also, visit the Well of Shadows, though; it is not for the faint-hearted. It is a memorial for the lives lost during the Khmer Rouge’s reign of horror.

Another thing you must remember is to catch a ride on the bamboo train that takes you outside the town in half an hour at a speed of no more than 40 km/h.

Don’t forget to catch a performance of one of Cambodia’s best Circus called Phare Ponleu Selpak and a Cambodian dance performance.

What is the best time to visit Krong Battambang?

The best time to visit Krong Battambang is from October to January.

You need only two days to fully experience Battambang, explore the city, visit art galleries as well as visit the Damrey Sor Pagoda and Wat Ek Phnom.

To reach Krong Battambang, you need to take a flight to Siem Reap International Airpot and then another flight to Battambang Airport.

8. Tonlé Sap

Tonlé Sap is the largest freshwater lake in Cambodia and a vital source of food and irrigation for its people. Because of its high biodiversity, It has also been designated as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

It has a fascinating local community and the main reason behind the tourist attractions – It has a floating Village!

It is a must for a day of exploration for its sprawling village of Kompong Luong on Tonle Sap’s western shore and Chong Kneas near Siem Reap.

What is the best time to visit Tonlé Sap?

The best time to visit Tonlé Sap is from December to April, which are the dry months when the water level lowers and birds cluster in a smaller area.

You need only one day to fully experience Tonlé Sap, explore this floating village, and then move forward to the next location o your itinerary.

You can easily reach Tonlé Sap via a boat trip from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and Angkor Temples. Then, you can either hire a cab or catch the commonly used tuk-tuk rides.

9. Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is the largest temple in the world and the biggest tourist attraction in Cambodia. Its unrivalled glory and prestige made it a part of the UNESCO World Heritage list.

It was built in the 12th century as a tribute to Lord Vishnu. It is also a popular destination because the movies the Tomb Raider and Lara Croft were shot here.

It is a must to visit the Ta Prohm Buddhist temple ruin with its picturesque views and towering trees.

What is the best time to visit Angkor Wat?

The best time to visit Angkor Wat is between November to March, when it’s relatively cooler weather.

You need only three days to fully explore Angkor Wat and experience these archaeological treasures before moving forward to the next location o your itinerary.

To visit Angkor Wat, you can take a direct flight to Sein Reap International Airport. From there, you can either hire a taxi or take a tuk-tuk.

10. Ratanakiri

Ratanakiri is the best place to visit in Cambodia if you are tired of temples and ruins. It is full of nature with endless dirt roads and serene scenery. It is perfect for quenching your thirst for adventure as well.

You can go trekking, hiking, and plan an overnight trip which can include spotting buff-cheeked gibbons and sleeping on hammocks. You can visit Virachey National park, which houses elephants, sun bears, and tigers.

Yeak Loam Lake is another quite popular Tourist attraction in Cambodia . It was formed by a volcanic eruption that took place about 4000 years ago.

However, according to local folklore, it was formed by a giant who dug a pit to retrieve his runaway daughter. It also has a small museum on its shore showcasing Tampuan culture.

If you love waterfalls, You must visit the mesmerizing Chaa Ong and Ka Tieng waterfalls.

What is the best time to visit Ratanakiri?

The best time to visit Ratanakiri is between October and February. During these months, you can enjoy mild weather, and it is also the perfect time to hike mountains. These months are after the monsoon season, so the waterfalls are at their best.

Depending on what activities you are planning, you can have a fulfilling time in Ratanakiri in 3-5 days.

You can easily reach Ratanakiri via a flight or a bus, or a taxi ride from other places in your itinerary.

11. Koh Russey

Also known as the Bamboo Island, Koh Russey is the best place to visit in Cambodia for a relaxing retreat to the beachside. Koh Russey is also one of the busiest Islands in Cambodia!

It’s quaint yet one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cambodia and Thailand. You can go hiking through the jungle or swim or just enjoy the view of aquamarine water and golden sand with a drink in hand.

Don’t forget to try out the local food and nightlife. It is always vibrant in the evening on the beach with the locals performing Khmer dance and everyone just relaxing.

What is the best time to visit Koh Russey?

Although the water is suitable for swimming all year round, the best time to visit Koh Russey is between December and March.

You should spend at least three days and enjoy various water activities like scuba diva, which is quite popular there.

As it is located 6 miles away from the coast of Sihanoukville, you have to get on a ferry.

12. Koh Kong

Stretching within the Cardamon Mountain range, Koh Kong is another one of the best places to visit in Cambodia . It has dense rainforest, mesmerizing waterfalls, and rivers you can go exploring on a hike or by joining a boat tour.

It has a few boutique eco-resorts along the Tatai River, which offer tourists activities like kayaking. Further south, you can visit Chi Pat village, which is an eco-tourism centre. It offers accommodations as well as other tourist activities like wildlife spotting and multiday trekking.

What is the best time to visit Koh Kong?

The best time to visit Koh Kong is between December and February, when you can enjoy cooler weather as compared to other months of the year.

According to the time you are vacationing in Cambodia, you can fully explore Koh Kong for two days if you are here for no more than two weeks. If you are planning for a longer time, 4-5 days are more than enough.

To reach Koh Kong, you have many options. The most convenient would be to first take a flight to Sihanouk International airport. From there you can either take a bus or hire a cab.

Kratie is a charming little town of well-preserved buildings from the times of French colonization. It is also one most the popular tourist attractions of Cambodia that lies on the bank of the Mekong Rivers

You can visit the Phnom Sombok Pagoda, a small hill Buddhist temple, as well as the lovely island of Kaoh Trong to enjoy its lush view and unspoiled surroundings.

It is a must to make time to sit and watch the incredible and magical sunset at Mekong River.

If you love dolphins, it is the perfect place to come and watch incredibly rare Irrawaddy Dolphins.

What is the best time to visit Kratie?

The best time to visit Kratie is in the winter season, which are the months of December and January.

You have to stay at least three nights in this town before moving forward to the next location on your itinerary.

To reach Kratie, you have many options. The most convenient would be to first take a flight to Phnom Penh International airport. From there you can either take a flight to Kratie airport or hire a cab or take a bus.

14. Koh Ker

Koh Ker is one of the best and most famous Tourist attractions in Cambodia because of a prevalent local legend. It is a belief that if you drop a coconut at Koh Ker Temple’s well, it will emerge at the pond near Neang Khmao temple.

Koh Ker consists of various temples, starting with the Neang Khmai temple, which lies on a small hill. It is made from sandstone and shaped like a stupa.

Don’t forget to visit the Prasat Thom Complex, Pram temple, Preng Temple as well as Chen Temple.

What is the best time to visit Koh Ker?

The best time to visit Koh Ker is between October and February when the humidity is tractable, and the weather is cool.

You can fully explore Koh Ker and its temples in 1 day.

Koh Ker is only two and half an hour away from the town of Seim Reap, so it is totally up to you whether you want to hire a taxi. The Travel to the temples will also include a trek of around 20 minutes.

15. Sambor Prei Kuk

Among the top places to visit in Cambodia , Sambor Prei Kuk has to be included because of its majestic Pre-Angkorian monuments. It has around 100 temples scattered throughout the forest.

Sambor Prei Kuk has rightly earned its place on the list of UNESCO World Heritage of Cambodia.

It is a place of rich history. These temples are dedicated to the incarnations of Lord Shiva, and their walls have remarkably clear carvings, the structures covered in enormous roots.

What is the best time to visit Sambor Prei Kuk?

The best time to visit Sambor Prei Kuk is between November and February, when you can enjoy cooler weather as compared to other months of the year and humidity manageable.

To reach Sambor Prei Kuk, you have to make a drive from Kompong Tom.

Top Tips when you visit Cambodia

To help you plan accordingly, here are some top tips to follow when you visit Cambodia, as well as answers to some frequently asked questions.

What to pack when you travel to Cambodia?

Appropriate Clothes :

Cambodia has a hot, humid climate. So, even if you pick the best time to visit Cambodia, make sure that the clothes you are packing are breathable and able to absorb heavy sweating. Also, stow in a light rain jacket if you are visiting during the Monsoon season.

When you would be visiting any religious place here, you have to cover your shoulders and knees. For this reason, pack suitable, proper clothing.

Protection against bugs

Cambodia is a tropical country and home to various insects. So, Make sure you are packing stuff that protects against bugs and mosquitoes, like Mosquitoe spray and insect repellent.

First Aid Kit

Make sure to pack your first aid, which must contain essentials like painkillers, antibiotic cream, bandages, and any prescription meds, especially the medicine for your allergies.

A Power bank is a worthful investment because you never know when your phone’s battery dies and never want that to happen in case of an emergency.

You have the option to pick as many places to visit in Cambodia But to protect your skin against the ruthless sun of Cambodia; Sunscreen is a must.

In the case of Power Cut, it serves well to have a torch handy. Also, while visiting various locations, it can be pretty helpful to look in the dark areas.

How much does a Cambodia trip cost?

Cambodia is the best country to vacation under budget. It would cost around $350 for a person to enjoy one whole week here. You can enjoy food and use public transportation for under $20 a day. To save further money, you can choose your accommodation in a Hostel Dorm, which costs around $7 per night only!

Is Cambodia safe to Travel alone?

If you want to travel around Cambodia solo, then rest assured that Cambodia is a relatively safe country to travel to. Cambodia has been ranked higher than countries like Thailand and Nepal in terms of safety by the UN. Of course, you have to be careful of scams and petty criminals.

What is the best time to visit Cambodia?

The best time to visit Cambodia has to be between November and February. These months have the perfect weather for a perfect vacation as it is neither too hot nor cold in these months in Cambodia. There can be light rainfall, but it would still be mildly warm.

However, keep this in mind that these months are also the peak tourist season which raises the prices, airfares as well as a higher crowd.

Does Visiting Cambodia needs a visa?

The answer is yes and no. If you want to visit Cambodia, then you will need to apply for a visa before entering the country. However, there are some exceptions to this rule and you can get easily one in online. Here is How to Get Cambodia e-Visa in 3 Easy Steps

Suffice to say that Cambodia should be on your bucket list if you want to experience true cultural history with its classic ruins. All the best places to visit in Cambodia provide an unparalleled experience with its archaeological treasures, floating villages, and a tropical adventure in its jungles and breathtaking, pristine beaches.

This country is the perfect holiday destination if you are planning under a budget because everything is so cheap here!

Don’t you want to wind down and just relax under the warm sun by the lovely beaches and then go biking, snorkelling, and even cruising to see Dolphins!?

For more travel  Inspiration under budget, Check out our other blogs- Before you know it, you’ll be planning your trip!

Ready to take on this adventure? Leave a comment down below, and Remember to share your adventurous story with us because we would love to hear from you.

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The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Cambodia

If you’re travelling to Cambodia , Angkor Wat is only the start of things to see. From the pristine beaches of Koh Rong Samloem to the architectural feats of Preah Vihear Temple, here are some of the most good-looking places to visit in the Kingdom of Wonder.

1. angkor wat at sunrise.

Archaeological site, Buddhist Temple

Holding the title of the world’s largest religious monument, glorious Angkor Wat is one of the most impressive places to visit in Cambodia, whatever time of the day it may be. However, watching the sun rise from behind the temple is a particularly special experience and well worth waking up early for. But don’t expect to have the temple to yourself at this peak time, as there will be tens of thousands of other early birds who flock to the temple to capture this magical moment.

2. Phnom Penh from above

Architectural Landmark

There’s something magical about watching a city twinkling below. Thanks to the recent addition of Rosewood Phnom Penh to the capital’s hotel scene, the city can now be viewed from a height of 188m (617ft). Perched on the 37th floor of the 39-storey Vattanac Capital Tower is the five-star hotel’s Sora Skybar, which offers unparalleled panoramic views across the rising capital and beyond. Open from 5:30pm, guests can take in the sunset and watch Phnom Penh light up before their eyes. Simply stunning.

3. Koh Rong Samloem at sunset

Natural Feature

Beach bums are doing themselves an injustice if they miss Koh Rong Samloem . Why? Because the relatively undeveloped tropical island is home to isolated, postcard-perfect beaches with soft powder-white sands and crystal-clear waters. If you’re looking to kick back with cocktails as you watch the sun go down, head to – yep, you guessed it – Sunset Beach.

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5. Looking out from Phnom Sampeu

Perched atop Phnom Sampeu in Battambang is a pagoda with viewing platforms that provide views of the province – dubbed Cambodia’s rice bowl – sprawling below. The mountain is also home to the execution site dubbed the Killing Caves, where the Khmer Rouge murdered people during their rule in the 1970s before throwing their victims’ bodies through a shaft. There is a glass memorial in one of the caves, as well as the skulls and other bones of victims, and a reclining gold Buddha. The bat caves are a must-see at dusk, when hundreds of thousands of the animals spiral into the sky.

6. Riding up Bokor Mountain

Casino, Church, Hill Station

7. Kep National Park

After stuffing your face with crab – after all, Kep is where to go in Cambodia if you want to sample the crustacean – burn off the calories with a walk through Kep National Park. An 8km (5mi) path snakes through a thick tropical jungle that is dotted with pagodas and vantage points, taking in the smattering of villages and farmland that stretches to the sea. Signs mark off-shooting paths if you want to head deeper into the national park.

8. Explore Preah Vihear Temple

Hindu Temple

9. Hanging out with elephants in Mondulkiri

Natural Feature, Park

Standing in the heart of the jungle that dominates the northeastern province of Mondulkiri is a pretty special experience, particularly when you throw a few elephants into the mix. Elephant Valley Project offers visitors the chance to get up close to the magnificent mammals while learning more about the negative effects of elephants being exploited at Cambodia tourists spots and beyond. The sanctuary offers a permanent or temporary respite for over-worked and neglected elephants, who can kick back, relax and enjoy life in their natural habitat. Visitors can spend the day watching the beasts wallow in mud, wash themselves in the river and stomp through the jungle.

10. Explore the pine forests of Kiriom National Park

Park, Natural Feature

Dubbed Cambodia’s own Switzerland, Kirirom National Park sits a 2-hour drive from Phnom Penh, and its cooling pine forests boast temperatures that dip a good few degrees below that of the capital. This makes it a great escape. A few eco-projects dot the area, offering the chance to experience local life. Accommodation is offered in the form of tents, villas, cabins and homestays. Hire a bike, and cycle through the woods, take a dip in the waterfalls, or simply chill while surrounded by nature.

Looking for more places to visit in Cambodia? Check out our list of 10 Genuine Alternatives To Cambodia’s Tourist Traps .

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Cambodia Travel Guide: The Best Places to Visit in Cambodia

Wedged in between Vietnam, Laos and Thailand, this small but beautiful country is a much-loved stop on most South East Asia itineraries. Once mostly popular with just backpackers, Cambodia and the surrounding countries now have plenty to offer all travellers. There has been a raft of new luxury hotel openings, more family-friendly activities and better flight paths into the country.

Cambodia is most famous for Angkor Wat, a mammoth temple complex near Siem Reap. Visiting here has long been the main draw for most visitors to the country. But as local roads and public transport has improved, dozens more historically and culturally important attractions have become easier to access. All of which are well worth including on any Cambodia itinerary.

So this Cambodia travel guide aims to cover all the key information to know before visiting.

To ensure this guide is comprehensive and covers all the best things to do in Cambodia, I’ve enlisted the help of some other travel bloggers. They’ve all shared their own contributions, so read on to find out more!

History of Cambodia

Cambodia has a dark past. There’s no getting round it, and reminders of this are visible across the country. The country was torn apart by a brutal genocide in the late 1970s led by Pol Pot, the ruler of the Khmer Rouge. The genocide meant nearly 1.7 million Cambodians lost their lives over the course of 4 murderous years. Based on an ideology of creating an ‘equal’ or ‘classless’ society, the regime’s goal was to torture, and kill anyone who had an education. The Khmer wanted all members of society to be rural farmers and agricultural workers, rather than educated living in the cities. The Khmer regime shut down schools, factories, hospitals and universities. They then sought to murder teachers, doctors, engineers and lawyers – and their families.

No visit to Cambodia can be undertaken without confronting this harrowing time in history. Any visit to Phnom Penh should include, at the very least, a visit to the killing fields at Choeung Ek, as well as the Tuol-Sleng S-21 prison.

My experience of visiting these places was challenging, but eye-opening. It beggars belief how this barbaric genocide went unnoticed by the rest of the world for so long. It explains why you see so few elderly Cambodians in the country. Every Cambodian you speak to will have had at least one person in their family murdered by Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge, and that alone requires some time to process.

I highly recommend reading further on the genocide before visiting, and this article here is a useful starting point.

Cambodia Travel Guide: Useful Information

How to get to cambodia.

The two main airports in Cambodia are in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. No long-haul international flights land directly in Cambodia, but you can fly in from other major destinations such as Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore.

There are also very efficient bus services from major cities in the surrounding countries, such as from Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok. You can buy your tickets at any travel agents’ stall in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City or Bangkok.

Cambodia visas

Most nationalities need a visa for Cambodia, but fortunately, you can easily obtain these on arrival at both land borders and airports.

The visa lasts for 30 days and can only be paid for in cash, and you should have $30 USD in crisp notes. Some land borders ask for passport photos too, so I advise keeping these at hand.

There is also now the option to get an e-visa online before arriving. This costs the same but is subject to an $7 processing fee. You can apply for this here on the official website and you need to do this at least 5 working days before you travel. As in-person visas are straight-forward to obtain, I recommend doing this on arrival but following the global Coronavirus pandemic, I do advise checking your country’s official website for the most up-to-date entry and visa requirements.

How to get around Cambodia?

Unlike Vietnam and Thailand, train travel isn’t well established in Cambodia and the main way to get around is by bus. The buses ply dozens of routes and although slow, they can connect travellers across the country.

Departure times are listed, but buses rarely depart according to the schedules. Never leave short connection times, particularly if you’re planning on heading to the airport. Leave as much time as possible. And if you travel around Cambodia in the rainy season, prepare for your bus journeys to be further delayed due to heavy rainfall. This can make many roads impassable!

Another option to going by road between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap is to go by river cruise. Although this is a long journey, it is a beautiful one and if time allows, one of the best ways. Arrange your full day cruise tickets here .

The north-east of the country is the least developed and the hardest to access, but if you head off the beaten track here, you’ll meet some of the friendliest people and discover remote tribal villages.

For shorter trips within towns, tuk-tuks are by far the easiest way to get around and relatively inexpensive compared to taxis. However, if you want the comfort and convenience of a private taxi, you can certainly do so. For example, for Phnom Penh to Siem Reap it can be much faster to travel by private taxi. You can arrange a Phnom Penh to Siem Reap taxi here .

When is the best time to go to Cambodia?

The rainy season stretches from May to around October time, with July and August seeing the heavy rainfall. I’ve been to Cambodia in August, and experienced complete wash-out days. It wasn’t just a heavy tropical rainfall in the evening like in Thailand. My beach days were spent undercover, ordering endless smoothies and watching the waves crashing under the heavy, unrelenting rain.

Cycling around Angkor Wat in torrential rain is an experience, to say the least. And I spent hours taking shelter inside the temples, hiding from the rain. Whilst it was still a brilliant visit, I think it could have been better in dry weather.

However, this did help to deter the crowds and it is certainly magical enjoying entire temples in Angkor Wat to yourself.

The best time to visit Cambodia is from November to March, with little rain and long, sunny days. The humidity is also far more manageable too. With the better weather, crowds will be bigger and hotels more expensive – but I recommend this over having a wash-out trip!

One of the most useful things to know is that Cambodia uses two currencies – the US dollar and the Khmer riel.

The Khmer Rouge banned money up until the late 1970s – the country didn’t have any currency. So the US dollar was introduced in order to stabilise the economy in the early 90s, as the Khmer Route regime was brought down.

The US dollar is the main currency used by tourists for things such as accommodation, transport, local tours, most attractions, tourist-focused restaurants and tourist shops. You can easily withdraw US dollars at ATMs or change money up at local currency exchange stalls.

The main times you’d use the Khmer riel is at market stalls, street vendors and any other informal setting – but you can also pay in USD with no issues, especially as you are more likely to have this currency at hand.

It has been reported that crumpled USD notes have been rejected many places before, so try and keep your currency in good condition. At the Cambodia border and at the airport, you will need crisp USD to make sure to have these or you may not get in!

Cambodia is pretty cheap to visit, and noticeably cheaper than other destinations in South East Asia.

Accommodation  

Expect to pay upwards of $30 USD (£23) for a room in a comfortable guesthouse, and $60 USD (£46) plus for a nice hotel room.

Dorm rooms in backpacker hostels can be as cheap as $4 USD (£3) per night, but if you’re travelling as a pair, you can get a private room in a hostel for a little as $10 USD (£7.60).

Food  

Food, especially from street food vendors, is inexpensive Cambodia. You can eat for as little as $1-2 USD (75p-£1.50) per meal, and simple meals in local restaurants are around $3-5 USD (£2.30-£3.80). At restaurants aimed at tourists, expect to pay a little more – around $5-15 USD (£3.80-£11.40) per person.

Using local public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around. Tuk-tuks are easily to hail and very cheap, just make sure to confirm the price before you jump in. You can also rent a driver for the day or to wait for you at an attraction to take you back again.

Buses are a little more expensive as they connect larger towns or areas. As a guide, the bus from Phnom Penh to SIem Reap costs around USD $10 (£7.60) per person.

Attractions

Most attractions are reasonably priced, for example the Choeung Ek Killing Fields near Phnom Penh which costs just USD $5 (£3.80) to enter. However, Angkor Wat has pretty steep entry prices and you need to factor these in to your visit.

You can buy passes as either one day ($37/£28), three day ($62/£47) and seven day ($72/£55) tickets. They do not have to be used on consecutive days (but must be used within a given time frame). For example, the three day pass has to be used within 10 days.

Cambodia: The Best Places to Visit

Submitted by Samantha at intentionaldetours.com

After leaving  southern Laos  and crossing the border, one of the most interesting places you can visit in Cambodia is its capital, Phnom Penh.

Phnom Penh is rich in history, but its location alongside the Mekong gives it a sweet, riverside vibe.

When visiting the city, taking in the horrifying history at both the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields is essential to understanding Cambodia’s harrowing past. These sites both tell a story that’s sadly unknown to most of the world.

Arrange your tour to the S-21 prison and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields here.

The beautiful Royal Palace located near the city centre is also absolutely worth checking out while you wander throughout Phnom Penh. The beautiful grounds have been occupied by Kings of Cambodia since the 1860s.

Aside from its main tourist attractions, Phnom Penh is home to a number of markets where you can find everything from leggings to seafood to jewellery and everything in between. The Russian Market is great for all things shopping, while the Phnom Penh night market is a great place to pop into for some nighttime eats. The best way to get to both is via tuk-tuk, which is the city’s most popular form of transportation. This tour here is a great option for combining the National Museum, the Russian Market and Wat Phnom Temple.

Phnom Penh is also well known for its numerous Happy Pizza parlours- which is your normal pizza with a bit of a “happy” topping twist. These shops tend to be situated near the riverwalk that stretches adjacent to the Mekong.

Where to stay in Phnom Penh

There’s no shortage of great places to stay in the city. There are some amazing high-end hotels that have opened up in the city such as the Rosewood Phnom Penh (£167 per night), Raffles Hotel Le Royal (£165 per night) and the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra (£116 per night).

Some great mid-range options include the Hotel Emion (£66 per night) and the Pavilion Hotel (£31 per night).

But the quality of the hostels in Phnom Penh is surprisingly good, with Sla Boutique Hotel , Feliz Hostel and Bar and RS III Location Hostel being some of the most recommend. Mad Monkey is the hostel to go to for partying!

Choeung Ek Killing Fields

Submitted by Arabela from thespicytravelgirl.com

The Choeung Ek Killing Fields are another poignant reminder of Cambodia’s very dark past under the rule of the Khmer Rouge from 1975 to 1979. Millions of Cambodians lost their lives to starvation, overwork, or systematic executions in Cambodia’s infamous killing fields. One of the most well-known ones being the Choeung Ek Killing Fields just outside of the capital Phnom Penh.

You might be wondering why anyone would visit such a gruesome place where countless numbers of innocent men, women, and children were subjected to extreme torture and died agonising deaths. However, this chilling destination should be high on your list during any visit to Phnom Penh for a very concrete reason: history books may inform you about the horrors of the past but the only way to fully grasp their actual extent is to visit the place where it happened in person and listen to the victims’ stories.

It certainly is an emotional experience but it is crucial to learn for the future and honour the victims’ lives. Seeing all the skulls, mass graves, and sites of torture, accompanied by a very informative audio guide, will likely be one of your most eye-opening experiences ever.

Arrange your half-day guided tour to the Choeung Ek Killing Fields here.

Getting to the Choeung Ek Killing Fields from Phnom Penh is very easy. You can hire a tuk tuk for the 30-minute drive for a small fee and have your driver drop you off at the entrance. Be aware that you must follow a modest dress code out of respect for the victims. You should also keep in mind that the experience is very intense and is not recommended for children.

No-one comes to Cambodia without visiting Siem Reap. Home to world-renowned temples, including of course Angkor Wat, Siem Reap is a popular stop on all South East Asia itineraries.

When you’re not temple hopping, there are dozens of other attractions such as the Cambodian Land Mine Museum or the floating village of Kompong Phluk. Siem Reap itself is a beautiful town to spend a few days in, with pretty waterways criss-crossing the city. It’s certainly far less frenetic than Phnom Penh.

The unimaginatively named Pub Street is the commercial epicentre of the city. At night, it has a Khao San vibe to it but during the day, there are plenty of excellent cafes for breakfast and lunch, often with pretty, sun-drenched terraces too. In the evening, make sure to stop at one of the excellent French restaurants or go to the Old Market to sample some of the local street food. Another up-and-coming area is Wat Bo Road, not too far from Pub Street which is home to a colourful mix of bars and restaurants.

Another idea is to get to grips with Cambodian cuisine, with a Khmer cooking class or purchase tickets to the Apsara Theatre to take in one of the local dances shows.

Arrange tickets to an Apsara dance show here!

Where to stay in Siem Reap

You’re likely to be out and about for a lot of your time in Siem Reap, with some very early starts if you’re planning on visiting Angkor Wat at sunrise.

That being said, with there being so much to do in Siem Reap from day to night, I recommend picking somewhere quite restful and comfortable. After longs of walking and sightseeing, you’ll want somewhere to crash. I don’t recommend a dorm room!

Some of the best luxury stays include the Park Hyatt Siem Reap (£77 per night), the Anantara Resort & Spa (£80 per night) or the Shinta Mani Shack (£153 per night). For an ultra-opulent stay, consider Belmond La Résidence d’Angkor (£148 per night).

For the best mid-range stays, Navutu Dreams Resort is a good pick (£48 per night) as is Templation (£68 per night).

On the other end of the scale, if you are looking for a lively hostel stay, make sure to consider One Stop Hostel on Pub Street. Or if you want an affordable oasis, then check out Bokre Angkor Hostel .

Temple-hopping

Submitted by Mal from rawmalroams.com

A trip to Cambodia would not be complete without a visit to Angkor Wat temple complex. Angkor Wat is the country’s most important landmark, receiving more than half a million visitors per year.

Angkor Wat itself is the largest religious monument in the entire world, and covers a huge 400 acres of land. It was the centre of the powerful Khmer empire for several centuries. At the time, Angkor Wat was the most impressive, advanced city in the world, with as many as 750,000 people residing within the complex.

The temple dates back to the 12th century. In order to build Angkor Wat, the sandstone blocks were floated down the Siem Reap River on rafts, covering a distance of over 50km. It’s estimated that around 6000 elephants and 300,00 works helped with the construction of the temple complex. and in the 90s it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Angkor Wat was left abandoned (there are several theories why), and the surrounding jungle reclaimed the temple complex. It was later ‘re-discovered’ by European explorers and has since become a highly popular attraction in South East Asia.

The main temple is the largest and most impressive, and is best to be enjoyed at sunrise or sunset when the spires reflect in the nearby lake creating a magical aura.

Angkor Wat is situated around 7km from Siem Reap where there is an excellent choice of accommodation choice. The best way to visit Angkor Wat is with a local guide who will give you more insight into the history and the importance of the temples, so you know what you’re looking at!

As mentioned above in the budget section, the entry fee to the temple complex costs USD $37 (£28) for a one day pass. The park is open daily from 5am to 6pm.

Another way to visit Angkor Wat is to join a guided tour. There are dozens of different options, mostly small groups with a local, professional guide who can talk you through all of the different temples.

Some tour suggestions include:

• Angkor Wat full-day sunrise tour
• Angkor Wat temple hopping tour with sunset
• 1-day jeep tour to Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm
• Full day temples of Angkor Wat bike tour

Note: No tours include the Angkor Wat entry passes, and you’ll need to buy these separately.

Submitted by Chris from aquariustraveller.com

Also located in Siem Reap, the Ta Prohm temple is another unique attraction well worth visiting. Built as a Buddhist monastery in the 13th century in the Bayon style, King Jayavarman VII dedicated it to his mother. Visiting it today is like a real adventure, with the ruins completely taken over by the jungle.

Ta Prohm has become a popular site for tourists to visit, as it is unusual in that its most distinctive feature are the trees growing out of the ruins. The temple also found global fame after being featured in Angelia Jolie’s Tomb Raider movie back in 2001. In fact, this led to the temple receiving its western name, Tomb Raider Temple.

Within the temple, you can explore the closed courtyard, as well as the narrow corridors. Some of the pathways can’t be passed or accessed as the trees roots have dislodged some of the stone blocks to restrict certain areas. Towering trees filter the sunlight, and together with the moss, creeping plants and shrub sprouts lining the walls of the temple, it’s a mysterious and eerie place to visit.

Visits to Ta Prohm are included in the ticket pass to Angkor Wat, but there are also opportunities for private and small group tours, inclusive of transport from Siem Reap.

Bayon Temple at Angkor Thom

Submitted by Angela from whereangiewanders.com

Bayon is one of the many temples in the Angkor Thom complex and another of the best places to visit in Cambodia.  It is easily recognisable by the huge smiling stone faces on its towers. Bayon Temple dates back to the late 13th century when Angkor was the centre of the Khmer Kingdom and it is widely considered that this was one of the most important of all the temples in the Angkor Thom complex.

From a distance, Bayon looks like a simple grey stone temple, but as you get closer the 216 faces appear clearer.

Some say the faces represent King Jayavarman Vll, adorned as a deity during his reign. Others say they are of  Lokesvara , the Buddhist bodhisattva of Compassion. As you wander through Bayon’s labyrinth of passageways, it feels as if the 4-metre-high faces on four sides of each tower gaze down at you from every angle.

Inside the temple, the crumbling interior, intricate stone carvings and smiling stone faces transport you back over 900 years. This was when this spectacular Buddhist temple sat at the centre of the walled city of Angkor Thom, now a World Heritage Site.

Today the lure of Angkor Thom’s lost civilisation and  abandoned ruins reclaimed by Mother Nature  are why visitors flock to the area. Head out in the late afternoon as the sun is setting, and the crowds have left, and you may have Bayon all to yourself. It is then that you will realise why this temple is truly one of the most remarkable places to visit in Cambodia.

Banteay Srei

Submitted by Nicholas from ramblingfeet.net

Banteay Srei  (‘Citadel of Women’ in Khmer) lies about 37 m from Siem Reap. Despite being further from the city than Angkor Wat, Banteay Srei receives a fair share of visitors. The ride takes about an hour or so in a tuk-tuk each way, so can easily be visited in a half-day trip. If you can, it’s best to plan to arrive as soon as the temple entrance is open. Do note that an Angkor pass is needed for this trip and it will be punched if it is a brand new day.

The grounds are not very big but that means more time to explore the intricate statues and reliefs. The carvings go deeper than those you see elsewhere in Angkor. So those who named Banteay Srei believed only the delicate fingers of women could have created them. The doorframes and lintels of the inner shrines and the archways are full of such sculptures that retell Hindu epics. An hour is sufficient to explore the site; by then, the tour buses would have arrived to unload the masses.

The visit to Banteay Srei typically also includes a stop at the Cambodia Landmine Museum on the return leg. If you’re peckish, ask your driver to stop at the Preah Dak junction for a bowl of num ban chok. This is a dish of rich noodles in mildly spicy gravy served with fresh herbs, chicken and blood curd. It’s very tasty and nutritious!

This tour here is an excellent option for visiting Banteay Srei temple from Siem Reap.

Submitted by Soumya from storiesbysoumya.com

The ancient city of  Koh Ker , also known as Lingapura, is home to one of the oldest temple complexes in Cambodia. Hundreds of temples dedicated to the Hindu God, Shiva, were built here between the 9th and the 10th centuries. Today, they are empty. They barely see a handful of tourists each day, even though Koh Ker is only a couple of hours away from Angkor Wat.

Koh Ker is unique because it is the only place in the region that has a huge pyramid-shaped shrine. Somewhat similar to the lost Mayan pyramids of the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico. Prasat Thom in Koh Ker or the Pyramid Temple are very similar. Even today, you can climb up 180 stairs to get to the top of the temple for some stunning views of the Cambodian jungles.

Apart from Prasat Thom, there are more than 200 hundred other temples in Koh Ker, many in ruins. The Linga temples, Prasat Damrei, and Prasat Krahom are especially striking. Look out for intricately carved reliefs and ancient inscriptions in Sanskrit and Khmer language at these temples. Also, make sure to check out the beautiful Prasat Neang Khmau which is nicknamed the “Lady in Black”. Tall, slender, and dark – this is one of the most photogenic temples in the entire Cambodia.

It’s easiest to visit Koh Ker and the surrounding temples on a tour, such as this one .

Sambor Prei Kuk

Submitted by Ben from the sabbaticalguide.com

Sambor Prei Kuk  is overshadowed by its big brothers 150km up the road. Although this is hardly a surprise if you’re neighbour to one of the most famous places on Earth. But don’t miss out just because of the distance. Anywhere else in the world, Sambor Prei Kuk would be visited by tourists far more often.

So why would you choose to make the journey here?

Sambor Prei Kuk was once capital city of the Chenla Kingdom. They were the rulers of this part of Southeast Asia just before the Khmer gained power. The temples here are different to those at Angkor. They occupy a different gap in Cambodia’s history, making them well worth a visit in their own right.

After the horrific wars in Cambodia, Sambor Prei Kuk remained almost inaccessible. It wasn’t until 2007 when the last of the landmines were cleared that visitors could finally go. Because of this its very different to the crowded tourists hotspot of Angkor. On a Saturday in the mid-season, you might only see just a handful of other tourists. Even in the high season, maybe only 100 people a day make the trip there.

However, the temples are being quickly restored, with money used from gaining UNESCO status. So its ‘off-the-beaten track’ status won’t last long.

Visit Sambor Prei Kuk as soon as you can, and get your own Tomb Raider style adventure at an ancient capital city.

Book your tour to Sambor Prei Kuk here!

Other things to do and see in Siem Reap

Kompong phluk floating village .

Submitted by Arrianne from travelhabeat.com

Another interesting area to visit near Siem Reap is the Kompong Phluk Floating Village , built upon the floodplains of Tonle Sap Lake. During the rainy season (May to November), the village floats on stilts. There are three floating villages near Siem Reap, but Kompong Phluk is the easiest to get to.

If you visit during the rainy season, then you can jump on board a small boat with a local, and get a close-up glimpse of how the villagers uniquely live on stilts. You can see how the community carries on with life over the water, doing all their daily activities as usual.

Kompong Phluk also has a beautifully flooded mangrove forest you can explore with a short yet scenic canoe ride provided by the village’s rowing boat cooperative. It is an encouraging adventure as the women of the village spearhead each ride.

Discovering Kompong Phluk with the mangrove forest only takes around a half day. There are a number of group tours available in the area and you can easily find one. Indeed, there is more to Cambodia than just temple run. And spending time at Kompong Phluk Floating Village will definitely give you an inspiring experience.

Arrange your tour to the floating villages of Tonle Sap here!

Cambodia Land Mine Museum

Submitted by Bec from wyldfamilytravel.com

Another interesting attraction to visit is the Cambodian Land Mine Museum. It is located just a short tuk-tuk ride out of Siem Reap.

The museum was originally started by Aki Ra who was a soldier for the Khmer Rouge. As part of his role, he laid land mines all over Cambodia.

Now as a sign of remorse, Aki chooses to spend much of his time defusing unexploded land mines.

He now considers this his life’s work. In fact, many of the bombs and landmines at the museum are ones he has found. Dozens of Cambodians are still killed every year by unexploded landmines, so his work is crucial. Millions have been cleared, but sadly the country still remains one of the most heavily land-mined countries in the world.

This is a result of decades of conflict. From the brutal Khmer Rouge regime a civil war, the Vietnamese occupation and American bombings.

Wandering around the museum is an emotional experience. Although, not a big museum there is so much to learn here. There are a few rooms that hold information about the Khmer Rouge and the atrocities they committed in Cambodia. But mainly the focus is on the finding and defusing of the land mines. There’s also an area with simulated Khmer Rouge soldiers and what they would have looked like. 

Entry is USD $5 (£3.80) per adult and children under 10 are free.  If you are visiting Siem Reap  this is one experience you should not miss.

The Bamboo Train

Submitted by Daniel and Ilona from toptravelsights.com

When planning a trip to Cambodia, most visitors will first think about Angkor Wat and Phnom Penh. However, this country offers a lot more places that are worth visiting.

If you want to experience a more rural and quiet side of Cambodia, you should head to Battambang. While the city itself has more than 100,000 inhabitants, it serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding countryside.

Riding a bamboo train through the rice fields is one of the most  fun things to do in Battambang . This train consists of a bamboo platform, wheels and an engine. That’s it. You will hop on, your driver will start, and then you’ll race through the fields at up to 40 km/h.

The bamboo trains, also sometimes called norry, used to be popular with locals all over Cambodia who liked them due to their low prices. As they were slow and unreliable, operations eventually stopped, and these days, bamboo trains mostly operate for tourists.

After 7km, the bamboo train ride ends. You can now watch as your driver dismantles the train by taking off the engine and the platform. You’ll get a 10 minutes break before going back again.

When visiting Battambang, make sure to go to the right bamboo train. You can find both the “original” bamboo train and a newer, far more touristy version. Find the original one for the unique experience of racing through the ricefields on nothing but a bamboo board.

Killing Caves in Battambang

Submitted by Mark from Travels in Gippslands

Riding in the tuk-tuk on the bumpy road out to the Killing Caves gives you time to contemplate your upcoming visit. Situated just outside of the town of Battambang are a small set of mountains called Phnom Sampov. It is here that members of the Khmer Rouge brought people, having torn them for them family, before brutally murdering them. It is truly gut-wrenching to consider the atrocities that took place at these caves. To visit these caves, you’ll be dropped at a small settlement at the base of the hills. From here, it is either around a 1 hour hike to the peak where the caves are located. Or you can jump in a 4×4 with a local driver to get to the top. This option takes just 15 minutes.

One of the mountains, Phnom Sampeau, has a series of caves that open into large caves further down the shaft. At the top, the victim was beaten or hit in the head and then pushed into the shaft falling into the cave. Some victims were just pushed down the shaft and left to die from the fall.

The larger of the caves is now a memorial to the victims of the Khmer regime. There is a memorial with skulls of some of the 10,000 victims from the cave. 

Eastern Cambodia

Submitted by Lauren from theplanetedit.com

Kratié is a town in eastern Cambodia, situated on the banks of the Mekong river. It’s a whole 240km north of hectic Phnom Penh, making it a great place to enjoy rural Cambodia and unwind for a few days.

The biggest draw of Kratié is without a doubt the  Irrawaddy dolphins . These are a species of river dolphin found in stretches of the Mekong across South Asia, particularly in Cambodia and Laos. They look a little like beluga whales, and have a flat, curved face and a mouth that seems to pull up into a smile. Because of this, they’ve earned the adorable nickname “the smiling face of The Mekong.”

Just 11km north of Kratié, in a small village called Kampi, there is a pod of about 20 Irrawaddy dolphins who reside in the Mekong there, which makes Kratié an excellent launching pad to visit the dolphins.

I recommend hiring a bicycle or motorbike from Kratié and heading towards Kampi. As you come into Kampi, you should spot a group of yellow boats waiting by the bank. These are there waiting to escort tourists out onto the river, in search of the dolphins. The expert boatmen know exactly where the dolphins will be, so you’re very likely to see them. However, early morning or late afternoon are the best times to go, as the dolphins tend to be more active. They only surface for a brief moment, so the biggest challenge is to try and get a photo!

Elephant Valley Project in Mondulkiri

Submitted by Lora from explorewithlora.com

The Elephant Valley Project in Cambodia is one of the most  ethical elephant encounters  in all of Southeast Asia. The project was started to rescue, rehabilitate, and return overworked and abused elephants to their natural environment.

EVP is a sanctuary setup, but deep in the jungle terrain of Cambodia. It’s located in Sen Monorom, in the Mondulkiri Province. It’s a long day of travel to get there, but absolutely worth it. This part of Cambodia is gorgeous and often overlooked by tourists.

The elephants who live there are in their natural environment, going about their daily lives as usual. As a visitor, you observe them from a safe distance. There is no handling, riding, washing, or feeding involved. While this might sound disappointing, these experiences don’t have the elephant’s best interest at heart. The goal of EVP is to give elephants back their independence, natural behaviour, and dignity.

If you’re planning to visit EVP, you have a few different options. You can either visit the sanctuary on a half-day or full-day tour, or go as a volunteer and stay overnight or longer. As a volunteer, half the day is spent working on projects that support the elephant’s conservation. The other half is spent watching the elephants in their natural environment. If you have the time, I recommend staying overnight. It’s a wonderful experience waking up in the jungle to the sounds of the elephants.

Coastal, Riverside & Mountain Towns

Submitted by Lotte from phenomenalglobe.com

Kep is a village in the south of Cambodia, close to the Vietnam border. It’s a lovely place to visit with a relaxed vibe, plenty of restaurants and accommodation options for all type of travelers. If your Cambodia itinerary allows, try to visit during the week instead of the weekend – Kep is also a popular weekend getaway from people living in Phnom Penh. During weekdays the beach is much quieter and accommodation prices are lower.

Being along the coastline, Kep serves up some great seafood, including pepper crab which is a local delicacy sold at the cafes at the Crab Market. Freshly caught crab is prepared in a pan with locally grown green peppercorn. Make sure to try some during your time in Kep! You can also visit a pepper plantation to see how pepper is grown that’s used to cook the delicious pepper crab. There are several plantations that offer tours, Sothy’s Pepper Farm is a good place to learn about pepper cultivation.

One of the other best things to do in Ker is to go hiking in Kep National Park. In this tropical forest you can follow a cool 8km jungle trail. This hiking route is well-maintained and well- signposted, and along the way you can enjoy lovely views and maybe even spot a few monkeys!

Another unusual attraction to see in Kep are the decaying French-style villas that are dotted around the town. They were built in the 1950s when Kep was Cambodia’s party town, but today lie rotting. Most of the villas were abandoned during the horrible Khmer Rouge regime and haven’t been inhabited since.

Submitted by Emily from wander-lush.org

No trip to Cambodia is complete without spending a few nights in the peaceful riverside city of Kampot. A relaxing retreat from the capital, it’s also a convenient place to break the journey between Phnom Penh and the beaches and islands in the south.

Sitting on the banks of the Preaek Tuek, Kampot moves at the same languid pace as the river. Chilling out in your rustic (or luxury) bungalow, taking a sunset cruise and trying watersports such as stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking are among  the top things to do in Kampot.

Kampot boasts some beautiful French colonial architecture, art galleries that showcase local creatives, and one of the country’s top café and restaurant scenes. Authentic Portuguese, Israeli and Italian offerings can be found alongside contemporary Khmer cuisine. Twenty Three Bistro and Café Espresso Roastery are both must-trys.

Other actives to do include hiring a bike to cycle through the salt pans and Kampot pepper plantations, join a cooking class, or perhaps go in search of the ‘secret lake’. Or for something more relaxing, book a massage treatment at social enterprise Banteay Srey (ladies only!).

Kampot is located 150km south of Phnom Penh and takes around 3.5 hours to reach by minibus. I suggest travelling with Giant Ibis, which has a good road safety record. For accommodation, I highly recommend Hotel Old Cinema, which is located inside a refurbished movie house.

Bokor Mountain

Submitted by Marya from thebeautraveler.com

Bokor Mountain  is located around 40km from Kampot. The area was initially constructed as a mountain luxury resort for French colonial residents in the early 1920s. In fact, the late Cambodian King Sihanouk still used his summer house, called The Black Palace, in Bokor until the late 1950s when he was forced to abandon it. However, there’s more to it than just the late king’s favourite summer destination.

Today, the ruins of The Black Palace (or  Veang Khmao  for the locals) offer a stunning views. While the building is no longer in use, some corners of the summer house are now painted with stunning graffitis by local artists.

Not far from the deserted palace, you can also visit the goddess statue that is believed to protect the forest and coastal provinces of Cambodia in peace, Lok Yeay Mao. The statue in Bokor is the largest statue of the goddess in Cambodia.

In addition, the highest Buddhist pagoda in Cambodia, Wat Sampov Prav is also located around the mountain. Make sure to also visit the famous Bokor Old Church. The church was entirely abandoned during the Khmer Rouge era due to the prohibition of showcasing faith and religious symbols under the communist government.

There are several options to go to the national park from either Kampot or Kep. The tour package start from as low as USD $15 (£11.40), and it’s worth the day trip!

The Islands

Cambodia’s islands are located off the southwest coast country, accessed through the gateway town of Sihanoukville.

The islands are still unaffected by mass tourism. Therefore offer the charming and understated experience you would have had on neighbouring Thailand’s islands a few decades back. The main islands are Koh Rong, which is thd largest and most popular, as well as Koh Rong Samloem. There are also the tiny Koh Kong and Koh Ta Kiev island to visit too.

It’s worth mentioning too that some of the most incredible hotels in Cambodia are located around these islands. One out-of-this-world stay is at the Song Saa Private Island although a villa with a private pool here will set you back £1,202 per night. Or consider the Six Senses Krabey Island (£1,170 per night), a beautiful tropical stay.

As mentioned, you have to travel to Sihanoukville first and from here, you can catch your ferry to the islands. Although Sihanoukville used to be one of the best party places in South East Asia around 10 years ago, today it is not a nice town. I don’t recommend visiting, unless you need to spend a night before taking the ferry.

Over the past two years, investors from China have pumped billions into Sihanoukville. The main goal has been to transform the town into an attractive Chinese holiday destination, however much of the development has not been completed. Today the town is a mish-mash of half-built construction sites, unfinished roads and it has destroyed the local ecosystem.

It has also led to a huge degree of corruption and crime, with unknowing tourists being the main targets. On my most recent visit, I did not feel safe in Sihanoukville, and sadly couldn’t wait to leave.

Submitted by Bilyana from owlovertheworld.com

Koh Rong is a true paradise and a must-visit destination on any  trip to SE Asia ! Located just half an hour boat ride away from the coast of Sihanoukville, Koh Rong is the second-largest island of Cambodia.

There are 43km of white sandy beaches across the island, all perfect to watch one of the breathtaking sunsets each evening. The crystal-clear ocean water is warm year-round, making Koh Rong one of the best places to visit in Cambodia. Falling in love with the island is easy and often happens at first sight. The serene beauty of Koh Rong is welcoming all types of travellers: solo travelers, couples, families, groups, etc.

While the main tourist beach creates a vibrant party atmosphere, there are many peaceful and less-busier parts around the island. So whatever kind of trip you’re looking for, you’ll find something to suit in Koh Rong.

Snorkelling and scuba diving are among the best things to do on the island. Koh Rong is home to some of the most exquisite marine life. Other water activities that you can do include kayaking, windsurfing, and paddle boarding. Having the opportunity to choose between all of these guarantees that you won’t get bored in Koh Rong.

But of course, there’s more that Koh Rong has to offer. Another highlight is to join an island hopping tour that finishes with an opportunity to swim with the glowing plankton. Although you can see the plankton on the beaches in other areas in Cambodia, Koh Rong is one of the best places to see them away from light pollution.

Koh Rong Samloem

Submitted by Cecilie from wowiwalkers.com

Koh Rong Samloem is everything you imagine a tropical island to be. White sandy beaches, a clear turquoise ocean with nothing on the horizon, and fresh coconuts ready to be consumed.

Koh Rong Samloem is the sister island to popular Koh Rong. It’s a small island with poor Wi-Fi. But this will finally give you the opportunity to go offline and enjoy that book you never got to finish. There are also no roads on the island, but you can go jungle hiking from beach to beach or grab a water taxi.

But there is more to this island than hanging in a hammock all day. In fact, there are plenty of  things to do on Koh Rong Samloem . You can go jungle trekking, kayaking, diving and snorkeling, or see the bioluminescent plankton at night.

Book an afternoon snorkelling tour and see the bioluminescence plankton here!

If you do want to lay back and relax, then some of the bests beaches to visit are the popular white sandy beach at Saracen Bay, the quieter Sunset Beach or the local M’Pay Bay. There’s something for everyone on this slice of island paradise!

But prepare yourself before your departure. Koh Rong Samloem doesn’t have an ATM and you can’t pay with a credit card. So book your hotel before arrive, and make sure to stock up on cash before you get to this beautiful paradise island in Cambodia.

Cambodia Travel Guide

So there’s my guide to travelling around Cambodia. As you can see, there’s so much more to the country than just Angkor Wat. In particular, other temples that are so worth visiting and don’t have the crowds. From the stunning paradise islands, to the outdoor adventures in eastern Cambodia or the unusual bamboo train in Battambang. There’s plenty to see and do in Camdodia!

I do hope this Cambodia guide has been helpful and inspires you to explore more of this beautiful South East Asian country. Please, as always, do let me know if you have any questions!

Cambodia works really well as a twin-centre trip with Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. Check out my other South East Asia blog posts here:

• Best things to do in Luang Prabang, Laos
• Ethical elephant experience in Laos
• Island-hopping the Phi Phi Islands in Thailand
• Mai Khao paradise beach in Phuket, Thailand

Disclaimer:  This guide has no involvement from the local tourism board or a hotel .

Enjoyed my guid e to the best things to do in Cambodia?  Pin it !

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This is a very good tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere. Short but very accurate info… Thanks for sharing this one. A must read article!

can you quote for an itinerary for 8 to 10 nights with sightseeing of important places with relaxed stay. Accommodation 3 star hotels with breakfast on double occupancy basis. We are two elderly couple who will arrive around 11th of March in Phnom Penh airport. we will leave also from this airport to India via KUL.

Best regards Nair

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• 30 Exciting Things To Do In Cambodia For A Truly Refreshing Retreat In 2024

23 Mar 2023

Many flock to Cambodia for the prospect of witnessing its spectacular temples, timeless ruins, undisturbed beaches, and for experiencing its rich, cultural heritage. But not many people know that Cambodia has as much an incredible range of activities for visitors as it has scenic attractions to bewitch travelers. Be it a kid, a teenager, an adult, a couple, a family, or just friends, the city of Cambodia has many surprises that caters to the needs of all types of travelers across all age groups.

From cruising, indulging in watersports, swimming with elephants, riding through temples on bikes, to venturing on an unstoppable shopping spree, there’s a promising adventure awaiting every kind of traveler that visits this ancient kingdom. In fact, with the plethora of things to do in Cambodia , one visit won’t be enough!

30 Best Things To Do In Cambodia

Cambodia is a land of wonders. From enchanting temples to magical street, there is never a dull moment when one starts exploring the goodness of this city. Since there are a lot of things to do in Cambodia, we have listed the best ones. Take a look!

• Biking – Explore Siem Reap on A Bike
• Apsara Dance – Witness The Khmer Performance
• Cruising – Spot Dolphins And Enjoy The Sunset
• Ta Prohm – Explore The Temple Of ‘Tomb Raider’
• Cambodian Cuisine – Gorge On Fresh Seafood And Amok
• Phnom Penh Palace – Explore Its Opulent Architecture
• Angkor Wat – Explore The World’s Largest Temple
• National Parks – Engage With The Wild
• Swimming – Swim With The Elephants
• Tuol Sleng – Discover The Torture House’s Secrets
• Beaching – Relax At the Laid-Back Beaches
• Diving – Explore The World Underneath Sihanoukville
• National Museum – Check Out Attractive Khmer Artwork
• Shopping – Grab Souvenirs From The Local Markets
• Cambodian Spa – Pampered Yourself
• Preah Khan – Explore The Huge Buddha Temple
• Cambodia Landmine Museum – See The War Preserves
• Battambang Bat Caves – Visit The Killing Caves
• Baphuon Temple – See The Mountain Temple
• The Cambodian Circus Show – Watch The Past Stories
• Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center – Treat The Animal Lover Within
• Artisans Angkor – Buy Some Beautiful Ancient Artifacts
• Popokvil Waterfall – Witness The Magic Of Water
• Treak Village – Cambodian Village Cooking Class
• Angkor Tour – Watch The Sunrise From A Tuk Tuk
• Bayon Temple – Seek Blessings
• Siem Reap – Meditation
• Kampot River – Excursion
• Yeak Laom – Explore The Volcanic Lake
• Sangkat Phsar Thmei Ti Muoy – Shop Till You Drop

1. Biking – Explore Siem Reapon A Bike

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Considering that the country is all about lush greenery, pristine temples in Cambodia , and a quiet, relaxed atmosphere, travelers like to keep it that way when they’re exploring it. Cycling tours are thus a convenient way of sightseeing and one of the most popular things to do in Cambodia for backpackers. Riding through quiet trails of the countryside amidst breathtaking natural scenery lets travelers escape the crowd and busy roads These tours typically include sightseeing of Ta Prohm , Elephant Terrace , Bayon , and other prominent Angkor temples. Exploring this wonderful country on a bike is one of the cool things to do in Cambodia .

Average Cost: INR 3,000/- per person

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2. Apsara Dance – Witness The Khmer Performance

For the lovers of art, theatrics, & dance, the Apsara Show, or the traditional Khmer performance , is one of the best things to do in Cambodia. This cultural dance form draws its roots from the mythological courts of kings and Gods, from where it has developed into its modern, unique form that we see today. The Khmer dance revolves around a storyline which it narrates through the attractive, flexible movements of the performers and their colourful, eye-catching attires , which is why it is among the top things to do in Cambodia .

Where: Apart from theatres and cafes, many hotels also organize the show and if you’re lucky, you might just get to enjoy it at yours! Average Cost: INR 1,500/- per person Tip: Watch the show at Temple Balcony at Pub Street in Siem Reap for free!

Suggested Read: 10 Best Indian Restaurants In Cambodia For A Delectable Vacay

3. Cruising – Spot Dolphins And Enjoy The Sunset

Cruising the Mekong is one of the most exhilarating experiences for travelers visiting here. Sailing from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap on a traditional Cambodian boat is one of the most enriching and fun things to do in at Cambodia. Other than the relaxing journey, the stunning views of the sunset that one can witness from aboard the cruise is like a cherry on the cake! On the journey, one can also easily spot the Irrawaddy river dolphins in the water, the rarest of all aquatic mammals. Observing these peaceful, friendly creatures in their natural habitat is undoubtedly among the refreshing things to do in Phnom Penh.

Average Cost: INR 600/- for group tours or backpacker tours; & INR 3,300/- per person for private tours.

Suggested Read: 10 Lavish Hotels In Cambodia That’ll Turn Your Stay Into An Unforgettable Experience

4. Ta Prohm – Explore The Temple Of ‘Tomb Raider’

The only structure in Angkor that has been left in its pristine form, Ta Prohm is a fascinating example of the power of Nature and amongst the most preferred places to visit in Cambodia . The enormous roots grasping the shrine seem to be challenging the world to try and alter the structure! This ‘Tomb Raider’ fame sanctum in Angkor with its huge silk cotton trees and strangler figs is perhaps the most photogenic place in Cambodia, and thus among the best tourist attractions in Cambodia .

Admission charges: INR 1,343/- for a 1 Day Pass, INR 2,687/- for a 3 Day Pass, & INR 4,030/- for a 7 Day Pass (per person) Opening hours: 5 am to 6 pm

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5. Cambodian Cuisine – Gorge On Fresh Seafood And Amok

One of the major attractions of Cambodia that drive people to visit this paradise is its food. A typical Cambodian meal consists of rice and a fish item. Often called the ‘cuisine of contrasts’ , Cambodian food involves a lot of variations which travelers fall in love with. Among the range of dishes one must try here is Fish Amok (steamed coconut fish in banana leaves), Samlor Machu Trey (sweet and sour soup with fish), Nom Banh Chok (Khmer noodles), and the Num Anksom  Sach Chrouk (sticky rice cake). Also, with its vast range of seafood, Cambodia is one of the best places for seafood lovers.

Where to eat: Khema in Phnom Penh, Genevieve’s Restaurant in Siem Reap, & Holy Crab in Kep are some of the best restaurants in Cambodia .

Suggested Read: 18 Best Things To Do In Phnom Penh On Your Vacay To Cambodia

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6. Phnom Penh Palace – Explore Its Opulent Architecture

The star attraction of Phnom Penh built back in 1860 is not just a glittery palace dominating the city’s skyline, but also an important reminder of Cambodia’s blood-stained history. The elegant structure is characterized by its crown of stupas and towering spires, the handsome Silver Pagoda sitting adjacent to it, manicured tropical gardens, and the tranquility that prevails inside its high-rise walls . With all this and more, the Royal Palace is undoubtedly one of the best Cambodia tourist attractions and also, one of the best things to do in Phnom Penh, Cambodia .

Admission fee: INR 200/- per person (additional INR 134/- as camera charges) Opening hours: From 7:30 am to 11 am & 2 pm to 5 pm

Suggested Read: Cambodia Visa For Indians: A Handy Guide For First Time Visitors

7. Angkor Wat – Explore The World’s Largest Temple

The most famous, most ancient, and the largest temple of the world is what drives majority of the world’s travelers to Cambodia. Significant as it is, the temple aslo happens to be one of the most romantic places to visit in Cambodia . The unrivaled beauty and pristine persona of this UNESCO World Heritage site is unlike anywhere else on earth, which is why it is among the prominent Cambodia monuments . Built in the 12th century as a dedication to Lord Vishnu , this ancient wonder of the world has stood the test of time.

Admission charges (Angkor Complex): INR 1,343/- for a 1 Day Pass, INR 2,687/- for a 3 Day Pass, INR 4,030/- for a 7 Day Pass (per person Opening hours (Angkor Complex): 5 am to 6 pm

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8. National Parks – Engage With The Wild

Not interested in temples? We got you covered. Apart from an endless number of temples, attractions also include various national parks in Cambodia and wildlife sanctuaries housing some of the rarest species of the world’s flora and fauna . Paying a visit to these is one of the most fun things to do in Cambodia for adventure seekers and nature lovers. While Virachey National Park is home to elephants, sun bears, tigers, clouded leopards , and various birds, the Ream Park is famous for globally endangered birds of prey, like the Brahminy kite, grey-headed fish eagle and white-bellied sea eagle .

Suggested Read: 10 Most Popular Festivals In Cambodia: An Insight Into Its Rich Culture

9. Swimming – Swim With The Elephants

This is one of the crazy things to do in Cambodia . The Elephant Valley Project at Mondulkiri is a group of dedicated, passionate individuals whose work is directed towards care and conservation of abandoned, injured, overworked, and orphaned elephants. Popularly known as a place where ‘elephants get to be elephants again’, EVP feeds, protects, and provides shelter to elephants . Travelers can come here with prior booking for a chance to be with these adorable, gentle beings. Visitors can play and swim with these elephants which is anyways better than riding on them and adding to their misery.

Click here for more information about the Project and on how to book an excursion.

Suggested Read: 13 Things Not To Do In Cambodia To Save Yourself The Embarrassment

10. Tuol Sleng – Discover The Torture House’s Secrets

The War Museum in Tuol Sleng, though not exactly a cheerful place, is an important place to visit in Cambodia for its gruesome history. Back in Khmer Rouge era (between 1975-79), the school-cum-execution ground was used to detain and brutally torture inmates. This S-21 Detention Centre today acts as a haunting reminder of the endless genocide of the period. Visiting the museum might not be one of the most top things to do in Cambodia , but one must definitely pay their respects to the brave men and women who lost their lives here.

Admission charges: INR 134/- per person (additional INR 402/- for guide) Opening hours: 7 am to 5:30 pm

Suggested Read: These 10 Popular Hostels In Cambodia Are Perfect For Young Backpackers!

11. Beaching – Relax At the Laid-Back Beaches

Cambodia has some of the most relaxed, laid-back beaches in Southeast Asia. Among the varied popular Cambodia tourist attractions are the sandy, pretty beaches of Sihanoukville , Kep , Koh Rong , and Ream which provide travelers with every bit of comfort and splendid views. Travelers can bask in the sun lying comfortably on hammocks and recliners, get a massage, dine at the beach shacks, go snorkeling in Cambodia , fishing & boating, among other things. Travelers looking for a rather relaxed holiday must check out the islands and beaches in Cambodia . Also, island hopping in Cambodia is considered to be one of the most adventurous things to do in Cambodia for all the travelers alike.

Average cost for Island Trip: INR 1,500/- per person

Suggested Read: Beyond Thailand: 10 Alternate Travel Destinations in Asia This Summer

12. Diving – Explore The World Underneath Sihanoukville

The beauty of Cambodia isn’t just limited to what one sees on the surface, but also in the vast, vibrant world underneath. The diving sites in Sihanoukville are blessed with crystal clear water, favourable water temperature, colourful corals, and a diverse range of marine life including seahorses , whale sharks , sting rays , eels , triggerfish , barracuda , nudibranch , starfish , and many more. The world’s adventure seekers find scuba diving in Cambodia to be one of the most fun things to do in the country. With an year-round favourable climate for diving, except a little less visibility in monsoons, the seas of Cambodia attract divers from all over the world every year. Exploring the underwater world is one of the best things to do in Sihanoukville . 

Best time for diving in Cambodia: November to May Average cost: Diving: INR 12,000/- per person | Snorkeling: INR 1,700/- per person

Suggested Read: Cambodia In March: An Extensive Guide To Enjoy A Marchacation

13. National Museum – Check Out Attractive Khmer Artwork

What to see in Cambodia will not be your concern because it offers a lot. The National Museum of Cambodia takes pride in its impressive art collection from the Khmer era, most of which disappeared at the time of the Khmer Rouge due to illegal smuggling. Some of the finest examples of Khmer artwork on display here include ancient stonework , bronze tools and weapons , attractive bronze drums , ceramics , statues , sculptures , and more items with intricate carvings of Gods and Goddesses on them. Apart from being visually alluring, the artifacts also provide a deep insight into Cambodia’s history and the lives of its people back then, which is why it holds a prominent place on the list of tourist attractions in Cambodia.

Opening hours: 8 am to 5 pm Admission charges: INR 335/- per person (free for children)

Suggested Read: 10 Best Restaurants In Kampot To Savor The Delicious Flavors Of Cambodia

14. Shopping – Grab Souvenirs From The Local Markets

With its massive variety of inexpensive handicraft products, shopping in Cambodia is a natural therapy for shopping freaks.

What to buy: Some of the best things to buy in Cambodia include silver trinkets, precious gems and stones, betel nut boxes, rice paper prints (imprints of Angkor temples), checkered Krama scarves, weaving silk, carved wooden items, and more.

Where to buy: Travelers can buy quality Cambodian items at reasonable prices from Angkor Night Market, Made in Cambodia Market, Angkor Handicraft Association, Old Market, and the Russian Market in Phnom Penh.

Suggested Read: 10 Cambodian Street Food Everyone Must Try On Their Trip

15. Cambodian Spa – Pampered Yourself

Another of the enlivening Cambodia attractions are its spa therapies that are rather different from the usual Southeastern spa. The traditional Khmer spa has a distinctive approach to health and relaxation, which is reflected in its unusual variety of spa treatments and therapies. The major cities of Cambodia house many certified massage and spa centres. The spa and massage therapies of Cambodia popular among visitors include the Khmer Traditional Herbal Spa , Aroma Spa , Hot Oil Massage , Deep Tissue , Slimming Massage , Hot Stone , and various types of facials and scrubs.

Tip: Don’t forget to try the ticklish Fish Spa for a fun, yet relaxing spa experience which is one of the best things to do in Cambodia.

Suggested Read: Koh Rong Samloem Island Guide: All About Cambodia’s Perfect Island!

16. Preah Khan – Explore The Huge Buddha Temple

Preah Khan is an ancient temple located in the northeast of Angkor Archaeological Park. The temple was built by King Jayavarman VII. The name of the temple means a ‘royal sword’. Preah Khan is dedicated to Lord Buddha, who is known in the name of Avalokiteshvara here. The temple was the former residence of the royal clan who were in rule of this region. This huge temple complex has two main gateways that lead into the main hall.

Location: Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia Timings: 5 am to 6 pm Cost: starts from INR 1380

Suggested Read: Angkor Wat In Cambodia: A Guide To The Sacred Ancient Wonderland!

17. Cambodia Landmine Museum – See The War Preserves

Cambodia Landmine Museum is your place if you are an environment lover. Cambodia has been one of the most mined countries in the world. Due to the several struggles in the history of Cambodia including the brutal Khmer Rouge regime, American bombings, civil war, genocide, and Vietnamese occupation, this place still has many mines buried in its land. Over the years, many people have lost their lives due to the explosion of these landmines. Thought, a large number of mines have been cleared off the land, a lot of it still remains hidden inside it. These rescued mines have been preserved in the Cambodia Landmine Museum. They also spread awareness among its members regarding the same.

Location: 67, Siem Reap Angkor, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia. Timings: 7.30 am – 5.30 pm Cost: INR 350

Suggested Read: 10 Top Churches In Cambodia That’ll Add More Bliss & Beauty To Your Trip

18. Battambang Bat Caves – Visit The Killing Caves

Located at the base of Mount Sampeou is the Battambang Bat Caves. Also known as the Killing Caves, this is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Cambodia and also amongst the most unique things to do in Cambodia . Since bats are nocturnal birds, they go out from the caves at night. So, many tourists come here to watch the bats flock out of the cave to the nearby trees and branches. The sight is interesting and lasts for about 40 minutes. But it is safer to leave the place in 10 minutes. There are bikes that would tow you to the hill and back.

Timings: Evenings Cost: INR 200 for trekking the hill

Suggested Read: 8 Best Trails For Hiking In Cambodia For A Refreshing Experience

19. Baphuon Temple – See The Mountain Temple

Constructed in the mid-11th century by King Udayadityavarman II, Baphuon Temple is another gorgeous example of Khmer style architecture. This three-layered mountain temple is set in the heart of Angkor, which was the second capital of the Khmer empire. Around the 20th Century, the royal temple started becoming worn out and it took around 16 years to complete its restoration process. This is because the temple is built in a very complex structure also winning it an unofficial title of the ‘largest 3D jigsaw puzzle in the world’. Baphuon Temple is dedicated to the Hindu Lord Shiva.

Location: Angkor Thom, towards the north western side of Bayon Timings: 5 am to 6 pm

Suggested Read: 4 Days In Cambodia: 6 Amazing Experience To Have On Your Tour

20. The Cambodian Circus Show – Watch The Past Stories

If you love performed art and entertainment you would surely enjoy spending time in Siem Reap’s Phare Circus Ring Road. This is considered to be one of the best things to do in Siem Reap . With a variety of exciting dance, music, art and circus shows, your holiday experience in Cambodia will become super exciting. The talented artists will surprise you with their performances based on historical and folk stories. The performers from all age groups, who have also presented their talent on the international platforms, give performances here. They convey their personal hardships, struggles and abuse stories also through these shows.

Location: Phare Circus Ring Road, south of the intersection with Sok San Road, Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia, Cambodia Ticket Cost: starts from INR 2400

Suggested Read: Top 10 Holy Siem Reap Temples You Should Stop By

21. Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center – Treat The Animal Lover Within

One might run out of ideas when it comes to picking unique experiences for what to do in Cambodia for 5 days , but thanks to the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre, you can visit your favorite animals time and again. Home to around 1200 animals, you can find different kinds of species here. Needless to say, this is also one of the most unique zoos in Cambodia.

Admission charges: NA Opening hours: 8 am to 5 pm

Suggested Read: 7 Reasons That Will Compel You To Travel To Cambodia In Summer

22. Artisans Angkor – Buy Some Beautiful Ancient Artifacts

If you are still looking for different sights and things to do in Cambodia, Siem Reap is the place to be. A popular destination amongst locals and tourists alike, Artisans Angkor houses some of the finest artifacts that reflect the Khmer culture at its best. You can also buy decorative items and handmade clothes from here.

Location: Chantiers-Ecoles, Stung Thmey Street, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

Suggested Read: 9 Best Homestays In Cambodia For A More Authentic Holiday Experience

23. Popokvil Waterfall – Witness The Magic Of Water

Amongst the topmost free or cheap things to do in Cambodia, visiting the Popokvil Waterfall is one experience you must have during your holiday. It is located in the Kampot Province, around 3 miles away from the Bokor Hill Station, and is a gorgeous two-tiered fall with a shallow pool in between. With time, this fall has also become a famous scenic spot and is one of the best waterfalls in Cambodia .

Location: Kampot Province, Cambodia

Suggested Read: 9 Best Cambodia Resorts For A Spectacular Vacation In The Exotic Kingdom!

24. Treak Village – Cambodian Village Cooking Class

There are many free things to do in Cambodia like cycling, tuk-tuk ride, and sailing by the beautiful rivers. However, some paid expeditions and experiences would also enrich your experience on a holiday to this amazing destination. Try out the culinary experiences like learning how to cook authentic Cambidian cuisines. This experience can be learned with the help of a local chef, either in the villages or the city area. Trying the former option may bring you an authentic cultural experience. Go to the rural regions and learn from the local chefs.

Location: Treak Village, Sojourn Lane, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia Price: Approximately 1500 INR per adult

Suggested Read: Waterfalls Near Siem Reap: To Get Your Inner Waterbaby Out In Cambodia

25. Angkor Tour – Watch The Sunrise From A Tuk Tuk

There are many things that come free of cost in the world – laughing, happiness, dancing, and many others. Watching the sunrise is amongst these and also the many free things to do in Cambodia . Head to Siem Reap and experience the spectacular sunrise here. To do this different, head out for a day out to the Angkor region on a tuk-tuk. While experiencing the local elements, you would be able to catch a spectacular sunrise. Ride through the Angkor Archeological Park and pass through Angkor Wat to experience an amazing amalgamation of nature, architecture, and a spectacular sunrise in the back.

Location: Wat Bo Road, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia Price: Approximately 1000 INR for the tour

Suggested Read: Cambodia Travel Tips: For A Carefree Holiday Plan In This Charming Land With Your Loved Ones

26. Bayon Temple – Seek Blessings

Get to Angkor Archaeological Park and head to the enchanting Bayon Temple. This majestic temple was built during the 12th century CW when the Buddhist King Jayavarman VII ruled. The temple amalgamates Buddhist and Hindu styles of architecture and is a marvel for anyone who visits this place. The architecture of this place is especially spectacular amongst other elements related to the temple. While you are on a trip to Cambodia, come and seek blessings at this majestic temple in Angkor Thom.

Location: Angkor Thom, Siem Reap, Cambodia Price: One day, three-day and seven-day passes cost USD 20, USD 40 and USD 60 respectively.

Suggested Read: Cambodia Honeymoon Guide: An Intimate Journey Through The Royal Kingdom

27. Siem Reap – Meditation

Amongst the many free things to do in Cambodia is meditation, an activity that relaxes one’s mind. With a destination like Cambodia, especially Siem Reap, one is bound to have a relaxing and tranquil time while meditating. The natural beauty around adds to the entire experience. Pair this with yoga courses and nature trails to enjoy the best of what this amazing destination has to offer. Try out the meditation classes related to Theravada Buddhism in any of the Buddhist monasteries that is one of the thrilling activities to do in Cambodia .

Location: Siem Reap, Battambang and Phnom Penh Price: Depends upon the course. A private yoga session may cost around 1700 INR

Suggested Read: 10 Cambodia Beaches & Islands For A Laid-back Retreat

28. Kampot River – Excursion

Go on an excursion to Kampot and check out the beautiful Kampot River. Amongst the many free things to do in Cambodia , this is one of the top-rated. Even though it is an off-beat experience, it has come to the forefront for the choices for tourists and travelers. You can swim here and also go for kayaking. Check out the riverside guest houses here for additional fun.

Location: Kampot Province, Cambodia Price: Free of Cost

29. Yeak Laom

Wondering what to do in Cambodia that is off the beaten path but turns out to be an amazing experience? Explore the iconic Yeak Laom Lake that is said to be a 4000-year old lake that got formed in the shape of an almost perfect circle due to its volcanic nature. Filling the crater with water with time post a volcanic eruption and surrounded by forests on all sides, this is one of the best offbeat places to explore in Cambodia for all those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Location: Ratanakiri Length: 2,460 ft. Width: 2,460 ft. Depth: 157 ft.

30. Sangkat Phsar Thmei Ti Muoy

Much famed as the Central Market and literally translating into “New Market”, exploring the Sangkat Phsar Thmei Ti Muoy market is one of the best activities in Cambodia for a traveler to engage in. Reckoned to be the largest market of the capital city – Phnom Penh, it is not just one of the biggest markets in Asia but also flaunts one of the biggest domes in the continent. Make sure you shop till you drop here!

Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Further Read: 23 Romantic Budget Honeymoon Destinations In Asia For Every Budget

Isn’t Cambodia an awe-inspiring destination? And if you know of any more things to do in Cambodia , tell us in the comments below. But before you do that, share this with your buddies and plan an adventurous getaway to Cambodia right away. The secrets of the Khmer is waiting to be unraveled and explored by you. So come and indulge in the culture and history of this beautiful land of spectacular ruins.

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Cambodia

What are the activities to do in Cambodia?

Some of the popular activities that tourists engage in are biking, witnessing the exceptional performance in Apsara Dance, indulging in cruising, and tantalising their taste buds with Cambodian cuisine.

Are hotels in Cambodia maintaining hygiene during the Covid crisis?

Most of the hotels in Cambodia are taking all the safety measures to offer their guests a comfortable stay including regular cleaning of the hotel rooms and maintaining hygiene in their restaurants as well.

Is Cambodia cheap for tourists?

Cambodia is indeed a great destination for the tourists looking out for economical travelling options as the coast of food and accommodations are not that expensive as to create a hole through your pockets. On daily basis, a single person will be expected to spend 10 to 12 dollars.

What is Cambodia best known for?

Cambodia is famous for the Angkor Wat, which is one of the most remarkable places to visit. And alongside that, there are other heritage places which still holds the history.

Is Cambodia worth visiting?

Cambodia is totally worth visiting as there are a lot of heritage temples and other ancient ruins which makes a perfect place to explore. There are many things to do in Cambodia which also includes exploring the heritage sites.

How many days do you need in Cambodia?

5 days are absolutely enough to spend in Cambodia. People can spend around 2 days in Phnom Penh and 3 days in Siem Reap to enjoy all the best sights of the country.

What should I do in Cambodia for 2 weeks?

If someone is planning a vacation in Cambodia for 2 weeks, make sure to explore the markets and temples. One must also visit Siem Reap and also witness the beautiful sunrise at Angkor Wat. Alongside that there is Phnom Kulen and the circus and also meet the artisans at Siem Reap. If you still have time, go and explore the Sihanoukville and hit the islands.

Is Cambodia safe for tourists?

Cambodia is an all year round destination where the hospitality of tourists is the major priority. In general, the country is safe but one has to be alert in an unknown country. The only exception here is at the remote areas of Phnom Penh at night.

What can a tourist not eat in Cambodia?

While in Cambodia, try to avoid eating fresh salads and raw vegetables which are actually washed with contaminated water. Apart from that also avoid eating raw shellfish, raw crab and cold cooked meats. And no matter where you stay, stick to bottled water for brushing the teeth.

What is the best time of the year to go to Cambodia?

November to February is considered the best to visit in Cambodia when the weather is cool and the dry season comes up in full swing which makes it one of the peak times of the year to visit.

What is the average rainfall in Cambodia?

Cambodia receives rainfall of 1400 mm annually in the central low land areas and can reach up to 4000 mm in some of the coastal zones or the highland areas.

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The 10 Most Famous Places to Visit in Cambodia

Things to see in cambodia: top destinations in the “temple” country

1.1 angkor wat, 1.2 downtown siem reap, 2. phnom penh, 3. battambang, 5. mondulkiri, 6. ratanakiri, 8. sihanoukville, 9. tonle sap, 10. other destinations not to be missed.

What comes to your mind once you think of Cambodia? An ancient country with the marvellous temples of Angkor to enjoy, a mysterious destination from the movie "Lara Croft - Tomb Raider" (2001) to discover, a country with the painful period during Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge regime or a developing country with totally authentic and wild landscapes... Whichever appears, it absolutely touches the hearts of all travellers and inspires us to explore one of the most fascinating destinations in South-East Asia. In this article, we make a nice list of the best places to visit in Cambodia to consider for your trip

1. Siem Reap: dream of the Khmer Empire’s flourishing era

Siem Reap is definitely a place coming to the top of your mind when planning a trip to Cambodia. The province is a perfect combination of modern, Indochine and ancient Cambodian architecture. Let's find out what we can see in Siem Reap.

We cannot define the charm of this masterpiece of human beings. It fascinates everyone with the majestic buildings, known as the largest religious complex on the planet with extraordinary temples. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, also recognised as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is undoubtedly a must-see place once you arrive in Cambodia. Founded in the 12th century as the capital of the Khmer Empire, Angkor Wat was abandoned for a long time amidst dense forests but thanks to the system of trenches wrapped around, it was protected from invasion by vines and trees. However, some temples are still engulfed by the giant trees, the most famous of which would have to be Ta Prohm, the one featured in the 2001 Lara Croft film.

When you visit Angkor Wat, don't miss the very beautiful temples here such as Ta Prohm, Angkor Thom, Beng Mealea, Ta Keo, Banteay Srei, Bayon, Preah Khan, Phnom Kulen, Pre Rup.

The town is attractive to everyone with its bright colours, very clean and well-organised streets. Only about 15km away from Angkor Wat, the breath of modern life makes the town an ideal place for relaxation after the long days among the archaeological relics. The city offers a nice Angkor Museum that helps you understand more about the Wonder of the World, an interesting night market, Angkor Minigolf activities, Cambodia's Landmine Museum, the Butterfly Centre and a variety of cafes, restaurants, hotels.

Being the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh is a testament to the country's modern urban life, and a testament to a life born out of history. Today the city shows the splendour of the country's most advanced city through the shops, restaurants, high quality services, lit river cruises and tall buildings. However, for those who visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the extermination camps, you still feel the sadness behind.

As Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy, Phnom Penh is the country's most important political centre and home to King Norodom's family. Once in Phnom Penh, don't miss the chance to visit the Royal Palace to learn about the history and royal rituals. It's also a way to put your feet in the living place of the nobility.

Other destinations in Phnom Penh that you can visit are the Silver Pagoda, National Museum, Koh Dach, Toul Tumpang Russian Market.

As an important centre during French colonisation, Battambang is the second most populated city in Cambodia. The city is full of French workshops that are as well preserved so far as the ancient temples such as Ek Phnom pagoda, Damrey Sor pagoda.

Besides the colonial ambience in the centre, you can also enjoy the local rural life in Battambang. Don't miss taking a ride on a 'bamboo train', a means of transport handmade by locals and used to transport goods in the past. Not far from the 'bamboo train station' is Phnom Sampov, known by the name Bat Cave or even Death Caves for its bloody history. 

Another special thing in Battambang that you cannot exclude is to enjoy a very interesting and typical Phare Circus show. Kayaking down the Stung Sangke River is also an extra-interesting experience for sports enthusiasts.

Kratie is a small town located on the banks of the Mekong River. It is a must-see place in Cambodia for adventurous souls who want a trip down this famous river in South-East Asia. Kratie is also a place to admire the rare Mekong orcelle, a species of freshwater dolphin. Now the population of this breed is only 66-86, and is listed in the Red Book.

Once you arrive in Kratie, beyond the boat ride to hunt for photos of the special water dolphins, you can take the ferry to Koh Trong Island, a lush oasis on the river where you'll have the chance to see Khmer piles amidst the verdant gardens. It is one of the most poetic and peaceful places to enjoy sunrise and sunset over the Mekong River in Cambodia.

Located in the east of Cambodia, on the border with Vietnam, Mondulkiri province is one of the least populated areas of the country. Still untouched by mass tourists, here you can enjoy a totally peaceful atmosphere with the unique beauty and life of wild animals. This is the home of the Bunong and Phnong ethnic minorities, so apart from the charm of nature, the country also attracts people who want to discover a new culture. 

The places not to miss in Mondulkiri are Bou Sra waterfall, Chrey Thom waterfall and Memang gold mine.

Ratanakiri is a province in the north-east of Cambodia and is an ideal destination for nature lovers. It is a nice escape from urban life, allowing you to experience the natural atmosphere and discover the lives of Cambodia's ethnic minorities. The downtown of this province is Banlung, where you will find hotels and homestays, so many tourists only know the name Banlung.

Once you arrive in the province, you will definitely see these places:

• Yeak Laom - The volcanic lake 
• The Virachey National Park
• The Wild Lumphat Sanctuary
• The Veal stone fields
• Waterfalls Ka Chanh, Ka Tieng, Cha Ong

Kampot is a nice province that offers you many possibilities to visit aspects of the country: national park, pagodas, beaches, countryside, centre with French architecture... Kampot is an ideal place if you want to spend time in a quiet province and experience real life in Cambodia.

If you go to Kampot, don't miss the chance to visit the pepper cultivation (Kampot pepper is highly prized in the world), Kep beach (known for its speciality - crab), Rabbit Island - Koh Tonsay, Bokor national park.

Sihanoukville is a rather important port province in Cambodia. It is an ideal place for those looking for a beach holiday amidst white tropical beaches. The most beautiful beaches on the coast are Otres, Sokha and Serendipity.

If you want to consider the most beautiful options for your relaxing days by the sea, the pretty islands opposite Sihanoukville are recommended for you: Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem, Song Saa, Koh Ta Kiev, Koh Sdach, Koh Russei, Koh Thmei.

Despite not really being a province, we also list Tonle Sap on the list of the top things to see in Cambodia. Extending to the north-west of the country, Tonle Sap Lake is the largest lake in Cambodia. There are many different types of floating villages on the lake: some on stilts and the others on boats. The lake is very important in the lives of the people living on the river, which provides an abundance of fish. The most beautiful villages on Tonle Sap Lake are Kompong Phluk, Kompong Khleang, Chong Kneas, Mechrey Kampong Luong.

The lake is also a place to admire a myriad of migratory birds, 200 species of fish, crocodiles, macaques. You can also make a stop at the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary on your Tonle Sap Lake visit.

• Preah Vihear Temple, Preah Vihear Province

• Koh Ker Temple, Preah Vihear Province

• Banteay Chhmar Temple, Banteay Chhmar Province
• Sambor Prei Kuk Archaeological Zone, Kompong Thom Province
• Mount Cardamom, Pusat Province

Cambodia is indeed a very fascinating country for all tourists looking for an authentic destination, rich in culture with wild natural beauty. With this list of the best places to visit in Cambodia , I hope you will already have several ideas for your next trip.

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• Sabrina Zinzani Italy

• Kayla Le Vietnam

• Sheryl Maye Hungary

Good morning, could you please suggest an authentic tour to Cambodia and Vietnam within 9 days? Thank you 

Hi Sheryl, you can refer to this itinerary starting from Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam and departing from Siem Reap, Cambodia: https://izitour.com/en/from-saigon-to-angkor-tour . Please choose the number of people and travel date to get the best instant quote. Best regards,

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9 Things to do in Cambodia + Tourist Spots

Do not miss Cambodia, if you love to go on temple runs.

This country to home to Southeast Asia’s grandest archaeological site — the ancient city of Angkor.

Most travelers only go to Siem Reap to see Angkor Wat.

Hopefully, this list will inspire you to visit the country longer and see to other destinations that are worth a peek.

Read on to discover must-visit places and top things to do for first-time travelers.

1. Siem Reap

Location : Cambodia (west) . Save on Google Maps .

Angkor Wat is a good reason to wander into this part of the world. It is but one temple in the ancient city of Angkor, which is filled with many other ruined structures worth visiting as well. Travelers arrive by way of Siem Reap, the tourist hub to Angkor and busiest international gateway to Cambodia.

How to go :

Siem Reap International Airport (REP) is Cambodia’s busiest airport. This airport serves direct flights from Kuala Lumpur (2h flight duration), Bangkok (1h), Singapore (2H), Hong Kong (2H 40m), Seoul and other cities in Southeast and East Asia. Popular airlines include AirAsia, Cambodia Angkor Air, SilkAir, Sky Angkor Airlines, Thai Airways & Vietnam Airlines.

Siem Reap is a popular route along the Thailand-Cambodia-Vietnam “Banana Pancake” trail. It is possible to travel by land to Siem Reap from Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) via several border crossings. Travel time to Siem Reap from Bangkok is 10 to 12 hours. Meanwhile travel time from Ho Chi Minh may take 12 hours.

From the Philippines, direct Manila to Siem Reap flights are operated by Cebu Pacific Air. Flight duration is around 3 hours.

Siem Reap Travel Essentials

Where to stay Tours + discounts Check Fares

Top discounts

Angkor Wat & Little Circuit Guided Join-In Tour

Banteay Srei & Angkor Grand Circuit Guided Join-In Tour

Siem Reap Private Car Charter

See more : Siem Reap travel tips

Cambodia Travel Essentials:

Where to stay in Cambodia (click below to see rates and book online) Cheapest Rates |

Cambodia Fares & Transport

Cambodia Tours & Discounts

To help with your trip planning, I’ve added links to the locations on Google Maps. Feel free to click/tap on the links posted. Then, use the “save” feature on the Google Maps app for easy reference. I’ve also shared photos from my  Instagram feed . Use Instagram’s save feature for quick access to your travel/feed goals.

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Destinations + tourist spots

Location : Angkor Archaeological Park, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia . Save on Google Maps .

Siem Reap Bike Angor Temples Tour

Angkor Small Circuit

Siem Reap Uncovering Angkor Tour

Banteay Srei & Angkor Grand Circuit

Koh Ker & Beng Mealea

Location : east of Siem Reap city center, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia . Save on Google Maps .

Koh Ker and Beng Mealea Day Tour

Phnom Kulen

Location : Phnom Kulen National Park, north of Siem Reap city center, Siem Reap, Cambodia . Save on Google Maps .

Siem Reap-Kulen Mountain Motorbike Adventure

2. Phnom Penh

Location : Cambodia (south central) . Save on Google Maps .

Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital city, is a popular spot on the famous Thailand-Cambodia-Vietnam Indochina trail. This city is home to the Royal Palace, found on the riverside along with the impressive National Museum. Phnom Penh is also a jump-off point to several sites of the infamous Killing Fields.

Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) is Cambodia’s second busiest airport. This airport serves direct flights from Kuala Lumpur (1h 45m), Bangkok (1h), Singapore (2H), Hong Kong (2H 40m), Taipei, Seoul and other cities in Southeast, East Asia and the Middle East. Popular airlines include AirAsia, Cambodia Angkor Air, SilkAir, Sky Angkor Airlines, Thai Airways & Vietnam Airlines. Flight duration between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh is 1 hour.

Phnom Penh Travel Essentials

Phnom Penh half-day join-in city tour

Phnom Penh – Ho Chi Minh, Kampot, or Kep Bus by Giant Ibis

Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Bus (Shared transfer by Giant Ibis)

See more : Phnom Penh travel tips

3. Sihanoukville

Location : Preah Sihanouk Province, Cambodia (south coast) . Save on Google Maps .

This seaside resort town on the southern coast of Cambodia boasts of some of mainland Southeast Asia’s best white sand beaches. If Thailand’s islands are too touristic for you, the off-shore islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, near Sihanoukville, might be a more worthwhile visit.

The quickest way is to go by flight. Sihanouk International Airport (KOS) serves flights from Kuala Lumpur (1.5 hours flight duration), Ho Chi Minh (1h 20m), Siem Reap (1h) and Phnom Penh (30m). Flights are operated by AirAsia, Cambodia Angkor Air, Cambodia Bayon Airlines & JC International Airlines. Sihanoukville is also popular reached by bus or car. The land trip from Phnom Penh take between 3.5 and 6 hours.

Sihanoukville Travel Essentials

Sihanoukville-Koh Rong Sanloem ferry

Sihanoukville-Koh Rong Island ferry

See more : Sihanoukville travel tips

4. Koh Rong Sanloem

Location : near Sihanouville, Preah Sihanouk Province, Cambodia (south coast) . Save on Google Maps .

Koh Rong Sanloem Travel Essentials

Where to stay Check Fares

Koh Rong Samloem Snorkeling and Diving Experience from Sihanoukville

Koh Rong Samloen Snorkeling with Bioluminescent Plankton from Sihanoukville

See more : Koh Rong Sanloem travel tips

5. Koh Rong

Koh Rong Travel Essentials

Asia 4G LTE WIFI Hotspot (Manila Airport Pick Up)

See more : Koh Rong travel tips

Location : Cambodia (south coast) . Save on Google Maps .

The provinces of Kampot and Kep are situated on Cambodia’s southern coast. They are popular destinations among Cambodians for weekend getaways and foreign travelers who want to get away from the tourist crowds at Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. Though only under an hour’s travel apart, each has distinct attractions to offer. Kampot, popular for trips to Bokor National Park, has a riverside setting, while Kep, is known for sandy beaches and upscale resorts.

Kampot and Kep are about a 4 to 5-hour drive south of Phnom Penh. You can go by bus, mini-bus, taxi or private car charter. Kampot and Kep are located close to each other. Travel time between the two towns usually takes 35 to 45 minutes.

Kampot Travel Essentials

Kep Travel Essentials

8. Tonle Sap

Location : west of Siem Reap city center, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia . Save on Google Maps .

Location : Cambodia (north) . Save on Google Maps .

Kratie is a small riverside city in North Cambodia that is a popular stopover on the long overland journey from Cambodia to Laos. It is the place to go if you want to see Irrawaddy dolphins and enjoy blissful sunsets along the Mekong River.

Kratie is 6 to 7 hours north of Phnom Penh or eight hours from Siem Reap. Buses from Pakse, Laos to Kratie take around 8 hours.

Kratie Travel Essentials

On My Bucketlist

Modulkiri Travel Essentials

Location : Cambodia (southeast coast) . Save on Google Maps .

Preah Vihear

Preah Vihear Travel Essentials

Location : Cambodia (east) . Save on Google Maps .

Battambang Travel Essentials

What places have you added to your bucketlist? Have you been to beautiful places in Cambodia that should be on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts!

Places to visit in Cambodia

Cambodia tourist spots, things to do in Cambodia, where to go in Cambodia & more.

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

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Click below & search recommended Cambodia hotels/hostels/home rentals within your budget. Remember to set your  min/max price , travel dates, and  sort by review ratings . I often book online with these trusted booking sites below for rock-bottom prices & convenient bookings.

Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

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Rosana Broadway Show in Siem Reap

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December 24, 2018 at 12:45 pm

I love temple and one of my dream place ti visit is cambodia to see angkok wat. Glad I cam across to your blog. We’ll list down this place to visit in cambodia. Thank you.

February 14, 2024 at 10:38 pm

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10 Best Things to Do in Cambodia

Things to do in Cambodia

The network of awe-inspiring temples of Angkor is the first thing that comes into mind when people think of Cambodia. But there are plenty of more awesome things to do in this fascinating Southeast Asian country. If tasting freshly made local cuisine, exploring the jungles and wildlife, chilling out on tropical islands are main ingredients to your ideal holiday, then this Kingdom of Wonder should be on your bucket list. With the plethora of things to do in Cambodia , and the inborn hospitality of Khmer people, one visit may not be enough! Follow us to find out the top things in Cambodia which keep visitors coming back for more.

Here are the top 10 things to do  and places to visit in  Cambodia in 2024

Table of Contents

1. Explore Angkor Complex and other Khmer Empire’s temples.

2. visit floating villages in tonle sap lake., 3. learn about cambodia’s bloody history during khmer rouge., 4. join-in river-related activities in riverside destinations., 5. engage with wildlife adventures., 6. delve into rural cambodian life., 7. chill out on deserted tropical islands., 8. admire khmer arts & handicrafts., 9. sample local delicacies., 10. get acquainted with locals at bustling markets..

It can’t be denied that the impressive collection of ancient temples and monuments at Angkor Archaeological Park is a must on all itineraries to Cambodia. This UNESCO World Heritage Site contains the magnificent relics and religious structures of different capitals of the Khmer Empire, which flourished from approximately the 9 th to 15 th centuries. Among hundreds of temples surviving until now, Angkor Wat , Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm are the main draws attracting tourists to come to Siem Reap. Despite the growing crowds, these temples are still incredible and should be visited at least once in your lifetime.

Incredible Bayon Temple should be visited at least once in your lifetime.

However, there are also other temples with their own charms found throughout the 400km2 Angkor Park.  Just about 30 km from above main trio temples, the pink-colored Banteay Srei is the 10th century temple which demonstrates wealth, power and the veneration of the gods in detail and intricacy, in contrast to the grandeur of Angkor Wat or Angkor Thom. Roluos Group , located 15 km from Angkor, is a collection of four Angkor-era monuments named Bakong , Preah Ko , Lolei , and Prei Monti . These temples, dating from the late 9 th century, are the last remains of Hariharalaya, which was the second capital of the Angkor-era Khmer Empire. Their architecture, decorations and materials reveal the beginning of the classic period of Khmer art.

If you have a bit more time, the abandoned Koh Ker is highly recommended for a day trip from Siem Reap. Being the capital of the Angkorian empire from 928 to 944 CE, Koh Ker makes visitors impressed by its seven tier pyramid like Prasat Thom offering spectacular views of the surrounding forest and countryside from its top tier.

Even not including in Angkor Park, Preah Vihear is another Khmer Empire’s temple which was listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. Meanwhile other Khmer temples have the conventional rectangular plan with orientation toward the east, Preah Vihear Temple was constructed along a long north-south axis. This special architecture style harmoniously blends with the natural environment and its dramatic location atop a 525m cliff on the Dangrek Mountains, close to the border with Thailand.

Tonle Sap Lake is the largest permanent fresh-water lake in Southeast Asia and flows into Tonle Sap River, joining the Mekong in Phnom Penh. During the rainy season (from May to October), the lake swells to six or seven times its normal size of approximately 2,600 square kilometres. Locals have learnt to adapts to the unique ebb and flow of the Tonle Sap Lake through the seasons by creating floating villages. Taking the trip to one of the fascinating floating villages in Tonle Sap Lake, visitors will have chance to witness the local daily lives of rural communities settled on the shores of the lake.

Please remember that floating villages are not typical tourist attraction so tourists have to respect local privacy and not invade too much into the villager’s living space. Best time to visit these floating villages is during rainy season from June to November. March to May should be avoided when the summer is at its peak and most of the lake’s water is dried up.

International students take boat trip to visit floating village in Tonle Sap.

Below are main floating villages that are accessible for visitors:

* Chong Kneas: – Closest village from Siem Reap, approx. 16 km. – Extremely touristy, unethical crocodile farms. – Famous for many Korean restaurants to serve Korean tourists. – Gateway to Battambang and Phnom Penh by boat.

* Kampong Phluk: – Just over 30 km from Siem Reap. – Scenic, though pretty short boat trip with a stop at a stilted restaurant for sunset. – Small boats to mangroves, or flooded forest.

* Kampong Khleang: – A permanent stilted village around 50 km southeast of Siem Reap. – Furthest away from Siem Reap, offer more genuine experience. – The largest village on the lake and home to about 6,000 people. – Mix of stilted houses, floating raft houses, floating schools, pagodas and medical centres.

* Mechrey: – Located 25 km southwest of Siem Reap. – Least visited village on Tonle Sap, offer authentic floating village experience. – Emerged as an eco-friendly and community based tourism place in recent years. – The entry point into the Prek Toal Core Bird Sanctuary with best time to visit between December and early February.

* Kompong Luong: – Situated in the southern section of Tonle Sap. – Boats depart from north of Krakor Town, Pursat Province – 3.5 hours from Phnom Penh & 1.5 hours from Battambang. – Learn about two different cultures of a Vietnamese village and a Khmer village. – Experience homestay life on water and taste delicious home-cooked meals. – Kayak to nearby local mangroves. – Tourism project is mainly self-organized by locals so all profits go directly to local community.

Compared to all of the listed things to do in Cambodia, this is the most sensitive topic which visitors should pay respect and have proper manners. During the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979, this country experienced the darkest page in the modern history with the death of more than 2 million Cambodians through execution, starvation and disease. The visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the notorious Choeung Ek “Killing Fields” in Phnom Penh or the Killing Caves (Phnom Sampov) in Battambang will help people to learn about the Khmer Rouge and Cambodia’s recent, bloody part of history, as well as educate young generations to ensure this tragic history never repeats itself.

Choeung Ek Killing Fields is a memorial site where visitors can learn of the harsh realities of Khmer Rouge genocide.

These memorial sites also serve to commemorate those who died. Hence, visitors must dress appropriately, don’t take disrespectful selfies in front of skulls and bones display while touring the site.  Toul Sleng in Phnom Penh is a former school which was used as Security Prison 21 (S-21) by the Khmer Rouge regime. Here, prisons were either tortured to death or sent to Choeung Ek for execution. In 1979, it became a historical museum memorializing the Khmer Rouge atrocities.

Located 17 km from Phnom Penh Capital is Choeung Ek “Killing Field”. This site if a former orchard was the extermination camp, where about 20,000 men, women, children and infants were executed. It’s now a memorial site where visitors can learn of the harsh realities of genocide. Admission includes an audio tour offered in several languages.

Phnom Sampov in Battambang is dubbed the Killing Caves , because there is display of human skulls in its pagoda and somber. During the Khmer Rouge period, the mountain used to be the place to kill the victims of the regime by pushing them from a high ledge. Apart from the sad story of Cambodia’s dark history period in the past, Phnom Sampov attracts tourists as the great sunset viewpoint with thousands of bats make their way out of limestone caves in the hillside to feed.

Mekong River enters Cambodia at the northeastern province of Stung Treng from Laos and passes through Phnom Penh on its way to Vietnam. Many cruise companies take this advantage to offer trans-country cruises which take passengers along the Mekong from Laos to Cambodia and onto Vietnam, or a mix of these two or three countries. The cruise journeys can last several days, or even few weeks, depending on each cruise route and program.

Tourist leisurely takes SUP in the mellow surface of Kampot River.

With the prominent location right on the edge of Mekong River, Phnom Penh Capital or Kratie Town are great places to enjoy stunning sunset. From restaurants perched on the riverfront, tourists can order light snacks, grab a cold drink, enjoy a spectacular Mekong sunset with a side of quietness, tranquility and peace in this laid-back town. Kratie is also a great base to access rare Irrawaddy dolphins in their natural habitat, either in boat trips or by kayaking.

Moving further to the southern coast of Cambodia, tourists will meet another riverside place on the Preaek Tuek Chhu River named Kampot . Almost visitors coming to this town want to spend some time on or at least near the river. Therefore, it’s not hard to find riverside guesthouses or resorts in town, which offer river-related activities, including river cruises, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), kayaking, wakeboarding, fishing expeditions, and even water skiing. Or you just simply jump in to the mellow surface of Kampot River and take a swim. To watch the sun go down, just set sail to the jungle-clad part of the river north of Kampot Town .

Cambodia is home to an abundance of wonderful wildlife with beautiful creatures throughout the country. About 30 km from Phnom Penh is Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre run by Wildlife Alliance. In this centre, many animals are rescued from poachers or illegal trades and rehabilitated. It also houses a variety of threatened species as part of a sustainable breeding program. These animals then are released back into the wild whenever suitable. Coming here, visitors can see pileated gibbons, Malayan sun bears, Siamese crocodiles and adjutant storks.

Children enjoy bathing in streams with elephants in their natural living habitat.

If you are animal lovers or travel with children, the visit to Elephant Valley Project in Mondulkiri is highly recommended. With the distance of nearly 400 km from Phnom Penh, this place offers a fantastic living space for elephants so that they can revitalize and enjoy their freedom at their sprawling sanctuary. It’s such an incredible experience to witness elephants roaming in their natural habitat, bathing in streams and rolling about in clay mud.

With countryside landscapes marking up more than 85% of Cambodia, escaping the bustling scene of town or city centers is not too difficult. Whether you are in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap , hiring a bicycle or taking tuk tuk is a really good option to explore the surrounding countryside and approach closer to local daily lives. During monsoon season, tourists are surely impressed by the lush green paddy fields studded with iconic palm trees, grazing cattle, gently rolling hills, dramatic skylines and red dirt roads running through villages.

Hiring a bicycle is a really good option to explore Cambodia’s countryside and approach closer to local daily lives.

Sleepy towns like Battambang , Kratie , Kampot and Kep are also great bases to delve into rural Cambodian life. The visits to local craft workshops, enjoy traditional Cambodian foods with local hosts are all part of your unforgettable experiences in Cambodia. Moreover, overwhelmingly warm hospitality of Khmer people and children’ smiles caught during your journey are something that you will sorely miss on your departure.

There is a collection of almost-deserted tropical islands in Cambodia, and the most interesting part is that most of them remain off the mass tourism map and maintain their authenticity. Koh Rong is the largest island and holds the crown as the party island. However, infrastructure here is still basic and limited options for accommodations and dining. The stretch of beach at Koh Touch is the liveliest part in Koh Rong and packed with guesthouses and backpacker bars.

Tropical islands in Cambodia still remain off the mass tourism map and maintain their authenticity.

The most luxurious resort in this island is The Royal Sands Koh Rong at white sand Long Beach . Nearby Koh Rong Samloem remains completely unspoiled by tourism so there is a smattering of low key accommodation here. Saracen Bay is the main tourist beach with several resorts along its front. Coming to M’Pai Bay to experience a little bit of local culture, or isolate yourself from “real life” at  Lazy Beach and  Sunset Beach . In addition, Samloem has undeveloped natural rain forest with a diverse ecology and off shore marine life with colorful coral reefs ready to be explored.

Other remote jewels including Koh Thmei , Koh Ta Kiev and Koh Totang are slowly starting to emerge with travelers seeking to escape from the real life. The best time to visit these peaceful tropical islands is from mid-November to the early May, when the temperature is around 25°C – 40°C with very little cloud and low humidity.

Cambodia’s rich culture run through the veins of Cambodians and become an integral part of Khmer national pride. Coming to this Kingdom of Wonder, tourists should not miss the chance to immerse themselves in the vibrant local scenes, from magical Apsara dancing , traditional martial art – Bokator , Phare Circus – modern circus arts but more than a circus. When visiting Angkor Temples, tourists are surely astonished by intricate carvings and bas-reliefs into the walls of ancient temples.

Cambodia is home to some of the most unique handicrafts that is inspired by the Khmer culture throughout the history.

They are the most vivid evidences of Khmer craftsmen’s excellent skills and techniques. Cambodia is home to some of the most unique handicrafts that is inspired by the Khmer culture throughout the history.   Traditional Khmer handicrafts include silk weaving, silversmithing, stone carving, lacquerware, ceramics, wat murals, and kite-making. While in Cambodia, you should pay a visit to at least one workshop or traditional handicraft village, where you can deeply understand the process of making traditional handicraft products first-hand, and buy authentic and stunning artworks to bring home as a souvenir or gift for your beloved ones !

Khmer cuisine is profoundly influenced by water, rice and freshwater fish due to Cambodian geographical location and climate. Typically, Cambodians eat their meals with at least three or four dishes. A meal will usually include rice – the staple in Asian cuisines, a soup (or locally known as samlor), served alongside the main courses. Each individual dish will be either sweet, sour, salty or bitter in taste. Chilli (either fresh, pickled or dried) and chilli sauce is served on the side so that each diner can add it up as their personal preference.

Deep-fried insects are the most popular snacks in Cambodia.

There is a range of cooking classes and food tours available in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh to take visitors on a journey through the lip-smacking delicious tastes of Khmer food. Don’t miss the chance to sample Cambodia signature dishes of Fish Amok , Samlor Korkor , Lap Khmer , Crabs with infamous Kampot Pepper . More adventurous tourists can try local popular snacks like deep-fried tarantulas, crickets, cockroaches and locusts. Situated in the middle between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, Skuon Town in Kampong Cham is regarded as “Tarantula Town” with many street stalls selling fried insects as roadside snack.

Central Market is the largest market in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh, where tourists can find everything.

Markets form an essential part in Cambodians’ lives and they are the best places for tourists to learn more about locals. They are bustling early in the morning as people gather to buy the freshest products for the day.   Visiting Russian Market or Central Market in Phnom Penh, tourists can find everything from clothes, souvenirs, accessories to household goods and vehicle parts. In Siem Reap, Old Market and Angkor Night Market are ideal places for market lovers. Old Market is often included in market tour of Siem Reap cooking class because it’s the main hub for tropical fruits and vegetables as well as slabs of meat which hang from hooks, fish and chickens.

Whereas, Angkor Night Market has amazing local souvenirs which you can take home as the keepsakes of their Cambodia trip. A variety of authentic products can be found here, from woven natural fabrics, sculpture reproductions, to special little jewelries, handmade natural organic products, and even edible items. Cambodia has many things to cater the needs of all traveler types and age groups: ancient temples, undisturbed islands, enchanting landscapes, rich culture and history, warm hearted people. Join us today to experience the top things to do in Cambodia !

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The 12 Must-See Angkor Temples and Monuments in Cambodia 

The Angkor Archaeological Park in Cambodia is a true historic wonder. With dozens of temples, palaces, bridges and other monuments to explore, you can easily spend weeks there. Unfortunately, most of us rarely have this much time at a destination. Don’t worry, this guide showcases the most magnificent Angkor Temples and other historic sites worth prioritising for your next trip.  

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Angor Archaeological Park covers a roughly 400 square meter area in the Siem Reap province in the north-west of Cambodia. It was once home to the successive capitals of the mighty Khmer Empire that ruled from the 9 th to the 15 th centuries. The monuments that you can see in the park today are a testament to the Khmers’ wealth, power and engineering prowess.  

The monumental structures of Angkor, from famous temples to city gates, are huge and complex. They are decorated with elaborate carvings, elegant sculptures and intricate bas-reliefs. Archaeological evidence suggests that some monuments may have also been adorned with precious stones. Considering how impressive Angkor looks today, we can only imagine how awe-inspiring it was in its prime.  

I visited the Angkor Archaeological Park as part of my honeymoon in Southeast Asia. It was undoubtably one of the highlights of the trip.

Without further ado, let’s take a closer look into the must-see Angkor temples and other monuments.    

Disclosure:  Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. Please note, I only recommend products and services that I know and love. Read full Privacy Policy  here .

The Must-See Angkor Temples and Monuments in Cambodia  

The guide presents the temples in chronological order. There is a mix of big names and lesser-known gems to showcase different sides to the park. I recommend spending at least three days exploring the area. Even better if you have more time. After all, the Angkor area is home to 72 temples.

You will find that some monuments are in a much better shape than others. Age, nature and political instability have all contributed to the deterioration of the Angkor monuments. Climate change and human activity continue to threaten its existence. International conservation efforts are underway but is a costly undertaking. However, seeing the ruins of once great cities is a great reminder of the impermanent nature of human existence.  

Keep in mind that the Angkor temples are a place of spiritual significance for Cambodians. Be respectful and make sure to cover your knees and shoulders when you visit. 

Pre Rup  

Built in the 10 th century by King Rajendravarman II, this temple was dedicated to Shiva, one of the most important gods in the Hindu pantheon. The key feature of Pre Rup is the five towers arranged in a quincunx. They sit on top of a pyramidal base that symbolises Mount Meru, the residence of the gods. Intricate sculptures and carvings depicting stories from sacred Hindu texts adorn the temple walls. 

The name of the temple means “turning the body” suggesting that its past association with funeral rites. It is widely believed that Pre Rup was once used as a crematorium. However, not all archaeologists agree with this theory.  

Although Pre Rup underwent some restoration work in the 1930s, it’s not in the best condition. Many of the carvings and structures are severely damaged. However, this temple is still worth a visit. 

Thanks to Pre Rup’s elevated position, you can enjoy great views over the surrounding countryside from its top level. The temple is also a popular spot for watching sunrise and sunset. This is when the reddish-brown laterite bricks that were used to build it, appear more golden in colour, creating a magical feel. 

Keep in mind that Pre Rup can get quite busy. If you’d like to watch the sunset there, prepare to share the experience with many others. 

Banteay Srei  

This small and elegant temple is one of my personal favourites. Built in the mid 10 th century, it is famous for its exquisite carvings. Other Angkor temples can’t match the intricacy and complexity of the ones adorning Banteay Srei. 

Banteay Srei was established by Brahmin Yajnavaraha, guru to King Rajendravarman II. It was built from high-grade sandstone that gives the temple its unique pinkish colour. Banteay Srei’s layout consists of a central sanctuary with three towers surrounded by libraries and galleries.  

Beautiful carvings depicting Hindu myths, natural world and scenes of everyday life cover pretty much every inch of the temple. The carvings are so delicate that some believe that only women could create them. As a result, Banteay Srei has been nicknamed the “Citadel of the Women”. 

Although Banteay Srei is located 25 kilometres away from the main Angkor temples, it is popular amongst visitors. To beat the crowds, it might be a good idea to visit it early in the morning as it opens.  

Overcrowding can also be damaging to the temple itself. To protect Banteay Srei, the central sanctuary is now off-limits to the public and you can only enjoy it from a distance.  

Baphuon   

Along with Angkor Wat, the Baphuon is arguably one of the most ambitious Khmer temples. It was established in the 11 th century as the state-temple of King Udayadityavarman II. The Baphuon is built as a stepped pyramid with three tiers of galleries rising to a central tower. Sandstone was used for its construction. This material lends itself to intricate carvings and bas-reliefs which are still visible today. 

Unfortunately, the Baphuon was too ambitious for its time and, as a result, has many strictural weaknesses. By the time restoration work began in the 1960s, it was in a state of disrepair. In the 1970, Angor fell to Khmer Rouge and work had to stop.  

It resumed in the 90s, but many important documents on the structure of the temple had been destroyed during the war. After years of painstaking restoration, the temple re-opened its doors to the public in 2011. Not all structural issues have been solved, but at least it still stands and can be enjoyed by future generations. 

On your visit to the Baphuon, take the time to walk around its galleries and enjoy the stunning bas-reliefs depicting Hindu myths. You can also climb to the top level of the temple to enjoy the views of the surrounded area. However, the stairs are narrow and incredibly steep. Walking down was especially stressful. If you are not comfortable with heights, it might be a good idea not to do the climb. 

The Baphuon is just a short walk from the famous Bayon temple and right next to the Terrace of the Elephants. You can easily see these monuments in one go.   

Angkor Wat  

Angkor Wat is the most famous of all Angkor temples. Built in the early 12 th century during the reign of Suryavarman II, it is the pinnacle of the Khmer architecture. The temple complex is huge and covers an area of over 400 acres. It consists of towers, galleries and courtyards symmetrically arranged around a central sanctuary.   

The carefully thought-out layout of Angkor Wat symbolises Mount Meru, the home of the gods. The tallest structure of the complex, the 65-meter-tall central tower, represents its peak. The galleries and the surrounding moat symbolise the various levels of heaven and earth. Elaborate carvings reflecting the stories from Hindu mythology and Khmer history adorn the temple complex. 

Angkor Wat is the place where architectural and engineering prowess combines with incredible artistic skill. It is not surprising that this temple is one of the most significant religious sites not only in Angkor, but the whole world. It is truly a bucket list destination. 

The best time to enjoy the beauty of Angkor Wat is in the afternoon. This is when the light is the most complementary. However, this is also when crowds descend on this temple. An early morning visit may offer a more peaceful experience.  

If you have time, why not visit Angkor Wat twice to see it at different times of the day? One visit is simply not enough to take in all the beauty of this majestic temple. 

Ta Prohm  

Another popular tourist spot within the Angkor Archaeological Park is Ta Prohm. It was established in the 12 th century by King Jayavarman VII in honour of his mother. It was originally a Buddhist temple, so the beautiful carvings that adorn its walls represent myths from the Buddhist cosmology. 

Ta Prohm is famous for its romantic atmosphere thanks to its semi-ruined state. The idea was to keep it pretty much the same as it was when it was discovered.  

One of the most special features of Ta Prohm are huge trees that have grown around the structures of the temple. Some of them have been there for so long, they have become a part of the temple’s structure. Removing some of the trees may even damage its integrity.  

Nevertheless, some trees need to be cut down. As they age and die, they may fall and damage the temple. More active restoration work is also underway. It may change the otherworldly atmosphere of Ta Prohm but is also necessary to protect the temple for future generations. 

Ta Prohm is a relatively small temple, but it is popular with tourists. It’s been nicknamed The Tomb Raider temple because it was featured in the 2001 “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” film with Angelina Jolie. Just like with other popular temples, an early morning or late afternoon visit may offer a less crowded experience.  

Preah Khan  

Another 12 th century temple established during the reign of Jayavarman VII is Preah Khan. The King built in honour of his father. Preah Khan is also known as the “City of the Sacred Sword” as it once was a Buddhist monastery and centre of learning.  

Preah Khan is a large temple with a complex structure. It is famous for its extensive system of corridors and passageways designed to accommodate many monks and visitors. Other structures in the temple include towers, libraries and halls arranged in a rectangular grid pattern around the central courtyard. Protective walls and a moat enclose the temple. 

The structures are decorated with beautiful carvings inspired by Buddhist and Hindu cosmology. The entrances to the temple are guarded by rows of statues of gods and demons creating a stately atmosphere.  

Just like Ta Prohm, Preah Khan is home to a few ancient trees that have engulfed some of its structures. However, there are plans to eventually remove them completely to protect the temple from further damage.  

In general, Preah Khan is in a better state of preservation than Ta Prohm. It also receives slightly fewer visitors. The general advice of visiting either early in the morning or late in the afternoon still applies though. Allow a couple of hours to explore Preah Khan in detail.  

Banteay Kdei  

Banteay Kdei is another temple erected in the late 12 th century during the reign of Jayavarman VII. His name will keep popping up as he was arguably one of the most prolific builders amongst the Khmer Kings.  

Banteay Kdei is a more compact and less complex version of its famous neighbours, Ta Prohm and Preah Khan. It has a similar flat layout with three rectangular enclosures with a central sanctuary in its heart. The temple consists of numerous small chambers and galleries. It even has a nickname of “Citadel of Chambers” because of that.  

Just like many other Angkor temples, Banteay Kdei is decorated with beautiful carvings and sculptures depicting Buddhist myths. Unfortunately, the temple was built of lower-grade sandstone, so time hasn’t been kind to it. Although restoration works are ongoing, this temple is still in a semi-ruined state.  

Thick jungle surrounds Banteay Kdei, making it feel far removed from civilisation. Its semi-ruined state adds a special charm, reminiscent of Ta Prohm, but with noticeably fewer people. It’s fascinating to wander the remnants of its courtyards and chambers as the jungle is slowly claiming them.  

As crowds tend to overlook Banteay Kdei in favour of Ta Prohm and Preah Khan, you will enjoy a much more peaceful experience there. As it is a smaller temple, I would allow for at least an hour of exploring it.  

Neak Pean  

Neak Pean is a hidden gem that organised tour groups seem to overlook. It was established in the late 12th century or early 13th century by King Jayavarman VII. It offers a different experience to other Angkor temples.  

This small temple is located on an artificial island in the middle of a pond that symbolises the mythical lake Anavatapta in the Himalayas. According to legends, the waters of this lake could cure illness.  

Neak Pean features a central sanctuary that sits on a circular platform in the middle of a pond. Two Naga snake statues encircle the sanctuary tower. The central pond and sanctuary are surrounded by four smaller ponds and chapels connected to the main sanctuary by walkways.      

The temple was originally a place of healing and spiritual cleansing. Its water was believed to have curing powers. While this belief is no longer practiced, Neak Pean is still worth a stop to see a different side to the ancient Khmer culture. Plus, as a lesser-known temple, you can visit it at any time of day.  

Ta Som  

If you are looking for a respite from the crowds, consider adding Ta Som to your Angkor itinerary. Your groups don’t tend to visit this late 12 th – early 13 th century temple. It is relatively small and similar in style to other temples built during the reign of Jayavarman VII.  

At the heart of the temple is a single tower surrounded by three rectangular enclosures. The impressive entrance gates are topped with large carved faces looking in each of the cardinal directions. It was Jayavarman VII’s signature motif, so you will see it in other temples built during his reign.  

Ta Som has undergone only limited restoration, so it’s still in a state of semi-ruin. As you wander around it, you will notice lots of bricks and decorative pieces still lying on the ground. Nature is claiming the temple too. One of its most famous features is a giant strangler fig tree that has grown over the eastern gate.  

If you choose to visit Ta Prom, you are likely to have this eery spot pretty much to yourself. Take your time to check out the beautiful carvings that adorn this temple. Despite its overall crumbling state, many carvings are still in a surprisingly good condition.   

Angkor Thom – South Gate  

The Angkor Archaeological Park is famous for its incredible temples. However, there are other structures worth including in your itinerary. Visitors can still see the remnants of the ancient city of Angkor Thom. It was the last capital of the Khmer Empire that lasted until the 15 th century.  

King Jayavarman VII founded the city in the late 12 th century. It covers an area of 9 square kilometres and has a square layout. Fortified walls and a large moat protected the city from raiders. It also had symbolic value and projected power and authority over the Khmer empire. 

Most of the city structures have disappeared. However, visitors can still enjoy the famous Bayon and Buphuon temples, as well as the structures that were once part of the royal palace. The city gates and parts of the protective wall are still standing too. 

The South Gate is the most well-preserved among the five Angkor Thom entrance gates. It features an impressive causeway that crosses the moat. It is flanked by sculptures depicting demons and deities holding the giant Naga snakes. The Gate itself is topped by towers with smiling faces carved into them. 

It’s quite a special feeling to enter the city through that ancient gate that invites you to experience some of the mysteries of Angkor. I recommend getting to the South Gate first thing in the morning to beat the crowds on their way to the famous monuments within Angkor Thom. 

Terrace of the Elephants

Just a short walk from the Buphuon temple, you will find the Terrace of the Elephants. It is a high wall about 350 meters in length that used to front the Royal Palace.  

This area was once home to the many court officials, priests, soldiers and (supposedly) thousands of the King’s concubines. The many structures of the palace were built of wood. Unfortunately, they are all gone. 

The magnificent Terrace of the Elephants was built during the reign of Jayavarman VII and was used as a viewing platform during public ceremonies and as an audience hall. The King would regularly appear there to listen to his subjects’ concerns.  

The terrace is decorated with incredible three-dimensional carvings of high complexity. Many of them feature different scenes with elephants. They were an important part of the Khmers’ life and culture. Alongside these, you can also spot depictions of deities and stories from sacred texts.  

Morning is the best time to view the terrace. Take the time to enjoy the artistic skill and storytelling of the bas-reliefs left by the Khmer artisans. We can only imagine how regal the royal palace must have been hundreds of years ago. 

Bayon  

The impressive Bayon is the last major temple complex ever built by a Khmer King. Only a few smaller temples followed it in the 13 th century. Bayon was King Jayavarman VII’s state temple established in the late 12 th or early 13 th century. Located right in the centre of the ancient Angkor Thom, it was the pinnacle of the King’s ambition and architectural vision. 

Bayon has a complex and slightly crowded layout. It consists of three levels symbolising the sacred Mount Meru. The central sanctuary is surrounded by two enclosures that are made up of galleries and shrines. Elaborate bas-reliefs featuring scenes from everyday life, Cambodian history and religious myths cover the temple’s walls.  

Bayon has been nicknamed the “Face temple” thanks to its most famous feature. It is home to 54 towers decorated with enigmatic smiling faces looking out in the cardinal directions. The debate on the identity of the owner of the face still rages on. Some archaeologists believe that it’s a Buddhist deity. Others think that the face belong to King Jayavarman VII. We will probably never find out the truth.  

Time has unfortunately not been kind to Bayon’s towers. But the faces are still very much mesmerising. However, the temple’s many bar-reliefs are still in a good condition. When you visit Bayon, take your time to explore them. You might even be able to find quieter corners of the temple complex that many tourists never visit.  

As Bayon is one of the most famous Angkor temples, expect it to be busy. To beat the crowds, head there in the early morning, before 8.30am, or late in the afternoon. You can easily combine a visit to Bayon with the nearby Buphuon and the Terrace of the Elephants.  

When is the Best Time to Visit Angkor Temples   

The best time to visit Angkor is during the dry season, from November to February. This is when humidity is low, and the temperatures are comfortable for sightseeing. However, this is also the high season for tourism.  

Expect for the most famous spots within the archaeological park to be busy. You can avoid the worst of it by heading to the temples early in the morning, just after sunrise, or late in the afternoon. Also, Angkor crowds can be especially overwhelming Angkor during the Chinese New Year which normally takes place in January or February. You may want to check when it is on before booking your trip.  

Average temperature starts to climb in late February. The heat is at its peak in April when average maximum temperatures reach 36°C (96.8°F). It’s best to avoid visiting Angkor then as the heat may become unbearable.  

The rain season runs from May to October. This is when visitor numbers noticeably drop. If you don’t mind the rain and the heat, you can enjoy the sites in peace. This is also when the vegetation is lush, and local farmer plant rice. 

If you are considering heading to Angkor during the rainy season, May to August would be a better choice. September and October see the heaviest rainfall of all.  

How to Get to Angkor Temples  

The closest town to the Angkor Archaeological Park is Siem Reap. Located five kilometres south of the park, most travellers choose Siem Reap as the base for exploring the Angkor temples. The town is home to an international airport. There are direct flights from major cities in Southeast Asia and China.  

You can take a tuk-tuk or a taxi to get to your accommodation. Some hotels may offer transfers to and from the airport. Check in advance if your accommodation offers these. The journey from the airport to Siem Reap takes about 20 minutes. 

Alternatively, you can travel to Siem Reap by bus or taxi from other cities in Cambodia or Thailand. Taking the bus is the most budget-friendly option, but it is also the most time-consuming one.  

Getting Around Angkor  

Getting from Siem Reap to Angkor is straight-forward. You can get a taxi or hire a tuk-tuk. The latter you can hire for the whole day if you need. The journey will take around 20 minutes, depending on the traffic. Alternatively, you can hire a bicycle or a scooter. 

I recommend joining a guided tour, whether a small-group or a private one. You can explore the park independently with the help of a guidebook, of course. But I think a knowledgeable guide who knows all the best spots will greatly enhance your experience. Plus, they can arrange your transportation saving you time and hassle.  

Angkor Temple Pass  

To access the Angkor temples, overseas visitors need to purchase an Angkor temple pass at the official ticketing centre in Siem Reap. Alternatively, you can purchase your pass online on the official Angkor enterprise website .  

You can choose from three different pass types depending on how much time you are planning on spending in Angkor: 

• 1 Day – US $37 
• 3 Days – US $62 
• 7 Days – US $72 

The good news is that if you opt for the 3-day or 7-day pass, you don’t have to visit on consecutive days. The 3-day pass is valid for 10 days from the date of purchase and the 7-day pass is valid for a month.  

Having breaks between visits to Angkor is actually a good idea so you can avoid temple burnout. You don’t want to feel like all those incredible monuments look the same. 

Guided Tours  

My husband and I visited the Angkor temples on a private tour. We arranged it through a UK-based travel agency called Trailfinders. We had a fantastic guide, Ra who also took brilliant photos and videos of our visit. He took the photos of my husband and I featured in this article. You can contact him directly though his Facebook page .  

Alternatively, you can book a tour through an online tour aggregator such as GetYourGuide. Here is a selection of top-rated options. 

• Explore Angkor Complex Temples and Sunset Tour  
• Angkor Wat: Small-Group Sunrise Tour  
• From Siem Reap: 2-Day Small Group Temples Sunrise Tour  

Where to Stay Near Angkor Temples

Most travellers use Siem Reap as the base for exploring Angkor temples. This resort town is relatively small. If you stay anywhere in or around it, getting to Angkor should be straight forward. There is a good selection of accommodation options, from budget guesthouses to luxury international chains.  

On our most recent trip to Angkor, we stayed at the Sakmut Hotel & Spa . It’s a mid-range hotel located in a quiet part of town. There are a few eateries and street food stalls within walking distance of the hotel, but if you would like to be amid all the action, I would recommend another location. But if you’re after a peaceful base where you can recharge in-between sightseeing, a stay at Sakmut is perfect. 

Final Thoughts

So here you have it. These are the most incredible Angkor temples and monuments to add to your itinerary.

In my opinion, the Angkor Archaeological Park is a true wonder of the world. This feat of architecture, engineering and craft should be on every traveller’s bucket list.

If you’d like to extend your Southeast Asia trip, why not combine a visit to Cambodia with an adventure in Thailand. It is another af fordable destination that boasts amazing beaches, beautiful weather , vibrant cities and fascinating culture.

I highly recommend exploring the urban jungle that is Bangkok on your next trip to Thailand. Whether you’re spending two day s or two weeks there, it has so much to offer in terms of fun activities and delicious food. To top this off, this is a city that is easy and cheap to get around .

Then balance your urban adventures with a stint on the beautiful island of Phuket . Famous for its stunning beaches and tropical landscapes, it is an ideal place for relaxing and recharging.

Couples especially are spoilt for choice in Phuket when it comes to beautiful locations for the perfect couple’s getawa y .

FAQs: Angkor Temples & Monuments

The exact number of Angkor temples is unknown. It is currently believed that there are over a thousand different temples and structures in the area. These range from the major temples that are in relatively good condition to the ruined minor ones where only the foundations remain.

Angkor Wat is not part of either the original or new list of the Seven Wonders of the World. However, it is one of the most magnificent architectural masterpieces of its time. To this day, it inspires awe and wonder.

The temples of the Angkor Archaeological Park have been built over the course of several centuries. The oldest temples date back to the 9th century. The last Angkor temples were built in the 13th century.

Enjoyed this guide to the Angkor Temples and Monuments? Bookmark or pin it for later.  

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Ksenia is the creator and writer behind Explore with Wonder. As an avid traveller, she has ventured to more than 20 countries and resided in four. Currently based in Manchester, she has a passion for exploring both the UK and exciting destinations worldwide.

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Cambodia Off the Beaten Track: 12 Special Places to Visit in 2024

12 unique and alternative destinations for travellers who want to get off the beaten track in Cambodia. Includes Angkor alternatives, lesser-visited beaches and islands, and Cambodia’s best small towns.

Having officially reopened to international tourists on November 15, there’s never been a better time to visit Cambodia .

Not only is this your chance to experience Phnom Penh like a local and explore Angkor Wat without the crowds, it’s also an opportunity to venture off the beaten path to discover Cambodia’s hidden corners – and support rural tourism and ecotourism projects in the process.

It’s no secret that Cambodia is one of my favourite countries in the world. After a year living in Phnom Penh , I travel back as often as I can. I’ve been lucky enough to visit all four corners, including many alternative destinations that tourists tend to skip.

This list brings together 12 of my absolute favourite places to visit in Cambodia for travellers who want to get off the beaten track .

Map of unique places to visit in Cambodia

How to get around Cambodia

Overland travel in Cambodia can be slow going, but the country’s transport network is slowly improving. I suggest getting around using a combination of VIP minivans and coaches for shorter journeys, and private taxis for longer trips. Always be wary of road safety when visiting Cambodia and never travel on the road after dark.

I was lucky to be living in Cambodia when the country’s railway re-opened in 2016. Trains run on a limited schedule from Phnom Penh to the coast via Takeo and Kampot. Train is a fun slow-travel alternative for southern Cambodia, as long as you’re not in a rush!

I recommend using Bookaway to browse routes and compare transport options. You can use the platform to reserve tickets so you never miss out on a seat.

→ Use Bookaway to search routes in Cambodia .

12 places to visit in Cambodia off the beaten track

1. kampong cham, cambodia’s best small city.

Kampong Cham is my favourite city in Cambodia and one of my favourite places on earth. A small and slow-paced city on the Mekong river, a few hours north of Phnom Penh , Kampong Cham is a total contrast to the capital. Or perhaps a window onto what Phnom Penh was like a few decades ago.

Adjust to the same peaceful pace as the ambling river as you visit the morning market and eat a traditional breakfast of soul-nourishing Kuy Teav noodle soup. Hike a bicycle to explore the charming shophouses along the riverside, then cross the new bridge to Bamboo Island and the ‘French Lighthouse’.

Banteay Prei Nokor, a ‘temple within a temple’ that dates back to the reign of Jayavarman VII is a short ride away, along with Phnom Srey and Phnom Bros, two twin pagodas atop small hills. When the day is done, find a table at one of the cute restaurants on the riverfront or grab a cold beer at the colourful night market.

• Get there: Minivan or private taxi from Phnom Penh (2.5-3.5 hours).
• Where to stay: LBN Asian Hotel (basic/comfortable hotel rooms in the centre of the city) or Hanchey Bamboo Resort (ecotourism resort near Kampong Cham).
• Don’t miss: Smile Restaurant , a social enterprise run by the BSDA Buddhist Society.
• Further reading: My complete guide to visiting Kampong Cham .

2. Banteay Chhmar, an amazing Angkor alternative

Located north-west of Siem Reap and Angkor, close to the Thai border, Banteay Chhmar is one of Cambodia’s true treasures. The main moated citadel complex was constructed in the 12th century and predates Angkor. Nine more ‘satellite’ temples radiate from the main sanctuary, each with its own exquisite sandstone sculptures and friezes depicting battle scenes and vignettes from the royal court.

What makes Banteay Chhmar so special is that it was almost lost to time. For 800 years the complex lay abandoned. Looters spirited away most of the valuable objects, reducing the pagodas to rubble. In recent years, restoration on the temples has seen many of the walls and structures meticulously rebuilt stone by stone. This led to Banteay Chhmar being declared a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Banteay Chhmar CBT , a unique community tourism initiative, has established a network of homestays in the villages (there are no hotels in the area) and trains English-speaking guides. They can also organise meals and traditional music performances on the temple grounds. A new initiative allows guests to camp overnight in special tents inside the ruins.

Overall it’s a much more intimate experience than anything you can find at Angkor, all the while supporting local families to make a living and ultimately contributing to the restoration of this precious archaeological site.

• Get there: Private transfer from Siem Reap (3-4 hours) or from Sisophon (2 hours).
• Where to stay: Banteay Chhmar CBT homestay or glamping.
• Don’t miss: Mebon Temple, a small temple set on an island and accessed via a long wooden bridge.

3. Kirirom National Park, a Cardamom Mountains retreat near Phnom Penh

The perfect destination for a green day trip from Phnom Penh or an overnight hiking adventure, Kirirom National Park on the edge of the Cardamom Mountains is just 100km from the capital (3.5 hours by road).

Cambodia’s first national park, Kirirom stretches over the eastern part of the Cardamoms and takes in numerous forested walking trails, lakes and waterfalls. Maps are available at the Information Centre.

Chambok commune, a set of villages within the park, is home to one of Cambodia’s leading community based ecotourism projects. They operate a woman-led restaurant and 42 homestays across nine villages.

For something more luxe, Bensley Collection – Shinta Mani Wild is a gorgeous eco-resort set in the treetops on the park’s western periphery. Indoor-outdoor suites are sublimely decorated and open out directly over a river and cascades.

• Get there: Taxi or private transfer from Phnom Penh (3.5 hours).
• Where to stay: Shinta Mani Wild .

4. Kratie, dolphin watching & Mekong sunsets

I left a piece of my heart in Cambodia’s upper Mekong region, where the river is wide enough to accommodate small islands and the setting sun puts on a splendid show every evening.

The town of Kratie is famously home to pods of Irrawaddy dolphins. There are thought to be only a few dozen individuals of this severely endangered species left in the wild today. Boat trips to spot the extremely elusive and mysteriously beautiful creatures depart from upriver in Kampi.

Further north along the river in Sambour, you can find the amazing 100-Column Pagoda, with its sea of pillars and vividly painted Buddhist frescoes. The walk up to Phnom Sambok Pagoda via a forest path lined with Buddha statues is also worth the detour.

• Get there: Minivan, coach or private taxi from Phnom Penh (5-6 hours).
• Where to stay: Sorya Guesthouse , trendy hotel in the centre with outdoor terraces and river views in Kratie, or Le Relais de Chhlong , a gorgeous boutique hotel inside a heritage colonial building downriver in Chhlong.
• Don’t miss: Eating Kralan , a Kratie specialty snack of sticky rice with coconut milk and soybean cooked inside bamboo.
• Further reading: My complete guide to visiting Kratie .

5. Kampong Thom, pre-Angkorian temples & small-town feels

Located halfway between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap , Kampong Thom is often considered a place to stop for a snack on your way between Cambodia’s two most popular cities. Don’t underestimate this rural province, though: When it comes to archaeological sites, Kampong Thom packs a punch.

The citadel ruins at Prasat Preah Khan of Kampong Svay are nothing short of awe-inspiring. Nestled deep in the forest, the archaeological site was off-limits to all but the most intrepid tourists for decades. Now a new road makes it easier than ever to get there.

A second temple, Sambor Prei Kuk, is more well-known but no less beautiful. Dating back to the 6th century, it comprises no fewer than 150 Hindu temples and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The province’s biggest city, Krong Stueng Saen, is the ideal base for exploring this region and features a lovely market and gridded streets that lead down to the Stung Seng river. It’s conveniently located just off the main east-west highway.

• Get there: Minivan or taxi from Phnom Penh (3.5 hours).
• Where to stay: Sambour Village Hotel , a boutique resort with a pool in Krong Stueng Saen.

6. Tatai Leu & Koh Kong, a fast-changing corner of Cambodia

Cambodia’s south-western Koh Kong province is one of the most ecologically rich and biodiverse corners of the country, with forested mountains, a resort-free stretch of coastline, and thick mangrove forests in between.

In this region you can find Botum Sakor National Park (Cambodia’s largest protected area), Koh Kong island with its beautiful west-facing beaches, and Tatai Leu, a wild landscape of mud flats and waterfalls.

I visited Koh Kong in 2016 when it was still undeveloped. Nowadays, this part of Cambodia is rapidly changing with the construction of an international airport and hotels to cater to local tourists (the Thai border is a mere 10km from the main city of Koh Kong AKA Krong Khemara Phoumin).

If it goes ahead, a new hydropower project will undoubtedly change this landscape forever, as will the deep water port that’s been built for cruise ships (gasp!). Bottom line: Get here quick before Koh Kong becomes the next Sihanoukville.

• Get there: Minivan or private taxi from Phnom Penh (6+ hours).
• Where to stay: Canvas & Orchids Retreat , overwater eco-luxury tents in Tatai.

7. Battambang, Cambodia’s artistic capital

Cambodia’s third-largest city, Battambang , is the nation’s unofficial cultural and artistic capital. In the 1960s and 70s before the brutal Khmer Rouge period, many of Cambodia’s finest visual artists, singers and musicians called Battambang home, including vocalist Ros Serey Sothea, AKA ‘The Golden Voice Queen Of Cambodia’, and Cambodian pop pioneer, Sinn Sisamouth, AKA the ‘King of Khmer Music’.

Their legacy lives on in the dozens of indie art galleries and performance spaces that dot Battambang today (my favourite is Romcheik 5 ).

There is so much going on in Battambang, it really is one of the best places to visit in Cambodia and a city that deserves more attention than it gets. Some of Asia’s most handsome French colonial architecture can be found along the riverfront, best explored by bicycle. There are some excellent social enterprises in town including Jaan Bai restaurant, Cafe Kinyei, and several souvenir shops . And this is the home of the wonderful Phare Circus .

Beyond the centre, there are more touristy attractions such as the ‘Killing Cave’ and the iconic (but very naff) Bamboo Railway. There’s even a winery in Battambang, the only vineyard in Cambodia.

• Get there: Minivan from Phnom Penh (5.5 hours) or minivan/bus from Siem Reap (3 hours).
• Where to stay: The Sanctuary Villa , gorgeous leafy resort with a pool and bicycle hire.
• Don’t miss: The rooftop cafe at Romchek 5.
• Further reading: My complete guide to visiting Battambang .

8. Kampong Chhnang, clay pottery & floating villages

Kampong Chhnang sits at the mouth of the Tonle Sap lake, on the edge of the mighty Tonle Sap river – the only river on earth that changes its course part-way through the year, flushing life-giving waters and fish into the lake. Life here is precarious and far from idyllic, yet the landscape is beautiful and people are warm and welcoming, as is typical of Cambodia.

The main reason to come to Kampong Chhnang is to take a boat trip through several large floating villages on the river and lake. This area receives a fraction of the tourists that popular Chong Khneas near Siem Reap sees, making the experience much more tranquil and dare I say, authentic.

Kampong Chhnang’s other claim to fame are its clay pots ( chhnang means ‘pot’ in Khmer). You know those huge water vessels you see out the front of every home in rural Cambodia? Well they were probably made here by artisans who’ve been throwing red clay for generations. Today there are small workshops you can visit to see the pots being built.

• Get there: Minivan/private taxi from Phnom Penh (2.5-3 hours).
• Where to stay: Garden Guest House , cute family run accommodation in the centre with helpful staff and a free breakfast.

9. Takeo, Off the beaten track in Cambodian rice country

Located south of Phnom Penh towards the coast, Takeo province is the green heart of rural Cambodia and true rice country. Verdant paddies stretch out as far as the eye can see, only interrupted by the occasional palm tree.

Here you’ll find yet more beautiful temples that pre-date Angkor Wat. The first, Angkor Borei, is one of the most important but lesser-visited archaeological sites in Cambodia. Dating back to 400 BC, it is home to the earliest known dated inscriptions in Khmer writing.

Once the Angkorian capital, the 740-acre site still has its deep moats and defensive walls. The whole area is flooded for up to six months of the year, thus during the rainy season, the site can only be accessed by boat. Don’t miss the Angkor Borei Museum: Set inside a beautiful old Buddhist temple, it catalogues objects unearthed in the area during digs.

Phnom Chisor is an 11th century Brahman temple set atop Chi So mountain. The sandstone galleries, 60 metres long in some parts, are beyond elegant. Finally, built later in the 12th-13th centuries, Ta Prohm (not to be confused with the temple of the same name near Siem Reap) features intricate narrative bas-relief carvings depicting snippets from daily life and celestial scenes.

Top it off with lunch in a bungalow by Tonle Bati lake or a home-cooked meal at the Meas Family Homestay.

• Get there: Train or minivan (2 hours) from Phnom Penh.
• Where to stay: Meas Family Homestay , comfortable homestay set inside the Cambodian Weaving Village social enterprise.

10. Kampot, riverside relaxation

Kampot ties with Kampong Cham for my favourite place in Cambodia. The secret of this not-so-sleepy riverside city is definitely out, and it’s not as off-the-beaten-track as it was a few short years ago. Still, it’s a gem in my eyes and a place you should devote as much time as humanly possible to.

This is the ultimate slow-paced, slow travel experience. Spend your days kayaking in the river or indulging in a massage at social enterprise Banteay Srey Women’s Spa. Wander the waterfront to admire beautiful French-era buildings such as the old Fish Market, visit small galleries and the wonderful regional museum.

Kampot has the best restaurant scene in Cambodia outside of Phnom Penh , with amazing Khmer offerings and a gamut of international cuisines to choose from (including the best authentic Italian in Southeast Asia ).

Most chefs naturally make liberal use of famous Kampot Peppercorns and salt. Cycling through the saltpans in the early morning is one of my favourite things to do in Cambodia. You should also tour a pepper farm to learn more about this iconic crop that was one of Cambodia’s biggest exports during colonial times.

• Get there: Minivan/coach from Phnom Penh (3 hours).
• Where to stay: Hotel Old Cinema , boutique accommodation inside a restored French cinema house (read my review here ). See more options in my detailed Kampot accommodation guide .
• Further reading: 41 things to do in Kampot .

11. Kep & Koh Tonsay, quiet beaches & crab markets

Trust me when I tell you to Skip Sihanoukville and the islands off southern Cambodia’s coast. Instead, I recommend the town of Kep, a short taxi or boat ride from Kampot, and Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island) just off the coast.

Though still touristy, Kep has a more local feel and a row of white-sand, palm-lined beaches that are quite pleasant indeed. The shoreline on Rabbit Island is even more pristine.

Of course beaches aren’t the only thing Kep is famous for: Most people come here for the food. Visit Kep Crab Market to shop for fresh crabs pulled straight from the sea, doused with local pepper and cooked to perfection.

Away from the beach, Kep National Park offers shady trails and lookout points for spectacular views of the coast.

• Get there: Tuk-tuk/taxi from Kampot (30 minutes).
• Where to stay: Sabbay Kep , self-contained bungalows near the beach.

12. Mondulkiri & Ratanakiri, Remote northern Cambodia off the beaten track

To get well and truly off the beaten path in Cambodia, head north north north to what is indisputably the most remote part of the country. Ratanakiri, the last province before the Lao border, hugs Laos and Southern Vietnam . Mondulkiri is a little easier to reach from Phnom Penh but feels just as remote. If you come all this way, it makes sense to visit both areas, basing yourself in Banlung in Ratanakiri and in Sen Monorom in Mondulkiri.

Both provinces feature amazing landscapes of waterfalls, forests and glassy lakes. This part of Cambodia is extremely diverse and home to many ethnic groups, including the Bunong. Homestays and ecotourism projects organised with the community contribute to local conservation and wildlife protection while providing people with a much-needed source of income through tourism.

The Kiris are paradise, but beneath the surface, the blights of illegal logging and environmental degradation have led to both the wildlife and local people suffering tremendously. Initiatives such as the Elephant Valley Project have stepped in as a safety net for the animals and provide a sustainable source of income for locals. They offer both day-visit and overnight packages where you can safely and ethically interact with elephants rescued from the logging trade.

• Get there: Minivan/coach from Phnom Penh (9+ hours).
• Where to stay: Elephant Valley Project.
• Don’t miss: Hiking to Yak Loam lake, a perfectly round waterhole in the middle of the forest near Banlung (Ratanakiri).

Cambodia essentials

Planning a trip to Cambodia? Here are some of the resources and tools I personally use to organise my travel plans in the Kingdom.

FLIGHTS: Find the best deals on flights to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap using Skyscanner .

VISAS: Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for Cambodia and apply for an expedited visa online. Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel/hotel reservation for your visa application if needed.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insure your trip with HeyMondo , my preferred provider for single-trip and annual travel insurance.

SIM CARD: Purchase an Airalo eSIM for Cambodia and get instant access to the net when you arrive (prices start from $4.50).

AIRPORT TRANSFER: Pre-book your hotel transfer from Phnom Penh Airport or Siem Reap Airport .

ACCOMMODATION: Find the best hotel deals in Cambodia on Agoda or book a Cambodia hostel .

BUS TICKETS: Buy your Cambodia bus tickets online in advance through Bookaway or organise a private car and driver through BookMeBus .

TUK-TUKS: Download Pass App to book tuk-tuks and taxis on the go.

DAY TRIPS: Find the best city tours and day excursions in Cambodia on Viator .

COOKING CLASSES & MARKET TOURS: Find the best cooking classes and foodie experiences in Cambodia on Cookly .

CAMBODIA GUIDEBOOK: Pick up a copy of the latest Lonely Planet guidebook for Cambodia .

Further reading for Cambodia

• Cambodia packing list , handy things to pack for Cambodia
• 1-3 day itinerary for Phnom Penh
• Where to stay in Phnom Penh
• 12 best day trips from Phnom Penh
• The best Khmer restaurants in Phnom Penh
• Where to eat breakfast in Phnom Penh and where to find the best coffee in Phnom Penh
• 51 free things to do in Phnom Penh
• Resort style swimming pools in Phnom Penh
• How to use PassApp to book a tuk tuk in Cambodia
• 41 things to do in Kampot
• Where to stay in Kampot
• How to buy tickets for Angkor Wat
• Best Siem Reap tours for every budget and interest
• My guide to Battambang , Cambodia’s cultural capital
• My guide to Kampong Cham , northern Cambodia’s most charming town
• My guide to Kratie , home of Cambodia’s best sunset!

hello Emily, your post is very inspiring, thanks so much for it!! You shared some very good insights, thanks! I am travelling through Laos and Vietnam, and next Cambodia. it’s my first trip to SA Asia. I loved the north of Laos, the rural simple life, the people, and the stunning scenery. I loved the vibrant Hanoi, but overall I feel Vietnam is a bit too touristy and over-built for me (lots of concrete everywhere!). I can’t wait to explore Cambodia. I am currently in Hoi An, and very confused on the best itinerary to cross the border and start exploring Cambodia :-). Would you recommend me to go to HCMC and start from the south,or to cross the border and start from North west Cambodia? I will travel unti the 18th January. thanks

Hi Cinzia – generally I would recommend crossing from the south, the delta. It is a popular route with better infrastructure. The north-east of Cambodia is wonderful but very remote. If you’re up for an adventure, you could go in via one of the ‘Kiris!

This is great and really helpful details. So I take it then you are not recommending to put Koh Rong on the priority list?

Hi Katie, Koh Rong is not my cup of tea. I haven’t been back since 2017 but I hear it’s even more over-developed now unfortunately.

THANK YOU for this post. You inspired me to stay for a month in Cambodia- doing some slow travel post-pandemic. Your posts have inspired me greatly, especially this one. I did Kratie! There are very few visitors in this part of Cambodia.The children were so surprised to see us. WOW -the market is amazing… feels more vibrant and intense compared to other markets here. I saw 5-7 dolphins, one just had a baby! I did kayaking in Stueng Traeng, which felt very unique floating among the trees in the middle of the Mekong.

So happy to hear this, Nina! Kratie is a great place! Thank you for your comment.

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What you need to know before visiting Cambodia: health care, currency, and culture

Mar 26, 2022 • 7 min read

From what to pack to being prepared for health and safety concerns, here's what you need to know ahead of a trip to Cambodia © Jim Purdum / Getty Images

Cambodia is considered one of the friendliest countries in Southeast Asia . Thanks to an unbreakable spirit and infectious optimism, the Khmers have prevailed. No visitor comes away without a measure of admiration and affection for the inhabitants of this enigmatic kingdom. 

General health is more of an issue here than in many other parts of Southeast Asia, due to a lack of international-standard medical-treatment facilities, a prevalence of tropical diseases, and poor sanitation. Once you venture into rural areas you are on your own, although most provinces have a reasonable clinic for minor health problems.

Cambodia is generally a very safe country to visit, but occasional crimes and scams do happen so it is best to minimize the risks where possible. Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning once again, this guide can help you plan the essentials for your trip.

Cambodia's use of currency can be confusing 

Cambodia’s official currency is the riel (4000r = US$1). The US dollar is used as a parallel currency and accepted everywhere, although small change may arrive in riel. Just to confuse matters, in towns bordering Thailand Thai baht (B) is also accepted.

Get yourself a  krama  as soon as you arrive

Purchase a krama , a traditional Cambodian checked scarf, as soon as you arrive – it's a multipurpose travel towel that the locals use in a multitude of ways. The primary use is protection from the sun, dust, and wind, but you can also use it as a quick cover-up sarong-style, to towel yourself down after a dip in the pool, and as a makeshift pillow. Essentially the list is as long as your imagination and it takes up virtually no space in your backpack compared to the multiple equivalent products it dupes.

Pack lightweight gear and casual clothes for Cambodia

Lightweight and loose-fitting clothes are the best plan in Cambodia, including cottons and linens to combat the humidity. Cambodia is not a particularly dressy place unless you're spending time at high-end bars and clubs in  Phnom Penh or Siem Reap , so smart clothes are rarely a necessity. If heading to the upland northeast in November to March, pack a warm top for the cool nights. 

What to pack

• Lightweight, light-colored clothing to reflect the sun
• Comfortable sandals or shoes
• Refillable water bottle
• Powerful sunscreen and long-lasting deodorant
• Earplugs to block out the noise
• Unlocked mobile phone for use with a Cambodian SIM card (roaming charges are very expensive, it’s worth buying a cheap SIM upon arrival)
• A light raincoat if traveling in the wet season.

There is some important etiquette to keep in mind

Cambodian people are very gracious hosts, but there are some important spiritual and social conventions to observe.

Always be respectful at a Buddhist site 

When visiting temples, cover up to the knees and elbows, and remove shoes and any head covering when entering temple buildings. Sit with your feet tucked behind you to avoid pointing them at Buddha images. It's also good to leave a small donation. Women should never touch a monk or his offering bowl – the Buddhist faith believes it is contrary to a monk's sacred vows to be in close proximity to a woman that isn't a relative.

Use the local greeting when meeting new people

Called the sompiah , the local greeting in Cambodia involves putting your hands together in a prayer-like manner. Use this when introduced to new Khmer friends. When beckoning someone over, always wave towards yourself with the palm down.

Bargaining is expected in markets and for transportation

It's important to haggle in markets in Cambodia, otherwise, the stallholder may "shave your head" (local vernacular for "rip you off"). Negotiation is also the rule when arranging share taxis, pickups, and local transportation like tuk tuks if ordering in person and not via a ride-hailing app. The Khmers are not ruthless hagglers, so a persuasive smile and a little friendly quibbling are usually enough to get a price that's acceptable to both you and the seller.

It's important to dress modestly 

Avoid wearing swimsuits or scant clothing around towns in Cambodia, even in beach destinations. Wear a sarong or krama to cover up.

Tipping is appreciated

Tipping is not essential but is commonplace in establishments catering to tourists such as hotels and restaurants, and it is standard practice to tip tour guides and drivers on organized tours. 

Local health care in Cambodia is basic

Do not visit Cambodia without medical insurance. Hospitals are very basic in the provinces and anyone who has a serious injury or illness while in Cambodia may require emergency evacuation to Bangkok. If you fall seriously ill in Cambodia you should head to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, as these are the only places in the country with decent emergency treatment. 

Pharmacies in the larger towns are remarkably well stocked and you don’t need a prescription to get your hands on anything from antibiotics to antimalarials. 

When it comes to tap water, play it safe and avoid it where possible. Bottled water is widely available in Cambodia and many hotels and guesthouses have refill tanks. Ice is generally fine to use, as it is produced in bottled water factories around the country, a legacy of the French colonial period.

Elephant rides are not recommended

Though not yet illegal in Cambodia, elephant rides have been repeatedly called out by animal welfare groups as cruel and painful for the animal – some private companies are finally rethinking the practice . Do your research to ensure any animal sanctuary you'd like to visit is ethical and prioritizes the welfare of the inhabitants.  

Stay safe in Cambodia with these top tips

The most common crime is bag or mobile-phone snatching, usually perpetrated by thieves on motorcycles. Smartphones are a particular target, so avoid using your phone on the side of the street, especially at night. Walking or riding alone late at night is not ideal, as there have been several incidents of solo women travelers being assaulted in isolated areas, usually after dark.

Most scams are fairly harmless, involving a bit of commission here and there for local drivers. There have been one or two reports of police set-ups in Phnom Penh, involving planted drugs, but these seem very rare and usually involve business owners. Beware the Filipino blackjack scam – don't get involved in any gambling with seemingly friendly folks unless you want to part with plenty of cash.

There is quite a lot of fake medication floating about the region, so only buy prescription drugs from reliable pharmacies or clinics. Be very careful if being offered chemical drugs on the street in Cambodia, as not only are they illegal but may be laced with all sorts of dangerous toxic substances. 

Due to the presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) in some rural areas, it is essential to stick to marked paths. Keep a close eye on small children in rural areas to make sure they don't stray and do not go off road if you're cycling.

Roads have improved massively in recent years, but conditions can vary widely from the dry to the wet season. Although motorcycles are a popular way to get around in Cambodia, do not attempt it if you're not an experienced driver. The tangled traffic in the big towns and cities is no place for a novice.

Run through this pre-departure checklist before you go

• Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months or you won't be allowed into Cambodia
• Arrange any recommended inoculations at a travel-health clinic
• Purchase travel insurance with decent health coverage
• Double-check to see if you need to arrange a visa before arrival

You might also like: Angkor Wat: everything you need to know about Cambodia's most iconic temple    Siem Reap: 11 best things to do after you explore Angkor Wat    Cambodia's less-traveled islands visitors need to know about   

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These hidden temples in Cambodia will take you off the beaten path

Avoid the crowds at these lesser known alternatives to Angkor Wat—which include Cambodia’s newest addition to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Nearly 1.4 million people plan to trek to Cambodia ’s 900-year-old Angkor Wat temple complex this year, but 68 miles northeast is a site once considered “the center of the Angkorian world,” says archaeologist Sarah Klassen. Koh Ker , home to Cambodia’s largest pyramid, is the country’s newest addition to the UNESCO World Heritage List and one of the nation’s many historically significant archaeological marvels often missed by travelers. Here are four lesser known sites built by the prosperous Khmer Empire during its heyday from the ninth to the 15th centuries.

The rise of Angkor and the Khmer Empire

Founded around A.D. 802, the Khmer Empire grew to become one of the most influential in Southeast Asia, spanning from modern-day Vietnam to Myanmar . It was ruled by a dynasty of powerful god-kings from the capital of Angkor, home to the 400-acre Angkor Wat complex. Featuring elaborately carved spires, elevated towers, covered galleries, and spacious courtyards, the 12th-century “temple-mountain” is one of the world’s largest religious structures and is Cambodia’s most renowned sacred site—so much so that it appears on the nation’s flag.  

“The ability to harness all of the people that would have been required to build something like the big monument at Angkor is really spectacular,” says Klassen, who is the co-director of the Cambodian Archaeological Lidar Initiative and director of the Koh Ker Archaeological Project , adding that these structures are “a testament to the power and wealth” of the civilization.  

( The world’s most remarkable—and little known—dynasty comes to life in south India .)

Due to Southeast Asia’s protracted dry season, a sophisticated system of reservoirs and canals was also integral to governance. “Water management was closely associated and tied to kingship,” says Klassen, who points out that the empire’s failing water system likely contributed to its eventual downfall.  

Best alternatives to Angkor Wat

Prasat Prang, Cambodia’s largest pyramid, is the centerpiece of Koh Ker, a former capital of Angkor. “It’s the only other site to have that [position] other than Angkor itself, but it only lasted for 16 years,” says Klassen. The shift of power back to Angkor is one of the mysteries researchers like Klassen are still investigating about Koh Ker.  

Built by King Jayavarman IV , the 10th-century Shiva complex is known for its abundant linga carvings (short cylindrical, pillar-like symbols of the deity). According to Ea Darith, director of the Department of Monuments and Archaeology at the National Authority for Preah Vihear , more than 20 temples house linga, not only the pyramid.  

Due to its proximity to quarries, everything at Koh Ker—the 115-foot-tall pyramid, lintels, and statues—is more elaborate than those at Angkor. “Big monolithic stones were first used at Koh Ker,” says Darith. Travelers can pair a visit with the nearby Beng Mealea , a 12th-century Hindu complex built in the same style as the Angkor Wat.

Sambor Prei Kuk  

The Sambor Prei Kuk complex features over 180 brick temples with Hindu iconography scattered through a dense forest in eastern Cambodia. “[It] was the head of a network of various pre-Angkorian settlements spread across Cambodia but interconnected by the waterways,” says Siem Reap-based archaeologist David Brotherson.  

( Here’s how World Heritage status helps destinations around the world .)

Three temple groups feature a central tower on a platform surrounded by smaller structures, which Darith says “are considered the highest and biggest brick towers in Cambodia.”  

Preah Vihear

Perched on a dizzying 2,000-foot-high escarpment on the Dângrêk Range at the Thailand border, this 10th-12th-century Shiva temple was a royal pilgrimage site. “It’s the geographic setting that sets it apart completely,” Brotherson says.  

A half-mile-long linear causeway connects five pavilions “built completely out of sandstone,” says Darith, noting that the stone was sourced from quarries on the mountain. Visitors can book a motorcycle ($5) or 4WD pickup truck ($25) for the four mile between the ticket center and the temple.  

Banteay Chhmar  

Built by King Jayavarman VII, the primary temple in this remote 12th-century site is one of Cambodia’s most extensive. It features elements from more famous Buddhist temples, such as Bayon ’s face-towers and narrative bas-reliefs, Ta Prohm ’s wild tree roots, Preah Khan ’s elaborate balustrades, and an intricately carved 32-armed Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva adorning the western wall.  

( Discover 20 of the world’s most beautiful Buddhist temples .)

Brotherson says the strategic western Cambodia location was “to project the royal power authority” to rivals. “It’s largely unrestored,” he adds. “You’re going to have that full-on ‘Tomb Raider’ jungle-temple experience.”

Several companies, such as the Banteay Chhmar Community-Based Tourism group , offer off-the-beaten-path tours to the satellite temples hidden within the jungle.

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From Frugal to Free

Top Travel Bargains: 20 Must-Visit Budget Destinations for 2024

Posted: March 24, 2024 | Last updated: March 24, 2024

Soaking up the culture in a foreign country is one aspect that makes traveling fun. You get to indulge in another culture’s food, performances, architecture, lifestyle, and more. As such, going to more varied countries to understand them better and gain various experiences is a great goal.

A country with a vibrant mix of Europeans, Africans, and a small Chinese population makes it an interesting cultural mix for you to experience. Indulge in the various salsa clubs, catch some classic cars roaming the streets, and have multiple beach days while you’re there. There are numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites and mountains to hike if you enjoy nature.

#2. Cambodia

Home of the thriving Khmer culture, younger generations are attempting to revive and preserve the culture. It is a great country to visit to learn more about Buddhism, with its numerous famous temples and cultural sites. You can watch Apsara performances – a traditional dance, and buy Khmer handicrafts as souvenirs.

The world is no stranger to Greek myths, so why not explore them further by heading to the country they originated from? Greece is a unique and beautiful country filled with ancient history and home to ancient myths. You can take gastronomic tours to steep yourself in their food culture and countless tours of archaeological sites and museums.

#4. Morocco

This is one of the most popular destinations in North Africa for a reason. Morocco combines various cultures , such as Jewish, Phoenician, Roman, Arabic, Berber, French, and Spanish. Hence, its cuisine is filled with spices and mixes various flavors. Try out their tradition of sipping mint tea or shopping for unique handicrafts when spending time at their souks while haggling with merchants.

#5. Thailand

There’s a reason Thailand is a fan favorite for travelers worldwide. It’s cheap, and it has a vibrant culture at its heart. Thailand has it all – from flavorful food to white sandy beaches and tea plantations to a festive nightlife to enjoy yourself. You can’t leave the country without trying Thai tea or famous foods like papaya salad and Pad Thai.

#6. New Orleans, U.S.A

New Orleans is steeped in culture and history as it mixes Cajun, Creole, French, and Spanish cultures. It’s the city that birthed jazz, so of course, you should visit its many jazz bars and perhaps join a Mardi Gras parade when you can. There’s a lot of historical architecture, which is also enjoyable.

#7. Oaxaca, Mexico

Mexico is a great budget option for traveling if you’re looking for more cultural experiences, but Oaxaca is a must-visit. It doesn’t offer the fancy buildings or hotels that are common in the major tourist areas but is filled with varying landscapes, from lush hills to deserts and beaches. This is also known as the food capital of Mexico, so your tastebuds are in for a treat. You can also experience the Day of The Dead celebrations or visit an indigenous Zapotec village.

Similar to that of Greece, Egypt is well known for its ancient history and architecture. The most notable are the pyramids, the Valley of the Kings, and some museums exploring civilization’s deep history. Trying out Egyptian food is also a treat that will tingle your tastebuds.

#9. Guatemala

Explore the culture of the ancient Mayans in Guatemala while brushing up on your Spanish. This is an excellent destination if you’re on a budget and one of the most beautiful places to visit. They have numerous volcanoes to hike and little towns to soak in the Mayan culture and food.

#10. Andalusia, Spain

A location in Spain that is heavily inspired by Moorish culture due to being ruled by the Moors for centuries, Andalusia offers a different view of Spain. It is a laid-back area where you can go tapas hopping through its many tapas bars, watch exhilarating Flamenco performances, and soak in the Moorish architecture.

#11. Istanbul, Turkey

Best described as having a foot in Asia and Europe, Istanbul is undeniably an exciting amalgamation of cultures throughout history. Especially since it was ruled over by various empires, which left lasting influences and infrastructure. You can visit the Roman Hippodrome, Egyptian obelisks, and even an iconic Byzantine 6th-century dome with mosaics.

#12. Timor-Leste

As Asia’s youngest country, Timor-Leste doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves. They have a lot of heritage performances, and there are interesting ethnic groups to explore in remote villages. You can shop for Tai weavings and visit sacred cultural houses as well as a historical church overlooking the capital of the city that is a hallmark of its beliefs.

#13. Sarawak, Malaysia

A similar option to Timor-Leste that is more accessible. Sarawak is filled with over 20 ethnic groups that share their culture. You can visit iconic cultural longhouses and remote villages or spend time in the city with its historical museums and delicious food.

#14. Kerala, India

Going anywhere in India will be a great cultural experience, but Kerala is dubbed “God’s Own Country” for a reason. It is a region filled with a beautiful mix of languages and religions, home to houseboats and tea. You can also visit their bi-annual contemporary art exhibition to expose yourself to the country’s younger generations’ culture.

#15. Uzbekistan

It is partially known for being a part of the historical Silk Road that connected various countries and regions. It has a melting pot of cultures from the Turks, Greeks, Russians, Mongols, and Persians. This country has ikat and ceramic traditions and dance performances to entertain you.

#16. South Africa

It is no secret that South Africa is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes and exciting safari experiences. You can visit their museums, zoos, caves, and countless cultural villages to experience the full extent of their culture. There are even cultural evenings hosted by these villages and museums for you to join.

#17. Ethiopia

Located in North East Africa, Ethiopia is where lowlands and highlands collide. Depending on your location, you can experience the heat and the cold. It is also the only African country never to be colonized, which makes it rich in culture and tradition. If South Africa underwhelms you, head to Ethiopia for a better cultural experience.

#18. Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina are excellent options for those interested in visiting a cultural place in the Balkans. The central city of Sarajevo is even divided into the Ottomans and Europeans, which features an old bazaar on one side and the Austro-Hungarian-influenced culture on the other. These are two parts that you should visit when in the area.

#19. Ecuador

It is a great, culturally diverse country with strong Spanish influences and Andean indigenous groups in some regions. There are also African cultures around the coastal areas and various Amazonian indigenous groups in the forest-dominated east. So, there’s a lot to explore and learn about, with varying festivals and traditions all year round.

#20. Colombia

Filled with a mix of indigenous and colonial influences, Colombia has some colorful small towns and great coffee to delight your tastebuds. It is also home to the Paisas, a self-defined cultural group that passes their rich traditions through music and folklore. Be sure to visit Antioqua for the whole vibrant cultural experience.

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The post Top Travel Bargains: 20 Must-Visit Budget Destinations for 2024 first appeared on From Frugal to Free .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Pikoso.kz.

The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace professional financial advice.

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