18 Best Things to Do in Cambodia. The spellbinding charms of Cambodia’s reign of Khmer reach well into the centuries. Located in the center of Southeast Asia, this beautiful country managed to steal the hearts of all who reach there.
The Mekong River runs through the land, launching from the north southwards. As you travel its banks, you will see a landscape in flux. Cambodia’s natural beauty ranges from pristine ivory beaches to magnificent jungle peaks.
While the spectacular temples of Angkor draw most visitors, there is so much more to explore in Cambodia. Home to everything from picturesque tropical beaches to stunning colonial architecture, the country has something for every type of traveler. Besides, the abundance of natural wonders will make you breathless.
The tourist attractions are not the only great reasons to visit Cambodia. It is the warmth and smiles of the local people that will actually stay with you. Cambodia is a truly special place, with its rich cuisine and vivid culture arising from a glorious heritage.
Pub Street, Siem Reap
“Don’t forgo vibrant nightlife when you head to Siem Reap to see the magic of Angkor. But instead of sitting still, head over to Pub Street, said to provide one of Cambodia’s best nightlife experiences.
As the sun sets in northern Cambodia, throngs of people flock here. And even though it is touristy, it attracts people from every walk of life and locals too, and every night, they share what each of them has done all day.
This is a colorful street with neon lights. Bars and restaurants come alive, shops stay open late, and the Night Market is just a few steps away.”
Battambang Bat Caves
As a small country, Cambodia is home to many cultural and natural wonders. One of those wonders is the Bat Caves of Battambang: a stunning combination of a natural phenomenon along with an ever-rich mythology.
Each evening, as the sun slowly descends past the horizon, an incredible show is staged. Inevitably, swarms of bats take wing, their multitude forming black silhouettes against orange and purple hues. The scene is so captivating, it never fails to draw in onlookers. In a nearby cave, thousands of bats have made their home, which some locals believe are manifestations of lost souls (it’s all very interconnected, given that the caves are located a few kilometers away from the somber killing fields of Phnom Sampeau). This historical and spiritual link brings an interesting element to the experience.
To see the bats in their full glory, head up the mountains behind the caves. One can also enjoy the breathtaking beauty of this natural phenomenon from this vantage point.
Kampot
Nestled in southern Cambodia, relaxing Kampot escapes the noise and crowds of nearby Phnom Penh. This sleepy little spot on the Kampot River offers a genuine experience that so many travelers desire.
Kampot’s small-town charms are hard to resist, particularly with its blend of traditional and French colonial architecture. Visitors can find cozy guesthouses, taste local cuisine, and watch the daily workings of friendly locals.
Biking around Kampot is a great way to experience the sights and sounds of town. From the busy markets to the fertile plantations, there is quite a lot to explore. And when the heat becomes too oppressive, a dip in the Kampot River is the tonic to the patient’s ills.
Choeung Ek Memorial
Cambodia suffered a nightmare for four years under the Khmer Rouge, as unspeakable things happened. Mass graves were dug, schools were turned into torture chambers, and the true toll of the carnage can only be guessed at.
There is also the Choeung Ek Memorial, which is a sobering reminder of those dark times in history. Located in the center of the infamous Killing Fields, this Khmer-style Buddhist stupa and mausoleum is an extremely grim tribute to the nearly 1.7 million lives lost (although the number is probably higher).
A trip to the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum provides a confronting insight into the depth of this period. Many day tours include both locations, giving travelers a full picture of the recent past. These tragic events are not far away in time or space, and the memories and narratives of those who lived through them are vivid, reminding us of the importance of keeping their stories alive.
Ta Prohm
I mean, it’s astounding for a temple that is 850 years old to attract international sights through a movie. But this is precisely what happened to Ta Prohm, aka the “Tomb Raider Temple.”
Comprehensive Overview of Ta Prohm Temple
Ta Prohm Temple is filled with ancient root systems clinging to deteriorating towers, giving it an aura of eeriness and magic. You can tell how old it is and feel how long it has been since it was made.
Ta Prohm is a cross-section of sublime man-made ingenuity and the fury of nature that will never be stopped, and they’re on show here. As you explore, you’ll still be able to find the many towers and courtyard sections where thousands congregated.
The riddle is created by these wonderful bas-reliefs appearing from the moss, branches, and leaves and guiding you to the interior of this complicated maze-like complex.
Tonle Sap
Tonle Sap, Cambodia’s largest freshwater lake, serves as an important waterway. It also acts as crucial irrigation for the neighboring crops, feeding the whole nation—without a doubt, it is the lifeblood of Cambodia.
More than 150 floating villages line the shores of the lake. Their bright, wooden houses float gently over the water, and their backyards are sources of food and income. Attached to short piers and busy fishing boats, these back porches experience the ebb and flow of early morning life.
These villages have matured into vibrant communities, albeit not without the challenges presented by their unique geographic situation. Walking through, you will meet schools, shops, churches, and temples growing like weeds, showcasing the strength and elasticity of the people.
If you want to really get a feel for the vastness of the lake and the various villages it supports, taking a boat trip is a must. You can either explore the mysterious Kompong Luong on the western banks or go north to the busy Chong Kneas.
Preah Vihear
The climb up toward the historic gates of Preah Vihear presents a steep challenge. But the jaw-dropping wing-like walls and narrow windowed hallways will make you forget all the trouble. You’ll then have your way past the temple’s ancient archways, through passageways graced with elaborate carvings of warriors and gods.
The secluded location of Preah Vihear, unlike other temples in Angkor, allows it to boast a special atmosphere. Its location in the Cambodian jungle feels miles away from civilization.
As you reach the top in the middle of the Dangrek Mountains, stunning landscapes, including Thailand, lay before you. Indeed, both countries claimed ownership of the highest shrine of Khmer due to its proximity to the border.
Silver Pagoda
The Silver Pagoda (also known as Wat Preah Keo) is within the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, a beautiful temple that truly charms your senses. The hotel is named in recognition of the 5 tons of silver embellished on its foundation, catching your attention with its glistening bling.
When you come to the temple, you can see thousands of tiles, 5,000 tiles that sparkle and glimmer, enhancing the magnificence of the pagoda. While most of these tiles are covered to protect them, I guess you can only imagine what a stunning view it would be if they were fully uncovered…
Climbing the beautiful Italian marble staircase, you will step inside the temple where you will find a host of sumptuous statues. Notably, the Emerald Buddha, a stunning crystal piece on a golden pedestal. This magnificent sight will absolutely be a highlight of your visit.
Spot the Irrawaddy dolphins
Along with ancient wonders, Cambodia is rich in natural beauty. Farther inland, in the province of Kratie, along the Mekong River, is a great reason to go: the popular Irrawaddy dolphins in their natural habitat.
These dolphins have unique personalities, often swimming along the boats at some distance, but shy in style. But once you see a glimpse of their expressions, they are mesmerizing. On a tour along the Mekong River, you will be directed to Kappi Rapids, where you must rely on your eagle eye to spot these amazing animals.
It is advised to visit this place during the early afternoon, as the key to the dolphin watch is patience. They are short-lived, so having a camera with a fast zoom and fast shutter speed that can grab them in motion is a bonus.
Koh Ker
Buried under the heart of Koh Ker sits an astonishing architectural phenomenon that is still standing strong. Koh Ker Temple is a 10th-century temple of the same name that used to be the capital of the Khmer empire, making it a portal into the past.
It is a peaceful complex that provides an immersive overview of a harmonious blend of Hindu and Khmer architectural styles. Pyramid structures, while notably different from the temples in the Angkor region, facilitate a very clear transitory visual between different periods of history.
Decorated with bas-reliefs of deities and mythological figures, the temple tells stories even older than the temples themselves. In addition to the central temples, which provide spectacular panoramas across the surrounding jungle, this further adds to the magic of this incredible site.
Banteay Srei
When the sun rises over the Angkor complex, it casts its warm light on the rose-colored sandstone of Banteay Srei. Under the first light of day, this ancient wonder comes into focus in all its glory. Undulating jewel tones of sandstone create a mesmerizing depth that charms every eye that feasts upon it.
Located just over an hour north of Siem Reap, closer to the outskirts of Phnom Kulen National Park, Banteay Srei could not be more different than the mammoth Bayon and Angkor Wat. Its smaller size, though, is just what makes it so desirable. The tiny temple itself is a marvel of craftsmanship, so much so that the observer cannot help but wonder how on earth they made such a tiny beauty, or even how they were inspired to create such a work of art.
From the fabulously finished sandstone to the elaborate bas-reliefs carved all over, this temple reveals an extraordinary amount of attention to detail. Among its most stunning features are the evocative shrines to Shiva and Vishnu, which showcase the temple’s artistic prowess.
Elephant Valley Project
For those invested in the ethical treatment of animals, riding elephants can seem hypocritical. Well, things have changed, and there are now better options out there for travelers. The Elephant Valley Project, Mondulkiri offers an experience unlike any other; this immersive jungle experience gives visitors the opportunity to meet the key players behind re-homing, rehabilitating, and protecting these overworked elephants.
The project covers a large sanctuary in northeastern Cambodia and offers trekking alongside the elephants rather than riding them. This emotional encounter brings together the natural beauty of the high Himalayas with the gentle giants of the animal world. While there, guests also get introduced to local Bunong culture.
Otres Beach, Sihanoukville
Cambodia has a relatively small coastline but offers some truly beautiful beaches. One particular beach that has become a magnet for sun-seeking travelers is Otres Beach.
Otres Beach: Located along Cambodia’s Riviera and fronting the Gulf of Thailand, Otres Beach has attracted a lot of tourism. Its unspoiled golden shores have recently lured tourists to descend on Sihanoukville, prompting the construction of the area’s first resorts.
However, fear not. At the southeastern part of the beach, the slang and picturesque aspect of Otres Beach is still very much intact. The soothing lapping of the warm waters against the ivory sand creates a sense of serenity for travelers. Here, relaxed guesthouses provide tranquility, giving visitors the chance to recharge.
Things to do, besides relaxing with a book and an ice-cold Angkor beer, include putting on some snorkeling gear and going on a night tour to see the colorful underwater world come to life after dark, with phytoplankton lighting up the sea.
Bayon Temple
Of course, Angkor Wat is the most renowned temple in the city of Angkor, but there are so many more places to discover. Bayon Temple is one such site, built in haste to ensure that King Jayavarman VII could lay eyes on it before he died. Though this meant rushing some of its construction, Bayon Temple remains a must-see attraction for its breathtaking reliefs and carved creations. Known as the Temple of Faces, and for a good reason—with fifty towers, each with four faces, there are more than 200 faces of Buddha lying around the complex. Beyond these faces, many of the reliefs panel scenes of daily life, like battles and trade.
Angkor Wat
Nothing, not even what the Incas accomplished, comes close to just how brilliant, beautiful, and involved the ancient Khmer civilization was to Angkor Wat. The admiration the place earned over centuries of time cannot be justified fully in words, particularly because the temple was constructed more than a thousand years ago and still stands as captivating as it was thousands of years back, being one of the major tourism spots of the world.
Surrounded by a glistening moat, the complex rises more than 50 meters above the verdant jungle ground. A towering structure in the middle connects hundreds of meters of bas-reliefs, creating an impressive architectural “theater” in its midst.
The temple is a complex crafted to display the ancient Hindu gods and a reflection of heaven on earth. Each word made to reflect each history, culture, spirituality, and poring craftsmanship that inspires deep awe.
To experience it to the fullest, arrive for sunrise. The sun rises over the dark and helps Angkor Wat shine golden above those who have the good fortune to see its splendor.
Beng Mealea
Just over an hour northeast of Siem Reap, Beng Mealea was the first of the temples we undertook to visit. Such a huge compound rises as a unique wonder. While other temples have faded under the pressure of the encroaching nature, the site has nearly completely fallen prey to the suffocating jungle.
Visiting this temple is a real Indiana Jones sort of adventure. Its style is based on the plans used for the famous Angkor Wat, and it is surrounded by a large moat.
Built in the 1100s, Beng Mealea is a gateway to the Khmer era. Do not miss the ancient road sections and bridges in the surroundings of the complex. The engineering wonders inside, like the main tower, barays, and libraries, are just as mesmerizing.
Koh Rong is one of the 18 Best Things to Do in Cambodia
Just over an hour northeast of Siem Reap, Beng Mealea was the first of the temples we undertook to visit. Such a huge compound rises as a unique wonder. While other temples have faded under the pressure of the encroaching nature, the site has nearly completely fallen prey to the suffocating jungle.
Visiting this temple is a real Indiana Jones sort of adventure. Its style is based on the plans used for the famous Angkor Wat, and it is surrounded by a large moat.
Built in the 1100s, Beng Mealea is a gateway to the Khmer era. Do not miss the ancient road sections and bridges in the surroundings of the complex. The engineering wonders inside, like the main tower, barays, and libraries, are just as mesmerizing.
Chi Phat
Deep in Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountains is Chi Phat, a remote, traditional village. This is a great chance to experience the real Cambodia beyond the tourist traps.
The village flourishes thanks to the protection of an ecotourism program, allowing the locals to earn extra money while respecting their long-standing heritage and traditions.
Being surrounded by stunning mountains, beautiful mangroves, and winding rivers, the landscapes are simply humbling. A ride along the Stung Proat River will perfectly prove this. But it is traveling through the village that will be the most memorable part of your Cambodian experience. The kindness of locals, their culture, and tantalizing local dishes will be treasured.
