The Southeast Asian nation, Cambodia is known for its landscapes that sit on low lying plains, the Mekong Delta, mountains and the gulf of Thailand coastline. People often flock to Cambodia to visit its majestic temples, timeless ruins, beaches and to enjoy its rich, cultural heritage. Most people are not aware that some of the best things to do in Cambodia are visiting its scenic attractions that have always bewitched the travelers.
Top 16 Things To Do In Cambodia
Kids, teenagers, adults, couples, families or just friends, whoever they maybe, whatever the age group, Cambodia has its surprises waiting to cater to the needs of the travelers from all over the world. Travelers from every corner of the world visits the ancient kingdom to enjoy activities like cruising, watersports, swimming with the elephants, riding on a bike through the temples and venturing on a shopping spree. There are promising adventure activities in Cambodia waiting for travelers to visit. In fact, there are several things to do in Cambodia, one visit is not enough!
Cambodia is a wonder land, filled with magical temple to streets. There will never be a dull moment when discovering the goodness of the city. Since there are a few unique things to do in Cambodia. Have a look!
1. Biking: Discover Siem Reapon While Biking
Travellers like to explore the lush greenery, magical temples in Cambodia and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Cycling tours are the fun way of sightseeing and the best things to do in Cambodia for backpackers. Riding through the peaceful countryside amidst the gorgeous scenery allows travelers to avoid the busy streets and crowds. The tour includes visiting Ta Prohm, Elephant terrace, Bayon and other Angkor temples. Exploring the wonderful and magical city on a bike is one of the most unique things to do in Cambodia. It gives travelers the freedom to enjoy fresh air and of course bike at leisure.
Famous for: Biking tour of the Ta Prohm, Elephant terrace, Bayon
Location: Siem Reapon
Best Time: November- January
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2. Apsara Dance: Discover The Khmer Performance
The Apsara Dance is one of the best things to do in Cambodia for those who love art, theatrics and dance. The dance draws its roots from the mythological courts of the kings and Gods, which have transformed into the modern unique form we see today. The Khmer dance is a story that is narrated through the flexible movements and colorful and attractive attires of the dancers.
When visiting Cambodia, art, theatre and dance are one of the many thing's travelers should explore and discover. It is a onetime experience; any traveler should not miss out on. Ensure you have tickets for the Apsara dance.
Famous for:
- Art, Theatre and Dance
Location: Cambodia
Timings: 7:30 am -9:30 pm
3. Cruising: Spotting The Dolphins And Enjoying The Sunset
One of the most thrilling and exciting things travelers have experienced are cruising the Mekong. The most enriching and fun things to do in Cambodia is sailing from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap on a traditional Cambodian boat. The stunning sunset seen from the abroad the cruise is like a cherry on the cake. While cruising, one can see the Irrawaddy river dolphins in the water, a rare aquatic mammal. Watching the peaceful, friendly creatures in their habitat is one of the most peaceful things to do in Phnom Penh. Cruising is an absolute delight for travelers. It is one of the many things people should do and not skip.
Famous for:
- Irrawaddy river dolphins
- Sailing from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
Best Time: November- January
Location: Cambodia
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4. Ta Prohm- The Temple Of ‘Tomb Raider’
Ta Prohm is the only structure in Angkor that is left standing in pristine form. It is the perfect example of the power of nature and is the best places to visit in Cambodia. The roots that have clung to the shrine and has become a challenge to try and alter the structure. The tomb raider is one of the most photogenic places in Cambodia with its silk cotton trees and strangler figs. It is one of the most unique tourist attractions in Cambodia.
One would definitely be lucky to visit the famous temple as a movie was shot here. People should visit the temple for its natural beauty.
Location: Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Famous for:
- Silk Cotton trees and strangler figs
Timings: 7:30 am- 5:30 pm
5. Cambodian Cuisine- Fresh Seafood And Amok
Food is one of the major attractions of Cambodia that attract people from all over the world to visit this heavenly paradise. A regular Cambodian meal includes rich and fish. Cambodian food is called ‘the cuisine of contrast’ because of its variations. Travelers fall in love with the food. One of the delicacies one should try is the Fish Amok, Samlor Machu Trey, Nom Banh Chok and Num Anksom Sach Chrouk. Cambodia is the city for seafood lovers.
With its temples and theatre, people should never miss out on the city’s delicacies. The flavors and spices burst in the mouth with each bite.
Location: Cambodia
Famous for:
- Fresh seafood and Amok
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6. Phnom Penh Palace- Opulent Architecture
Phnom Penh was built in 1860. It is a glittery palace that dominates the skyline and is a reminder of Cambodia’s history. The palace is defined by its stupas and towering spires, Silver Pagoda next to it, tropical gardens and peacefulness that prevails inside the high-rise walls. It is a must do in Cambodia and of course the best things to do in Phnom Penh Palace.
Architecture has always been a beauty of Cambodia. People planning their vacation in Cambodia should explore the city’s architecture. It is a must as without it, the holiday remains incomplete. So, book your flight to Cambodia right away.
Location: Cambodia
Famous for:
- Cambodia's history
- Tropical gardens and stupas
7. Angkor Wat- The Greatest Temple In The World
The largest and most famous temple in the world attracts tourists from all over the world. With being the most famous, it is also one of the most romantic places to visit in Cambodia. Its beauty and pristine persona is unlike any other temple in the world. It is one of the most important monuments in Cambodia. It was built in the 12th century in honor of Lord Vishnu. It has stood the test of time and is in the list of UNESCO’s world heritage sites.
When visiting Cambodia, people, especially college kids should visit Angkor Wat. It is a beauty that beholds the eye of the beholder.
Location: Cambodia
Famous for:
- Beauty and Pristine Persona
- Built in honor of Lord Vishnu
Best Time : November- April
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8. National Parks- Discover The Wild
Do you want to discover and explore something different? Besides the temples, some of the tourist's attractions in Cambodia include national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that house some of the rarest species of the world’s flora and fauna.
Visiting the park is one of the most fun things to do in Cambodia for adventure and nature lovers. The virachey national park is home to tigers, clouded leopards, elephants, sun bears and a variety of birds. The Ream park on the other hand is home to endangered birds like the Brahminy kite, grey headed fish eagle and white bellied sea eagle.
Location: Cambodia
Famous for:
- Endangered birds
- Rare species of flora and fauna
Best Time: November- January
9. Swimming- Swim With The Elephants
Swimming with the elephants is one of the craziest adventure activities to do in Cambodia. The Mondulkiri elephant valley project takes care of the abandoned, injured and orphaned elephants. It is famously known as a place where elephants get to be themselves again, protects and shelters elephants.
Travelers have prior booking for a chance to meet the adorable animals. Visitors can swim and play with these elephants which is better than riding them, which adds to their misery. It is one of the most fun filled adventures any traveler should not miss out on. So, book yourself some fun and adventure.
Location: Cambodia
Famous for:
- Swimming with elephants
Best Time: November- February
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10. Tuol Sleng- The Torture House Secrets
This war museum is not a happy place in Cambodia, but it is an important place to visit at least once, to understand its horrific history. Khmer Rouge Era, the school cum execution ground was used to torture inmates. The S-21 detention center in Cambodia is haunted and it reminds people of the endless genocide of that specific era.
It may not be one of the best places to visit in Cambodia but people should pay their respect to all those who lost their lives living in this detention center. People should read about the museum before visiting it. It is one of those places that has left a mark in people’s mind.
Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Famous for:
- S-21 detention center
Timings: 8am- 5pm
11. Beaching- Relaxing And Refreshing The Mind And Soul At The Laid-Back Beaches
Some of the most laid-back beaches are found in Southeast Asia. One of the best beaches in Cambodia are Sihanoukville, Kep, Koh Rong and Ream, as they offer comfort and beautiful views to the travelers. Travelers can bask in sun lying on a hammock, even get a massage, eat at the beach shacks and go snorkeling, fishing, and boating.
For those looking for a peaceful relaxed holiday should look into the islands and beaches in Cambodia. Island hopping is one of the most fun things to do in Cambodia. So, for all those who want to have some peace and tranquility, they should visit some of the beaches in Cambodia.
Famous for:
- Island Hopping
Best Time: November to February
12. Diving- Discover The World Below Sihanoukville
Cambodia’s beauty isn’t restricted to what is seen only on the surface, but the wide, colorful world below. The diving places in Sihanoukville include clean clear water, decent water temperature, divine corals and a variety of marine life which include seahorses, whales' sharks, sting rats, eels, triggerfish, barracuda, starfish and nudibranch.
Scuba diving in Cambodia is one of the most adventurous things to do in Cambodia. With perfect climate, the seas attract drivers from all over the world throughout the year. Discovering the world below is one of the best things do. One should experience these things and not give it a miss.
Location: Sihanoukville, Cambodia
Best Time: November to May
Famous for:
- Seahorses, whales' sharks
- Sting rats
- Eels
- Triggerfish
- Barracuda
- starfish and nudibranch
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13. National Museum- Gorgeous Artwork Of Khmer
The national museum takes pride in its art from the Khmer era, which disappeared during the Khmer rouge due to smuggling. The best artwork on display is the ancient stonework, bronze tools and weapons, bronze drums, ceramics, statues and sculptures. The artifacts offer an insight into the history of the city and the lifestyle of people back in the day. It is one of the most important tourist attractions in Cambodia.
The national museum also has delicate cravings of the Gods and Goddesses. It is highly alluring visually and is one place every traveler should visit. People should explore the beauty of the museum.
Famous for:
- Delicate cravings of the Gods and Goddesses
- Ceramics and sculptures
Location: National Museum, Khmer, Cambodia
Timings: Sunday- Saturday, 8 am -5pm
14. Preah Khan- The Buddha Temple, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
The ancient temple is situated at the northeast of Angkor Archeological Park. King Jayavarman V11 build the temple. The meaning of the name is royal sword. Preah Khan was built in honor of Lord Buddha. It was home to the royal clan who ruled this region. It is a temple that has two gateways that lead into the main hall.
It is one of the amongst the most beautiful temples that attracts visitors from all over the world. It is simply breathtaking and is one temple that people often spend hours looking at its architecture. It is must visit at least once.
Famous for:
- Architecture
Location: Preah Khan, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Time: November- April
15. Cambodia Landmine Museum, Siem Reap Angkor, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia
For all the environment lovers, the Cambodia Landmine Musuem is the best place for them. Cambodia is one of the most mined country in the world. Due to the struggles in history which include the American bombing, civil war, genocide and the brutal Khmer Rouge regime, the place has several mines buried in the land.
Several people have lost their lives over the years because of the landmine explosion. Even though several mines have been removed, some still remain hidden inside. The rescued mines are kept preserved inside the museum. It reminds tourists of the history of the place. It is an absolute beauty.
Famous for:
- Its history
Location: Cambodia Landmine Museum, Siem Reap Angkor, Cambodia
Timings: 7:30 am- 5:30 pm
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16. Battambang Bat Caves, Mount Sampeou, Cambodia
Battambang Bat Caves is also known as the Killing caves. It is one of the most unique things to do in Cambodia. Bats go to the caves at night and tourists watch them flock out of the cave to nearby trees and branches. It is safe to leave the cave after 10 minutes even though one can easily spend an entire day here. Tourists can go to the caves on bikes.
It is a one-of-a-kind cave which people should visit. People should pay this cave a visit at least once and see the beauty and of course the bats flying out.
Famous for:
- Bats flocking out together in the morning
Location: Mount Sampeou, Cambodia
Timings: Only in the evenings
One of the most inspiring places to visit, there are so many things to do in Cambodia. The secrets of the city are waiting to be discovered by tourists from all over the world. Go ahead and indulge in the culture and history of this gorgeous land of amazing ruins. Book you flight to Cambodia and have the best vacation of a lifetime.
Things To Do In Cambodia - FAQs
Cambodia is known for Angkor War, the most amazing place to visit. Apart from this, there are several other historical and heritage sites that hold the history of the place.
Cambodia is definitely worth a visit as there several historical temples and ancient ruins that make it the best place to explore. There are several things to do in Cambodia.
A week in Cambodia is enough as each place needs 2-3 days.
Yes, it is a safe place for tourists as hospitality is a major priority.
November to February is the best time to visit.
Preah Khan is one the most well-known Buddhist temples in Cambodia.
