Top Things to Do in Cambodia

Introduction : 17 Top Things to Do in Cambodia | An Adventure Through the Kingdom of Wonder

Ever found yourself day dreaming about ancient temples, pristine beaches, and authentic cultural experiences that won’t break the bank? Well, Cambodia might just be calling your name! This incredible Southeast Asian gem has completely stolen my heart, and I’m betting it’ll steal yours too.

After spending several months exploring this fascinating country, I’ve put together my ultimate list of must-do experiences in Cambodia. From the obvious showstoppers to some seriously underrated gems, this guide covers everything you need to plan an unforgettable Cambodian adventure.

1. Get Lost in the Ancient City of Angkor Wat

Let’s start with the obvious, shall we? No trip to Cambodia is complete without visiting the iconic Angkor Wat. But here’s the thing – this isn’t just another temple. This massive 12th-century complex is the largest religious monument in the world and absolutely deserves its spot on your bucket list.

The best way to experience Angkor Wat? Get there for sunrise. Yes, it means a painfully early alarm (we’re talking 4:30 AM kind of early), but trust me, watching the sun peek over those iconic spires is a moment you’ll never forget. I nearly missed my alarm that morning, and let me tell you – I would’ve been kicking myself forever if I had!

Pro tip: While the main temple gets all the glory, the entire Angkor Archaeological Park is home to over 1,000 temples. Give yourself at least three days to explore beyond the main attractions. My personal favorite? Ta Prohm (the “Tomb Raider” temple), where massive tree roots have reclaimed ancient stone – it’s like something straight out of a fantasy novel!

2. Cruise Through the Floating Villages of Tonle Sap Lake

Ever wondered what life would be like if your entire community floated on water? At Tonle Sap Lake, you can find out! This massive freshwater lake is home to entire floating villages where life unfolds entirely on the water.

Take a boat tour through Kampong Phluk or Kampong Khleang (the less touristy options) and witness schools, grocery stores, basketball courts, and even police stations – all bobbing on the water’s surface. It’s mind-blowing to see how these communities have adapted to life on the lake, with the water levels rising and falling dramatically between wet and dry seasons.

I visited during the dry season and was amazed to see houses perched on 20-foot stilts – come rainy season, the water rises right up to their doorsteps! Talk about adapting to your environment, right?

3. Dive Into History at the Killing Fields and S-21 Prison

This one’s heavy, I won’t lie. But understanding Cambodia’s dark history under the Khmer Rouge regime is essential to appreciating the incredible resilience of its people today.

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) in Phnom Penh was once a school before being converted into a notorious prison. Just outside the city, the Choeung Ek Killing Fields stand as a somber memorial to the thousands who lost their lives during this brutal period.

It’s not easy to visit these sites – I found myself fighting back tears more than once. But the dignity with which Cambodia preserves these memorials and the survivors who sometimes share their stories firsthand make this a profound, educational experience you shouldn’t miss. Take a guided tour if possible – their personal insights add invaluable context.

4. Beach Bum on Koh Rong’s Pristine Shores

Need a mental palette cleanser after those heavy historical sites? Cambodia’s islands are calling! Koh Rong and its smaller neighbor Koh Rong Samloem offer some of Southeast Asia’s most stunning beaches without Thailand’s crowds or prices. Win-win!

Picture this: powder-white sand, crystal clear turquoise water, and beach bungalows for a fraction of what you’d pay in more touristy spots. I spent three days on Long Beach (Koh Rong) that turned into a week because I simply couldn’t tear myself away.

The best part? At night, wade into the water to witness bioluminescent plankton lighting up like underwater stars with every movement. It’s like swimming in a sea of blue sparkles – easily one of the coolest natural phenomena I’ve ever experienced. Just wave your arms around in the water after dark and prepare to be amazed!

5. Indulge in Cambodian Street Food

Is any travel experience complete without diving into the local cuisine? Cambodian food often gets overshadowed by its Thai and Vietnamese neighbors, but that’s a serious oversight.

Head to any local market (Phnom Penh’s Russian Market or Siem Reap’s Psar Chas are great starting points) and follow your nose. Must-tries include:

• Fish amok: Cambodia’s national dish – fish curry steamed in banana leaves
• Num banh chok: Rice noodles with a fragrant fish gravy and fresh herbs
• Beef lok lak: Stir-fried beef with a lime-pepper dipping sauce
• Kampot pepper crab: If you make it to the coast, this is non-negotiable!

Fair warning: you might also encounter some, um, more adventurous options like fried tarantulas or grilled frogs. I’ll admit I chickened out on the spiders, but the frogs were surprisingly tasty! Hey, when in Cambodia… 🙂

6. Experience Phare, The Cambodian Circus

No clowns or animal acts here – Phare is a unique social enterprise that combines theater, music, dance, and impressive acrobatics to tell Cambodian stories. Based in Siem Reap, this incredible circus employs at-risk youth and helps fund arts education programs throughout the country.

I randomly bought tickets one night when my original plans fell through, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of my entire trip! The talent of these performers is absolutely mind-blowing – I’m talking gravity-defying stunts and emotional storytelling that transcends language barriers.

Tickets run around $18-38 depending on seating (splurge for the better seats, IMO), and shows change regularly. Book ahead in peak season as performances often sell out.

7. Kayak Through the Mangroves of Kampot

Kampot is that laid-back riverside town that wasn’t on my original itinerary but ended up being a place I couldn’t leave. This sleepy provincial capital along the Praek Tuek Chhu river offers a perfect blend of colonial architecture, stunning nature, and chill vibes.

Rent a kayak and paddle through the peaceful mangrove forests just outside town. The winding waterways create a natural maze where you can spot kingfishers, monitor lizards, and if you’re lucky, even some rare fishing cats! I spent a whole afternoon exploring these waterways and barely saw another tourist – just local fishermen casting nets from their small boats.

Afterward, reward yourself with a sunset river cruise and a fresh seafood dinner at one of the riverside restaurants. Kampot pepper crab is a must – this region produces some of the world’s finest pepper, and locals use it in everything!

8. Get Crafty in Artisan Workshops

Cambodia’s traditional crafts nearly disappeared during the Khmer Rouge era, but thankfully, dedicated artisans are keeping these traditions alive. Several social enterprises throughout the country offer workshops where you can try your hand at traditional crafts.

In Siem Reap, check out Artisans Angkor to see craftspeople creating exquisite silk items, wood and stone carvings, and lacquerware. In Phnom Penh, visit the Silk Island (Koh Dach) where you can tour weaving houses and watch the intricate process of silk production from worm to finished fabric.

I tried my hand at a pottery workshop in Siem Reap and produced what was generously described as an “abstract” bowl. Let’s just say I won’t be quitting my day job anytime soon, but it gave me a whole new appreciation for the skill involved!

9. Explore the Pepper Farms of Kampot

Remember that amazing pepper I mentioned earlier? Kampot pepper has protected geographical indication status (like champagne or Parmesan cheese) and is sought after by chefs worldwide. Taking a tour of one of the region’s pepper farms is a fascinating way to spend half a day.

La Plantation offers excellent free tours where you’ll learn about the different varieties of pepper (black, white, red, and the rare long pepper), the sustainable farming methods, and of course, taste the difference between them all. The pepper intensity hit me like a flavor bomb – nothing like the dusty stuff sitting in your kitchen cabinet!

Bonus: Most farms have fantastic restaurants where you can enjoy pepper-infused cuisine with sweeping views of the plantations and surrounding countryside.

10. Trek Through Cardamom Mountains

Ready for adventure off the beaten path? The Cardamom Mountains in western Cambodia are one of Southeast Asia’s largest remaining rainforests and home to an incredible array of wildlife, including elephants, clouded leopards, and sun bears.

Several eco-tourism projects offer guided treks ranging from day hikes to multi-day adventures. Chi Phat Community-Based Ecotourism project is a standout option, where former poachers now work as wildlife guides. Talk about conservation success stories!

Fair warning: this is proper jungle trekking, not a walk in the park. Expect humidity, leeches, and basic accommodations. But the reward of swimming in pristine waterfalls and spotting rare wildlife makes every sweaty step worth it. My three-day trek here was challenging but hands-down one of my most memorable experiences in Cambodia.

11. Discover Cambodia’s Emerging Art Scene

Cambodia’s contemporary art scene is thriving, especially in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. After nearly being wiped out during the Khmer Rouge era (when artists were specifically targeted), the country’s creative renaissance is incredible to witness.

In Phnom Penh, visit Java Arts Café, Sa Sa Bassac, and the White Building for cutting-edge exhibits. In Siem Reap, don’t miss Theam’s House, a living arts studio set in beautiful garden grounds where you can watch artists at work.

What struck me most was how many Cambodian artists are processing their country’s traumatic history through their work while simultaneously creating bold new visions for the future. It’s powerful stuff.

12. Volunteer Responsibly

Cambodia offers numerous opportunities to give back, but choosing ethical volunteering options is crucial. Unfortunately, some “orphanages” in Cambodia are actually businesses exploiting children to extract donations from well-meaning tourists.

Instead, consider organizations like Plastic Free Cambodia, where you can join beach or street clean-ups, or Friends International, which runs vocational training restaurants where your patronage directly supports youth education programs.

Even spending your tourist dollars at social enterprises makes a difference. I loved eating at Romdeng in Phnom Penh and Sister Srey in Siem Reap, knowing my delicious meals were supporting job training programs.

13. Zipline Through the Angkor Archaeological Park

Need an adrenaline fix between temple visits? Angkor Zipline offers an exhilarating canopy tour through the protected forests of the Angkor Archaeological Park. With 10 ziplines, sky bridges, and rappelling stations, it’s a unique way to experience the jungle surroundings of these ancient temples.

The guides are incredibly knowledgeable about the local ecosystem and sprinkle in information about the flora and fauna between heart-pounding zips. I spotted gibbons swinging through the trees during my tour – an incredible wildlife encounter I wasn’t expecting!

At around $99, it’s not the cheapest activity, but a portion of proceeds goes to wildlife conservation efforts, so you can justify it as adventure with a purpose. Right? That’s what I told myself anyway!

14. Cruise the Mekong River

The mighty Mekong River winds through Cambodia, offering a glimpse into riverside life that’s remained largely unchanged for centuries. Whether you opt for a sunset cruise in Phnom Penh or a multi-day journey from Siem Reap to the Vietnamese border, seeing Cambodia from the water provides a whole new perspective.

I took a three-day slow boat from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh (via Tonle Sap Lake and the Mekong), stopping at floating villages and small communities along the way. Watching the sunrise over the river each morning, with fishermen casting nets and children waving from the shoreline, was pure magic.

If you’re short on time, even a two-hour sunset cruise in Phnom Penh with a cold Angkor beer in hand is a perfect way to end a day of sightseeing.

15. Learn About Wildlife Conservation Efforts

Cambodia is making impressive strides in wildlife conservation after years of poaching and habitat loss. Several ethical wildlife centers allow visitors to learn about these efforts firsthand.

The Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center near Phnom Penh houses animals rescued from the illegal wildlife trade, including sun bears, tigers, and elephants. For a more immersive experience, the Elephant Valley Project in Mondulkiri provides a sanctuary where elephants rescued from the tourism and logging industries can live naturally.

Unlike some elephant experiences in Southeast Asia, here you observe the elephants from a respectful distance as they roam, forage, and bathe on their own terms. It’s more expensive than your typical elephant ride, but seeing these magnificent creatures living as they should is priceless.

16. Explore the Temples of Sambor Prei Kuk

While Angkor Wat gets all the glory, the pre-Angkorian temple complex of Sambor Prei Kuk deserves serious attention. Located near Kampong Thom (roughly halfway between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap), these 7th-century temples are among the oldest in the country and were recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

What makes these temples special is their octagonal designs and the incredible atmosphere – with moss-covered structures scattered throughout the forest. The best part? You might have them entirely to yourself! When I visited, I saw maybe ten other tourists during my entire morning there. Compare that to the thousands at Angkor Wat, and you’ll understand why history buffs call this Cambodia’s best-kept secret.

17. Experience a Traditional Khmer Massage

After all that temple-hopping and jungle-trekking, treat yourself to a traditional Khmer massage. Similar to Thai massage but with its own unique techniques, Khmer massage focuses on pressure points and stretching to relieve tension.

Many spas employ blind masseurs, part of a social enterprise providing employment opportunities for the visually impaired. The Seeing Hands massage centers in both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap offer quality treatments at affordable prices (around $5-15 for an hour). These masseurs have incredibly sensitive touch and can find knots you didn’t even know you had!

FYI – traditional Khmer massages are usually done fully clothed in loose, comfortable garments provided by the spa. They’re more therapeutic than relaxing, so don’t expect a gentle Swedish-style experience. But for working out those temple-climbing aches? Absolute perfection.

Final Thoughts: Cambodia Beyond the Temples

While Angkor Wat deservedly tops the list of Cambodian experiences, I hope this guide shows there’s so much more to this incredible country than its ancient temples. From pristine beaches and wildlife encounters to cultural immersion and culinary adventures, Cambodia offers a depth of experiences that surprise most first-time visitors.

What makes Cambodia truly special, though, is its people. Despite the country’s dark recent history, Cambodians are among the warmest, most resilient people I’ve encountered in my travels. Their genuine smiles and hospitality will likely be what you remember most long after the temple photos fade.

So, when are you booking that ticket? Cambodia’s waiting to steal your heart, just like it stole mine. Trust me, this won’t be a trip you regret!