When it comes to Cambodia, the image of the breathtaking Angkor Wat often takes center stage. But does this nation have other famous spots and highly-rated things to do in Cambodia for travelers? Below, we have prepared 12 fantastic suggestions for your Cambodia bucket list. Get ready to check out what awaits you when visiting the land of the Khmer people.

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What is Cambodia Best Known For?

Cambodia is a nation rich in history and natural beauty. The country is best known for several iconic aspects that have captured the world’s imagination:

• The Magnificent Angkor Temples: Cambodia’s crown jewel, the Angkor temple complex, is a symbol of the Khmer Empire’s grandeur. With its intricate architecture and historical significance, the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat stands as one of the world’s most celebrated archaeological wonders.
• Khmer Culture: This encompasses a rich tapestry of traditions, from Cambodian cuisine with its exotic flavors to mesmerizing traditional music and dance performances. The cultural heritage of the Khmer people is another hallmark of Cambodia.
• Untouched Natural Beauty: Cambodia boasts unspoiled natural beauty, with lush jungles, pristine rivers, and expansive rice fields. The serene landscapes provide a stark contrast to the bustling cities, offering visitors a chance to reconnect with nature and explore the countryside’s tranquility.

Cambodia’s most popular cities include Siem Reap (the formal capital), Phnom Penh (the current capital), Battambang, Kampot, Bokor, Sihanoukville, and Kep.

Cambodia must-visit destinations:

• Angkor temple complex (Siem Reap)
• The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda (Phnom Penh)
• Tonle Sap Lake (Siem Reap)
• The Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (Phnom Penh)
• Bokor Hill Station (Bokor)

Top 12 Things to Do in Cambodia

You’re already familiar with Cambodia’s most prominent highlights, but what can you actually experience in this country? Get ready to explore the list of things to do in Cambodia:

Explore the Mystical Angkor Temples

In Cambodia, a land adorned with an abundance of temples scattered across its terrain, none captivate the soul quite like those nestled within the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap. Here, the ancient Khmer Empire left its indelible mark, creating a labyrinth of magnificent temples that continue to bewitch travelers to this day.

Visitors can purchase passes at the park’s entrance or purchase online. The ticket for a single day to visit all the temples within the complex costs $37.

Besides the famous Angkor Wat, other renowned temples in the vicinity include Angkor Thom with its striking Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm enveloped by tree roots, and Banteay Srei known for its intricate pink sandstone carvings.

Uncover History at the Museums

Museums are sanctuaries that preserve and showcase the distinctive features and past that deserve to be cherished. Below are Cambodia’s 3most prominent museums to visit:

• The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (Phnom Penh): A haunting testament to Cambodia’s tragic past during the Khmer Rouge regime. This former high school was converted into a notorious prison and interrogation center known as Security Prison 21 (S-21). Ticket: $5

• The National Museum of Cambodia (Phnom Penh): An opulent repository of Khmer culture, history, and artistic heritage, this sophisticated museum hosts an extensive assortment of relics that trace their origins to the Angkor era and even further into the past. Ticket: $10

• Landmine Museum and Relief Center (Siem Reap): The museum is dedicated to the removal of landmines and unexploded ordnance from Cambodian soil. This museum sheds light on the devastating impact of landmines on Cambodia’s population and efforts to mitigate the danger they pose. Ticket: $5

Experience Royal Grandeur at the Royal Palace

The Royal Palace consists of a series of structures. It has functioned as the home and administrative hub of the Cambodian monarchy for more than a hundred years. Its original purpose was to cater to the living arrangements and ceremonial requirements of the royal family, encompassing state banquets, diplomatic events, and royal celebrations.

The complex also includes the Silver Pagoda (Wat Preah Keo Morokat). As visitors explore the meticulously landscaped gardens and ornate buildings, they gain insights into Cambodia’s royal history and the cultural significance of the palace. Entrance to certain areas within the complex can be obtained with a ticket priced at $10.

Immerse in Nightlife at Vibrant Pub Street

Pub Street in Siem Reap, Cambodia is a vibrant and lively street lined with bars, restaurants, and shops. The nightlife on Pub Street is in full swing from around 7 PM until the early hours of the morning. The streets are packed with people from all over the world, and the music is pumping.

Some of the most popular bars on Pub Street include Angkor What? Bar, Easy Speaking, Soul Train Reggae Bar, Mezze Lounge & Nightclub, Temple Bar, and The Red Piano.

Shop and Stroll at the Central Market

The Central Market is a large indoor marketplace that provides an extensive variety of items, including Cambodian signature mementos, clothing, accessories, electronics, and local food options. The building is a striking centerpiece in the capital’s heart, featuring a dome-shaped structure with four wings extending from a central courtyard.

While it draws tourists, the market is also used by locals to buy their everyday needs. When visiting markets, a useful piece of advice is to engage in price negotiations for your desired items, as this practice is widely accepted in the shopping culture of Cambodia.

Watch iconic Cambodia performances

Apsara dance: This is a traditional Khmer dance form that dates back to the Angkorian era. Apsaras are celestial nymphs in Hindu and Buddhist mythology, and they are often depicted in the carvings and sculptures of Angkor Wat and other temples. The dances are characterized by graceful movements, elaborate costumes, and intricate hand gestures.

Circus show: The Cambodian circus is a relatively new phenomenon. The circus features a variety of acrobatic acts, performed by talented Cambodian artists. The shows are often accompanied by traditional Khmer music and dance.

To witness the Apsara dance, you can make reservations at restaurants that offer dinner alongside the show, purchase tickets at theaters, or check the performance schedule at temples like Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm. As for the renowned Circus Show, it is primarily showcased at the Phare Cambodian Circus in Siem Reap.

Tickets for 1 person to these shows vary from 10 – 25 USD.

Cycle Through Cambodia’s Countryside

Cycling is a great way to get off the beaten path and see the real Cambodia. As you pedal through the countryside, you will pass by rice paddies, villages, temples, and other sights that are not accessible to tourists who travel by car or bus.

Cycling allows you to leisurely explore Cambodia, engage with local communities, and experience the country at a gentle and enjoyable pace. It is a light and fun physical activity to enhance your Cambodian adventure.

A basic day biking tour costs around 50 USD per person. The best places for biking in Cambodia are:

• Siem Reap: The Gateway to Angkor Temples
• Kampot and Battambang: Get closer to Cambodia’s countryside
• Mondulkiri: A little challenge route for those who want to explore the mountainous area

Cruise along the Mekong River

The river is a lifeline for the culture of Cambodia. It is also home to a variety of wildlife, including crocodiles, dolphins, and birds. As you cruise, you will also pass by notable floating villages, temples, and other cultural landmarks.

While on a river cruise, travelers can enjoy private cabins, meals on board, and participate in scheduled activities, including kayaking, fishing, cooking classes, visits to fishing villages, and smaller boat excursions.

There are many different companies that offer cruises along the Mekong River in Cambodia. Most cruises depart from Siem Reap. Cruises typically last for 1-7 days, and they visit a variety of destinations along the river, such as Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, and the floating villages of Chong Khneas. Some itineraries even extend to both Cambodia and Vietnam. The price for a basic Mekong cruise tour is around 200 USD/person.

Relax on unspoiled beaches

Cambodia is home to some of the most beautiful and unspoiled tropical beaches in Asia: Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem, Koh Tonsay, Koh Ta Kiev, etc. Cambodia beaches boast white sand, crystal-clear water, and lush vegetation.

Cambodia’s best beach cities are Sihanoukville and Kep. Here you can escape the crowd, enjoy the sunshine with warm weather, sample seafood, and try some beach activities! Visitors also love beachside bars where they can unwind and relax.

The optimal period for a visit to Cambodia’s beaches falls within the dry season, spanning from November through April. During the rainy season, the beaches can be muddy and the weather can be unpredictable.

Delight in Authentic Cambodian Cuisine

Cambodian cuisine is a delicious and diverse blend of Khmer, Chinese, Indian, and Thai influences. The dishes are typically characterized by their fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and use of spices such as lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and turmeric.

Visiting Cambodia, you shouldn’t miss the fish amok national dish, the Khmer curry, beef lok lak (stirred beef), nom banh chok (Khmer noodle dish), and bai sach chrouk (rice served with grilled pork). Cambodian cuisine offers great value, with delectable dishes available at a budget-friendly price, often costing just a few dollars.

Another choice to dive deeper into the world of Cambodian cuisine is to join a cooking class. With a price of around 20 USD in Siem Rep, Phnom Penh, and Kampot, you can learn how to cook Cambodian dishes, and how to use ingredients and spices in Cambodian cuisine firsthand.

Explore Cambodia’s National Parks

For nature enthusiasts, Cambodia is home to a variety of national parks, each with its own unique landscapes and wildlife. Some of the most famous in Cambodia are Angkor Wat, Bokor, Kep, Kirirom, and Ream National Park.

If you are looking to embark on a nature exploration journey in Cambodia and want to make your experience even more memorable, you can also visit and support the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center. This is a non-profit organization that cares for and rehabilitates injured, orphaned, and rescued wildlife. The center is located in Phnom Tamao National Park, about 25 miles South of Phnom Penh. The entrance fee is 5 USD/adult and 2,5 USD/kid.

Unwind with the therapeutic massage

Last in the list of top things to do in Cambodia is a recommendation to relax your body and mind with the skillful massage by locals. therapeutic massage is a great way to relax and de-stress after a long day of traveling or sightseeing. The massage therapists in Cambodia are highly skilled and experienced, and they use a variety of techniques to help you relax and feel your best. You can easily find different spas and massage parlors in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.

Among the prevalent massage methods are Traditional Khmer massage, Aromatherapy massage, Hot stone massage, and Deep tissue massage. A one-hour massage package costs about 20 USD/person. Some reputable massage spas are Bodia Spa, Frangipani Spa, Mudita Spa, Sokkhak Spa, and Bliss Spa.

Here is a list of things to do in Cambodia by Eviva Tour Vietnam. These points encompass various destinations and experiential activities that we recommend you try when visiting Cambodia. We offer a wide range of tour programs that can cover these activities. Feel free to explore our tour options and get in touch with our consultants at any time.