top tourist destinations in cambodia

10 of the best things to do in Cambodia

Jan 31, 2024 • 6 min read

From exploring Angkor Wat to learning to cook local dishes, here are the best experiences in Cambodia © John Seaton Callahan / Getty Images

The temples of Angkor Wat hog the headlines – and for good reason – but there is so much more to see in Cambodia .

Fringed by beautiful beaches and tropical islands, sustained by the mother waters of the Mekong River, cloaked in some of the region's few remaining emerald wildernesses and national parks and home to ever-welcoming Khmers, whose infectious optimism makes a trip to Cambodia an adventure as much as a vacation, this country packs everything Southeast Asia has to offer into one bite-sized chunk.

Here are the best experiences in Cambodia.

1. See the sunrise at Angkor Wat

When you first set eyes on Angkor Wat , the supreme example of Khmer genius, it's an experience matched by few others on earth. This makes the mother of all temples the definitive spot for sunrise among the many contenders at Angkor.

Simply unique, it is a stunning blend of spirituality and symmetry, an enduring example of humanity's devotion to its gods. Get here early to find a quieter spot and consider entering via the "back door," or eastern entrance, to avoid the crowds.

Planning tip: During the March and September equinoxes, the sun rises directly over the central tower of Angkor Wat – a particularly popular time to be here .

2. Walk with the herd at Elephant Valley Project

Travelers in search of an ethical and sustainable way to see these beautiful pachyderms should visit the pioneering "walking with the herd" project , which works closely with local mahouts to rehome their overworked or injured elephants.

A sort of retirement home for elephants, this 15 sq km (5.8 sq mile) sanctuary is set in a beautiful mountain valley in Mondulkiri and is a wonderful way to support sustainable conservation in this remote part of northeastern Cambodia. Elephant riding is strictly prohibited here – you simply walk through the forest with the elephants and observe them in their element. In the process, you learn about elephant behavior as well as Indigenous Bunong culture and forest ecology.

Planning tip: It's very popular, so book well ahead to avoid disappointment. The center is closed on Saturdays.

3. Paddleboard through the "Green Cathedral" in Kampot

The perfect way to explore the beautiful Tuek Chhou River is by stand-up paddleboard (SUP). The river winds past small palm-fringed islands, mangrove forest, and traditional hamlets and fishing villages under the shadow of Bokor National Park . It has some of the most spectacular sunsets on the South Coast.

Popular with both local and foreign visitors, the "Green Cathedral" is a narrow channel that makes a stunning circuit through mangroves and aquatic palms, with lots of small guesthouses and resorts to provide refreshment stops along the way.

Planning tip: It is located around 4km (2.5 miles) out of town on the river, and paddleboards can be rented from various hotels and resorts.

4. Look for freshwater dolphins at Kratie

The freshwater Irrawaddy dolphin ( trey pisaut in Khmer) is an endangered species throughout Asia, inhabiting stretches of the Mekong in Cambodia and Laos, and isolated pockets in Bangladesh, Myanmar and Indonesian Borneo, in shrinking numbers.

One of the best places in the world to spot these gentle cetaceans is Kampi dolphin pool in the Mekong River, about 15km (9 miles) north of Kratie . It's best reached by boat: a kayaking trip will take you gliding through secluded sandbars and haunting flooded forest before culminating at the dolphin pool, up close and personal with these beautiful but rare mammals – and without any engine noise to disturb them.

5. Have a night out on Bassac Lane in Phnom Penh

Bassac Lane is the moniker given to a small, eclectic alley that's home to a dozen or more hole-in-the-wall boozers. The venerable Phnom Penh Yacht Club occupies a strategic corner on St 308, also home to lots of hip restaurants and bars, and it's a good place for people-watching during happy hour (5pm to 7pm).

Other popular establishments include the White Rabbit speakeasy for impressive cocktails, the Library for studious drinkers, Casa Diego for tapas and Harry's for a breezy upstairs lounge. Bassac Lane has cemented its reputation as the bohemian district of Phnom Penh and is well worth a visit.

6. Sign up for a Cambodian cooking class

Unlike the culinary colossi that are its neighbors, Thailand and Vietnam, Cambodia is not that well known in international food circles. But Khmer cuisine is also pretty special, with a great variety of national dishes, all with a unique Cambodian twist.

To learn some tricks of the trade, sign up for a cooking course. This is a great way to introduce your Cambodian experience to your friends back home by knowing your teuk trey (fish sauce) from your prahok (fish paste).

Planning tip: There are popular courses available in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang and Kampot.

7. Go to the circus in Siem Reap

Don't let the name fool you: Phare the Cambodian Circus is not a conventional circus. It's run by the country's premier performing arts organization, Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS), and its focus is on performance art and subtle social commentary. Animal lovers will be pleased to note that no creatures appear on the bill.

Planning tip: Preshow entertainment begins at 5:30pm, with the main event at 8pm for an hour. Afterward, audience members are able to mingle with the performers.

8. Relax on the beaches of Koh Rong

One of the largest islands in Cambodia, Koh Rong is fringed by some of the country's most beautiful beaches . Hugging the western shore of Koh Rong is Long Beach, the island's longest unbroken beach, a 7km (4.3 miles) stretch of tropical bliss. Still surprisingly undeveloped for several kilometers, it was previously used as a key location for filming the popular US television series Survivor .

For something shorter, Long Set Beach (also imaginatively known as 4km beach) is a stunning stretch of sand on the south coast of Koh Rong. A handful of hostels and boutique resorts are here, but it's still pretty peaceful and is connected by short paths to nearby Nature Beach and Koh Tuch Beach.

9. Spot rare water birds at Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary

Prek Toal is home to the best-known bird sanctuary in Cambodia. It's an ornithologist's fantasy, with a significant number of rare breeds gathered in one small area, including huge greater adjutants, milky storks and spot-billed pelicans.

During the peak season (December to February), visitors will find the concentration of birds like something out of a Hitchcock film. Even the uninitiated will be impressed, as these birds have a huge wingspan and build enormous nests. Trips to the sanctuary also bring you up close and personal with the fascinating floating village of Prek Toal, a bustling crossroads (...crossrivers?) between Siem Reap and Battambang, where everything from shops to schools floats on water.

10. Explore the remote temples of Preah Vihear

For the ultimate remote temple adventure, take a road trip deep into Northern Cambodia to visit the king of the mountain temples, Preah Vihear , stunningly situated atop the Dangrek Mountains; the pyramid temple of Prasat Thom at Koh Ker, Cambodia's latest nominee to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and the giant jungle ruin of Preah Khan Kompong Svay, the remotest of all Cambodian temples.

Planning tip: Allow a few days on these outermost roads, some of which follow ancient Angkorian highways, using a 4WD (or a dirt bike for those with experience).

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• 20 Must Visit Attractions In...

28 Must-Visit Attractions in Cambodia

Cambodia is full of diversity and offers a variety of activities for visitors to quickly fill up their agendas with. From its array of glorious temples and religious structures, rich heritage and culture to the rare wildlife and stunning eco-tourism spots, the country has it all.

Angkor wat archaeological park.

Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark

Home to world-famous Angkor Wat , this UNESCO heritage site stretches across more than 400 kilometers squared and contains hundreds of temples and structures dating back to the Khmer Empire era. The most popular are Angkor Wat, Bayon and its multiple faces and root-riddled Ta Prohm, which was the location for parts of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider , starring Angelina Jolie.

National Museum of Cambodia

The Royal Palace

Architectural Landmark

Unmissable thanks to its glittering golden roofs, the Royal Palace serves as the official royal residence of King Sihamoni, meaning parts of the sprawling palace grounds are closed to the public. However, the Throne Hall and surrounding buildings, as well as neighboring Silver Pagoda, can be visited, and you can take in intricately decorated temples and buildings, among manicured tropical gardens.

Phnom Kulen

Park, Natural Feature

Phnom Kulen, or Kulen Mountain in Siem Reap province, offers a great day trip away from Angkor. The sacred site doubles up as a national park and is especially popular with Khmers during religious holidays, when offerings are left at the hilltop temple. The area is also home to two waterfalls for swimming, picnic areas, and Kbal Spean, an archaeological spot where The River of a Thousand Lingas is located.

Cambodian Living Arts

Cambodia has a rich culture and heritage that is well worth exploring while visiting the country. The most common cultural activity is apsara dancing – Cambodian classical ballet – which has its roots steeped in Angkorian times. Evidence that the dance form existed as early as the 7th century can be seen in carvings at Sambor Prei Kuk temples in Kampong Thom province, where ethereal beings have been immortalised in stone. Cambodia Living Arts has spent more than two decades working to revive traditional Cambodian arts, while steering it into the contemporary sphere. The organisation puts on daily shows at 7pm in its dedicated theatre at Cambodia National Museum. Its traditional dance show features song, music, dance and theatre.

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Banteay Srei Butterfly Centre

Cambodia Landmine Museum

Standing as the capital’s only hill, this well-manicured park offers welcome respite from the capital’s heat. Wat Phnom pagoda and its intricately-detailed temple sits atop and welcomes visitors, with foreigners paying a $1 fee. Steer clear of the mischievous, and often vicious, monkeys.

Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center

Nature lovers will be in their element at Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center , where animals rescued from the clutches of poachers and illegal traders are nursed back to health by Wildlife Alliance. Animals include elephants, monkeys, tigers, and sun bears. A behind-the-scenes tour is also available.

Sambor Prei Kuk

Historical Landmark

This collection of 50 pre-Angkorian temples, which sit between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in Kampong Thom province, recently received the coveted title of Cambodia’s third UNESCO World Heritage site. The ancient capital of Sambor Prei Kuk pays testament to some of the country’s earliest architecture and, for now, remains away from the crowds.

Phare, the Cambodian Circus

Dubbed Cambodia’s alternative to Cirque du Soliel, jaw-dropping performances blend theatrics, music, dance, acrobatics, and modern circus art to retell Khmer folktales with a modern take. Daily Phare performances take place in Siem Reap, with two or three shows a week in Battambang, depending on the season.

Bokor Mountain, Kampot

Natural Feature

The 42-mile drive from Kampot town to Bokor’s peak is a bikers’ dream, with it only accessible to motorbikes and cars. It is home to the Popokvil waterfall, a giant Buddhist statue, an abandoned Bokor Hill Station, a giant casino, derelict church, unparalleled views, and a refreshingly cool climate.

Crab Market, Kep

Market, Seafood

Nestled a short ferry ride from Phnom Penh, this small island sits a million miles away from the capital’s hustle and bustle. Perfect to explore on the back of a bike, Koh Dach , also known as Silk Island, is renowned for its silk weaving, with a center dedicated to ancient techniques open to the public.

Phnom Sampeau, Battambang

This pretty hilltop pagoda and surrounding area offers stunning views across the province’s pristine paddies. The sobering Killing Caves pay tribute to the lives lost there during the Khmer Rouge reign while spending sunset at the base of the site—the bat caves—has a seemingly endless stream of bats spiraling to the sky for a night of hunting.

Bamboo Train, Battambang

Train Station

Rumors have been circulating for the last few years about the famed bamboo train’s demise . However, it was recently confirmed it will be rebuilt to pave way for a train line. This unique trip sees passengers transported seven kilometers on a bamboo train, or norry , which is a wooden frame connected to an engine. Hitting speeds of 15 kilometers per hour, this is a fun way to watch the scenery whizz by.

Preah Vihear

Hindu Temple

Bassac Lane

Russian Market

Cambodia has a pretty cool collection of deserted tropical islands , and the best part is hordes of tourists are yet to discover the majority. Koh Rong is the largest, most developed and popular. The term “developed” is used loosely, so don’t expect an island akin to Thailand’s Phuket. Infrastructure is basic, with electricity and wifi limited. The liveliest part of the jungle-clad island is the stretch of beach at Koh Touch, which is packed with guesthouses and backpacker bars. Southwestern Long Beach boasts kilometres of powder white sand, barely any people and the more exclusive Sok San Beach Resort and super-luxurious The Royal Sands Koh Rong.

Cardamom Mountains

Cambodia is home to the Cardamom Mountains , Southeast Asia’s largest remaining rainforest. While the last few decades have seen the jungle pillaged by illegal loggers and poachers, huge efforts are now underway to preserve the endangered and rare wildlife that calls the forest home. For the adventurous traveller who wants to explore this rugged terrain, several treks take place in the Cardamoms. These vary in length, difficulty and location, depending on what you’re after. It bodes well to remember this is the jungle, a real tropical jungle. There are no hospitals nearby, there are scary insects, snakes and spiders, and you will get eaten by mosquitoes so go prepared.

Street food

Cambodians love their food and are constantly snacking throughout the day. This means the country’s streets are awash with street food vendors selling a variety of local delicacies for visitors to sample. Breakfast, lunch and dinner times will see pavements fill with plastic tables and chairs, as locals gather to feast on rice dishes, num banh chok or Khmer noodles and curries. If you fancy sampling street food, then a good tip is to buy from a vendor that has crowds of Cambodians feasting at it. Alternatively, several tours run in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh that take guests on a guided tour of the swathe of food available on the streets

The Mekong River

The Mekong River is a Southeast Asian icon, slicing through six countries as it makes its way from Tibet to Vietnam. In Cambodia, it enters at the northeastern province of Stung Treng from Laos, passing through Phnom Penh on its way to Vietnam. Trans-country cruises are available that take passengers along the Mekong from Laos to Cambodia and onto Vietnam , or a mix of the countries. These tend to span several days, or a few weeks, depending on the itinerary. Alternatively, a sunset cruise along the Mekong is a must while in Phnom Penh. At dusk, the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers light up with boats of varying sizes hitting the water for an evening of cruising.

Beer Gardens

Cambodians’ love of beer is apparent during any drive through the country. Towns, villages and cities are smattered with adverts for Angkor, Anchor and Cambodia beer – the top three tipples – and hip beer gardens that come alive at night. An evening in a beer garden sees a pretty uniform set-up: chairs and tables scattered throughout sheltered space, a small stage with live music or entertainment and heaps of beer towers. The friendly and curious nature of locals means it is more than likely that barangs (foreigners) will be invited to a table to join in the celebrations. It’s worth noting that Cambodians love to “cheers” or “chul mouy” – in fact they do it before every sip – so drinking a beer can take a while.

The delicacies of 'Tarantula Town'

If you can stomach it, then go really local with your food and sample some of the insects Cambodians love to eat . The town of Skuon in Kampong Cham is famous for serving spiders and is dubbed ‘Tarantula Town’. Situated mid-way between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, villagers head into the jungle to catch the spiders before defanging them with their bare hands and selling them onto the vendors. They are deep-fried in chilli and garlic before being served as a roadside snack. If deep-fried tarantulas don’t tickle your fancy, then how about a buffet of grasshoppers, silkworms and crickets – they’re packed full of protein. In Phnom Penh, street vendors selling edible creepy crawlies can be found on Riverside in the evenings, or at Pub Street in Siem Reap.

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

For a really harrowing look at Cambodia’s recent past, Tuol Sleng – or S-21 – is a former prison camp in Phnom Penh city centre. During the Khmer Rouge reign of 1975 to 1979, it is estimated 17,000 people were sent to Tuol Sleng, and ultimately to their deaths. This was a torture centre and many died at the site. The remainder were rounded up and sent to nearby Choeung Ek to be executed. Today, visitors can walk around S-21 – which ironically was a school prior to the Pol Pot-led regime. Having been pretty much left undisturbed after being discovered by the liberating Vietnamese troops in 1979, blood remains on the walls, torture tools dot the site, and a moving exhibit showing the portraits taken of each prisoner – young and old – as they entered Tuol Sleng takes up several of the rooms. Only seven men are said to have survived S-21.

Choeung Ek, or the Killing Fields

Cambodia is littered with killing fields, with an estimated two million people perishing under the Khmer Rouge regime. Choeung Ek – or The Killing Fields – is one of the largest sites, sitting about 20km outside of Phnom Penh. As well as being the place where those detained at S-21 were murdered, swathes of other Cambodians were killed here. The remains of 8,985 people – many were bound and blindfolded – were exhumed in 1980 from mass graves. Bone fragments and scraps of clothing litter the site, with more than 8,000 skulls arranged at a memorial stupa to the dead. Visitors are given an audio tour, featuring informative stories from Khmer Rouge survivors and former soldiers.

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