Best Things to Do in Cambodia

1. Angkor Wat

One of the first things to spring to mind when one things of Cambodia is the mysterious and sprawling ruin city of Angkor Wat. There are multiple temples in Cambodia - in fact you may well be “templed-out” by the time you leave - but Angkor Wat is one of the most well known and certainly you should not travel in Cambodia without paying a visit.

The Ruin City lays claim to being the largest temple complex in the world. Angkor is the largest temple, but there are tons more to see. Including the “Tomb Raider” temple, Ta Prohm.

Angkor is situated about 20 minutes outside Siem Reap, and covers an area of roughly 500 acres. Going with a tour is highly recommended as your guide can help you use your time wisely and make sure you see all the top sites as well as some hidden gems away from the crowds.

2. Tonle Sap Lake

Cambodia’s Tonle Sap Lake is a fascinating place to visit, where a unique way of life has been preserved for centuries. Depending on what time of year you visit, you will have a different experience as the water level dramatically rises and falls with the seasons.

During the rainy season, you’ll experience the sensation of floating houses and shops, drifting right up to the doorway in your boat. While the dry season reveals an entirely new view as you observe the stilts that the establishments are built upon.

3. Royal Palace

This landmark stands out from the crowd alright. Cambodia’s Royal Palace, located in Phnom Penh has a bright gold and white exterior, surrounded by green manicured gardens. The nearby silver pagoda is a major draw for travelers, housing an enormous gold buddha.

4. Preah Vihear

This temple is definitely worth seeing even if you’re feeling a bit weary of old stone temples while visiting Cambodia. Trust us, even after Angkor, you’ll want to spend some time wandering around Preah Vihear, located in the Dangrek Mountains on the border between Thailand and Cambodia - in fact it has long been a subject of dispute between the two nations. Dedicated to Shiva, a Hindu god, the temple provides stunning views, as well as incredible intricate carvings.

Unlike Angkor Wat, there are far fewer crowds at Preah Vihear which makes it an ideal off the beaten track destination.

5. Koh Ker

Once upon a time, this was the capital of Cambodia - however briefly, between the years 928-944 AD. The main attraction here is the Prasat Thom temple, which rises out of the jungle at an astonishing height - nearly 100 feet.

This temple is still off the path for many tourists - a great place to visit for history buffs willing to go a bit out of the way.

6. Phnom Kulen National Park (Kulen Mountain)

Considered to be a sacred area by Khmers, this mountain sees a regular stream of pilgrims during weekends and festivals. In the year AD 802, it is said that the king and founder of the Khmer Empire proclaimed himself to be a god, ushering in his reign.

It is not hard to imagine this kind of scenario, as the surrounding natural landscape is fit for a king, with waterfalls, remote temples, and mountains.

7. National Museum

Even if you don’t consider yourself a museum goer, the National Museum of Cambodia in Phnom Penh should be on your list. Holding an incredibly impressive collection of Khmer artifacts, it’s a highly recommended stop before visiting the many temples you’ll encounter on your Cambodia travels.

Prehistoric, pre-Angkorian, and post-Angkorian items are on display, providing a fascinating and comprehensive view of Cambodian history and culture. And when you’ve completely filled up on history, a stroll around the museums outside taking in the beautiful building and gardens is quite pleasant.

8. Central Market

The Central Market in Phnom Penh is definitely worth a stop. Housed in an art deco building constructed in the 1930s, the market has all the trappings of a quintessential Asian market.

Crowded, busy, and a treat for the senses. If you don’t like noise and crowds, it will be challenging to relax in the market, but as you find the rhythm, you may come to enjoy the sense of shopping alongside locals and tourists from around the world.