Let's find trips that move you!
Travelstride climate
"Remember happiness is a way of travel not a destination."
Roy Goodman
Two Cambodian monks in orange robes at a temple

Best Things to Do in Cambodia

Iconic Attractions & Hidden Gem Travel Experiences

Cambodia

Since the dark days of Pol Pot in the 1970's, Cambodia has become a leading destination for travelers in Southeast Asia today. It's best known as the site of the ruins of Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious complex, and its fantastic river cruises on the Mekong river.

Top Cambodia Experiences

Walking past Hindu and Buddhist temples at Angkor Wat, that have lasted almost a millennium and taking in the majesty, curiosity, and grandiosity of one of the world’s most impressive archaeological ruins.

Learning to make authentic Cambodian foods from a local family

Sailing on a Mekong river cruise from Vietnam to Siem Reap, near Angkor Wat.

Diving into the tranquil, emerald green splendor of the 700,000 year old crater lake in Yeak Lom, after listening to local legends about the mythical creatures that are said to call the lake home.

Exploring the intricate and environmentally fascinating Tonle Sap Lake, which dramatically changes depending on the time of year.

Discovering incredible birdlife -- including large storks and pelicans -- in a unique biosphere at Prok Toal Bird Sanctuary.

Contemplating the darkest aspects of our human history at the informative but respectful memoirs found at the Killing Fields Museum.

Visiting the traditional Khmer designed royal palace of King Sihamoni in the capital and cultural hub of Phnom Penh.

Unlock Community Benefits

Travel better together
Travel better together
  • Save favorite trips and itineraries
  • Get insider insights
  • Receive personalized recommendations
    ...and much more

Things to do in Cambodia - Expert’s guide

1. Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat temple Cambodia

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

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

Royal Palace Cambodia

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

National Museum in Cambodia

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.

How well do you know the world?
Play the game
Compare your travel trivia knowledge with friends. How many can you get right in 1 minute?

Top Cambodia Tours See all

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Travel better together
Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics

Cambodia Tours Reviews & Ratings

Write a review
Excellent
987
Great
181
Average
16
Disappointing
10
Terrible
17
Gary
·
2024-03-18
Written on
Cycle Vietnam and Cambodia
The best part of the trip, along all the great places we saw and experiences, was the Explore team - our guide as well as local guides that joined us plus our support team and mechanics for our bikes. All were friendly, knowledgeable and went out of their way to support us.
Show more
Trusted Customer
·
2024-03-12
Written on
Highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia
Kathryn Kurimura
·
2024-03-12
Written on
Vietnam and Cambodia Uncovered
Lived the fact that we stayed in a location for several days
Jane
·
2024-03-10
Written on
Cycle Vietnam and Cambodia
Very well planned trip. Enjoyable cycling which enabled us to get really close to the 'real people' of Vietnam and Cambodia. Cycling through the street markets is something we'll never forget.
There were also many points of interest to explore along the way - we stopped at Temples, Pagodas, local family businesses, farms etc to hear how life was for them
Also the variety of boat and river trips was wonderful - visiting the floating markets on the Mekong, being paddled in canoes on small tributaries etc added to the variety of the holiday.
Show more
Trusted Customer
·
2024-03-10
Written on
Vietnam and the Temples of Angkor
Cambodia has its limitations for experiences. Vietnam was full of new adventures every day
Stuart
·
2024-03-06
Written on
Cycle Vietnam and Cambodia
The Explore guide was invaluable! His attention to detail and ability to keep the group on track was really helpful.
Show more

Travelstride featured in

The Newyork Times
AFAR
Chicago Tribune
Travel Pulse
Los Angeles Times
Frommers

Why Travelstride

Find your perfect trip
A vast selection of trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from hundreds of trusted travel companies.
Save time
Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics -- travel providers plan for you.
Save money
Book directly with the operator. Find inclusive packages for the best value and get access to amazing deals.
Travel confidently
Read unbiased user reviews, pick the company that fits your style, and connect with them directly. No worries, just memories.
×
×
×
Sign in to Save Trips
Welcome back! We're so happy to see you. ? Forgot Password?
Don't have an account? Join
  • Bookmark trips you like
  • Share with your travel companions
  • Track price changes
  • Access private discounts on trips you save
×
Sign in to see your results

TripFinder is a member-only feature. Don’t worry, it’s free!

With a membership you:

  • Save up to $700 per person!*
  • Access private deals and offers
  • See personalized trip recommendations
  • Save favorite trips
*See Member Savings Program details
×
Activate your free Travelstride membership

Just use the email address and password provided in the email we sent.

? Forgot Password?

With your free membership you:

  • Save up to $700 per person!*
  • Access private deals and offers
  • See personalized trip recommendations
  • Save favorite trips
*See Member Savings Program details
×
To Follow, sign in or sign up (it's free) ? Forgot Password?
Don't have an account? Join
member benefits

By signing in, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

First name is required!
Last name is required!
First name is not valid!
Last name is not valid!
This is not an email address!
Email address is required!
This email is already registered!
Please enter valid email address
Password is required!
Enter a valid password!
Please enter 6 or more characters!
Please enter 32 or less characters!
Passwords are not the same!
Terms and Conditions are required!
Email or Password is wrong!
Please select the captcha checkbox!
Please select the valid captcha!
Something went wrong! Try again later!