Things to Do in Cambodia
There are many exotic things to do in Cambodia, popularly known as the touristic “Kingdom of Wonder”. With a landscape full of historical monuments, it stills preserves vestiges of traditions from ancient times even as modern sights crop up all around. The destination enjoys the tropical sun and is known for its beautiful beaches, fringed with lush greenery carpeting the low-lying plains. The Mekong Delta makes it a fertile spot for life to thrive and one can witness the same in the host of plants and animals which populate the region and add to its natural wealth.
Historical explorations form a major part of the things to do in Cambodia. The remains of the Khmer Empire make for an interesting peek into a history of unimaginable wealth and prosperity, and cultural influence of the little kingdom at the height of its glory. The many glorious Buddhist and Hindu temples add further relish to the Cambodian landscape. Engaging in cultural tours of Cambodia is a comprehensive way of understanding the cultural heritage that blesses the country. Spending time in these serene temples is also a good way to enjoy some peace and quiet.
Apart from cultural interactions, tourists can also enjoy many adventure activities around the country. Cambodia has a rich and varied terrain ranging from towering mountains to golden beaches, and this allows tourists to experience activities like adventure biking and trekking, to scuba diving and snorkelling. Adventure activities should definitely be on your list of interesting things to do in Cambodia. For the tourists who enjoy the unassuming touch of local life during their travels, and love experiencing places where the past and the present thrive together, Cambodia is a great destination to visit.
Phimeanakas is a celestial temple within the Angkor Thom complex in Cambodia, constructed during the 10th century by King Rajendravarman. This Hindu temple, dedicated to the god Shiva, stands as a testament to Khmer architectural ingenuity.
Kbal Spean, often referred to as the "River of a Thousand Lingas," is an archaeological site located in the jungles of Cambodia, about 50 kilometers from Siem Reap. Dating back to the 11th century during the Khmer Empire, it features a series of stone carvings and bas-reliefs along the riverbed of the Stung Kbal Spean River. These carvings include intricate depictions of Hindu deities, notably Shiva and Vishnu, as well as various mythological motifs.
Highlights – Visit the hill during the early morning or late evening hours so that you don’t feel the scorching heat of the sun. As you go up the hill, you will find a canyon filled with a canopy of greenery. The way that leads into the hill summit is filled with various macaques. In the evening, witness thousands of bats fly off from the caves at the base of the hill.
Location - Found at a distance of about 12km towards the southwest of Battambang.
Timings – Open all through the day.
Price – Takes around USD2 or USD3 to get to the top of the hill.
Highlights – Wat Banan Temple is located on top of a hill and it takes around 300 steep and difficult set of stairs to get to this temple. There are five huge towers in this Buddhist temple, out of which most of them are in a dilapidated state today. The vast growth of vegetation hides the view of these majestic towers from the road, so it is quite difficult to actually spot the temple. The carvings of the now-headless apsaras on the towers make the hard route worth every second.
Location – Located at about 45minutes from the famous Mount Sampeau.
Timings – 7AM to 7PM.
Price – About USD2 for going up the hill.
Highlights- This beach is almost a kilometre away from the Lomhe Kay beach off the coast of Sihanoukville. This beach like many other beaches here, is simple and quiet without much of the crowd gathering there. As it doesn't attract lots of tourists, you will not be able to find many restaurants or cottages here. You have to carry your own food when you pack your bags to Koh Pos Beach.
Location - Sihanoukville, Cambodia.
Special features - The main attraction is that this distinct beach is home to a restaurant which is named as Treasure Island Seafood Restaurant. The seafood served here is considered to be the best in Sihanoukville. This beach offers a panoramic view of many islands in the vicinity; therefore, it is definitely a mystery that needs to be unravelled.
Location – Sihanoukville, Cambodia.
Special features - The beach has really fine sand that goes well with the colour of the crystal clear water. The restaurants that are bordering the beach have their beach beds lined up in the shores of the beach where their own customers can rest and enjoy the beach and its scenic view and also the breezy weather that prevails in the beach.
Highlights- The view from the shore is quite a beautiful view as there wouldn't be anything much than the sea. It would only be water all around as far as you can sea. However, the shore is lined up with lot of restaurants, resorts, bungalows, cottages, bars and cafes.
Location - Sihanoukville, Cambodia.
Special feature - The cleanliness of the beach is considered to be its best attribute, as most of the other beaches in Cambodia are filthy. This beach lies in the end of the Occheuteal beach, beyond the Phnom Som Nok Sdach (hill of the king's palace) headland. This beach is about five kilometres away from the Serendipity region. This beach has got a view of its own which makes it unique from every other beach.
Location - Korn pong som, Sihanoukville, Cambodia.
Special features - The rest of the beach belongs to Sokha beach resort and thus is not open to public. One can even dive in the pool of the Sokha beach resort by just paying an affordable sum of money. The beach has got its own beauty. With restaurants and cafes bordering the lines of Sokha Beach, people can get enough refreshments, without feeling bored.
Location – Kep, Cambodia.
Special features- When you feel bored you can even go on ferry rides making your vacation in that beach even a merrier one. The ferry rides would be an awesome experience as you won't be just playing with the waves by merely dipping your toes but you would be dancing with the waves in the ferry.
Location- Krong Preah Sihanouk, Cambodia. Special features - This beach has the most direct route from Victory hill through a steep narrow road. This beach has a great scenic view from the shores of the beach. This beach is also lined up by restaurants, cottages, bars and other tourist visiting places as this beach is the only beach that has families as its visitors. One can enjoy the beautiful golden sunset by resting on the sands of the shore or on the beach beds, relaxing peacefully.
Ta Prohm
Highlights – One of the features that attracts viewers about Ta Prohm is that it is found in the same way as it was constructed during the 12th century, whereas most of the other temples in its vicinity have been reduced to mere architectural ruins today. During 1992, this temple was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Location – The temple can be found at just about 1km from Angkor Thom on the southern part of East Baray.
Timings – 5AM to 6PM every day.
Price - All the temples in this area charge USD20, USD40 and USD60 for one-day, three-day and 7-day packages respectively.
Highlights – If you are an architecture lover, you will truly love Bayon temple, where the main deity is Lord Buddha. Built in traditional and historic Khmer style of architecture, this temple contains numerous towers. All these towers have wonderfuls stone faces carved on them. The other highlight here is a couple of bas reliefs found here, representing various mythological values.
Location – Situated in King Jayavarman’s capital city of Angkor Thom.
Timings – 5AM to 6PM.
Entry fee – One day, three-day and seven-day passes cost USD20, USD40 and USD60 respectively.
There are lots of small and big islands in Cambodia and Koh Rong is one of the most important of them. It is replete with white sands, pristine waters, palm groves, resorts, hotels and small villages which are inhabited by local Cambodians who blow away tourists with their local lifestyle and cuisine.
Highlights – There are close to 4 villages and over 12 guesthouses and bungalow style accommodations here to cater to tourists who come here in large numbers. This is a perfect spot for vacationing as you will not be disturbed by traffic or internet here. Enjoy relaxing moments and bask in nature’s glory at its best when you come here. It is the second biggest island in Cambodia.
Location – 25km from the Sihanoukville Coast in the Gulf of Thailand.
Timings – Can be visited anytime during the year.
Price – Costs around USD10 for a boat ride to Koh Rong from Sihanoukville.
Also Checkout: Cambodia Tour Packages For 4 Days
Highlights – This temple was constructed between the 11th and 12th centuries AD by Suryavarman I and Suryavarman II. Banteay Srei is the dominating architecture style of this temple. This temple is quite different from the other traditional Khmer temples in that it has a long axis in the north-south direction. The temple is located in the same complex as Khao Phra Wihan National Park and it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. Prasat means castle, Preah means sacred and Vihear means temple or shrine or abode.
Location – Mountain temple located on top of the Dangrek Mountains which is at a height of 525m in the province of Preah Vihear province.
Timings -8AM to 4PM.
Price – Around USD5 for foreign tourists and USD1.5 for local tourists.
Highlights – Almost all the casinos in Sihanoukville are open 24hours a day unlike other casinos that operate only during the evening and night hours. Most of the hotels apart from offering luxury accommodation also have luxurious casinos that have games like Baccarat, Roulette, Blackjack and the like. Free drinks, snacks and cigarettes are provided when you take up gaming packages at any of these casinos. Owing to the large number of tourists coming here, casinos at Sihanoukville employ people who are adept at speaking many languages.
Location – About 4.5km from South Cambodia.
Timings – Open all through the day.
Price – Casino games are available from USD4 per game if you are looking only for gaming and not staying at these hotels.
Highlights – It is a very small island; however the tourism potential that it has is immense. There are a couple of beaches here. If you are looking for serenity in its best form, this is the place for you. You will be cut off from the rest of the world as there is no internet connectivity here. In the evenings, enjoy the local food and culture of the Cambodians and take part in the traditional Khmer dance of the locals.
Location – Around 4.5km off Southern Cambodia in Sihanoukville City Coast.
Timings – Can be visited any time through the year.
Price –Only resort tariffs and food prices applicable.
Highlights – Bats, as we know, are nocturnal birds. Every evening, especially after sunset, you can witness thousands of bats fly out these caves into the woods nearby. You can continue to watch this spectacle for about 40 minutes, as that’s the time required for all the bats to fly out. However, it is best to leave within ten minutes, if you don’t want to put your lives at risk. There lots of bikes available to take you to the top of the mountain and back to the base at the evening, just in time for bat-spotting.
Location – Battambang.
Timings – Only in the evenings
Price – Around USD3 for trekking up the hill.
Highlights – Phnom indicates mountain in the local Khmer dialect. Prior to establishing Phnom Penh as the capital city of Cambodia, Udong served as its capital for a long time from 1618 to 1866. Today, though the place has lost out to other cities in terms of development and tourism potential, there is still one major attraction here - Mount Udong. Today, there are couple of humps left of this mountain. The most attractive feature is that these humps have various stupas adorning them. Don’t miss out on the Phnom Preah Reach Throap (Hill of the Royal Fortune), Phnom Vihear Leu (small sanctuary), famous stupas of Damrei Sam Poan, Ang Doung and Mak Proum. Lots of Buddha temples, relics, statues, figurines and carvings decorate this peak.
Location – Udong.
Timing – Open all through the year.
Price – A full tour costs about USD12 per person for one day.
The Reclining Buddha is a monumental statue symbolizing Buddha in a state of rest or entering Nirvana. Often found in temples across Asia, including Thailand and Myanmar, it represents peace and detachment from worldly matters, serving as a major spiritual.
Chau Say Tevoda, nestled within Cambodia's Angkor Archaeological Park, stands as a testament to Khmer architectural finesse. Dating back to the 12th century, this Hindu temple mirrors the nearby Thommanon in design and style. Adorned with intricate carvings of celestial dancers, gods, and mythical creatures, Chau Say Tevoda offers a glimpse into the Khmer Empire's devotion to religious artistry. Despite its smaller size, the temple's graceful proportions and ornate details captivate visitors, transporting them to a bygone era of grandeur and spirituality. Exploring Chau Say Tevoda unveils the rich cultural tapestry of Cambodia's ancient past, inviting reverence and admiration.
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Cambodia Things To Do FAQs
What are the best things to do in Cambodia?
Cambodia is a country full to the brim in interesting activities. There are many ways of enjoying yourself in the country no matter what your desires dictate. Blooming with natural beauty, rich in history, and full of opportunities for adventure activities, Cambodia is a place to satisfy every heart. Some great things that you can enjoy in Cambodia include:
• Island cruise from Sihanoukville
• Mekong Delta River Tour
• Kirirom National Park Bike Tour
• Snorkelling near Koh Rong Samloem island
• Historical tour of Phnom Penh
• Exploring of Chipat site
• Angkor Temple and Royal Temples tour complete with sunset viewing
• Visiting the Tuol Sleng Museum and Killing Fields
• Bike tour of Battambang city
• Bamboo Train Ride
• Dolphin Cruise
What are the best adventure activities to do in Cambodia?
Cambodia is veritably a land of adventure. For a small country, it has many places where one can enjoy a variety of different activities that thrill the heart and get the adrenaline pumping. The varied landscape of Cambodia provides adventure enthusiasts with opportunities to engage in all manners of land and water sports, and make exciting memories in the process. Some amazing adventure activities to dedicate yourself to in Cambodia include:
• Snorkelling
• Scuba Diving
• Bike Tour
• Boating
• Zip Lining
• Hiking
• Adventure Racing
• Camping
• Canoeing
• Canyoning
• Rock Climbing
Which are the top attractions for sightseeing in Cambodia?
Cambodia mingles together history, art and culture to produce a combination that all tourists delight in-so delicate and full of loveliness is it. There are many historical monuments to be experienced in Cambodia as well as religious sites to be explored. A couple of days spent sightseeing in Cambodia will allow you to understand the cultural depth of the country and thus make your visit a more comprehensive one. Some must visit locations in Cambodia include:
• Chipat Site
• Angkor Wat temple
• Royal Temples
• Tuol Sleng Museum
• Killing Fields
• Battambang city
Where can I experience cruising in Cambodia?
Located next to the sea and rich in rivers, Cambodia is the perfect destination to enjoy a cruise in. Cruising in Cambodia lets tourists experience the sights and sounds of the country in a unique and magical fashion- the gentle waves add a touch of romance to every view and make every moment memorable. The fairytale sunsets that one experiences on a cruise in Cambodia are also sights to remember forever. Some of the best cruising in Cambodia can be enjoyed with:
• The Angkor Gondola ride
• Toum Tiou boat ride
• Pandaw Cruise
• Island cruise from Sihanoukville
• Mekong Delta River Tour
Which are the best routes for cycling in Cambodia?
Exploring Cambodia on bikes is one of the most unique ways of enjoying the local sights and indulging in local interactions. Few of the most popular bike routes in the country are as follows:
• Pursat To The City Of Battambang
• Ride To Phnom Baseth
• Psar Chas Old Market To Chong Khneas
• Psar Chas To Angkor Archeological Park
• Battambang City Tour
• Preah Vihear To Stung Treng
• Banglung To Pak Nhai
• West Baray Cycle Circuit, Siem Reap
Where can I try quad biking in Cambodia? What are its charges?
Quad biking is a unique adventure sport that gets adrenaline pumping with its fast-paced energy. Quad biking is special because it allows you to race over tricky terrains and build exotic memories. It is also a great way to spend some quality time bonding with your companions. You can enjoy quad biking in Cambodia with:
• Siem Reap Quad Bike Adventure
• Quad Adventure Cambodia
• Cambodia Quad Bike
On average, quad biking packages in Cambodia range from 30- 180 USD depending upon the provider you choose as well as the length of your quad biking package.
Where in Cambodia can I go for zip lining?
In Cambodia, the only zipline experience is in Angkor Archaeological Park. This is a one of a kind experience where one flies along the zip line through the dense canopy of the Archaeological Park. The thrill of the adventure is one that stays for years to come.
Which are the best places for birdwatching Cambodia?
Rich in dense forests, Cambodia attracts thousands of birds to its shelter year-round. From the usual rakes and cranes to endangered birds like the Giant Ibis, the White-shouldered Ibis, Green Peafowl and Endangered Vultures, there is a lot to delight bird watchers in the country. There are dozens of places in Cambodia where enthusiasts can enjoy glimpses of amazing birds, and some of the best include:
• Prek Total Core Reserve
• Bengal Florican Reserves
• Ang Trapaeng Thmor Sarus Crane Reserve
• Mekong Wagtail and Irrawaddy Dolphin Site
• Jahoo Gibbon Camp and Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary
• Phnom Krom
• Pursat grasslands
• Bokor National Park
• Koh Kher and Beng Mealea
• Okoki safari camp
• Aural Mountain
• Prey Veng Village
• Tmatboey Giant and White Shouldered Ibis Site
• Betreed
• Varin and Changkran Roi
• Phnom Kulen,Kbal Spean, ACCB and Banteay Srei
• Dak Dam Bird Site
Where can I experience art and culture in Cambodia?
Cambodia is a country brimming with art and culture in the form of its Buddhist temples, museums, ancient cultural beliefs, literary works and more. There are many great places where the cultural soul of Cambodia can be experienced in all its depth and majesty. Some places that can be explored in this context include:
• National Museum of Cambodia
• Angkor Panorama Museum
• Cambodian Landmine Museum
• Silver Pagoda, Phnom Penh
• Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
• Angkor Handicraft Association
• Royal Palace, Phnom Penh
Which are the most adventurous places for trekking in Cambodia?
Many majestic mountain ranges stand tall in the heart of Cambodia, and many dense forests and gushing rivers beautify its landscape. These advantages make Cambodia a fantastic destination for trekkers. Some of the most popular places in Cambodia for trekking are:
• Cardamom Mountains
• Kulen Mountain, Siem Reap
• Mondulkiri Province
• Rattanakiri
• Kirirom National Park Mountain Range
• Angkor to Sihanouk Ville
• Virachey National Park
• Cambodia Mekong Trekking
What are the things to do when I visit Angkor Wat in Cambodia?
Angkor Wat in Cambodia is a destination rich in cultural artefacts. Many hi
storical temples beautify the city, and must definitely be visited if you wish to experience Cambodia in all its aspects. Some of the best things to do in Angkor Wat include:
• Visit the Angkor National Museum
• Visit Banteay Srei
• Visit to Chong Khneas
• Visit to Kompong Khleang
• Visit the Angkor Night Market
Which are the best places to visit for a spiritual experience in Cambodia?
Cambodia draws deeply from Hindu and Buddhist roots, and there are many fantastic spiritual experiences that one can immerse oneself in in the country. Many of Cambodia’s temples date back centuries and are full of soothing spiritual energy that transits peace to the visitor. Spending some hours mediating in these spiritual destinations is a wonderful way to harmonise the mind and body. Some of the best places to visit in Cambodia for spiritual experiences include:
• The Buddhist Pagodas of Battambang
• Angkor Wat Temple
• Wat Somrong Knong
• Well of Shadows
• Ta Prohm, Siem Reap
• Prasat Beng Mealea
• Bayon Temple
• Beng Melea, Siem Reap
Where can I do scuba diving in Cambodia? What are its charges?
Cambodia offers amazing scuba diving experiences along its long beach stretches, dotted with coral reefs, rich with life. Some of the most popular sites for this adventure activity are as follows:
• Koh Dhach Archipelago
• Koh Rong Samloem
• Koang Kang
• Koh Kong
• Koh Tang
• Set Salam
• Condor Reef
The charges for diving vary according to the package that one chooses. On an average, for 2 dives a day, the charge is 50 USD.
Which are some caves to explore in Cambodia? Is it safe to go there?
Caves are an important part of Cambodian landscape and also have a significant place in its cultural identity. Exploring these caves allows you to enjoy a different aspect of the country as you indulge in the adventure the caves present . A few of the most famous caves are as follows:
• Phnom Kampong Trach Cave
• Battambang Bat Caves
• Phnom Chhngok Cave Temple( Kampot)
• Killing caves of Phnom Sampeau
It is safe to go to the caves in Cambodia. But, keeping in mind your safety, it is best to go when it is not raining as the landscape is prone to flash floods.
Which are the best locations to go for a wildlife safari in Cambodia?
Wildlife safaris are a very popular tourist preference in Cambodia and for good reason. The natural wealth of the tropical country makes for amazing safaris full of interesting and exotic sights. Some of the most popular safaris are as follows:
• Sam Veasna Centre
• Elephant Valley project
• Angkor Centre for conservation of Biodiversity
• Wildlife Alliance’s day tours in Phnom Tamao Rescue Centre
• Okoki Safari Camp
• Jahoo Gibbon Camp and Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary
• Bokor National Park
• Ang Trapeang Thmor Sarus Crane Reserve
• Prek Total Core Reserve
Which are the must visit beaches in Cambodia? What activities can I do there?
Far from the chaos of daily life, the beaches of Cambodia are a splendid place to rejuvenate yourself in. The golden beaches, beloved for the riot of corals that dot the reefs beneath the turquoise waters, are great places to soak in the sun, and the seas are perfect for a variety of water sports. Some of the best beaches you can enjoy in the country include:
• Main Beach, Kon Tonsay( Rabbit Island)
• Otres Beach, Sihanoukville
• Sokha Beach, Sihanoukville
• Long Set Beach, Koh Rong
• Koh Pos Beach, Sihanoukville
• Serendipity Beach, Sihanoukville
• Koh Ta Kiev
• Victory Beach, Sihanoukville
Many different types of activities that cater to all types of tastes can be enjoyed on the beaches of Cambodia. Popular activities to enjoy on the beaches are:
• Sun tanning
• Photography
• Snorkelling
• Scuba diving
• Swimming
• Trekking in the nearby jungles
• Enjoying the beach clubs
Where can I enjoy kayaking in Cambodia? How much will it cost?
Kayaking in Cambodia is one of the many exciting activities that one can indulge in in the country. Some places where you can enjoy kayaking in Cambodia are:
• Mekong Kayaking tour
• Kayaking in Ratanakiri
• Kayaking on Sangker river near Battambang
The average cost of kayaking in Cambodia for adults is 80-100 USD or 5000-8000 INR.
What are the best things to do in Siem Reap? What are the best places to enjoy?
Siem Reap offers a unique opportunity to explore the history of Cambodia through its historical monuments and ruins, mainly temples. The temples also offer an insight into the artistic development in Cambodia through the centuries. The natural landscape has been relatively untouched and offer a mystical experience as one explores the remnants of history. Museums, carefully curating history while imparting context to the finds makes the exploration all the more worthwhile. The best places to visit in Siem Reap are as follows:
• Temple hopping around Angkor Wat
• Terrace of the Leper King
• Siem Reap War Museum
• Angkor National Museum
• Angkor Thom
• Ta Prohm
• Phnom Bakheng
• Baphuon
• Terrace of the Elephants
• Banteay Samre
• Thommanon
• Prasat kravan
• Phnom Krom
What are the romantic things to do on a honeymoon in Cambodia?
Romance fills the air of Cambodia, with its golden beaches, misty mountains, and dense forests giving charm to a honeymoon spent in the country. Many different activities that add a dash of adventure and romance to the vacation can be enjoyed in Cambodia, including:
• Adventure activities like scuba diving, snorkelling, or trekking
• Sunset cruises
• Couple spas
• Romantic dinners at 5-star restaurants
• Sunsets on the beach
• Helicopter ride over the floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake
• Trek in the Phnom Kulen National Park
• Shopping in the night markets
Is Phnom Penh a must visit place in Cambodia? What things can I do there?
Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, is a must visit spot for its range of offers on the tourism front. From visiting historical buildings to shopping to enjoying live art and cultural programmes, Phnom Penh gives you a glimpse into flourishing Cambodia’s. Some great places to visit in the city include:
• Royal Palace
• Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
• Silver Pagoda, Phnom Penh
• Wat Phnom
• National Museum of Cambodia
• Independence Monument
• Central Market
• Tonle Bati
• Tuoi Tom Poung Market
• Cambodia Living Arts
• Silk Island
• Wat Botum Park
• Preah Thineang Chan Chhaya
• Wat Champouh Kaek
What are the best Cambodia day and night tour packages you can book with Thrillophilia?
Here are the best Cambodia day and night tour packages you can book with Thrillophilia:
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