20 Best Things To Do In Cambodia For A Perfect Getaway

1. Explore Ancient Temples At Angkor Archaeological Park

The Angkor Archaeological Park is a dazzling window onto ancient Cambodia; monumental temples and buildings stand as witness to the exceptional achievements of the Khmer Empire.

The monumental temple of Angkor Wat is risen from this landscape, joined at the top by superb stone carvings and flagging spires. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site enveloped among some of the tourist attractions in Cambodia, sheltering countless ancient treasures.

The park includes the striking Angkor Thom temple and the mysterious faces of Bayon temple, each telling stories through detailed stone work.

2. Experience Traditional Apsara Dancing Show

Apsara dancing brings ancient stories alive through graceful movements and elegant costumes. This traditional dance form connects deeply to Cambodia's rich cultural past, displaying the influence of Hindu mythology across generations.

Featured among the most fascinating things to see in Cambodia, these performances share tales of celestial dancers who once entertained gods.

The stone walls of Angkor Wat display detailed carvings of these dancers, showing how important this art form has been throughout history.

3. Take A Sunset Cruise On The Mekong River

The Mekong River is an unforgettable experience down its winding waters through Cambodia, with this mighty river stretching across the landscape, creating fertile valleys and supporting diverse wildlife along its banks.

Discovering what to do in Cambodia leads many travelers to explore this natural wonder by boat, especially during sunset when the sky fills with vibrant colors.

It sustains local people by growing crops on its banks, and maintains their traditional style of life. Rare plants have made their habitat in the different hidden nooks and corners with some animals building homes, to perfect countryside natural beauties to expose with a river cruise.

4. Swim At Sihanoukville's White Beaches

Sihanoukville welcomes visitors with beautiful white beaches and crystal-clear waters along Cambodia's coast. This seaside town sits peacefully by the Gulf of Thailand, creating perfect spots for swimming and beach activities.

Located among popular Cambodia things to do, these beaches stand out for their natural beauty and calm atmosphere. Recent changes have brought new buildings and developments to the town, but the coastal areas remain attractive for visitors. 

The clean sandy beaches invite people to swim, relax in the sun, and watch beautiful sunsets over the water, adding a different experience to Cambodia's beach destinations.

5. Relax On Koh Rong Samloem Island

Koh Rong Samloem island presents a peaceful escape twenty-five kilometers from Cambodia's mainland coast. This hidden paradise combines white sandy beaches with clear blue waters, creating perfect spots for swimming and relaxation.

The quiet island atmosphere lets visitors enjoy peaceful walks along the shore or try exciting beach activities. During daytime, the clean beaches invite swimming and sunbathing, while evenings bring spectacular sunset views across the ocean.

Away from busy tourist spots, the island keeps its natural beauty intact, making it an ideal place for those seeking a calm beach experience in Cambodia.

6. Visit Historic Phnom Sampeau

Phnom Sampeau stands as a fascinating mountain temple in Cambodia, telling different stories through time. While traces of its dark past from the Khmer Rouge remain, the temple now buzzes with visitors exploring its grounds daily.

The steep climb to the summit requires effort, but presents remarkable sights. At the peak sits a peaceful Buddhist temple featuring a reclining Buddha statue. The caves beneath preserve important memories of Cambodia's history.

From the mountain top, green fields stretch endlessly across the landscape, creating a spectacular view of the countryside.

7. Wander Through Kirirom's Pine Forests

Kirirom offers visitors something unexpected in Cambodia - a refreshing pine forest unlike the typical tropical landscapes found elsewhere in the country.

This special place stays cool and dry throughout the year, making it perfect for tall pine trees and other leafy forest plants to grow. Kings and emperors once chose these peaceful woods for their vacations.

Today, the forest welcomes travelers with beautiful walking paths, a cascading waterfall, and plenty of chances to spot local wildlife. The natural beauty of Kirirom makes it a perfect spot for hiking and exploring nature.

8. Learn History At Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum exists as a vital place for learning about Cambodia's challenging history. The building reveals the difficult times during the Khmer Rouge period through preserved rooms, photographs, and personal belongings.

Located in Phnom Penh, this former prison turned museum documents the events that changed Cambodia forever. Visitors walk through the halls to learn about the lives affected during this period.

The museum stands not just as a building, but as an essential place for understanding Cambodia's past and moving toward a peaceful future.

9. Meet Rescued Animals At Phnom Tamao

Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center exists minutes from Phnom Penh, offering visitors a chance to meet rescued animals in nature. This sanctuary stands apart from regular zoos, placing focus on helping wild animals recover in peaceful spaces.

The center lets visitors watch different animals living freely in protected areas. Monkeys move everywhere across the grounds, climbing trees and exploring their environment.

Clean paths and natural spaces make this rescue center an excellent place to visit throughout the year, especially for people interested in seeing wildlife up close.

10. Tour The Grand Phnom Penh Palace

The Royal Palace of Cambodia sits at the center of Phnom Penh, displaying grand architecture that captures attention.

This impressive residence serves as the current royal family's home, featuring pristine gardens and decorated walkways that attract both travelers and local residents.

Inside the palace grounds, visitors discover detailed paintings and murals telling stories of Cambodia's rich cultural past. The building's delicate architectural features create stunning views from every angle, while the famous silver pagoda adds extra beauty to this historic site.

Each corner of the palace reveals new details, making it an essential stop for anyone exploring Phnom Penh.

11. Browse Artifacts At The National Museum

The National Museum of Cambodia presents the largest display of cultural history in the country. A striking terracotta structure contains the building, showcasing an extensive collection of Khmer sculptures that draws visitors throughout the year.

Inside the museum, guests find ancient treasures saved from old temple sites, featuring items from pre-Angkorian and Angkorian times. Bronze works and pottery pieces fill the display areas, each telling part of Cambodia's rich past.

The museum provides tours in several languages, helping visitors understand the stories behind each artifact.

12. Enjoy Popokvil Waterfall Views

Popokvil Waterfall creates a peaceful escape within the forests of Kampot. Located near Bokor Hill station, this waterfall displays two distinct levels of cascading water that catch attention from far away.

Between the two water flows sits a small, shallow pool where visitors cool off during warm days. The space around the waterfall includes open areas perfect for spreading out blankets and sharing meals.

This natural spot attracts many families seeking a refreshing break in nature, especially during summer months.

13. Hike In Kep National Park

Kep National Park invites visitors to explore marked trails across its hills, making it an excellent spot for hiking adventures. Clear arrows guide both new and experienced hikers along different paths that wind through the landscape.

The outer mountain trails reveal stunning views of the surrounding area, while paths through the inner sections allow visitors to spot local birds and wildlife.

Specific routes like the Stairway to Heaven and Nun's Path stand out for their spectacular views. These trails offer simple yet rewarding walks through Cambodia's natural terrain.

14. Explore the sacred Killing Caves

The Killing Caves of Battambang hold a somber history from Cambodia's past. During the Khmer Rouge period, these caves became sites of execution, where victims were pushed down a deep shaft after being killed at the cliff above.

Today, the caves serve as a memorial to honor those who lost their lives. A reclining Buddha statue rests at the center, placed near a protected display containing victims' remains.

Local visitors often gather here, sharing stories and songs that remember the tragic events that occurred in this sacred place.

15. Discover Ruins At Preah Khan

Beyond the northern border of Angkor Wat stands Preah Khan temple, a remarkable structure built centuries ago by King Jayavarman VII to honor his father's legacy.

The temple rises from dense jungle surroundings, creating an impressive sight for visitors exploring its grounds. Inside, the architecture unfolds into intricate passages linking different sections - from towering gates to ancient shrines.

Along the weathered walls, massive stone garudas stand sentinel, while detailed carvings display images of various animals and scenes from ancient legends. The temple's elaborate design reveals the architectural mastery of Cambodia's past civilizations.

16. Visit The Landmine Museum

It lies 25 kilometres away from Siem Reap, near Banteay Srei, and is one of the major learning centers in Cambodia. The museum has a variety of tools, weapons, and equipment that were used during ancient mining.

The visitors get to learn about the impact brought about by landmines, including the risks they are to the local communities and methods used in removing them safely. It has a rehabilitation center and a farm where young landmine survivors are cared for.

Through detailed exhibits and real examples, the museum helps people understand this significant part of Cambodia's history while working to prevent future tragedies.

17. Climb Ancient Baphuon Temple

Inside Angkor Thom stands Baphuon Temple, constructed in the 11th century during King Udayadityavarman II's reign. This significant structure rises as a three-layered mountain temple, serving an important role in ancient royal ceremonies.

The temple faced severe deterioration by the 1900s, leading to an extensive restoration project. Through careful work spanning 51 years, experts completed the rebuilding in 2011, bringing back its original grandeur.

Located northwest of Bayon, this temple holds special significance as a place of worship dedicated to Lord Shiva. Each restored section reveals the architectural brilliance of ancient Khmer craftsmen.

18. See Elephants In Mondulkiri

Located in eastern Cambodia, Mondulkiri serves as a respected elephant sanctuary, offering visitors rare experiences with these remarkable animals.

The sanctuary provides guided day tours where visitors spend time observing elephants living freely in their natural environment. Guests walk alongside these magnificent creatures through forest paths, present them with food, and even join them at local waterfalls.

The sanctuary creates opportunities to witness elephants behaving naturally without restrictions, making it a distinctive destination in Cambodia. The peaceful setting allows close observation of elephant behaviors while maintaining respect for their space and well-being.

19. Take A Microlight Flight Over Temples

Flying in a microlight aircraft lets people see Cambodia from high in the sky. During the flight, passengers float above beautiful old temples, green rice paddies, and small fishing villages along the rivers.

The skilled pilots who have explored every corner of Siem Reap, guide each flight carefully through the clear blue sky, pointing out interesting places below.

This unique adventure gives visitors a completely different view of Cambodia's stunning countryside. The small aircraft moves smoothly through the air, making it easy to spot hidden places that cannot be seen from the ground.

20. Ride the famous Bamboo Train

The bamboo train sits at the edge of town, offering visitors an exciting ride unlike any other in Cambodia. This simple vehicle, called a 'Norry' by local people, runs along metal train tracks.

The basic design uses a straw mat placed on a small platform, powered by a motor. Despite its simple structure, the train moves quickly, reaching speeds of 50 kilometers per hour.

Passengers sit directly on the bamboo platform as it zooms along the tracks, creating an exciting experience that combines speed with traditional transportation methods. This special ride gives visitors a taste of local ingenuity and adventure.