Cambodia: 10 Best Things to Do on Your Next Trip

Cambodia is an interesting country, known for its vibrant culture (mostly around religion) and some of the best natural attractions in the world. A visit to this historic country is sure to impress any tourist as there are so many incredible sights to see and some memorable things to do.

From exploring the different temples of Angkor Wat to sampling a variety of local dishes, market shopping, and swimming with elephants (and more), here are some of the top activities you can do while touring Cambodia for an unforgettable experience.

Explore the Angkor Archaeological Park and Visit Cambodia’s Most Famous Temple

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Archaeological Park is a must-visit when visiting Cambodia. The park is famous for having the iconic 12th-century lost city of Angkor Wat, the largest and most famous temple in the world, a monumental complex with several fascinating temples.

Several ancient ruins of Angkor Thom have been discovered here, including other top Cambodian attractions such as Wat Tabuz, famous for the movie Tomb Raider, and the magnificent Bayon Temple within the city walls. Guided tours can lead guests to immerse themselves in the wonders and fantastic experiences of this historic place.

• Location: Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Tickets:$37 for one day,$62 for three days,$72 for seven days

Mekong River with Dolphin Cruise

The Mekong River is a scenic and historic body of water in Southeast Asia that is worth exploring. Take a local Cambodian cruise from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap for the best experience of the river. Along the cruise, enjoy stunning views of the stunning green landscape and watch the exciting sensation of Mekong dolphins swimming and playing near their natural habitat.

At sunset, the view on the horizon is simply amazing and the cruise becomes wonderful. Just pick up your camera and capture this beauty forever.

Watch a Fairy Dance Show

The Fairy Dance Show is an impressive cultural show that offers a unique perspective on Cambodian culture. This iconic cultural dance, also known as the Khmer dancer, has been around for centuries and its origins can be traced back to the court of the mythical gods.

After a series of modifications to make it more captivating, the Khmer dance is pleasing to the eye, and the captivating costumes and dramatic performances keep people’s eyes fixed on the scene during the performance.

• Where to watch Aspara: Usually a paid show, but it is free to watch at Temple Balcony on Bar Street in Siem Reap for meals.

Relax on the Most Beautiful Beach in Cambodia

Exploring Cambodia’s best beaches and enjoying stunning turquoise waters and pristine sand is one of the best things to do on your trip. Sunset Beach in Saracen Bay and Koh Rong Salem is one of the most incredible beaches in the world, but there’s more.

These unique beaches in Cambodia not only offer incredible natural scenery, but also a variety of water sports such as snorkeling, fishing, swimming, and diving. Alternatively, you can relax on the beach while admiring the stunning sea views. Some of Cambodia’s more beautiful beaches include: Otsu Beach in Sihanoukville, Snarr Beach in Kualon Province, Long Beach in Koh Rong.

Taste Authentic Cambodian Dishes and Experience a Cambodian Food Tour

No trip to Cambodia is complete without tasting a variety of mouth-watering dishes. Among the many restaurants in Cambodia, you can taste a multitude of traditional delicacies and be impressed by their deliciousness. Cambodia’s meals usually include seafood and rice, but there are many other meals in the country that may not be typical, although they all have their own unique flavors and can satisfy travelers’ needs.

Popular delicacies worth trying in Cambodia include sweet and sour fish soup, Khmer noodles and curries, and sticky rice cakes. A food tour is the best way to enjoy a gastronomic experience in Cambodia, and there are plenty of options. Some of Cambodia’s top food tours include:

Swim with Elephants at the Elephant Valley Project in Mondulkiri

Swimming with elephants at an elephant sanctuary is one of the most adventurous and exciting things to do in Cambodia. The elephants are protected by the Mondulkiri Valley of the Elephants Project, an organization of individuals passionate about elephant welfare and safety.

Visiting here means you can play and swim with the elephants in the river and participate in feeding them while taking amazing photos.

• Location: Mondulkiri Province, Cambodia

Visit the National Museum in Phnom Penh

The National Museum of Cambodia is an interesting place for history and art lovers who want to learn about the country’s rich historical and cultural heritage. The museum houses a large collection of art, artifacts and galleries commemorating the Khmer era.

Some of the artworks here include carvings of male and female gods, stone carvings, weapons of war, statues of historical figures, sculptures, and artifacts dating back to the Khmer era. Guided tours are available for a complete and fascinating experience.

• Location: Preah Ang Eng Street, Phnom Penh（13）
• Admission:$10 for foreigners (17-5 years old),$18 for foreigners (10 years and above),500 riel for Cambodians

Visit the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center

Phnom Tamao Wildlife Centre in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, is one of the best places to experience wildlife in Cambodia. This sanctuary is home to 102,1 animals of 200 species. Some of these animals, including lions, tigers, gibbons, leopards and elephants, were rescued by the park’s Wildlife Rapid Rescue Team, which was established in 2001.

Embark on a fully guided tour to discover this zoo’s amazing wildlife diversity, including behind-the-scenes feeding and care activities for the animals.

• Location: Voucho Province, Cambodia
• Animals: bears, elephants, tigers

Experience Cambodian Wellness

One of the most memorable experiences in Cambodia is enjoying wellness treatments. After visiting and exploring all the natural and man-made wonders of the country, enjoy a traditional spa treatment that relaxes in a unique way and helps people achieve total peace of mind.

Enjoy a variety of spa treatments, including regular hot oil massages, traditional Khmer herbal spas, facials and scrubs with a variety of unique ingredients and methods. These spa treatments are available in certified massage parlors and spas across the country. Some of the best spas in Cambodia include:

Shop at Local Markets in Cambodia

Buying goods and souvenirs at the local market before departure is the best way to end your trip to Cambodia. Several cities in Cambodia have several local markets where vendors are showing off their wares, most of which are relatively cheap.

Some handy and impressive items are available for purchase, including handmade bags, carved woodwork, silk and scarves, sculptures, rice paper prints, and beautiful t-shirts. Popular shopping markets in Cambodia include:

• Kandal Market: Sells a variety of products, including the best street food in Cambodia
• Phnom Penh Night Market: Sells a variety of products, from clothing and handbags to fresh fruits and vegetables
• Phsar Chas Market: Selling souvenirs such as Buddha statues, stone carvings and silverware