Cambodia's best-known attraction may be the ancient temple city of Angkor Wat, but this Southeast Asian country is far from a one-trick pony. From Phnom Penh's bright lights and bustling streets to Kampot's sleepy riverside vibes and Mondulkiri's elephant sanctuaries to Koh Rong Samloem's palm-fringed beaches, the best things to do in Cambodia are as varied as its landscapes—and its history. Marred by beauty, tragedy, and resilience, the stories and scars of Cambodia's past can still be seen in its ornate, crumbling temples, colonial architecture, Khmer Rouge prisons, and Killing Fields.
Like in much of the tropics, Cambodia’s year is divided into two distinct seasons: the dry and the wet. These are also known as the high and the low seasons, because most visitors come in the dryer months—November to April—as rainstorms and mud can threaten plans in the wetter months. There are benefits to traveling out of season, though: Everything is lush and green, it’s cheaper, and there are fewer tourists
The best way to get around Cambodia is by private car (with a driver) or taxi. Tourist buses are also good, especially for solo or budget travelers. The night buses often drop you off far enough from your destination that you need a tuk-tuk. Tuk-tuks are great for local trips, and a Southeast Asia must-do. Another option for long-distance travel is the train network, which is great if you love trains but also slow and unpredictable.
Angkor Wat may wear the Kingdom of Wonder’s crown, but Cambodia has more to offer. Most visitors tend to zip through the rest of the country, focusing on Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and Kampot, but dig deeper to find tropical islands that rival Thailand; freshwater dolphins swimming in the Mekong; and untouched wilderness filled with misty mountains, waterfalls, crater lakes, and wildlife, especially around the relatively untouched eastern provinces of Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri.
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Best known for the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, Cambodia is a colorful country with a turbulent past. While you can still see the scars of the Khmer Rouge genocide in the 1970s, Cambodia’s beautiful beaches, palm-dotted rice paddies, and vibrant cities make it a popular travel destination.
...MoreAttracting millions of yearly visitors, the ancient temples of Angkor Wat near Siem Reap are Cambodia’s top tourist attraction. However, learning about Cambodia’s tragic Khmer Rouge era is important in understanding its cultural history, so many tourists also visit the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Prison in Phnom Penh.
...MoreMany visitors spend around a week in Cambodia, exploring Siem Reap—the nearest city to Angkor Wat—and Phnom Penh. However, the Kingdom of Wonder is also home to tropical islands, picture-perfect beaches, crumbling colonial cities, lush jungle, and peaceful countryside, all of which can entice tourists to stay longer.
...MoreYes, Cambodia is a friendly and welcoming place for tourists. It’s affordable, easy to get around, and has attractions to entice every type of visitor. However, it isn’t immune to the negative sides of tourism—like opportunistic bag snatchers—so keep your valuables hidden and don’t flaunt any fancy tech.
...MoreVisitors to Cambodia should respect the local culture as much as possible. This means dressing modestly, especially when visiting temples, where you should cover your shoulders and knees. You should also stick to marked pathways in Angkor Wat and not climb on the temples.
...MoreYes, Cambodia is an affordable country to visit, with plenty of options to suit budget travelers, from hostels to street food and tuk-tuks. Midrange and splurge travelers will also not be disappointed, with a range of deluxe accommodations, fine dining, and high-end experiences on offer, too.
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