Ancient temples may be the main reason many travelers visit Cambodia, but the country offers much more than Angkor Wat. Historic cities, floating communities, tropical islands, wildlife areas and distinctive Khmer cuisine provide enough variety for a longer journey. This guide from Smart Asia Travel presents 15 of the best things to do in Cambodia, with practical suggestions on where to go and how much time to allow. Use these experiences to build an itinerary that matches your interests, travel pace and available days.
Why Cambodia Is Worth Exploring Beyond Angkor Wat
Cambodia combines three major travel experiences: ancient Khmer heritage, recent history and diverse natural landscapes. Each region offers a different reason to visit.
Siem Reap is the cultural center for travelers who want to explore Angkor’s temples and nearby villages. Phnom Penh provides deeper insight into royal traditions and the country’s modern history. Southern destinations such as Kampot, Kep and Koh Rong are suitable for slower trips, while Kratie and Mondulkiri attract travelers interested in wildlife and rural scenery.
Visiting several regions also helps travelers understand everyday Cambodian life beyond the main monuments. Local markets, family-run restaurants, countryside cycling routes and community-based activities can make the journey more balanced and meaningful.
15 Best Things to Do in Cambodia
The following experiences cover Cambodia’s most important temples, cities, food, islands and natural attractions. Travelers can select them according to their route instead of trying to include every destination in one trip.
1. Watch the Sunrise at Angkor Wat
Watching the sun rise behind Angkor Wat is one of Cambodia’s most recognized experiences. Arrive early to find a suitable viewing position near the reflecting pools before exploring the galleries, towers and stone carvings.
Buy or arrange your Angkor Pass in advance when possible. Visitors should also cover their shoulders and knees because Angkor Wat remains an active religious site.
Watch the Sunrise at Angkor Wat
2. Explore Angkor Thom, Bayon and Ta Prohm
Angkor Archaeological Park includes many significant structures beyond Angkor Wat. Enter Angkor Thom through its monumental gates, then visit Bayon to see its carved stone faces and detailed bas-reliefs.
Continue to Ta Prohm, where tree roots surround parts of the temple complex. Allow a full day for these major sites so the visit does not feel rushed.
3. Admire the Carvings at Banteay Srei
Located about 40 kilometers from central Siem Reap, Banteay Srei is known for its detailed carvings and pink-red sandstone. The temple is smaller than Angkor Wat, but its decorative work is especially well preserved.
Visit early to avoid the busiest period. Banteay Srei can be combined with countryside villages or Phnom Kulen on a longer day trip.
Admire the Carvings at Banteay Srei
See more: Cambodia Angkor Wat Tour Package
4. Discover Phnom Kulen National Park
Phnom Kulen is a popular day trip for travelers wanting a break from temple complexes. The national park contains waterfalls, forested areas, a reclining Buddha and riverbed carvings associated with the ancient Khmer period.
Road conditions and travel times can vary, so private transport or an organized excursion is convenient. Bring suitable footwear if you plan to walk near the waterfalls.
5. Visit the Floating Communities on Tonle Sap Lake
Tonle Sap supports communities whose daily lives are closely connected to seasonal water levels. A boat trip provides a view of floating or stilted homes, schools, fishing activities and waterways.
Choose a responsible operator that works respectfully with local residents. Avoid tours that pressure visitors into questionable donations or use children as tourist attractions.
6. See the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
The Royal Palace is one of Phnom Penh’s main cultural attractions. Its Khmer-style roofs, formal courtyards and ceremonial buildings offer an introduction to Cambodia’s royal heritage.
The adjacent Silver Pagoda contains important religious and cultural objects. Combine the visit with the National Museum, but check opening arrangements and dress requirements before arriving.
7. Learn About Cambodia’s Recent History
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center document the violence experienced under the Khmer Rouge. These sites are emotionally difficult but important for understanding Cambodia’s recent history.
Allow enough time to visit quietly and respectfully. Audio guides can provide valuable context, while photography should only be taken where permitted.
8. Taste Khmer Food and Join a Cooking Class
Cambodian cuisine includes aromatic herbs, freshwater fish, rice noodles, fermented ingredients and regional spices. Popular dishes include fish amok, beef lok lak, Khmer noodles and meals seasoned with Kampot pepper.
A food tour or cooking class helps travelers understand how ingredients are selected and prepared. Choose small-group experiences that visit local markets and involve Cambodian cooks.
9. Cycle Through the Cambodian Countryside
Cycling provides access to landscapes and communities that are easy to miss when traveling only by car. Routes around Siem Reap, Battambang and the Mekong region may pass rice fields, traditional houses, pagodas and small markets.
Travel with a local guide if you are unfamiliar with rural roads. Early morning and late afternoon rides are generally more comfortable in hot weather.
10. Explore Battambang and Ride the Bamboo Train
Battambang combines colonial-era architecture, local art, surrounding farmland and a relaxed riverside atmosphere. The bamboo train is its best-known activity, although the current tourist experience differs from the railway’s original local function.
Travelers can also visit Phnom Sampeau in the afternoon and stay until sunset to watch large groups of bats emerge from the caves.
11. Relax by the River in Kampot
Kampot is suitable for travelers who prefer a slower pace. Popular activities include walking through the old town, kayaking, taking a sunset river cruise and visiting nearby pepper farms.
The town also serves as a convenient base for exploring Bokor Mountain or Kep. Allow at least two nights if you want time to enjoy the riverside atmosphere.
12. Eat Fresh Seafood in Kep
Kep is known for its crab market and seafood restaurants. Blue crab prepared with fresh Kampot pepper is the area’s signature meal, but visitors can also find prawns, squid and locally caught fish.
After lunch, walk part of the Kep National Park trail or take a boat to Koh Tonsay. Kep works well as a day trip from Kampot.
13. Unwind on Koh Rong or Koh Rong Sanloem
Cambodia’s southern islands offer sandy beaches, clear water and activities such as swimming, kayaking and snorkeling. Koh Rong has a wider range of accommodation and a more active atmosphere in its main areas.
Koh Rong Sanloem generally suits travelers seeking quieter beaches. Check seasonal sea conditions and ferry schedules when organizing island transfers.
14. Watch Irrawaddy Dolphins Near Kratie
The Mekong River near Kratie is one of the places where visitors may observe endangered Irrawaddy dolphins. Boat trips usually operate around Kampi, north of the town.
Choose an operator that keeps a responsible distance and limits noise near the animals. Kratie can also be combined with cycling on Koh Trong, a peaceful island opposite the town.
15. Experience Ethical Wildlife and Jungle Adventures
Mondulkiri and the Cardamom Mountains provide trekking, forest scenery and conservation-focused experiences. In Mondulkiri, select elephant projects that prioritize observation and natural behavior instead of riding or performances.
In the Cardamom region, guided activities may include jungle walks, river journeys and wildlife monitoring. Responsible operators help reduce environmental disturbance and support local employment.
How to Choose the Right Cambodia Experiences
The best itinerary depends on your available time and main interests. The table below provides a practical starting point.
| Time or interest | Recommended experiences |
| 3–4 days | Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm and Banteay Srei |
| 5–7 days | Siem Reap combined with Phnom Penh |
| 8–10 days | Add Battambang, Kampot, Kep or Koh Rong |
| History and culture | Angkor temples, Royal Palace, National Museum and Tuol Sleng |
| Nature and wildlife | Phnom Kulen, Kratie, Mondulkiri or the Cardamom Mountains |
| Beaches and relaxation | Kampot, Kep, Koh Rong or Koh Rong Sanloem |
Avoid adding too many distant regions to a short itinerary. Road journeys can take several hours, and island transfers depend on ferry connections. A seven-day trip usually works best with two main bases, while eight to ten days allow travelers to combine temples, cities and coastal areas more comfortably.
Travelers continuing through Southeast Asia can also explore available Thailand tours and create a multi-country itinerary.
Practical Tips for Visiting Cambodia
A few preparations can make transportation, temple visits and local activities easier. Consider the season, dress requirements and travel distances before confirming your itinerary.
- Choose a suitable travel season: The dry season generally offers easier conditions for temples, roads and islands. The green season brings heavier rain but also greener scenery and fewer visitors at some attractions.
- Dress respectfully at cultural sites: Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples, pagodas and the Royal Palace. Lightweight clothing and a scarf can help you remain comfortable while meeting local requirements.
- Plan intercity transport carefully: Tuk-tuks are practical for short urban trips, while buses, shared vans and private cars connect major destinations. Leave enough time between long transfers, flights and ferries.
- Carry accessible payment options: Cards are accepted at many hotels and established businesses, but cash remains useful at markets, rural attractions and smaller restaurants. Keep small notes available for minor purchases.
- Support responsible tourism: Use local guides, respect community privacy and choose conservation projects with clear animal welfare policies. Do not participate in elephant riding, wildlife performances or activities that exploit children.
Practical Tips for Visiting Cambodia
Experience the Best of Cambodia with Smart Asia Travel
The best things to do in Cambodia extend from the temples of Angkor and the historical sites of Phnom Penh to Mekong wildlife, quiet riverside towns and tropical islands. The right combination depends on how many days you have and whether you prefer culture, nature or relaxation.
Contact Smart Asia Travel to design a Cambodia itinerary or multi-country tour suited to your schedule, preferred travel style and main interests.