7 of the best things to do in Cambodia

Uncover the sacred temples and traditions of one of South-East Asia's most beloved countries. We share the highlights of Cambodia that you need to visit to make the most of your adventure...

7 mins

1. Watch the sunrise at Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat (Dreamstime)

Angkor Wat (Dreamstime)

There is good reason why so many seek out this UNESCO-listed site on a trip to Cambodia. Watching streaks of auburn-orange burn against the silhouetted towers of Angkor Wat is a spellbinding sight that captivates even the most seasoned travellers. It's no wonder that a sunrise at Angkor makes for a compelling start to the day and is a dramatic backdrop to one of the world’s most iconic travel wonders.

Built in the 12th century, Angkor Wat is believed to be the oldest and largest temple complex in the world. It was once the capital of the Khmer Empire and its front-facing outline has since become a national symbol, featuring on the Cambodian flag, on beer labels and in the name of countless hotels.

The ruins sit in an archaeological park that extends for 400 square kilometres, a scale beyond what many visitors anticipate. Those with ample time should make the most of a three-day or week-long pass to explore its maze of ancient stone structures and water features coated with blossom-pink lotus flowers – not forgetting to investigate the history of the underground city that lies beneath Angkor Wat.

2. Explore its other magnificent temples

Preah Vihear (Dreamstime)

Preah Vihear (Dreamstime)

Angkor Wat might take priority on the itinerary, but travellers would be missing out if they were to skip Cambodia’s other fascinating temples. You don't need to go far – Angkor Archaeological Park is home to numerous ancient monuments that can be explored at your own leisure on bike or foot.

Angkor Thom can be found in the shadow of Angkor Wat and showcases a series of ancient buildings including Bayon temple, whose 200 stone-carved faces are believed to depict King Jayavarman VII. Ta Prohm might not measure up in magnitude against its sister temples, but it still proves to be a big hit with travellers, after its unconventional overgrown banyan tree roots made a starring appearance in the movie Tomb Raider.

For those seeking a more off-beat spiritual encounter, venture to northern Cambodia to the Hindu temple of Preah Vihear that stands atop a 525 metre cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains. If the ancient ruins don’t beat your expectations, then the panoramic views over lush green forestry bounding into the horizon most certainly will.

3. Sample the street food of Siem Reap

A woman preparing street food (Dreamstime)

A woman preparing street food (Dreamstime)

South-East Asian cuisine opens travellers to a whole new range of alternative street food that travellers wouldn’t typically find on market stalls back home. From deep-fried tarantulas and snakes on skewers, to lime and chilli crickets, there really is everything and anything on the menu to choose from.

Aside from these rather niche foods, Cambodian dishes typically use fried noodles or sticky rice as a main ingredient, with an addition of fried vegetables and meat. Lort cha (noodles, bean sprouts, and chives) is typically cooked with beef, topped with a fried egg and is served in a generous portion enough to satisfy a hungry appetite. While amok (fish soup made with coconut milk and red Thai curry paste) has enough lime zest and chilli kick to warm the stomach, and is traditionally steam cooked in a round banana leaf dish.

4. Visit Battambang Bat Caves at sundown

Watch as hundreds of bats fly overhead from Battambang caves (Dreamstime)

Watch as hundreds of bats fly overhead from Battambang caves (Dreamstime)

Every evening at the base of Phnom Sampeau mountain, crowds gather in anticipation to observe thousands of bats burst out of a cave hole for their nightly hunt. A stream of black fills the sky, fluttering overhead in a sound wave motion, before dispersing on the star-lit horizon. This astounding display happens like clockwork at 5.30pm each evening, 15km south west of Battambang.

However, the caves of Phnom Sampeau mountain behold a dark history, having been used as an execution site under the rule of Khmer Rouge. Cambodians regard this natural phenomena as the souls of victims freeing themselves from the darkness. There is also a memorial site where people can pay their respects.

5. Learn about Cambodia’s Khmer past

National Museum of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

National Museum of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Cambodia is a country with rich cultural roots, deep spiritual ties and a complex history. In 1953, it gained independence after 90 years of French colonial rule. Yet only two decades later, it suffered horrific mass executions under Khmer Rouge between 1975 and 1979. Although Cambodia has moved on as a nation, the victims of its barbaric past are remembered by memorials, museums and in the memories of Cambodia's elder generations.

Phnom Penh's Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum reveals the torment and extremities suffered by many innocent civilians who were ordered to the former high school, turned Security Prison 21. The museum has preserved the prison infrastructure, with cell walls and torture objects still in place where they were when the Khmer Rouge regime was overthrown in 1979.

Also in the capital is the National Museum of Cambodia. Located next to the equally fascinating Royal Palace, it’s hard to skip over its exhibition of artefacts and traditional crafts native to the country – not to mention its stunning gardens.

6. Ride the bamboo train

Bamboo railway, Battambang (Dreamstime)

Bamboo railway, Battambang (Dreamstime)

Originally built on the outskirts of Battambang City as a means of transport for remote villagers, the bamboo train (nori) soon became a big hit for travellers who passed through the region. In October 2017, the nori conducted its last services and closed down, before reopening 20km south of Battambang to provide services for visitors in the Banan temple area.

With an elevated bamboo-based platform raised a few feet above the ground and powered by a small motor, chances are that it is unlike any other rail vehicle you have encountered before – not to mention it can reach speeds of up to 30 kilometres per hour. Not only is it a fun ride on board, but it's an alternative and effortless way to take in the otherwise unseen landscapes of Cambodia's rural neighbourhoods.

7. Take it slow on Koh Rong Island

Koh Rong Island (Dreamstime)

Koh Rong Island (Dreamstime)

Just as you think you’ve seen Cambodia at its best, take a short boat trip west of Krong Preah to Koh Rong Island, where sugar-coated beaches and azure waters welcome off-beat travellers. From discovering sandy coves in remote corners to snorkelling alongside diverse marine life among coral reefs, natural beauty flourishes throughout this little-explored island, both on land and in the surrounding waters.

There really is no better way to finish your South-East Asia adventure than with a relaxed evening clinking cocktails in a beach hut bar, watching the sun set over Koh Rong's palm tree shrouded shores.

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