The Ultimate Guide to Cambodia: 12 Amazing Things To Do

If you’ve ever dreamed of wandering through ancient temples swallowed by jungle, cruising along peaceful rivers, or sipping iced coffee by a palm-fringed beach—welcome to Cambodia. This Southeast Asian gem is a place of magic, mystery, and warmth. From the majestic Angkor Wat to the laid-back islands of Koh Rong, Cambodia is a country that touches every traveler’s heart.

Whether you’re visiting for a few days or planning a longer Southeast Asia trip, this Ultimate Cambodia Travel Guide for 2025 covers everything you shouldn’t miss—12 unforgettable things to do, plus insider tips to make your journey easy and authentic.

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1. Explore the Legendary Temples of Angkor Wat

No trip to Cambodia is complete without a visit to Angkor Wat—the largest religious monument in the world and the nation’s pride. Located near Siem Reap, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a masterpiece of Khmer architecture, originally built in the 12th century.

Best time to go: Sunrise! Watching the first light illuminate Angkor’s towers reflected in the lotus pond is pure magic.
Don’t miss: Ta Prohm (the “Tomb Raider temple” overgrown with roots) and Bayon Temple with its mysterious smiling faces.

👉 Tip: Get a 3-day Angkor Pass to explore at your own pace—there are over 70 temples scattered across the complex!

2. Wander Through Siem Reap’s Night Markets

After exploring temples, Siem Reap’s Old Market (Phsar Chas) and Angkor Night Market come alive with color and chaos. It’s the perfect place to try street food, shop for souvenirs, and soak in local energy.

Try khmer BBQ, fried noodles, or even the adventurous fried tarantula if you dare!
Don’t miss Pub Street, where neon lights, live music, and cheap beer make it a backpacker’s paradise.

👉 Tip: Bargaining is expected—start at half the offered price and smile while haggling!

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3. Visit Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda

Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, is a mix of colonial charm and modern energy. The Royal Palace, with its golden spires and manicured gardens, remains one of the country’s most impressive landmarks.

Inside, you’ll find the Silver Pagoda, home to a floor made of over 5,000 silver tiles and a dazzling emerald Buddha statue.

Nearby attractions: National Museum (for ancient Khmer art) and Sisowath Quay for riverfront dining.
Dress code: Shoulders and knees covered—respect is key.

4. Learn Cambodia’s History at Tuol Sleng & The Killing Fields

This isn’t the easiest stop, but it’s one of the most important. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) and Choeung Ek Killing Fields tell the heartbreaking story of Cambodia’s past under the Khmer Rouge regime.

It’s a deeply emotional experience, but understanding this history helps travelers appreciate the resilience of the Cambodian people.

👉 Tip: Go with a local guide—they provide context and stories that make the visit far more meaningful.

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5. Relax on the Beaches of Sihanoukville & Koh Rong

When you’ve had your fill of temples and city bustle, head south to the Cambodian coast.

Koh Rong: Known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise water, and firefly-lit nights. Perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, and chilling with a coconut in hand.
Koh Rong Samloem: A quieter, more romantic island with boutique resorts and jungle trails.
Sihanoukville: Once backpacker heaven, it’s now filled with casinos—but still a good jumping-off point for the islands.

👉 Tip: Avoid rainy season (June–October) if you want calm seas and clear skies.

6. Cruise Along the Mekong River

A Mekong River cruise offers a completely different side of Cambodia. Floating past lush villages, rice paddies, and fishermen casting nets, you’ll experience authentic rural life far from the crowds.

Many travelers take a cruise from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap or even combine it with Vietnam’s Mekong Delta.

Top experience: Sunset cruises in Kampot or Phnom Penh, with cocktails and golden reflections on the water.

7. Discover Kampot’s Pepper Plantations & River Life

Kampot is one of Cambodia’s most charming towns—laid-back, scenic, and famous for its world-class pepper. Visit a pepper farm to see how this prized spice is grown, and sample dishes like Kampot pepper crab.

Don’t miss: Kayaking on the Kampot River, watching fireflies at night, or exploring nearby Bokor National Park for misty mountain views.
Stay: Riverside guesthouses and boutique eco-lodges make Kampot ideal for slow travel.

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8. Get Artsy in Battambang

Battambang may be Cambodia’s second-largest city, but it feels more like a creative village. It’s full of art galleries, French colonial buildings, and a growing community of young Cambodian artists.

Top things to do:
- Ride the Bamboo Train—a quirky local experience through rice fields.
- Visit Phare Ponleu Selpak, a local circus and art school that empowers youth through performance.
- Explore the Bat Caves at sunset—millions of bats streaming out into the night sky!

9. Visit Preah Vihear Temple (Without the Crowds)

Far off the beaten path, Preah Vihear is one of Cambodia’s most stunning ancient temples—perched dramatically on a mountain at the Thai border.

The temple’s location offers breathtaking views of the surrounding plains, and it’s far less crowded than Angkor Wat.

👉 Tip: It’s best to hire a car or private driver from Siem Reap—the journey itself (about 3 hours) is part of the adventure.

10. Experience Authentic Village Life in Kompong Khleang

Skip the over-touristed floating villages and head to Kompong Khleang on Tonlé Sap Lake. This authentic fishing village is home to thousands of stilt houses and friendly locals who welcome visitors warmly.

Go in dry season (Dec–April): Houses tower above dusty streets.
Go in wet season (May–Nov): The village transforms into a floating world.

👉 Tip: Choose a community-based tour—it directly supports local families and ensures a responsible visit.

11. Indulge in Cambodian Cuisine

Cambodian food (or Khmer cuisine) often gets overshadowed by Thai or Vietnamese dishes—but it’s a hidden treasure!

Must-try dishes:
- Fish Amok: A creamy, curry-like dish steamed in banana leaves.
- Lok Lak: Stir-fried beef with lime-pepper sauce.
- Nom Banh Chok: The classic Cambodian noodle breakfast.

For the adventurous, try street snacks like grilled frogs, fried crickets, or sweet palm cakes.

👉 Tip: In Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, check out local cooking classes to learn how to make these dishes yourself!

12. End Your Trip at the Stunning Temples of Banteay Srei

Just outside Siem Reap, Banteay Srei is often called the “Jewel of Khmer Art.” This 10th-century temple is smaller than Angkor Wat but carved with exquisite pink sandstone details.

The carvings are so intricate they’re believed to have been made by women—hence its nickname, “The Lady Temple.”
Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds.

👉 Tip: Combine it with a visit to the nearby Landmine Museum, which shares the ongoing efforts to clear Cambodia’s countryside.

Bonus: Practical Tips for Visiting Cambodia in 2025

🧳 Visa & Entry

Most travelers can get an e-Visa online before arrival or a Visa on Arrival at airports. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months.

💰 Currency

Cambodia uses both Cambodian Riel (KHR) and US Dollars (USD)—you can pay with either. ATMs dispense dollars, and change is often given in riel.

🚗 Getting Around

Tuk-tuks and Grab app rides are cheap and easy for short distances.
For longer routes, use Giant Ibis or Virak Buntham bus lines.
Domestic flights connect Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and Sihanoukville.

🌦️ When to Visit

Best time: November–March (dry, cool, and sunny).
Rainy season: June–October (lush landscapes, fewer crowds, cheaper prices).

💡 Cultural Tips

Dress modestly when visiting temples.
Remove shoes before entering someone’s home or religious sites.
Avoid touching people’s heads—it’s considered disrespectful.

Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Fall in Love with Cambodia

Cambodia is a country of contrasts—ancient and modern, joyful and reflective, chaotic yet peaceful. What makes it truly unforgettable, though, is its people. Despite a difficult history, Cambodians radiate kindness, humor, and resilience.

Whether you’re temple-hopping at sunrise, riding a scooter through rice fields, or sharing a bowl of noodles with a local family—you’ll feel the heart of Cambodia in every moment.So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to explore a land where every sunrise feels ancient and every smile feels timeless