Cambodia in Southeast Asia is a treasure trove for travelers and explorers. And small wonder since the kingdom boasts ancient Khmer temples (Angkor Wat), heavenly Gulf of Thailand beaches, first-class shows (Apsara Dance), and more. So, pack yourself and get your bearings to this tourist-friendly nation full of smiley faces. And while you are about it, read our top things to do in Cambodia overview for ideas on how to spend your vacation there.
1. Admire Angkor Wat Temple and Its Artwork Near Siem Reap
Angkor Wat (Temple City) is a fine example of ancient Khmer engineering and the world's largest religious site. Its five towers visible from afar symbolize five peaks of Mount Meru, the Hindu center of the Universe. As you approach, pay attention to the walls and a moat representing surrounding mountains and oceans.
Once you cross the moat, take a tour of Angkor Wat's galleries. Along the way, acquaint yourself with works of art introducing:
- Chief Hindu deities—Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Protector, and Shiva the Destroyer
- Garuda, a half-man, half-eagle creature, and Naga, a half-man, half-snake being
- Celestial Apsara dancers, events from Ramayana and Mahabharata epics, lotus—a sacred flower in Buddhism and Hinduism—etc.
2. Tour Bayon, the Mona Lisa of Cambodia and Southeast Asia
Bayon, located in Angkor Thom (the Great City north of Angkor Wat) used to be a Buddhist temple. Known as the Mona Lisa of Southeast Asia because of many smiling faces carved on the stone, it is in the geographical center of the walled city.
The sanctuary's highlights are thousands of engraved images decorating its 1.2-km/0.75-mi long walls. And a fair share of those are portraits with enigmatic smiles, similar to the most famous smile in the world located in the Louvre Museum in Paris.
However, that's not all.
In addition, Bayon introduces Nagas, the underworld guardians, and lions, the symbol of strength and royalty in the Hindu religion. Furthermore, examine:
- Historic events and scenes from everyday life in Angkor Thom
- Dancing Apsaras from the Mahabharata epic and Ravana the Demon from Ramayana
- Also, don't miss the sanctuaries in the first enclosure devoted to Buddha, Vishnu, and Shiva
3. Visit Banteay Srei, the Gem of Angkor Archaeological Park
A tour of Banteay Srei is among the top things to do in Cambodia, too. Located over 20km/12mi north of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, it is a masterpiece of ancient Khmer architecture. And its nickname is the Citadel of Women, indicating the highest quality of its bas-reliefs and other decoration.
Made of red sandstone, for the most part, the temple boasts highly detailed artwork introducing deities and beings from the famous Hindu epics. And some of those are:
- Indra, the god of storm and a master of lightning and thunder
- The Raksasha creature in the act of abducting Sita, the spouse of Rama, the main character of Ramayana
- Varuna, the god of heavenly oceans
4. Explore Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh
Grand Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, the Cambodian capital, is yet another top attraction of this Southeast Asian kingdom. Its palaces have gilded rooftops and maintained gardens feature exotic plants. And the structures are fine examples of Khmer architecture.
The top sites of the royal residence are:
- Throne Hall, where visitors can see the thrones of Cambodian kings and queens
- Moonlight Pavillion, serving as a stage for Khmer dances and the ruler's speeches
- Napoleon III Pavilion, whose French design can't be more different from the Khmer structures the compound abounds with
Second, the adjacent Silver Pagoda houses Emerald Buddha, one of the most sacred religious objects in this part of the world. Furthermore, you can see many Buddha statues on display in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. In addition, one of them, made of gold and decorated with diamonds, weighs 90 kg (198 lbs).
5. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum—Witness Nation’s Dark Past
Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide in Phnom Penh is a tribute to Cambodians who lost their lives during the second half of the 1970s. Before becoming the S-21 prison under the notorious Khmer Rouge regime (1975–79), it used to be a high school. But, when the Red Khmers took over Kampuchea, as the country's name was back then, they turned it into an interrogation center where they tortured inmates.
Today, you can see the prison almost in the exact state as it was when abandoned. For example, barb wires surround the ex-S-21 and line the terraces. Moreover, pay attention to the cells and torture devices used for confession extortions.
6. Watch Traditional Apsara Dance in Siem Reap or Phnom Penh
Attending a traditional Apsara Dance should also be on your top things to do in Cambodia list. It is a graceful performance played by beautiful women in descriptive costumes. In the past, only the royals could enjoy the show.
While performing, the ladies wear elaborate headdresses, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and other jewelry. And they are the embodiment of female spirits from Hindu mythology who seduced mortal people by performing a hypnotizing dance. In this regard, you should note that every move has a specific meaning.
In regard to this, the National Museum of Cambodia is the best Phnom Penh venue for watching the show. Also, some of the top places to watch the Khmer dance in Siem Reap are:
- First, Fou-Nan Restaurant
- Second, Angkor Village Apsara Theatre
- Third, Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor's Apsara Terrace
- And La Residence d'Angkor Hotel
7. Attend Phare the Cambodian Circus’s Entertaining Shows
Phare, the Cambodian Circus is a multi-awarded entertainment group from Siem Reap. Recently, these guys set a Guinness record in the Longest Circus Show category after performing over 24 hours straight. And their productions are for fun and insights about the Cambodian people, their history, and culture.
In this regard, the circus has around a dozen regular theatrical performances accompanied with music and dance. And each of them covers a specific topic, such as:
- Modern times in Cambodia in Khmer Metal
- The significance of rice for the local people in White Gold
- Or how much suffering the Khmer Rouge regime (1975–79) brought to ex-Kampuchea in Sokha.
Furthermore, the plays could be funny, sad, and anything in between. But, high levels of skill, balance, agility, and strength are what features them all. So, don't miss to check out these guys when you go to Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor Wat and other famous Khmer temples.
8. Have a Mekong River Sunset Cruise From Phnom Penh
Experiencing the sunset from the Mekong River over Phnom Penh is one of the top things to do in Cambodia. In this regard, various providers offer scenic cruises lasting between 1:30 and 2:30 hours. And, depending on the program, boat tours may include complimentary barbecues, cocktails, live Khmer music, and English-speaking guides.
In general, you can expect to see:
- Firstly, the Royal Palace with palaces with gleaming rooftops and spires
- Secondly, the confluence of the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac rivers and adjacent Koh Pich (Diamond Island)
- Thirdly, the city skyline defined by an occasional skyscraper
- And, finally, floating villages and houses standing on stilts
9. Go on a Beach and Island Hopping in the Gulf of Thailand
Maybe Cambodia isn't the first you think of regarding white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, unlike its neighbor Thailand. Yet, the archipelago consisting of around 60 islands brims with those, the mainland coastline not to mention. So, make sure to include those in your vacation itinerary in this Southeast Asian nation.
As for where to go for a beach and island hopping in Cambodia, consider the following destinations:
- First, Sihanoukville is a seaside resort providing access to the islands of the Gulf of Thailand and beaches lining the shore. And some of the best of the latter are Ream, Victory, Otres, Serendipity, and Ochheuteal Beach.
- Next, Koh Rong is the largest island west of Sihanoukville. And, it abounds with soft-sand beaches that vary in size, edged with palm trees and other greenery. Lonely, Kaoh Touch, Sok San, and Long Set are some of its most outstanding beaches.
- Last but not least, Koh Rong Sanloem is among the best destinations for a summer holiday in Cambodia. This island, located south of Koh Rong, boasts one of the world's finest beaches. And it is Lazy Beach, a long stretch of fine, white sand flanked on both sides with green hills and lined with lush vegetation.
10. Meet Asian Elephants in Mondulkiri Wildlife Sanctuary
The Mondulkiri province should be one of the top-rated tourist destinations in Cambodia for fans of wildlife and elephants, in particular. Mondulkiri Project runs a sanctuary in which visitors can make friends with Asian elephants in a friendly interaction. And the money the program collects through donations is in use for environmental and elephant protection.
So, what you'll do during your visit to the animal refuge?
First, you'll trek through the forest along with these gentle giants. Second, you get to feed and bathe them. Also, you may refresh yourself by swimming in a rainforest river or bathing under a waterfall.
Top Things to Do in Cambodia Wrap Up
And here we are. So far, we have mentioned the top 10 things to do in Cambodia. However, there is more to come, so check back at some point.
To sum up, we have mentioned:
- What you can expect from touring the top tourist attractions in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh
- Where to find a few best places for a relaxing vacation in the Gulf of Thailand
- Where to attend the best shows in Cambodia, even wider
- We hinted where you have a chance to see a natural phenomenon
- And we pointed out where to enjoy a pleasant walk with Asian elephants
That's it, guys, for now. But, before you sign off, leave us a comment if you have a suggestion or have found this quick guide of use. And check out our Singapore Travel Guide since the city-state is near Cambodia.
