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Things To Do In Cambodia

TeamAckoFeb 15, 2024

When you think of tourism in Asia, Cambodia may not be the first place that pops into your head. But it should, and we’re here to tell you why! The country is full of delightful adventures that won’t burn a hole in your pocket. The nerds who love history and culture will vibe with the country, as it is packed with temples, museums, and shows that pay tribute to the country’s rich heritage. If you are a thriller seeker, then look no further than Cambodia, as the country’s terrain is perfect to play all day. Foodies can also join the party, as Khmer cuisine is both delish and exotic (and, oh, so instaworthy!). Are you ready to pack up your bags and leave yet? But before you do that, here are some of the amazing things to do in Cambodia that you should take note of.

Contents

List of Best Things to do in Cambodia
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions

List of Best Things to do in Cambodia

The Angkor Wat Archaeological Park

Let’s get started with one of the most important activities that one can look forward to when in Cambodia. Angkor Wat is to Cambodia what the Taj Mahal is to India—a legendary monument that should not be missed! Located in Siem Reap’s Angkor Wat Archaeological Park, Angkor Wat is one of the largest religious monuments in the world and receives over 2 million visitors from across the globe.

Besides the Angkor Wat, the Angkor Wat Archaeological Park is home to many other important temples as well, which you should also find their way into your itinerary. The Angkor Wat Archaeological Park also contains other attractions like the Bayon temple, which is well-known for its 200 stone faces, and the Ta Prohm temple, where enormous roots run amok (the temple also gained fame from the "Tomb Raider" movie). It may be best to start your day early if you plan to visit Angkor Wat, as witnessing the sunrise at Angkor Wat is one of the best things to do in Cambodia.

Location: Krong Siem Reap

Timing: 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Fee:

1-day pass - INR 3075
3-day pass - INR 5153
7-day pass - INR 5984

Hot-Air Balloon Ride Over Angkor Wat

Another great way to catch a glimpse of Angkor Wat and avoid the hoards is to take to the skies. A hot-air balloon ride gives you a unique view of the magnificent temples and can be one of the things to do in Cambodia with family. You can choose the ride either at sunset, daytime, or at sunrise. The ride can last up to 30 minutes. This is a weather-dependent activity.

Average price: INR 2078

Apsara Dance

Cambodia’s brush with Hinduism has left a deep impact on its culture and heritage. The Apsara dance is one of the performances where you can see this influence. Apsaras are youthful female celestial beings in Hindu mythology who love music and dance. The lore of the Apsaras, who held a prominent position in the nation's architecture and arts, mesmerized ancient Cambodia.

The Cambodian dancers who portray these mythological beings are adorned with beautiful costumes and elegant makeup. Their movements are graceful, gentle, and eye-catching. Apsara dance is one of the top things to do in Cambodia because it embodies the culture of the country.

Location: Most cafes, hotels, and performing arts theatres in Cambodia

Price range: INR 830 to INR 2078, or it can be free depending on the location

Mekong River Cruise

The Mekong River, which is a vital lifeline for Cambodians, also gives tourists a great opportunity to see a different side of the country. A relaxing cruise along the Mekong River is for laidback tourists who want to experience the Cambodian way of life in all its authentic glory. The Mekong River is one of the longest in the world and enriches the lives of the locals along the way.

The sunsets along the Mekong River are legendary and are known to be one of the most romantic things to do in Cambodia with your partner. If you are not already sold on a cruise along the Mekong, let us sweeten the deal further. You can spot the Irrawaddy River dolphins, which call the Mekong their home. Seeing these gentle giants being their playful selves can be a healing experience.

Location: Cruises take off from Phnom Penh

Price: INR 2.43 lakhs for a week

Kampot

Another idyllic way to spend your time in Cambodia is to visit the quiet seaside town of Kampot. Littered with fancy French architecture, tourists flock here to enjoy the riverfront. The Kampot River offers a variety of water-based activities, such as kayaking or even a cruise down the river to take in the sights and sounds of this quaint city. You can make a day of it by going on a small tour to the nearby town of Kep, where yummy crabs are caught right in front of your eyes and prepared with pepper (which the region is famous for) and other condiments that are totally mouthwatering. Don’t forget to order fresh sugarcane juice to wash down that delish pepper crab.

Location: Kampot and Kep

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Cambodia’s history is as rich as it is dark, and the darkest phase of its tainted history took place under the rule of the notorious Khmer Rouge. Between 1975 and 1978, this brutal regime is believed to have killed nearly two million people. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, as the name suggests, is not for the faint of heart, but it is a reminder of the country’s devastating past and a hopeful future.

Tuol Sleng served as a prison for the Khmer Rouge regime, and between 1975 and 1978, nearly 20,000 people were imprisoned and executed here. As grim as visiting this former secondary school turned execution center turned museum may sound, it is worth visiting to educate ourselves about how low humans can sink and how an entire nation can rise up for this kind of carnage to achieve peace and be on its way to prosperity.

Location: St.113, Boeung Keng Kang III, Boeung Keng Kang, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Fee: INR 416 for adults and INR 250 for children between 10 and 18 years of age

Timing: Every day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Khmer Cuisine

One of the best things to do in Cambodia is to eat to your heart's content. The cuisine is mostly rice and noodle-based and leans heavily towards seafood and meat. You can also spot the French influence here (Cambodia was a French colony in the past), as frog-based delicacies are also found in many restaurants. Here are some of the dishes you should definitely try:

Amok

This steamed fish delicacy is one of the most popular dishes to come out of Cambodia. Fish is mixed with ingredients such as eggs, coconut milk, and a multitude of spices. The fish is then steamed in a banana leaf, which gives the dish a creamy texture and curry-like consistency. You can also order a chicken version of the dish if you don’t particularly like seafood.

Samlor Kako or Khmer Red Curry

Another lovely and flavorful curry from the Khmer kitchen is the Samlor Kako. It is made from ingredients such as meat, potatoes, and coconut milk.

Nom Banh Chok

For an authentic taste of Cambodian brekkie, opt for Nom Banh Chok. This breakfast rice noodle dish is topped with gravy made with fish and well-known condiments such as lemongrass, kaffir lime leaf, galangal, and turmeric.

Kuy Teav

Another popular breakfast fare is Kuy Teav, which is a noodle soup made with rice noodles, beef, or pork. The broth carries an intense flavour due to the presence of garlic, green onion, fried shallots, and bean sprouts.

Phare Cambodian Circus

The Phare Cambodian Circus employs fantastical ways to retell Cambodian folklore. The circus performers bring together traditional Cambodian music and modern circus performance techniques to entertain visitors with stories that depict their culture and their struggles.

The performers are former students of the Phare Ponleu Selpak school, which educates local children for free. When they graduate, they can perform at the circus and make decent wages, while proceeds from the show itself are used to educate children from economically weaker sections of society. Visiting the Phare Cambodian Circus can be an eye-opening experience for the young and the old, and hence, it is one of the best things to do in Cambodia with family.

Location: Intersection of Ring Road and Sok San Road, South of intersection with Sok San Road, Siem Reap

Timing: The show begins at 8:00 p.m. daily

Fee: From INR 1532 to INR 5365

Royal Palace

One of the best things to do in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, is to visit the country’s royal residence. Sections of this glorious piece of architecture are open to tourists. The Royal Palace is considered one of the best places to visit in Phnom Penh due to its pristine grounds, gorgeous temples, and murals and paintings that glorify Cambodian history. The most talked-about attraction within the palace complex is the Silver Pagoda Temple, which gets its name from its gorgeous floor, which is made with 5 tonnes of silver.

Location: Samdach Sothearos Blvd (3), Phnom Penh

Timings: 8:00 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Fee: INR 830

Conclusion

Cambodia is a land of plenty for tourists. Though the Angkor Wat might seem like the big daddy of all attractions here, that’s far from the truth. There are delightful foods to be sampled, small, off-beat towns to be visited, and plenty of culture to be imbibed.

But before you get into the vacation state of mind, be sure to get travel insurance. Be it hospital visits due to one too many night outs or the loss of your precious luggage (along with your passport), ACKO can fix it all in a jiffy so that you can live your best life, travelling!

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the questions asked about things to do in Cambodia

What are some of the adventurous things to do in Cambodia?

Scuba diving in Sihanoukville, biking through Siem Reap, kayaking in the Kampot River, and a microlight plane ride over Angkor Wat are some of the most adventurous things to do in Cambodia.

How many days is enough to visit Cambodia?

Anywhere between 5 days and 2 weeks can give you enough time to explore the country.

When is the best time to visit Cambodia?

The best time to visit Cambodia would be the dry season between November and April. The weather is cool, dry, and pleasant, making it easier to sightsee.

What is Cambodia best known for?

Without a doubt, Angkor Wat is the best tourist attraction in Cambodia. Over 2 million tourists come to see this architectural splendour. But Cambodia is not just Angkor Wat, as the country has more to offer tourists in terms of culture, performances, and food.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to change. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.