Cambodia is one of Southeast Asia’s most fascinating destinations, combining ancient temples, beautiful islands, vibrant cities, peaceful countryside, and a rich cultural heritage. While many travelers first think of Angkor Wat when they hear “Cambodia,” the country offers much more than its famous temples.
From exploring the historic streets of Phnom Penh to watching the sunset over the Mekong River, relaxing on tropical islands, tasting authentic Khmer food, and discovering quiet rural communities, Cambodia offers experiences for almost every type of traveler.
Whether you are visiting for a few days or planning a longer trip, this guide covers some of the best things to do in Cambodia for foreign travelers.
1. Explore Angkor Wat in Siem Reap
No trip to Cambodia is complete without visiting Angkor Wat.
Located near Siem Reap, Angkor Wat is one of the world’s most impressive religious monuments and Cambodia’s most famous attraction. Originally constructed in the 12th century, the temple complex represents an extraordinary achievement of Khmer architecture.
Arriving early in the morning to watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat is one of the most memorable experiences in Cambodia. After sunrise, travelers can spend several hours exploring the surrounding temples.
Do not limit your visit to Angkor Wat itself. The wider Angkor Archaeological Park contains numerous remarkable sites, including Bayon, Ta Prohm, Banteay Kdei, and Preah Khan.
Ta Prohm is particularly famous for its atmospheric combination of ancient stone structures and enormous tree roots.
Travel tip
Plan at least two or three days in Siem Reap if you want to explore the major temples without rushing. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and prepare for Cambodia’s hot and humid weather.
2. Discover Phnom Penh
Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, offers a completely different experience from Siem Reap.
The city is busy, modernizing rapidly, and full of restaurants, cafés, markets, shopping centers, riverside views, and historic landmarks.
One of the best ways to experience Phnom Penh is simply to explore different neighborhoods and observe everyday Cambodian life.
Popular attractions include the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum, Central Market, and the riverside area.
The Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers meet near the city, creating a beautiful setting for an evening walk or river cruise.
Phnom Penh is also an excellent destination for food lovers. You can find everything from inexpensive local restaurants and street food to international cuisine and sophisticated dining.
3. Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
For travelers interested in Cambodian history and culture, the Royal Palace is an important stop in Phnom Penh.
The palace complex features beautiful Khmer architecture, landscaped gardens, and the Silver Pagoda, which is known for its impressive interior and religious treasures.
The complex provides visitors with an opportunity to learn more about Cambodia’s royal heritage and architectural traditions.
Remember to dress respectfully when visiting religious or culturally significant locations. Clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is generally a good choice.
4. Learn About Cambodia’s History
Cambodia has a long and complex history, and understanding it can make your trip much more meaningful.
Visitors interested in modern Cambodian history can visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center in Phnom Penh.
These sites document the tragic period of the Khmer Rouge regime and the suffering experienced by millions of Cambodians.
These are serious historical sites rather than conventional tourist attractions, so visitors should approach them respectfully.
For many foreign travelers, learning about this part of Cambodia’s history provides important context for understanding the country’s people and its modern development.
5. Experience Cambodian Food
Food should be an essential part of any trip to Cambodia.
Khmer cuisine is diverse and often uses fresh herbs, vegetables, rice, noodles, fish, and aromatic spices.
Some dishes foreign travelers should try include:
- Fish amok
- Beef lok lak
- Nom banh chok
- Khmer curry
- Kuy teav
- Bai sach chrouk
- Fresh spring rolls
- Cambodian barbecue
Local markets are excellent places to discover traditional food at affordable prices.
If you are unsure what to order, look for busy restaurants filled with local customers. This can often be a good indication that the food is popular and freshly prepared.
Do not be afraid to try something unfamiliar. Some of the best Cambodian food experiences can happen in small local restaurants rather than expensive tourist establishments.
6. Take a Mekong River Cruise
The Mekong River is an important part of life in Cambodia, and experiencing the river is a great way to see another side of the country.
In Phnom Penh, travelers can take a sunset cruise along the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers. The experience is particularly enjoyable in the late afternoon when temperatures begin to fall.
You can watch boats moving along the river, see local communities, and enjoy views of Phnom Penh’s changing skyline.
For travelers looking for a slower experience, exploring destinations along the Mekong can provide a glimpse into rural Cambodian life away from the major tourist centers.
7. Relax on Cambodia’s Islands
Cambodia is also home to beautiful tropical islands and beaches.
Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem are among the country’s best-known island destinations. They offer sandy beaches, clear water, tropical landscapes, and opportunities to relax away from the busy cities.
Visitors can spend their time swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, enjoying seafood, or simply relaxing on the beach.
Koh Rong generally has a livelier atmosphere, while parts of Koh Rong Sanloem can feel quieter and more peaceful.
If your Cambodia trip includes several days of sightseeing, adding a few beach days can be a great way to slow down and relax.
8. Explore Kampot
Kampot is a charming destination in southern Cambodia known for its relaxed atmosphere, riverside setting, countryside, and nearby attractions.
The town is popular with foreign travelers who want to escape the busier atmosphere of Phnom Penh.
One of the highlights is exploring the countryside around Kampot. You can discover pepper farms, small villages, rice fields, and scenic roads.
Kampot pepper is internationally recognized, and visiting a pepper farm can be an interesting experience for food lovers.
The nearby Bokor area also offers mountain scenery and cooler temperatures compared with the lowlands.
Kampot is particularly appealing to travelers who enjoy slow travel rather than rushing from one major attraction to another.
9. Visit Kep for Seafood and a Relaxed Coastal Experience
Kep is another destination worth considering when traveling through southern Cambodia.
The town is famous for seafood, particularly crab. Kep Crab Market is one of the most recognizable places to experience the local seafood culture.
Visitors can enjoy freshly prepared seafood while taking in views of the coast.
Kep is quieter than many major tourist destinations, making it suitable for travelers who want a peaceful short getaway.
You can combine Kep with a visit to Kampot because the two destinations are relatively close to each other.
10. Discover Cambodia’s Countryside
One of the most rewarding experiences in Cambodia is leaving the major tourist areas and exploring the countryside.
Outside cities such as Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, you can find rice fields, traditional wooden houses, small farms, pagodas, and rural communities.
Cycling tours and countryside excursions are popular ways to experience this environment.
Travelers should remember that rural Cambodia operates at a different pace from the cities. Take your time, respect local communities, and ask permission before photographing people or entering private property.
For many visitors, these quieter experiences become some of their favorite memories.
11. Explore Cambodian Markets
Markets are an important part of everyday Cambodian life and offer an excellent opportunity to experience local culture.
In Phnom Penh, visitors can explore markets such as Central Market and Russian Market. In Siem Reap, the Old Market area is popular with visitors looking for souvenirs, food, clothing, handicrafts, and local products.
Markets are also good places to try local snacks and observe how Cambodians shop and socialize.
If you want to purchase souvenirs, consider Cambodian handicrafts, silk products, artwork, spices, coffee, or locally produced food products.
When bargaining is appropriate, remain friendly and reasonable. Negotiation should be treated as part of the shopping experience rather than an argument.
12. Experience Cambodian Culture and Festivals
Cambodia has a rich cultural tradition, and visitors may have the opportunity to experience festivals during their trip.
Khmer New Year, usually celebrated in April, is one of the country’s biggest celebrations. The atmosphere can be lively, with families returning to their hometowns, traditional activities, games, music, and celebrations.
Pchum Ben is another important Cambodian religious and cultural period.
Water Festival celebrations are also significant in Cambodia and are associated with traditional boat races and river culture.
If your travel dates coincide with a major festival, expect changes in transportation, business hours, and accommodation availability.
13. Visit Local Temples Beyond Angkor
Angkor is not the only place to experience Cambodian temples.
Across the country, you can find Buddhist pagodas and historic temples that are much quieter than the famous Angkor complex.
Visiting a local pagoda can provide a different perspective on Cambodian religious life.
Remember to behave respectfully. Dress appropriately, keep noise levels low, and follow local rules regarding photography.
A temple visit does not have to be about taking photographs. Take some time to appreciate the architecture and atmosphere.
14. Enjoy Cambodia’s Café and Digital Nomad Scene
Cambodia’s major cities have developed a growing café and coworking culture.
Phnom Penh and Siem Reap offer many cafés where travelers can enjoy Cambodian coffee, work remotely, meet other travelers, or simply relax.
For digital nomads and long-term visitors, this makes Cambodia particularly attractive.
You can spend a morning exploring a neighborhood, work from a café during the afternoon, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in the evening.
This combination of travel and everyday life is one reason some foreigners choose to stay in Cambodia for several months rather than visiting only for a short holiday.
15. Take Your Time and Enjoy the Cambodian Way of Life
Perhaps the best thing to do in Cambodia is simply to slow down.
You do not need to visit every attraction to have a great trip.
Spend a few days exploring temples, then relax by the river. Try local food. Talk to people. Visit a market. Take a tuk-tuk through the city. Spend an afternoon in a café. Watch the sunset.
Cambodia rewards travelers who are willing to look beyond the major attractions.
The country’s greatest appeal is the combination of ancient history, living culture, friendly communities, beautiful landscapes, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Best Cambodia Experiences by Traveler Type
If you are unsure where to start, consider choosing destinations based on your interests:
For first-time visitors: Siem Reap and Phnom Penh
For history lovers: Angkor Archaeological Park and Phnom Penh’s historical museums
For beach lovers: Koh Rong, Koh Rong Sanloem, and Kep
For food lovers: Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Kampot, and local markets
For nature lovers: Kampot, Bokor, the islands, and rural Cambodia
For slow travelers: Kampot, Kep, and the Cambodian countryside
For digital nomads: Phnom Penh and Siem Reap
Final Thoughts
Cambodia is much more than Angkor Wat.
While the ancient temples are undoubtedly one of the country’s biggest attractions, foreign travelers can also enjoy vibrant cities, tropical islands, delicious food, peaceful countryside, fascinating history, and welcoming local communities.
For a first visit, a combination of Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and either the southern coast or Kampot can provide a well-rounded introduction to the country.
Most importantly, leave some space in your itinerary for unexpected experiences. Some of the best moments in Cambodia may come from a small local restaurant, a conversation with a Cambodian family, a quiet countryside road, or a beautiful sunset that was never part of your original plan.
Cambodia is a destination that can be explored quickly, but it is even better when you give yourself enough time to slow down and experience the country beyond its famous tourist attractions.
FAQ
1. What are the best things to do in Cambodia for first-time visitors?
First-time visitors should consider exploring Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, discovering Phnom Penh, trying Cambodian food, visiting local markets, and relaxing in destinations such as Kampot or Cambodia’s islands.
2. How many days do you need to visit Cambodia?
For a first trip, 7 to 10 days is a good starting point. This allows you to visit Siem Reap and Phnom Penh while adding either Cambodia’s southern coast or another destination.
3. What is the best place to visit in Cambodia?
Siem Reap is ideal for history and temples, especially Angkor Wat. Phnom Penh is excellent for culture, food, and city life, while Kampot, Kep, and the islands are better for travelers seeking nature and relaxation.
4. Is Cambodia good for foreign travelers?
Yes. Cambodia is a popular destination for foreign travelers because of its historic attractions, diverse food, tropical beaches, affordable travel options, and rich culture. Major tourist destinations also have many services catering to international visitors.
5. What is Cambodia famous for?
Cambodia is best known for Angkor Wat and the ancient Khmer civilization, but it is also famous for Khmer cuisine, Buddhist culture, tropical islands, the Mekong River, traditional handicrafts, and its historical heritage.
