Choose from 41 Fun Things to Do in Cambodia
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Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center
Lions and tigers and sun bears and elephants and deer and gibbons and snakes, oh my! At this sanctuary for rescued animals, guests can see a vast array of Cambodia’s wildlife (which is usually very difficult to spot), ranging from the world’s largest captive collections of Malayan sun bears and pileated gibbons to rare animals like greater adjutant storks and Siamese crocodiles. Rescued from poachers or abusive owners, all of the animals at the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center—there are more than 1200 animals of more than 100 species—receive shelter and medical care as part of a sustainable breeding program. When possible, the center’s residents are released back into the wild once they’ve recovered and the center does its best to educate the public on issues of wildlife protection.
The variety of animals that you can see here is extensive, including an impressive tiger population. There is also a large population of elephants who enjoy painting as well as eating. The conditions are excellent in comparison to some other organizations and the residents are given room to roam; work by various NGOs has helped with this. As a result, the Center feels much like a zoo (which it is, to some extent) that’s also a safari park, or vice versa. While there is a lot of work being done, there is still plenty left to do and donations from visitors help immensely.
Practical Info
Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center is located about 25 miles (40 km) south of Phnom Penh. The Center is open from 8:30am to 4:30 pm daily, with the last ticket being sold at 4:30pm. Tickets are $5 USD for adults and $2 USD for children ages 5-12. Private guides are also available for tours.
Address: National Road 2, Takmao Province, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Hours: 8:30am-4:30pm daily
Admission: Adults $5, Children (5-12) $2
From $ 222
Phimeanakas
Set near the center of the Royal Enclosure in Angkor Thom, Phimeanakas served as the king’s personal temple during the 10th and 11th centuries, before Jayavarman VII constructed Angkor Thom around it. Historians believe the three-tiered temple was once topped with a gold-covered tower, but very little of it remains.
According to local legend, the king would visit the top of the temple each night to meet a woman with the head of a naga (a serpent deity), and that if he failed to show up for the tryst, disaster would strike his kingdom.
While many of the temple’s decorative elements have been removed over time, it’s still worth making the short but steep climb to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with excellent views of nearby Baphuon.
Practical Info
You’ll only need about 30 minutes to visit this relatively small temple, but if you plan to photograph it, the light is best in the morning when the temple face is illuminated by the rising sun.
Address: Angkor, Cambodia
Hours: Daily 5am-6pm
Admission: 1-Day Pass US $20
From $ 97
Bakong
One of the earliest temples in the region, Bakong was built in tiers within a strict geometric matrix, a style recognizable in the later Angkor Wat. Though significantly smaller than that complex, Bakong has a charm all its own.
The central temple rises on 5 tiers and was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. It dates to 881 AD, though the tower which forms its focal point was added much later.
Around two dozen graceful, free-standing “satellite” temples dot the grounds in various states of repair, some garnished with jungle growth. Stupas reflect the temple’s later embrace of Buddhism, while an adjacent monastery ensures the site retains its spiritual significance into the present day.
Practical Info
Bakong, along with Lolei and Preah Ko, is in the Roluos group of temples, off National Highway 6 which heads west out of Siem Reap.
Address: Cambodia
Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset
Admission: 80,000 riel
From $ 59
Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity
Recognized as the first nature preservation in Cambodia, the Angkor Center for Conservation of Biodiversity is known for its wildlife rescue, animal rehabilitation, and endangered species breeding programs.
Visitors to ACCB can tour the grounds under the direction of expert guides who are well informed about the unique challenges facing the protection of Cambodia’s wildlife. From the pileated gibbons to silvered langur, ACCB houses animals found in few other places on earth. Visitors leave impressed by the well-kept grounds, knowledgeable staff, and diversity of animals. And whether it’s combined with a trip to nearby Banteray Srei visited as a destination all its own, ACCB treats visitors to a one-of-a-kind experience.
Practical Info
ACCB is located 12 kilometers north of Banteay Srey. It is accessible only via 90-minute guided tours, which take place Monday through Saturday at 9am and 1pm. Guests are asked to pay a minimum donation of $3.
Address: Kbal Spean, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Hours: Guided tours only, Monday-Saturday at 9am and 1pm
Admission: Suggested donation $3
From $ 440
Kbal Spean (River of a Thousand Lingas)
While the decaying structures and overgrown temples of Angkor Wat remain among the most popular destinations in Siem Reap, the rare collection of stone carvings along the Stung Kbal Spean River, often referred to as “Valley of 1000 Lingas,” continues to bring art and archaeology lovers outside the city and beyond Angkor.
The impressive carvings that line the 125-kilometer riverbed pay homage to the Hindu god Shiva. During the 11th and 12th centuries, artisans chipped away at delicate sandstone leaving intricate phallic symbols, mythological creatures and religious images along the shores. Visitors must trek two kilometers up rocky, uneven terrain to spy the hand-carved statues. Some argue the hike is more trouble than it’s worth, but most agree that travelers seeking to connect with nature and explore Cambodia’s rich and colorful history will appreciate a trip to Kbal Spean.
Practical Info
Kbal Spean lies in the Kulen Hills to the northeast of Angkor in Siem Reap. It’s about 25 kilometers from the most popular group of Angkor ruins.
Address: Siem Reap, Cambodia
From $ 45
Kandal Market (Phsar Kandal)
Kandal Market, or Phsar Kandal in Khmer, is the “market in the middle,” or “central market” (not to be confused with the other, major Central Market in Phnom Penh). Though Kandal Market does sell goods such as clothes, shoes, bags and jewelry, it’s primarily known as the food market for locals.
There’s no better way to get a real sense of place than by visiting a local market; take a trip to Kandal and immerse yourself in the colors, textures, smells and tastes of Cambodia. From fresh veggies stacked high to jewel-like displays of local fruits (many of which are unrecognizable to westerners) to the large selection of fresh seafood, fish and meat—some of which is still moving—the market can be almost overwhelming to the senses. Fight the slightly claustrophobic feeling and slowly wander the stalls. The men and women who wait patiently for customers will often let you sample fruits and veggies; taste something that looks unfamiliar. You may be rewarded by the sweet flesh of the lychee, but it’s advisable to avoid the big, green spiny fruits—both jackfruit and durian have a smell that’s hard for visitors to stomach.
Practical Info
Kandal Market (Phsar Kandal) is located on Street 13 (Preah Ang Eng) in Phsar Kandal 1 Commune and is open from early morning until late evening. To get a real sense of the place, get there early to see the hustle and bustle of the daily grocery run.
Address: Street 13, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Hours: Open from early morning until late evening
From $ 60
Angkor Thom
The last capital of the Khmers is a stupendous complex on a stupefying scale; established in the 12th century on the site of an earlier capital, Angkor Thom dwarfs even nearby Angkor Wat. The city’s 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) of wall is ringed by a moat (which no longer holds water or – thankfully – crocodiles). Each of the five enormous gates is a monument in itself, approached by avenues lined with 108 divinities (good on the left, evil on the right).
Some elevation will help you make sense of the layout; head for the Terrace of the Elephants or nearby Terrace of the Leper King with their intricate carvings, or the hilltop Phnom Bakheng, particularly popular at sunset. Among the myriad other points of interest are the temples of East Mebon and Pre Rup, built in the same “temple-mountain” style as Angkor Wat.
Practical Info
The southern gate to Angkor Thom lies 4.5 miles (7 kilometers) north of Siem Reap, past Angkor Wat. Baphuon and Bayon are also within the complex while much-photographed Ta Prohm lies to the east, an evocative ruin where trees force their way through intricately carved stone.
Address: Cambodia
Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset
Admission: 80,000 riel
From $ 13
Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
A trip to this historic spot just 15 kilometers south of Phnom Penh is not for the faint of heart. Known as The Killing fields, some one million Cambodians were murdered here by the Khmer Rouge between 1975 and 1979. Nearly 9,000 bodies have been discovered—including former prisoners from Tuol Sleng.
A Buddhist stupa marks the memorial, and visitors can gaze through its clear walls at some 5,000 human skulls—all victims of the bloody regime. Dozens of mass graves are visible and it is not uncommon for travelers to find human bones, teeth or discarded clothing here—particularly after heavy rains—as a large number of people are still buried in shallow graves.
Practical Info
Choeung Ek is located at Roluos Village in the Dangkor District, 15 kilometers outside of the capital. It’s easily accessible by car, motor-taxi or bus. Admission is US$6 and helpful audio tours are included in the price.
Address: Roluos Village, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Hours: Daily 8am-5pm
Admission: $6
From $ 26
Preah Khan
Preah Khan was built around the same time as Angkor Thom, and like it was conceived as a whole city, though on a smaller scale. It was erected on the site of an important military victory and its outer perimeter is guarded by 72 stone garudas (winged mythological creatures depicted throughout Southeast Asia).
A stupa (a domed structure holding Buddhist relics) and numerous smaller Hindu temples indicate the spiritual mix that Preah Khan embodied. In later years it was renowned as a center of scholarly Buddhism.
A stupa (a domed structure holding Buddhist relics) and numerous smaller Hindu temples indicate the spiritual mix that Preah Khan embodied. In later years it was renowned as a center of scholarly Buddhism.
The restoration program has left mighty silk-cotton tree roots undisturbed; they make an awe-inspiring sight, appearing to wrestle with the stonework. Elsewhere a two-story, round-columned pavilion of uncertain purpose is a charming, free-standing oddity.
Practical Info
Preah Khan is the northernmost of the regularly-visited sites in Angkor Archeological Park, being 8 miles (13 km) from the center of Siem Reap.
Address: Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset
Admission: 80,000 riel
From $ 59
Independence Monument
A 60-foot (20-meter) tall Angkor-style monument built in 1958, the Independence Monument was constructed to commemorate the Cambodians winning back their independence from the French in 1953. Renowned Cambodian architect Vann Molyvann designed the monument; the architecture is patterned after a lotus flower and adorned with five levels of Naga heads, which gives it a very distinctive look. Located in the heart of busy Phnom Penh, the Independence Monument attracts many visitors, not only for its unique architecture, but also for its location: it’s in the middle of a busy intersection and the eastern side features a large, open park that is a popular spot for locals to gather and jog or practice tai chi and aerobics.
More than just a monument commemorating Cambodia’s independence, it also serves as a memorial to Cambodia’s war casualties and is a symbol of the end of Cambodia’s war. In remembrance, families place large wreaths at the foot of the monument for war veterans. At night, the monument is illuminated by red, blue and white floodlights, the colors of the Cambodian flag. It’s also the site of celebrations and services on holidays such as Independence (January 7) and Constitution Day (September 24).
Practical Info
The Independence Monument is located on the corner of Norodom and Sihanouk Boulevards. It’s not really a location to enter, more of one to see; it’s free to the public.
Address: Corner of Norodom and Sihanouk Boulevards., Phnom Penh, Cambodia
From $ 15
Pre Rup
Built in 961 by King Rajendravarman II, the three-spired Shiva temple of Pre Rup resembles Angkor Wat on a smaller scale. The name of the temple translates to “turning the body,” suggesting that it might have once served as a crematorium for Angkor’s royalty.
Built a few years after nearby Mebon but identical to it in architectural style, Pre Rup was made from gray sandstone, once coated in a layer of plaster that has largely worn away. The crumbling sandstone, especially on the eastern towers of the complex, paired with the jungle vines beginning to grow through portions of the stone, give Pre Rup a wild feel, and its vast scale is still impressive despite being smaller than the main temple at Angkor Wat.
Visitors who make the steep climb to the top of the temple will be rewarded with views of Angkor Wat’s spires to the west on clear days.
Practical Info
The light is best at Pre Rup at sunset, but this is also when it’s busiest. If you want a more peaceful experience, plan your visit for early in the day.
Address: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Hours: Daily 5am-6pm
Admission: 1-Day Pass US $20
From $ 59
Kompong Phluk
While houses on stilts can be quite common in Cambodia (you’ll often see people relaxing in hammocks strung underneath the houses, homes on stilts in a lake…well, that’s a bit more unusual. Kompong Phluk is a set of villages that are located on the floodplain of the Tonle Sap Lake, about 10 miles (16 km) from Siem Reap. The community, which consists of about 3,000 villagers, mostly live in stilted homes and depend on fishing and tourism for their livelihood. During wet season, this area will be completely submerged (hence the houses on stilts) and Kompong Phluk truly becomes a semi-floating village; in the dry season, the same stilted houses may rise up to 18 feet (about 6 meters) above the water.
Also of interest is a mangrove forest that is also “flooded” during the rainy season, creating an atmospheric journey through the submerged fauna. Usually a trip through this area is part of the standard tour. While the scenery is gorgeous and visiting a stilt village is interesting, perhaps the best part of visiting Kompong Phluk is the opportunity to see a unique way of Cambodian life.
Practical Info
Getting to Kampong Phluk sees fewer tourists than nearby Chong Khneas, so it might be worth the effort to get there. The best bet is to hire a tuk tuk or moto and then take a boat (during wet season only) from Roulos village. A round-trip to Kampon Phluk from Siem Reap will cost about $40 to $60.
Address: On the Tonle Sap, Kampong Phluk, Cambodia
From $ 19
Banteay Srei
Located 24 miles (38 km) northeast of Siem Reap, the Hindu temple of Banteay Srei lies off the beaten tourist path in Angkor but is a must-see for temple buffs. While small by Angkor standards, the 10-century red sandstone structure is famous for its intricate and well-preserved decorative carvings. French archaeologists who uncovered it during the early 20th century called it “a jewel in Khmer art.”
At the center of the complex are three temples, a central one honoring the Hindu god Shiva and two smaller ones for Vishnu and Brahma. It’s the only complex built from red sandstone and the only one not commissioned by a king, but instead by a royal adviser.
Practical Info
Banteay Srei is at its most beautiful in the late afternoon light, so if possible, plan you visit for the end of the day. The trip from Siem Reap takes about an hour.
Address: Banteay Srei, Cambodia
Hours: Daily 5am-6pm
Admission: 1-Day Pass US $20
From $ 59
National Museum of Cambodia
The National Museum is home to one of the largest collections of Khmer art in the world. Well-kept galleries display choice artifacts that pay homage to Hinduism and Buddhism. Even daily objects, like household utensils, and items used in religious ceremonies are on display.
Works in the museum, which opened in 1920, are divided into four categories: stone, metal, wood and ceramics. Be sure to check out the bronze standing adorn Buddha, as well as ceramics dating as far back as the Neolithic period.
Practical Info
The museum is located on Street 13 in central Phnom Penh, near the Royal Palace. Visitors can enter at the corner of Streets 13 and 178. Admission is US$5 and travelers can arrange a one-hour group tour of the museum for an extra US$3.
Address: 13 Street and 178 Street, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Admission: $5
From $ 15
Angkor Wat
Rising from the jungle as the star of the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park, the Angkor Wat temple complex is a 12th-century engineering marvel that tops many adventure travelers’ bucket lists and justifies a trip to Southeast Asia all on its own. Every surface is covered in intricate carvings and details that don’t disappoint—nymphs dance on columns in shadowy hallways, serpent-topped balustrades line the moat, and huge, chiseled bas-reliefs wrap the outer walls, depicting Khmer Empire battles. The site’s colossal size reflects its ambition, intended as a microcosm of the universe. Nonetheless, it’s difficult to get lost here, with the complex arranged on three tiers.
The Basics
Angkor Wat tours typically run from Siem Reap, with a number of options available. Both small-group and private tours take visitors around the complex—choose a full-day tour to travel with a knowledgeable Angkor Wat tour guide; an epic helicopter tour to see the ruins from above; or a bike tour to make your way to the site from Siem Reap on two wheels. Tours that visit at sunrise or sunset are especially popular for the photo opportunities, while a stop at the nearby Angkor National Museum allows visitors to better appreciate the significance of the structure and its symbolic decorations.
All visitors to Angkor Wat enter through the west-facing main entrance and onto a raised cruciform sandstone terrace. Once inside, the instantly recognizable five inner and four outer towers of the raised central temple serve as orientation points for exploration of the various hallways, chambers, and crumbling inner layers. If not visiting as part of a tour, 1-, 3-, and 7-day passes for the archaeological park are sold at the entrance.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Angkor Wat is Cambodia’s most popular attraction, which makes for large crowds. Book your tour in advance to save time.
- Angkor Wat is a sacred site for Khmer people, and visitors should dress modestly. To visit the top tier, you must have your upper arms and thighs covered.
- At any given time, a limited number of visitors are allowed to ascend to the top tier for views of the surrounding landscape.
- A lawn in the outer ring has two free-standing roofless libraries that serve as peaceful places to escape the inevitable crowds.
How to Get There
Angkor Wat is located four miles (six kilometers) north of Siem Reap in the Siem Reap Province. Travelers can arrive by tuk-tuk or choose a guided Angkor tour with roundtrip transportation from the city.
When to Get There
Peak season at Angkor Wat is between November and February, when cool, dry weather makes for a pleasant visit. Huge crowds gather in the early morning to capture photos of the sun rising over the temple and its reflection in the site’s long pools. To beat the crowds, visit other temples first and save Angkor Wat for midday or try sunset instead. The site is typically open from 5:30am to 6pm.
Exploring the Angkor Temples
The ancient temples of the Angkor Archaeological Park can take days to explore, but day tour highlights include the masterpiece Angkor Wat; Ta Prohm, where banyan tree roots encroach on crumbling structures; the South Gate of Angkor Thom; the Bayon Temple, where ancient smiling stone faces sit atop high towers; and the high wall at the Terrace of the Leper King. Visitors with more time can also see further-away sites like the pink stone temple of Banteay Srei, dating to the 10th century, or take a boat ride on Tonle Sap lake.
Address: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Hours: Daily 5am-6pm
Admission: USD $37
From $ 13
Bayon Temple
The Bayon temple forms a square at the center of the much larger square of the vast Angkor Thom, and is the architectural highlight of the complex. This was considered by the Khmers to be the conjunction of heaven and earth, though the auspicious site was covered in jungle for centuries.
Like much in the area it dates to the 12th-century reign of King Jayavarman VII, and is particularly noted for its magnificent carved stone faces with their beatific smiles. They depict either the king himself or a bodhisattva; the confusion was probably deliberate.
The bas relief carvings on the temple’s outer walls are a riot of scenes depicting everything from celestial beings and mighty battles to humble village life.
Practical Info
Bayon is within Angkor Thom, which lies 4.5 miles (7 kilometers) north of Siem Reap, past Angkor Wat.
Address: Cambodia
Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset
Admission: 80,000 riel
From $ 45
Banteay Kdei
The unrestored ruins of Banteay Kdei, a Buddhist monastery complex, date back to 1181. This was one of the first structures built by the prolific King Jayavarman VII, and it features four gates, each adorned with a carved face of the king, much like at Bayon.
One of the first things you’ll notice upon visiting Banteay Kdei is the way its walls and structures lean precariously, some held up by ropes and cables. Unlike Banteay Srei, which was constructed from durable red sandstone, Banteay Kdei was made from softer gray sandstone that has eroded over time.
Just opposite the temple is the Sra Serang reservoir, a pleasant place to sit and enjoy a sunset.
Practical Info
While similar in style to Ta Prohm and Bayon, Banteay Kdei is much quieter, making it worthwhile even if you’re pressed for time.
Address: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Hours: Daily 5am-6pm
Admission: 1-Day Pass US $20
From $ 440
Phnom Kulen National Park
Thousand-year-old carvings, thundering waterfalls and an iconic reclining Buddha make Phnom Kulen National Park one of the most-visited escapes in all of Cambodia. Travelers pile into four-door sedans that navigate the narrow, scenic road from Siem Reap to the popular park for an up close look at impressive statues and a massive Buddha. But it’s views from the park’s two waterfalls that really draw visitors.
Decrepit “stairs” at the bottom of the climb point to the direction of the trail. Visitors in the know recommend wearing good walking shoes to negotiate the rocks, planks and slippery slopes that lead to spectacular views. Swimming in the pools proves the perfect reward for a difficult climb and gives travelers a place to relax and unwind before heading back to the city center.
Practical Info
The park is located about 60 kilometers from Siem Reap in the Phnom Kulen Mountain, about 45 minutes north of Pub Street off of Route 67. There is a $20 road toll per person. Because the access road is narrow, traffic is allowed up only between dawn and noon and down between 1 p.m. and sunset.
Address: Banteay Srei, Cambodia
Hours: Traffic allowed only from dawn-noon and 1pm-sunset
Admission: $20 per person road toll
From $ 22
Central Market (Pshar Thom Thmey)
This giant yellow dome first opened in 1937, and today, more than 70 years later, the Central Market is remains a destination for first-time visitors to Cambodia’s capital city. Here, travelers can wander through hundreds of stalls selling bargain goods, antique coins, clothing, clocks, fabric, shoes, food and traditional souvenirs. A popular spot, heavy rains can flood the grounds, so it’s a better bet in drier seasons.
Practical Info
The Central Market is located at the intersection of Kampuchea Krom Street and 63 Street in Daun Penh District. It is open from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. Visitors can hire cars and motor taxis from the stand in the northwest corner of the market, or hop a bus at the station in the southwest corner.
Address: Kampuchea Krom Street and 63 Street, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
From $ 15
Beng Mealea
Beng Mealea is located 40 kilometers east of the main Angkor Wat complex. The temple was mainly constructed from sandstone, with its architectural style identical to that of Angkor Wat. Because of this, it is thought that Beng Mealea was built in the 12th century under the reign of Suryavarman II.
The temple grounds are surrounded by a gigantic moat and was once entirely consumed by jungle. This atmospheric temple is oriented toward the east, with entranceways from the other three cardinal directions also. If entering from the south, visitors will find themselves amid piles of chiselled sandstone blocks, sweeping vines, and mysterious dark chambers.
The layout of the temple consists of three enclosed galleries situated around a central tower, which has now completely collapsed. There’s a well-preserved library in the northeastern quadrant, plus extensive carvings of scenes from Hindu mythology and long balustrades formed by bodies of the seven-headed Naga serpent.
Practical Info
Beng Mealea is situated approximately 70 kilometers from Siem Reap. The shortest route to the temple is found by heading north at the town of Dam Dek, located around 40 kilometers from Siem Reap, traveling in the direction of Phnom Penh. Arranging a vehicle and driver from Siem Reap is recommended.
Address: Beng Mealea, Temples of Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Hours: Open daily 7:30am-5:30pm
Admission: US$5
From $ 59