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Things To Do & Places To Visit in Cambodia
Planning to travel to Cambodia?
Sitting perfectly between Vietnam and Thailand, Cambodia is a must-see for anyone on a backpacking trip across South-East Asia.
A country with picture-perfect beaches, ancient temples, bustling cities and unspoiled landscapes, there are many things to do in Cambodia.
Filled with natural wonders and endless places to visit in Cambodia, you are spoiled for choice.
To help you out, we have put together this handy guide to some of the top things we recommend you see and do while travelling around Cambodia.
Explore the ancient temples in Angkor Wat Archaeological Park
Angkor Wat Archaeological Park is home to some of Cambodia’s most iconic temples and the largest religious sculpture in the world.
Some popular temples here are:
- Angkor Wat
- Bayon Temple
- Ta Prohm
Angkor Wat Archaeological Park is located deep in the forests of the Siem Reap province.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site stretches a massive 400 square miles area.
It’s nearly 117 times larger than Central Park in New York City.
Within the old stone walls of the heritage site, visitors can hire bicycles or a tuk-tuk driver to take them around the park.
For exceptional views and a less crowded experience, get there early to witness the beautiful Cambodian sunrise over the temple.
The grand scale and incredibly fine detail of the Angkor Wat make it one of best places to visit in Cambodia.
Visit the capital city, Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is known for its rich heritage and captivating sights.
Some of the things to see in Cambodia in the capital city are:
- Royal Palace
- Silver Pagoda
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
The Royal Palace is the home of the Cambodian King and his family.
The palace is an example of Khmer architecture. You’ll see detailed gold roofs and beautiful gardens.
On the palace grounds, you’ll be able to explore the Throne Hall, the Silver Pagoda, galleries and more!
Note that when you visit the Royal Palace, it’s important to dress modestly and remove your shoes before going into some of the buildings.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
Then there’s also the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum that you can visit.
This was previously a school, but during the Khmer Rouge, it became a prison.
It’s now a museum, where you can see where prisoners were kept, and exhibitions including photographs, documents, and items belonging to the victims.
Due to the sensitive nature of the museum, it’s important to remember to be respectful while visiting this museum.
Discover Tonle Sap Lake
Another one of the places to see in Cambodia is Tonle Sap Lake.
It’s the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The lake is home to more than 300 species of fish (some of which are endangered), as well as different types of birds, and other animals.
You can take a boat tour on this lake where you’ll see floating villages and see how local fishing communities live.
During the wet season, the lake swells up, making for a fascinating sight you won’t want to miss.
Overall, Tonle Sap Lake isn’t just a breathtaking wonder, but also crucial for Cambodia’s people and wildlife, making it an important area to protect.
Visiting this lake is definitely one of the top things to do in Cambodia during your visit.
Sample some street food
Cambodia is world-famous for its vibrant street food culture.
With a variety of local delicacies and culinary delights on offer on every street corner, it really is a food lover’s paradise.
The eye-catching and inviting food on display is typically available 24/7.
And it is a budget-friendly way to immerse yourself in Cambodian cuisine.
Cambodian food is known for its incredible flavours and unique combination of ingredients and trying it out is one of the best things to do in Cambodia.
While you are visiting, don’t miss out on the opportunity to try some signature Cambodian dishes like Fish Amok, Lap Khmer, Num Roti and Balut.
More adventurous and open-minded tourists might like to try the popular local snacks like deep-fried tarantulas, crickets or locusts.
A top tip when buying from local street food vendors is to stick to ones that have crowds of people eating at them.
Tour the deserted islands
If you are looking to kick back and relax, why not head to one of Cambodia’s deserted tropical islands?
The good news is that a lot of these islands remain off the mass tourism map and have been well-preserved.
The largest and most visited island by tourists is Koh Rong and it’s definitely one of the most wonderful places to visit in Cambodia.
It has become quite a popular spot for backpackers in recent years with many coming to party, enjoy the different water sports on offer and relax on the white sandy beaches.
The liveliest part of the Island is the stretch of beach at Koh Touch which is lined with guesthouses and bars.
However, if you are on a budget, don’t expect luxury resorts and villas.
The infrastructure is still very basic with electricity and Wi-Fi is quite limited.
If you are looking for somewhere quieter away from the beach parties and water sports, head to one of the other nearby islands like Koh Thmei, Koh Ta Kiev or Koh Totang.
Delve into the jungles of the Cardamom Mountains
Southeast Asia’s largest remaining rainforest, the Cardamom Mountains are located in South-Western Cambodia.
There has been a huge effort put in recent years to preserve the endangered wildlife living in the jungle.
With more tourism-based projects popping up in the area, and recent upgrades to roads in and out of the jungle, it has become a lot more accessible for travellers to come and explore the Cardamoms.
Home to a large array of rare animals and spectacular tropical fauna, the Cardamom Mountains are a great spot for those looking for an adventure.
If that sounds exciting to you, make sure to include it on your list of things to do in Cambodia. But just a warning – it is not for the faint-hearted.
Those looking to explore the dense rainforest should be prepared for a simple life.
There is no Wi-Fi, no running water, and no phone reception in the majority of places.
You will more than likely encounter some odd-looking creepy crawlies and incredible animals.
The nature organisation Wildlife Alliance offers a unique experience that allows you to get up close and personal with some of the animals that call the Cardamom’s home.
These include sun bears, gibbons and leopards.
As a part of the experience, guests will accompany the rangers as they release rescued or injured animals back to their natural habitat.
Note that responsible tourism plays a crucial role in ensuring the long-term sustainability and preservation of the Cardamom Mountains, one of Southeast Asia’s last remaining wilderness areas.
As you venture into this pristine landscape, it’s crucial to prioritize eco-friendly practices like choosing eco-friendly accommodation, supporting local communities, and overall minimising environmental impact.
Is Cambodia worth visiting?
The short answer is yes, it’s definitely worth visiting!
The reason for this is the breathtaking places to visit like ancient temples and royal palaces.
It’s also great for nature lovers as it’s known for its natural beauty. From beaches to jungles and mountains, Cambodia has a lot to see. Examples of this that we mentioned above are the Cardamom Mountains and the Tonle Sap Lake.
People in Cambodia are also warm and hospitable which makes all the difference when visiting a new place!
When is the best time to travel to Cambodia?
The best time to visit Cambodia is from November to April.
The reason for this is that around this time is when there is the least amount of rainfall.
Cambodia travelling tips
When you travel to a new place, there are so many new things that you may need to get accustomed to, so we will share some tips with you to help prepare you for your travels.
Know the local currency
The currency used in Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel (KHR), however, tourist areas will also accept the US dollar.Note that when you carry cash with you, you should only do so in small amounts.
Prepare for the weather
Cambodia has a tropical climate, so be prepared for hot and humid weather, especially during the dry season (November to April).
Make sure to pack light clothing, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection.
Be mindful of the water and food you consume
When travelling to Cambodia, it’s best to stick to bottled or purified water as a lot of the tap water in Cambodia is not treated and this will help you avoid getting sick.
Additionally, when eating street food in Cambodia, it’s important to be cautious and make sure it’s cooked thoroughly to minimise the risk of food poisoning.
Respect Local Customs
Cambodia is a predominantly Buddhist country, so it’s important to respect local customs and traditions.
If you are planning on visiting religious places or temples make sure to dress modestly and you may also need to remove your shoes to enter certain areas.
Take care of your belongings
Cambodia is generally safe for tourists, however, you should still be cautious in crowded areas and beware of pickpockets.
Try to keep your belongings secure and avoid having valuable items out in the open.
Learn some basic phrases
Locals in Cambodia really appreciate it if you learn some basic phrases in Khmer, which is the official language of Cambodia.
You can learn phrases like “hello” (chum reap sour) and “thank you” (arkun).
We hope that you found these tips useful and that you have a memorable experience on your trip to Cambodia.
Do I need a visa for Cambodia?
So you have a list of things you want to do and places you want to visit in Cambodia, but do you need a visa for Cambodia?
If you want to visit for a holiday, you’ll most likely need a visa for Cambodia. A suitable visa is the Cambodia eVisa.
The eVisa is a single-entry travel permit that is valid for 3 months from the date that it is approved.
Upon your arrival, you can stay in Cambodia for up to a month.
Don’t worry, if you are not ready to go home after your first 30 days in Cambodia.
The visa can be extended for an extra month. Visa First can help you with your Cambodia Visa application by simply applying online.
To apply for your visa, you must hold a valid passport from an eligible country, and enter Cambodia through the approved checkpoints.
The Cambodia visa requirements include:
- Completed questionnaire
- Passport (valid for at least three months from the e-visa expiry date)
- A recent digital photograph
Why Visa First?
The visa application process couldn’t be any easier with Visa First.
As the world’s leading provider of visa and immigration services, Visa First will secure your Cambodian visa for you.
Instead of worrying about the complicated paperwork and the endless queues at the embassy office, our Visa experts will handle your application from start to finish.
It is as straightforward as filling out our short online application form, providing us with the necessary documentation and waiting to receive your visa.
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