Things to do in Cambodia range from exploring the colossal Angkor temple complexes and learning history in Phnom Penh to relaxing on tropical islands and cruising scenic rivers. Cambodia’s blend of ancient heritage, French colonial influences, lush landscapes, and cultural experiences makes it a compelling destination for travelers seeking history, nature, and authentic Southeast Asian life.
This guide lists Cambodia’s top attractions with practical highlights to help you plan your journey confidently.
- 1. Sunrise at Angkor Wat & Angkor Temples – Siem Reap
- 2. Visit Bayon Temple & Angkor Thom – Siem Reap
- 3. Explore Ta Prohm Temple – Siem Reap
- 4. Discover the Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda – Phnom Penh
- 5. Learn at Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) – Phnom Penh
- 6. Reflect at Choeung Ek Genocidal Center – Phnom Penh
- 7. Cruise Tonlé Sap Lake – Siem Reap Province
- 8. Visit Kampong Phluk Floating Village – Siem Reap
- 9. Experience Siem Reap Night Market & Pub Street
- 10. Relax on Koh Rong Island – Sihanoukville
- 11. Explore Bokor Hill Station – Kampot
- 12. Discover Battambang’s Countryside & Bamboo Train
- 13. Visit Kep & Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay) – Southern Cambodia
- 14. Watch Phare, the Cambodian Circus – Siem Reap
- 15. Experience Cambodian Street Food & Cuisine
- FAQs
1. Sunrise at Angkor Wat & Angkor Temples – Siem Reap
Angkor Wat is the world’s largest religious monument and Cambodia’s most iconic attraction, covering over 400 acres with five distinctive lotus-like towers symbolizing Mount Meru. Built in the early 12th century as a Hindu temple and later converted to Buddhist use, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Khmer architecture.
The broader Angkor Archaeological Park includes Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm, Preah Khan, and more, offering a full day or multi-day exploration.
Highlights
- Google Rating: 4.8/5
- Location:Siem Reap Province, Cambodia
- Timings: Sunrise visit best (4:30 AM – 7:30 AM, depending on season); park open ~5:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Price:
- 1-day pass ~ USD 37 (~₹3,100)
- 3-day pass ~ USD 62 (~₹5,200)
- 7-day pass ~ USD 72 (~₹6,000)
(Entrance fees collected in USD; rates vary seasonally.)
Must Read: Cambodia Visa For Indians – Requirements, Process, And Application Guide
2. Visit Bayon Temple & Angkor Thom – Siem Reap
Within the ancient walled city of Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple stands out for its massive stone faces carved into 54 towers, representing the mysterious blend of ancient artistry and spiritual symbolism. Angkor Thom itself was the last great capital of the Khmer Empire, characterized by its monumental gates and moats. Bayon’s faces are believed to represent either King Jayavarman VII or Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, reflecting spiritual ideals of compassion.
Highlights
- Google Rating: 4.7/5
- Location:Angkor Thom, Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Timings: 5:00 AM – 6:00 PM (park access)
- Price: Included in Angkor Wat pass
3. Explore Ta Prohm Temple – Siem Reap
Ta Prohm Temple is among the most captivating ruins of the Angkor complex, famous for its appearance in films and its jungle-reclaimed corridors where massive tree roots embrace stone walls. Built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII as a Buddhist monastery, it offers a hauntingly beautiful blend of nature and history. Early morning visits are best to avoid crowds and high heat.
Highlights
- Google Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: Angkor Archaeological Park, Siem Reap
- Timings: Park hours ~5:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Price: Included in Angkor Wat pass
Must Read: Cambodia Visa Extension for Indians
4. Discover the Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda – Phnom Penh
The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh is the official residence of Cambodia’s monarch and a striking example of traditional Khmer architecture blended with French colonial influences. Built in 1866 along the Tonlé Sap River, the complex houses ceremonial halls, manicured gardens, and the Silver Pagoda, named for its floor made of over 5,000 solid silver tiles. The pagoda also contains national treasures, including a gold Buddha encrusted with nearly 9,600 diamonds.
Highlights
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Location:Sothearos Blvd, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM & 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Price:
- USD 10 (~₹830)
- ≈ KHR 445,000
5. Learn at Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) – Phnom Penh
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, formerly Security Prison 21 (S-21), is one of Cambodia’s most important historical sites. Between 1975 and 1979, during the Khmer Rouge regime, this former school was used as a detention and interrogation center where more than 14,000 prisoners were held, with very few survivors. Today, the museum preserves cells, photographs, documents, and personal accounts that educate visitors about the Cambodian genocide.
Highlights
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Location:Tuol Svay Prey, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Price:
- USD 5 (~₹420)
- ≈ KHR 222,500
- Audio guide extra (~USD 3 / ₹250)
Must Read: Cambodia Visa Photo Requirements for Indian Travelers
6. Reflect at Choeung Ek Genocidal Center – Phnom Penh
Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, commonly known as the Killing Fields, is located about 17 km south of Phnom Penh and serves as a memorial to victims of the Khmer Rouge regime. Thousands of prisoners from Tuol Sleng were transported here for execution. The site contains mass graves and a central stupa filled with over 8,000 human skulls, serving as a powerful reminder of Cambodia’s tragic past.
Highlights
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Location:Choeung Ek, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Price:
- USD 6 (~₹500)
- ≈ KHR 267,000(Audio guide included)
7. Cruise Tonlé Sap Lake – Siem Reap Province
Tonlé Sap Lake is Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake and one of Cambodia’s most important natural ecosystems. Covering up to 16,000 sq km during the monsoon season, the lake expands and contracts each year dramatically, supporting millions of people through fishing and agriculture. The lake is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, home to rare bird species and diverse aquatic life.
Highlights
- Google Rating: 4.5/5
- Location: Near Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Timings: Morning tours preferred (7:30 AM – 12:00 PM)
- Price:
- USD 20–25 (~₹1,650–2,100)
- ≈ KHR 890,000–1,112,500 (tour-based pricing)
8. Visit Kampong Phluk Floating Village – Siem Reap
Kampong Phluk is one of the most authentic floating villages on Tonlé Sap Lake, known for its tall stilt houses rising to 8 meters above ground during the dry season. Home to around 3,000 residents, the village offers a deeper look into everyday life on the lake compared to more tourist-heavy settlements. Visitors travel by boat through mangrove forests, waterways, and village canals, observing schools, pagodas, and fishing practices.
Highlights
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Location:16 km southeast of Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (best before afternoon heat)
- Price:
- USD 25–30 (~₹2,100–2,500)
- ≈ KHR 1,112,500–1,335,000
Must Read: How To Check Cambodia Visa Status Using Passport Number?
9. Experience Siem Reap Night Market & Pub Street
Siem Reap Night Market and nearby Pub Street form the city’s main entertainment and shopping hub after sunset. The area features dozens of stalls selling handicrafts, silk scarves, souvenirs, artwork, and local street food. Pub Street, closed to traffic at night, offers restaurants, bars, live music, and cafés catering to international travelers. I
Highlights
- Google Rating: 4.5/5
- Location: Central Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Timings: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Price: Free entry; food and shopping extra
10. Relax on Koh Rong Island – Sihanoukville
Koh Rong is Cambodia’s most popular island destination, located about 25 km off the coast of Sihanoukville. Known for its white-sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and laid-back atmosphere, the island spans approximately 78 sq km and offers a mix of quiet beaches and lively beach towns. Long Set Beach and Sok San Beach are especially popular for swimming and sunsets.
Highlights
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Location:Sihanoukville Province, Cambodia
- Timings: All day (island access via ferry)
- Price:
- Ferry: USD 25–30 round trip (~₹2,100–2,500)
- ≈ KHR 1,112,500–1,335,000
11. Explore Bokor Hill Station – Kampot
Bokor Hill Station is a former French colonial resort located inside Bokor National Park, sitting at an elevation of around 1,080 meters above sea level. Built in the 1920s, it once served as a luxury retreat and now features abandoned colonial buildings, a historic church, waterfalls, and panoramic views over the Gulf of Thailand.
Highlights
- Google Rating: 4.5/5
- Location:Kampot Province, Southern Cambodia
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Price:
- Park entry: USD 2–5 (~₹170–420)
- ≈ KHR 89,000–222,500
Must Read: Reasons for Cambodia Visa Rejection for Indian Nationals
12. Discover Battambang’s Countryside & Bamboo Train
Battambang is Cambodia’s second-largest city and a gateway to some of the country’s most scenic rural landscapes. The surrounding countryside is dotted with rice fields, villages, and traditional wooden houses. One of the area’s most unique experiences is the Bamboo Train (Norry), a simple bamboo platform mounted on wheels that runs along old railway tracks.
Highlights
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Location:Battambang Province, Western Cambodia
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Price:
- Bamboo train ride: USD 5 (~₹420)
- ≈ KHR 222,500
13. Visit Kep & Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay) – Southern Cambodia
Kep is a quiet coastal town in southern Cambodia, once a French colonial seaside retreat, now known for its relaxed pace, seafood culture, and ocean views. Just a 20-minute boat ride away lies Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay), a small tropical island with sandy beaches, shallow waters, and basic bungalows. Kep is especially famous for its fresh crab market, where blue crabs are cooked with Kampot pepper.
Highlights
- Google Rating: 4.5/5
- Location: Kep Province, Southern Cambodia
- Timings:
- Kep town: Open all day
- Rabbit Island boats: ~8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Price:
- Boat to Rabbit Island: USD 8–10 (~₹670–830)
- ≈ KHR 356,000–445,000
Must Read: Solo Travel in Cambodia: A Guide to Ancient Temples, Parties & Safety Tips
14. Watch Phare, the Cambodian Circus – Siem Reap
Phare, the Cambodian Circus, is a world-class live performance that blends acrobatics, theater, music, and storytelling to depict modern Cambodian life and history. Founded by graduates of a non-profit arts school, Phare supports local youth through education and creative employment. The shows address themes such as war, poverty, resilience, and hope, making it both entertaining and culturally meaningful.
Highlights
- Google Rating: 4.8/5
- Location:Phare Circus Ring Road, Siem Reap
- Timings: Shows typically at 8:00 PM
- Price:
- USD 18–38 (~₹1,500–3,200)
- ≈ KHR 801,000–1,691,000
15. Experience Cambodian Street Food & Cuisine
Cambodian cuisine reflects centuries of Khmer traditions, influenced by neighboring Thailand and Vietnam, yet retaining its distinct identity. Street food plays a central role in daily life, especially in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Popular dishes include Fish Amok, Lok Lak, Nom Banh Chok, grilled meats, and tropical fruits.
Highlights
- Google Rating: 4.7/5 (average food tours)
- Location: Nationwide (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang)
- Timings: Morning to late night
- Price:
- Street meals: USD 1–3 (~₹85–250)
- ≈ KHR 44,500–133,500
Must Read: Cambodia Famous Food: Local Dishes Loved by Travelers
FAQs
What are the best things to do in Cambodia for first-time visitors?
You should explore Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples, visit Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace and historical museums, cruise Tonlé Sap Lake, and relax on islands like Koh Rong.
What shouldn’t you miss in Cambodia?
You shouldn’t miss Angkor Wat at sunrise, Bayon Temple’s stone faces, the Killing Fields memorials, a floating village visit, and Cambodian street food.
What are the best things to do in Cambodia during the day?
During the day, you can explore temples, museums, countryside villages, waterfalls, and lakes, or take island and national park excursions.
What are the best things to do in Cambodia at night?
At night, you can visit Siem Reap’s night markets, watch Phare Circus, enjoy riverside dining in Phnom Penh, or relax at beach cafés in Kep and Koh Rong.
What are the most kid-friendly activities in Cambodia?
Yes. Kid-friendly options include Angkor temple exploration, circus shows, island beaches, boat rides, and cultural performances.
What are the best cultural things to do in Cambodia?
You can visit Angkor temples, royal palaces, traditional villages, museums, and attend cultural performances like Phare Circus.
What are the top food experiences in Cambodia?
Top food experiences include tasting Fish Amok, Lok Lak, Nom Banh Chok, street snacks, and seafood in Kep’s crab market.
What are the best shopping areas in Cambodia?
You can shop at Angkor Night Market (Siem Reap), Central Market and Russian Market (Phnom Penh), and local handicraft markets.
What’s the best time of year to visit Cambodia for sightseeing?
The best time to visit Cambodia is from November to March, when the weather is cooler, drier, and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor travel.
