What to see in Cambodia? The Top 10 Things to Do in Cambodia

Top 1: Angkor Temple Complex - Explore Jungle Temples

The top attraction you can expect in Cambodia is the impressive Angkor Temple Complex, which includes the ruins of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, Banteay Srei, and more. Deep in the forests of Siem Reap, a tour to Angkor feels like a thrilling jungle temple adventure. You can stroll along narrow winding paths, touch ancient stones, listen to their silent stories, and gaze at the sculptures that take you back to the glorious days of the Khmer Empire.

To arrive there, you should first transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. Bus, taxi, boat and flight are all available. Then you can reach Angkor by tuk-tuk, bike, or car. Most tourists choose a tuk-tuk and the prices are flexible, depending on the distance you go.

The peak months for visiting Angkor Wat are December and January, when the weather is usually at its best, but the crowds can be heavy. We advise you to choose the months of February and October, which are good compromises between weather conditions and crowds. If you travel in October, near the end of Cambodia's rainy season, a morning visit is more recommended.

Top 2: Koh Ker - Admire Spectacular Heritage Sites

Located in the forests to the north of Siem Reap, Koh Ker was the capital of the Angkorian Empire from 928 to 944 CE, and the main attractions you can expect in this ancient city are Prasat Thom, a seven-tiered pyramid structure, Prasat Krahom, Prasat Bram, etc.

To get there, you can hire a private vehicle and it takes around 2.5 hours to drive from Siem Reap.

Prasat Thom is a fabulous seven-tiered pyramid structure.

Large crowds are unlikely to be found in Koh Ker, even in the high season from November to February, so you can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the site. To climb up the tiers of Prasat Thom, you are suggested to have a morning visit. This helps you avoid the hot sun because the pyramid is not shaded by trees.

Top 3: Preah Vihear Temple - See the Cliffside Ruins of Cambodia

Preah Vihear Temple is an outstanding masterpiece of Khmer architecture, featuring four courtyards, each containing five entrance pavilions. The complex was built along the cliffs at about 700 meters above sea level in the province of Preah Vihear, facing the wide plains to the north in what is now Thailand. Therefore, you can enjoy not only marvelous centuries-old heritage but also beautiful views over the plains and surrounding countryside.

Although situated close to the Cambodia-Thai border, the Preah Vihear Temple is not accessible from Thailand. To get there, you can take the GST Express Bus from Phnom Penh, or take the minivan from Siem Reap operated by Rith Mony and Neak Krorhorm. Taxi is also available from Siem Reap.

Top 4: Kratie Town - Spot Irrawaddy dolphins

Kratie is a small town on the banks of Mekong River, which is home to the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins. A trip to this little town gives you insight into Cambodia's rural way of life. You can wander around the lanes to watch daily Cambodian life, take a ferry in Kampi to spot the Irrawaddy dolphins, and pay a visit to Champey waterfall to escape the heat during your stay in Cambodia.

The roads to Kratie are paved and in good condition, so it is your decision to take a bus, taxi or minivan to this town.

Kratie Town is the home to the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins.

Top 5: Tonle Sap Lake - Discover Floating Villages

Tonle Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. The best way to explore the lake is to take a ferry to see the floating villages, where Cambodians live in floating houses, kids go to floating schools for learning, and they even eat at floating restaurants.

The best time to tour Tonle Sap Lake for the floating villages is the rainy season from May to October when the lake grows to around five times its dry-season size. The surrounding forests overflow, creating a diverse ecosystem, where you can take a boat to enjoy the unique scenery.

The main floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake are convenient to reach from Siem Reap.

Take a ferry to explore the floating village on Tonle Sap Lake.

Top 6: Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda - Experience Cambodia's Royal Heritage

In the capital city of Phnom Penh, you can visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. With the modernization process, such as the increasing cafe culture, bustling bars, and a world-class food scene, every busy city is facing the collision between modern improvements and traditions. You can step close to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda to witness Cambodia's deep connection with Buddhist tradition.

Cambodia’s dry season runs from November to April. To avoid the hottest months from March to May, you are advised to visit Phnom Penh from November to February.

Top 7: Choeung Ek Killing Fields - Witness a Reminder of Cambodia's Past

Cambodia is a nation with a rich and heavy history. To discover the dark years of this country, you can pay a visit to Choeung Ek Killing Field, a reminder of the violence that humans can commit. It is hard to imagine how the optimistic Khmer people struggled through the years of bloodshed. Perhaps, the existence of this site is to teach people to be tough and tenacious. Besides, you can also tour the S21 Museum, also called the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, which was a prison during the Khmer Rouge regime.

To get there, most visitors choose a tuk-tuk to Tuol Sleng from Phnom Penh. You can also take a taxi or bus to get there.

Top 8: Sihanoukville Beaches - Reward Yourself with a Leisure Break

After the harrowing exploration of S21 Museum and Choeung Ek Killing Field, you can take a leisure trip to the coastal city of Sihanoukville, with several beaches, small offshore islands, and casinos. Compared with Thailand’s crowded beaches, Sihanoukville provides a more peaceful environment. For example, Otres Beach, especially Otres 2, is a quiet option, offering golden sand and calm waters ideal for swimming, scuba diving, and windsurfing.

Go to the Otres 2 Beach in Sihanoukville to have a leisure journey.

If you travel to Sihanoukville from Siem Reap, a flight is the easiest way, taking less than an hour. A car or bus is also accessible, and that usually takes 10 to 14 hours. From Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, a private taxi is recommended, taking about 4 hours. Buses, express vans, trains, and flights are all available, requiring a longer time.

The best months for good weather in Sihanoukville are December, January, and February, with lower humidity and more comfortable temperatures.

Top 9: Bokor Hill Station - Hike to Enjoy Stunning Natural Scenery

Atop Bokor Mountain in Preah Monivong National Park, the Bokor Hill Station was a summer retreat for French colonial residents. Instead of simple sightseeing, hiking up to this site is a better choice. Along the way, you hike through the fresh jungle forests, enjoy the beautiful Popokvil Waterfalls and a French church, and finally, you stop at the Bokor Hill Station to appreciate the French colonial building.

You can drive to Bokor Hill Station from the nearby major town of Kampot or from Sihanoukville, about 95 km away. Or you can rent motorbikes in Kampot. There is also a direct bus from Phnom Penh to Bokor Hill Station.

Influenced by the monsoons from the Gulf of Thailand, the best time to visit the Bokor Hill Station and the national park is from December to April, which is the dry season of Cambodia.

Top 10: Battambang Bamboo Train - Explore a Less-Visited Serene City

Battambang Bamboo Train is located in Battambang, Cambodia's second most populous city. Here, you can expect a blend of modern city life, small-town friendliness, and well-preserved colonial architecture. Plenty of tourists travel here for the bamboo train, offering excellent views of the natural landscapes along the trail.

To get to Battambang, you can take a bus, taxi or minivan from both Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. And daily boats run across the Tonle Sap between Battambang and Siem Reap. Along the way, you can enjoy the fantastic scenery.

Summary

As mentioned above, there are plentiful wonderful attractions to see in Cambodia, from marvelous temple complexes in Angkor to French colonial architecture atop Bokor Mountain, from tranquil rural scenery in Kratie Town to busy modern city atmosphere in Phnom Penh, and from floating villages on the Tonle Sap Lake to golden beaches along the southwest coastline.

When touring Cambodia, in addition to simple sightseeing, you can also ride a bike or motorbike, or catch a ferry to deeply explore the streets and lanes of Cambodia. Hiking is also available, and it is a nice way to discover this country's natural beauty. Furthermore, in the remote forests in northeast Cambodia, various and rich wildlife is waiting for you to spot them.