Cambodia Bucket List: 21 EPIC Things To Do (2024)
If you’re planning a trip to Cambodia, grab a pen and paper and get ready to write down your Cambodia bucket list!
I backpacked around Cambodia for several weeks and could have easily stayed longer as there are so many incredible things to do in Cambodia.
Most people think that seeing Angkor Wat is the only must do in Cambodia, yet it is just the beginning!
As you start exploring this underrated country, your Cambodia to-do list will only get longer and a 30-day Visa won’t seem like enough time to see everything.
From the forgotten temple ruins to vibrant local markets and quaint riverside towns, Cambodia has something for every type of traveler.
Let’s jump right in with all the must do things in Cambodia!
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1. See The Sunrise Over Angkor Wat
You can’t come to Cambodia and skip Angkor Wat!
Angkor Archaeological Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest religious monument in the world, spanning over 400m2.
As it is a religious site, you should wear a temple outfit in Angkor Wat – covering your knees and shoulders.
While the whole area is clearly worth visiting, seeing the sunrise over Angkor Wat is truly an unforgettable experience.
You’ll need to wake up early to be in the first line in front of the lake, waiting for sunrise. The temple opens at 5 AM while it is still pitch black outside.
The best spot to watch the sunrise is next to the lake, right in front of the temple. You’ll get to see the entire temple and the reflection in the lake as the sun starts to rise.
TOP TIP: Stand right next to the lake. Because if you don’t, people will come and stand in front of you. It’s a wild west over there, with everybody trying to get the best photo.
2. Relax On The Beach In Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem
When you think about what Cambodia is known for, beautiful tropical islands are probably not the first thing to come to mind.
Still, Cambodia is home to some stunning beaches, and Koh Rong is the perfect place to unwind after a hectic city like Phnom Penh.
The island offers a range of activities, from snorkeling and scuba diving to jungle trekking and beachside massages. And don’t forget to catch one of the famous beach parties!
3. Explore Temple Ruins In Siem Reap
Angkor Wat is the best-known temple in Siem Reap, but definitely not the only one. In fact, there are over 100 temple ruins throughout Angkor Archaeological Park.
The most popular temples are the Bayon Temple, known for its massive stone Budha faces, and Ta Prohm “Lara Croft temple” engulfed in large tree roots, giving it an ethereal, ‘lost in time’ atmosphere.
I also enjoyed the “forgotten” temples where we were the only people there and you had to climb over the ruined walls to see the temple.
A one-day Angkor Wat pass is $40, but investing in a longer pass will allow you to explore at a slower pace and visit more temples.
Cambodia is cheap to visit, so you should splurge on this bucket list experience!
4. Ride In A Tuk Tuk
When it comes to transportation in Cambodia, there’s nothing quite like the experience of riding in a Tuk Tuk.
It’s an iconic part of Cambodian culture, and you will spot them in every street, lined up outside of markets, restaurants, and hotels.
This traditional mode of transport offers an authentic and unique perspective of Cambodian life, as you weave through bustling streets and take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the city.
Uber doesn’t operate in Cambodia, so download the Grab or Pass App!
5. Learn About Khmer Rouge And Genocide
Even if you only have 2 weeks in Cambodia, you need to visit the Genocide memorials.
Cambodia has suffered a lot in the past, and it is necessary to learn about the Khmer Rouge regime and the Cambodian genocide to better understand the country and the people.
I joined this Memorial tour that took us to both sites and taught us what is Cambodia known for.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, also known as S21, in Phnom Penh, is a place where you can learn about horrors that were happening in secrecy during the Pol Pot regime.
Unfortunately, there are “Killing fields” throughout the country. The most famous one is the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center in Phnom Penh. You can also visit the killing field in Siem Reap.
I highly suggest you get an audio guide when visiting these sites.
6. Party On Siem Reap Pub Street
There are plenty of fun things to do in Cambodia, and enjoying the nightlife on Pub Street in Siem Reap is one of the most iconic activities to add to your itinerary.
Located in the heart of Siem Reap, Pub Street is a bustling area filled with bars, restaurants, and clubs that cater to tourists and locals alike.
Here, you can enjoy cheap drinks, delicious food, and live music while soaking up the lively atmosphere. It’s also a great spot for people-watching and meeting other travelers.
If you stay in one of Cambodia’s party hostels like Mad Monkey, you’ll have a group to go out with every night!
7. See Bioluminescence On Koh Rong
Cambodian islands are not just idyllic settings for relaxation and idleness. Seeing the bioluminescent plankton in Koh Rong is one of the most unique things to do in Cambodia.
This natural phenomenon turns the waters into an enchanting display of twinkling lights. It is best experienced on a moonless night when there are no other lights around.
8. Kayak Down The River In Kampot
Another Cambodia bucket list experience is kayaking on the Tuek Chhou River, also known as the Green Cathedral or Green Loop.
As you kayak down this calm river, you’ll get to enjoy the sights of local wildlife, tranquil lotus ponds, and tiny riverside villages, offering a glimpse into the everyday life of the locals.
Retro Kampot Guesthouse is the perfect place to stay if you want to go kayaking, as they are situated right on the loop and offer free kayak rentals for their guests!
9. Ride A Bamboo Train In Battambang
Battambang bamboo train is one of the most unique modes of transportation I’ve ever seen. These makeshift trains are made up of a bamboo platform and wheels that run along old train tracks.
They were originally used for transportation but are now mostly used as a tourist attraction.
Riding the bamboo train is a fun and bumpy experience, offering stunning views of the countryside.
10. Try Local Dishes
Cambodian or Khmer food is a flavorful blend of unique spices, aromatic herbs, and fresh local produce.
Some local dishes you should try are Amok, Khmer curry, and Lok Lak.
Cambodia is also known for “unusual food options” in its night markets, where daring eaters can taste fried spiders, crunchy crickets, and silkworms.
However, as a vegan in Cambodia, this wasn’t exactly my cup of tea.
Fear not, for the country also offers a plethora of vegan and vegetarian options, and you can enjoy delicious vegan versions of traditional Cambodian dishes!
11. Trek To Kulen Waterfalls
Trekking is one of my favorite activities, and Cambodia offers endless opportunities to explore different trails and breathtaking landscapes.
If you’re up for an active day trip from Siem Reap, consider joining a trekking tour to Kulen Waterfalls.
Located in the remote northeastern part of Cambodia, this hidden gem is a perfect spot for hiking and swimming in crystal-clear waters.
12. Watch Phare Circus Show
Phare Circus show in Siem Reap is one of the best things to see in Cambodia.
There are no animals in this circus. Instead, it’s a blend of modern circus, dance, music, and theater, performed by talented Cambodian artists telling Cambodian stories; historical, folk, and modern.
The show also supports a social enterprise that provides education and professional opportunities for disadvantaged youth in Cambodia.
13. Pet A Hero Rat
APOPO is an organization that has been instrumental in clearing landmines in Cambodia. They train Giant African pouched rats to detect TNT, helping to clear landmines and unexploded ordnance.
Visiting APOPO’s visitor center in Siem Reap allows you to see these Hero Rats work, meet, and even pet one of them. It’s a fantastic experience that you wouldn’t want to miss!
Holding a Hero Rat was one of my favorite experiences on my solo travels through Cambodia.
14. Join A Cooking Class
If you want to tick a cooking class off your bucket list, Cambodia is a fantastic destination to do it!
I love cooking, but when you’re backpacking Southeast Asia for several months, you don’t really get to cook!
You’ll find cooking classes throughout Cambodia, but I joined this cooking class in Siem Reap.
These classes usually also include a visit to a local market and a tour of herb gardens, where you can see and learn about the local produce.
I had so much fun making (and eating!) vegan versions of traditional Cambodian dishes!
15. See Bat Caves In Battambang
Bats in Battambang are one of the most impressive animal experiences in Cambodia. To make it even better, you get to observe them in their natural habitat.
Every day, just before the sunset, thousands of bats exit the cave in a seemingly endless stream of bats. It is quite an impressive event that should be on your Cambodia bucket list.
16. Haggle On A Night Market
Night markets are a staple in many Southeast Asian countries, and Cambodia is no exception.
These bustling markets come alive at night with rows of stalls selling everything from handmade crafts to street food and clothes.
I absolutely hate haggling, so if I don’t like the price I’m told I’ll just move to the next place.
However, engaging in the art of haggling is often considered an integral part of the experience. Be prepared to bargain hard because prices are typically highly inflated.
17. Visit Floating Villages Along Tonle Sap Lake
Tonle Sap is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and home to many floating villages which are an essential part of Cambodian culture.
It is especially nice to see during Cambodia’s wet season when the houses are really floating on the water.
I didn’t have time to visit the villages, but I’ve heard mixed reviews about the activity.
One of my friends thoroughly enjoyed the visit and found it truly impressive to see the houses on high stilts and the mangrove forest.
However, another one found it was overpriced and that they felt constantly pressured to make purchases or pay for various things, making them feel like a walking wallet.
An alternative way to see the floating villages, without joining a dedicated tour, is to take a boat from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh!
18. Join A Yoga Retreat In Kampot
Yoga retreats in Cambodia are some of the most affordable yoga retreats in Asia, providing a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
I joined a 3-day yoga retreat in Kampot, but you can also check out yoga centers in Siem Reap where you can engage in mindful practices amidst serene, natural settings.
The affordability, combined with the calming environment, makes Cambodia a top destination for yoga enthusiasts seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.
19. Have A Khmer Massage
On days when you feel overwhelmed by traveling, take a break and indulge in a traditional Khmer massage.
These massages use pressure points and stretching techniques to release tension and improve circulation, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and relaxed.
You can find many affordable options throughout the country, from high-end spas to street-side massages.
I loved my massage in Kampot, and I’ve heard there are also some great spas in Siem Reap!
20. Cycle Through The Countryside
I absolutely love cycling when traveling, and Cambodia is a great place to enjoy cycling in the countryside.
Just imagine riding down a small road, passing local houses, rice fields, and forgotten temples.
One of the most popular places for cycling in Cambodia is Siem Reap. The roads are relatively calm and flat. Cycling is also a fun way to visit Angkor temples without joining a tour.
If you’re into more adventurous things to do in Cambodia, a friend of mine joined a multi-day cycling tour from Siem Reap and said it was a fantastic experience!
🚲 Browse all cycling tours in Cambodia!
21. Get Off The Beaten Track
This is not to say you should get off the marked trails when hiking. That is a horrible idea, considering the landmine issue Cambodia still battles.
Instead, discover some of the less visited regions in Cambodia!
While it is worth visiting Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, how about going even further north than that?
Ratanakiri is the last province before the Laos border and a place where you can find many different ethnic groups, ecotourism projects, and untouched nature.
If you want to escape the crowds on a tropical island, Koh Kong and Koh Ta Kiev are still largely undeveloped, and you won’t find them on most travel guides.
Final Thoughts: Cambodia Bucket List
Whether you’re backpacking Cambodia for a month or visiting on a short trip and want to hit all the best spots, these are fantastic experiences to add to your itinerary!
I know I’ll be coming back to Cambodia to tick off more items on my bucket list, and I hope this guide has given you some inspiration for your own Cambodian adventures and convinced you Cambodia is worth visiting.
From visiting ancient temples and learning about its rich history to exploring vibrant cities and indulging in delicious Khmer cuisine, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Now that you know all the best things Cambodia is famous for, what is the first stop on your Cambodia itinerary?
