Top 10 Things to Do When You Travel to Cambodia

If you are traveling to Cambodia, then you will certainly never be short of things to do. It doesn't matter whether you want to go hiking, biking or even sight-seeing because there is truly something for everyone.

While Cambodia is known for its dark tourism through a Cambodian genocide tour, there are also some festivities like Khmer New Year or Songkhran that you don't want to miss when you travel the country.

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Biking in Siem Reap

Cambodia is full of lush greenery, preserved temples and wildlife.

If you want to see everything up close and personal, then cycling is a great way to go. Traveling by bike can be easily done everywhere and some of them even take you on some of the quieter trails in the countryside.

You will see breathtaking scenery and you will also be able to venture down the road less traveled. These tours will often take you around the Elephant Terrace, Bayon, and even the Ta Prohm too.

Apsara Dance

If you love art, dance and even theatre then the Apsara show is certainly for you. You will get the chance to see the traditional Khmer performance and this is something that you don't want to miss.

The cultural dance draws some of its roots from Kings and even gods. It has been developed over the years and it narrates the flexible and attractive movements of the performers.

The attire is truly eye-catching and it really is one of the finest things for you to do if you are in the area.

Cruising

The Mekong can provide you with one of the most exhilarating traveling experiences. You will sail from Phnom Penh, right through until you reach Siem Reap.

This is usually done on a very traditional Cambodian boat and it's super fun too. You will get to see the sunset right over you and if you are able to take a look over the side of the boat, you will see rare aquatic mammals too.

This is the best thing to do if you are tired from traveling because it gives you the chance to put your feet up and really take in everything around you.

Ta Prohm

Ta Prohm is actually the only structure in Angkor that is still in pristine form. It is a great example of how powerful nature can be.

This is quite possibly one of the most photogenic places in the world and you also have silk cotton trees surrounding the area too. The strangler figs only add to the atmosphere, so it's safe to say that this is not a hotspot you want to miss.

Phnom Penh

This is a star attraction. It was built in the year 1860 and it dominates the city's skyline. It's also a historical landmark too.

The structure has towering spires and the silver pagoda is adjacent to it. The tropical gardens are well-maintained and it is also one of the most popular attractions in the area.

You do have to pay per entry, and sometimes you will have to pay a camera charge too. Even with that, it's still worth visiting and it's truly stunning in person.

Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is the most ancient temple in the world. When people travel to Cambodia, this location is usually on their to-do list.

It's absolutely pristine in the way that it has been preserved and it is unlike anything else in the world. It was built as a dedication to the famous Lord Vishnu and it really has stood the test of time.

You can buy a day pass for the Angkor complex, or you can even buy a 7-day pass if you want. This gives you a lot of flexibility and freedom, not to mention that it is open all day too, so you can visit it at any time.

National Parks

If temples aren't your thing then you have nothing to worry about.

Cambodia is also full of National Parks and wildlife sanctuaries too. Some of them house the rarest species in the world and you would be surprised at how much fun you could have. Some of the animals you'll see include tigers, sun bears, clouded leopards and even birds too.

The Ream Park is certainly the place for you to visit if you have a keen interest in birds of prey because they have the white-bellied sea eagle, the grey-headed fish eagle and even the Brahminy kite too.

Beaches

Cambodia is full of beaches. They provide the perfect backdrop if you want to book a romantic meal and you would be surprised at how quiet some of them are, even during peak season!

If you are interested in venturing out to some of these beaches, then you need to do your research first. This way, you can make sure that you are visiting the finest ones and you can also see what activities are on for when you get there. Here's a list of some of the must-visit beaches in Cambodia.

Swim with Elephants

The Elephant Valley Project over at Mondulkiri is run by a group of dedicated and passionate individuals. They work hard to care for abandoned, overworked and even orphaned elephants.

They get to live out the rest of their lives in complete harmony and they are open to the general public too. If you want to visit this location, then you need to make sure that you book in advance. When you do, you can play with them and you can also go swimming with them as well.

Tuol Sleng

Tuol Sleng is home to the War Museum. It's an important place for you to visit in the area but it does have a gruesome history.

The location was once used to torture inmates and ever since then, people have worked hard to preserve its history. People go to pay their respects to the endless men and women who lost their lives there, and there are plenty of ways for you to show your support.

There is an admission charge but it's not too expensive. You should note that the price quadruples if you happen to pay for a guide, so it is important that you keep this in mind when the time comes for you to make your booking.