Things to Do in Cambodia

Beaches and Seaside Resorts

With its access to the Gulf of Thailand, Cambodia boasts a stunning coastline dotted with numerous small islands. Some feature crystal-clear waters and long stretches of white sand, giving them a paradise-like feel. This is where you should head, around Sihanoukville, the main coastal city, or Kampot, which offers a much quieter setting than many spots in Thailand.

But that’s not all—you can also swim in some of the country’s lakes and even in the jungle. A unique experience in itself, particularly at the volcanic lake of Yeak Lorm, Tonlé Sap—the largest lake in Southeast Asia—or in waterfalls like those in the Mondulkiri region in the northeast.

Water Activities

- Diving: Along with snorkeling, this is the main activity you can enjoy along Cambodia’s coastline, especially on islands like Koh Rong, Koh Tang, and others, where the preserved marine life offers plenty to discover.

- Water Sports: While surfing is almost nonexistent (except for a little around Sihanoukville), you can try kiteboarding, windsurfing, and kayaking near Kampot.

Hiking

Hiking on Foot

Though Cambodia is still an "emerging" hiking destination, its possibilities should delight lovers of untouched nature. After all, there are plenty of places to trek, starting with Virachey National Park (one of the wildest corners of the country) and Kirirom National Park (a mountainous area not far from the capital), the Cardamom Mountains’ forest massif, and Phnom Kulen, where you hike through the jungle in search of Khmer sites. Also worth mentioning is the mountainous province of Mondulkiri, bordering Vietnam, renowned for its jungle treks and opportunities to discover local communities, wildlife (including wild elephants), and the region’s flora.

In most cases, whether you choose a location or not, you can plan day trips or multi-day excursions. However, local guides are almost essential if you don’t want to get lost, as trails are rarely marked. For the best time to go, prioritize November to February, when it’s drier and cooler.

Cycling

Even if you’re not a cycling enthusiast, exploring the temples of Angkor by bike is a fantastic experience that also makes it easier to get around the expansive site.

For a more rural experience, the region of Battambang, with its rice fields and small villages, offers lovely rides for all levels. For the more adventurous, Mondulkiri and the Cardamom Mountains feature trails through mountains, forests, and plantations, where you can embark on multi-day trips.

Horseback Riding

This is a niche market, with just Mondulkiri Province—sometimes called the Cambodian Far West—and Siem Reap/Angkor, where you can ride through villages, rice fields, and even some lesser-known temples.

Other Outdoor Activities

Among other nature-based activities in Cambodia, you can try rock climbing and caving in the Kampot region on the coast, as well as hot-air ballooning and paramotoring in Siem Reap to enjoy aerial views of the rice fields and, especially, the Angkor site, which even has a zipline.

Cultural Life and Activities

With just the site of Angkor, culture lovers won’t be disappointed, especially since this is complemented by other Khmer sites and traces of other civilizations that have shaped the country. There’s also more recent history, with memorial sites and places that recall the Khmer Rouge dictatorship and the genocide they perpetrated half a century ago—a museum in Phnom Penh covers this period well.

And, as in many countries, there’s the daily life of the people, in cities and especially in the countryside, not to mention the influence of Buddhism in society, offering insights into cultures and traditions that remain very much alive.

Nightlife and Going Out

Though it’s not the first image that comes to mind for Cambodia, you can still find various spots with a lively nightlife. There’s the capital with a few venues, but the main hotspots are tourist hubs like Siem Reap (home to Angkor and its "Pub Street"), or coastal areas like Kampot and the islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, if you prefer a beach-party vibe with the usual nightlife spots.