Things to Do in Cambodia: 25 Must-Try Activities

Angkor Wat and its surrounding temples are the primary draws for temple visits, with tickets priced at $37 for a one-day pass and $62 for a three-day pass.

Angkor Wat, located near Siem Reap, is part of a larger complex including Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Angkor Thom. The site spans over 400 square kilometers and can be toured by bicycle, tuk-tuk, or car. Visiting these temples early in the morning is recommended to avoid crowds and heat. For a detailed tour, consider the Angkor Wat Sunrise Private Tour by Tuk Tuk.

River cruises along the Mekong and Tonle Sap lakes offer scenic views and cultural insights, with prices for private boat tours starting around $40 per person for a half-day trip.

Popular options include sunset cruises from Phnom Penh and floating village tours near Siem Reap, such as the Floating Village-Mangrove Forest Private Tonle Sap Lake Boat Tour. These cruises typically last between 2 and 4 hours and showcase rural life, fishing activities, and birdwatching opportunities.

The eastern provinces of Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri feature jungle trekking routes with guided tours costing from $30 to $60 per day.

These treks often include visits to waterfalls, wildlife spotting, and interactions with indigenous communities. Mondulkiri is about 350 km from Phnom Penh, with travel times around 7 hours by road. Treks can last from half-day to multiple days depending on the itinerary and difficulty. Local guides provide cultural context and ensure safety during hikes.

Beaches in Sihanoukville and nearby islands like Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem provide opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, with boat transfers costing $10 to $15 one-way.

Sihanoukville is the main coastal city accessible by a 4- to 5-hour bus ride from Phnom Penh. Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem can be reached by a 45-minute ferry. Accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses at $10 per night to mid-range resorts around $50. Visitors can join snorkeling tours or simply relax on white sandy beaches.

Cultural engagement includes visiting local markets, attending traditional performances, and joining cooking classes, with prices for cooking classes starting at $25.

In Phnom Penh, tourists can watch Khmer Traditional Boxing matches for about $5 entry or attend dance shows featuring the Royal Ballet. Khmer cooking classes are available in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, lasting 3 to 4 hours and teaching authentic recipes. Markets such as Central Market in Phnom Penh or Psar Chaa in Siem Reap provide insight into daily life and local products.

Jeep and SUV tours through the countryside allow visitors to see rice paddies, traditional villages, and local farms, with tours starting at $40 per person for half-day excursions.

Siem Reap features countryside tours that include visits to small villages and sunset viewpoints, such as the Siem Reap Countryside Sunset Jeep Tour / SUV Car Available. These tours typically last 4 to 5 hours and cover distances up to 30 km from the city center.

Wildlife enthusiasts can spot Irrawaddy dolphins near Kratie for boat tours costing around $15 and birdwatching tours in Phnom Penh for $30 to $50.

Kratie is located approximately 350 km northeast of Phnom Penh, reachable by a 6-hour bus ride. The dolphin tours last about 2 hours on the Mekong River. Phnom Penh features guided birding experiences in its wetlands and urban parks, such as the Phnom Penh Birding Visit and Brunch, lasting 3 to 4 hours.

Tuk-tuks, motorbikes, and private taxis are common transport modes, with daily tuk-tuk rentals around $15 and private taxi transfers between major cities averaging $50 to $100.

For example, travel from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by private taxi can cost about $80 and take 5 to 6 hours. Buses are also available between major cities, with fares from $10 to $15. In cities, tuk-tuks provide convenient short-distance travel, while motorbike rentals start at $7 per day.

Day trips to sites like the Killing Fields and Oudong Mountain provide historical and natural insights, with tours priced between $20 and $50 depending on the package.

The Phnom Penh Remembrance & Resilience Tour: S21 & Killing Fields is about 15 km from the city and typically lasts 4 to 5 hours. Oudong Mountain, 40 km from Phnom Penh, is known for its stupas and panoramic views, accessible via the Oudong Mountain And Floating Village Cycle Tour, which includes cycling and boat rides.