The Best Things To Do In Cambodia

From epic adventure to breathtaking natural beauty, The Culture Trip highlights the best things to do in Cambodia.

Experience the adventure activities

From scuba diving, canoeing and kayaking tp bouldering, zip-lining and skiing, Cambodia offers ample adventure sports. The sheer beauty of the locations make these activities more thrilling and exciting than in other countries. For first time visitors, we recommend zip lining through the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat.

Visit the local markets

Provide Support Through Volunteer Work

It has taken Cambodia a lot to overcome the dark shadows of its past and move forward as a country. However, there are certain sections of its society that still need support, and it can only make your trip more fulfilling if you choose to volunteer with one of the local programs on offer. From teaching to community development, these volunteering programmes offer a chance to immerse yourself in local culture and make a real difference.

Explore the famous architecture and cultural landmarks

The UNESCO has placed both the architecture of Angkor Wat (the fantastic royal palace in Phonm Penh), and the entire province of Sihanoukvillein its World Heritage Sites list. Cambodia is filled with stunning and world famous architecture. Most of the architectural masterpieces, one would find, have stood firm and tall for centuries. Angkor Wat, especially, is a highlight of Cambodian architecture, the carving of which is represented in their national flag.

Visit the national parks

Cambodian territory is rich with dense forests. Many wildlife sanctuaries, spread over huge areas of land, are preserved and maintained by the authorities, and are open for safaris and adventure sports. Highlights include Ream National Park, Phnom Aural National Park, Virachey National Park, Phnom Kulen National Park, and are well worth the trip.

Be a Part of the Cultural Festivals

The culture and traditions of Cambodia are majorly influenced by Buddhism and Hinduism. Although the country hosts fun-filled festivals all year round, there are particular landmarks which are celebrated with large-scale festivals. The Khmer New Year, celebrated in mid-April, marks the beginning of the Khmer community’s New Year. The Royal Ploughing Ceremony (the celebration of farming), All Souls Day (paying respect to the departed souls) and the famous Water Festival (a festival to thank the holy Mekong river for abundant fishing) are some of the main festivals of Cambodia.

Drummers perform during a Khmer New Year celebration in Lithonia, GA

Try Your Hands on a Game of Golf

It wasn’t until the early 1990s that golf was even known as sport in Cambodia. However, over the years the country has become one of the key destinations for golf. A major boost and huge influence comes from the fact that the prime minister of Cambodia, Hun Sen, is an acclaimed international golfer and record-holder. The Royal Cambodia Phnom Penh Golf Club offers one of the largest and finest golf fields not only in Cambodia, but in the whole of South East Asia.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.