Here are 20 of the best things to do in Cambodia:
- Visit Angkor Wat: This iconic temple complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited tourist destinations in Cambodia.
- Explore the Temples of Angkor: Beyond Angkor Wat, there are dozens of other temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park, each with its own unique history and architecture.
- Visit the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh: This stunning palace was built in the 19th century and is home to the current King of Cambodia.
- Learn about Cambodian history at the Killing Fields: The Killing Fields are a sobering reminder of Cambodia’s dark past under the Khmer Rouge regime.
- Explore the markets in Phnom Penh: The markets in Phnom Penh are a great place to experience the local culture and sample Cambodian cuisine.
- Visit the Tonle Sap Lake: This is the largest lake in Southeast Asia and home to a number of floating villages.
- Learn about Cambodian culture at the National Museum of Cambodia: The National Museum of Cambodia is home to a collection of Khmer art and artifacts.
- Relax on the beaches of Sihanoukville: Sihanoukville is a popular beach destination in Cambodia, with beautiful beaches and clear waters.
- Visit the Silver Pagoda: Located within the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, the Silver Pagoda is home to many national treasures.
- Explore the French Colonial Architecture in Phnom Penh: Phnom Penh is home to many beautiful French colonial buildings, which are a testament to Cambodia’s colonial past.
- Visit the Banteay Srei Temple: This temple, located near Siem Reap, is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful pink sandstone.
- Visit the Preah Vihear Temple: This temple, located on the border between Cambodia and Thailand, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
- Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum: This museum was once a Khmer Rouge prison and is now a memorial to the victims of the regime.
- Take a boat tour of the Mekong River: The Mekong River is a lifeline for many people in Cambodia, and taking a boat tour is a great way to experience life along the river.
- Visit the Bayon Temple: This temple, located within the Angkor Archaeological Park, is known for its many carved faces.
- Explore the Kampot Province: Kampot is a beautiful province in southern Cambodia, known for its pepper farms and stunning scenery.
- Visit the Kep National Park: This national park is home to a number of hiking trails and offers stunning views of the Gulf of Thailand.
- Take a cooking class: Cambodian cuisine is delicious, and taking a cooking class is a great way to learn more about it.
- Visit the Kampong Cham Province: Kampong Cham is a beautiful province located along the Mekong River, with many historical and cultural sites to explore.
- Learn about Cambodia’s traditional arts and crafts: Cambodia is known for its traditional arts and crafts, including silk weaving, pottery, and carving. Taking a workshop or visiting a local artisan is a great way to learn more about these traditions.
Cambodia, officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochinese peninsula in Southeast Asia. It shares borders with Thailand to the northwest, Laos to the northeast, Vietnam to the east, and the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest.
The history of Cambodia dates back over a millennium, and the country has been home to various empires and kingdoms throughout its history. The most famous of these was the Khmer Empire, which lasted from the 9th to the 15th century and produced iconic architectural wonders such as the Angkor Wat temple complex.
Today, Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy with a population of over 16 million people. Khmer is the official language, and Buddhism is the dominant religion, with over 95% of the population practicing the faith.
Cambodia’s economy is largely agrarian, with rice cultivation being the primary agricultural activity. However, tourism has become an increasingly important industry in recent years, with visitors coming to explore the country’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Other industries include garment manufacturing and construction.
Despite a tumultuous history marked by colonialism, war, and genocide under the Khmer Rouge regime in the late 1970s, Cambodia is now a peaceful and stable country. It has made significant progress in poverty reduction and economic development in recent years, although challenges such as corruption and human rights violations remain.