10 Must-Dos During Cambodia Adventure Travel

It’s called the Kingdom of Wonder for a reason. Untouched jungles, a lively capital, charming colonial towns, radiant white sand beaches, wildlife, nature, floating villages, and, of course, the temples — you’ll have no shortage of WOW moments during your Cambodia adventure. 

Cambodia adventure travel will surely leave you speechless.

Whether you are a history buff, an off-the-beaten path explorer, or you just like to be out in the sunshine with awesome sights to behold, Cambodia has an adventure to appeal to everyone’s taste.

Adding to the wonder, adventure travel in Cambodia is relatively easy! The locals are friendly, they are helpful, and with the recent introduction of Uber and Grab rideshare apps, it’s never been easier to get around for safe and cheap (with rides around the capital totalling around $1 on average).

It’s also simple to secure a seat on a coach or minivan to cover those longer distances. Inexpensive, easy to get around, helpful locals, and all the awe-inspiring adventures to be had — what are you waiting for? Let’s adventure abroad in Cambodia!

10 can’t-miss experiences during your Cambodia adventure

1. Don’t skip the history

First things first, don’t skip out on learning a little about a country’s history, Cambodia or otherwise. Knowing at least a little about the history will give the rest of your time spent adventuring more meaning and you’ll have a greater appreciation for your surroundings and the local people.

Cambodia’s dark history is well-known around the world. However, they are a prideful nation eager to work hard and develop their country as it recovers from a terrible past — and it’s making great strides. A day spent visiting the Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum will open your eyes to the atrocities that the Cambodian people endured during the Khmer Rouge era of the 1970s.

Other options for a history lesson are the War Museum Cambodia or the Cambodia Landmine Museum in Siem Reap.

2. Explore the capital

Phnom Penh is an essential item on any Cambodia adventure bucket list.

Sometimes the dusty, chaotic capital of Phnom Penh is skipped over altogether, and other times it’s added to an itinerary solely for a one-day visit to the Killing Fields or Tuol Sleng Museum. But your Cambodia adventure would be incomplete without exploring the secret pockets of shopping and food (oh the food!) that the capital has to offer.

Phnom Penh, however full of traffic, is just as full of delights. The Russian Market area, for example, includes not only the market but boutique shops, a new cat cafe, Cambodia’s only CrossFit gym, and no shortage of delicious eats, like Sesame Noodle Bar (serving up the best cold noodles), Century 9 (for some American and Khmer fusion), and Vibe (delectable vegan options and a killer atmosphere).

If you need a refreshing break from the relentless heat, take a dip at one of the many boutique hotel swimming pools that are open to the public for a small fee or the purchase of a drink. For dinner and a night cap, hit up the Tonle Bassac neighborhood; options range from Japanese Ramen to Indian to Italian and a fair amount of small, intimate cocktail bars. The next day — repeat.

3. Get out of town

For a look into Khmer life outside of the city limits, head out to the province! The province, or countryside, will offer tranquility and nature that can be hard to find in the chaos of the cities. 

While you may catch glimpses here and there while en route to all of your other awesome adventures, why not make the province an adventure all its own? From Phnom Penh, you can join day tours that will give you an authentic view of rural Cambodia!

4. Live the island life

Island paradise is just a hop, skip, and jump away.

If your adventure abroad in Cambodia calls for a beach party or the shade of a palm tree to read beneath, either one is within reach! South off the coast of Sihanoukville are Cambodia’s two picturesque, tropical islands: Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem. The sand is white, the water is blue, and the sunshine won’t disappoint!

While the beauty of the islands may seem luxurious, do be prepared for basic amenities no matter what star level your accommodation boasts. Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem are both very close to nature and are for the most part quite underdeveloped. No WiFi, no problem! Kick back, be present, and take in the nature that surrounds you.

5. Hit the road on your own set of wheels

Starting with the disclaimer here: Safety first! Check that your moto or moped is in good working order. Wear the helmet. Go slow. And, it goes without saying, but don’t drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Whew. Now that that’s out of the way, let’s talk about the amazing sense of sheer freedom that comes with driving your own set of wheels, the wind in your face as you cruise around exploring a new place all on your own!

While you can rent motos practically anywhere, it’s probably best to opt for a tuk tuk in the cities and save this experience for a more chill locale like Kampot or Kep. Alternatively, Cambodia has ATV tours offered in both Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, so if four wheels and a new group of friends is more your speed, join an ATV tour.

Related: 20 Top Adventure Trips in the World

6. A day on the lake

Not the same kind of day on the lake that you might be thinking, but still fun nonetheless! Not to be missed, you can spend a day visiting the floating villages. Float among the colorful houses in the most unlikely of places — in the middle of Cambodia’s Tonle Sap Lake.

Easily accessible by tuk tuk (and then boat, of course!) from Siem Reap are the villages of Chong Khnea, Kampong Phluk, and Kampong Khleang, with Kampong Phluk and Kampong Khleang being further out of town and less likely to be inundated with tourists. A day floating amongst the stilted houses will be a delight for your eyes, as it truly is a different way of life.

7. Be a bearkeeper for a day

These cuties could use your help during adventure travel in Cambodia.

Some of Cambodia’s most precious creatures are the Sun Bears and Moon Bears! As adorable as they are, they unfortunately fall victim to poachers who are after their bile that is highly sought after for traditional Chinese medicine. They are also often sold into the illegal pet trade. 

Luckily, Free The Bears works hard against these efforts and you can join in the cause! Become a bearkeeper for a day and learn more about these bears, the efforts being made to save them, and help prepare their food and enrichment activities while spending the day with the keepers and other volunteers at the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center. 

8. Take a railroad back in time

For a city experience without the hordes of tourists in Siem Reap or the traffic of Phnom Penh, adventure on over to Battambang, a quiet, colonial city that has more of a small town feel and a lovely cafe scene.

If it gets too sleepy for you, come aboard Cambodia’s bamboo train and catch a jolt of adrenaline. Originally used to transport goods, much of the railway line is inaccessible and has been out of use for years, but the bamboo train currently offers a fun and unique ride for travelers to the area.

9. Catch sight of the river dolphins

You might imagine that the rivers running through Cambodia and the resources they provide are a major means of livelihood for the locals, but did you also know that these waters are home to river dolphins? That’s right — freshwater Irrawaddy river dolphins.

Though they are sadly very endangered, work is being done to save them from extinction and sightings are still possible. The most popular Mekong town to add to your Cambodia adventure travel itinerary for a chance sighting is Kratie.

10. Get lost amid the temples

And, after allll of that, go get lost wandering the temples of Angkor Wat and beyond. A Cambodia adventure wouldn’t be complete without it. You can stick to the normal temple circuit that kicks off with a sunrise at Angkor Wat and then visit Ta Prohm and Bayon, among others.

Or, go further and explore the less crowded and equally rewarding sights of Bantea Srey and Bang Melea. Or if you want bragging rights for something extra cool (and if you also like running), why not lace up and run the Angkor Wat International Half Marathon?

Not down for 13.1 miles? No worries; you can also choose to run the 10k, 5k, or 3k routes and still take in the awesome temples surrounding you!

Essential tips & tricks for safe and smart travels in Cambodia

Above all, keep your safety in mind during your adventure in Cambodia.

• Enter the country with sufficient cash for your tourist visa. It’s 30 USD and the visa can be easily processed on arrival at the airport.
• Stay vigilant against bag and phone snatchers. If you are going out at night, don’t carry a strappy, over-the-shoulder bag and never use your phone on or near the street. Both of these items can be gone in a flash at the hands of super-skilled thieves on motorbikes. If you do need to carry a bag, make it a backpack.
• If you need to use your phone, try to step into an establishment or back away from the street. That said, there is no need to be nervous when strolling the streets; just follow these guidelines and stay aware of your surroundings.
• Be aware of local scams. This is a good rule of thumb for travel anywhere in the world, not just in Cambodia. Two scams that are prevalent in Cambodia are the “milk scam” and the “school supplies scam”, both of which have the same concept; you’ll be asked to buy something for someone (milk, school supplies) and after you do, the product goes back on the shelf when you walk away and money goes in the scammer’s pocket.
• Be a responsible traveler. Cambodia struggles in the world of human trafficking and exploitation. Don’t give money to kids who ask for it (if you feel like you need to do something, you can donate to local organizations that are advocates for human rights) and don’t visit schools or orphanages just for the sake of seeing them — these aren’t tourist attractions. 
• Being haggled by tuk tuk drivers? You will absolutely hear the phrase “tuk tuk?” from every driver sitting on the street that sees you go by. While this can feel overwhelming, don’t allow yourself to be bothered. It’s the norm. Tell them no thank you, smile, and keep on keeping on. While you may hear it over and over, the drivers tend to be quite friendly and will very rarely be pushy beyond this simple question.
• If your adventures present you with the opportunity to ride elephants, please don’t. The cruelty and mistreatment that goes on behind the scenes may not be evident, but it happens. Instead, opt for the opportunity to interact with elephants in a humane way by visiting a sanctuary or supporting an organization that does not permit or support elephant riding.

You’re ready for an adventure in Cambodia!

Cambodia adventure travel might change your life!

What are you waiting for? Pack your bags! You’ll want to have lightweight, loose clothing to stay comfortable in Cambodia’s sunshine and heat. A hat and some SPF is recommended, too. You’ll also want to be prepared for the rain — in the rainy season especially, but sometimes also in the dry season! Always have a little bit of cash on hand. Lastly, approach each adventure with enthusiasm and an open mind.

Can you see yourself now? Tuk tuk bumping along from one adventure to the next with the wind and warm, humid air in your face. The changing landscape offers views of palm trees, rice paddies, ancient temples, and smiling locals. The cities, countryside, and islands are all ready to offer you the very best of adventure in Cambodia. Enjoy your time in the Kingdom of Wonder!

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