What will you think first about Cambodia? 99% of the answers are the Angkor Wat – the heart and soul of the stunning, bucket list-worthy UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor in Siem Reap. But in fact, Cambodia has much more to offer. From its spectacular temples, timeless ruins, popular beach destinations, and intimate, welcoming resort towns bustling with tuk-tuks to the scents of traditional Khmer cuisine, Cambodia is filled with fun year-round.Go on the best tours in Cambodia and have an experience that will last a lifetime. Take a look at some of the very top 5 things to do in Cambodia you should definitely consider visiting on your next trip to this beautiful country.
Pay a visit to the Angkor Wat – Cambodia’s most beloved and best-preserved ancient temple
Unrivaled in its beauty and state of preservation, the Angkor Wat, which was originally built during the early 12th century, is an architectural masterpiece of massive proportions and certainly the most iconic temple in Cambodia.
One of the best things about the Angkor Wat is how vibrant this sacred site is. Each time in the world’s largest single religious monument can be completely different, with new spectacular sights to see every minute from sunrise to sunset – it is the joy of being in such a buzzing place. At sunrise and sunset, photographers can climb to the summit of Phnom Bakheng to observe this magnificent monument being silhouetted by a rising sun or a setting sun. While at any time during a day, you might be exploring this 500-acre site, which represents the architectural pinnacle of the Khmer Empire or hitting the off-the-beaten-track to escape the masses. It is a fascinating site that offers something for everyone, making it a symbol of Cambodia and a must-see on all Southeast Asia itineraries.
Big-time adventure, fun, and the otherworldly day’s afterglow await you at the Angkor. Whether you are a photographer or you are traveling with kids—or with your beloved one — the Angkor Wat will make you happy.
Visit the floating markets on the Tonle Sap Lake
Well-known as the biggest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, the classic destination of the Tonle Sap Lake deserves a spot on your list of places to see in your Cambodia tours. A visit to the tourist site about 17 km from Siem Reap gives you an amazing chance to fully appreciate the beauty of an inland-ocean-like spot and get an eye-opening look at the abject poverty of the inhabitants of the floating and stilted houses in the primitive fishing villages of Cambodia.
Witness the stunning Apsara Dance in Phnom Penh – The Elegance & Grace of Angkor
If you have a passion for Cambodia’s rich art heritage then Phnom Penh is your ideal city. Besides an ‘Apsara dance performance’ – a taste of classical Khmer culture, shadow puppet theater and folk and mask dances are included in a cultural show to enjoy.
Sitting in those red velvet seats literally makes you part of music history narrated through song, music, and theater. Expect to be taken from Angkor’s palaces to the villages of today through the attractive, flexible movements of the performers as well as the skillfulness of musicians, dancers, and singers, and their colorful, eye-catching attires.
Savor Cambodian food – one of Indochina’s best cuisines
After satisfying an appetite for fine art with an Apsara show, travelers to Cambodia should know how to satiate their hunger with a wide range of delicious, fresh and clean street food. Cambodia’s capital can boast some of the best restaurants in this country, but don’t expect the Michelin-star meals on the menu here.
Stand in line at the ever-popular stand at the Corner Street 19 and Sihanouk Boulevard for rice with marinated pork, reach the stall on Street 123 to enjoy these mighty fine and mouthwatering Yakitori spit-roasted chicken skewers, or drive further to 54 Langeach Sro for the local Khmer-style barbeque. They are all worth both the wait and the drive. Bonus tip: Wash your meal down with a cold beer— it is a Cambodian tradition.
Take part in a Cambodian cooking class – a culinary exploration with some of the finest chefs
For food connoisseurs, who want to take a “foodie” vacation a step further, there is no better choice than taking part in a Cambodian cooking class. Great for locals and foreigners alike, these cooking classes help you become familiar with the various raw ingredients in their natural state, encourage you to make the most out of “misunderstood vegetables”, and tell you more about the traditional Khmer methods of food preparation. Tie up your apron and head to the kitchen for a new skill and a one-of-a-kind hands-on experience!
There are some things on your best Indochina tours that should not be missed. That is certainly true when it comes to the top 5 things to do in Cambodia for your 2018 Cambodia tours, which has come to be known far and wide for some unique destinations and incredible activities.
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