🇰🇭 100 Cambodia Experiences Bucket List
The ultimate checklist of things to do in Cambodia. Track your progress, unlock milestones, and share your achievements.
#1 Watch sunrise at Angkor Wat
Witness the iconic silhouette of Angkor Wat reflected in the lotus pond as the sun rises behind the five towers. Arrive ...
#2 Explore Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider temple)
Walk through the atmospheric ruins where massive silk-cotton trees have grown over ancient stone walls. Made famous by t...
#3 Eat fish amok at a local restaurant
Cambodia's signature dish: tender white fish steamed in a coconut curry custard with lemongrass, galangal, and kroeung p...
#4 Ride the Bamboo Train in Battambang
Ride a makeshift bamboo platform on wheels along abandoned railway tracks through the Cambodian countryside. When two no...
#5 Swim in Kbal Chhay Waterfall
A beautiful multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush jungle, popular with locals for weekend picnics. Most impressive d...
#6 Visit the Killing Fields memorial
Pay respects at Choeung Ek, the most well-known of the sites where the Khmer Rouge regime executed over 1 million people...
#7 Party on Koh Rong
Experience the legendary beach parties on Koh Rong's Long Set Beach. Fire shows, bucket drinks, and dancing on white san...
#8 Try deep-fried tarantula in Skuon
Face your fears and try Cambodia's most infamous snack: deep-fried tarantulas seasoned with garlic and salt. The legs ar...
#9 Watch sunset from Phnom Bakheng
Climb the steep hill to this 10th-century Hindu temple for panoramic sunset views over the Angkor complex with Angkor Wa...
#10 Kayak through flooded forests of Kompong Phluk
Paddle through an otherworldly landscape of submerged trees in the flooded forests near Tonle Sap Lake. Visit the stilte...
#11 Get a blessing from monks at a pagoda
Receive a traditional water blessing from Buddhist monks. A serene and meaningful cultural experience available at most ...
#12 Ride a motorbike through Mondulkiri
Explore the rolling green hills, pine forests, and waterfalls of Cambodia's wild east on two wheels. Red dirt roads wind...
#13 Eat pepper crab in Kep
Savour the famous Kep crab stir-fried with fragrant Kampot pepper at the Crab Market. Fresh from the sea, cooked in minu...
#14 Visit the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh
Tour the stunning golden-spired complex that has been the residence of Cambodian kings since the 1860s. The Silver Pagod...
#15 Snorkel at Koh Rong Sanloem
Explore crystal-clear waters teeming with tropical fish around Cambodia's most pristine island. Saracen Bay offers gentl...
#16 Explore Battambang's street art
Wander through Battambang's colonial-era streets adorned with vibrant murals and installations by local and internationa...
#17 See bioluminescent plankton at night
Swim in waters that glow electric blue as bioluminescent plankton light up with every movement. A truly magical experien...
#18 Take a cooking class in Siem Reap
Learn to cook authentic Khmer dishes like fish amok, lok lak, and mango sticky rice. Most classes include a market tour ...
#19 Watch a traditional Apsara dance performance
Witness the graceful Apsara dance, a UNESCO-listed art form dating back to the Angkor era. Dancers in elaborate gold cos...
#20 Cycle the Angkor circuit
Pedal through the ancient Angkor Archaeological Park on two wheels. The small circuit (17km) covers the major temples in...
#21 Drink sundowners on a rooftop bar in Phnom Penh
Sip cocktails while watching the sun set over the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers from one of Phnom Penh's stylish rooftop b...
#22 Trek to Bou Sra Waterfall
Hike to Cambodia's most impressive two-tiered waterfall, thundering through pristine jungle in Mondulkiri. The upper tie...
#23 Visit the S-21 Tuol Sleng Museum
Tour the former high school turned Khmer Rouge detention center where over 12,000 prisoners were held. A sobering but es...
#24 Eat num pang (Cambodian baguette)
The Cambodian take on a French baguette: crispy bread stuffed with pâté, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, chili, and you...
#25 Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary
Walk alongside rescued elephants in their natural forest habitat at the Elephant Valley Project. No riding—just observin...
#26 Cross the river on a local ferry
Take a small local ferry across the Mekong or Tonle Sap rivers. A cheap, authentic way to see river life and the city sk...
#27 Explore Preah Vihear temple on the cliff
Visit the dramatic cliff-top temple perched 525 meters above the Cambodian plains. A UNESCO World Heritage Site with jaw...
#28 Shop at Phsar Thmei (Central Market)
Browse the iconic Art Deco dome of Phnom Penh's Central Market, built in 1937. Find everything from jewellery and silk t...
#29 Camp on a deserted beach
Set up camp on one of Cambodia's uninhabited beaches. Fall asleep to the sound of waves and wake up to a private paradis...
#30 Watch a Kun Khmer kickboxing match
Experience Cambodia's ancient martial art live. Kun Khmer predates Muay Thai and features elbows, knees, clinch fighting...
#31 Visit the floating villages of Tonle Sap
Tour the remarkable floating communities on Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake. Houses, schools, and shops all flo...
#32 Drink Kampot pepper cocktails
Sip creative cocktails infused with world-famous Kampot pepper at riverside bars. From pepper-infused gin to spicy marga...
#33 Hike Kulen Mountain
Trek through the sacred mountain where the Khmer Empire was founded. Visit the River of a Thousand Lingas, a reclining B...
#34 Visit Phnom Penh's Russian Market
Dive into the chaotic, sweltering labyrinth of Tuol Tom Poung Market. Find silk scarves, handmade crafts, vintage clothi...
#35 Scuba dive off Koh Rong
Discover vibrant coral reefs, seahorses, and tropical fish around Cambodia's premier dive sites. Visibility reaches 20+ ...
#36 Explore Banteay Srei temple carvings
Marvel at the impossibly intricate pink sandstone carvings of the "Citadel of Women." The most ornate temple in the Angk...
#37 Try a Cambodian massage
Indulge in a traditional Khmer massage combining acupressure, stretching, and aromatic oils. An hour of bliss for a frac...
#38 See Irrawaddy dolphins in Kratie
Spot the critically endangered Irrawaddy river dolphins in the Mekong. Fewer than 100 remain, making this a once-in-a-li...
#39 Photograph the Bayon faces
Capture the 216 serene, smiling stone faces of the Bayon temple. The most photogenic and mysterious temple in Angkor Tho...
#40 Visit a Kampot pepper plantation
Tour a working plantation growing the world's finest pepper. Learn about the hand-harvesting process and taste black, wh...
#41 Explore the caves of Battambang
Visit the Killing Caves of Phnom Sampeau and watch millions of bats emerge at sunset. Explore the network of caves with ...
#42 Swim in the ocean at Otres Beach
Relax on the quieter, more laid-back alternative to Sihanoukville's main beaches. White sand, clear water, and bohemian ...
#43 Learn basic Khmer phrases
Master essential Khmer greetings and phrases. "Susadei" (hello), "Orkun" (thank you), and "Sohm toh" (sorry) will earn y...
#44 Visit Bokor Hill Station
Explore the eerie abandoned French colonial hill station perched 1,080m above sea level. Fog-shrouded ruins, a functioni...
#45 Drink fresh sugar cane juice
Watch fresh sugar cane stalks being pressed through a hand-cranked or motorized machine. The resulting sweet, refreshing...
#46 Watch the sunset from Koh Tonsay
Catch the golden hour on Rabbit Island, a tiny car-free island 25 minutes by boat from Kep. Hammocks, basic bungalows, a...
#47 Visit Sambor Prei Kuk pre-Angkorian temples
Explore Cambodia's newest UNESCO site: ancient 7th-century temples half-swallowed by the jungle. Predates Angkor Wat by ...
#48 Try loc lac (shaking beef)
Savour tender cubes of marinated beef stir-fried at extreme heat and served on a bed of fresh greens with a lime-pepper ...
#49 Explore Ratanakiri's Yeak Laom volcanic lake
Swim in a perfectly circular crater lake surrounded by ancient jungle. Sacred to the local indigenous communities, the l...
#50 Attend Water Festival (Bon Om Touk)
Join millions of Cambodians celebrating the reversal of the Tonle Sap river. Three days of boat races, fireworks, concer...
#51 Visit the Angkor National Museum
Get context before visiting the temples. Eight galleries showcase 1,000+ artifacts including Buddha statues, ceramics, a...
#52 Ride a tuk-tuk through Phnom Penh
Zip through the chaotic streets of the capital in an open-air tuk-tuk. The quintessential Cambodia transport experience—...
#53 Volunteer at a local school
Teach English or help with community programs at ethical volunteer organizations. Focus on skill transfer and sustainabl...
#54 Eat breakfast at Phsar Kandal market
Join the morning rush at one of Phnom Penh's most vibrant local markets. Try borbor (rice porridge), num pang, or kuy te...
#55 Trek through Cardamom Mountains
Explore one of Southeast Asia's last great wilderness areas. Dense jungle, river crossings, and incredible biodiversity ...
#56 Watch the sunrise over Tonle Sap Lake
Take an early morning boat ride on Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake as the sky explodes in color. Watch fisherme...
#57 Take a zip line through the jungle canopy
Soar through the treetops on high-wire zip lines at Angkor Zipline or Flight of the Gibbon. Spot wildlife from above as ...
#58 Try Cambodian craft beer
Sample the growing craft beer scene at breweries like Cerevisia, Himawari, and Botanico. Unique flavors include Kampot p...
#59 Visit Koh Ker's giant pyramid
Climb the 7-tiered, 36-meter-high Prasat Thom pyramid deep in the forest. This 10th-century capital of the Khmer Empire ...
#60 Eat insects at a night market
Be adventurous and try deep-fried crickets, silkworms, or water bugs at a Cambodian night market. Surprisingly crunchy a...
#61 Explore Beng Mealea jungle temple
Clamber over the atmospheric ruins of this massive 12th-century temple consumed by the jungle. Less restored and far les...
#62 Take a sunset boat cruise on the Mekong
Cruise along the mighty Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers as the Phnom Penh skyline is bathed in golden light. Some cruises in...
#63 Meditate at a Buddhist monastery
Join a meditation session at Wat Lanka or another monastery. Some offer multi-day silent retreats. A profound way to con...
#64 Visit a silk weaving village
Watch skilled artisans weave intricate Khmer silk patterns on traditional looms. Learn about the ancient art of Cambodia...
#65 Eat kuy teav for breakfast
Start your day the Cambodian way with a steaming bowl of kuy teav: rice noodle soup with pork or beef, bean sprouts, her...
#66 Photograph the Independence Monument
Capture the iconic lotus-shaped monument commemorating Cambodia's 1953 independence from France. Beautifully lit at nigh...
#67 Relax in a hammock on Lazy Beach
Disconnect from the world at Lazy Beach on Koh Rong Sanloem's western shore. No WiFi, no TVs—just turquoise water, white...
#68 Visit the National Museum of Cambodia
Explore the largest collection of Khmer art in the world housed in a beautiful terracotta building. Bronze statues, ston...
#69 Go birdwatching at Prek Toal
Visit one of Southeast Asia's most important bird sanctuaries on Tonle Sap Lake. Spot rare species including Greater Adj...
#70 Dance at a full moon party
Join the wild full moon parties on Koh Rong's beaches. DJs, fire dancers, body paint, and dancing until dawn on the sand...
#71 Take a Phnom Penh street food tour
Join a guided evening tour through Phnom Penh's best street food spots. Try 8–10 dishes you'd never find on your own, wi...
#72 Explore Stung Treng's Mekong rapids
Kayak through gentle rapids on the Mekong near Stung Treng, one of Cambodia's most remote and beautiful river sections. ...
#73 Stay in a Bunong community homestay
Experience life with the indigenous Bunong people in Mondulkiri. Sleep in a traditional longhouse, share meals, and lear...
#74 Photograph the Phnom Penh riverside at night
Walk along Sisowath Quay as the riverside comes alive with lights, street performers, and food vendors. The Royal Palace...
#75 Try Cambodian palm wine
Taste tuk tnout chhou, the mildly sweet, mildly alcoholic sap tapped from sugar palm trees. A traditional Cambodian drin...
#76 Visit Koh Sdach archipelago
Discover Cambodia's most untouched island group. A working fishing village with zero tourism infrastructure—just authent...
#77 Explore Oudong, the former royal capital
Climb the hill of the former royal capital (1618–1866) to visit stupas containing royal remains. Panoramic views over ri...
#78 Get a traditional Khmer tattoo
Get a Sak Yant (sacred geometry) tattoo from a traditional Khmer tattoo master. These ancient designs are believed to of...
#79 Visit the MINE Museum in Siem Reap
Learn about Cambodia's devastating landmine legacy and ongoing demining efforts. Founded by Aki Ra, a former child soldi...
#80 Ride a bicycle through rice paddies
Cycle through luminous green rice paddies stretching to the horizon. Wave to farmers, stop at village pagodas, and exper...
#81 Try Cambodian BBQ (phnom pleung)
Cook your own meats, seafood, and vegetables on a tabletop dome grill surrounded by a moat of broth. A social and delici...
#82 Attend Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey)
Celebrate Cambodia's biggest festival: three days of temple visits, water fights, traditional games, and family feasts. ...
#83 Walk across a bamboo bridge
Cross the incredible 1km bamboo bridge connecting Kampong Cham to Koh Paen island. Rebuilt from scratch every year after...
#84 Try amok in a coconut shell
Experience the premium presentation of Cambodia's national dish: fish amok steamed and served inside a real coconut shel...
#85 Explore Koh Ta Kiev island
Escape to one of Cambodia's most rustic islands. No electricity, no WiFi—just jungle, beaches, and starlit skies. True d...
#86 Watch a circus performance in Battambang
See the incredible Phare Ponleu Selpak circus, founded by former refugee camp artists. Acrobatics, live music, and emoti...
#87 Paddle a SUP at sunset
Stand-up paddleboard on the calm Kampot River as the sun sets behind the Elephant Mountains. A serene way to end the day...
#88 Shop for silver at Phnom Penh night market
Browse handcrafted Cambodian silverwork, silk accessories, and handicrafts at the atmospheric riverside night market....
#89 Visit a floating fish farm
See how Cambodian families farm fish in floating cages on Tonle Sap Lake. An integral part of the aquatic economy suppor...
#90 Drink iced coffee Cambodian-style
Enjoy Cambodia's signature iced coffee: strong dark roast brewed with sweetened condensed milk over ice. Rich, sweet, an...
#91 Visit Wat Phnom
Climb the 27-meter hill that gave Phnom Penh its name. The 14th-century temple is the spiritual heart of the city, surro...
#92 Try prahok (fermented fish paste)
Taste Cambodia's most polarizing ingredient: pungent fermented fish paste that's the backbone of Khmer cuisine. Locals c...
#93 Walk the old French Quarter in Kampot
Stroll through Kampot's beautifully preserved colonial-era buildings. Crumbling French shophouses, art galleries, and ri...
#94 Go fishing with locals
Join local fishermen on the Mekong using traditional casting nets and bamboo traps. An authentic glimpse into Cambodia's...
#95 Watch the sunset from Bokor Mountain
Drive up to the summit of Bokor Mountain for one of Cambodia's most spectacular sunsets. Watch the sun drop into the Gul...
#96 Visit the Landmine Museum Relief Facility
Support Aki Ra's mission to clear Cambodia's landmines and care for victims. The facility provides education, healthcare...
#97 Eat grilled squid on the beach
Feast on freshly caught squid grilled over charcoal right on the beach. Served with spicy lime dipping sauce while your ...
#98 Cross the Cambodian-Thai border by boat
Take the scenic river crossing between Hat Lek (Thailand) and Cham Yeam (Cambodia) by local boat. One of Southeast Asia'...
#99 Visit a community-based ecotourism project
Support local conservation at Chi Phat or similar projects. Guided jungle treks, kayaking, and mountain biking run by fo...
#100 Leave a prayer at Angkor Wat
Light incense and leave a prayer or offering at one of the active shrines within Angkor Wat. Despite being a tourist sit...
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