Cambodia Travelers Recommend

With three days in Siem Reap, not only do you have enough time to get an overview of the Angkor UNESCO World Heritage Site, but you can do so much more. Meet local people, savor street food, watch a circus, enjoy a sunset cruise, and hike through the jungle to a waterfall. Read on to find out how.

Day 1: Temple Trio

Prebook a 1-day pass to the Angkor Archaeological Park and start your Siem Reap visit with the Khmer Empire’s “big three”: Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Ta Prohm. Catch sunrise over Angkor Wat, then grab some breakfast and beat the crowds to Ta Prohm, the Tomb Raider temple. Spend the middle of the day exploring the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Don’t miss the Bayon Temple, with its many mysterious faces, and the Terrace of the Elephants. Head back to Angkor Wat once the crowds start to die down to soak up masterpieces such as the Churning of the Ocean of Milk carving. Finally, get a taste of Khmer cuisine on a street-food tour of bustling Siem Reap.

Day 2: Cambodian Countryside

Despite the horrors of the Khmer Rouge era, Cambodia’s countryside remains unspoiled, and the people are warm and friendly. Spend today exploring traditional Khmer life. Learn to cook with a family in their village home; take a bike ride through the countryside to get a feel for the ancient rhythms of life; or get hands-on with old-fashioned Khmer crafts and farming techniques. Come evening, explore the floating villages, stilt houses, lotus ponds, and mangrove forests of Tonlé Sap lake on a sunset cruise.

Day 3: Waterfall Wanderings

Get a taste of the jungle that once covered so much of Cambodia on a trip to Phnom Kulen National Park. Hike through forest strewn with tangled vines to a scenic waterfall; see contemporary Cambodians worship Buddha; and make like Indiana Jones as you discover a wealth of Angkor-era ruins, from riverbed carvings to giant elephants. You might want to add a stop at the nearby jungled temple of Beng Mealea. Head back to the city in good time to enjoy a typically Cambodian evening. Phare: The Cambodian Circus is Siem Reap’s answer to Cirque du Soleil, but with a social conscience too. Otherwise, savor a buffet dinner as you watch the delicate Apsara dance. Wrap up the night by soaking up the crazy energy of Pub Street.

Siem Reap is the gateway to Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake—Tonle Sap Lake. Surrounded by lush rice fields, lotus flowers, and flooded forests, the lake is an ideal launching point for a visit to traditional Cambodian floating villages. Here are your options for boat tours of Siem Reap floating villages. 

Kompong Phluk

On the northeastern shore of the lake, Kompong Phluk offers the most accessible floating village tour, an experience made easy by a local guide. Depending on water levels (which vary between the wet season and dry season), most tours arrive by road, before switching to a small boat to paddle around the floating markets, stilted houses, fish farms, and rice paddies. The star attraction for visitors is the floating restaurant, where guests can dine on Khmer cuisine with a magnificent view over the lake.

Kompong Khleang

A little further afield, Kompong Khleang floating village sees fewer tourists, making for a more tranquil experience. It’s possible to visit the village on a half-day tour from Siem Reap. Some 1,800 families inhabit the stilt houses that stretch into the horizon, and visitors can explore the pagodas and schools that make up the thriving community, while learning more about daily life and culture from a local tour guide. 

Chong Kneas

One of the most popular floating village tours is to the lively fishing village of Chong Kneas. Tours often include a visit to a local crocodile and fish farm, a cruise around the lotus fields and rice paddies (depending on the season), and dinner onboard the Queen Tara floating restaurant, the biggest boat on the lake.  Tours often include hotel pickup and dropoff and may be all-inclusive.

With two days in Siem Reap, you can check off all the “big three” attractions of the Angkor UNESCO World Heritage Site: Angkor Thom city, Angkor Wat temple complex, and Ta Prohm, a ruined monastery. But you can also savor street food, watch a circus, cruise a lake, and discover traditional country lifestyles. Read on to find out how.

Day 1: The Big Three

**Morning:**Start the day bright and early with sunrise over the towers of Angkor Wat temple. Then, leave the site to the crowds, grab some breakfast, and hit Ta Prohm, known as the Tomb Raider temple, soon after it opens. Consider including nearby attractions such as Banteay Kdei and Srah Srang.

**Afternoon:**Start the afternoon by exploring Angkor Thom, Angkor’s last great capital city, including the Bayon Temple, with its many faces, and the Terrace of the Elephants. Return to Angkor Wat late in the day for a closer, quieter look at details including the Churning of the Ocean of Milk carving.

**Night:**Explore Siem Reap for a taste of this vibrant little city. Experience Cambodian street food, from oddities such as deep-fried crickets and snake “wine” to delicacies such as duck eggs and hot-and-sour soup. Then treat temple-tired feet to a pedicure from tiny “doctor fish” at a fish spa.

Day 2: Khmer Country

**Morning:**One of Cambodia’s great charms is its unspoiled countryside and friendly people. Get to know a typical Khmer family by taking a cooking class in their village home, or ride a bike through the countryside to get a feel for the timeless rhythms of rural work and life.

**Afternoon:**A cruise on Tonlé Sap lake can be a magical experience, especially during the wet season. Opt for one that visits a stilt village, such as Kompong Phluk, or a floating village, constructed atop pontoon rafts, and learn about mangrove ecosystems on a canoe trip through flooded forests.

**Night:**Conclude your Siem Reap stay in style with an evening of authentic Cambodian entertainment. Choose between Phare, a contemporary circus, or the Apsara dance, a classical performance with a lineage dating back to the Angkor era. Finally, let your hair down as you embrace the crazy energy of Pub Street.

Siem Reap is your gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat, the 12th-century temple complex that’s southeast Asia’s No. 1 historic sight. But there’s more to this vibrant, cosmopolitan city than ruins. With one day in Siem Reap, you can see Angkor Wat, cruise a lake, watch a circus, and savor a street-food feast. Here’s how.

Morning: Temple Touring

Start the day bright and early with Siem Reap’s signature experience: sunrise over Angkor Wat. Watch as a golden glow illuminates this ancient temple’s soaring turrets and reflects them in the moat. After a quick breakfast, beat the crowds to Ta Prohm, often called the Tomb Raider temple. A medieval monastery, it’s known for the giant trees and roots that entangle its crumbling remains. Once you’ve Instagrammed to your heart’s content, return to Angkor Wat for a closer look at the structures and carvings that make the complex so unique. Explore with a guide who can explain the Hindu beliefs it represents.

Afternoon: Country Cruising

Spend the afternoon getting a taste of traditional Cambodian village life. A boat ride on scenic Tonlé Sap lake is a great way to while away the hours. Some tours visit stilt villages, such as Kompong Phluk; some stop at floating villages, built on rafts atop the lake, complete with floating gardens. During the rainy season, many tours include a canoe ride through flooded mangrove forests. Lake cruises are still possible during the dry season, but you might prefer to learn a new skill, such as Khmer cookery or pottery, or try your hand at planting rice.

Night: Street-Food Safari

Start your evening in downtown Siem Reap with a street-food feast. Brave the bizarre, such as stinky durian fruit and crispy fried cricket, and discover the delicious, such as duck eggs, green mango, and Cambodian barbecue skewers. Next, thrill to the nation’s answer to Cirque du Soleil: Phare, the Cambodian Circus Show. Marvel at acrobats, contortionists, jugglers, and more in a fresh, contemporary setting. Wrap up the night, if energy levels permit, with a trawl through the chaos of Pub Street or a pedicure from the notorious “doctor fish” that nibble away dry skin—a classic Siem Reap experience.

The towering spires of the Angkor Wat temple complex, epicenter of the medieval Khmer empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are southeast Asia’s most spectacular historical sight. Yet Khmer remains extend beyond Angkor Wat. With one day in the Angkor area, you can bag the big three: Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Ta Prohm. Here’s how.

Morning: Angkor Sunrise

Beat the lines by arranging your 1-day pass for the Angkor Archaeological Park in advance. (Most tours exclude entrance fees as passes cover multiple sites and can span one day, three days, or seven days.) Then savor one of the all-time great sights of the Angkor area: sunrise over Angkor Wat. Once you’ve captured your shots, enjoy an early breakfast near the site, then head to Ta Prohm, known as the Tomb Raider temple, soon after opening to beat the crowds. The spectacle of vast tree roots slowly consuming the cloisters of this 12th-century monastery makes for a real Indiana Jones moment.

Afternoon: A Tale of Two Angkors

Next on your agenda should be Angkor Thom (Great City), a majestic city spanning 4 square miles (10 square kilometers). Whether you’re traveling by tuk-tuk, bicycle, on the back of a motorbike, or in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle, look for a tour that includes, at a minimum, Bayon Temple, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King. Return to Angkor Wat to explore the temple complex in more detail. A good guide can help interpret the bas-relief sculptures, explain how the site represents Hindu cosmology, and outline how King Suryavarman II built it.

Night: Sunset and Social Conscience

With only a day in Angkor, it’s worth taking in the views at sunset as well as sunrise. Hike up Phnom Bakheng hill to the temple that bears its name and savor sweeping vistas across Angkor Wat—or watch the sunset from atop Pre Rup temple. Head into Siem Reap for dinner at one of the city’s socially conscious restaurants. Marum is part of the TREE Alliance, which helps train young and underprivileged Cambodians for careers in hospitality. Wrap up the night with two classic Siem Reap experiences: a pedicure from “doctor fish,” which nibble away dry skin, and a trawl through riotous Pub Street.

The ruins of the medieval Khmer empire stretch well beyond the Angkor Wat temple complex. With two days in the Angkor area, you can enjoy a magical sunrise and sunset, bag the “big three” (Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Ta Prohm), tour atmospheric ruins still covered in jungle, and even see a dance performance. Read on to find out how.

Day 1: Jungle Sights

Day: With two days in the Angkor area, spend your first day playing Indiana Jones among overgrown ruins before you head to the more manicured big three. One great option is Beng Mealea, a tumbled 12th-century temple complex on an enormous scale, still covered in tropical jungle. Pair this with highlights of Koh Ker, the 10th-century capital of the Khmer empire, which once spanned around 14 square miles (36 square kilometers). Alternatively, spend the day at Phnom Kulen National Park, where waterfalls and sacred Buddhist sites meld with Angkorian temples and carvings for a quintessentially Cambodian experience.

Night: With a history dating back to the Angkor era, Khmer classical dance is the perfect way to prepare yourself for the majesty of Angkor Wat. The delicate Apsara (nymph) dance, created by Cambodian royalty during the 20th century, is tailor-made for dinner theater.

Day 2: The Big Three

Morning: Start the day bright and early by watching the sun rise behind the soaring turrets of the Angkor Wat temple complex. Once you’ve captured the shots you need, leave Angkor Wat to the masses for now and beat the crowds to Ta Prohm, often called the Tomb Raider temple.

Afternoon: Check off the third of the big three, Angkor Thom, the spectacular capital city that centers on the Bayon Temple, known as the Temple of a Thousand Faces. Return to Angkor Wat later in the day, once the crowds have thinned, and walk through the vast complex with a guide.

Night: Soak in the scale of the Angkor kingdom as you watch the sunset from the temple atop Phnom Bakheng. Then enjoy dinner in Siem Reap at a restaurant that helps train underprivileged youth; Marum is a good choice. Wrap up with a fish pedicure and a stroll down raucous Pub Street.

While not as well known as Thai or Vietnamese food, the Khmer cuisine slung at Siem Reap food stalls and crafted over the coals of local restaurants is certainly worth sampling after that visit to Angkor Wat. These are some must-try dishes and must-have foodie experiences.

Must-Try Dishes

Hungry locals rise and shine with hearty portions of bai sach chrouk, a traditional pork and rice dish with thinly sliced pork with coconut milk, ginger, pickled cucumbers, and daikon, served steaming hot at nearly every street corner with a small side of savory chicken broth. In a region that’s famous for curry, Khmer red curry is a must-try. This less-spicy cousin of Thai curry is perfect for travelers who love the rich coconut and spices without the serious kick of heat. Pho lovers can tuck into piping hot bowls of nom bahn chok —popular Khmer noodles made from hand-pounded rice and typically served at breakfast. Seafood lovers will appreciate amok fish, a Khmer dish served in a thick yellow curry sauce. Gastronomic adventurers can challenge their palates with chili-fried insects, a street food specialty, or stir-fried red tree ants with beef and basil.

Must-Do Experiences

• Sample the best street food eats on an evening food tour of Siem Reap’s night markets by remork-moto (a motorized tuk tuk).

• Learn to prepare authentic Cambodian cuisine alongside local chefs in a rural Cambodian village.

• Explore the floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake at sunset on a romantic evening dinner cruise.

• Tuck into a Cambodian buffet dinner while watching a traditional Apsara dance performance.

• Get a taste of Sombai, Cambodia’s local liqueur, with a guided tasting and infusion workshop.

From 1975 to 1979, under the leadership of communist dictator Pol Pot, the Khmer Rouge carried out a mass genocide in Cambodia that led to the deaths of more than two million people. Here are a few places in and around Phnom Penh where you can learn more about this dark period of the nation’s history.

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is housed within a high school that was turned into Security Prison 21 (S-21 Prison) during Pol Pot’s regime. It quickly became the largest facility of its kind in the country. Today, the museum testifies to the crimes of the Khmer Rouge against the 17,000 people held here.

Choeung Ek Killing Fields

A peaceful, rural area outside of Phnom Penh was the site of 17,000 executions of men, women, and children during the Khmer Rouge regime. Most of the mass graves have been left untouched, but a tower of 8,000 human skulls arranged behind clear glass panels give an idea of the scope of the atrocities committed here— an area now known as the Killing Fields.

Phnom Ta Reach

While not as well known as the Genocide Museum or the Killing Fields, this off-the-beaten-track site was where Pol Pot ordered prisoners to carve a tunnel through a rocky mountain over 650 feet (200 meters) long.

National Museum of Cambodia

While the National Museum isn’t directly tied to the Khmer Rouge, it puts the era into a greater historical context through one of the biggest collections of Khmer art and artifacts in the world.

From food to art to religion, it’s a joy to explore Khmer culture in Siem Reap, no matter where your interests lie. Whether you want to create something with your own hands or simply admire traditional Cambodian architecture or performance art, here are some options.

• Head into the countryside for a cooking class in a rural village, where you make dishes such as a classic amok (curry) with coconut milk.

• Opt for a cooking class in Siem Reap, which may also include a tuk-tuk ride to the Old Market (Psar Chaa).

• Enjoy an evening out at an Apsara dance performance.

• Take a pottery class or a ceramic art workshop to try your hand at making a Khmer item that you can take home.

• Visit local Buddhist temples, especially Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the top attractions in Asia. Crowded is an understatement here, so try a sunrise tour or helicopter tour for something different.

The remains of the medieval Khmer empire cover hundreds of square miles, meaning there’s much more to the Angkor area than the Angkor Wat temple complex alone. With three days to explore Angkor, you can bag the “big three” temples, savor sunrise and sunset, hike Phnom Kulen National Park, and see less-visited Beng Mealea and Koh Ker. Here’s how.

Day 1: Jungle Waterfalls and Ruins

Spend your first day exploring Phnom Kulen National Park, a site of Buddhist pilgrimage today and a focal point for Hindu worship during the Khmer empire. Splash in a waterfall; admire Angkor-era riverbed carvings; soak up the atmosphere at 9th-century ruined temples; and, when conditions permit, visit the vast stone animals at Elephant Pond (Sra Damrei). Opt for an air-conditioned vehicle over a tuk-tuk when it comes to transport. Back in Siem Reap, soothe tired feet with a “doctor fish” pedicure, then choose between a street-food feast and one of several restaurants that help prepare young Cambodians from disadvantaged backgrounds for hospitality careers. Marum is well-regarded.

Day 2: Ancient Angkor

The Khmer empire spanned five centuries, so start the day by exploring one of its earlier—and less-visited—incarnations, still covered in jungle. Koh Ker, the 10th-century capital city, covered around 14 square miles (36 square kilometers) at its peak, so opt for both a driver and a guide. On your way back toward Siem Reap, stop at the 12th-century temple Beng Mealea. With trees, vines, and local wildlife clambering over its tumbled stones, it’s one of the Angkor area’s most atmospheric temples. Over dinner, take in a performance of delicate and timeless Apsara (nymph) dance, created for a Khmer princess in the middle of the 20th century.

Day 3: The Big Three

Spend your last day in the Angkor area soaking up the big three: Ta Prohm, Angkor Wat, and Angkor Thom. Start the day with a spectacular sunrise at the Angkor Wat temple complex, then head to Ta Prohm (the so-called Tomb Raider temple) as soon as it opens to beat the crowds. Next, explore Angkor Thom, the last great capital of the medieval Khmer kings and home to the Bayon Temple with its hundreds of serene faces. Once the crowds have thinned a little, return to Angkor Wat and learn about the religion that underpins its sacred architecture. If the sky looks promising, scale Phnom Bakheng for an epic sunset from an ancient temple. Back in Siem Reap, wrap up your stay in style with dinner at Wat Damnak, among the nation’s top fine-dining restaurants.

Dating back to the ninth century, the palaces and temples of Angkor Archeological Park served as capitals of the ancient Khmer empire for six centuries. Angkor Wat may be the most famous temple complex of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it’s certainly not the only one. Here are a few other temples you shouldn’t miss.

Angkor Wat Angkor Wat, located just north of Siem Reap, is one of the largest Khmer ruins in the region and the most recognizable landmark in Cambodia. Built by King Suryavarman II in the early 1100s, this Hindu temple was dedicated to Vishnu. Most visitors choose to come here either at sunrise or sunset when the light is at its most atmospheric.

Bayon This popular temple is known for the 216 enigmatic stone faces—believed to represent compassion—that are carved into its stone towers. Constructed during the late-12th and early-13th centuries, the small complex once served as the official state Buddhist temple for King Jayavarman VII.

Ta Prohm One of the best-known standalone temples of Angkor, Ta Prohm has been overtaken by strangler figs since it was abandoned centuries ago. The strange combination of man-made architecture and nature have made it one of the most popular stops in the park, especially since its appearance in the 2001 film Tomb Raider.

Ta Som This temple, also overtaken by roots, offers a quieter alternative to often busy Ta Prohm. The entrance alone, through a tree-encased doorway, is worth the visit. Don’t be surprised if you have this off-the-beaten-path temple mostly to yourself.

Banteay Srei Situated about 24 miles (38 kilometers) northeast of Siem Reap, Banteay Srei is a favorite among temple buffs for its fine collection of intricate stone carvings picked out of rose-pink sandstone. In fact, it was called “a jewel of Khmer art” by the archaeologists who uncovered it. Visit on your own or as part of a multi-day tour of the area’s many temples.

Cambodia is a nation rich with history and ripe with beauty, and Phnom Penh offers travelers an ideal starting point to experience the best of both. With three days to spend in the Cambodian capital, you can see the city’s top attractions, learn about the Khmer Rouge, and explore a bit beyond the city. Here are some suggestions.

Day 1: Phnom Penh City

For your first day in the city, get oriented with a sightseeing tour around town. Go shopping at the Russian Market (the largest in Cambodia), stroll the manicured gardens of hilltop Wat Phnom Temple, and marvel at the ornate architecture of the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. Choose between a half-day morning tour and a full-day tour that includes an exploration of the Khmer Rouge history in the afternoon. Whether you go with a guide or on your own, you won’t want to miss the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, which together tell the story of the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge during the 1970s. If you’d prefer to explore the Cambodian capital at your own pace, consider the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus, which stops at major city landmarks, as well as the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Refuel with an evening food tour through the city by tuk-tuk. 

Day 2: The Mighty Mekong

The Mekong River and vast Tonle Sap Lake are critical to life in Cambodia. Today’s your opportunity to spend some time on the water to get a feel for day-to-day life in rural Cambodia. For a full day of activity, opt for a Mekong River cruise from Phnom Penh. Hop off at Silk Island to learn more about the area’s silk-weaving heritage, and soak up the unique landscape of Tonle Sap, the biggest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. For a more intimate look at life on the river, spend the afternoon with a local fisherman learning how to throw nets to snag catfish and giant freshwater Mekong prawns. Whether or not you catch anything, you’ll still enjoy a simple seafood dinner prepared right onboard. If you haven’t yet sampled some traditional Khmer food, tonight is a good opportunity to do so.

Day 3: Cambodian Day Trips

Phnom Penh makes an excellent base for exploring other areas of Cambodia. Animal lovers might want to escape the heat and support a good cause with a visit to the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center to observe rescued pileated gibbons, Siamese crocodiles, and Malayan sun bears. Those interested in Angkorian temples will find a quieter alternative to Siem Reap on a day trip to Phnom Prasith and Phnom Reap temples, while nature lovers can opt to spend a day hiking the trails of Kirirom National Park. Another popular option is a trip to Mt. Oudong with its reclining Buddha statue at Phnom Baset. No matter which option you choose, you’ll be back in Phnom Penh in time for a relaxing dinner at a riverside restaurant or for a cultural performance at the National Museum of Phnom Penh.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital city, sits at the confluence of three rivers, including the mighty Mekong. It’s a city where old and new collide—a city of two million people that is at once captivating and overwhelming. If you’re pressed for time, here are some tips for how to spend 24 hours in Phnom Penh.

Morning: City Sightseeing

Start your day with a city tour—you’ll get to see a lot in a limited amount of time. Depending on the itinerary you choose, you might visit the stately Royal Palace, browse the collection of Khmer art at the National Museum of Cambodia, and climb to the top of Wat Phnom, one of the city’s best-known Buddhist temples. For greater flexibility (and to tour at your own pace), climb aboard the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus, which stops at several important landmarks in and around Phnom Penh.

Afternoon: Khmer Rouge History

Start your afternoon with a visit to the somber Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Housed in the former Security Prison 21, the museum offers an introduction to the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge, who murdered more than one million Cambodians between 1975 and 1979. Many sightseeing tours include the museum, as well as a trip south of the city to the Choeung Ek Killing Fields. While sobering, a visit to these two sites is critical to better understanding modern Cambodia as it continues to recover.

Night: Sunset Cruise

This evening, wind down with a relaxing sunset cruise on the mighty Mekong River. Choose a cruise with an open bar and fresh fruit to snack on, or a dinner cruise with a full barbecue buffet onboard. Glide past the city, see the floating villages of Tonle Sap, and watch the sun set over Silk Island. You’ll get back to the city with enough time for some shopping or street-food grazing at the riverside Phnom Penh night market.  

Two days in the Cambodian capital gives you enough time to explore the city’s past, including the dark days of the Khmer Rouge, as well as its modern culinary and cultural scenes. Here are our recommendations for how to spend the ultimate 48 hours in Phnom Penh. 

Day 1: History and Heritage

**Morning:**Get oriented with a city sightseeing tour of Phnom Penh this morning. Choose between the flexibility of a private tour and the value of a small-group tour as you make your way from the Royal Palace to the National Museum of Cambodia to the hilltop Wat Phnom temple. Alternatively, make use of the hop-on hop-off bus to explore at your leisure.

**Afternoon:**To fully understand Cambodia, you have to learn about the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge. This afternoon, learn about a dark chapter in Cambodian history as you visit two critically important sites, the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, housed in a former high school that was used as a death camp, and Choeung Ek, one of the Killing Fields where altogether more than a million Cambodians were murdered.

**Night:**After a long day of sightseeing, unwind this evening on a sunset cruise on the waters of the Mekong River. Sip cocktails or enjoy a dinner buffet as you float past the banks of Phnom Penh and the villages of Tonle Sap. 

Day 2: Food and Culture

**Morning:**This morning, head to the rural community of Silk Island (Koh Dach) for a glimpse of day-to-day life in rural Cambodia. Cruise to the island to visit a silk plantation, or take a walking or cycling tour of the island’s villages to learn more about its farms and silk weavers. 

**Afternoon:**Treat your tastebuds to some of Phnom Penh’s best bites this afternoon on a tasting tour. Sample local specialties such as fried noodles, spicy papaya salad, Khmer curries, barbecued meats, and exotic fruits from markets, cafés, restaurants, and street-food stalls. 

**Night:**Wrap up your trip with a special night at the National Museum of Cambodia for a cultural performance as Cambodian mythology comes to life through music, dance, and beautiful costumes. For something a bit more low-key, explore the city’s burgeoning beer and cider scene with a pint at a local brewery.

When you need a break from the bustle of the Cambodian capital, hop on a bike for a 2-wheeled excursion—whether for a few hours or a few days—outside the city. You’ll get a look at local life on the outskirts of town while taking in local villages, farmlands, and the Mekong River. Here are your best bets.

Single-Day Bike Tours

Rather than riding in the city itself, most Phnom Penh cycling day tours take you just outside the urban area to explore locations around the Mekong River, such as Silk Island, known for its silk-weaving demonstrations and village life. Or, bike the back roads on a tour to Oudong Mountain, passing by rice fields, temples, and villages.

Multi-Day Bike Tours

To get a feel for how people live in rural Cambodia, book a multi-day cycling tour to destinations outside the city. An overnight tour to Kirirom National Park, located 70 miles (110 kilometers) from Phnom Penh, gives you the chance to admire the natural beauty of the area as you pass by lakes and through forests. Some tours include a homestay with a local family. For an even longer adventure, opt for a Pepper Route bike tour, where you’ll ride along country roads to see villages and Khmer temples. Some tours include visits to Khmer Rouge Killing Fields sites, where you can learn about a sobering piece of Cambodia’s history.

While Southeast Asian influence is evident in dishes in Phnom Penh, many Khmer recipes pre-date the chili’s popularity. As a result, food here is milder than that of neighboring Thailand, making the city an ideal gateway to the rest of the region’s cuisine. Here are some of the best foods and food-related experiences in Phnom Penh.

Must-Try Dishes

As in many Southeast Asian countries, breakfast in Cambodia is typically a savory affair. Start your day with an early morning bowl of nom banh chok, a dish of rice noodles in a savory broth with bean sprouts, banana flowers, cucumbers, green onions, mint, and basil.

If you only have time to try one Khmer dish in Phnom Penh, make it fish amok, mild white fish cooked in a rich and creamy curry and steamed in a banana leaf bowl. Milder but just as flavorful as its Thai counterpart, Khmer curry is often made with chicken, coconut cream, and diced sweet potatoes served over rice or a baguette. Those who prefer red meat can sample bò lúc lắc, stir-fried beef seasoned with Kampot pepper on a bed of fresh vegetables. No matter what you order, be sure to try it with a dollop of prahok, a favorite Cambodian condiment of fermented fish paste.

Must-Do Experiences

Embark on a tasting tour of Phnom Penh’s best street food from the stalls of Phsar Kandal and Phsar Chas markets.

Sip coffee in the city’s old French quarter.

Get a feel for how local chefs shop with a guided visit to Phnom Penh’s famous Central Market and Russian Market.

Discover the secrets of Khmer cooking during a hands-on class led by a local chef.

Hop aboard a tuk tuk for an evening of food and craft-beer tasting.

Learn how Cambodian beer is made during a tour of the Kingdom Breweries facility, sampling various beers and ciders along the way.