Between jungle, temples, floating villages and heroic rats
If you thought Cambodia was nothing but ancient crumbling temples, a tropical oven, and an angry army of mosquitoes ready to suck out your soul, well... not quite!
This place is an incredible mix of epic history, dreamlike landscapes, and moments when you find yourself wondering:
"Am I inside Tomb Raider? Laraaaa, help!"
We’re about to show you the seven coolest unmissable experiences Cambodia has to offer.
1. Angkor Wat and friends: a trip among giant, slightly creepy temples
If you go to Cambodia and don’t set foot in Angkor Wat, you might as well save yourself the trip. This temple is so enormous it could probably hold half the cathedrals in Europe.
Then there’s Ta Prohm, where nature has staged its comeback, with trees and roots weaving through the stones like clingy exes that just won’t let go. And to top it off, there’s the Bayon, with its 216 stone faces staring at you as if to say: “Yep, I can see you EVERYWHERE you turn, so watch yourself!”
Creeped out? Just a little!
2. Apopo’s hero rats: the sweeter side of the sewer
In the middle of nowhere in Cambodia, there’s Apopo, an NGO that trains rats to save human lives. Yes, you read that right: rats.
Don’t wrinkle your nose—these little whiskered, long-tailed rascals are trained to sniff out landmines. Pretty amazing, right? A whole gang of rats saving people’s lives. So if you’re in the area, stop by and say hello to these heroic rodents—and give them a salute for me too!
3. Tonlé Sap: the floating village of wonders
Welcome to Tonlé Sap, where people live on the water as if it were the most normal thing in the world. Floating houses, floating schools, even a floating church.
It’s basically a Cambodian version of Noah’s Ark, except instead of animals you’ll find beat-up scooters that look like they might sink at any moment. Here, people welcome you with smiles, conversation, and if you’re lucky, even a cold beer.
Oh, and don’t be surprised if a kid zooms past you paddling in a basin—for them, that’s the scooter of the future! Just be careful if you don’t want to end up taking a dip yourself!
4. Phnom Penh: drinks that help you digest the darkest history
Phnom Penh, the capital, is a beautiful chaos: colonial buildings, golden temples, and a past that hits you hard. The National Museum is fantastic for Khmer art lovers, but then there’s Tuol Sleng prison, which sends chills down your spine as you think about all the suffering this place endured. A real punch to the heart.
But don’t worry: after all that emotional intensity, you can unwind by the river. You’ll find bars serving knockout cocktails and some seriously gorgeous views. When history weighs heavy, a good drink helps.
5. Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem: dream islands and amazing barbecues
If you’ve always dreamed of playing the part of a sun-soaked pirate on holiday, then Koh Rong is for you. White-sand beaches, waters that look Photoshopped, and parties that only end when you drop. It’s paradise for backpackers with a few coins in their pocket and a cold beer always within reach.
If you’re after something more peaceful, there’s Koh Rong Sanloem: here you can go snorkeling, meditate, or simply stretch out and do absolutely nothing. Trust us: Cambodia’s islands are waiting for you with the scent of sunscreen and mouthwatering grilled fish.
6. Kampot: pepper in your coffee, crabs, and Schrödinger’s crocodiles
Kampot is the perfect refuge to recover after making a fool of yourself and losing all dignity in Koh Rong.
Everything here revolves around pepper: black, white, red—they put it everywhere, even in coffee.
But the real show is in Kep, at the crab markets, where you pick your favorite and they cook it for you on the spot.
And if you’re feeling like a would-be explorer, grab a canoe and drift along the river. Crocodiles? Who knows! They’re there and not there—just like Schrödinger’s cat!
7. Mondulkiri: elephants, gibbons and zip-lines!
Now enough with temples and beer. Head to Mondulkiri, in the wild east of Cambodia, where nature pretty much does whatever it wants!
Here you can walk through the jungle with elephants, watch gibbons swinging from tree to tree, and take an epic shower beneath a waterfall. This is Cambodia at its most authentic: less crowded, less touristy, and full of raw beauty.
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, try the zip-line that lets you soar above the forest. And if you fall—well, at least you’ll have a great story to tell (provided you make it home in one piece)!
Read also: The 5 craziest facts about Sri Lanka that will make you say: “what the heck?!”
And to finish, a beer on Pub Street!
After trekking through temples, jungles and floating villages, there’s only one way to wrap things up properly: head to Pub Street in Siem Reap and dive straight into the madness.
Here there’s only one rule: no holding back. Fried noodles, spring rolls, music blasting your ears off, and beers cheaper than a bottle of water. It’s organized chaos, the perfect place to raise a glass to your trip with your face covered in sweat and smiles.
Cambodia gets under your skin: history that hits hard, breathtaking landscapes, and people who make you feel at home even when you’re thousands of miles away. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, lace up your boots and come to Cambodia with us! Oh, and bring insect repellent: the mosquitoes are already licking their chops!
