8 Best Tours in Cambodia

Discover one of the most astounding architectural achievements in the world with a day trip to Angkor Wat from Siem Reap. Begin your morning with a drive to Angkor Thom, the city founded by King Jayavarman VII in the late 1100s. Walk beneath the intricately carved gates and marvel at the impressive Bayon Temple. Later, make your way to Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world.

Across the site's 163 hectares, uncover majestic shrines, elaborate carvings, and 12th-century sculptures – all set in a landscape of lush lawns, towering palms, and a glistening moat.

While Angkor Wat is undoubtedly the most significant temple complex in the country, there's much more to see outside Siem Reap. Venture to the Cambodia-Thailand border for a visit to Preah Vihear, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the 11th century.

Set atop a cliff, the sprawling Hindu complex features a collection of temples connected by a series of walkways and stairs. Stroll the ancient grounds, admire the masterful artwork, and then dig into a traditional lunch of Cambodian classics.

Just an hour outside of Siem Reap sits Banteay Srei, an ancient temple complex near the border of the spectacular Phnom Kulen National Park. Travel out of the city to observe the structures made of striking red sandstone, which offer eye-catching contrast to the dense green jungle right behind them.

Get an up-close look at the remarkable inscriptions that depict figures of male and female divinities. After lunch at a nearby eatery, cap off your tour with a visit to Kbal Spean, a site filled with 11th-century Hindu sculptures sitting alongside a trickling river.

In Siem Reap, dive into the culinary side of the culture with a guided tour of the city's best street food stalls and locally loved restaurants. Spend an evening sampling a wide range of mouthwatering and unique Khmer creations such as lok lak beef, grilled frog legs, and spicy papaya salad.

As you wander your way around the night market, bask in the smell of the aromatic spices as your guide explains a bit about the cultures that have influenced the country's food. Wash it all down with a cold Cambodian beer before heading back to your hotel.

For an extra-enchanting evening, pair traditional Cambodian food with a gorgeous performance that highlights the country's religious beliefs and heritage. At Koulen Restaurant in Siem Reap, feast on a meal of authentic dishes including barbecue beef, chicken curry, fried pork, and fish amok. As you dine, take in a captivating show filled with dazzling costumes, lively music, and religious folklore. Let yourself get whisked away into another world by the mesmerizing dances and mythological tales.

In the capital city of Phnom Penh, historical wonders and modern-day monuments meet to create a dynamic and compelling environment. On a half-day tour, explore the city's top landmarks, traveling first to the Royal Palace, the official residence of the King of Cambodia.

Marvel at its arresting architectural designs and admire the Silver Pagoda, in which sits a gold Buddha adorned with more than 2,000 diamonds. Later, make a stop to see the handsome Independence Monument, a 1958 landmark built to commemorate the country's freedom from France.

While there's much to see in the way of beauty in Phnom Penh, a visit to the city isn't complete without honoring its haunting yet significant history. With a private guide, take a journey to Choeung Ek – the best-known of the sites referred to as the Killing Fields – where thousands of men, women, and children were executed at the hands of the Khmer Rouge.

Next, visit the site of the former S-21 prison, which is now a museum. There, you can learn the stories of those who were kept prisoner during the genocide of Cambodia. After paying your respects to the lives that were lost, conclude your tour at the mystical Ta Prohm temple.

Spend a lovely afternoon enjoying the natural beauty of Phnom Penh and the surrounding country. Start the day zipping through the bustling city in a tuk tuk and then take a more peaceful turn as you cruise onto the island that sits in the middle of the Mekong River. Watch silk weavers at work, learn about their agricultural lifestyle, and pop into the home of a local family for some traditional snacks.

As the evening draws near, you board a boat on the river to see Phnom Penh at sunset. Sit back and relax as you take in the varied architecture, watching as it turns into a textured silhouette while the sky changes color.