Temples reclaimed by jungle, and a capital still finding its voice.
Cambodia's temples at Angkor are the reason most people come, but Phnom Penh's more recent history adds a sobering, important second half to any trip.
Amok
A creamy coconut curry, traditionally made with fish, steamed in a banana-leaf cup.
Khmer red curry
A milder coconut curry with lemongrass, potatoes, and a choice of protein.
Num banh chok
Rice noodles served cold with a green fish-based curry sauce, a popular breakfast dish.
Kampot pepper dishes
Dishes built around Kampot's famous peppercorns, prized for their bright, floral heat.
Angkor Wat
The largest religious monument in the world, built in the 12th century as a Hindu temple before later becoming Buddhist. Its five central towers, representing the peaks of Mount Meru, are among the most recognizable silhouettes in Southeast Asia, especially at sunrise. A single visit barely scratches the surface of its carved galleries and reflecting pools.
Angkor Thom & the Bayon
The last great capital of the Khmer Empire, its central Bayon temple famous for over 200 massive serene stone faces gazing out in every direction. The South Gate approach, lined with rows of carved figures, sets the tone before reaching the temple itself. It sits within walking or biking distance of Angkor Wat.
Ta Prohm
Left largely as it was found, this temple has been partly reclaimed by the jungle, with massive silk-cotton and strangler fig tree roots wrapping over its stone walls and towers. It gained wider fame as a filming location for Tomb Raider. The combination of ruin and living forest makes it one of the most photographed sites at Angkor.
Tonlé Sap Lake
Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake, which dramatically expands and contracts with the seasons, supporting floating villages that rise and fall with the water level. Boat trips from Siem Reap pass stilted houses, floating markets, and fishing communities adapted to this unusual rhythm. It offers a different, more everyday view of Cambodian life than the temples.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
A former high school converted into a prison and interrogation center during the Khmer Rouge regime, now preserved as a memorial and museum. Rooms of photographs of victims and preserved cells offer a direct, unflinching account of a period that killed roughly a quarter of the population. It's a difficult but widely considered essential visit.
Royal Palace, Phnom Penh
The official residence of the King of Cambodia, its golden spires and manicured grounds sit beside the Silver Pagoda, named for its floor of solid silver tiles. It offers a lighter counterpoint to the capital's more sobering historical sites. Modest dress is required to enter the grounds.
8 days covers Siem Reap/Angkor and Phnom Penh at a comfortable pace. 4–5 works for just Angkor; 10+ lets you add the coast around Sihanoukville.
1. Days 1–4
Siem Reap & Angkor
Sunrise at Angkor Wat, the Bayon's faces, Ta Prohm's tree roots, and a Tonlé Sap boat trip.
2. Days 5–7
Phnom Penh
The Royal Palace, riverside promenade, and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.
~40min flight or 6h bus from Siem Reap
Day 8
Departure
Fly out of Phnom Penh.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Cambodia?
Yes, most nationalities need either an e-visa, applied for online in advance, or a visa on arrival — both straightforward and inexpensive.
Which airport should I fly into?
Siem Reap (REP) or Phnom Penh (PNH), depending on which city you'd rather start in.
How many days do I need at Angkor?
At least 2–3 full days to see the main temples (Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm) without rushing; a multi-day pass is worth it over a single-day ticket.
Can I pay in US dollars in Cambodia?
Yes, USD is used interchangeably with Cambodian riel almost everywhere — riel is typically only used for small change.