Cambodian adventure holidays are famous for being culturally enriching experiences with plenty of exciting things to do. To help you get your adrenaline fix we’ve pulled together seven of the best activities In Cambodia.
Based in South East Asia, Cambodia has a terrible past. Between 1975 and 1979 the Khmer Rouge regime killed around 21-24% of the countries population. Estimates put the death toll at around 1.7 million people.
But this sublime Southeast Asian nation is picturesque with a fascinating ancient history and culture. Reclaimed from the jungle in the 1990s the UNESCO world heritage site of Angkor Wat is a must visit destination.
Cambodian people are very friendly, the food a tasty mix of Thai, French, Chinese and Indian cuisine. The landscape is stunning and provides the perfect playground for Cambodian adventure holidays.
Here’s our list of the top seven ways to experience adventure in Cambodia.
Cambodia has an array of beautiful beaches lining its coast, and none are more impressive than Sihanoukville. But if you’re looking for something more than just lounging on the golden sands, this sleepy town is the unofficial scuba-capital of Cambodia.
Boats regularly depart from Sihanoukville port for the number of small uninhabited islands just off the Cambodian coast. These islands are home to myriad tropical fish and coral, ideal for an unforgettable diving experience.
There is a huge variety of dive sites available, so there is something for you whether you’re a beginner or an expert. If you’ve never tried scuba diving before, Sihanoukville has PADI dive schools to get you up to speed and ready to dive.
Cambodia is a country of stunning scenery and awe-inspiring natural beauty. And to experience Cambodia holidays than from the seat of a mountain bike is easily one of the best activities in Cambodia.
Cycling keeps you involved with the authentic natural feel of the country. But it gets you around to the beautiful sights a lot quicker than walking.
Where you go is completely up to you, but there are a few classic itineraries you can follow. The Mekong River makes an excellent trail to follow. You’ll enjoy views of Cambodian farms, scenic silk villages and of course the river itself.
Another popular choice is to navigate your way between the magical temples of the Angkor region. With a country this impressive, you can’t really go wrong.
The wilderness of northern Cambodia is the place to go if you want to enjoy trekking. Begin your journey from the city of Siem Reap, which is also the home to UNESCO world heritage site Angkor Wat.
It is a popular tourist destination, and might not seem like a sensible starting point for a trekking adventure. However, travel just a little way north and you’ll find yourself surrounded by untouched natural beauty.
There are a number of sites here that you really won’t want to miss. The beautiful Temple of the Women still stands from the 10th century and gives you a real sense of the history of Cambodia.
The River of a Thousand Lingas and it’s impressive waterfall is another of the region’s unforgettable sights. With a variety of temples and natural scenery to enjoy, you’re never too far from something incredible.
The Kampot Province is Cambodia in microcosm. Rolling green hills and towering forests back onto tranquil villages and rice paddies. It’s a beautiful and peaceful place.
It’s also home to the broad-shouldered Kampot River which offers the intrepid traveller excellent opportunities for kayaking. This is a unique way to see this exquisite region during Cambodian adventure holidays.
The river has just about everything you could ask for from a kayaking experience. Long stretches of gentle, relaxing waters give way to rapids to get the adrenaline flowing. There are plenty of places to dock your kayak and go ashore, should you get the urge.
And you can be sure that your journey will be variously punctuated with the daily lives of local fishermen and impressive wildlife. Without doubt one of the best activities in Cambodia.
You might also find it interesting to go rafting in Cambodia. Don’t expect raging whitewater, but a voyage down the Mekong river in a boat is a great adventure.
Bokor National Park is one of the most striking experiences that Cambodia provides. It’s a huge, sprawling, verdant landscape or natural wonders.
Home to wild tigers and elephants it makes for a great adventure safari. Hiking is the most popular way to get around and it’s the only way to take in some of the impressive sights.
The ruins of the Black Palace should be on any itinerary. Actually a complex of villas rather than a palace, the uninspiring windowless exterior gives way to pretty marble floors and a sense of the grandiose.
The Hill Station is another enjoyable glimpse into Cambodia’s past. Built by the French in the 1920s, this creepy building has been the location for a number of movies.
Bokor National Park offers travellers than chance to see wonderful natural scenery and diversity. Experienced alongside reminders of Cambodia’s past it is very different to most holiday.
Not many people realise it but you can go surfing in Cambodia! On the slightly difficult to reach Bamboo Island. You may not get the swell of Inonesia or Vietnam but three to six foot waves are not uncommon.
Fancy a Cambodian holiday? Make sure to check out our Cambodia adventure discounts as you could save a fortune.
2 responses to “Cambodian adventure holidays: 7 best activities in Cambodia”
Good evening, my name is Jacques Archambault. Many of your activities in Cambodia seem interesting. Could you please provide more information as to options, cost, etc. on Cycling in Angkor Wat, Cycling along the Mekong, Kayaking the Kampot River, Rafting the Mekong River, the Bokor National Park, and Bamboo Island. We plan on traveling to Cambodia toward the end of February until March 12. Thank you
Thanks for getting in Touch Jacques. This article about the best activities in Cambodia is not activities we provide but things that are possible which we think are well worth doing. I spend a month in Cambodia 20 years ago so I expect things have changed a bit in that time!! To see all the activities (with prices etc) that we provid in Cambodia go to this page: https://awe365.com/destination/cambodia/