Top 20 Best Things to Do near Phnom Penh
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Top 20 Best Things to Do near Phnom Penh

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Tonlé Sap
    󰺂4.9
    Sot NikumMore than 100 km from Phnom Penh
    Highlights:
    󰀆Experience local fishermen's life
    󱓊Unique lake culture & charm
    󱨠164 positive reviews
    4.4/5
    知游旅行知游旅行

    Tonglisa Lake can see the Khmer water family, feel the life of the local poor, you can also take a boat to visit the mangrove forest, explore the water world, of course, the most beautiful is the sunset on the lake, feel the sunset process on the lake!

  • Koh Rong
    󰺂4.2
    Sihanoukville.Koh RongMore than 100 km from Phnom Penh
    Highlights:
    󰋄Zipline adventure between islands
    󰀆Experience raw & natural surroundings
    󱨠Saved by 141 users
    4.5/5
    travel triptravel trip

    amazing beach. nice white sand. best place to relax.will keep coming back.

  • Apsara Theatre
    󰺂4.3
    1345
    Siem Reap.Siem Reap Wat Bo AreaMore than 100 km from Phnom Penh
    󱨠32% positive reviews
    4.5/5
    PechsreyrathPechsreyrath

    The show was amazing. I thought the food not much but it was alot that I couldn’t finish it.

  • Street 08
    󰺂4.2
    Siem Reap.Siem Reap DowntownMore than 100 km from Phnom Penh
    Highlights:
    󱓊Angkor Night Market's local charm
    󱨜Siem Reap's iconic bar hub
    󱨠Saved by 208 users󱨠102 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    长脸张少侠长脸张少侠

    Cambodia🇰🇭Siem Reap [Pub Street] Pub Street PubStreet is near the old market in Siem Reap. There are many snacks along the way. They are good value for money. There are some travel agencies near PubStreet, where you can buy bus tickets to Phnom Penh, Bangkok, Thailand, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. There are many bars, restaurants, massage shops and some small commodity markets on both sides of PubStreet. You can buy some souvenirs here.

  • Phare, The Cambodian Circus
    󰺂4.9
    568
    Siem ReapMore than 100 km from Phnom Penh
    Highlights:
    󰀆High-level acrobatics & dance
    Circus show by Angkor Wat
    󱨠Saved by 133 users󱨠81% positive reviews
    4.7/5
    KarolineHKarolineH

    Must see, so much fun to watch. Really cool experience. Highly recommended. Not been to anything like this for many years. Great for all ages. At the end you get the opportunity to meet and chat with the performers, great experience.

  • Angkor National Museum
    󰺂5.7
    342
    Siem Reap.AngkorMore than 100 km from Phnom Penh
    Highlights:
    󰀆Stroll through beautiful surrounding gardens
    󰀆Angkor Wat & modern architecture fusion
    󱨠Saved by 263 users󱨠594 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    EVGENII211291EVGENII211291

    Немноголюдно, очень удобно организовано, аудитория на русском языке. Каждый экспонат на своём месте. Рекомендую.

  • Angkor Wat
    󰺂9.0
    1088
    Siem ReapMore than 100 km from Phnom Penh
    Highlights:
    󱨜Admire the magnificent Buddhist complex of Angkor Wat
    󱓊Explore ancient Khmer legends' mysteries
    󱨠Saved by 1087 users󱨠1058 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    SoghepardoSoghepardo

    Overpriced and a bit overrated, the complex is a huge city so it’s impossible to visit if you don’t rent a scooter , of course by spending more money 8$ plus 37$ for the Angkor wat complex

  • Ta Prohm Temple
    󰺂4.4
    Siem ReapMore than 100 km from Phnom Penh
    Highlights:
    󱓊Temple entwined with giant roots
    󱨜Tomb Raider real-life adventure
    󱨠Saved by 196 users󱨠154 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Tana_TevyTana_Tevy

    Ta Prohm Temple at dawn is a magical experience, offering a serene and almost mystical atmosphere. As the sun begins to rise, the soft light filters through the thick jungle that surrounds the temple, casting long shadows and illuminating the massive roots of ancient trees that have entwined themselves around the stone structures. The interplay of light and shadow creates an ethereal scene, with the temple appearing as if it’s emerging from the jungle itself.The quietness of the early morning adds to the sense of wonder, with only the sounds of birds and the rustling of leaves breaking the silence. The temple, famous for its intertwined trees and ruins, takes on a different character at dawn—more peaceful and introspective compared to the busy hours later in the day.This is a time when the temple feels most like a living part of the forest, with nature and human creation blending seamlessly. Walking through the temple at this hour, you can almost imagine what it must have been like when it was first rediscovered, hidden away and forgotten by the world.If you’re planning to visit Ta Prohm at dawn, it’s best to arrive early to experience this tranquil moment before the crowds arrive, allowing you to truly appreciate the beauty and history of this remarkable site.

  • Angkor Thom
    󰺂4.8
    Siem ReapMore than 100 km from Phnom Penh
    Highlights:
    󰀆Moat surrounds & adds mystery
    󱨜54 Khmer-smiling Buddha statues
    󱨠Saved by 222 users󱨠181 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    Dr BPDr BP

    Angkor Thom is the name of the temple complex to the north of Angkor Wat. It includes, most famously Bayon, but also other dozens of other smaller gates and temples. You could spend days exploring around in here.

  • Bayon Temple
    󰺂4.3
    Siem ReapMore than 100 km from Phnom Penh
    Highlights:
    󱨜Appreciate the smiling Four-Faced Buddha
    Bayon Temple evening sunset view
    󱨠Saved by 189 users󱨠248 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    无为的无心草无为的无心草

    Bayan Temple is the national temple of the Angkor Dynasty in Cambodia. It is located at the center of the Angkor Tong Wangcheng. It was built by King Jehovah VII (Jayavarman VII) from the end of the 12th to early 13th centuries. It has many important historical significance: religious level ● reflects religious integration and transformation: The Bayan Temple witnessed the transformation of the Angkor dynasty's religious beliefs. Before that, the Angkor region was mainly Hindu, and the Bayan Temple was an important symbol of this religious transformation, with the strong promotion of Buddhism by Yamamoto VII. The temple has Buddhist elements, such as many Buddha statues and Buddhist story reliefs, and some Hindu traditions are integrated, which reflects the transition and tolerance of the religion of the society at that time, and also reflects the desire of the rulers to unite the people and consolidate their rule through religious integration. ● Promote Buddhist culture: Bayan Temple, as a Buddhist temple, was an important place for the spread and practice of Buddhism at that time. It promoted the development and prosperity of Buddhism in Angkor, attracting many monks and believers to practice and worship. The Buddha statue sculpture, mural and other art forms in the temple are not only the expression of religious belief, but also become the carrier of spreading Buddhist teachings and culture, which has a certain impact on the development of Buddhism in the surrounding area. Political level ● Signify the reign of king: Bayan Temple is a temple built for himself by King Jehovah VII and a symbol of his ruling power. The temple's large-scale, exquisite architecture and complex design showcase the king's wealth, power and ambition. The four-faced Buddha in the temple is considered a symbol of the king's face, a design that combines the king with the god Buddha, which aims to emphasize the divine status and legitimacy of the king's rule, and convey to the people that the king is the representative of God on earth, thereby strengthening the king's rule. ● Promoting national unity: At the height of the Angkor dynasty, Bayan Temple, as an important religious and political center of the country, played a role in rallying national strength and promoting national unity. People from different regions gathered to Bayan Temple for religious activities, strengthened exchanges and contacts between each other, helped to break the geographical gap, enhance the sense of identity and cohesion of the country, and was of great significance for maintaining the unity and stability of the country. Art level ● Show the peak of Khmer art: Bayan Temple has become an outstanding representative of Khmer art with its unique architectural style and exquisite carving skills. The relief murals in the temple are rich and varied, including war scenes, court life, folk stories, etc., vividly depicting all aspects of society at that time, providing precious visual materials for future generations to understand the history and culture of the Angkor Dynasty. Its architectural structure and decorative details reflect the outstanding wisdom and creativity of Khmer craftsmen, which has had a profound impact on the subsequent development of Cambodian architecture and art. ● Promote cultural exchange and dissemination: Bayan Temple, as an important symbol of Angkor culture, attracts artists, scholars and tourists from different regions. They appreciate and learn Khmer art here, promoting exchanges and dissemination among different cultures. The artistic style and creative techniques of Bayan Temple may also spread to the surrounding area, which has a certain promotion effect on the development of art in Southeast Asia.

Best things to do in Phnom Penh (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Phnom Penh? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Phnom Penh offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Phnom Penh

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Phnom Penh experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Tonlé Sap

• Sot Nikum | More than 100 km from Phnom Penh

• : Experience local fishermen's life,Unique lake culture & charm

Koh Rong

• Sihanoukville.Koh Rong | More than 100 km from Phnom Penh

• : Zipline adventure between islands,Experience raw & natural surroundings

Apsara Theatre

• Siem Reap.Siem Reap Wat Bo Area | More than 100 km from Phnom Penh

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Phnom Penh

If you want to explore attractions just outside Phnom Penh, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Phnom Penh, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Phnom Penh special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Phnom Penh

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Phnom Penh

Ready to explore the best of Phnom Penh? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What are some Best Things to Do near Phnom Penh?
Some Best Things to Do near Phnom Penh include:Tonlé Sap, Koh Rong, Apsara Theatre, Street 08, Phare, The Cambodian Circus
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do near Phnom Penh?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do near Phnom Penh include:Tonlé Sap:4.4, Koh Rong:4.5, Apsara Theatre:4.5, Street 08:4.7, Phare, The Cambodian Circus:4.7
Where are Best Things to Do near Phnom Penh located?
The Best Things to Do near Phnom Penh are mainly located in:Tonlé Sap:Sot Nikum, Koh Rong:Sihanoukville, Apsara Theatre:Siem Reap, Street 08:Siem Reap, Phare, The Cambodian Circus:Siem Reap
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