While on my travels, I met many travellers in Vietnam who also planned to go to Cambodia. I wanted to give them so many recommendations because since I have been here for a year, there are so many things that I have learned that you can do and see. I for sure have not done it all, but I have some recommendations for the major cities that people go to. As well, I think if you see a festivity in Cambodia, don't be afraid to ask what it is, maybe you could be lucky enough to join in one if you are here (example: I have been to a lot of weddings!) I think best way to go about this is to break up the cities and then list things in each category to do. Don't forget to also go off the beaten path! I know for me it is a little easier to do that because I live with a host family, but it has been so cool being to random rice fields in the middle of nowhere Cambodia.
I always tell myself that places are touristy for a reason, they are usually beautiful and very popular. So some of my recommendations are for sure touristy, but I recommend them because it is a way to learn about history or culture. So don't just look away from the touristy things, but embrace it and learn some new things!
*also this is not sponsored or anything like that, these are just recommendations!
Phnom Penh:
Tourism:
National Museum of Cambodia: I actually love this museum a lot because It has things from pre-Angkorian period, the Angkor period, and after! There are some signs for explanation, but it is a nice museum to walk through to see artifacts throughout Cambodian history. Also it has the World's Longest Krama (Cambodian scarf) set through the Guinness World Records
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum: in addition to the National Museum, I think it is also important to go to the genocide museum as well as the killing fields (which is separate and outside the city). When I took my mom to the museum, she described to be how eye-opening it was, and so I encourage those who come to Cambodia to come to the museum to learn more about Cambodia's history in the 1970s and the Khmer Rouge. When you come, please dress appropriately (no tank tops, no short shorts) and I encourage everyone to do the audio guide.
Royal Palace/ Silver Pagoda: this is the active royal palace of the Kingdom of Cambodia, so you can see the outside as well as next to the building is the Silver Pagoda and a beautifully painted mural! When you go to the entrance, there are official tour guides there who will ask if you want a guide, say yes and get more history and clarification!
SOSORO Museum: I haven't been to this museum yet, but it is an explanation of Cambodian currency and I heard it is super cool, so if you have extra time, for sure stop by!
Phnom Penh Night Market: the night market opens at 7 or 8 o'clock at night and is nice to walk around and see the stalls!
Tours:
I recommend doing Phnom Penh without a tour because you get to see the city at your own pace, but if you are limited, you can always check Viator or GetYourGuide for tours
Eats: this varies between coffee, breakfast, lunch, and dinner so check the hours for places on Google Maps!
Cuffeine: Planted-Based Coffee/ The Reading Lounge: last I was there, the Reading Lounge was not there yet, but now they have expanded the space to have a large library for books and a space to read and work. You can get the coffee from next door and have it there! The milk is plant-based only
Pizza 4Ps Quayside: Pizza 4Ps is a chain in Southeast Asia, but I specifically like this one because there is a nice view of the river. As well, they have a Nombanchok flavored pizza which is inspired by a traditional Khmer noodle dish, so that is fun to try!
Wild Phnom Penh: this is probably one of my favorite places in Phnom Penh because it is on a busy side-street (if you go you will see what I mean). You are in the middle of the city but you are also hanging out in what feels like a quiet area. The food and the drinks are good.
Elia Greek Kitchen Bassac Lane: I go for the vibes. Good price food but I just like the atmosphere
Farm to Table: I have only been once but there is a nice outdoor hangout area with benches and cute fairy lights; good food and good place to have a beer and hang out with friends
ម៉េង ហេង លក់សាច់គោអាំង និង ស៊ុប : I know this is in Khmer (either copy and past the name in google or also click the maps link below) great beef noodle soup for a cheap price!
Weeee Wonder Cafe: a little far out. ofthe way and during the tuk tuk driver you are thinking "where am I going???" but then you stumble upon this cute coffee shop with a nice drink menu, good playlist, and a nice quiet place to do work
Backyard Cafe: I like to go here for lunch with friends. Very much like a traditional "healthy eating place" with smoothie bowls etc. I opt. for the breakfast wrap
Lot369TTP: I could (and have) spent multiple hours here doing work. Go down the alley way where you are dropped off and go up the stairs at that is the cafe. I like to sit and see the view of the Russian market and get a coffee and do all of my work here. they have food and coffee so you really could stay there all day
Gourmet Kitchen: I shamelessly go here for breakfast by myself sometimes. It is Turkish food, and I usually get the same thing which is a bagel and cream cheese with a little salad next to it (and coffee). They have more than that on the menu, but when I am in Phnom Penh I eat so much bread!
Trattoria Bello: cheap pasta, good place to meet friends if you are on a budget and really want pasta
Mexicano Riverside: they have Taco Tuesday night!
Itacate: also has a Taco Tuesday night
Sleep:
Patio Hotel: this hotel is so great in the heart of Phnom Penh, making it easy to access everywhere; as well, it has a beautiful infinity pool and breakfast included with the stay (and the breakfast view also looks out over Phnom Penh). lastly, it is on a nice side street that has some speakeasies and bars so nightlife is right around the corner, and then you can go to sleep!
Bars:
Rukkha Sky Bar & Tapas: I like this bar for the views, it is right next to the river and has nice lights. One time I sat here with friends and chatted for 3 hours. Also would qualify this as my first sky bar I liked because I went with Alia when it was only my second time in the big city
Mawsim Gin Bar: I absolutely love this place! The Co-owner Ryuji is so nice and showed us the whole process of how they make gin (since I made the reservation on a slower night). You have to go purely to try their gin and take all the recommendations they suggest. You have to have a reservation to go here, so look them up on Instagram and send them a message!
BATTBONG Speakeasy: I like this place because it is down the same street as the Patio Hotel. There is usually a live band and it is a nice place to chill before going to other bars on the same back-street.
Samai Distillery: this is a rum distillery that is only open to the public for drinks on Thursday nights. I have only been once but it was great because I got to chat with my friend and then later in the night there was a DJ
Sundown Social Club: this is another place where you can only find it if you look up (and go up stairs that seems like it is someone's house). This has a view of the Russian Market and a great place to watch the sunset
Bassac Street: classic street where there are a lot of bars
Shops:
Marie Vintage Thrift: thrift shop with great prices
Phteah ReMade: I once met one of the owners but this place is so cool! If you go they will tell you more about it but they recycle clothing and make new pieces and also hold workshops there
My Beauty Station BKK: Korean and Japanese skincare store
Pich Ling Ing Store: this is a place if you want to buy fabric that people make traditional Khmer outfits with, as well as sampots (traditional skirts). If you want fabric, this is the place!
Penh Lenh: a super cute jewelry store! these also do permanent jewelry, all done in Cambodia
Herlane: cute store for clothes
Other:
Roller Skating!
If I really have free time, I go roller skating! I think the time table is online.
Massage:
Devatara Spa
Exercise
National Olympic Stadium: open to the public, there is a track and you can exercise there. Also sometimes I see ladies doing an outdoor dancing class??
Siem Reap:
Tourism: (all of these usually super easy to book through a tour or also through your hotel)
Temples! : this one is a bit self-explanatory since Siem Reap is known for its temples! Once you get to Siem Reap you will see that all they have are temple tours for one day, two days, three days,.... so it is not hard to figure out! So far, I have only had time for the one-day temple tour, so I still need to go to see further away temples (such as Banteay Srei and also I want to go see the waterfall)
The Floating Village: also something easy to book through a tour. I have not been, but I have had friends go and they said it was amazing! You also get to ride in boats
Hero Rats: I am so sad that I still haven't seen the Apopo Hero Rats, but they were closed for a holiday when I tried to go. These rats are trained to detect landmines (helping clear landmines from Cambodia) and so you get to watch them in action and also get to hold some
Apsara Show: yes, this show is directed towards tourism, but this show exemplifies the traditional Khmer dance and is good if you want to see the costumes and what the dance is like
West Baray/West Mebon: apparently not many tourists go to this area, but this was a fun little adventure Kyle and I went on when we were in Siem Reap. This is a man made reservoir (but made during the Angkor time) and there is a place to picnic down below. There are also boats that can take you to the little island in the middle where there is an archaelogical site. You just have to flag a boat guy down. We went to the little island and saw the site (it was having some serious reconstruction on it) but it was nice because Kyle and and I spoke with one of the security guards and he told us the history about the place (the whole conversation was in Khmer). He said now since the airport has mvoed, not many people come there (planes apparently used to fly over the area at the old airport). Off the beaten path but was fun to go to!
Tours: I have two tour drivers that I hold near and dear to my heart
Sa Sok Private Driver: If you want a car/ private driver from the airport etc. I know Sa, and he is so nice and great at his job! Also he can help if you need a taxi to and from different places. Book on the website below
Driver Srey: usually, tuk tuk drivers are male. This company was started by a woman to give other women opportunities to be tuk tuk drivers for tours. It is a great cause, a great tour, and really nice! Book through messaging on WhatsApp.
Eats:
Wild Siem Reap: founded by the people who own Wild Phnom Penh, they have the same menu of really good spring rolls and cocktails. I go here too much because I love it
https://maps.app.goo.gl/vPDXwLThRunrbYvN6
Little Red Fox Espresso Cafe: a nice bakery and coffee for the day, also has an upstairs area to sit at
The Muffin Man: bakery with gluten free options (shoutout Kyle, again)
Mamma Shop Italian Restaurant: small, nice Italian restaurant (I usually never eat pasta at site, unless I make it, so it is nice to have)
Endora French Restaurant and Wine Bar: for sure on the pricier end, but my mom really liked this place and it has a really nice courtyard
Brother Bong Cafe: nice cafe for breakfast or lunch!
Sleep:
People by the Community: I stayed here with my mom and it was such a wonderful experience. The staff are so friendly and also everything goes to a good cause to benefit the staff and community. I am also a heavy advocate for using Grab, however, the hotel has tuk tuk drivers that you can have take you anywhere and you just pay them once they drop you off!
Bars:
Asana Old Wooden House: kind of a hidden in plane sight place because it is in the middle of a really busy area but hidden down an alley way in an old wooden house; nice, chill vibe
https://maps.app.goo.gl/icPDtj7QfBLrTxbt6
Laundry: live music bar
https://maps.app.goo.gl/k9h9kPJHpuV59KmF8
Scribe Bar at FCC Angkor: on the pricier end but has a really nice outdoor bar with really good original cocktails. I had one inspired by the Khmer dish "amok" and it was actually really good
Shops:
SATU Concept Store: this store has all you could need from Cambodia as a nice souvenir. They sell some of the spirits that are brewed in Cambodia as well as nice books, bags, etc.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/3UktPKXL5zYvwdza8
bodia: it is also a spa, but they also make many different spa products (made in Cambodia) also for a reasonable price for skincare! I hate to admit that my mom and I spent a good chunk of time in there (and then a storm hit and the power went out)
Battambang:
Tourism:
Phare Ponleu Selpak / ហ្វារពន្លឺសិល្បៈ
this was a nice circus show to go to in Battambang! They also have one in Siem Reap that looks larger, but I have not been. The Battambang show is at the non-profit arts school, so there are also cool exhibits and also places where you can buy art that students have done.
Battambang Bamboo Train: (included on the tour mentionned below) this is where you can ride on train tracks while sitting on a cart made of bamboo. Now the carts have motors so you can go faster than before (where you were pushed with a bamboo stick)
Wat Phnom Sampow: (16km outside the city): this, along with the Killing Caves of Battambang are at Phnom Sampow (Sampow Mountain)
Killing Caves of Battambang
Walk around Battambang/Art: it is also nice to just walk around Battambang and see what the city has to offer as well as
Tours:
Explore Battambang Full Day Tour: I have done this tour twice, with both tour guides (I did it once with my mom and once with Caroline) and it is a perfect way to see things that extend beyond Battambang city. They take you to the main tourism spots, but it is so easy because they know where to go and also a lot of history behind each spot!
Eats: ok I know what you are thinking by now.... Alex where is the Khmer food! Honestly, when I go to cities, I usually eat and places that I haven't had food in awhile (aka pizza, pasta, etc.) but I will try to find more Khmer food recommendations.
Cafe Eden: my mom and I liked this place for breakfast, it was a nice cafe and an easy walk to!
La Pizza: I by no means have pizza on the regular, but this was honestly really good pizza (even Caroline approved it as good quality pizza!). Also shoutout to Kyle because their pizza is gluten free, so if you have someone who is gluten free but wants pizza (which is really hard to find in Cambodia) you can come here. Also if you want to make a reservation, look them up on Facebook and message them on WhatsApp!
Lan Chov Khorko Miteanh: very affordable and good Chinese food
Jaan Bai Restaurant: I have not been here yet, but have heard good things about it, and they have Khmer food!
Sleep:
Seng Hout Hotel: I have not stayed anywhere else, so this is the only place I can recommend, but it is within perfect walking distance to the main sights within Battambang town! Also easy walking distance to the bus station.
Bars:
Miss Wong Battambang: nice cocktail menu and I like the vibes.
Vintage Wine Bar Mezze: I stopped by here with my mom to just sit and chat with her. It is on a side street, but it is still nice to sit outside and hang out!
Buses and Transportation: easiest way to get around the country is by bus! and in a city, by tuktuk!
Grab: this is an app you download that is Uber equivalent. You can put your credit card in the system and you can order a tuk tuk to pick you up from your location and drop you off wherever you want to go in the city, then once it drops you off it charges your credit card. It is really easy to use and good because you can check the license plate of your driver when the tuk tuk pulls up!
12Go: helps you find buses to anywhere (or also connect you with a taxi driver)
CamboLink21: one of the many bus companies, they have an app you can buy the tickets on
Vireak Buntham Express: I have taken this one a couple of times and it is also nice
Free Stuff!
So many free events are put on by companies within Cambodia, usually the beer companies or also energy drink/soda companies host free concerts, boxing matches, and events and so once you figure out the location, you can go watch! The easiest way to figure this out is to search up the companies on Facebook and look at the recent posts to see if an event is coming up. Below are the companies to search:
Ganzberg Beer
Hanuman Beer
Cambodia Beer
Krud
Coca-Cola Cambodia
Boostrong Energy Drink
There are still so many places I still have to go that I have not gathered a recommendation list yet! So stay tuned for potentially more...
-Mondulkiri
-Kampot
-Sihanoukville
-Koh Rong (I went there but only to the beach)
This detailed guide is incredible. You should submit it to a travel website!