Trip Ideas

Even though Cambodia has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, they all more than worthy of a visit. The country also boasts two UNESCO-recognized intangible cultures. Let All Asia Tours take you on an enriching journey into the heart of Cambodia’s history, architecture, and cultural treasures.

Angkor Wat
You’re likely familiar with Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious landmark. The stunning Angkor Wat complex, which harks back to the ancient Khmer kingdom, is one of the most photographed sites in the entire world. UNESCO recognized Angkor, also known as the ‘City of Temples,’ as a World Heritage Site in 1992. Here, you’ll find more religious monuments than any other place in the world. While Angkor Wat certainly commands the most attention, you’ll want to take time to discover surrounding temples including Bayon, Banteay Srei, Ta Prohm, Pre Rup, and more.

Originally, Angkor Wat was dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, but as centuries passed, the temple became a major Buddhist pilgrimage destination. Without question, the Angkor complex’s ensemble of beautiful lotus-bud towers, detailed stone carvings, and stunning buildings make it a masterpiece of classical Khmer architecture. Rise early and journey to Angkor Wat to see a stunning sunrise -- a deeply spiritual experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Preah Vihear Temple
UNESCO deemed Preah Vihear Temple as a World Heritage Site in 2008. The temple sits, poised, in the Dangrek Mountains on top of a cliff that stands over 1,640 feet (500 m) tall, towering over the Cambodian jungle. Like Angkor Wat, Preah Vihear is another Khmer architectural masterwork dedicated to a Hindu deity. As you wander through these ancient ruins, you’ll find ornately decorated temples, areas paved with cobbled stones, rows of standalone columns, and clusters of granite-colored rocks. Preah Vihear is also located along Cambodia and Thailand, and today, disputes continue about each nation’s exact borders.

Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk
The most recent addition to Cambodia’s UNESCO list is the Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk (2017). Also known as the ‘Temple in the Richness of the Forest,’ Sambor Prei Kuk predates Angkor as the Chenla Empire’s capital in the 6th and 7th centuries. This site remains well-preserved because its early Khmer architecture served as a stepping stone for Angkor Wat’s later grandeur. Many of the beehive-like sandstone and brick buildings are in various shades of russet and tan. You’ll also find delicate carvings of figures on the stones; some historians have suggested these are portraits of foreigners.

Intangible Cultures: Apsara and Sbek Thom
Cambodia enjoys two UNESCO-celebrated forms of intangible culture: Apsara dance, also known as the country’s Royal Ballet, and sbek thom or Khmer shadow theater. These performing arts will truly capture your imagination. Marvel at the elegant beauty of Apsara dancers -- from their graceful movements that seem as if they’re floating on clouds, to their richly decorated costumes in stunning jewel tones, pure white, and glittering gold. A sbek thom puppetry performance is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Masterful artists create exceptionally detailed leather carvings and bring these dynamic images to life with light and shadow, dance and music.

It’s no secret; Cambodia is a photographer’s dream. In Angkor Thom, whether your shooting images of Bayon’s stunning faces or the sprawling majesty of Angkor Wat complex, you’ll find endless photo opportunities. From sunrise to sunset, the beautiful temples and scenery significantly change in appearance and character. Trust All Asia Tours to take you to Cambodia’s most-celebrated landmarks and also those off-the-beaten-track spots that make for truly unique images. No matter if you’re a professional photographer putting together a portfolio or an amateur looking to compile an album of your trip’s most unforgettable moments, the photogenic ‘Land of the Khmer’ does not disappoint.

It’s easy to spend several days at Angkor alone. The vast Temples of Angkor and Angkor Wat -- which stretch across over 400 acres (162 hectares) -- are must-sees during any Cambodia photo tour. The architecture itself is stunning; you’ll have the chance to focus in on the intricately carved stone, lotus-bud towers, shimmering reflecting pool, and foliage-filled courtyards. For incredible images, visit Angkor Wat at sunrise and capture this world’s largest religious monument in a dramatic silhouette, framed by a vibrant vermilion-gold sky.

Ta Prohm and Banteay Srei are also camera-ready sites. At Ta Prohm, you’ll see a labyrinthine network of tree roots creeping across the building’s weathered stone. You may find some of the best compositions tucked away in hidden corners, where twisting tree branches and dense jungle foliage have woven themselves into the ancient ruins. Banteay Srei offers excellent distant and close-up shots. This stunning complex was crafted from rich rosy-tan sandstone. As you step closer, you’ll find a seemingly endless array of relief sculptures with Hindu deities, botanical patterns, and detailed scrollwork.

Yet, Siem Reap’s beauty extends beyond the Angkor Temples. For excellent landscape and wildlife photo opportunities, gently drift along Tonle Sap Lake. Here, you can capture the charm and character of locals fishing from their wooden boats and villages with humble stilt houses that stand proudly in colorful rows along the water’s edge. When the vast expanses of azure sky and steel-blue waters melt together, it truly is a poetic moment. The Mekong River is another excellent site. Here, you’ll find one of the most biodiverse areas in the world, and if you’re lucky, you may even glimpse the elusive Irrawaddy dolphin.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s iconic capital, will also keep your camera busy. The city boasts inspiring Buddhist temples like Wat Phnom, perched at the top of an almost 90-foot- tall (27 m) hill and flanked by imposing lion and mythical naga (serpent) sculptures. The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda are also must-visits. The opulent palace is a striking feature of the city skyline, and true to its name, the Silver Pagoda’s floor is made from thousands of shimmering silver tiles. Venture further into Phnom Penh to see the Killing Fields and Genocide Museum, which detail the horrors of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge. These undeniably harrowing sites make for powerful historical images.

Cambodia’s superb cuisine remains one of Southeast Asia’s best-kept secrets. Let All Asia Tours take you on a feast of a journey through the ‘Land of the Khmer,’ where you’ll have chances to sample everything from long-standing favorites and contemporary classics to delicious coconut- infused desserts. If you wish, you can attend local cooking class and try your hand at traditional Khmer fare or visit a sombai distillery and sip Cambodian rice wine. You’ll soon fall completely in love with the mild and fresh flavors of Cambodian food, where scores of vegetables, exotic tropical fruits, satisfying sticky rice and noodles, and savory fish and meat take center stage.

While Cambodian cuisine traces influences back to the rich gastronomic traditions of China (noodles and buns), India (coconut milk and curry spices), and France (coffee, baguettes, and pâte), Khmer food enjoys flavors that are uniquely its own. A popular national dish is fish amok, a creamy coconut-based curry with tender pieces of flaky fish and served with a hearty portion of rice in a decorative banana leaf bowl. Another favorite is bai sach chrouk, also known as Cambodia’s signature breakfast dish. In the mornings, you’ll find steaming plates of this tempting pork and rice, with thinly sliced portions of barbecued meat marinated in aromatic oil and garlic. Crisp, refreshing cucumbers and a scattering of pickled vegetables garnish this satisfying fare.

If you’re looking for a quick meal or afternoon snack, do what the locals do and try Cambodia’s popular street food offerings. Many Cambodians enjoy breakfast on their way to work, stopping at one of the popular food stalls along their morning commute. You can find classic pork and rice, as well as favorites like barbequed meat skewers, fried bananas, and plump steamed buns stuffed with generous portions of pork and egg. Wash everything down with a refreshing Cambodian iced coffee. Sweet and strong, this brew is made from slow-roasted beans and typically laced with a generous dose of condensed milk.

Finish your tasty Cambodian meal on a sweet note with one of the country’s most celebrated desserts. Many of these scrumptious confections showcase exotic tropical fruits and coconut milk or cream in a variety of forms. A quintessential example is khao neeo mamuang or mango with sticky rice. Tart morsels of fresh mango contrast with rice mixed with sweet coconut milk and sugar, creating a dessert that is both elegantly simple and utterly heavenly. You’ll also want to try num chak kachan, known as ‘Khmer layer cake.’ This stunning dessert, flavored with rich coconut and palm sugar, is traditionally enjoyed during Buddhist celebrations. Khmer layer cake is as beautiful as it is tasty; it typically comes in vibrant shades of red, magenta, and even bright yellow- green.

For ultimate culinary inspiration, let All Asia Tours open the world of Cambodia’s unforgettable flavors for you. Speak with one of our travel professionals today and discover how you can enjoy these signature dishes, one delicious bite at a time.

When visiting Southeast Asian beaches, many international travelers think of Thailand’s world-famous shores. You may be surprised to learn that Southern Cambodia, which borders the Gulf of Thailand’s clear aquamarine waters, also boasts excellent coastal getaways that tend to be more tranquil than Thailand’s. If you’re looking for blissful relaxation in a picture-perfect tropical paradise, a Cambodia beach vacation is the perfect way to get away from it all. At All Asia Tours, we’re happy to arrange everything from a full beach trip, as well as a deluxe pre- or post-stay along the country’s pristine, alabaster sands. For a taste of luxury, speak with an AAT representative today about Cambodia’s superior 5-star beach resort offerings. You’ll find everything from charming bungalows nestled amidst lush palm trees and powdery shores to all- inclusive hotels with top amenities.

Sihanoukville, Cambodia -- a popular seaside destination -- retains aspects of its fishing village roots. You’ll find your stress melting away as you enjoy the region’s slower pace of life. Explore the wide range of beaches including popular Occheuteal, peaceful Otres, Sokha’s fine-grained sands, and more. Sihanoukville offers plenty of perfect places to unwind along the water, sample superbly fresh seafood, and try a range of heart-pumping water sports. Some popular favorites include scuba diving and snorkeling trips, swimming, and kayaking. In Sihanoukville proper, you’ll also discover a bustling and rapidly growing city with a bounty of delicious eateries, fun bars, relaxing massage and spa treatments, and world-class resorts and boutique hotels. Once you’ve exhausted everything the beaches and town have to offer, explore one of the nearby natural attractions such as Ream National Park, located just a handful of miles from Sihanoukville and home to fascinating species of unique plants and wildlife.

If you’re into island-hopping, Sihanoukville is also a great jumping off point to nearby off-shore isles for gorgeous scenery, incredible photo opportunities, and plenty of chances for unforgettable adventures. Picturesque Koh Rong is a must-see; here, you’re likely to find the idyllic seascapes of your dreams. With pristine white-sand beaches, shimmering turquoise waters, and plenty of marine life to explore while diving. Active beach-goers will also love the trekking paths, and vacationers looking to relax will have their choice of spots to sun themselves on the sand.

Just a 30-minute boat ride from Sihanoukville is Song Saa (‘The Sweethearts’) Private Island, a destination for unparalleled luxury. This ultimate Cambodian retreat offers wonderful white sandy beaches, a pristine nature reserve, and a peaceful getaway from busy tourist crowds. Beautiful Song Saa also centers around conservation, including protecting the local marine life and rainforests. Sleepy Kep is another lovely Cambodian beach site and offers outstanding seafood and boutique hotels, plenty of excellent hiking trails, and Kep National Park. At the park, discover a fascinating array of wildlife including colorful butterflies and birds, playful squirrels, and mischievous monkeys.

Speak with an AAT travel professional today. Cambodia a booming beach destination, so now is the perfect time to visit the country’s undiscovered shores.

Many centuries ago, the powerful Khmer empire left its mark on Southeast Asia. In Cambodia, this is best seen in the fascinating legacy of Khmer architecture. With All Asia Tours, you can embark on an unforgettable adventure to the Angkor Temples in Siem Reap, as well as Cambodia’s other UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The capital city of Phnom Penh is another major architectural center. Here, you’ll find everything from dazzling palaces and temples to restored French-colonial buildings -- and each of these structures tells its own unique story. Visit the fabled ‘Land of the Khmer’ and discover each site for yourself.

The temple mountain of Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s most famous site, tops the list of the country’s architectural masterworks. The wat faces west in honor of the Hindu god Vishnu, and a series of concentric rectangles -- including a massive moat -- form the complex. As you explore this magnificent site, you’ll find three pyramid- shaped stepped terraces and five expertly carved lotus-bud towers. Continue through the Angkor complex to discover other major sites such as Pre Rup, a stunning multi-tiered pyramid that symbolizes Mount Meru -- the Hindu center of the universe. When you approach Pre Rup’s massive staircase, built from countless tons of crumbling tan stone, you’ll feel quite small in comparison! Other must-see Angkor highlights include the temples of Banteay Srei, Banteay Samre, Ta Phrom, and Bayon.

Phnom Penh also offers plenty of buildings to keep any architecture enthusiast busy. The city’s Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda are definite must-sees. At first glance, you’ll be struck by the multi-tiered burnt orange roofs with golden-trimmed stupas. While the architecture itself looks much like Khmer and Southeast Asian styles, the meticulously manicured formal gardens boast French design. The Silver Pagoda’s interior is especially stunning - - take a peek inside, and you’ll find over 5,000 solid silver floor tiles! Wat Phnom Temple, an iconic symbol of Phnom Penh, is a commanding firebrick-colored building with a steep staircase, guarded by lion and naga (mythical serpent) statues. You’ll also find a bell-shaped stupa and brightly-colored murals that illustrate the lives of the Buddha.

Explore further, and you’ll find Phnom Penh’s French- colonial history etched into much of its architecture. The General Post Office, constructed by French architect Daniel Fabre, is a prime example. This striking mustard-colored building, with rows of French windows, elegant columns, and crisp white arches, was restored in 2004. The National Museum is another stunning building. From the rich terracotta paintwork and layered roof to the lush landscaping, this fantastic structure will capture your imagination. Surprisingly, despite the clear Khmer design, the museum was built by the French in the early 20th century.

An AAT architectural heritage tour takes you deep into the heart of Cambodia’s rich history and design traditions. No matter what you wish to see -- iconic religious monuments, classic Khmer showpieces, sleek modern buildings, or refurbished colonial remnants -- All Asia Tours is proud to take you on the Cambodia architecture tour of a lifetime.

Spend a little time in Cambodia, and you’ll soon discover performing and visual arts traditions that reflect the rich beauty of the ‘Land of the Khmer.’ Moreover, Cambodia is home to a wide array of beautiful handicrafts that revive centuries-old traditions. Historically, Cambodia’s arts were inspired by Buddhist practices and aspects of Hinduism; this is best seen in masterful stone-carvings and elegant Apsara dance. No matter your interests, trust All Asia Tours to take you to the heart of Cambodia’s most inspiring artistic offerings.

Apsara Dance
UNESCO-recognized Apsara dance, also known as Cambodia’s Royal Ballet, is a national treasure. According to Hindu myth, apsaras are heavenly creatures born from the ‘Churning of the Ocean of Milk’ who descend to earth to entertain deities and kings with their hypnotic dances. Dancers train from the time they are young girls, so they develop exceptional flexibility in their fingers and joints, allowing them to perform over 1,500 unique hand movements. Each gesture conveys a symbolic meaning often drawn from Hindu or Buddhist legends.

Phare: The Cambodian Circus
Witness the heart-pounding excitement of a Phare Circus performance! Phare is a contemporary blend of diverse art forms including circus aerial arts, dance, theatrical performances, and original music. The stunning sounds, colors, and sights will certainly enliven your senses. Chances are, you’ll also be awestruck by the compelling, socially-conscious stories that range from tales about navigating cultural differences to new spins on traditional Cambodian folktales.

Khmer Shadow Theater
Sbek Thom, or ‘Khmer Shadow Theater,’ is also recognized by UNESCO for its cultural value. This fascinating art form dates back to pre-Angkorian times -- approximately in the 7th century. Performers use intricate puppets crafted from openwork leather, and the puppets' shadowy silhouettes stand out against a light-colored screen. The performers then dance to orchestra music, bringing these unique puppets to life onstage.

Cambodian Sculpture
Khmer sculpture, which draws on Indian aesthetics, is also an ancient Cambodian tradition. In fact, a number of art historians consider some of the country’s stone carvings to be the most beautiful and masterful in the world. You can witness striking examples at the Angkor Temples, including Bayon’s faces in stone and Banteay Srei. At Banteay Srei (‘The Citadel of Women’), you can lose yourself for hours in the finely carved low reliefs of Hindu deities, mythical creatures, and scenes from the Ramayana -- an epic poem from India.

Cambodian Crafts
Today, Cambodia’s fascinating handicrafts traditions continue to thrive. AAT’s tours can take you to Les Artisans d’Angkor, a company dedicated to reviving Cambodia’s indigenous crafts. Here, you’ll find beautiful items such as silk scarves, Khmer-style wood carving, and gorgeous lacquerware in shades of carbon black, crimson, and gold. Theam House is another popular Cambodian art destination. Nestled in lush gardens in Siem Reap, a tour of Theam House reveals a working studio with botanical paintings, traditional wooden statues, and rich textiles – with careful attention placed to every unique detail.

A historical tour of Cambodia takes you to from the Khmer Empire’s glory days into the country’s darkest moments during the Khmer Rouge. As you explore each of Cambodia’s frequently visited sites, you’ll find yourself amazed by the majesty of the country’s crowning architectural gems, as well as the Cambodian people’s incredible strength and resiliency. Let All Asia Tours reveal to you the country’s complex history with our signature selection of historical travel. Whether you’ve just begun learning about Khmer civilization, or you’re well-versed in Cambodia’s past, the unforgettable ‘Land of the Khmer’ always offers new learning experiences for everyone.

Angkor Wat is not only an acclaimed UNESCO World Heritage Site but also one of Cambodia’s most important historical landmarks. This must-see attraction welcomes countless visitors every year, who come to explore this legendary temple mountain and the surrounding Angkor Temples. Angkor Wat was built in the 12th century for the Hindu god Vishnu by Emperor Suryavarman II, who envisioned Angkor as the center of his vast empire. The complex, also the largest religious monument in the world, stretches across 400 acres (nearly 162 hectares). Today, Angkor Wat is an iconic Buddhist pilgrimage site and perhaps the most important historical and cultural symbol for the Cambodian nation. Continue your journey to some of the nearby temples such as Preah Kahn, Banteay Srei, Ta Prohm, and Beng Mealea -- also known as the ‘Lotus Pond’ Temple. In both Beng Mealea and Ta Prohm, you’ll find yourself swept back in time by the ancient atmosphere as you explore crumbling temples swallowed by jungle foliage and crisscrossing tree roots.

Phnom Penh is home to some of Cambodia’s darkest chapters of history, particularly Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge, who enacted a reign of terror during the 1970s. Today the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (Security Prison 21) and the Killing Fields stand as harrowing memorials to the countless Cambodian lives lost. While these sites are not for the faint of heart, they reveal some of the some of humankind’s most unthinkable moments and encourage us not to repeat such brutal horrors.

Cambodia’s capital city also offers monuments that celebrate some of the country’s shining moments, such as Phnom Penh’s Independence Monument -- an Angkorian- style tower that sits in the heart of the city. This lotus- shaped structure, built in the 1950s, commemorates Cambodia’s freedom from French colonial rule. Phnom Penh’s National Museum is another must-see and houses some of the country’s most prized cultural treasures, including the world’s best collection of Khmer sculpture. You’ll find an array of intriguing artworks and artifacts, including wooden and ceramic vessels, Buddha statues crafted from bronze, and much more. Some of these masterful artworks are even over 1,000 years old!

With All Asia Tours, you always enjoy insider access to Cambodia’s most enriching historical sites. Whether you choose from our pre-crafted itineraries or custom travel, let us reveal sides of this fascinating country that you’ve never known.

All Asia Tours understands the benefits of family travel, and Cambodia is a perfect destination for family adventures. Enjoy quality time together while you nourish your children’s natural curiosities about the world around them. You’ll also find an array of activities for all ages including authentic cooking classes, gorgeous natural scenery, and ancient temple tours. Without question, UNESCO-recognized Angkor Wat is one of the world’s most iconic sites, and a family visit to this stunning spiritual landmark is sure to leave a lasting impression on everyone. Trust AAT to bring your family the best that Cambodia has to offer -- from young children to seniors and every age in between.

Your family won’t forget their adventures in Angkor Wat and the surrounding Angkor Temples. For first time visitors, these historic sites -- with their moss-encrusted stones and intricate carvings that tell epic tales of the Khmer kingdom -- seem to come straight from the pages of a fantasy novel. Children will love pretending to be explorers of this lost empire as they tiptoe past crumbling ruins, walk through weathered corridors, and discover massive sculptures of faces hewn from rock. You’ll also find the sacred atmosphere to be especially powerful; Buddhist pilgrims regularly visit the complex for meditative prayer and worship.

For active families, Cambodia offers a bounty of activities that take you outdoors. Cambodia’s plains make the country a perfect place for family bike trips -- a great way to burn off some extra energy! You can also embark on a hiking or trekking adventure through the countryside past lush jungles, gently sloping mountains, and emerald rice terraces. Cambodia boasts beautiful coastline and gorgeous beaches like Sihanoukville, found in the country’s south. You can try everything from boat tours and scuba diving to leisurely swims through the crystal cerulean waters.

When it comes to art and culture, Cambodia does not disappoint. Your family will love gasping with delight at a Phare Circus show, where talented Cambodian youth perform spectacular aerial stunts and circus arts, all while telling stories that have strong moral themes. Best of all, you’re supporting sustainable employment for poverty- stricken Cambodian youth. You can also try a cooking class -- another unforgettable family bonding experience! This is a fun chance to roll up your sleeves, heat up a sizzling skillet, and cook deliciously aromatic dishes with tantalizing flavors you’ve likely never tried. Kids will also enjoy a confidence boost as they get the chance to try out new skills in the kitchen. After the preparations are over, sit down together and enjoy a family meal -- Cambodian style!

Historic Phnom Penh is another must-see. Family members of all ages will be awestruck at the capital’s Royal Palace; marvel at the striking architecture and go for a relaxing stroll. Mature children and family members may benefit from a tour of the city’s historic landmarks, such as the Genocide Museum and Killing Fields. While these sites are harrowing, they show the inspirational power of Cambodia’s resilient strength.

Each year, plenty of international tourists find more and more reasons to travel to the amazing ‘Land of the Khmer.’ With All Asia Tours’ signature Cambodia group itineraries, as well as themed and custom travel, you can discover the country’s abundant natural beauty for yourself. If you’re passionate about diverse landscapes and taking time to reconnect with nature, Cambodia offers countless opportunities. Since the country remains mostly rural and sheltered from outside influences, you’ll find plenty of local families who enjoy simple, joy-filled lives. Before long, you’ll be overwhelmed by the locals’ warm generosity and resilient spirits.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat near Siem Reap, Cambodia is an absolute must see. Shrouded in jungle foliage and steeped in centuries of history, this massive temple mountain truly is heaven on earth. The complex boasts a shimmering reflecting pool and a rectangular moat that stretches 623 feet (190 m) wide. Venture into Siem Reap’s countryside for a walking or cycling tour, and you’ll discover a scattering of tranquil trails that take you through charming local villages.

Without question, Tonle Sap Lake is one of Cambodia’s must-see natural marvels. As Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, the Tonle Sap nearly overflows with water during the monsoon season, spreading as far as nearly 5,800 square miles (15,000 sq. km). Local life along the lake flourishes; villagers grow a wide range of crops, and the waters provide enough fish to feed almost half of Cambodia’s people! In the floating lakeside villages, you’ll see clusters of colorful stilt houses springing up along the water’s edge, as well as locals paddling wooden rowboats through the gentle waves. The scenic Tonle Sap area is also an excellent place for a half- or full-day cycling tour.

Cambodia is home to rich rice varieties such as fragrant jasmine, as well as many types of white rice. This grain is the major staple of Cambodian diets, and almost every meal includes a side dish of rice or rice noodles. Venture into Cambodia’s countryside and discover flooded fields that are thick with rice, which can range from tender shoots in shades of bright green to mature plants in deep gold -- just ripe for picking. Depending on when you visit, you may get the chance to see farmers out plowing the fields. If you’re especially passionate about farming and agriculture, we can help arrange a hands-on Cambodian farming experience for you.

Connect with locals and authentic Cambodian culture with unforgettable hilltribe visits. These indigenous peoples enjoy daily practices that draw on generations of traditions, and touring lively local markets is an unforgettable experience. For a complete change of scenery, jet off to Cambodia’s pristine coastline -- such as Sihanoukville -- where you can snorkel, scuba dive, and search for diverse marine life amid pockets of colorful coral reefs. No matter what experiences you choose, All Asia Tours is here to help you make your dream nature trip a reality. Don’t hesitate – begin your journey through Cambodia’s scenic countryside today.