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Best Places to Visit in Cambodia | Top Attractions & Travel Guide 2025

Looking for the best places to visit in Cambodia? This enchanting country welcomes you with rich history, stunning beauty, and warm hospitality. From the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat in Siem Reap and the lively streets of Phnom Penh to the serene beaches of Koh Rong, Cambodia offers unforgettable travel experiences. In this guide, you’ll discover the top attractions, hidden gems, and must-visit Cambodia travel destinations that make this Southeast Asian jewel truly unmissable.

Table of Content About what to do in Cambodia

Cambodia Travel FAQs: Popular Places, Culture, Festivals & More

 Explore the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, visit the exquisite markets in Siem Reap, and admire the colonial elegance of Battambang. Additionally, don’t forget to catch the sunrise at Angkor Wat, and enjoy a cruise on the Mekong during sunset. 

 

 Considered a pride of the Khmer civilization, Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument around the globe. The intricate temple was constructed in the 12th century, signifying the zenith of Cambodian architectural splendor during the age of Hinduism and later Buddhism.  

 Suggested is fish amok, a type of curry with coconut, or beef lok lak. Street food lovers will savor nom pang (Khmer baguette sandwiches) together with crispy spring rolls. Meals are accompanied by fragrant rice along with pickled vegetables. 

 Cambodia offers a variety of spa facilities, from riverside spas in Kampot to luxury wellness resorts in Siem Reap, where guests can indulge in traditional Khmer massages, herbal therapies, and yoga set in tranquil surroundings

The most favorable period for exploring and temple hopping is undoubtedly during the dry season – November to March. In case you want to enjoy emerald views without too many tourists, you may want to travel during the beginning of the monsoon season.

For trekking, head to the jungles located in Mondulkiri, do kayaking on the Tonle Sap lake, or hike through the Cardamom Mountains. Other than listed, adventure seekers can also explore the numerous hidden waterfalls, zip-line over large tracts of forests, and do birdwatching in national parks. 

The Khmer New Year festival is honored in the middle of April. The festival includes water fights, and traditional dancing games. It is a nice occasion for families and communities that want to come together to honor Buddhist and other rituals of daily life.

 The film scene is also expanding, in different region sprinkled all over the world indie cinema is famous. In the urban part of the country, nightlife is marked by enthusiast karaoke and open air concert,

Try to find intricate pieces of handwoven silk, stunning silver jewelry, crudely carved wooden Buddha statues, and the trademark krama scarf. Other Cambodian treats such as pepper, locally crafted spices, and even pottery makes great gifts or keepsakes.

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Contemporary Cities and Culture in Cambodia

In 2025, Cambodia’s cities don’t just evolve, they pulse with a creative heartbeat. The rooftop jazz bars and art-deco coffee shops light up Phnom Penh, while Siem Reap, once just Angkor’s gateway, has become a creative hive with open-air galleries and experimental cuisine. Battambang surprises with covert performance art and French-colonial resurgence. It isn’t only about monuments, it’s about dance, movement, music, and the magic of contrast. These vibrant experiences stand out as some of the most exciting places to visit in Cambodia, where travelers live the cultural rhythm, not just watch it.

Urban Do Not Miss - Things To Do While You Are There

Phnom Penh's Riverside Renaissance|

What: Open-air jazz bars, Khmer cinema, Khmera indie teatro movies, film nights
Where: Sisowath Quay, back streets of Daun Penh
Why Go: a mixture of heritage and hip fusion monks walking past mural.

Siem Reap After Angkor

What’s New: Do not miss Sok San road tapas, Dj street markets, and more.
Local Hack: Daily moving pop-up shows, follow local artists on social media.
Why Now: Calm and teeming with newly opened antique cafes and galleries owned by artists.

Battambang – The Cultural Underdog

Spotlight: Cambodia’s “Cirque du Soleil” (Phare Ponleu Selpak)
Bonus: Dusk poetry reading bike tours through ancient temples, reading ancient poetry

Unique City Experiences (not in the guidebooks)

Hidden Rooftop Libraries: Found in old French buildings, curated by monks located in Phnom Penh.
AR Culture Hub Interactive Khmer History Exhibits In Siem Reap: Interactive Augmented Reality-Based Exhibits
K-City in Phnom Penh: Cambodian-style K-pop fandom culture, including dancing competitions.

Silhouette of the Angkor Wat temple complex at sunrise, with the sun peeking through the central towers and reflecting perfectly in the water in the foreground.

The history and heritages of Cambodia

In Cambodia, history isn’t merely a line; it’s a symphony that still resonates through the hallowed temple stones, village songs, and saffron silk robes dancing with the breeze. With the glimpse of sunrise at Angkor Wat and the unearthing of jungle shrines embraced by banyan roots, the country doesn’t just safeguard its history; it animates it. Whether your inclination is rapid temple-trotting or soulful wandering, Cambodia envelops and extends a timeless, vivid heritage. For travelers seeking unforgettable places to visit in Cambodia, these ancient realms invite you to journey back where deities waltzed upon walls and narratives flowed endlessly.
In 2025, Cambodia’s cities don’t just evolve, they pulse with a creative heartbeat. The rooftop jazz bars and art-deco coffee shops light up Phnom Penh, while Siem Reap, once just Angkor’s gateway, has become a creative hive with open-air galleries and experimental cuisine. Battambang surprises with covert performance art and French-colonial resurgence. It isn’t only about monuments, it’s about dance, movement, music, and the magic of contrast. These vibrant experiences stand out as some of the most exciting places to visit in Cambodia, where travelers live the cultural rhythm, not just watch it.

From Empire to Daily Life – A Timeline of Culture

9th – 15th Century The Khmer Empire flourishes, constructing Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and hundreds of other sacred sites.
Colonial Era French colonialism integrates some of its architectural styles into the layout of Phnom Penh.
Modern Era The post-conflict revival period incorporates cultural heritage into art, dance, and digital archiving.
In 2025, these timelines merge: monks are teaching Sanskrit in ancient libraries using tablets.

How Cambodia’s Heritage Endures Today

In Siem Reap, digitally restored temples put on projection mapping shows at night.
Apsara dancers hold traditional workshops for tourists in the privacy of their homes.

With the assistance of UNESCO and local NGOs, villagers are trained as heritage guides and are taught to narrate the oral history of the region.
Its past shapes contemporary Cambodia. Rather than freezing it in time, the country allows it to evolve.

Four Must-Touch Sensory Heritage Experiences

Witness Angkor Wat at 5:15 AM and savor the tranquility, the hum, and monastic chants dancing with the breeze.

Beng Mealea Temple Imagine the movie Tomb Raider, but in real life and devoid of tourists. Only vines and whispers of long-forgotten deities.
Living History Villages in Takeo and Kompong Thom, watch as grandmothers share wartime tales while rice paper is crafted.
Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, Phnom Penh

Step through a blend of periods with glimmering Khmer gold as well as French architecture and accents intertwined with Khmer motifs.

A row of ancient giant stone faces with serene expressions and conical headpieces, likely representing devas or asuras at an entrance to Angkor Thom in Cambodia.

Food and drink in Cambodia

Like the steam rising from a bowl of nom banh chok at breakfast or the crunch of fried crickets at the night market, food in Cambodia serves as a conduit to memories. Every delight transports you from centuries-old kitchens to rivers and seasons. Khmer cuisine is laden with surprises that soothe the soul, be it barefoot village meals or sips of palm wine in Phnom Penh’s lively bars; there is always a pink-washed sunset to the experience. For travelers exploring the best places to visit in Cambodia, discovering its food is just as essential as visiting temples or markets, since each bite tells a story of the land and its people.

A Brief Origin Of Khmer Cuisine

The ancient Khmer empire is the foundation of Cambodian cuisine, which draws from India, China, Thailand, and Vietnam while always preserving its soul: a delicate balance of spice, freshwater fish, and “prahok,” the product of fermentation’s power. Its riverside bounty is provided by the Mekong and Tonle Sap, while the French sprinkle some pâté on the mix.

How Khmer Food Is Changing in 2025

  • Fusion alert: Even wasabi is not a hindrance to street chefs who continue to creatively remix traditional Khmer foods.
  • Vegan and eco-friendly eateries have taken off in Siem Reap and Kampot regions.
  • Nowadays, local ladies take you to the market to assist in gathering herbs for the cookery sessions taught by the older women.
    Cambodian culinary culture has evolved into story-driven farm-to-fork experiences.

Must Try Dishes (experienced as a journey)

Amok Trey (Fish Amok)

It’s served in a banana leaf after steaming. A dish that brings back fond memories is fish amok. Often gentleness accompanies blissful silence; such is its comfort.

Nom Banh Chok (Khmer Noodles)

Hearty breakfast tilling is rice noodles infused with lemongrass broth alongside fresh crisp herbs. Served by aunties on bicycles, it’s a promising morning delight.

Lok Lak (Stir-Fried Beef)

It is a rodeo served as black pepper caramel beef with an egg. It is a colonial fusion with a Khmer heart.

Prahok Ktis (Fermented Fish Dip)

Prahok, combined with raw vegetables, spices, and bittersweet notes, is eerily evocative.. Locally beloved but internationally feared, it’s fun and unforgettable.

Bai Sach Chrouk (Pork & Rice Breakfast)

Waking early for this dish is made possible with your 6 AM best friend. With broken rice, glazed grilled pork, and cucumber served alongside palm sugar makes breakfast is pleasurable.

Two women serving a variety of traditional Cambodian street food from large silver bowls and pots, including curries, stir-fries, and grilled fish, displayed on a colorful patterned tabletop.

Wellness and Relaxation in Cambodia

Cambodia does not advertise relaxation; it offers it graciously. From the sugar palms whispering in the breeze, the gentle drip of herbal oils in jungle spas, to the serene sunrises at mountain pagodas, peace is always close. Whether you’re sipping lotus tea in Kampot or floating in a massage hut tethered to the Mekong, relaxation here feels deeply personal and beautifully unrefined. In 2025, travelers seeking the most calming places to visit in Cambodia will discover that this country doesn’t just help you unplug, it helps you realign.

The Ancient Roots of Wellness in Cambodia

The roots of wellness in Cambodia stem from Buddhist practices, village herbal medicine, and age-old Khmer massage. Breathing exercises were taught at temples. Herbal healing was practiced by grandmothers. Long before “wellness” became an industry, it was daily life in Cambodia.

New Additions for 2025? A Revival, Not a Reinvention

  • Luxurious eco-resorts in old monasteries provide peaceful havens.
  • Younger generations are embracing traditional champi head massages again.
  • Aromatherapies now incorporate Kampot pepper for its warming, grounding, and healing properties.
  • Cambodia’s history reveals its wellness practices, with the same being said for its modern-day transformations.

Best Relaxation Experiences In Cambodia

Temple Yoga At Wat Langka (Phnom Penh)

What: Monastic breathwork and yoga sessions

Why Go: Golden ceilings, and monks’ company while you practice

Vibe: The noise of the city fades like a distant, unfelt calling

Jungle Spa At Banteay Srei (Siem Reap)

What: Riverfront massages, and stone tubs filled with water from the river, outdoor massages with lemongrass oil

Local Hack: Ask for the “Rain Season Ritual” that utilizes warmed wraps made from banana leaves

Kampot’s Wellness Cottages

Why: Slow bathing under the stars, ritualistic sipping of tea, and walks through salt farming areas

Try: Steam baths made from Khmer herbs followed by soaking in coconut water

Traditional Cambodian Wellness Practices

  • Like Chinese gua sha, chheam is a method of using specific herbs to lightly scratch the skin in order to ward off “bad winds.”
  • Herbal saunas steam composed of lemongrass, ginger, and galangal, most commonly found in villages
  • Wine from rice infused with roots from the forest, a small quantity taken aids immunity and warms the body
  • Detox water of palm sugar is described as a natural sweetener with cooling properties
Several colorful green and orange traditional wooden boats are anchored in shallow, turquoise water along a sandy beach. In the background, there are rustic wooden bungalows with red and green roofs, a long wooden pier, and a lush green island under a clear blue sky.

Nature & Seasons in Cambodia

Cambodia is a living, breathing cycle rather than just a place to visit. The land undergoes a metamorphosis for every season, whether it is dry or wet, lush or golden. During the monsoon bounty months, you can observe floating villages rise and fall with the Tonle Sap’s pulse. Bamboo forests track the hum of monsoon rains, and people can sit under a flaming tree in the rice fields during the latter half of the year. It is nature’s theatre, a raw and personal chronicle. If it is beauty one is after, then the seasonal charm of Cambodia adds to the most magical places to visit in Cambodia, ensuring travelers never miss nature’s cue.

Seasonal Overview – Things to Do & When

Dry Season (November – April)

Best for: Sightseeing temples, visiting islands, and leisurely drives in the countryside

Places to Go: Angkor Wat (crisp sunrises), Koh Rong (white sandy beaches), Battambang (golden fields)

Events: Khmer New Year (April), Giant Puppet Parade in Siem Reap

Wet Season (May – October)

Best for: Exploring waterfalls, green treks, and Tonle Sap

Visit destinations include Preah Vihear (stunning hilltop ruins), Kampot (misty river cruises), and Mondulkiri (beautiful jungles).

Local Tip: Get out early and cool off after lunch. Exploring is best during the morning.

Shoulder Season (October/May)

Fewer travelers mean greater ease in moving around with no crowds. Stunning skies after rain, coupled with these.

Rice paddies glow, markets overflow with fresh fruit, and the waterfalls are at their peak

Best for: Photographers seeking a slower pace alongside mindful travelers who seek out gentle adventures

Top Nature Escapes In Cambodia

Tonle Sap Lake (Floating Nature)

Why: The lake breathes with the seasons, expanding fourfold in the wet season.

Experience: Stilt houses and mangroves reflected in still water, boating to Kampong Phluk at golden hour yields stunning views.

Bokor National Park (Kampot)

Vibe: French ruins enveloped by jungle on misty cliffs 
Miss:
Cloud-covered waterfall views and gibbon sounds at dawn

Cardamom Mountains (Southwest Cambodia)

Why Go: Asia’s last untouched rainforest

Activities: Staying in floating eco-lodges while kayaking through flooded forests

Bonus: Look out for hornbills, sun bears, and hand-sized butterflies.

Natural Wonders by Month

January – February: Show-stopping sunsets at Angkor Wat

June – August: Secret waterfalls in Ratanakiri come alive

October: The river flows backwards due to the Tonle Sap reversal. A global marvel.
November is fire tree season, with reddish-orange blooms covering the roads.

A row of traditional wooden houses built on high stilts over a body of water. Several small wooden boats are moored in front of the homes, and the buildings' colorful facades and laundry are reflected in the calm water.

Adventure & Outdoors in Cambodia

Cambodian adventure does not reside in enclosed spaces, for it is authentic and largely untamed. Imagine trekking through jungles with local guides, kayaking in submerged forests, or motorbiking to desolate temples. In 2025, the Cambodian wilderness will not be limited to adrenaline; it will be overflowing with awe. It is a place where the heartbeat of the earth can be sensed and not just the adrenaline rush. For those who seek excitement accompanied by mud, mist, or mystery, welcome home to some of the wildest places to visit in Cambodia.

Top Outdoor Attractions in Cambodia

Trekking in Mondulkiri

What: Bunong community waterfall trail homestays, designated elephant spotting, and waterfall trekking.
Where: Sen Monorom.
Local Hack: Travel in with the Bunong guides. They are like family in the woods.

Kayaking the Cardamom Forest Rivers

Why: Look out for stilted villages and paddle through flooded mangrove forests.
For Who: The quiet and steady, along with bird lovers, are submerged in lush greenery.
Wildlife: Gibbons, fireflies, otters, gibbons, and hornbills.

Mountain Biking to Preah Vihear Temple

Route: Take dirt paths, cross rice fields, and navigate remote hill tops.

Why Go: The ancient temple is perched on a cliff, offering excellent views of the Thailand-Cambodia border.

Pro Tip: Cinematic solitude sunrise ride prefered.

Unusual Outdoor Experiences

Kampong Trach Cave Ziplining: Propel past southern limestone peaks.

Yeak Laom (Ratanakiri) Volcano Lake Camping: Dense forest enclaves a deep-blue crater lake.

Cardamom Jungle Survival Courses: Learn plant foraging, fire starting, and shelter building.

Nomadic eco and off-the-grid stays

Cardamom Tented Camp: Off-grid solar-powered tented camp for conservation excursions and jungle hikes.

Chi Phat (Community Eco Village): Homestay, bike to waterfalls, help plant trees.

Treepod Glamping in Koh Kong: Treehouses with a view over the canopy stretch of the jungle.

A long row of Buddhist monks in vibrant saffron robes sitting in meditation along the ancient stone corridors of a temple at dusk, with more monks visible in the distance under a dramatic sunset sky.

Tourist Trail Towns and Villages in Cambodia

There is an alternative side to Cambodia that is less known, which features the hidden towns and river villages where time appears to be standing still. While these places may not be the most picturesque, they will take you on a journey far deeper than any shrine ever could. These days, the parts of rural Cambodia around hidden towns and river villages offer the opportunity to truly experience the country, over a refreshing drink and sharing laughter. Remember to travel light, meander slowly, and keep your heart open while exploring these lesser-known places to visit in Cambodia.

Underrated Towns & Villages That Are Worth Exploring

Kratie The Mekong’s Gentle Giant

Why: See the Mekong’s elusive Irrawaddy dolphins at dawn
Don’t miss the sunset kayak on the Mekong and the stilt villages on Koh Trong island.

Stay: Eco-lodges with riverside peace, fruit orchards, and hammock gardens.
Colonial Echoes & Calm Charm in Kampong Cham

What: French-era houses with sleepy riverside life, bamboo bridge crossings.

Bonus: Ride a bike through plantations of rubber and pepper.

Secret Spot: Wat Hanchey with monk blessings & stunning Mekong views.

Banteay Chhmar Temple Without The Tourists

Why: An Angkor-era complex nearly devoid of visitors.

How: Homestay-only experience; temple ruins, sunrise walks, meals with locals.

Travel tip: support local heritage by hiring a guide from the community-run tourism initiative.

Koh Trong Island

Vibe: Mango groves, betel trees, bicycles, and no cars or noisy civilization.

Experience: Go fishing with the locals in the morning after spending the night in a wooden stilt house.

Don’t Miss: Stairs or riding around the island mural trail painted by local kids.

Villages Cultural Experiences in Cambodia

Cooking with grandmas, master the art of crafting delicious palm sugar desserts and banana blossom salad.

Monk Chats  In smaller wats (temples), one can find young monks who are happy to greet and engage with interested guests.

Silk Weaving in Tbong Khmum. Merely looking does not do justice women who create stories with thread – it is best to actually immerse oneself in the experience.

A tranquil rural scene featuring traditional wooden houses on stilts overlooking a calm pond filled with lily pads. Tall palm trees and lush greenery surround the homes under a clear blue sky.

Festivals & Events In Cambodia

Marking the calendar for festivals is more than noting an event on the calendar; it is a fest, my love, and an identity that breathes life into the people. The sung ceremonies of the season are intertwined with ancient customs, tides, and harvests of rice. Each and every celebration carries a story and rhythm. Hoping to see you there in 2025, when festivals themselves become unforgettable highlights among the most vibrant places to visit in Cambodia.

Traditional Festivals Still Worth Attending

Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey) – April 13–16

What: Water fights, temple blessings, traditional games

Where: Everywhere, best in Siem Reap, Battambang, and villages

Vibe: Joyful chaos meets deep cultural rituals

Travel Tip: Remember to bring spare clothes, as you will get wet. This is a national water fight holiday

Pchum Ben Festival of the Ancestors (Sept–Oct)

What: Offering food and visiting the temple to ancestors is a Cambodian tradition.

Why It’s Unique: Morning chants with sticky rice balls in a spiritually calm setting.

Best Seen In: Phnom Penh or small-town wats like in Kampong Cham

Bon Om Touk Water Festival (Nov, Full Moon)

What: Longboat races, illuminated floats, fireworks displays.

 Where: These are held at Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Kampong Chhnang

Why Go: Celebrate the river’s reversal when Tonle Sap changes direction.

Local Tip: Book riverfront spots early; they get packed

Distinct & Additional Local Traditions

Royal Ploughing Ceremony (May)

 Where: Phnom Penh Royal Palace

What: Sacred cows “predict” harvest by choosing food placement.

Why It’s Cool: Combines astrology, agriculture, and ancient monarchy

Sea Festival (December)

Rotating annually, held in Sihanoukville, Kep, Kampot.

What: Fairs, local arts and crafts, seafood festivals, marine activities

Highlight: Salty air, national pride, live music, fireworks

Bamboo Bridge Festival, Kampong Cham (dry season)

What: Commemorates the building of the renowned handcrafted bamboo bridge.

Experience: Local songs, cruises, and strolling over this vanishing wonder

Festival Etiquette & Tips

  • For temple-based festivals, modest attire with shoulders and knees covered.
  • During rituals, refrain from taking pictures without asking.
  • Rural areas may have limited ATMs. Cash is king.
  • Shoes must always be taken off before visiting a temple.
  • Festival street food is out of this world!
A wide-angle view of tourists walking along the stone causeway leading to the main entrance of Angkor Wat under a bright, clear sky.

Culture & Entertainment in Cambodia

The pop culture of Cambodia in the year 2025 is a combination of myth and modern-day trends. It includes timeless classics like golden-era ballads played in tuk-tuks and Gen Z rappers blending trap Khmer. The scene is alive and local. It is not just catching up to the world, but it is carving its own path with Netflix actors, viral comedians, and Khmer anime. This guide uncovers the modern-day tunes, screens, and street vibes of Cambodia as monks take selfies and music videos are filmed at ancient ruins, turning cultural icons into living stages among the must-experience places to visit in Cambodia.

What’s Current in Cambodia

Cambodia’s Music Scene: The Surprisingly Rapid Evolution of Romvong and Modern Rap

Khmer Hip-Hop The genre is spearheaded by VannDa with international partnerships and millions of views on YouTube.

Romvong Remixed A pink neon-lit EDM club now features traditional dance music.

Where to hear it: At the Factory in Phnom Penh or at Oscar’s on the corner, which is a more casual local hangout.

Film and Streaming Television Everything Cambodian and Royal

Streaming Buzz: Khmer cinema is being promoted on Netflix and local channels like Sabay TV

Fan Favorite: ‘Fathers’, ‘White Building’, and the retro comedy ‘Love 2000s’.

Bonus: Documentary films about Phnom Penh’s nightlife and gentrification are still being made by young filmmakers.

Digital Creators and TikTok Trends:

The Trending: Recommended are comedy duo Bros Khmer, Maly in the Wild, the eco-vlogger, and Srey Peach, the make-up artist

Watch for: Spiritual parody skits and rural-glam make-up.

Professional Moment: The cafes of Boeung Keng Kang are filled with creators filming lifestyle vlogs.

Modern Entertainment Gaming, Nightlife, and Subcultures.

The Phnom Penh Nightlife: Emerging are lo-fi Khmer beats at rooftop bars, DJ battles in rundown theaters.

E-sports Cafes: Held are contests for mobile legends and PUBG players among casual gamers.

K-Culture Fusion: The impact of Korean pop works and TV shows goes to the levels of contemporary songs and is seen even in fashion and social meeting places for teens.

A row of traditional wooden houses built on high stilts over a body of water. Several small wooden boats are moored in front of the homes, and the buildings' colorful facades and laundry are reflected in the calm water.

Did You Know?

Storytelling is what matters to people, and not the cameras used to capture it. Some of the biggest YouTube stars from Cambodia shoot content on $100 phones in their villages.

Pro Tip

If you want to experience the essence of the scene, head to open-mic nights on Bassac Lane in Phnom Penh. You will encounter Khmer slam poets and bilingual rappers, and sometimes a guitar-playing monk.

Shopping & Souvenirs in Cambodia

Every item has a story in Cambodia, from handwoven scarves to forest herb elixirs and monk-carved souvenirs. Shopping in 2025 is not merely a purchase; it’s a woven tale in fabric, spice, and silver. You are buying a Krama scarf steeped in history, momentous Kampot pepper, and so much more. You are preserving buddy, culture, and community. Beyond markets and malls, many of these treasures can also be found while exploring hidden towns and cultural hubs among the unique places to visit in Cambodia.

Top Must-Buy Souvenirs from Cambodia

Krama – The Iconic Cambodian Scarf

Material: Cotton or silk; look for handloom patterns
The best places to find them are Artisans Angkor (Siem Reap) and Watthan Artisans (Phnom Penh).

Cultural Note: Once used by revolutionaries and farmers now a unifying symbol

Kampot Pepper: The World’s Finest

Why It’s Special: GI-certified, sun-dried, and used in Michelin-starred restaurants.

Travel Tip: Get it vacuum-packed at La Plantation or FarmLink shops.|

Spice Hack: The red pepper has fruity heat while black offers earthy spice.

Hand-Carved Silver & Buddhist Statues

What to Look For: Monk sculptures, betel boxes, and even temple bells.

Go to: Silversmith villages close to Oudong and Old Market, Siem Reap.

Customs Tip: Stay away from antique replicas because some are restricted for export.

Textiles And Artisan Goods

Silk Scarves & Wall Hangings

Where: Golden Silk Farm in Siem Reap and Takeo Province offers Ikat silk.

Look For: Traditional motifs as well as natural dyes and lotus-silk blends.

Palm Leaf Products & Baskets

Eco items such as lunch boxes, yoga mat holders, and woven trays.

 Commonly produced by women’s cooperatives from Kampong Thom and rural Siem Reap.

Recycled Art & Accessories

Bags and wallets, as well as jewelry made from soda cans and tires.

Best At: Phnom Penh’s Friends ‘N’ Stuff and Smateria stores.

Jewelry, Spices & More

  • Traditional Khmer jewelry includes gold-plated bangles, Angkor-inspired earrings, and anklets.
  • Spice kits containing lemongrass, galangal, and tamarind are excellent for making Khmer curry.
  • Natural skincare products include herbal soaps and coconut oil, as well as turmeric balm by Senteurs d’Angkor.

 Where to Shop – Markets And Ethical Boutiques

  • The Russian Market in Phnom Penh offers a lot of artisan vendors and bargains.
  • Go directly to the artists at the Made in Cambodia Market in Siem Reap.
  • Bodia Spa Boutiques: Provides luxury wellness items, essential oils, and gift items.
  • Penh House Concept Store: Modern souvenirs from Cambodian heritage crafts for tourists.