Best things to do in Cambodia

A World Heritage Site and the largest religious monument in the world, Angkor Wat contains some of the greatest masterpieces of Khmer art and architecture in existence. Khmer emperor Suryavarman II had the temple built in the early 12th century, originally dedicating it to the Hindu god Vishnu. By the end of the century, the temple transformed into a Buddhist religious site, which it remains today. Tour the 162.6 hectare (402 acre) complex to see its fantastically detailed and well preserved stone temples. Wear clothes that cover your upper arms and legs down to the knees to adhere to the temple's visitor dress code.

Founded at the turn of the 13th century by Khmer emperor Jayavarman VII, Ta Prohm remains untouched and well preserved, largely owing to its status as a World Heritage Site. The temple, first established as a Buddhist monastery and university, stood abandoned for centuries, during which silk-cotton trees and strangler figs pushed out of its foundations and grew upward, burying the stone buildings in tangles of exposed roots. The ruins include hundreds of statues to various gods, former monks' residences, and stone towers, all intertwined with tree roots in an unforgettable visual effect. Parts of the trails that run through the temple are dark or impassable; use a map or follow a guide to stay on track.

Built around the turn of the 13th century by Khmer emperor Jayavarman VII, Bayon Temple looms peaceful and crumbling over its surrounding grounds. The Mahayana Buddhist temple features 216 large, serenely smiling faces carved into its towers, which many believe represent Jayavarman himself. Within the temple, various galleries bear stone relief scenes of religious pilgrimages, battles, and everyday street life. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes to navigate the uneven ground of the maze-like temple complex.

Angkor Thom features the epic remains of the last "great city" of the Khmer Empire. Founded in the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, the city was a true administrative, military, and religious center of the kingdom. The wooden structures have long collapsed, but the stone walls, five gates, and terraces adorned with elaborate carvings still remain, with some portions completely restored--such as the popular south gate. To approach this gate you need to walk through a moat between two rows of statues holding the seven-headed Naga (giant serpent)--symbolizing the passage from the world of people to the world of goods. A Buddhist temple sited at the center inside the walls represents the connection between heaven and earth. Do not miss the terrace decorated with elephant carvings where royal parties took place.

Choeung Ek Genocidal Center commemorates the approximately 17,000 men, women, and children murdered on this former orchard between 1975 and 1979. Under the brutal leadership of Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge regime, citizens accused of illegal activities were tortured in the infamous S-21 prison and then brought to these fields for execution and burial in mass graves. Many of the graves have not been exhumed, and bone fragments and pieces of cloth still litter the grounds. Today, a Buddhist stupa made of clear plexiglass contains about 5,000 skulls, around which visitors pay respect to the lives lost in these "Killing Fields."

A testament to the darkest side of human nature, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum protects the memory of the victims of the Khmer Rouge that were imprisoned and tortured in the classrooms of this former high school. From 1975 to 1979, the notorious regime detained over 17,000 prisoners here alone--including the former guards who fell from mercy of their superiors and several foreign citizens from the USA, Australia, and New Zealand. Nearly all prisoners who didn't die on spot from the consequences of brutal molestations were later executed in the killing fields. The exhibits include rusty beds, torturing tools, and numerous portraits of victims--sometimes photographed pre and post "treatment." Ask the guide to tell you some of their stories. Watch the documentary featuring interviews with former guards. Note that the displays--especially the photos of the bodies of prisoners who were killed as the Vietnamese liberating army was approaching the city--are extremely graphic and may not be appropriate for all visitors.

Still the official imperial residence, Royal Palace features a palace to the north, the lavish Silver Pagoda to the south, a throne hall in the middle, and an inner court with private residential quarters to the west. The palace was built in 1866, but none of the original buildings have survived the test of time. Some were torn down and completely rebuilt, like the royal temple which had more than 5,300 silver tiles laid down during the 1960s. This silver pagoda houses two famous statues of Buddha: a small crystal emerald one and a larger one decorated with more than 9,500 diamonds. See the largest frescos in Southeast Asia on the 19th century walls surrounding the pagoda. Another notable structure is an open-air pavilion still used as a stage for classical dance performances.

Take a break from touring ancient temples and discover a world of floating villages and protected animal sanctuaries on a Siem Reap nature and wildlife tour. Exploring with a guide on a traditional flat-bottomed boat, you'll encounter vibrant marshlands and flooded forests. You'll also have a chance to soak up scenic views of lush rice paddies, stilted houses, and floating markets, before making a stop at a bird sanctuary or a crocodile and fish farm. Choose between half-day and full-day tours--either way, the round-trip from your hotel will likely be included.

A jem of Khmer art, Banteay Srei is known for its delicate carvings and three-dimensional reliefs of devatas (divine nymphs), which earned the temple the modern name "citadel of the women." Originally dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, the temple is tiny compared to typical Angkorian edifices. It was founded in the 10th century by two of the king's counselors, making it the only major Angkorian temple not commissioned by a king. Notice the lavish decorations on the library pediments depicting scenes from the ancient Indian epic Ramayana. Due to pilferage and vandalism, some of the original statues and carvings were moved to a museum by the end of the 20th century; all of the mythical guardians are copies.

Founded in 1373, Wat Phnom remains the city's tallest religious structure. The Buddhist pagoda features a central altar complex with a seated Buddha statue and murals depicting the Khmer version of "Ramayana." At the southwest corner of the site, you can visit a shrine dedicated to Lady Penh, where swarms of Buddhists and visitors come to offer food, flowers, and prayers. Monkeys inhabit this area, so keep an eye on your personal belongings.

The heart of the city's nightlife, Pub Street melds backpacker-friendly bars, street food, and massage parlors. The street attracts mostly budget travelers with its happy hours and varied selection of cheap beers and Asian cocktails. The venues cater to different tastes--ranging from traditional Khmer bamboo huts to rooftop bars and modern restaurants with table service. Every day at 5 p.m. the street closes to traffic and around 10 p.m. live music starts filling the street. Take a peek at some of the side streets--you might find even cheaper, and more interesting, eating and drinking options there.

Learn about the nation's cultural history and examine some of its most notable archaeological finds at National Museum. Inspired by the traditional Khmer architecture, the museum was established in the 1920s on the western side of the Veal Preah Man square. The institution boasts a vast collection of sculptures, ceramics, ethnographic and religious items, and various objects dating back to the Khmer Empire. Immerse yourself in the Cambodian culture by taking a guided tour in English, French, Japanese, or the Khmer language.

Practice yoga and meditation at Vagabond Temple Yoga & Meditation Retreat as you embark on a spiritual journey. You can visit the temple for one day, or apply for one of the yoga/meditiation programs, which last from a week up to two months. Enjoy a massage, practice different types of yoga, and try various therapies for stress reduction. During your retreat program, your day will be organized and your meals provided, although all food is strictly vegan, and you cannot bring any meat to the temple.