Ancient temples shrouded in mystery, stunning landscapes, traditional cuisine, bustling nightlife – it’s all available for you during free time in Southeast Asia!
| Destination | Our Suggestion | Important Info |
Phnom Penh |
National Museum of Cambodia Delve into the history of Cambodia with a visit to the National Museum, home to 5,000 artifacts including sculpture, ceramics and ethnographic objects from the prehistoric, pre-Angkorian, Angkorian and post-Angkorian periods. The Museum promotes awareness, understanding and appreciation of Cambodia’s heritage through the presentation, conservation, safekeeping, interpretation and acquisition of Cambodian cultural material. It aims to educate and inspire its visitors – use your free time to be one of them! |
$ Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Location: Central Phnom Penh, next to the Royal Palace. |
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Choeung Ek Genocidal Center More famously known as the “Killing Fields,” this memorial is placed where more than 17,000 civilians were killed and buried in mass graves between 1975 and 1978. The Khmer Rouge, led by Pol Pot, took over Cambodia and mercilessly tortured and slaughtered anyone accused of illegal activities, including innocent citizens and children. Today, visitors can walk along 86 mass graves from which the remainders of 8,985 men, women and children were unearthed, and view 8000 skulls, arranged by sex, visible behind the clear glass panels of the Memoral Stupa. Those interested can take an audio guide to learn more about the history – be wary, the details are real and intense. |
FREE – $ Hours: 8:00 am – 5:30 pm Location: 15 kilometers south-west of Phnom Penh. |
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Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center At the Phnom Tama Wildlife Rescue Center, the NGO Wildlife Alliance has created a safe-space for rescued animals to recover before being released back into the wild. It is home to over 1,200 animals, and no animal in need is ever turned away. The center’s “Day in the life of a Zookeeper” program allows you to get up close and personal with the animals, including feeding elephants. Booking a tour is recommended to receive transfer from Phnom Penh and gain important information. |
$$ Hours: Full and half-day tours are available Location: About an hour outside Phnom Penh. Book a tour to get the full experience. |
Siem Reap |
Cambodia Landmine Museum Cambodia remains one of the most heavily mined countries in the world as a result of decades of conflict, including a civil war, the brutal Khmer Rouge regime and genocide, American bombings, and Vietnamese occupation. Created by landmine victim Aki Ra, this museum is dedicated to ridding the country of explosives leftover from the war, and educating visitors on the importance of clearing landmines in Cambodia, with potentially millions still in the ground. In the museum, you’ll see mines, mortars and other weapons that have been collected from around the country. |
$ Hours: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm Location: Approximately 25 km north of Siem Reap (30 minutes by tuk tuk). |
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Wat Damnak Home to an ancient temple, manicured lawns and fascinating, preserved buildings, Wat Damnak is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon. You can wander the gardens, visit the massive library or simply people watch and admire the intricate architecture. When visiting the pagoda, you should be respectful to the fact this is a religious site first and a tourist attraction second. Make sure that you show respect to other people. Speak softly and dress appropriately. There will be monks, students, workers, local people and tourists there. Use the proper greeting by placing your palms together in front of your chest with your fingers pointing upwards and bow your head slightly. This is called a “Sampeah” in Cambodia. |
FREE – donations encouraged Hours: Accessible 24/7! Location: Behind the Siem Reap Art Center Night Market on the east side of the Siem Reap River. |