The 6 best ways to spend your free time in Cambodia
We've put together a list of the best activities in Cambodia so you can make the most of your time volunteering overseas. Whether it’s a weekend away or your free time after volunteering hours, you'll want to make sure you have your plate full of great activities to really immerse yourself in Cambodia's amazing culture!
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Get cooking! There are heaps of cooking classes available to those who are looking to learn a thing or two about traditional Cambodian food. Or you could be wanting to show off a new found talent for cooking overseas cuisine when you get home! Some classes include a visit to a market to get the ingredients fresh. During this visit, you'll explore an authentic local market while getting taught about various customs, vegetables and spices. Our favourite place to go in Battambang is Smokin’ Pot. You'll get to make a fish amok curry, then cook it in a banana leaf! It's a bit tricky and there might be quite a few ripped banana leaves in the process, but you'll be a pro by the end. The best bit is that after cooking, you get to sit down enjoy homemade amok with steamed rice.
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A weekend trip to Siem Reap. Pub Street is one of the most notable streets in Siem Reap with its large choice of nightlife and entertainment! If you’re not afraid of karaoke then we highly recommend this spot - especially if you’re looking to enjoy a couple cheap drinks with your mates! And if you’re more excited to chill out for your weekend after a hard week volunteering, you’re spoilt for choice to get a massage or have a leisurely walk around a market or two.
“Venturing to Siem Reap on our weekend off was a sure highlight of the trip. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of speeding through traffic in a very squashy Tuk Tuk. Some of us had the chance to explore the breathtaking sights of Angkor Wat and take a photo or 5000 before treating ourselves to some highly anticipated massages, pedicures, smoothies and of course, Fish Amok in the iconic Pub Street.”
-Evie Jennings, Cambodia Community Challenge 2018
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Prepare to be Angkor ‘WOWed’. Angkor Wat is the most famous landmark in Cambodia and conveniently located in Siem Reap, not far from Battambang! Surrounding the main temple are many others, including one that was featured in the Tomb Raider series. Not only can this be a fun group outing full of laughs and goofing around, but it's also incredible to walk through the magnificent temples.
"I so appreciated being able to visit such an important and gorgeous piece of Cambodian history. I was blessed by a monk and was given a woven bracelet which I’m still wearing. I plan to take it off a year since I got it as a little keepsake. I know a lot of people wouldn’t admit that they even own a pair of Crocs, but after wearing them for many hours touring Angkor Wat and the other temples, I highly recommend them as great footwear. Maybe not the most fashion forward, although my yellow pair certainly pop in all of the photos!"
-Isabelle Mills, Cambodia Volunteer 2018
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Take a ride on a Norry. Cambodia’s Bamboo Train is a novelty tour through the picturesque bush that can be found near Battambang. Bamboo Trains were once a very effective mode of transport. However now with the evolution of technology, the Bamboo Trains are an attraction that keeps the history of Cambodian travel alive. The tracks that stretch across the countryside give you lots of time to sit back and relish in the scenery.
“Our tour was great! Our guide knew heaps and we got to see so much of Battambang. I loved the bamboo train, it was really fun and we got to see some of the beautiful countryside. It was probably my favourite thing that I did in Battambang!”
-Amy Teasdale, Cambodia Community Challenge 2018
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See the hustle and bustle of Phnom Penh. In the country’s capital, there are many amazing places to see. If you aren’t continuing your adventure in Cambodia with the Extension Trip, you should try to make the trip to Phnom Penh. The atmosphere is very different from the hometown feel of Battambang as it’s far more developed and includes many popular tourist sites. There is the Royal Palace where the King lives, the Killing Fields and S21 Museum, gorgeous theatre shows, and many food, boat and historical tours. And if you’re tuckered out from your volunteering escapades, you can relax and enjoy a break in an air-conditioned hotel room!
“I loved the history we learnt and tour they took us on in Phnom Penh changed how I perceived Cambodia by discovering what the country and people went through.”
- Sandra Mansour, Cambodia Volunteer 2018
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Keep it local! Battambang has plenty of sights to see and great spots if you’re not looking to travel too far from the volunteer housing. Monique said:
“I think for me, spending my free time exploring Battambang was a major highlight of my volunteer trip. I loved just riding bikes around with everyone, stopping to look at markets and shops and constantly treating ourselves to ice cream and massages! Also, I may have indulged in a few too many fruit smoothies and iced coffees but I couldn’t get enough! They’re so tasty and it’s probably what I miss the most!”
- Monique Mair, Cambodia Community Challenge 2018
Tempted to join a volunteer program and experience all these wonderful things Cambodia has on offer? Check out our Cambodia volunteer programs and choose the volunteer trip that best suits you!
This blog was written by Isabelle Mills, Cambodia volunteer almnus and media intern.