A long and painful history, a striking artistic revival. Museums that stay with you, a contemporary circus among Asia's best, and classical Khmer dance recognised by UNESCO.
Tuol Sleng S-21, Choeung Ek, National Museum of Phnom Penh, Angkor National Museum — the essentials and how to approach them without exhausting yourself.
See the guide →A modern and clear museum to understand currency, trade, and the transformations of contemporary Cambodia.
See the guide →The mother school where the Phare project started: a tent show and social commitment — different from the large tent in Siem Reap.
See the Battambang guide →The royal court Khmer dance, inscribed in UNESCO's intangible heritage. Evening performances, restaurants with shows included — where to see the real version.
See the guide →Meditation, monastic life, temporary ordination for men — how to immerse yourself in Cambodian Buddhism, even for a few days.
See the guide →22 sites by electric bus or tuk-tuk, video guide in 10 languages — the colonial, Art Deco, and Khmer architecture of the capital in 2.5 hours. 22 USD · our tour.
See the tour →Cambodia lost a significant number of its artists, intellectuals, and musicians during the Khmer Rouge genocide (1975-1979). The artistic renaissance of the last 40 years is an act of cultural resistance. Understanding this changes the perspective on everything you see.
S-21 and Choeung Ek are difficult but essential visits. The National Museum and its pre-Angkor collections offer a positive counterpoint — the grandeur of Khmer civilization.
Phare Circus, Apsara dance performances, batik workshops, contemporary art galleries — Siem Reap has become an unexpected artistic hub.
90% of Cambodians are Theravada Buddhists. Almsgiving to monks at dawn, active wats everywhere — religion is omnipresent and open to respectful visitors.
Phare Circus shows, Phnom Penh museum tours, or guided temple visits with in-depth historical explanations.
