Not all holidays should only be related to famous tourist spots. Sometimes exploring the non-touristry places and doing the stuff that locals love to do confer the real joy. Cambodia gives you several opportunities to explore non-touristry things which will give you extreme fun. This country boasts sights of immense historical significance such as the temples of Angkor, as well as the wonderful wilds of the east. You can enjoy the real beach life in the south and relax. There are tons of awesome things to see and do in this magical country. Visit the country’s capital, Phnom Penh, which is situated near the Mekong River. Take the famous tuk-tuk ride to explore the not so famous hidden gems in Phnom Penh and get along with the locals. For more information on what to do in this destination, here is a list of the best non-touristry things to do in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
1. Check out street art on Street 93
Street art in Phnom Penh isn't dead! Here are some fresh new painting from Chifumi and Théo Vallier Art around boeng kak area. Tiger and Dragon inspiration!
Posted by Cambodia Urban Art on Tuesday, 19 January 2016
Street 93 in the Boeing Kak area, which is well known as “lakeside”, is the place where you should visit first. You will find a collection of walls painted to brighten up a once derelict area. The walls of the street are artistically embellished with murals. Each painting is meticulously drawn and spellbinds every watcher. If you are visiting there in December, then look out for the annual Cambodian Urban Art Festival which takes place every year during that time. It’s not a big street so it won’t take you long to walk down it and admire the art that is all around.
Street 93
Address: Street 93, Sangkat Sras Chork, Cambodia
2. Cruise down the Mekong River and learn how to catch fish
Nothing else could be a better way to explore the local life than spending a day with the local fishermen. Get ready to enjoy the best time of your trip and to have an exciting experience which will give you lots of stories to tell later on. Fishing is an adventure where you will learn how to cast the nets and catch river wonders like catfish. A local fisherman will take you on his boat and you can cruise down the Mekong River in search of fish. At the end of the course, your host will prepare delicious food of your catch. Eat your fish and enjoy a beautiful sunset.
Mekong River
Address: Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Website:
3. Taste quirky food at Phnom Penh Fear Factor Challenge (18 USD per guest)
Frog
Posted by Luna Oldlady Cascabelera on Saturday, 28 February 2015
Gear yourself up for some insect treats at the Phnom Penh Fear Factor Challenge! Taste the deep-fried quirky food with spices, garlic, and herbs which will cause a blast of taste in your mouth. It may sound a little weird but you will also get a chance to take insect cooking class where you will learn new skills of cooking. After cooking, you can eat the delicious insects that you’ve prepared. You will learn a lot about Cambodian culture, lifestyle, and history. It’s pretty fun to be a chef and get to cook passionately. You will certainly enjoy the day there.
Phnom Penh Fear Factor Challenge
Website:
Price: 18 USD per guest
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4. Taste unique liquors at Kingdom Breweries
Spend your afternoon at Kingdom Breweries. Take this great opportunity to enhance your knowledge about drinking trends and customs in Cambodia. Grab your favorite beer and enjoy the incredible sunset over the Time Sap River. It’s a big brewery and a great place to learn about alcohol. With so many options to choose from, you can get to taste several unique liquors. Whether you visit here alone or with your friends, Kingdom Breweries will certainly become your favorite place in Phnom Penh.
Kingdom Breweries
Address: 1748 NR5, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Website: Kingdom Breweries
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 1pm - 5pm (closed on sun)
5. Take a Cambodian cooking class (35 USD per guest)
Join the Cambodian cooking class with a local market tour by a skilled chef who will guide you and tell you everything about the local vegetables and ingredients. Here, you will experience the sophisticated techniques of Cambodian cooking where you will use only local ingredients. You will get your own cooking station in the cooking school so that you can learn it properly. Get ready to delight your senses and find out the simple magic spell in making this delicious local food and enjoy your cooking fully.
Cambodian cooking class
Website:
Price: 35 USD per guest
6. Watch a movie marathon at The Flicks
The flicks community movie house has three different cinemas. Eat popcorn and enjoy watching movies at The Flicks Cinema. It has a comfortable seating arrangement for customers and get to exchange your ticket stub for a glass of beer on the rooftop bar. There are even kids movies in the morning on the weekends. And the air-con on hot days makes you feel awesome. Movie tickets are quite affordable for an entire day of movies. As movies rotate each week and include all sorts of indie and international films.
The Flicks
Address: 39B Street 95, Phnom Penh 012304, 12304, Cambodia
Website: The Flicks
Price: 3.50 USD for the whole day
7. Attend an aerobics class
Let’s focus on fitness and take an aerobics class in one of the most beautiful places in the city. Just imagine, doing aerobics at the edge of the Tonle Sap River. Along with aerobics, you can enjoy several sports there. An experienced instructor will guide you to make many moves effectively. Spectators are welcome and anyone can join in for a 2000 Riel donation (50 cents). Enjoy the cool nature in the afternoon and stretch your legs.
Aerobics Class
Website: Aerobics Class
Price: 50 US cents
8. Watch a Cambodian circus show in Siem Reap (from USD 18.0)
It’s time to walk into the mesmerizing theatre in the historical heart in Siem Reap. A hush descends over the audience as the curtains unveil a talented troupe of acrobats and dancers/performers on the stage, who will make your eyes open wide. Feel the real story behind the incredible daring acts. Listen to the heart-throbbing music and watch the stunts. Some of the acts are Sokrias (eclipse), Khmer Metal, Sokha, Preu (chills), and Puto, which will give you goose pimples.
Siem Reap Phare: The Cambodian Circus Show Admission Ticket
Duration: 1 to 3 hours
9. Go on a sunset cruise on the Mekong River (from USD 42.0)
Experience everyday life in Phnom Penh and see historic attractions. Cruise along the Tonle Sap and Mekong River. Gaze at the soothing sunset, pass typical floating villages, see the Royal Palace and more. The most amazing part of this tour is the boat cruise that makes you feel the real tranquility of the Mekong as it flows through a lovely natural environment. Drink and enjoy finger-licking food while in nature.
Phnom Penh: Mekong River Sunset Cruise with BBQ Buffet
Duration: 2 hour
10. Watch traditional dance shows at the National Museum in Phnom Penh.
Watch Cambodian living art and dance show to entertain yourself and to learn about their culture at the same time. Experience the authentic Cambodian traditional dance show. The sound, visual, dance, presentation, everything is fantastic there. The performance is full of humor and emotions. In addition, you will be served delicious food. It’s a fun way to spend your day.
Experience Cambodian Living Arts, Dance Show
Explore the authentic side of Phnom Penh
Spending holidays doing non-touristry things is a dream of every wanderer and explorer. Enjoy these lovely sights and know more about the country and the people living there. With our list of non-touristy things to do above, there is no reason for you not to experience the authentic side of Cambodia.
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