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10 Best Documentaries About Cambodia To Watch

• by Jonny Duncan
• December 18, 2023

These documentaries about Cambodia show a nation steeped in a complex tapestry of history, resilience, and cultural richness, from the ancient temples of Angkor Wat to the scars left by the Khmer Rouge regime, Cambodia’s story is one of both breathtaking beauty and profound tragedy.

Documentaries About Cambodia

Documentaries about Cambodia delve into the heart of this Southeast Asian nation, exploring its past, present, and the indomitable spirit of its people and offering a poignant and immersive journey.

Don’t Think I’ve Forgotten: Cambodia’s Lost Rock and Roll (2014)

Don’t Think I’ve Forgotten: Cambodia’s Lost Rock and Roll explores the vibrant rock and roll music scene that flourished in Cambodia from the late 1950s to the 1970s before the Khmer Rouge regime took over in 1975.

The film tells the story of how Western rock and roll and pop music, along with traditional Cambodian sounds, influenced and merged to create a unique and thriving music scene in Cambodia. It features interviews with surviving musicians, friends, and family members, as well as archival footage and recordings of the music from that era.

When the Khmer Rouge came to power, they sought to erase any form of Western influence, including music, and targeted musicians and artists. Many musicians were killed, and much of the recorded music was destroyed. The documentary sheds light on this tragic chapter in Cambodia’s history and the impact it had on the country’s music and culture.

“Don’t Think I’ve Forgotten” is not only a tribute to the lost musicians and their music but also serves as a historical document that helps preserve the memory of Cambodia’s vibrant rock and roll scene before it was silenced by the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime. This is one of my favourite documentaries about Cambodia to watch.

S21: The Khmer Rouge Killing Machine (2003)

S21: The Khmer Rouge Killing Machine provides a chilling and powerful look into the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia during the 1970s. The film specifically focuses on Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, also known as S-21, which was a former high school in Phnom Penh transformed into a notorious prison and torture centre by the Khmer Rouge.

The documentary includes interviews with both survivors and former Khmer Rouge perpetrators who worked at S-21. It explores the stories of those who were imprisoned, tortured, and often killed at the hands of the Khmer Rouge. The film delves into the psychological impact on both the victims and the perpetrators, shedding light on the brutality and dehumanization that occurred during this dark period in Cambodian history.

Rithy Panh, the director, himself a survivor of the Khmer Rouge regime, uses a combination of survivor testimonies, reenactments, and footage from the Khmer Rouge era to construct a haunting narrative.

Having visited the S21 prison myself and seeing the horror of what happened there I can highly recommend this as one of the documentaries about Cambodia for you to watch to get an insight into this tragic part of Cambodia’s history.

A River Changes Course (2013)

A River Changes Course explores the impact of economic development and globalization on traditional Cambodian ways of life. The film follows the lives of three individuals and their families in Cambodia, showcasing the challenges they face in the rapidly changing social and environmental landscape.

The three main subjects of the documentary come from different backgrounds:

• Sari Math: A young girl living in a fishing family, her life is deeply connected to the Mekong River.
• Sav Samourn: A mother of two who lives in a rural village, facing the pressures of deforestation and the encroachment of modernity.
• Khieu Mok: A factory worker in Phnom Penh, experiencing the urbanization and industrialization of Cambodia.

Through these personal stories, “A River Changes Course” addresses issues such as deforestation, the impact of globalization on traditional industries, and the consequences of rapid development. The film provides a glimpse into the lives of ordinary Cambodians and the choices they must make in the face of profound changes.

Angkor Wat: The Ancient Mystery Of Cambodia’s Lost Capital

No list of documentaries about Cambodia would be complete without something on the stunning Angkor Wat.

This is a free documentary on YouTube to watch that explores 900-year-old Angkor Wat, the famed “City of the God Kings”, through archaeology, computer graphics and re-enactment, it shows this stunning “lost city.”

This is one of the best documentaries about Cambodia to watch if you have an interest in ancient history.

Angkor Awakens: A Portrait of Cambodia (2017)

Angkor Awakens: A Portrait of Cambodia provides a contemporary look at Cambodia, exploring its history, culture, and the challenges it faces in the modern era. The film covers a range of topics, including Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage, the impact of the Khmer Rouge regime, the process of rebuilding the nation, and the efforts to address social and economic issues.

Angkor Awakens features interviews with a diverse group of individuals, including political leaders, artists, activists, and everyday citizens, offering a multifaceted perspective on the country.

The documentary aims to showcase Cambodia’s resilience and its ongoing journey of recovery and development. It addresses not only the traumatic past, particularly during the Khmer Rouge era, but also the contemporary issues facing the country.

Additionally, the film highlights the efforts of individuals and organizations working towards positive change in Cambodia.

Enemies of the People (2009)

Enemies of the People delves into the tragic history of the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia. It specifically focuses on Thet Sambath’s personal journey to understand and uncover the truth about the Killing Fields and the individuals responsible for the atrocities committed during that period.

Thet Sambath, the co-director and a Cambodian journalist, lost family members to the Khmer Rouge, and his personal connection to the events serves as a driving force behind the documentary. Over several years, Sambath gained the trust of Nuon Chea, the chief ideologist of the Khmer Rouge, who eventually opened up and provided insights into the regime’s decision-making processes and the reasons behind the mass killings.

“Enemies of the People” combines interviews with former Khmer Rouge members, including Nuon Chea, with archival footage and recreations to create a powerful narrative. The film explores the complexities of truth, justice, and reconciliation, as well as the personal toll of confronting a painful history.

The Missing Picture (2013)

The Missing Picture is a unique and deeply personal exploration of the filmmaker’s experiences during the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia.

Rithy Panh uses a combination of archival footage, reenactments using clay figurines, and his own narration to tell the story of his family’s and his own struggles during the Khmer Rouge era. The film’s title, “The Missing Picture,” refers to the gaps in history and the absence of visual documentation for certain aspects of the Khmer Rouge atrocities.

The documentary provides a poignant and artistic perspective on the director’s memories of the time when he and his family were forced into labour camps and faced the brutalities of the Khmer Rouge regime. The use of clay figurines adds a unique visual element to the storytelling, creating a powerful and evocative representation of the past.

“The Missing Picture” received widespread acclaim for its innovative approach to documentary filmmaking, its emotional impact, and its contribution to preserving the memory of the Khmer Rouge era.

A Cambodian Spring (2016)

A Cambodian Spring” is a documentary film directed by Chris Kelly. It was released in 2016 and provides an intimate and thought-provoking look at the complex and often tumultuous land rights protests in Cambodia.

The documentary focuses on the lives of three individuals involved in the activism and protests:

• Venerable Luon Sovath: A Buddhist monk who becomes a vocal advocate for land rights and social justice.
• Toul Srey Pov: A young mother fighting against the forced eviction from her home in a Phnom Penh slum.
• Tep Vanny: A prominent human rights activist who leads protests against land grabs and injustices.

The film captures the struggles and sacrifices of these individuals as they confront powerful interests, including government authorities and corporations, in their fight for justice and the right to land. The protests depicted in “A Cambodian Spring” occurred in the context of Cambodia’s rapid economic development and urbanization, leading to disputes over land rights and forced evictions.

The documentary provides a nuanced and personal perspective on the complexities of activism in Cambodia, highlighting the risks and challenges faced by those advocating for social change.

Red Wedding (2012)

Red Wedding is a powerful exploration of the experiences of Cambodian survivors of forced marriages during the Khmer Rouge regime.

The film focuses on the personal stories of women who were forced into marriages during the Khmer Rouge’s rule in Cambodia from 1975 to 1979. The Khmer Rouge, led by Pol Pot, aimed to create an agrarian communist society and implemented radical policies, including forced marriages, as a means of social engineering.

Families were torn apart, and individuals were paired off in unions dictated by the Khmer Rouge leadership.

“Red Wedding” features interviews with survivors who recount their experiences and the lasting impact of forced marriages on their lives. The title refers to the traditional Khmer wedding colour, symbolizing both the cultural significance of weddings and the tragedy of the forced unions imposed by the Khmer Rouge.

The Killing Fields (1984)

Although this is not a documentary about Cambodia it is an astounding film.

The Killing Fields is a historical drama that tells the true story of the experiences of two journalists, American Sydney Schanberg, and Cambodian Dith Pran, during the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia.

The central characters, portrayed by Sam Waterston as Schanberg and Dr. Haing S. Ngor as Dith Pran, work as journalists covering the events in Cambodia during the early 1970s, including the rise of the Khmer Rouge. As the Khmer Rouge took control of Cambodia in 1975, Schanberg returned to the United States, while Dith Pran remained in Cambodia and became a victim of the brutal regime.

The film depicts the horrors of the Khmer Rouge era, including forced labour, mass executions, and other atrocities committed by the regime. Dith Pran’s harrowing journey to survive the genocide and his eventual escape from Cambodia are central to the narrative. The title, “ The Killing Fields ,” refers to the mass graves where countless victims of the Khmer Rouge were buried.

It remains a significant and impactful film that sheds light on the atrocities committed during one of the darkest chapters in Cambodian history.

These documentaries about Cambodia collectively offer a mosaic of the country’s history, from its ancient and also tragic past to its resilient present, providing you with a deeper understanding of the nation’s complex and multifaceted narrative.

For more on the region have a look at the 10 best documentaries about Thailand to watch.

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Top 8 Documentaries about Cambodia and its History

In this article, we'll explore the top 8 documentaries about Cambodia and its tragic history

Intro: Documentaries About Cambodia

Cambodia is a South east Asian country that is located on the Indochina mainland. It is largely a land of plains and high-quality rivers, and lies amid critical overland and river alternate routes linking China to India and Southeast Asia. The impacts of many Asian cultures, alongside those of France and America, may be visible in the capital, Phnom Penh, certainly one of a handful of urban centres in large parts of rural countries.

For almost 2,000 years, Cambodia's civilization received influences from India and China and passed them on to other Southeast Asian civilizations. It ruled over lands that are now part of Thailand , Vietnam, and Laos from the Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms of Funan and Chenla (1st–8th century) to the classical period of the Angkor length (9th–15th century). The Khmer (Cambodian) empire reached its pinnacle in the 12th century, which was distinguished by constructing the vast temple complexes known as Angkor Wat and Bayon and the imperial city of Angkor Thom. Following 400 years of decline, Cambodia has become a French colony. All through the 20th century, experienced the turmoil of war, a career with the aid of the Japanese, postwar independence, and political instability.

1. Cambodia: The forgotten temple of Banteay Chhmar - Cambodia Documentaries

Many tourists do not understand that the Seventh Wonder of the World is one of many historical Khmer temples dotting the Cambodian nation-state. Hidden under the cover of trees in the northwestern jungles of Cambodia lies a lesser-regarded beauty: Banteay Chhmar, which roughly translates to "Citadel of Cats ." Brought to lifestyles within the twelfth century with the aid of Jayavarman VII, one of the Khmer Empire's best rulers, this little-understood temple turned into left uninhabited for almost 800 years.

Time, intense pillaging, and the inevitable domination of nature left the website in a state of semi-disintegrate. It was brought to UNESCO's tentative listing in 1992. In 2008, the Global Heritage Fund and the Cambodian authorities started conservation and network improvement efforts, quickly establishing the complex to traffic.

2. The lost world of the Khmer Rouge: Pol Pot's Cambodian Genocide - Documentaries about Cambodia

In power from 1975-1979, the brutal regime claimed the lives of up to two million human beings. Under the Marxist leader Pol Pot, the Khmer Rouge attempted to retake Cambodia to the Middle Ages, forcing tens of millions of humans from the towns to work on communal farms in the geographical region.

But this dramatic try at social engineering had a terrible price. Whole households died from execution, hunger, disease, and overwork.

3. Cambodian Girls Who Got Dragged Into Prostitution - Cambodia Sex-Trafficking Documentary

In the grim context of the sex industry in Cambodia, this documentary portrays the lives of three young girls who have been forced into prostitution. Srey Leak, Me Nea, and Cheata are mere children, but they are burdened with the responsibilities of helping their families and endure the same concerns, vulnerabilities, and personal aspirations as any other teenager in the world. Through their own words, the film tells a story about resilience, humour and sisterhood amid daunting challenges.

4. The Life of Pol Pot - Cambodia Genocide Documentary

Pol Pot, uniquely called Saloth Sar, (born May 19, 1925, Kompong Thom province, Cambodia—died April 15, 1998, near Anlong Veng, alongside the Cambodia-Thailand border), Khmer political chief who led the Khmer Rouge totalitarian regime (1975–79) in Cambodia that imposed excessive hardships on the Cambodian humans. His revolutionary communist Government forced significant city evacuations, murdered or displaced millions of people, and left a legacy of violence and poverty .

Saloth Sar, The son of a landowning farmer, turned into sent at age five or six to live with an elder brother in Phnom Penh, in which he changed into educated in a French curriculum. A mediocre pupil, he failed the doorway examinations for high school and studied carpentry for a year at a technical faculty in Phnom Penh. In 1949, he took a trip to Paris on a scholarship to look at radio electronics. He became concerned with the French Communist Party and joined a set of young left-wing Cambodian nationalists who later became his fellow leaders inside the Khmer Rouge.

5. Cambodia's Dark Past - Documentary about Cambodia

Many vacationers do now not apprehend the Seventh Wonder of the World is one of masses of historic Khmer temples dotting the Cambodian geographical region. Hidden underneath a cover of timber in the northwestern jungles of Cambodia lies a lesser-regarded splendour: Banteay Chhmar, which kind of interprets to "Citadel of Cats ." Brought to lifestyles within the 12th century with the resource of Jayavarman VII, one of the Khmer Empire's best rulers, this little-understood temple changed into left uninhabited for nearly 800 years.

Time, extreme pillaging, and the inevitable domination of nature left the internet website in a kingdom of semi-disintegrate. It has become delivered to UNESCO's tentative list in 1992.

In 2008, the Global Heritage Fund and the Cambodian Government started conservation and community improvement efforts, organizing the complicated traffic speedy aft.

6. Why did The west ignore the Cambodian Genocide? - Cambodia Documentary

The bracing announcement Sunday by using Pope Francis that the mass killings of Armenians through Turks amid World War I constituted the "first genocide of the twentieth century" may also have the brought gain of focusing interest on the sector's steady failure to save you mass violence inside the century when you consider that that slaughter.

One horror that deserves clean interest commenced to spread forty years ago this week: Black-clad soldiers of the Khmer Rouge, a thorough communist organization, marched into Phnom Penh and forced two million residents at gunpoint to go away. For the countryside to create an agrarian "utopia."

7. Glamorous Cambodia's: Paradise on earth - Documentaries about Cambodia

It is a well-shot series on Cambodia's people and culture, its historical legacy, and a wealth of knowledge that most people are unlikely to know about this Southeast Asian country. It transports the spectator to many facets of Cambodian life, from the glories of Angkor Wat to a leather carving artist who has converted his studio into an orphanage where he teaches children his craft.

8. Cambodian Killing Fields - Cambodian Genocide Documentary

Since the 1960s, the Khmer Rouge has formed guerrilla armies within the jungles that coated Cambodia's border with Vietnam. They believed they had been in a class battle, a war against the forces of capitalism. They supported the communist-led North Vietnamese Army and South Vietnam's National Liberation Front, the Việt Cộng.

Ethnic, knowledgeable, urban, professional human beings had been centred. All and sundry, who was vaguely linked to capitalism and related to the USA, subsidized the Cambodian Government, the Khmer Republic, which had taken the strength of Cambodia from King Norodom Sihanouk in 1970. Although seemingly impartial, politically speaking, Sihanouk had allowed the Việt Cộng to get entry to Cambodia, which helped the North Vietnamese against the Republic of Vietnam inside the South.

Documentaries about Cambodia: Conclusion

Are you passionate about South East Asia? Check out also our documentaries about Thailand , Laos and Myanmar .

If you enjoyed this documentaries list about Cambodia, kindly share!

Picture credits: @souvenirpixels on Unsplash

Images credits: Unsplash.com

Top Films to Watch Before Visiting Cambodia

Cambodia has provided the backdrop for a host of Hollywood and film festival favourites. From tropical jungles and pristine countryside to a rich cultural heritage and turbulent history, the Southeast Asian country has all the ingredients to make it worthy of starring in a swathe of must-see films. Here are the best films to watch before taking a trip to Cambodia.

The killing fields (1984).

http://youtube.com/watch?v=2ru0HxV4nWY

Based on a true story , The Killing Fields follows New York Times journalist Sydney Schanberg and his Cambodian fixer, Dith Pran, who is sent to a working camp under the Khmer Rouge regime. Schanberg makes it his mission to locate Pran and reunite him with his family, who were given refuge in America. Shot in 1984, the film offers a compelling insight into the country’s war-torn history.

The Last Reel (2014)

Cambodian director and producer Kulikar Sotho’s The Last Reel has snagged a string of awards at international festivals, and it’s easy to see why. This contemporary family drama takes a heartfelt look at the legacy left by the trauma that families suffered under the Khmer Rouge, and the impact it has had on subsequent generations. A story of love, shattered dreams, loss and hope, The Last Reel is a must-see film. (In Khmer with English subtitles.)

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Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)

This film flung Cambodia into the international limelight, with the tree-riddled temple of Ta Prohm in Siem Reap’s Angkor Archaeological Park forming the backdrop for many scenes. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider also appeared to spark Angelina Jolie’s love affair with Cambodia, which continues today with the actress making frequent visits to the country accompanied by her adopted Cambodian son, Maddox.

The Missing Picture (2013)

Renowned Cambodian film-maker Rithy Panh’s The Missing Picture was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 86th Academy Awards – becoming the first Cambodian movie to make the final cut. Panh was 13 years old when his family was rounded up with other Phnom Penh residents and sent to ‘re-education’ camps. Here, he uses simple clay figures to recreate the atrocities of the Pol Pot regime, interspersed with propaganda material, news and documentary footage.

City of Ghosts (2002)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=DtPic908wDo

Directing and stepping into the lead role, Matt Dillon delves into the seedier side of Cambodia, inspired by several visits to the country. Set in Phnom Penh in the early 90s, City of Ghosts is far from award-winning material, but it is intriguing for its real look at the gritty underbelly of the capital back then. It also stars James Caan and Gérard Depardieu, as well as featuring several well-known expat and Khmer faces in cameo roles.

Wish You Were Here (2012)

This Australian drama follows four friends whose Cambodian holiday in coastal Sihanoukville takes a dark turn, tracking the after-effects of this on their lives back in Australia. Joel Edgerton leads the cast in this edgy mystery thriller. While possibly not painting the best picture of Cambodia, Wish You Were Here is worth a watch for the beach shots to whet the appetite for the Kingdom’s coast.

Two Brothers (2004)

French director Jean-Jacques Annaud’s family adventure movie is set in the 1920s in French Colonial Cambodia. Two Brothers features Guy Pearce, although the spotlight is stolen by two tiger brothers, Kumal and Sangha. Separated as cubs, the tigers take two very different paths before being reunited a year later.

Poppy Goes to Hollywood (2016)

An upbeat, musical profile of the LGBT community, Poppy Goes to Hollywood follows jobless ‘loser’ Mony. When he is threatened, Mony asks for help from his brother, a ladyboy at a cabaret club. Hilarity ensues as Mony is forced to flee, dressed in drag, to Hollywood – a club in Preah Vihear. Pioneering for its exploration of LGBT issues, the locally produced comedy has all the ingredients of typical Khmer humour.

Cambodian Son (2014)

This award-winning documentary film follows Cambodian-American Kosal Khiev, who was sent to Cambodia – a country he had never stepped foot in – after being freed from prison in America for gang-related crime. His plight is identical to hundreds of Khmericans exiled in Cambodia. An excellent portrayal of his struggles, Cambodian Son follows Khiev as he finds a new lease of life in spoken word poetry and attempts to find his footing in this foreign land he now calls home.

Don’t Think I’ve Forgotten: Cambodia’sLost Rock ‘n’ Roll (2014)

This documentary by John Pirozzi shines the spotlight on Cambodia’s Golden Age, when Phnom Penh was a thriving creative hub. During the 1960s and early 1970s, Cambodian rock ‘n’ roll was booming, the capital was dubbed the “pearl of Asia” and life was good. Then came the Khmer Rouge, who targeted artists as part of their genocidal regime that reigned from 1975 to 1979 – 95 percent of the country’s artists died. Moving and informative.

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Best Documentaries About Angkor Wat

I love watching movies about places we travel to. So today is the best documentaries about Angkor Wat!

Nestled amidst the lush jungles of Cambodia, Angkor Wat stands as a testament to the grandeur of ancient civilizations. This awe-inspiring temple complex dates back to the 12th century. And it has captivated the imaginations of historians, archaeologists, and tourists alike for centuries. 

Visiting Angkor Wat in person is an unparalleled experience. We didn’t have any idea how much we’d love this area of Cambodia. Its people and culture delighted Steve and me, and we hope you can visit there yourself. 

But documentaries offer an insightful and immersive way to explore the temple complex’s history and mysteries. So here are the best documentaries about Angkor Wat. We chose our favorites and hope they provide you with a virtual journey through time and culture.

Exploring Angkor Wat’s Mystique: The 4 Best Documentaries

For history enthusiasts, adventurers, and anyone intrigued by the mysteries of the past, these documentaries offer an enlightening and visually engaging experience. The films resurrect the magnificence of Angkor Wat and its profound place in history.

The Lost City of the God Kings: Angkor Wat

Visually, “ The Lost City of the God Kings ” does justice to the awe-inspiring beauty of Angkor Wat. It has striking visuals, including aerial footage, 3D reconstructions, and on-site cinematography. So, it transports viewers to the heart of Cambodia’s ancient wonder. 

The documentary captures the essence of Angkor Wat’s mystique and architectural brilliance. One of the film’s standout aspects is its thorough exploration of the God Kings who built these temples. It does an excellent job of showing the city’s appearance and how the people revered the rulers.

I like that this documentary about Angkor Wat helps me imagine the temple complex in its original state. It delves into stories about the kings and makes them also come to life. Steve and I watched this film while in Siem Reep, trying to learn more about the temples between visits.

Related: Five Best Things to Do in Siem Reep

The population of the city outsized Paris and London in that time frame. But the city’s fall and the kingdom’s lost place in history still stumps archaeologists.

National Geographic’s Angkor Wat | Access 360 World Heritage

Angkor Wat has long been a subject of fascination for historians, archaeologists, and adventurers alike. National Geographic’s documentary series “ Access 360 World Heritage ” takes you on a journey through this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site.

National Geographic is renowned for its breathtaking cinematography, and this episode is no exception. The documentary masterfully captures the beauty and intricacy of Angkor Wat’s architecture and the lush surroundings of the Cambodian jungle. Using drones and high-definition cameras allows viewers to appreciate the temples’ grandeur and the intricate carvings’ smallest details.

This short video offers a glimpse into how workers maintain Angkor Wat. Modern bare-footed workers scale temple sides to remove trees sprouted from pigeon poop. Their determination to protect the remains leads to some dazzling footwork.

Aerial archaeologists work by helicopter and on foot to understand better how ancient people built this fantastic city. They concentrate on how water gets to the city. The engineering feat is astonishing, even among today’s standards. 

The interviews with archaeologists, historians, and local experts offer valuable insights into the religious practices, societal structure, and artistic achievements of the Khmer civilization. However, some viewers might wish for more in-depth discussions of specific historical events or legends associated with Angkor Wat.

National Geographic does an excellent job of shedding light on the ongoing conservation and preservation efforts at Angkor Wat. It emphasizes the importance of safeguarding this cultural treasure for future generations.

Timeline’s The Buried Secrets Of The Empire Behind The Angkor Wat – Angkor Rediscovered

Timeline’s “ Angkor Rediscovered ” provides a deeper understanding of the Khmer Empire’s rise and fall. The documentary presents a well-researched narrative. It weaves together the rich tapestry of Cambodian history and the empire’s evolution.

This documentary about Angkor Wat delves into the complex political, religious, and societal factors that contributed to the construction and eventual decline of the temple complex. Expert interviews and historical accounts add depth to the storytelling.

The documentary strongly emphasizes the archaeological efforts to uncover Angkor Wat’s hidden secrets. Viewers are treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the excavation and restoration work conducted by dedicated archaeologists and preservationists. One thing I appreciated in this documentary about Angkor Wat is the animations to show how it looked “then.” You can get a real feel for Angkor in its glory days.

Archaeology and Technology

The use of modern technology, such as ground-penetrating radar and LiDAR scans, to reveal hidden structures beneath the earth’s surface is also interesting. The science behind the exploration is something I don’t usually think about. So it was good to see in most of these documentaries about Angkor Wat.

This film combines stunning aerial shots, CGI reconstructions, and on-site footage to give viewers a sense of the awe-inspiring scale of the temple complex. And the close-ups of the structures are amazing. It makes me want to hop on a plane and return!

Cambodia’s Temple Kingdom – The Mark Of Empire – Angkor

This documentary about Angkor Wat comes from the perspective of Singaporean host and scholar Peter Lee. He passionately collects artifacts, so it makes perfect sense for him to guide us on a tour of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat. Lee also seeks to learn how SE Asia’s ancient empires shaped the region’s collective identities. Finally, he explores how the Angkor Empire dominated the culture for more than 600 years.

Learn how Cambodia’s floodwaters from the monsoon season still affect local life. But more importantly, Lee explores how the ancient Khmer engineered a city with canals and reservoirs. They built irrigation channels, an extensive road network, and a massive social system. It had to be a fantastic place to live, work, and learn.

Lee examines how the ancients lived and how their legacy shapes Cambodians today. This documentary gets a solid thumbs up.

Angkor Wat stands as a timeless testament to human creativity and ingenuity. And these four documentaries offer unique perspectives on this ancient wonder’s history, culture, and mysteries. So whether you’re a history enthusiast, an archaeology buff, or simply curious about the world’s most breathtaking temples, these films will transport you to the heart of Angkor Wat, allowing you to explore its grandeur and unravel its enigmatic past from the comfort of your own home.

The aerial views in these documentaries about Angkor Wat gave me a greater perspective of just how large this temple complex is.

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Amazing Quest: Stories from Cambodia | Somewhere on Earth: Cambodia

Oct 1, 2023 | Culture , Environmental , People , Videos

We can dream of adventure on other planets that we may be able to colonize some day in the distant future… but for our children, Travel means our own planet Earth. Exploring different regions step by step, making encounters hand in hand… Discovering our Earth is a multi-faceted adventure… with no frontiers or limits except those of Man.

Somewhere on Earth spotlights places the world over where Nature has given free rein to its imagination and has taken the time to create breathtaking landscapes. These spots are often far removed from the great currents of the modern world and this isolation has long kept them sheltered them from the aggressions of human activity.

Somewhere on Earth is a documentary that invites viewers to explore the unique beauty of isolated regions around the world, from tropical jungles to snow-infused mountains and vast deserts. Although our planet can seem to be increasingly crowded, there are still places where Nature has been allowed to flourish unhindered by humans.

The documentary journeys through some of these stunning locales, bringing us closer to their awe-inspiring landscapes and inhabitants. As we accompany them on their virtual journey, we come face to face with the wild beauty of these secluded havens – vast vistas that take one’s breath away, cascading waterfalls that provide a welcome respite from everyday life, and ancient forests filled with an almost spiritual peace.

Beyond simply visual spectacle, Somewhere on Earth also delves into the history behind each region they visit. Through interviews with locals and experts, we gain insight into the culture and ecology of each area and get a sense of how deeply intertwined its people are with its environment. We learn about animals never before seen by most viewers, as well as rare plants that have evolved to survive in hostile conditions.

For viewers who long for adventure but don’t have the opportunity or means to explore far-off spots in person, Somewhere on Earth offers a unique glimpse at some of Earth’s most fascinating places without ever leaving home.

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23 Binge-worthy Travel Documentaries on Netflix (2024)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: April 14, 2024

If you enjoy watching travel shows (whether for inspiration or research) you are in for a treat with this selection of the best travel documentaries on Netflix in 202 4

This eclectic list of Netflix travel documentaries and series will take you across every continent to meet the people, cultures, history and geography, natural wonders and wildlife that make up our beautiful planet.

Chosen by travel bloggers this is a selection of the best travel documentaries available on Netflix around the world.

Please bear in mind that not all these shows may be available on Netflix in your location ! If you would like unrestricted access to 15 Netflix libraries around the world (including Germany/USA/UK) we recommend Surfshark VPN. You only need 1 subscription to cover every gadget in your house. Click here for more information about Surfshark

Taco Chronicles

With surfshark vpn you can, dark tourist, down to earth, grand tours of the scottish islands, expedition happiness.

• Chef's Table

Somebody Feed Phil

Extreme engagement.

• Joanna Lumley's India

Chasing Coral

Magical andes, cuba and the cameraman, jack whitehall travels with my father, restaurants on the edge, tales by light, christiane amanpour: sex & love around the world, the serpent, the dawn wall, my octopus teacher, anthony bourdain: parts unknown, street food series (latin america and asia), more tv shows & movies from countries around the world, 23 best travel documentaries on netflix.

If you didn’t love the idea of eating tacos in Mexico City already, Taco Chronicles will make sure you do! In fact, you’ll discover that there’s even more to authentic Mexican tacos than you ever knew about.

In Taco Chronicles, you’ll go on a taco journey to Mexico City and beyond, to discover the unique types of tacos eaten in Mexico’s various regions and states. The show does start off in Mexico City, with the king of Mexican tacos — the taco al pastor.

From Mexico City, enjoy a virtual Mexican culinary food tour to its neighbouring state of Hidalgo, home of barbacoa (BBQ) tacos. Beyond Central Mexico, this food and travel documentary takes you all over Mexico.

In subsequent episodes of this two-season show, you’ll discover cochinita pibil (slow-roasted suckling pig) tacos in the Yucatan Peninsula, fried fish tacos in Baja California state on the west coast, cabrito (goat) tacos in Northern Mexico, and more.

Places/countries featured – Mexico

Chosen by Shelley of Travel Mexico Solo

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Over recent years, the public’s fascination with dark tourism destinations has boomed. Sites such as Chernobyl and Auschwitz draw in thousands of tourists every year. With so many of the population sharing a fascination for dark history, it is no wonder that so many have tuned into Netflix’s ‘Dark Tourist. 

The show follows journalist David Farrier as he travels around hoping to experience the most macabre destinations that the world has to offer. Farrier’s quest to unearth the morbid takes him to several high profile dark tourism destinations, including the site of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, on a JFK assassination tour and he even witnesses an exorcism in Mexico City.  

Although Farrier sometimes comes across as a mediocre Louis Theroux, this thought-provoking travel show succeeds in its aim and transports you into the unknown. The result is an interesting series that explores the darker side of life (and death).

Chosen by Sheree   of Winging the World

In the Netflix series Down To Earth , actor Zac Efron and wellness author Darin Olien travel across the globe learning about the wellness and sustainability efforts being made in numerous destinations.

Each of the eight episodes focuses on a different location and aspect of sustainability or personal wellness.

In the first episode, you’ll learn all about harnessing the earth’s energy in Iceland. From there, travel to Paris to see their efforts to reduce bottled water impacts, learn about sustainability in Costa Rica, and nutrition in Sardinia.

Also included in the series are food education in Lima, post-hurricane sustainability in Puerto Rico, London pollution reduction efforts, and Iquitos wellness in the Peruvian Amazon.

In one of the most intriguing segments, they learn about tap water differences from a water sommelier. The series lends a glimpse into some beautiful destinations and what locals are doing to keep them beautiful for decades to come.

Chosen by Samantha of PAonPause.com

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• 16 binge worthy Turkish series on Netflix

Historian and film-maker Paul Murton brings you on a fascinating journey to many Scottish islands over four seasons. He meets with locals; finds hidden gems; and explores the rich, unique, and sometimes tragic history of each of the islands. 

You may be surprised to find yourself binge-watching this relaxing travel documentary series. You will get caught up in Murton’s contagious curiosity about its people and his great admiration for its beauty. Every episode is filled with stunning scenery. The high production quality and engaging soundtrack heighten the enjoyment of the show. Fans can follow this up with his three other Scottish travel series.  

Queue up, Grand Tours of the Scottish Islands to enjoy some dreamy armchair travel or to gain a deeper understanding of the islands as you plan your trip to Scotland .  

Places featured: Isle of Skye , Islands of Loch Lomond, Hebridean Islands, Orkney Islands, and many more

Contributed by Erica at Trip Scholars

Expedition Happiness is a home movie/travelogue that follows the story of a German couple as they give up their life in Germany to do an epic road trip in the Americas with their dog Rudi.

The couple, whose names are Selima and Felix, purchased a yellow school bus in Florida for 9500 USD. After working on it for three months, they transformed it into their “Loft on Wheel”, a comfortable, spacious, and well-equipped adventure bus. 

The itinerary was to start in Alaska near Denali National Park , drive all the way down to Central America, cross over to South America, and finish in Argentina.

On their adventure, they documented all the incredible landscapes they saw, the people they met, and more.

Whether they were able to finish their epic adventure or not, you will have to find out on Netflix! 

Chosen by Sean of Living out Lau

Chef’s Table

Even if you’re not a foodie but love to travel, be sure to watch Chef’s Table on Netflix. This documentary series features renowned Chefs from around the world who are creating inspired culinary experiences.

Now in its 6th season with 30 episodes, the series doesn’t just showcase a chef’s creations, but takes you on a journey through each of their personal stories that has led to their creativity.

World renowned chefs like Italy’s Massimo Bottura will inspire you with how he came from humble beginnings to being on the world culinary stage. But one chef in particular has inspired us to travel for her food — Chef Ana Rôs, owner of  Hiša Franko restaurant  in Kobarid, Slovenia. 

After initially pursuing a career track in business, she spent years honing her craft and experimenting with the local foods of her native Slovenia. Today, she is now one of the top chefs in the world, Hiša Franko is one of the 50 Best Restaurants in the World and newly Michelin-rated — and our dinner there on my birthday might possibly be the best meal of my life.

Watch the series and decide where your next culinary adventure will be.

Chosen by Lori of travlinmad.com

In “Somebody Feel Phil”, the creator of “Everybody Loves Raymond,” Phil Rosenthal, travels the world to indulge in the scrumptious local cuisine and to learn more about the culture of these destinations.

There are currently four seasons on Netflix and each episode features a different city around the world. This documentary does a great job of portraying local customs and traditions and viewers will feel like they’re actually in that city with the locals.

Phil has a childlike wonder to him when he’s learning about the different cultures and he answers basically any potential questions the viewers could have about the destination. One of the best parts about the documentary is watching Phil turn the strangers he meets into his family. 

Places featured – Bangkok, Saigon, Tel Aviv, Lisbon, New Orleans, Mexico City, Venice , Dublin, Buenos Aires, Copenhagen, Cape Town, New York City, Marrakesh, Chicago, London, Seoul, Montreal, Rio De Janeiro, San Francisco, Singapore, the Mississippi Delta, and Hawaii. 

Chosen by Disha of Disha Discovers

While most people get engaged and then begin planning their perfect wedding, Tim and PJ, stars of the Netflix show Extreme Engagement, do anything but that. Instead, Tim and PJ get engaged and then set out on a worldwide exploration of marital traditions around the world. 

The couple journeys to places such as Mongolia, Brazil, China, Nigeria, and Papua New Guinea facing challenging experiences along the way that has them questioning their relationship and each other. 

You get to see a glimpse inside the cross-cultural challenges associated with a new romance along with an interesting insight into how other cultures celebrate love and marriage. 

Chosen by Michelle Snell from That Texas Couple

International travellers Scott Wilson and Justin Lukach cross the world and push their limits on an expedition to find genuine, unforgettable experiences.

DEPARTURES is an international award-winning and inspiring television travel series that will take you on the journey of a lifetime and beyond. From epic landscapes to unforgettable culture, learn what it takes to make it all happen through personal successes, crushing disappointments and memorable new friendships that could only be made by travelling abroad.

With two episodes for every continent, DEPARTURES will arm and reassure your wanderlust with hours of riveting programming that captures the beauty, drama, wonder and humor of taking a leap abroad.

DEPARTURES covers every aspect of world travel, showing you exactly what to expect at destinations around the globe. From beaches in Bali and cruising in the South Pacific Islands, to trekking on Mt Kilimanjaro and sailing up icebergs off Greenland, DEPARTURES takes you straight into a location’s unique atmosphere… giving viewers insight into a whole new way of life.

Places featured – Nearly 30 countries around the world including Japan, New Zealand and Russia

Chosen by Casandra of Karpiak Caravan Adventure Family Travel

Joanna Lumley’s India

Joanna Lumley is a British actress probably most well-known for her role as the outrageous Patsy of Absolutely Fabulous. What is perhaps less known about her is that she was born in Kashmir, India, in 1946, and the descendent of British colonists in India going back to 1777.

Originally aired in 2017 with three episodes, Joanna Lumley’s India takes viewers on a personal trip across the country where she explores modern India and finds connections to members of her own family and the experience of being and speaking English in India .

Lumley has also hosted travel shows on Japan, the Silk Road, the Caribbean, and the Trans-Siberia express train.

Places featured:  Tamil Nadu, Sikkim, Gujarat, Mumbai, Ranthambhore National Park, Delhi, and Srinagar, Kashmir.

Chosen by Mariellen of Breathedreamgo

Chasing Coral is a fascinating documentary about the disappearance of coral around the world. In this chasing coral, a team of divers, researchers and photographers set out on an ocean adventure to document the bleaching of Coral in warming seas. This phenomenon is when corals lose their beautiful and vibrant colors to become white, dying shortly after. 

The point of this documentary is to show that the coral’s death is the result of climate change and the rise in temperatures that are absorbed by the oceans. 

The documentary takes us to some of the most beautiful destinations in the world such as the Florida Keys, Hawaii and the Bahamas. More than that, this documentary also shows the important damage climate change has done to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. 

I definitely recommend this documentary to anyone who wants to really understand the impact of human activity on the ocean’s ecosystem. 

Chosen by Camille from Everything Yoga Retreat

Magical Andes is one of the best travel documentaries on Netflix if you are looking to learn about the natural gems of South America. When searching amongst the 100’s of other documentaries you’ll find this particular docuseries created by Luis Ara and Alexandra Hardorf concentrates solely on the magical landscape of the Andes mountain range. 

This docuseries not only shows you all about the longest continental mountain range in the world, but talks about the wildlife, lakes, and forests, deserts, volcanoes, and other Mother Earth creations that exist in that region. 

Magical Andes focuses on truly stunning imagery and gives you a look into some of the  best places to visit in South America  that you simply wouldn’t see passing through in a car.

Places featured  – In season one, the Netflix documentary features spectacular views from Argentina and Chile. Then from the Aconcagua desert in Bolivia over to some of the more ancient cultures in Peru. The lush mountain of Colombia and Ecuador are also featured.

Chosen by Daniel of LayerCulture.com

If you’ve ever thought of visiting Cuba there are many Cuban movies and documentaries to help you to research your trip, but none are as epic as this one. 

Many people believe that Cuba is a country frozen in time, but this Netflix documentary features Jon Alpert’s travels to Cuba over a span of nearly five decades. 

And while the relationships between the United States and Cuba has been fragmented at times, he visited each time as an American journalist. It starts in 1970s, just over a decade since the Cuban revolution when the country was thriving. 

Instead of giving his perspective on Cuba, he interviews three families who share their own stories of every day life. He continues to visit Cuba to find these families to update their stories. Over the decades the political situation and relationship with the United States changes quite dramatically.

And while he also interviews Fidel Castro, most of the film is really about everyday Cubans and their highs and lows.

Chosen by Ayngelina of Baconismagic.ca

Jack Whitehall is a British comedian who attended private school and has a somewhat disjointed relationship with his father Michael because of this. Jack also never got to take a gap year before going to university so season one of Travels with my Father is all about Jack finally embarking on a traditional ‘gap year’ trip to Southeast Asia. The twist is he takes his father with him so they can strengthen their bond.

The series takes place in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam and highlights some of the gap year activities that can be done including full moon parties on the beach and visiting Angkor Wat. By the end of their travels, they reflect on what they have learned about each other and themselves.

The show continues in a similar fashion in the subsequent seasons where Michael takes Jack on a culture and history tour around Europe, Jack shows Michael everything the US has to offer, and both his mother and father join him for a road trip in Australia.

Chosen by Steph from Book It Let’s Go!

If you love travel, design and food, Restaurants on the Edge needs to be on your Netflix list. In each episode, the show highlights a restaurant in a stunning location. 

The restaurants get a makeover from a design expert and the menu often gets an upgrade from the show’s chef, the goal is to take struggling restaurants and make them sustainable for the business owners. 

There are currently two seasons of Restaurants on the Edge on Netflix, with locations throughout the world. 

In season one, you’ll be treated to beautiful ocean views in Malta, as well as stunning architecture. The views continue with a cliff side restaurant in Costa Rica. 

Season two will take you around the world again, with restaurants in Finland, St. Croix and Arizona. 

Not only is it fun to see the upgrades these restaurants go through, but it’s also inspiring to see the impact the changes have on each person’s life making this show a must-watch. 

Chosen by Alenis of seasaltandfog.com  

If you are a fan of Italy, Italian art and History, then watch the gorgeous and surprisingly brutal history of the famous Medici’s of Florence.

The Netflix show is so well done with gorgeous cinematography, beautiful costumes and stage settings. The show includes all the surrounding countryside and historic sites that document the Medici Family and their major influence on Florence, Venice, and even Rome (two popes were related to the Medici family).

It also showcases early Catholic power and greed. The Pope had absolute power and a religious mission that seemed corrupt whichever person was Pope and ruler. 

The Medici focus really hits the major sites of the city and also the start of the Renaissance period in Italy. The crowning of the main dome in the cathedral was a major achievement during this time frame and it was really fascinating to see how this was depicted and shown in development and the struggles of the Medici family to get this undertaking done.

Also, it was interesting to see how easy it was during that time frame to create wealth and also lose it depending on your affiliations and business relationships with the pope and other influential rulers of that time.

Watch the Medici’s on Netflix and if you visit Florence, you’ll gain a better understanding of the Medici fame and fortune in the area.

Chosen by Noel of Oahu Travel Now

Below Deck is a series of reality TV shows. Each show is set on a luxury yacht which is rented out by wealthy charter guests, but the real action is with the young yacht crew, or yachties, who serve them, the characterful captains who lead them and the stunning locations. The original Below Deck was so successful that it rapidly gained two spin offs, Below Deck Mediterranean and Below Deck Sailing Yacht.

The original Below Deck saw the crew sail around Sint Maarten in the Caribbean, followed by seasons in the British Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, the US Virgin Islands, Tahiti, Thailand and Antigua.

Below Deck Mediterranean’s locations have included Mykonos in the Greek Islands, Split and Cavtat in Croatia, the Amalfi Coast in Italy, the Cote d’Azur in the south of France and Mallorca in Spain’s Balearic Islands. Below Deck, Sailing Yacht has only had one series, set in Corfu.

Contributed by Helen of HelenOnHerHolidays.com

The documentary series “Tales by Light” follows renowned professional filmmakers and photographers as they visit worldwide destinations and capture fascinating content which highlights different features of the natural world. 

Every episode focuses on a different subject such as wildlife, the oceans, landscapes, adventure activities, or cultural practices and traditions. The distinct approaches of the featured photographers really help to bring the stories to life and this program presents many less well-known countries and regions in a compelling way using panoramic landscapes and stunning visuals. 

The first season explores multiple destinations per episode, with visits to Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Alaska and Colorado in the United States, Vanuatu, the Himalayas, Antarctica, Ethiopia and Uganda.

The second season covers Kenya, Norway, Brazil, the Bahamas, India and Namibia, and the third season highlights Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Australia.

This series presents a journey across the globe and is sure to inspire travellers who are looking for their next adventure.

Contributed by Claire from  Claire Pins Travel  

In this cultural travel show, CNN journalist Christiane Amanpour (who in the past has covered major stories from countries like  Iran , Rwanda, and Pakistan) travels to six different cities around the world to explore women’s love lives across multiple cultures. She talks to experts in the field as well as everyday people — revealing facts and details that give a very insightful glimpse into the culture and values of women around the world. 

Christiane is a natural at asking just the right questions and at shining a spotlight on the stories of the women in each city.

While this show focuses heavily on love and sex, viewers will get to learn a whole lot about the overall mentality and life approach of each country — making this a perfect travel show that fosters deeper cultural appreciation.

Places featured – Tokyo (Japan), Delhi (India), Beirut (Lebanon), Berlin (Germany), Accra (Ghana), Shanghai (China)

Chosen by Jiayi of The Diary of A Nomad

Released at the beginning of 2021, The Serpent is not a travel show in and of itself, but it will inevitably allure travelers into visiting the many places explored by the main characters.

Aired on Netflix, the series tells the real story of Charles Sobhraj, a French serial killer of Indian and Vietnamese origins who in the mid-1970s drugged, robbed and killed a large number of backpackers travelling between Thailand, India and Nepal. 

Sobhraj and his Quebecoise girlfriend Marie-Andrée Leclerc were finally identified as the authors of the crimes thanks to the work of Dutch diplomat Herman Knippenberg, who, albeit the many reservations of the Dutch ambassador to Thailand, set to investigate the disappearance of a Dutch couple and through a series of lead eventually managed to uncover the culprits.

Places featured: Over the course of 8 episodes you will be taken to Bangkok, the coast of Thailand, the peaks of Nepal, the streets of several Indian cities and even to Paris .

Chosen by Claudia Tavani of My Adventures Across The World

When Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson free climbed the Great Wall of the El Capitan rock face in the Yosemite National Park in 2018, the news spread like wildfire.

Dawn Wall is a US documentary about this story of perseverance and adventure.

Cameras follow these legendary free climbers as they undertake this nearly impossible task. It took Cadwell 7 years to reach the goal and we are given a detailed look into the events that led to this decision and the struggles that were involved throughout the journey.

There’s one constant theme that runs throughout the story and that is the strength of the human spirit.

This captivating documentary with great visuals should not be missed. The documentary is in English, but subtitles are available in different languages that include Spanish, French, and Chinese. 

Places featured : Yosemite National Park

Chosen by Rai from A Rai of Light

My Octopus Teacher is an award-winning and very heart-touching documentary on Netflix that covers how a filmmaker spent a year trying to capture a wild octopus on camera and also form a friendship with it. 

For about a year, Craig Foster films a wild octopus he came across while trying out free-diving through an underwater kelp forest in South Africa.

Over the period, Craig and the octopus develop a bond with the octopus almost showing Craig around and not being uninhibited by his presence as he follows it.

Craig watches as it protects itself, loses an arm to an attack and then regrows it too. At the end of the documentary, the octopus naturally passes away after mating and trying to protect its eggs. 

Filmed entirely near Cape Peninsula in South Africa, this beautiful documentary is not to be missed as it covers an offbeat relationship between man and nature. 

Places featured – A kelp forest off False Bay near Simon’s Town in South Africa

Chosen by Lavinia of Continent Hop

For the foodies of the world, who travel the world, and are strident realists about the world, “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown” is an absolute must-watch.

Rugged, painfully honest, internationally renowned chef Anthony Bourdain travelled the globe in search of authentic food, people and life experiences. With no time for nonsense and all the time in the world for simple food done to perfection, he takes the viewer to eating establishments from tiny street food stalls to the finest of fine dining.

In his search for amazing food in amazing places, he guides you from the brutality of the Bornean jungle to the madness of Seoul’s foodie nightlife and the pure joy of a perfectly cooked steak in an Argentinian steakhouse accompanied by a glass of locally bottled Malbec. 

Parts Unknown leaves you an appetite for dinner and a bigger one for travel. Wanderlust is baked into every episode.

Chosen by Rosie of the Flying Fluskeys

The Street Food series is one for foodie lovers around the world to enjoy! Each episode follows the story of a local chef and how they started their now-famous street food shops.

From family restaurants to cultural fusions, you learn about a destination through food from the people who make it possible.

Volume one takes place in various Asian destinations, such as Bangkok (Thailand), Singapore, Delhi (India), Seoul (South Korea), and others.

The second volume takes place in Latin America, highlighting food in Salvador (Brazil), Bogota (Colombia), Lima (Peru), Oaxaca (Mexico), and more.

It is a delicious docuseries that will keep you salivating and also inspire you to understand how food and travel are one. Street Food will also encourage you to get out of your comfort zone if you normally avoid street food!

It is the ideal blend of travel and food for everyone to indulge in from home.

Chosen by Sojourner of Sojournies.com

📺 If you are looking for more travel inspiration on Netflix check out these posts:

• 39 Very Best Travel Movies to Inspire Your Wanderlust
• Best Spanish Series on Netflix (Binge-worthy TV for 2021)
• 10 best movies about South Africa to watch before you visit
• Best Netflix series set in Denmark
• 15 best Scandinavian & Nordic Noir Netflix series you can’t miss
• Best French series on Netflix

📖 If you enjoy reading about a country before you visit check out these posts

• A Complete Guide to the Best Books from Around the World
• Best books about Croatia (or set in Croatia)

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Angkar review – sublime documentary contends with legacy of Khmer Rouge

Neary Adeline Hay’s film follows her father back to Cambodia and the sites of appalling abuse in a painful struggle to come to terms with atrocious memories

T he collective trauma inflicted by the Khmer Rouge regime is so momentous that it seems to exceed whatever medium that tries to retell its stories. At the centre of the horrors is an incomprehensible level of evil that neither words nor visual arts can effectively grasp. And yet, Neary Adeline Hay’s sublime Angkar, which begins in darkness and gently, achingly feels its way around the weight of this historical chapter, manages to arrive at a place of stability, and perhaps even emotional resolution.

The film follows the return of Hay’s father, Khonsaly Hay, to Cambodia after fleeing for France 40 years ago, and captures his confrontations with his former torturers in detention camps. Its concerns, however, move beyond these strangely low-key encounters and instead revolve around the fragility of memory and the act of remembering itself. Considering that almost all of Khonsaly’s family were executed under the Khmer Rouge, it is shocking how some of his tormenters think of their victims’ experiences as better than their own.

Indeed, emerging through the film is a collective struggle to remember, to maintain a public memory of harrowing events. An especially haunting sequence follows Khonsaly roaming through the field where his camp once was: despite the decades-long gap, his muscle memory kicks in, and the landscape suddenly turns eerie and familiar, conjuring up the painful past. Yet, on the same site, he also struggles to understand why a bridge looks smaller than in his memories.

Born out of a forced marriage imposed by the Khmer Rouge, Neary Adeline Hay herself is a living memory of the tragedies in flesh and blood, yet she, too, is painfully detached from her own history: her father’s narration is in Khmer and her voiceover is in French. Eschewing archive material and focusing entirely on storytelling and oral history, this evocative film suggests that the very act of narrating is a kind of remembering, too.

• Documentary films
• Khmer Rouge
• Asia Pacific

Most viewed

Hit The Road

There are many ways to explore a country. We chose the tuk tuk.

About the film

Hit The Road: Cambodia is a travel adventure documentary following Ric from Chicago and Keith from Newfoundland as they participate in Cambo Challenge - a 2-week-long rickshaw rally across Cambodia.

The film is produced by Manana Films .

How To Watch

Hit The Road: Cambodia is available on the following digital platforms:

• Google Play

Contact Hit The Road Team

For any inquiries, please get in touch. Our email is [email protected]

The 10 Best Netflix Travel Shows And Documentaries In Asia

With international trips dissipated to pretty much non-existence, for the past few years we’ve had to turn to different forms of entertainment to try and satiate our desires to travel.

Unsurprisingly, consuming online content was one way that many people realized was going to be as close as they could get to experiencing the other side of the world.

Watching as real people explored foreign cities, ate peculiar foods, and interacted with strangers somewhat filled that void that we all wished we could go out and fill ourselves with.

Netflix saw the opportunity and absolutely leaped into the task of spoiling us with huge additions of travel shows and documentaries that were made to engage us in ways that makes us feel like we’re actually there in that moment.

Their best content has helped us keep the travel bug at bay and fed into our wanderlust desires in the best ways possible.

Watching these shows, whether it be about countries we’ve already visited or ones that we’re eager to visit once we’re allowed to, inspires us and gives us insight on how we can better plan the trip when the time comes around (and it will come, hopefully sooner rather than later!).

And to be honest, they’re just super fun and easy to watch!

There is currently a plethora of shows about food, travel, and/or culture – but the best ones are the ones that combine all three.

Let’s look into the 10 best Netflix travel shows and documentaries out right now!

1. Street Food Series – Asia (2019)

The Street Food series is a much-loved global series that’s the perfect viewing experience for foodies around the world. Every episode follows the story of a local chef and shares how their famous street food stall came to be.

If you’re a fan of journeys, this series will take you on some wild rides. You’ll be pretty much learning the origin stories of some of the chefs, some who literally started from the bottom, some of who took over flailing family businesses to completely turn them around.

The first series focuses on Asia, taking you for a tour around popular Asian destinations such as Thailand , Singapore , Delhi, Seoul , and many more. The second season focuses on Latin America.

2. Twogether (2020)

Veteran South Korean entertainer Lee Seung Gi and popular Taiwanese actor Liu Yi-Hao (stage name Jasper) are thrown in the deep end in this fun travel and exploration documentary series.

Basically, before starting filming in Indonesia, they met briefly for the first time when they were told that they would be filming this show. Fast-forward to months later and they’re both stepping off the airplane in Yogyakarta, a foreign Indonesian city neither have ever visited before.

From there, both parties must navigate through ‘missions’ (tasks) as submitted by their various fans across multiple cities around Asia, all whilst trying to overcome their language barrier and adapt to their environment.

From the get-go, you get the strong feeling that this is not scripted, as both parties are as awkward as it gets. Communicating in Taiwanese, Korean, and a sprinkle of English, you can feel them warming up to each other as the show goes on, and eventually they form a wonderful brotherhood you just can’t make up.

Both Seung Gi and Jasper are adventurous, comical and overall, wonderfully likable in this amazing series.

3. Somebody Feed Phil (2020)

In this fun and light-hearted travel, food and culture documentary, Phil Rosenthal, the creator of the classic sitcom “Everybody Loves Raymond” travels the world to indulge in delicious local cuisine and explore more about the culture of the destinations.

Some of the cities that he visits include Bangkok , Saigon , Seoul, and Singapore.

Unsurprisingly, his genuine interest in local customs, openness to trying even the strangest of foods, and amusing dry humour have hooked hundreds of thousands of people around the world. There are currently 4 seasons available to watch on Netflix.

4. J-Style Trip (2020)

Chinese artist Jay Chou is synonymous with legendary music. Many argue that it was he who put C-pop on the global map; if not, then it was he who expanded it beyond its horizons.

On the surface level, this documentary showcases Jay and his crew traveling around different destinations around the world. They perform crazy magic tricks, participate in fun and adventurous activities, and generally have good banter.

However, if you’re a long-time C-pop music lover, you’ll find that this series is much more than what it appears to be.

Whilst there is the glitz and glamor of visiting Paris and globetrotting through Singapore, there are moments of nostalgia as Jay Chou talks about his childhood dreams and inspiration. Certain conversations delve you deeper into the thoughts of the musician and remind you that he is a human before he is an artist.

Regardless of whether you’re a Jay Chou fan or not, this is a great series to binge.

5. The Hungry & The Hairy (2022)

Globally renowned k-popstar Rain and veteran South Korean comedian Ro Hong-chul are a pair of two unlikely friends in their late 30s who get together to traverse the country for light adventure and great food.

The synopsis of the series is basic enough: from Jeju Island to all the way back to Seoul, the two friends dip into various locations with their motorbikes to savour the scenery and sample the local food offerings.

This is a super laid-back, easy-going travelogue show that doesn’t take itself too seriously.  

From the ridiculous outfits to the never-ending banter, you’ll find yourself immersed in the chemistry of the two as well as the gorgeous shots of the areas they go exploring.

One highlight of this show includes the endless drone shots of the long stretches of highways with mountains and beaches flanking the sides, reminding you that there is a whole world out there to explore soon.

Another highlight is the food they devour. When Rain is not showing off his culinary skills and cooking up a storm, they’re stopping into some restaurants that are local favourites to eat until they pass out (literally).

6. Midnight Asia – Eat Dance Dream (2022)

This eclectic show is unique in that rather than show celebrities, it follows the lives of individuals living life in some of the craziest night scenes across Asia.

Brightly lit neon sign boards, big personalities, and stunning drone shots characterize this show. This travel documentary series specifically shoots late at night to really showcase the party vibes of the city it’s highlighting.

The first episode focuses on Tokyo . In Shinjuku, we’re introduced to Sumiko Iwamuro, an 85-year-old DJ.  

We get to know Rogerio Ignacio Vaz, a Brazilian born to Japanese parents, who’s a mixologist.  

We follow Shotaro Komijo, as he drags his bar cart, Twillo, to a random location and then sends an update to his followers via his social media.

These are only a few of the personalities you’ll get to meet.

From Tokyo to Mumbai, Seoul to Taipei , East Asia has its moment in this series.

7. Ugly Delicious (2020)

Part cooking show, part documentary, Ugly Delicious the gold standard for those interested in how food and culture intertwine.

David Chang is a renowned chef who is the owner of the globally popular Momofuku restaurant group. From noodles to fried chicken sandwiches to pastries, his culinary ventures have left little for the imagination.

He starred in both seasons of Ugly Delicious, traveling the world, sampling and breaking down dishes and providing commentary and insight on its concept and history.

Viewers will like how grounded this show is. It isn’t merely just about the food itself; David features guests who sit down over a meal, conversing easily and candidly. There are nostalgic memories brought up, discussions about comfort foods being commercialized, and immigrants opening up shop to provide a taste of home.

David Chang ultimately drives home the message that food is a universal language, and it brings people together.

8. Zulu Man in Japan (2019)

In this short documentary, South African rapper Nasty C takes to the streets of Japan , immersing himself into the local culture, collaborating with local artists, and exposing himself to the vibrant creative arts and music scene.

With only a 48-minute running time, this is a quick and easy watch. You follow Nasty C as he freely and liberally explores the country’s night scene, gets into the thick of the local fashion and arts, attends concerts and more.

For those who have travelled to Japan before, you would know that the vibes in this country are unmatched.

So, to witness an up-and-coming rapper who’s never visited the country before take in the electric scenery, energy, and people the same way you did – in awe and wonderment – it will make you feel things.

9. Flavorful Origins

In this colourful documentary series, Flavorful Origins masterfully takes us through the various traditional cooking techniques of the Chaoshan Cuisine.

The history and culture intertwined with the real individuals in this series provides us with an insight into this relatively unknown branch of Chinese cuisine.  

Each episode focuses on a different dish, some we may have come across before, and others we’ve likely never ever heard about.

The in-depth look at how the chefs, some of whom have had techniques passed down to them from generations before, prepare and cook the food will amaze you.

Frying, grilling, steaming – no cooking method is left off the table.

Whilst there are a whopping 20-episodes, which might seem a tad long for some people, the standardized approach yet fresh content of each episode will have you eating away at the show quicker than you realise.

10. Midnight Diner Tokyo Stories (2019)

The Midnight Diner Tokyo Series is a little bit different from the rest of shows mentioned above. Rather than filming real people traveling the world and exploring food, this show is a work of fiction.

However, it’s not fiction as you know it. Rather, with nuanced characters and clever script-writing, it can be described as a travelogue, a food review show, or even a commentary show on the Japanese lifestyle.

The show itself follows the story of ‘Master’, the owner/chef of a small diner in Tokyo who serves a variety of Japanese dishes to his customers. The diner is open from midnight to 7am, and you quickly find that customers are generally regulars who come for Master’s listening ear and comfort food.

If you’re missing hearing the Japanese language, are looking for something to watch that won’t challenge your thinking too hard, and just want to have a feel-good show on, Midnight Diner Tokyo Stories will introduce you to some unique characters.

I hope you enjoyed our selection of the best Netflix travel shows and documentaries. If you’re looking for some shows to get you out of that (lack of) travel funk, we’re sure that any pick off this list will do the job.

Travel shows and documentaries work wonders in making us feel inspired about the future of travel.

Whether you’re determined to visit your favourite country next year and just want something to tide you over for now, or looking to get some ideas about where you can go next once restrictions fully lift – we hope you find it watching one of these remarkable shows.

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‘Just surviving’: For Cambodian tourism, recovery out of sight

Siem Reap is welcoming few foreign tourists weeks after Cambodia opened its borders to vaccinated travellers.

Siem Reap, Cambodia – Chheut Dina was only a few days into her reduced shift cleaning Siem Reap International Airport when she was told not to come back to work.

After 10 months with practically no tourism, the airport dropped its contract with Dina’s employer in December 2020, forcing her to cut spending on her family of seven and refinance an $11,000 loan she took out before the pandemic. HCC Angkor, the cleaning company contracted by the airport, had earlier reduced Dina and her colleagues’ employment to just one month out of the year due to COVID-19 restrictions.

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“Sometimes my kids, when they don’t have to study, they go to the pond or creek or lake to catch fish or snails and vegetables, so we spend less than [before] but we eat less proper food than before,” Dina told Al Jazeera.

With support from her union, Dina and the other HCC employees complained to the company, frustrated that management refused to confirm if they had been fired or just suspended.

The uncertainty around their future has been especially frustrating since the airport started to receive international flights following the country’s reopening of its borders to vaccinated tourists last month.

“If they want to dismiss us from the contract, they need to pay us proper compensation according to the law, then we can look for other job opportunities or get compensation,” Dina said. “This creates a blurred picture, we don’t really know what is going on.”

Although Cambodia has reopened to international travellers, its tourism centre of Siem Reap, home to UNESCO World Heritage site Angkor Wat, is still reckoning with its reliance on foreigners and the long and unpredictable path towards recovery from the pandemic.

Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen lifted quarantine measures for all vaccinated travellers on November 15 – a step beyond Thailand’s reopening, which this week reintroduced seven to 10 days of quarantine for foreign arrivals, except those visiting the Phuket “sandbox,” in response to the Omicron variant.

Arrivals, however, have been few and far between. Before Singapore Airlines resumed its service last week, the city’s airport had not seen a single international flight for 20 months.

Even before the pandemic, Siem Reap, which relied heavily on Chinese tour groups that have since disappeared, had been showing signs of fatigue, with Angkor Archaeological Park ticket sales down 8.3 percent in 2019 compared with the previous year, according to the World Bank.

Khek Norinda, communications director for Cambodia Airports, told Al Jazeera visitors fell 12.4 percent in 2019 compared with 2018, before plummeting further during the pandemic. Before Singapore Airlines resumed its service last week, the city’s airport had not seen a single international flight for 20 months.

While predicting a gradual recovery, Norinda said the return of the airline showed there was still an “appetite” for visiting Siem Reap.

“Also, the experience of visiting the temples without crowds and the hustle and bustle could play in its favour,” he said.

Thourn Sinan, the Cambodian representative for the Pacific Asia Travel Association, told Al Jazeera the government did not clearly communicate its pandemic policies, making it hard for his industry to respond.

“They have very good planning” for the industry in general, he said. “But on the other side with the pandemic era [continuing], they cannot decide what to do.”

During the pandemic, the provincial government has sought to beautify the city, widening roads and creating gardens and walking paths in front of Angkor Wat, the impressive tiered temple that is stamped on Cambodia’s currency.

Many businesses in the vicinity of the famous attraction – which is surrounded by family-run restaurants, clothing stalls, and artists displaying paintings and other souvenirs – complain the renovations have cost them customers.

A drink vendor outside Angkor Wat told Al Jazeera that small businesses were struggling, despite a spirit of collaboration among vendors who had decided to stay in the park.

She said felt guilty charging a lodger at her property $150 per month: “I want to get all the money [I can] but I’m not happy, because for them it’s not easier than it is for us.”

Sinan, the Pacific Asia Travel Association representative, said he doubted tourism in Cambodia would return to pre-pandemic levels for five to seven years, despite knowing tour operators who had invested in their business due to the border reopening.

“The new investments they [businesses] put in, this is probably the last investment [possible] for them, but if there’s no international tourists’ investment for them, they’ll keep losing,” he said.

Near the start of the pandemic, the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training promised to provide furloughed workers in the tourism and garment industries $40 per month and compel employers to pay a further $30 per month. Apart from criticism the support was not enough, union leaders complained many workers were excluded from the assistance.

Dina, the airport cleaner, said she was not able to receive COVID-19 support payments nor healthcare through the national social security fund, making it hard to pay for her elderly parents’ medical expenses.

“Sometimes we don’t have money for that so we borrow around to put it together to make it,” she said.

Norinda said Cambodia Airports sought to prioritise the welfare of its staff during the pandemic, but “unfortunately” had to cut its relationship with HCC in Siem Reap.

With Cambodia reporting few COVID-19 cases – there have been no more than 25 daily infections since the start of December – domestic tourism, especially to ecotourism sites , has provided some light relief for the industry.

Chhay Sivlin, president of the Cambodian Association of Travel Agents, told Al Jazeera more domestic visitors visited Siem Reap’s temples, but they tended to spend less than foreign tourists.

“The travel culture of Cambodians [is that they] do not feel the need to hire tour guides nor do they require the assistance of local travel agents,” she said.

Sinan said he did not believe the city could count on the return of Chinese tourists, who were more interested in a COVID-free life in China than the “new normal” elsewhere.

He said Southeast Asian countries could fill the vacuum if they learned from Europe, where many residents holidayed during the summer on vaccine passports.

“I think ASEAN should be able to have a fast recovery in terms of tourism if ASEAN [members] can trust each other,” he said.

‘Waiting for the tourists’

For now, Siem Reap’s residents must make the best of difficult circumstances.

Before the pandemic, Doung Visith used to earn a comfortable $50 every time he led a tour of Angkor Wat. These days, Visith, who has a part-time job with a hospitality company, spends his mornings trying to convince locals to hire him for a short sunrise tour priced at $20, before spending the afternoon beckoning visitors to the newly renovated restaurants and shops in front of the temple.

Although he appreciates the manicured facade of the park, he wishes there were foreign tourists there to see it.

“We’re just surviving, waiting for the tourists to come again,” he said.

What you need to know before visiting Cambodia: health care, currency, and culture

Mar 26, 2022 • 7 min read

From what to pack to being prepared for health and safety concerns, here's what you need to know ahead of a trip to Cambodia © Jim Purdum / Getty Images

Cambodia is considered one of the friendliest countries in Southeast Asia . Thanks to an unbreakable spirit and infectious optimism, the Khmers have prevailed. No visitor comes away without a measure of admiration and affection for the inhabitants of this enigmatic kingdom. 

General health is more of an issue here than in many other parts of Southeast Asia, due to a lack of international-standard medical-treatment facilities, a prevalence of tropical diseases, and poor sanitation. Once you venture into rural areas you are on your own, although most provinces have a reasonable clinic for minor health problems.

Cambodia is generally a very safe country to visit, but occasional crimes and scams do happen so it is best to minimize the risks where possible. Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning once again, this guide can help you plan the essentials for your trip.

Cambodia's use of currency can be confusing 

Cambodia’s official currency is the riel (4000r = US$1). The US dollar is used as a parallel currency and accepted everywhere, although small change may arrive in riel. Just to confuse matters, in towns bordering Thailand Thai baht (B) is also accepted.

Get yourself a  krama  as soon as you arrive

Purchase a krama , a traditional Cambodian checked scarf, as soon as you arrive – it's a multipurpose travel towel that the locals use in a multitude of ways. The primary use is protection from the sun, dust, and wind, but you can also use it as a quick cover-up sarong-style, to towel yourself down after a dip in the pool, and as a makeshift pillow. Essentially the list is as long as your imagination and it takes up virtually no space in your backpack compared to the multiple equivalent products it dupes.

Pack lightweight gear and casual clothes for Cambodia

Lightweight and loose-fitting clothes are the best plan in Cambodia, including cottons and linens to combat the humidity. Cambodia is not a particularly dressy place unless you're spending time at high-end bars and clubs in  Phnom Penh or Siem Reap , so smart clothes are rarely a necessity. If heading to the upland northeast in November to March, pack a warm top for the cool nights. 

What to pack

• Lightweight, light-colored clothing to reflect the sun
• Comfortable sandals or shoes
• Refillable water bottle
• Powerful sunscreen and long-lasting deodorant
• Earplugs to block out the noise
• Unlocked mobile phone for use with a Cambodian SIM card (roaming charges are very expensive, it’s worth buying a cheap SIM upon arrival)
• A light raincoat if traveling in the wet season.

There is some important etiquette to keep in mind

Cambodian people are very gracious hosts, but there are some important spiritual and social conventions to observe.

Always be respectful at a Buddhist site 

When visiting temples, cover up to the knees and elbows, and remove shoes and any head covering when entering temple buildings. Sit with your feet tucked behind you to avoid pointing them at Buddha images. It's also good to leave a small donation. Women should never touch a monk or his offering bowl – the Buddhist faith believes it is contrary to a monk's sacred vows to be in close proximity to a woman that isn't a relative.

Use the local greeting when meeting new people

Called the sompiah , the local greeting in Cambodia involves putting your hands together in a prayer-like manner. Use this when introduced to new Khmer friends. When beckoning someone over, always wave towards yourself with the palm down.

Bargaining is expected in markets and for transportation

It's important to haggle in markets in Cambodia, otherwise, the stallholder may "shave your head" (local vernacular for "rip you off"). Negotiation is also the rule when arranging share taxis, pickups, and local transportation like tuk tuks if ordering in person and not via a ride-hailing app. The Khmers are not ruthless hagglers, so a persuasive smile and a little friendly quibbling are usually enough to get a price that's acceptable to both you and the seller.

It's important to dress modestly 

Avoid wearing swimsuits or scant clothing around towns in Cambodia, even in beach destinations. Wear a sarong or krama to cover up.

Tipping is appreciated

Tipping is not essential but is commonplace in establishments catering to tourists such as hotels and restaurants, and it is standard practice to tip tour guides and drivers on organized tours. 

Local health care in Cambodia is basic

Do not visit Cambodia without medical insurance. Hospitals are very basic in the provinces and anyone who has a serious injury or illness while in Cambodia may require emergency evacuation to Bangkok. If you fall seriously ill in Cambodia you should head to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, as these are the only places in the country with decent emergency treatment. 

Pharmacies in the larger towns are remarkably well stocked and you don’t need a prescription to get your hands on anything from antibiotics to antimalarials. 

When it comes to tap water, play it safe and avoid it where possible. Bottled water is widely available in Cambodia and many hotels and guesthouses have refill tanks. Ice is generally fine to use, as it is produced in bottled water factories around the country, a legacy of the French colonial period.

Elephant rides are not recommended

Though not yet illegal in Cambodia, elephant rides have been repeatedly called out by animal welfare groups as cruel and painful for the animal – some private companies are finally rethinking the practice . Do your research to ensure any animal sanctuary you'd like to visit is ethical and prioritizes the welfare of the inhabitants.  

Stay safe in Cambodia with these top tips

The most common crime is bag or mobile-phone snatching, usually perpetrated by thieves on motorcycles. Smartphones are a particular target, so avoid using your phone on the side of the street, especially at night. Walking or riding alone late at night is not ideal, as there have been several incidents of solo women travelers being assaulted in isolated areas, usually after dark.

Most scams are fairly harmless, involving a bit of commission here and there for local drivers. There have been one or two reports of police set-ups in Phnom Penh, involving planted drugs, but these seem very rare and usually involve business owners. Beware the Filipino blackjack scam – don't get involved in any gambling with seemingly friendly folks unless you want to part with plenty of cash.

There is quite a lot of fake medication floating about the region, so only buy prescription drugs from reliable pharmacies or clinics. Be very careful if being offered chemical drugs on the street in Cambodia, as not only are they illegal but may be laced with all sorts of dangerous toxic substances. 

Due to the presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) in some rural areas, it is essential to stick to marked paths. Keep a close eye on small children in rural areas to make sure they don't stray and do not go off road if you're cycling.

Roads have improved massively in recent years, but conditions can vary widely from the dry to the wet season. Although motorcycles are a popular way to get around in Cambodia, do not attempt it if you're not an experienced driver. The tangled traffic in the big towns and cities is no place for a novice.

Run through this pre-departure checklist before you go

• Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months or you won't be allowed into Cambodia
• Arrange any recommended inoculations at a travel-health clinic
• Purchase travel insurance with decent health coverage
• Double-check to see if you need to arrange a visa before arrival

You might also like: Angkor Wat: everything you need to know about Cambodia's most iconic temple    Siem Reap: 11 best things to do after you explore Angkor Wat    Cambodia's less-traveled islands visitors need to know about   

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Love and Road

The 20 Best Travel Shows on Netflix to Watch in 2024

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Whether you’ve been missing the thrill of traveling or are currently feeling inspired to pick the destination for your next adventure, travel shows can help. Netflix has no shortage of cool travel documentaries and shows, but we’ve decided to pick 20 of the best travel shows on Netflix.

If you’re traveling right now, or if some of these shows are not available in your country, use a VPN to access them without any restrictions. To play the shows, open up your VPN app and select a server located in a different state. If the show is available in your country, but you’re currently traveling internationally, choose the server of your home country to enjoy the show. 

Now let me tell you why these Netflix travel shows are worth watching and don’t blame me if you get hooked on some (or all) of them.

The best travel shows on Netflix

Before we start, let me tell you that this list is in no particular order. It’s up to you to choose the one you want to watch first, but we recommend watching them all. At home, traveling for a holiday, or at a new destination, these Netflix travel shows and documentaries will set you in the mood for discovering new places, tasting exotic food, maybe even cycling, driving, or just staying at home until you finish all the seasons. Lol 

The list is divided into travel shows or documentaries focused on nature, food, dark tourism, cycling and cars, photography, family travels, and specific destinations. Enjoy it!

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The best travel and nature Netflix shows 

Arguably one of the most famous travel documentaries on Netflix, Our Planet takes you on a world tour of earth’s fascinating creatures. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough and filmed in Ultra High Definition, this show takes you to over 50 countries and perfectly captures the wonders of the earth. 

Our Planet is the perfect Netflix travel show to give you some new ideas for your bucket list. Trust us!

Untamed Romania

While most seasoned travelers deeply appreciate Romania’s natural beauty, it is still overlooked in the mainstream media. Untamed Romania is a feature-length film celebrating the country’s immaculate wildlife.

Untamed Romania is one of the best Netflix travel documentaries for those who love nature and want to discover a new destination to travel to.

The best travel and food Netflix shows 

Down to Earth

Down to Earth documentary follows Zac Efron, the actor, and wellness expert Darin Olien as they explore healthy and sustainable practices across different cultures. This documentary showcases the diversity and creativity seen across the globe to make the most of one’s resources.

It’s intriguing and can be inspiring, not only about travel but how we think of sustainability and health. 

Street Food Asia

Sometimes the most accessible way to connect to a different culture is food. Asian food holds a special place in the world regarding street food and is probably one of the most universally beloved cuisines today. Street Food Asia takes you on a food journey across Asia and Southeast Asia’s best food cities, including Bangkok, Delhi, Osaka, and Singapore.

Street Food Asia is one of our fave travel shows on Netflix. We love Asia and Asian delights you can only find from street vendors. If you have never visited this part of the world, watch this show, and it will open your mind to a new world of flavors, aromas, and ways of life. If you are craving an Asia trip, watch it and plan international travel soon. 

Also, read our guides and articles about Asian destinations as they have many travel and food recommendations. Read our guides about Thailand , Vietnam , Indonesia , Malaysia , The Philippines , China , Taiwan, India , and Cambodia .

Ugly Delicious

Ugly Delicious is another food travel show where a star chef David Chang is looking for the world’s most satisfying grub with his buddies. Despite being a professional chef, Chang isn’t pretentious with his picks and takes us on a cross-cultural food trip filled with laughter.

Another great travel and food show on Netflix about food culture.

Somebody Feed Phil

In this series, we follow the creator of Everybody Loves Raymond, Phil Rosenthal, as he explores world cuisines and meets the locals. Phil’s upbeat attitude is probably one of the best parts of the Somebody Feed Phil travel show together with a lot of food scenes that will help your plan your future trip to incredible destinations including Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

On this Netflix travel show, you will visit cities like Bangkok , spend days in Mexico City , see Lisbon , and many more. Well-known travel destinations are pictured with flavors and a local touch.

High on The Hog: Culinary Journey From Africa to America

This show explores African American soul food and its long journey from Africa to North America. It has been dubbed the most engaging history of African American cuisine. It traces the process of cultivating, harvesting, cooking, and serving the food that enslaved Africans brought with them to the States.

This Netflix cultural travel and food show will take you on a true gastronomic journey. 

Restaurants on the Edge

As you might be able to guess from the name of the show, these hour-long episodes take us to restaurants that are located in some of the most stunning locations in the world but are struggling with their menus and dishes. They are located on the edge of the world but are also on the edge of closing down.

This travel show on Netflix pictures unique locations and a bit of drama, as you can expect. 

Netflix shows about travel, cycling and cars

Biking Borders

This one is for lovers of slow traveling and less-known countries. Two friends go on a 15,000 km bicycle journey worldwide, including the Balkans, Central Asia, and other countries, to build a school in Guatemala.

Rob and I love cycling, so this Netflix travel documentary series is tremendously appealing to us. Biking Borders is also an excellent travel inspiration for those who dream of traveling by bike or going on a cycling holiday. And if this is you, read our article about cycling on Taiwan’s East Coast and cycling in Spain .

Pedal the World

This is another Netflix travel documentary that portrays a world tour on wheels, but this time our protagonist visits 22 countries during his year-long journey, searching for the meaning in life and discovering something new in each country.

Pedal the World is an inspiring and realistic epic road trip that might give you ideas of how you want to spend your life and what really matters. 

Paul Hollywood’s Big Continental Road Trip

Paul Hollywood studies the ties between popular cars in Europe and their local culture and identity as an actor and a baker. In this short but educational Netflix documentary , Hollywood will visit France, Germany, and Italy.

This isn’t your Netflix show if you are looking for food and baking goods. But if you like cars, speed, a bit of history and traveling in Europe, you will enjoy the ride. 

Netflix travel shows about a specific destination

Katla  

This travel series focuses on Iceland, specifically the volcano Katla , which began constantly erupting just recently. The show has eight episodes and does a wonderful job portraying Iceland’s breathtaking beauty . Katla serves as a great reminder of all that we still don’t know about the earth. 

This Netflix travel show is a powerful trigger for wanderlust, and it will make you want to book a trip to Iceland as soon as possible. 

Magic Andes

A documentary following five characters from the Andes, South America’s breathtaking mountains. It is a fascinating series that highlights real people living in communities located under the mountains and paints a nuanced picture of the region of Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia .

After watching Magic Andes read our Peru travel guides , and for sure, you will want to visit South América. If you are worried about safety, then read our guide to the safest countries in South America , and you will be surprised. 

Guatemala: Heart of the Mayan World

This documentary focuses on Guatemala’s rich landscape and culture, the territory where 2000 years ago, the fascinating Mayan civilization collapsed. The Mayan influence is still all over Guatemala and Central America, and this documentary does an amazing job of connecting the dots between the past and the present.

Guatemala: Heart of the Mayan World is an inspiring Netflix travel documentary that will add interesting facts to your travel knowledge, and it might make you want to explore more of Latin America. 

Zulu Man in Japan

Starring South African rapper Nasty C, this Netflix travel documentary focuses on Japanese culture. The film takes place in Tokyo, where Nasty C explores the city’s go-to places, culture, sounds, and much more.

Zulu Man in Japan was released in 2019. It’s a 44-minute episode, perfect for those days that you want to have just a little dose of wanderlust knowing that you won’t be addicted to long travel series. 

The best Netflix travel show for unusual tourists

Dark Tourist

Filmed by journalist David Farrier, the author of the 2016 hit documentary Tickled, Dark Tourist takes a different approach to tourism. Farrier travels to places associated with death or tragedies that have turned these destinations into tourist attractions. You can expect anything from haunted places, nuclear lakes, and unusual and weird destinations. Those spots might not be on your travel bucket list, but it is interesting to know that they exist so you can avoid them on your next holiday. 

It’s one of the most-watched travel shows on Netflix, so it’s worth trying.

Netflix show for photography and travel lovers

Tales by Light

Created by Abraham Joffe, this show embraces the art of travel photography and film and the people behind them. This is an Australian documentary/reality travel series on Netflix that follows photographers around the globe as they chase that perfect shot.

This Netflix travel documentary is a good match for those who love photography and travel. It’s perfect for inspiring you to travel and photograph more. 

The best Netflix show about traveling with family

Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father

A comedian Jack Whitehall and his uptight father, Michael Whitehall, travel across the world together. The show starts with Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia, with the second season focusing on Eastern Europe. The third season explores the American West, the fourth features Australia, and the fifth is all about the United Kingdom, their homeland. On this last season expect everything from dining with Gordon Ramsay to searching for the Loch Ness monster.

A great Netflix travel show for those thinking of traveling with family. It also sparkes a reflection of our relationships with parents and how travel can be a good way to get together or break apart.

Netflix show that combines travel and design

Cabins in the Wild

This show takes place in Wales and follows engineer Dick Strawbridge and craftsman Will Hardie as they inspect eight unique cabins built for a pop-up hotel in Wales. Their final goal is to construct a cabin of their own.

If you like the British Tv series, chances are you will love Cabins in the Wild as well. If you like architecture and construction shows too. This type of Netflix show combines different elements, from traveling to design, making you want to have a cabin in the wild just for you. 

We end our list of the 20 best Netflix travel shows here. Drop us a comment if you have watched any of them or if you have any other good travel series to recommend. 

Love these Netflix travel shows and documentary ideas? Pin it for later!

4 thoughts on “The 20 Best Travel Shows on Netflix to Watch in 2024”

I’m so glad you mentioned The Latchkees! I’ve been obsessed with their adventures since I saw their episode on Netflix. It’s amazing how they make travel look so effortless and fun. I’m definitely adding some of the other shows on your list to my queue 😍

Such a great show!

I can’t believe I never knew about some of these shows! The Travel Diaries is definitely going on my watchlist. 😍

Glad you enjoyed it!

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Prue Leith and her adopted daughter Li-Da travel to Cambodia, as together they explore Li-Da's Cambodian roots and heritage, in this intimate and revealing documentary

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