The Kingdom of Cambodia has made its way onto countless bucket lists for it is graced with the most spectacular ancient temple ever constructed: Angkor Wat in Siem Reap. Cambodia travel shouldn’t be without a visit to this architectural masterpiece and the hidden temples that surround, but this country has so much more to offer than just ruins.
Phnom Penh, the capital, was once referred to as the pearl of the east and Battambang, Cambodia’s 2nd city, has a laid-back atmosphere and is surrounded by gorgeous temples. There is a dreamlike countryside, with snaking rivers, brilliant-green rice paddies and dense jungles found around Banlung and Sen Monorom. An underdeveloped coastline around Sihanoukville and Kep are also well worth exploring. Off the coast you’ll find idyllic islands with few people such as Koh Rong Sanloem; other islands have no inhabitants at all such as Song Saa.
Cambodia is a truly delightful destination, but visitors often come away from this heart-shaped country charmed most by its people. After having experienced a harrowing history, Cambodians are still coming to terms with what happened. But as they admirably overcome a bloody recent history, everything is still done with a giggle and a smile. You would be hard-pressed to find a more inviting country in Asia than Cambodia.
POPULAR HOLIDAYS TO CAMBODIA
Cambodia Nature & Local Life
CAMBODIA WEATHER & WHEN TO GO
NORTHEASTERN (Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Battambang)
- Rain season (Apr – Oct): The temperature is around 30°C, followed by high humidity and strong wind. The rainfalls are usually in short downpour and infrequent form.
- Dry season (Nov – Mar): The Northeastern monsoon brings dry wind, long sunny days to the areas. The temperature fluctuates (20 – 35°C) between cool months (Nov – Jan) and scorching month (Apr).
SOUTHERN & COASTAL (Sihanoukville, Kep)
- Rain season (Apr – Aug): The temperature ranges from 25 – 30°C during this period, followed by high humidity and thunderstorms. In later months, rainfalls tend to be constant and heavy, especially for rural areas.
- Dry season (Sep – Mar): During this time, the areas are blessed with brilliant sunshine, dry wind and stable sea level. The temperature is around 30°C, sometimes intensely peaks at 40°C.
THINGS TO SEE IN CAMBODIA
FAQs ABOUT CAMBODIA
For visitors from countries with visa exemption to the Kingdom, visa on arrival is available at Cambodia’s International Airports and some land crossing checkpoints in Thailand. Upon arrival, you should carry a valid passport (must-have), flight tickets, portrait photos and hotel vouchers (if any) to fill in the legal documents.
Tourists also can apply for T class visa (visa in advance) at the closest Cambodian embassy in your home country or through the online e-visa.
Most visas including T class and visa on arrival are valid for 30 days and extendable once for an additional month. Business (E class) visa can be extended for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months up to your purposes.
Regular checkpoints include airports (Siem Reap, Phnom Penh) & embassy. The land border crossing checkpoints are: Cambodia – Vietnam, Cambodia – Thailand, Cambodia – Laos.
For further details, please visit Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation or contact our journey planners.
- Luxury 5* – 6*: Luxury accommodations in Cambodia, including high-end resorts and hotels, range from US $250 – $500. Most of them, like Park Hyatt, Song Saa Private Island or Raffles, are in great locations and excellent amenities, with extreme sumptuous services, stylish facilities and standard comforts.
- Deluxe 4*: Accommodations in this range include smart business-style hotels or lower-end retreats, Borei Resort and Angkor Village for example, with comfortable rooms and extra amenities of in-house restaurants, large swimming pools, even gym or spa. The prices are from US $150 – $250, which may positively exceeds general expectations of 4* standard.
- Comfort Boutique 3*: Hotels in this standard range from US $60 – $100, with smart, reasonable offers, basic stays and comfortable amenities.
- When we step out on Cambodian roads, remember the dominant traffic rule in the country which is “the bigger gets the right of way”.
- When driving, anarchy rules, so take extra care when on the roads! In Phnom Penh, traveling by moto-romauks (‘tuk-tuks’) and cyclos (bicycle rickshaws) can be safer than motorcycle taxis, but not as safe as taxis.
- If you wish to take a motorbike taxi, select your driver carefully. If the driver appears drunk or reckless, do not hesitate to get off (pay him a bit) and get another one.
- The foundation of any Khmer meal is rice, either sticky rice, or the fragrant jasmine rice grown in across the nation. Vietnamese influence manifests itself in the form of noodle soups such as kuy teav, while the French legacy is obvious from the popularity of coffee and the nom pang (baguette sandwiches with pork) served as snacks across the country.
- A typical Cambodian meal consists of a light soup, salad, a fish dish, and of course rice. ‘Must try’ dishes include amok, a steamed fish dish accompanied by an array of herbs and spices bringing out the flavor of the fish without masking its taste.
- Another is samlor korko, a mixed vegetable and fish soup and char kdao, meat stir fried with basil, lemongrass and galangal.
- Cambodian pepper and cardamom join more familiar Southeast Asian ingredients such as curry pastes (kroeung in Khmer), lemongrass, chilli, kaffir lime leaves, Asian basil and galangal as flavourings for stir fries, stews and soups. Prahok, a pungent seasoning made from fermented fish is another much-loved seasoning.
- Food safety of course is an issue. Tap water is not safe in Cambodia and bottled water should be used at all times. Bring Imodium tablets in case.
- Probably the most consistent health hazard is dehydration. Carry bottled water with you at all times and a good tip is to bring sachets of isotonic salts in order to replace all the salts that you lose through sweating.
- Safety in Cambodia is a major concern for travelers. This exotic destination has had a violent history, notably under the Khmer Rouge regime (1975 – 1979), bringing some fear to travelers. Fortunately, the Khmer Rouge regime has long since vanished and is no longer a concern.
- While petty crime is unfortunately common, if one has their wits about them one will be safe. NEVER leave valuables unattended, not even locked in a bag inside hotel room. If someone wants to get in, they will find a way!
DOs:
- Sit while talking to a monk if he seats.
- Ask for permission before taking photos of others.
- Pass things using both hands, as a sign of respect.
- Let elders start the conversation, walk first, and take the lead.
- Bring a small gift (fruits, flowers) if invited to dine in a Khmer home.
- Take off your hat and shoes when entering Khmer houses or a place of worship.
- Wear proper clothes when entering a religious site (upper arm/ legs should be covered).
DON’Ts:
- Display affection in public even small gestures (arms around shoulders).
- Visit orphanages as it becomes an unpredictable tourism form.
- Sit higher than the eldest person in the room.
- Touch someone on the head (even children).
- Talk about business or war at the table.
- Give in to frustration or loose temper.
- Give money to street children.
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