Cambodia Holidays

What can you find in Cambodia that you won’t find elsewhere?

Lovely landscapes, delicious food and a rich history all rolled into one. The laidback capital of Phnom Penh is one of the country’s loveliest outposts with picturesque waterfronts, French colonial architecture and a thriving culinary scene. On a more sombre note, the Killing Fields lie nearby, a monument to the genocide inflicted by the Khmer Rouge. Stepping back further in time, Angkor’s grandiose temple complex is undoubtedly the country’s greatest man-made feat. Equally superlative is the Mekong River, where you can discover unspoilt rural life – think stilted villages, pink lotus flowers and herds of water buffalo. Visit markets aplenty serving mouth-watering dishes such as hand-made rice noodles, fused with herb pastes and fragrant spicy broths garnished with beansprouts, shallots and juicy lime wedges that are sure to make your mouth water.

Who are Cambodia holidays best for?

Those looking to live out their jungle dreams can do so at Angkor, discovering spiritual shrines and Indiana Jones-style temples when you travel here. Archaeology fans will no doubt want to spend hours inspecting Angkor Wat’s 2,600ft-long bas-relief sculptures, depicting rituals, religious practices and monumental battle scenes. Historians looking to delve further can learn about Cambodia’s tragic past by visiting the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the infamous Killing Fields at Choeung Ek. It may surprise you that such atrocities took place in Cambodia’s tranquil landscapes, but the right guide will share insightful and personal experiences of how this turbulent history still affects Cambodia today and how the country is changing and moving forward.

What are the best ways to discover Cambodia?

For most people, the temples of Angkor will be high up on your reasons for your Cambodia holiday - so it’s important to get your exploration of them right. Start at steamy Siem Reap, the gateway to the complex, and stay in a boutique riverside retreat with elegant interiors and a tranquil pool. There are many ways of exploring Angkor Wat and its beguiling temples. Visit at dawn to watch the sun sprawl over the mystical structures. While most return not long afterwards to their hotels, we recommend fighting the fatigue and enjoying a picnic breakfast before discovering the site. Luckily for you, our savvy guides have the magical ability to bring history to life, aided by specially designed itineraries to help avoid the crowds. This way, not only can you discover the more popular temples, but you can also seek out jungle trails and crumbling shrines mercifully left off the tourist track. There’s more to Cambodia than just its temples though. Don’t miss Phnom Penh, where foodies will be spoilt for choice with creative cuisine and a cool café culture, while a stint in the picturesque river town of Battambang offers up French colonial architecture, gleaming pagodas and a vibrant artsy scene – it's not one to be missed.

Best Time to Visit Cambodia

Traditionally the best time to visit Cambodia is November through to May when the country experiences its lowest rainfall but is still warm. Of course, that's not to say the other months and the rainy season can't offer travellers keen to take a trip an equally incredible time. In fact, the Cambodian climate offers lush vegetation and colourful surroundings during the rainier months, as well as fewer crowds at major landmarks like Angkor Wat and the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh. Plus, you can almost always guarantee that all year round it'll be a hot and humid climate, with temperatures staying in the low to mid 30s (Celsius) for most of the time.

A special thing to do in Cambodia

Cruise down the imposing Mekong River for an authentic dose of culture. From dawn until dusk the waterways unveil visual treats of quiet stilted villages, rice barges - carting colourful produce - and buffaloes cooling off in the shallows. You might even spot the Irrawaddy dolphin, playfully rippling the Mekong River waters and crashing through the waves when you travel along this water-lined oasis. For a fun experience, take a sampan (a flat-bottomed, wooden boat) to the floating markets to feast on rice rolls and exotic fruit, and mingle with the friendly locals who no doubt have stories to tell.

Where to go in Cambodia

Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh, the capital, is a burgeoning example of modern-day life in Cambodia, peppered with French colonial influences. Want culture and history? Roof top bars? Roads streamed with markets? Phnom Penh has it all and is well under way in reinventing itself. However, Phnom Penh is also a good base to gain an insight into Cambodia's turbulent upbringing, as visitors can visit the nearby Killing Fields and S-21, otherwise known as Tuol Sleng, which are the blood-stained prison cells where Pol Pots' regime tortured many. Providing visitors with an opportunity for reflection, insight and a deeper understanding of this complex country.

Siem Reap

Siem Reap is the epicentre of tourist life as it is conveniently located near the UNESCO World Heritage site Angkor Wat. Over 1,000 temples dating from 9th to 13th centuries are scattered throughout jungle-like terrain and invite visitors to gawp at their beauty and history (believe us, you'll be in a state of open-mouthed wonderment). While this is one of the finest ancient sites anywhere in the world, that status brings with it hordes of tourists, and we have spent the past couple of years working out itineraries designed to avoid the crowds wherever and whenever possible. Evenings here bring a cacophony of noise from the buzzing streets of Siem Reap with great night markets, restaurants and bars. Just wandering around and soaking up the culture will make a fantastic addition to your Cambodia luxury holiday.

Coastal Cambodia

Many visitors are still yet to explore coastal Cambodia with its stunning beach selection and boutique resorts. Until now many travellers have combined the culture of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh with the beaches of either Thailand or Vietnam. However, that is no longer necessary (unless that is your preference, of course), as the coast of Cambodia has white sandy beaches, clear blue waters and a national park with some excellent hotels on its once uninhabited islands. Cambodia holidays are the real deal and well worth the trip.

FAQs

Culture

What is Cambodia known for?

- The Mekong River. The Mekong is the world’s 12th-longest river, flowing for around 3,100 miles through southeast Asia. It’s integral in supporting the local economy and is a hotspot for tourism, with visitors keen to explore the wonders of Cambodia from the water – sunset cruises are particularly popular.

The river also promotes incredible biodiversity: its waters are home to more than 1,100 different species of fish. Whether you take a boat tour down the river or simply savour its majesty from the banks in Phnom Penh, the Mekong is a must-visit in Cambodia.

- Beautiful temples and religious architecture. Religion is deeply intertwined with Cambodian culture, and the vast majority of the population here follow Theravada Buddhism.

In total, there are more than 4,000 temples across the country. The most famous of these is Angkor Wat, which is also one of the largest religious complexes in the world. When visiting any of the temples here, it’s important to remember that they’re not just tourist attractions – many, including Angkor Wat, are still used as places of worship. Be respectful of these monuments by always dressing modestly and following local rules.

- Spectacular landscapes. Beyond the Mekong River that carves its way across the country, there are plenty more natural features and landscapes to enjoy here. Cambodia’s only coastal region is nestled in the southwest corner, and it’s here where you’ll find a catalogue of beautiful beaches and pristine tropical islands. A far cry from the hustle and bustle of the metropolitan hubs, Koh Rong is one of the best-known and most idyllic island groups.

Gorgeous countryside, cascading waterfalls, and wildlife-rich national parks embellish the landscapes further inland, so you’ll never be short of a spectacular spot to bask in the natural beauty of Cambodia.

What food should I try in Cambodia?

A trip to any part of the Asian continent is a chance to savour new delicacies and flavours, and Cambodia is no exception. The country’s culinary landscape has been heavily influenced by its continental neighbours, with a strong presence of Thai, French and Indian tastes.

Fish and rice are two of the most prominent ingredients in Cambodian cooking – amok is the country’s national dish, combining the two, along with coconut milk and curry paste. Markets and street food stalls are some of the best places to find affordable and authentic dishes.

Planning your trip

What is the best way to get around Cambodia?

There are lots of transportation options if you want to explore different parts of the country. While you can hire a car, it’s generally recommended to avoid doing so since road conditions can make it an uncomfortable experience for anyone unfamiliar with them, and the hiring process can be complicated.

Instead, use local transport: buses and tuk-tuks are the most popular ways to get around, and the bus network, in particular, has undergone major improvements in recent years. Of course, river cruises are also a convenient and comfortable way to explore different parts of the country – plus, with this option, the journey is often as beautiful as the destination itself.

For more information, read our guide on transport in Cambodia.

What is the weather like in Cambodia?

Weather patterns in Asia can get a little complicated – fortunately, things are more straightforward in Cambodia. Temperatures stay consistently warm throughout the seasons, with the main variation coming from the amount of rainfall. The dry season runs from November through to March, while the summer months bring the worst of the downpours. Humidity is also higher during the rainy season, which is another reason why the majority of Cambodia's tourism occurs during the winter months.

Local information

What is the capital of Cambodia?

Phnom Penh is the capital city of Cambodia and is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Cambodia’s biggest city is a cultural and historical hub and is home to some of the country’s best culinary experiences.

What's the time zone in Cambodia?

Cambodia observes Indochina Time (ICT) which is seven hours ahead of GMT. There is no daylight savings here, meaning it’s six hours ahead of the UK during the summer.

Travel information

What currency does Cambodia use?

The national currency is the Cambodian riel (KHR) – bank notes are available in 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000 denominations. However, USD is also widely accepted across the country, and it’s not uncommon to see prices presented in both currencies. It’s recommended to pay in cash where you can – you'll find plenty of ATMs in the major towns and cities.

How long does it take to fly to Cambodia from the UK?

There are no direct flights connecting the UK to Cambodia. Flight times can vary drastically, but the shortest is around 14 hours and 20 minutes from London to Phnom Penh, which includes a stopover in Bangkok.

Do I need a visa for Cambodia?

British citizens need a tourist visa during a holiday in Cambodia; the easiest method is to get an eVisa online before you travel. Visas are also available upon arrival for $30 at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap international airports.