Ready to travel to the confounding kingdom of charming castles and temples? Situated in the Indochinese mainland of South Asia lies Cambodia, land of the Khmers. You will find it worth flying for approximately 13 hours to 18 hours. Around the world, the country has gained its fame for housing some of the ancient temples and ruins. While preparing for your Cambodian trip, numerous questions might strike your mind related to the places to visit, things to do, cuisines to try, the best time to visit and many more.
Worry not, as this travel guide shall help you answer all your queries, so that you can plan your travel itinerary accordingly. Scroll down to read about the essentials to make your trip smooth in this traveller’s guide to Cambodia.
Know Before You Visit Cambodia
| Time Zone | GMT+7 |
| Official Language | Khmer |
| Currency | Cambodian Riel |
| Nick Name | Srok Khmer |
| Capital | Phnom Penh |
| Population | 17.42 million (as of 2023) |
| 25 Provinces of Cambodia | Tboung Khmum, Takeo, Svay Rieng, Stung Treng, Preah Sihanouk, Ratanakiri, Prey Veng, Pursat, Preah Vihear, Pailin, Older Meanchey, Kep, Kratie, Koh Kong, Kandal, Kampot, Kampong Speu, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Cham, Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Kampong Thom, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Mondulkiri. |
Entry to Cambodia
To travel to Cambodia, you must meet specific travel requirements that are provided in this travel guide to ensure you have a seamless experience. You need to carry a passport that has at least six months’ validity from your entry date. Cambodia is not a visa-free country, however, it is easy to acquire one. You can either acquire a visa on arrival at the airports by paying the charges or can skip the queue and apply for a Cambodia e-visa, which will take about 3-5 days, allowing you entry for a period of 30 days. Make sure to book your return ticket as well, for sometimes, the airport authorities might ask for proof of onward travel.
Weather in Cambodia
Cambodia is a tropical paradise for travellers all year round, offering a warm climate. The weather breaks down into two main seasons: the dry and wet.
Dry Season (October to April)
The dry season offers you low humidity and an ideal temperature for visiting the popular attractions around the country. January and February happen to be the months with the coldest temperature, after which the temperature starts to rise in March. This season is also considered to be the peak season, offering travellers less rainfall and allowing them to explore the iconic spots around Cambodia due to long hours of sunlight.
| Month | Temperature (in °C) |
| October | 24° to 30° |
| November | 24° to 30° |
| December | 22° to 30° |
| January | 18° to 28° |
| February | 20° to 28° |
| March | 25° to 34° |
| April | 26° to 32° |
Wet Season (May to September)
Also called the green season in Cambodia, this is when one can start witnessing the green side of the country, as showers are common during this season. The panoramic views get more vibrant after rainfall, making them look more lush and spectacular. However, at times, heavy showers may impact your day-to-day itinerary. So, make sure to plan ahead for your visit and have backup plans ready for exploring Cambodia during the wet season.
| Month | Temperature (in °C) |
| May | 26° to 34° |
| June | 26° to 31° |
| July | 24° to 32° |
| August | 26° to 32° |
| September | 24° to 31° |
Best Time to Visit Cambodia
The best time to visit Cambodia is between November and April, as you can expect little rain and clear blue skies, allowing tourists to enjoy a pleasing getaway experience.
Best Place to Visit in Cambodia
Below are the five places that you must visit on your trip to Cambodia to witness a number of attractions dotted around them.
Siem Reap
Visit the gateway to Cambodia’s iconic landmark, Angkor Wat temple, which exemplifies cultural, symbolic, and religious values. Besides serving as a heaven for the culture vultures, tourists fond of delicious cuisines and vibrant cuisines shall also find this city of interest. Other than Angkor Wat, there are other temples and museums that merit a visit and help you learn about Cambodia’s history.
Popular Attractions in Siem Reap
- Angkor Wat
- Ta Prohm Temple
- Bayon Temple
- Angkor National Museum
- Prasat Preah Khan
Best Time to Visit Siem Reap: Between December and January.
Phnom Penh
Travel to the capital city of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, which offers you a modern cityscape. You will also get to witness numerous historical gems studded around the city and find the architecture amusing, as it reflects the influence of both Khmer and French styles. You can also go out shopping to find some of the best handicrafts, souvenirs and more.
Popular Attractions in Phnom Penh
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
- Wat Phnom Daun Penh
- Royal Palace of Cambodia
- Silver Pagoda
- Independence Monument
Best Time to Visit Phnom Penh: Between June and September.
Sihanoukville
Sihanoukville offers you the vibrant city life, and not the traditional places carrying the Cambodian essence. Instead, if you are a beach lover, then you can enjoy a number of beach destinations and have the only deep water port. There are also a number of casinos that will help you enjoy your evening.
Popular Attractions in Sihanoukville
- M’Pai Bay
- Otres Beach
- Independence Beach
- Koh Rong
- Wat Leu Pagoda
Best Time to Visit Sihanoukville: Between November and February.
Battambang
Looking for a culinary tour, then head to Battambang, also called the rice bowl of Cambodia. This is because the city produces rice and sells it in both national and international markets. You get to taste a wide array of dishes, offering the age-old recipes of their traditional gastronomy. Moreover, several street food vendors provide you with mouth-watering dishes and the local specialities.
Popular Attractions in Battambang
- Ek Phnom Pagoda
- Wat Samrong Knong
- Lok Ta Dambong Kra Nhoung
- Kampong Ampil Pagoda
- Bat Cave
Best Time to Visit Battambang: Between October and May.
Best Things to Do in Cambodia
An expert guide to travelling in Cambodia shall remain incomplete without offering travel tips. Some of the best things to do in Cambodia to make your trip memorable are stated below:
- Enjoy the sunrise at the Angkor Wat temple, offering you a lifetime experience.
- Take a walk by the herd of elephants at the Elephant Valley Project and witness these mammals closely.
- Go paddleboating on the serene Tuek Chhou River, from which you can also enjoy a stunning view of the sunset.
- Take a boat ride on the Mekong River, allowing you to spot the endangered species of freshwater Irrawaddy dolphin.
- Take a Cambodian cooking class to help you learn about the spices, styles and techniques of their traditional cooking.
- Visit the Cambodian Circus, Phare, where you can witness modern circus arts that shall help learn about Cambodian folks, history and stories.
- Take a tour to Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary to spot rare water birds along with other birds.
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Preah Vihear and walk around the remote temples.
- Travel to Koh Ker to find the Angkorian remains, testifying to the rich past.
- Inspect the most important archaeological sites of Cambodia, Phnom Da and Angkor Borei.
Popular Festivals of Cambodia
Festivals offer a deep insight into the old religious traditions and practices followed over the years to uphold a religion. Below are some of Cambodia’s popular festivals that are highly influenced by ancient royal traditions and cultures of both Buddhism and Hinduism.
| Name of Festivals | Tenure | Month |
| Cambodian Independence Day | 1 day | November |
| Choul Chhnam Thmey | 3 days | April |
| King Norodom Sihamoni’s Birthday | 3 days | May |
| Pchum Ben | 1 day | September |
| Meak Bochea | 1 day | February |
| Bon Om Touk | 3 days | April |
| Vesak Bochea | 1 day | May |
| Angkor Festival | 1 day | January |
| Sea Festival | 3 days | July and August |
| Preah Reach Pithi Bonn Chrot Preah Neang Kol | 1 day | May |
Traditional Dishes to Try in Cambodia
Your journey to Cambodia shall be incomplete if you fail to try out their traditional dishes that infuse a wide array of ingredients and their culinary culture. Below are some of the traditional Khmer dishes to try out:
- Salmar Machu (Sour Soup)
- Samlar Kari (Chicken Curry)
- Amok (Coconut Fish Curry)
- Yaohon (Hot Pot)
- Kampot Pepper Crab
- Lok Lak (Stir Fry)
- Kuy Teav (Noodle Soup)
- Lap Khmer (Beef Salad)
- Nom Banh Chok (Khmer Noodles)
- Pleah Sach Ko (Beef Ceviche)
Getting Around Cambodia
The most affordable means of transportation is to rely on public transportation. However, only the capital city, Phnom Penh, offers this service and serves only on 17 bus routes. You can opt for bus and minibus service from major hubs like Sihanoukville, Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
You can also opt for a taxi that will help you get from one corner to another. However, you need to negotiate your price while renting a cab.
For travelling to close distances within a province, Tuk-tuks are your reliable companion. When travelling from one province to another, you can also rely upon the railway network; however, check for the destination beforehand to ensure you are connected with a railway line. In some parts of Cambodia, you can also opt for a boat service, which will take you to specific cities, avoiding the hassles of traffic jams and others.
Where to Stay in Cambodia
In case you are worried about your stay in Cambodia, then you can start planning your trip so that you get a wide variety of choices to stay, ranging from luxurious to pocket-friendly hotels. You get to select your accommodation based on your itinerary, comfort and budget, for you get high-end hotels, luxury resorts, urban boutique hotels and many more.
Travel Tips for Cambodia
Before starting to plan your trip, here are some travel tips to help you enjoy your trip without encountering any issues in Cambodia.
- Ensure your passport holds a validity of 6 months from the date of arrival in Cambodia.
- Purchase travel insurance to cover your entire trip.
- Apply for an e-visa before arrival to Cambodia, as it will help you skip the queue.
- Make sure to convert your pounds into Cambodian riel, as cashless and card payments might not be accepted everywhere.
- Carry a refillable water bottle to beat the heat and quench your thirst.
- Carry insect repellent, sunscreen, and other requirements for your skin.
- Always be respectful at Buddhist sites and cover your elbows and knees before entering any temple.
- Learn commonly used phrases to greet and communicate with the locals.
- Carry your prescribed medications to avoid facing any medical issues on your trip.
- Make sure to bargain for the prices, especially when booking cabs.
- Avoid renting vehicles, as it will cost more than renting a cab.
Conclusion
Cambodia also has a vast number of myths and stories that will make you wonder about different sites and also help you learn about the mythology that has been woven deep into the cultural beliefs of the locals. So start planning your trip this year to take a break from your daily life chores and relax. Visit the popular attractions, indulge in a wide variety of activities and make sure to consider the travel tips and prepare for your trip accordingly.
So start planning for an incredible trip to Cambodia and don’t forget to check out our packages and deals. You can also contact our travel expert to prepare a customized itinerary based on your budget and preferences.
FAQs
What is the most important festival of Cambodia?
The Bon Chol Chhnam Thmei or Khmer New Year is the most important festival of Cambodia.
What is the best time to visit Cambodia?
The best time to visit Cambodia is between the months of November and April.
Is Cambodia an expensive tourist destination?
No, Cambodia is a very affordable tourist destination to visit.
Is it safe for UK tourists to visit Cambodia?
If you follow the guidance and advice, then Cambodia is a safe destination for UK tourists.
