Holidays to Cambodia
Top destinations in Cambodia
Phnom Penh
From ornate temples and fascinating museums to an Art Deco market, Cambodia’s capital city is a treasure trove of history and culture.
Siem Reap
By day, explore Siem Reap’s iconic temples and national parks. As darkness falls, enjoy dazzling sunsets, traditional dance performances and buzzing night markets.
Sihanoukville
This fun-loving Cambodian beach town has it all, from golden sand and crystal-blue waters to lush rainforests with waterfall hikes you’ll remember forever.
Cambodia: fast facts
| Language | Khmer |
|---|---|
| Currency | Cambodian riel (៛) |
| Time zone | UTC+7 (ICT) |
Cambodia holiday highlights
Ancient ruins
Wandering through ancient Khmer temples is one of the best things to do in Cambodia. You’ll find millennia-old stone structures carved with intricate religious motifs tangled in vines and jungle roots. There are around 4,000 temples to explore across the country, the largest and most famous being the dazzling Angkor Wat.
Amazing markets
Looking for trip trinkets? The capital city of Phnom Penh has you covered with Central Market, Russian Market and Phsar Reatrey all crammed with goods. For an evening spree or locally made art, the city of Siem Reap boasts the legendary Angkor Night Market. Or breakfast like a Cambodian and order coconut pancakes at a local street food stall.
Waterside wonders
Exploring the waterways unlocks some of Cambodia’s most treasured experiences. Jump aboard a tour boat to see entire communities living in floating villages or spot endangered Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong Delta. You’ll also find a string of tropical islands out at sea, like Koh Ta Kiev or popular Koh Rong Sanloem, which boasts idyllic beaches and laid-back resorts.
Things to do in Cambodia
Top attractions
Don’t miss watching the sunrise over Angkor Wat before exploring the extensive Khmer ruins of the UNESCO-listed archaeological park. Unwind on white sandy beaches or explore rice paddies and salt fields in the coastal town of Kep. For an exploration of masterful Khmer design in a beautiful building, head to the National Museum of Cambodia.
Beaches
Cambodia has over 440 kilometres of tropical coastline. For pure paradise, make a beeline for one of the 64 islands. Koh Rong Sanloem is perfect for backpackers, Koh Rong enjoys unspoilt beauty and Koh Thmei is a go-to for nature enthusiasts. Many of the beaches on the mainland are rapidly being developed, though you’ll still find pretty pockets around Kep Beach and Ream National Park.
Nature
There’s natural beauty everywhere you look in Cambodia, but the stars are the raging waterfalls and colonies of bats. Bou Sra Waterfall in the country’s east and Kulen Waterfall in the northwest are mighty forces not to be missed. For an incredible show, head to the bars near Battambang Caves to watch as millions of bats take flight each night.
Culture and museums
Don’t pass over the museums in Cambodia. To grasp how influential the Khmer Empire was to contemporary Cambodia, visit the Angkor National Museum in Siem Reap. It’s full of recovered artefacts and tremendous legends. To comprehend the devastation of the Khmer Rouge period, stop by the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh and the War Museum in Siem Reap.
Cuisine
Street food reigns supreme in Cambodia. Locals flock to the markets for breakfast, lunch and dinner, feasting on hand-pulled noodles, fresh fruit and barbecue skewers. Some of the best restaurants in Cambodia offer refined versions of national classics. Look out for dishes like fish ‘amok’ (coconut-based curry), ‘num banh chok’ (lightly fermented noodles with fish) and ‘lok lak’ (peppered beef).
Family friendly
Roll through the Cambodian countryside aboard the Battambang Bamboo Train — an ingenious slab on tracks once used to transport goods across the country. Don’t miss the Angkor Zipline near Siem Reap for an electrifying ride through the treetops and a chance to spot gibbons, butterflies and birds. Or snorkel, swim and paddle board the turquoise waters of Koh Rong island.
Find the best time to visit Cambodia
Weather in Cambodia
May – October: The humidity can make outdoor adventures uncomfortable in May and June, with the onset of the wet season. Monsoon rains are at their heaviest in August and September. Expect frequent and persistent showers during these months, especially if you’re visiting the coast or highland areas.
November – April: This is Cambodia’s dry season and is often considered the best time to visit. Expect pleasant temperatures, especially in the south and along the coast. The north will feel slightly cooler from November to January. This is the ideal time for exploring Angkor Wat, hopping between islands and hiking in the Cardamom Mountains.
Events in Cambodia
Khmer New Year (April): For three action-packed days, festivities and rituals sweep across the nation as residents return to their home villages to mark the end of harvest season. Buddhist ceremonies, water fights, loud music and plenty of food are all part of the fun.
Pchum Ben (October): The second-largest celebration on the Cambodian calendar is Pchum Ben, a 15-day religious festival dedicated to honouring ancestors. Families gather at pagodas or temples to make offerings of rice, fruit and cakes.
Angkor Thanksgiving (December): This popular festival is a nod to the cultural influence of the Khmer Empire. Theatre performances, traditional dancing and shadow puppetry all take place within the Angkor Archaeological Park.
Know before you go
Local etiquette
Dress modestly on your trip to Cambodia. When visiting sacred sites, keep your shoulders and knees covered, and remove your shoes before entering temples. Avoid public displays of affection, and never touch anyone on the head, even children. If you find yourself in a sticky or embarrassing situation, try to defuse it the Cambodian way with a light joke or some giggles.
Health and safety
Protect yourself from mosquito bites to avoid diseases like dengue, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis and malaria. Drink spiking and methanol poisoning can occur, so avoid unlabelled or homemade alcohol. Bring any needed medication with you, as pharmacies can be hit or miss. During the wet season, flooding can disrupt travel, so plan accordingly.
LGBTQ+ travel
Cambodia is generally tolerant, though it remains a conservative country. Same-sex relationships are legal, but same-sex marriage is not recognised. Public displays of affection are best avoided by all couples. LGBTQ+ travellers will find a small but growing scene in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, with gay-friendly bars, cafes and community events.
Budget
A cheap holiday to Cambodia is one that still offers great accommodation and a packed schedule. An inexpensive meal costs about 16,000 Cambodian riels (៛), and it can be washed down with a ៛4,000 beer. For a short taxi ride, plan to spend roughly ៛20,000.
Getting around Cambodia
Public transportation
Buses: You’ll find lots of services for long-haul bus routes that run frequently to most major tourist destinations. The companies with the comfiest rides include Giant Ibis, Mekong Express and Virak Buntham. Pre-book your tickets online.
Trains: If you’re travelling from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, the train is a good option, with one service running daily — one of the few routes where rail beats the bus. There’s also a line from Phnom Penh to Battambang, while the city-to-airport train is currently suspended.
Boats: If you’d rather skip Cambodia’s rough roads, boats can link many destinations. During the high-water season (August to November), speedboats and ferries connect Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Battambang. Boats are also the main way to reach the nearby islands from Sihanoukville.
Domestic flights
There are three domestic terminals across Cambodia, including Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. Airfares are relatively affordable and can help cut down travel time significantly.
Driving
Cambodia has one of the highest road accident rates in Southeast Asia, and drivers often ignore road rules. If you’re looking for more flexibility on the road, private cars and minivans are your best bet.
