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Cambodia

‘Grander than anything left to us by Greece or Rome,' declared the French explorer Henri Mouhot, who rediscovered the fabled temple city of Angkor, the spiritual and cultural centre of Cambodia. These staggering ruins, some partly covered by trees and creepers, others salvaged from the jungle and free to explore, remain the country's major draw.

But there's plenty more to this beguiling country, which is moving on from the blood-tinted days of the Khmer Rouge and is an increasingly popular destination for travellers. Many of the old colonial buildings from the French protectorate are being restored in pretty towns like Kep, and awareness is growing of the allure of Cambodia's natural wonders alongside its architectural gems.

Rare Irrawaddy dolphins can be seen at Kratie on the Mekong River, an artery that flows through beautiful countryside dotted with small villages and pretty waterfalls. Cambodia's other great waterway is the Tonlé Sap, the ‘Great Lake' that provides food in abundance and floodwaters that, after the summer rains, turn this into the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia.

Elsewhere, coastal reefs shelter abundant marine life and forest-clad mountains are home to elephants, tigers, monkeys and bears. Of course you'll want to visit the mysterious remains of Angkor, but leave a little time for some other attractions too.

Cambodia Luxury Travel

Highlights
Itinerary ideas
Places to stay
Experiences
Practical info

Click on a place name below to find out more. Alternatively, to start planning where to go in Cambodia, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0613.

Battambang & The Tonlé Sap

Phnom Penh

Siem Reap & Angkor Wat

South Coast

The Practical information displayed here is taken from The Traveller's Handbook, published by WEXAS (2009). While all possible care was taken to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, we are aware that situations change, so for the latest information and up-to-date visa requirements, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0613.

Weather

Tropical monsoon climate, with the monsoon season from June to October. The best time to visit is from November to May, during the dry season.

Festivals

Chaul Chnam Chen, the Lunar New Year, is celebrated by ethnic Chinese and Vietnamese in late January or early February. The Chaul Chnam, or Khmer New Year, celebrations bring the country to a standstill for three days in April. The Khmer calendar's most important festival is Bon Om Tuk, celebrating the end of the wet season in early November.

Food & drink

Influenced by Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, but with less spice. Fish, soup, and salad are favourite dishes, incorporating coriander, lemon grass and mint flavours. Amok is a Cambodian coconut curry, typically fish, steamed in banana leaves. Nuts, bananas, coconuts, jackfruit, and lychees are often used in sweet dishes.

Etiquette

Sensitivity to politically-related subjects in conversation is advisable. Avoid pointing your foot at a person or touching someone on the head. Women should wear long clothing that covers the body. It is polite to ask permission before photographing Cambodian people, especially monks.

Safety

Politically calm at present. One of the highest rates of landmines and unexploded ordnance in the world, so travel off the beaten track is very hazardous. Even local information on landmines is unreliable. Be wary in areas affected by covert activities such as drug-production or illegal logging.

International airport

Pochentong (PNH), 12 km from Phnom Penh. Angkor (REP) 8 km from Siem Reap. Sihanoukville (KOS) 18 km East of the town.

Internal travel

Some rail services operate, but many need restoration. Boats and government run ferries frequently used. Driving can be hazardous, due to the awful conditions of the roads and accidents caused by reckless driving are relatively frequent. Car hire is generally not recommended and visitors are advised to hire a car with driver for approximately the same cost.

Visa

(UK/US) Required.

Vaccination

BCG, Diphtheria, Hep. A, Hep. B, JE, Malaria, Rabies, Typhoid, Y. Fever2.

Driving

International Driving Permit not recognised. Visitors advised to hire car with driver.

Capital

Phnom Penh.

Language

Khmer. Chinese and Vietnamese also spoken.

People

Khmer (94%), Small Chinese and Vietnamese communities.

Religion

Mainly Buddhist.

Size

181,035.

Population

13,995,904.

Population density

77.3.

Life expectancy

M 59.27, F 63.4.

Currency

Riel (CRI)= 100 sen.

Finance

Very limited acceptance of major credit cards and traveller's cheques. US dollars widely accepted.

Business hours

0700-1130 and 1400-1730 Monday-Friday .

Time difference

+7.

Voltage

220AC, 50 Hz.

International dial code

855.

The itinerary ideas listed below are designed to give you a flavour of the things to do in Cambodia. We can adjust any element and tailor-make your trip though, to suit your individual needs and available time. To start planning your trip, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0613.

Cambodia’s South Coast

Inside Cambodia - Temples of Angkor

Temples of Angkor and Song Saa Islands

Cambodia & Vietnam Explorer

Best of Cambodia

Highlights of Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos

A river journey through Indochina

Laos & Cambodia Experience

Highlights of Indochina

Indochina Explorer

[See all itinerary ideas in Cambodia]

The places to stay listed below only represent a handful of the accommodation options available in Cambodia. We can also recommend and arrange accommodation to suit your personal tastes and budget. To start planning where to stay in Cambodia, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0613.

Temples of Angkor and Song Saa Islands

Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Cambodia

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, Cambodia

Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia

La Residence d’Angkor, Cambodia

Amanjaya Pancam Hotel, Cambodia

[See all places to stay in Cambodia]

The types of holiday listed below are just a flavour of the experiences available in Cambodia. We can also suggest and plan alternative types of holiday to take into account your individual interests. To start planning what to do whilst away, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0613.