Cambodia

Home to the Khmer Empire, Cambodia is one of the friendliest places in South East Asia thanks to the local people and their uplifting spirit. From unspoilt beaches, lakes with floating villages, mountains and the legendary temples of Angkor, this destination is not to be missed.

The best time to go to Cambodia is February or March when the weather across the whole of Cambodia is perfect. It’s warmer than the earlier dry season, but not sweltering, which makes it a good month to visit the UNESCO temples of Angkor Wat. Long days of sightseeing are a more comfortable prospect and there is always a temple or piece of the jungle you can use to hide in the shade and pretend to be in Tomb Raider.

There is enough water left in Tonle Sap Lake to take boat trips to floating villages where you can witness the daily life of the families living on the lake. As the dry season progresses, water levels drop leaving the villages to move further into the lake and boat trips prove much harder.

Trip plan

Start off in Siem Reap and stay in one of its many different hotels ranging from hostels to five stars. Grab your 1, 3 or 7 day Angkor pass and give the temples the time that they deserve. 

Cruise along the Tonle sap lake before heading south to the capital Phnom Penh and visit its haunting museums and learn about its past.

Witness how much Cambodia is changing from being under the Khmer Rouge control before heading south for beach time in Kep or Sihanoukville. These beach side areas are renowned for their delicious inexpensive seafood and a great way to grab a boat tour to neighboring islands.

For hiking enthusiasts it’s great to consider a stay in the Cardamom mountains in the South West of the country.

How to get there

The main international airports are Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. There are no direct flights from Europe, but you can go via Bangkok, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and several other options. It’s also a popular and easy option for those traveling in Asia to cross by land border from Thailand, Vietnam or Laos.

Personal experience

After first visiting Cambodia in 2006, 2011 and most recently 2023 the country has changed a lot, however it has never lost its charm. There’s not the volume of tourists that visit Thailand or Vietnam and you can always find a quiet spot in Angkor Wat, just venture out to the other smaller temples for a bit of peace and quiet away from the crowds.

My personal experience that I loved was traveling from Battumburg to Siem reap across the mighty Tonle sap lake. A real feast for the eyes as you travel through the lake and see village life unfold.

For a real alternative trip I’d highly recommend a week long biking trip through Cambodia which I did in 2023 with Vietnam adventure cycle. Seeing the country on two wheels gives a different perspective and was so rewarding. Tag on Thailand and Vietnam for the ultimate Asia trip.

Cambodia quick facts

• Spoken language Khmer

• Currency Riel or US Dollar

• Population 16 million

• Capital Phnom Penh

• Angkor Wat passes are available for durations of (US$20 - 1 day), (US$40 - 3 days), (US$60- 7 days)

• Weather Oct- Apr (dry) May- Sep - (wet), Apr-June (hottest and most humid)

• Cambodia’s flag is the only one in the world to feature a building

Fun fact

• There is no McDonalds in the country

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