Cambodia Travel Guides - Your A - Z Travel Handbook

Cambodia Overview

Cambodia has always been a highlight in every South East Asia itinerary. Travelers find this country fascinating from its incredible temple complex to pristine natural scenery. Despite the dark days of history during the 1970s, Cambodia has recovered and is now thriving by virtue of huge crowds visiting every year, boosting tourism in particular and the whole country’s economy in general.

Cambodia has diverse attractions for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and even beachgoers who will surely be in their element during their time in this country. Sharing certain closenesses to Thai and Vietnamese food, Cambodia’s cuisine with its unique twist is another trait that makes people come back for more. Wanting more not only for 

Given the complicated history, many people may wonder if Cambodia is safe to travel. The answer is yes, Cambodia is comparatively safe, especially for tourists since they are the main source.

Nonetheless, the right precaution is always necessary. There is no major disaster or serious crime like terrorism happened but petty crimes like bag-snatching, sexual assaults, scams are still there occasionally. Using your common sense to avoid drugs, avoid nighttime travel and take good care of your belongings are recommended. 

Cambodia's Port of Entry

Cambodia has three international airports:

• Phnom Penh International Airport - situated in the capital - normally plays as both the welcoming beginning and the final place that bid farewell to foreign tourists at the end of their Cambodia trip. 
• Lead the way to the notorious Angkor Wat, Siem Reap International Airport is the second. 
• The third one is Sihanoukville International Airport which holds a limited number of flights to and from some neighboring countries.

In possession with a valid passport and visa, travelers have the second choice to get in Cambodia via a number of land border crossings in Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. The most popular crossing points at the moment including:

• Bavet/Moc Bai from Vietnam.
• Aranyaprathet/Poipet from Thailand.
• Veun Kham/Dom Kralor from Laos.

Remember before entering the country, you should check whether you need to issue a visa to Cambodia or not on our Easy and Fast Guides to get Cambodia Visa in order to save your time in your preparation process.  

When to Visit Cambodia

It is said that Cambodia is worth-visiting the whole year-round. Two distinct seasons: the dry and the wet similar to any other South East Asia country. 

The dry season starts from October to late April. Within this season, the temperature hovers around 20-Celsius degrees from October to February, creating peak time for tourism. The mildly cool temperature and low humidity enable tourists to either discover the temples at ease or enjoy relaxation by the beautiful beach. 

The heat starts to grow gradually in March and reaches its climax in May. Visiting the coast during this period is absolutely advisable as long as you can stand the strong tropical heat. 

The wet season with torrential rainfall begins from June to September. Traveling in this season might be a bit challenging but still, green foliage, sprawling lush, dramatic cloud formation, and glorious sunset can make the most photo-worthy snaps. 

What to See & Do in Cambodia

Angkor Archaeological Zone

The most well-known attraction in Cambodia that draw the attention of global travelers is the Angkor Archaeological Zone. Located in Northern Cambodian, Angkor is a complex of historical relics of the Khmer Empire built since the 9th century. Being declared as a World Heritage site by UNESCO, Angkor is preserved for its symbolic value.

The magnificent ruins including the infamous Temple of Angkor, Bayon temple and Tomb Raider background - Ta Prohm, etc. They were constructed with sophisticated carvings and religious aesthetic, a harmony of creativity and spiritual faith. No Cambodia trip is completed without visiting Angkor Wat. 

Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda

Phnom Penh - Cambodia capital is also high on the list for travelers to discover. Getting to know the Cambodian royal family by passing by the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. The Khmer-inspired Throne Hall built in 1866, played its part as a venue for royal ceremonies and rituals and has now become the symbol of Cambodia Kingdom. The Palace includes several buildings, the Silver Pagoda and a wonderful courtyard opens for visitors with a USD 10 admission fee. 

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields

To understand what Cambodia has been through, take a visit to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Killing Fields. 17,000 people had been brought to Choeung Ek to be executed and buried after horrendous interrogations and torture in Tuol Sleng.

These might not be the most exciting place to be but it holds the ugly truth of Khmer Rouge mass execution during the 1970s with eight thousand skulls of unfortunate souls are displayed behind glass. Tuol Sleng used to be a school before it was converted into a torture center. A guide can be hired to tell the story of the horrible dark history of this period.

Battambang

Away from the religious monuments, visiting Battambang will bring a fresh vibe to tourists. Battambang is all about art and creativity. The French left a strong influence in architecture making every street an eye-pleasing colonial art piece.  Phare Ponleu Selpak circus delivers splendid performances, operates with a good cause for children, youth and neighboring communities through artistic.

Koh Rong Island

Holding the crown for beachy experience in Cambodian, Koh Rong island provides a great range of accommodations and activities. Travelers can dive to see the amazing coral reefs in Koh Rong Pier and take on an adventure into the jungle to see the diversity of wildlife at Jewelorchids. Koh Rong island is one of the best 7 beaches in Cambodia that travelers would not want to miss out on.

This island is where you come to unwind, immense in the refreshing emerald ocean, enjoy the pleasant view of nature or explore the wildlife during the day and come to a lively party at night in the Police beach.

How to Get Around Cambodia

By Air

The quickest way to travel from one city to another in Cambodia. In possession with a national airline and multiple other domestic airlines, domestic flights are operated the whole day and possible to get on a flight in short notice (advanced bookings are advisable during peak season).

A departure tax of USD 6 is applied for domestic flight from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. 

By Bus and Minibus 

Massive highway improvement has a positive impact on travel by road in Cambodia. This is the easiest way and considerably cheap way to get around this country.

Main bus hubs are Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville. Ticket price ranging from USD 10 to 30 USD depending on the route. Travelers can choose between big buses with air condition and express minivan, but make sure to read the review beforehand.  

By Taxis or Tuk-Tuk

Meter taxi are available in big cities but is not a very common way of transport, it may be a bit hard to catch one. Mostly serves locals, tuk-tuk (shared taxi) is another common transportation in Cambodia.

However, it requires a certain haggling skill. Tuk-tuk can be hired for individual use which can become very useful for a group of 4 to 5. 

By Boat

Boats are available to get from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, and from Siem Reap to Battambang. Ticket price is USD 6 and USD 7 respectively. 6-hour ferry drive might not be efficient but the ride is surely scenic. 

Cambodia Etiquettes

Learn important Cambodian phrases 

Som pas is how they call greetings in Cambodian: put both hands together and slightly bow toward the person, saying “choum reap sur” (hello) to say hi and “choum reap lir” to bid farewell. 

Show respect and politeness

Appropriately dress is extremely important, especially when visiting temples. Try to cover your skin as much as possible.

Keep your distance 

Try not to touch anyone even a child on the head and not to use the left hand for food, handle or touch anyone. Cambodian consider left hand is impure.

We hope these guides will support you to prepare perfectly for a trip to Cambodia. If you want to know further information or special deals, please do not hesitate to contact our Vietnamtravels.co.za consultants to have a perfect vacation.