Cambodia Travel Guide

Discover the beauty of Cambodia with this comprehensive tour guide. Includes top places to visit, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, local culture and customs, and more.


Introduction to Cambodia

Cambodia is a beautiful country located in Southeast Asia. It is a popular tourist destination known for its rich culture, ancient temples, scenic beauty, and delicious food. With a fascinating history and unique traditions, Cambodia is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves to explore different cultures.

List of Places to Visit in Cambodia

Cambodia is a land of contrasts, with plenty of places to explore, both natural and man-made wonders. Here are the top places to visit in Cambodia.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Angkor Wat - The most iconic landmark in Cambodia is a massive temple complex built in the 12th century. It is an architectural masterpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  2. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum – This museum is a solemn reminder of the genocide that occurred in Cambodia in the late 1970s.
  3. The Royal Palace - Located in Phnom Penh, the Royal Palace is a must-visit attraction. It is a stunning example of Khmer architecture and adorned with intricate carvings and gold leaf.

Natural Attractions of Cambodia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Koh Rong Island - This is a tropical paradise, with crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and lush greenery. It is a peaceful retreat far away from the hustle and bustle.
  2. Bokor National Park – The park is known for its waterfalls, hiking trails, exotic flora and fauna, and breathtaking views of the Cambodian coast and the sea.
  3. Tonle Sap Lake - A visit to Tonle Sap Lake is perfect for those who wish to explore the diverse ecosystem of Cambodia. It is the world’s largest freshwater lake and one of the world’s most significant wetlands.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Cambodia

Cambodia is home to some of the world’s most beautiful hiking and biking routes. Here are some of the top places to explore.

  1. Phnom Kulen - This mountain range is a popular destination for hikers and boasts some of the most beautiful waterfalls and temples in Cambodia.
  2. Kirirom National Park – The park is located just outside of Phnom Penh and is home to stunning views, wildlife, and waterfalls, some of which are reachable by bike trails.
  3. Siem Reap Countryside Cycling - Explore the scenic Cambodian countryside and learn about rural life, visit temples, and discover hidden gems that not many tourists get to see.

Best Things to Do in Cambodia: Activities and Tours

There are numerous activities and tours available for tourists in Cambodia. Here are some of our top picks.

  1. Take a balloon ride over Angkor Wat – Get a birds-eye view of the beautiful temple complex from a hot air balloon.
  2. Enjoy a Kampot Sunset Cruise – Cruise along the river in Kampot, enjoying the beautiful sunset over the pristine countryside.
  3. Visit a local village – Visit a rural village and explore the local culture, taste the unique cuisine and see the community come alive.

Week-Long Itinerary for Cambodia

Cambodia has so much to offer, and a week is an excellent amount of time to explore some of the country’s must-visit destinations. Here is a sample itinerary for a week-long trip to Cambodia.

Day 1-3: Siem Reap

Visit the breathtaking and awe-inspiring Angkor Wat and tours its beautiful grounds. Indulge in traditional Khmer cuisine and cookery lessons. Explore the town of Siem Reap for your shopping needs.

Day 4-5: Phnom Penh

Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Royal Palace, both significant cultural and historical landmarks. Try traditional street food, and sip Khmer draft beer in the city’s many cafes and pubs.

Day 6-7: Krong Chang

Explore the waterfalls and natural springs of Krong Chang in these two days. End your adventure by reclining on Koh Rong Island’s white sand beaches and relishing seafood from sleepy seafood shacks.

Food and Drink Scene of Cambodia

Cambodia’s Khmer cuisine is full of flavors, spices, and aromas that truly distinguish it from the rest. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages in Cambodia.

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Amok - A curry dish made with fish, coconut milk, and spices, served in banana leaves.
  2. Lok Lak - A stir-fried marinated beef dish served with rice and vegetables.
  3. Bai Sach Chrouk - A pork and rice breakfast dish with marinated pork and sides of pickled vegetables

Local Beverages

  1. Coffee - Cambodia’s coffee culture is on the rise, serving flavorsome and aromatic beans, and served prepared in various ways.
  2. Beer - Local draft beer is a real thing in Cambodia. Ask for the Angkor or Anchor beer the next time you are in a bar, and join the locals in enjoying this refreshing beverage.
  3. Palm Wine - A fermented alcoholic beverage with a sweet and sour taste, made from coconut palm trees.

Where to Stay in Cambodia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Accommodation options in Cambodia cater to every traveler’s taste and budget. Here are the top options for a memorable stay in Cambodia.

  1. Rambutan Resort in Phnom Penh - A luxurious and serene resort with a pool, spa, and lush gardens.
  2. The Pink Guesthouse in Siem Reap - An affordable and welcoming guest house with clean rooms and excellent service.
  3. The Mad Monkey Hostel in Phnom Penh - A lively hostel with a fun atmosphere and great social experience.

What to Buy in Cambodia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Cambodia is famous for its unique and beautiful handicrafts. Here are some top picks to bring back home.

  1. Silk Scarves – Cambodia is known for its high-quality silk scarves, embroidered with traditional designs and colors.
  2. Buddha Statues - An exotic hand-made Buddha statue is a great souvenir and can add to your home’s décor.
  3. Kampot Pepper - Known for its aromatic wild pepper that is a fantastic addition to your traditional or modern dishes.

Local Culture and Customs of Cambodia

Cambodia’s culture and customs are rich and deeply rooted in tradition. Some customs to look out for include:

  1. Show respect for elders and monks
  2. Dress appropriately and modestly while visiting temples or other religious places.
  3. Remove your shoes before entering a home or temple.

Best Time to Visit Cambodia

The best time to visit Cambodia is during the dry season, which lasts from November to April, with mid-December to February being the best period. The climate is cool and mild, ideal for exploring Cambodia’s temples and nature.

Do’s and Don’ts of Cambodia

Do:

  1. Respect Cambodia’s culture, traditions, and people.
  2. Explore its beauty and culture by supporting local businesses and artisans.
  3. Learn basic Khmer phrases, which will show respect and deep appreciation to Cambodia’s people.

Don’t:

  1. Disrespect sacred places and temples.
  2. Get involved in the sex-tourism industry or other illegal activities.
  3. Hug or touch a monk, as it is against their beliefs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Cambodia

Cambodia is generally a safe country, however like any other country, travelers should take precautions, especially in crowded places or street markets where pickpockets tend to be active.

Health in Cambodia

Travelers should take the usual vaccinations before traveling to Cambodia, including the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, and the hepatitis A and B vaccine.

Getting to Cambodia: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Cambodia

Phnom Penh International Airport, Siem Reap International Airport, and Sihanoukville International Airport are the major airports in Cambodia.

Bus Stations Near Cambodia

Phnom Penh Sorya Bus Terminal is the main bus terminal that serves Cambodia and is located in the heart of Phnom Penh.

Other Options

Taxi, tuk-tuks, and rental cars are readily available in Cambodia.

How to Get Around in Cambodia

Tuk-tuks, taxis, buses, rental cars, and bicycles are all popular means of transportation in Cambodia.

Where to Go Next from Cambodia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Cambodia is located in the heart of Southeast Asia and is close to several other destinations. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions to explore:

  1. Laos - A short flight from Cambodia, Laos is known for its beautiful scenery, especially for its Mekong River’s scenic views.
  2. Vietnam - Saigon is just a short flight from Phnom Penh, and Hanoi is a bus ride away from Siem Reap.
  3. Thailand - Thailand is just a short flight away and offers a wide range of experiences like the night markets in Bangkok, the cultural beauty of Chiang Mai, and the paradise beaches of Phuket.

Conclusion

Cambodia is a beautiful destination that has so much to offer, from its ancient temples and rich culture to natural wonders, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals. Whether you want to explore history, relax on a tropical beach, or indulge in street food, Cambodia is a destination that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Royal palace Royal palace Relief battle at Angkor Relief battle at Angkor Face at Prasat Bayon Face at Prasat Bayon Visa policy of Cambodia Visa policy of Cambodia Cambodian immigration checkpoints which accept e-visa or visa on arrival Cambodian immigration checkpoints which accept e-visa or visa on arrival Phnom Penh international airport Phnom Penh international airport Kampuchea Airlines at Phnom Penh airport Kampuchea Airlines at Phnom Penh airport Sokha Beach in Sihanoukville Sokha Beach in Sihanoukville Bamboo Train near Battambang Bamboo Train near Battambang Good advice for learning the language Good advice for learning the language A small part of Angkor Wat A small part of Angkor Wat Dry fish in Russian market, Phnom Penh Dry fish in Russian market, Phnom Penh Flower Market in Phnom Penh Flower Market in Phnom Penh Fried noodles, sour soup and a Khmer-style curry Fried noodles, sour soup and a Khmer-style curry A fruit dessert at a guesthouse A fruit dessert at a guesthouse Sugarcane juice Sugarcane juice Hand-painted bottles of Sombai infused rice wine Hand-painted bottles of Sombai infused rice wine Land mine warning sign Land mine warning sign Ice in Cambodia may be made in factories with treated water but cannot be regarded as safe, since it may have been transported in contaminated bags. Ice cubes are safer than ice that appears to have been chipped from a block. Ice in Cambodia may be made in factories with treated water but cannot be regarded as safe, since it may have been transported in contaminated bags. Ice cubes are safer than ice that appears to have been chipped from a block. Mass grave in Choeung Ek, one of the killing fields of the Khmer Rouge Mass grave in Choeung Ek, one of the killing fields of the Khmer Rouge


    Cardamom and Elephant Mountains
    Eastern Cambodia
    Mekong Lowlands and Central Plains
    North-western Cambodia