Cambodia

Discover the wonders of Cambodia with our helpful travel guide! Learn about Cambodia's weather and the best times to plan your trip. Find out how to get around easily and which top cities and destinations you shouldn't miss. Explore Cambodia's delicious foods that will make your taste buds happy. Uncover hidden gems that most tourists never see during their visit.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

The best months to visit Siem Reap (Angkor Wat) are November to March, with comfortable temperatures and little rain. The temples look best in the early morning light during December and January.

Phnom Penh is most enjoyable from December to February with cooler weather (25-30°C/77-86°F) and low humidity, making it perfect for exploring historical sites and markets in the capital.

For coastal areas (Sihanoukville, Koh Rong), November to May offers sunny days and clear waters for beach activities and island hopping. March and April have the best visibility for snorkeling and diving.

The Cardamom Mountains are best visited from December to March, featuring drier trails and comfortable temperatures for hiking. These cooler months are also better for spotting wildlife.

Battambang is most pleasant from November to February, with good weather for exploring the countryside and temples and riding the famous bamboo train.

Mondulkiri & Ratanakiri are best visited from December to February when roads are accessible and conditions are comfortable for trekking to waterfalls and indigenous villages.

How to Get to Cambodia

Cambodia has three international airports that serve as entry points to the country. Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) is the largest airport in Cambodia and serves the capital city with flights from numerous international destinations. Siem Reap International Airport (REP) provides access to the famous Angkor Wat temple complex and surrounding archaeological sites. Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS) serves Cambodia's coastal region, connecting travelers to the country's beaches and seaside destinations.

From these airports, visitors can travel to other destinations such as Kampot, a charming riverside town known for its colonial architecture and pepper plantations. Another popular destination is Koh Rong, an island featuring white sand beaches, clear waters, and bioluminescent plankton that creates a natural light show at night.

Most international travelers arrive through either Phnom Penh or Siem Reap airports before continuing to explore Cambodia's temples, rural landscapes, and communities.

How to Get Around

As travelers make their way through Cambodia, they find themselves part of a transportation tapestry that's uniquely Cambodian. 

Between cities, buses roll along highways connecting Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and onward to Sihanoukville, carrying passengers through changing landscapes. When heading to the coast or islands, combined van-ferry or bus-ferry services make the journey seamless. Those short on time might hop on flights between major cities, while others choose minivans that zip along faster than buses, though leg room comes at a premium.

Within cities, tuk-tuks become part of the daily experience, their three-wheeled frames weaving through traffic. Sitting back as the driver navigates busy streets or heads toward distant temples gives travelers a front-row view of Cambodian life unfolding. Traditional taxis wait at hotels and transportation hubs, while "moto-dops" (motorcycle taxis) dash through congested areas where larger vehicles can't pass.

Bicycles offer a chance to set your own pace, especially around the temples of Angkor Wat, where pedaling between ancient structures lets you stop whenever something catches your eye. When planning transportation, services like Mey Hong Transport and Giant Ibis have earned travelers' trust with reliable vehicles that show up when they should.

Food Scene

In a quiet corner of Siem Reap, chefs wrap fish in banana leaves with coconut curry, creating amok fish that tells tales of Cambodian cooking traditions. 

Come evening, Pub Street's night market fills with food smoke and laughter. Here, travelers can try everything from familiar local dishes to crispy fried insects that crunch between teeth. 

Morning begins in Phnom Penh with steaming bowls of kuy teav, where locals gather over rice noodle soup before starting their day. 

Morning light filters through Central Market as vendors ladle nom banh chok — cool rice noodles covered in fish curry and fresh herbs. 

In coastal Kep, fishermen bring crabs straight from traps to restaurants where they're stir-fried with black Kampot pepper grown in nearby hills. Travel along the routes to Battambang, where you'll find families sharing prahok ktis, a rich dip made from fermented fish that anchors dinner tables across the region.

Hidden Gems

1. Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay), Kep 
The small wooden bungalows on Rabbit Island stand just steps from the water's edge. Travelers who make the 20-minute boat journey from Kep find beaches where sometimes the only footprints belong to them. Local cooks crack fresh crabs, steam them, and toss them with black Kampot pepper grown in nearby hills. 

The weather stays dry between November and February, with temperatures that let visitors swim comfortably all day. The boat ticket costs about $8 round-trip from Kep's main pier, a small price for an afternoon away from tour groups and souvenir shops.

2. Koh Rong Samloem, Sihanoukville
At night on Koh Rong Samloem, swimmers who move their arms underwater watch as tiny plankton light up like stars around their fingers. The island remains quiet, especially compared to its neighbor Koh Rong. Saracen Bay stretches along one side, with sand so pale it barely darkens when wet. 

From December through April, the water stays clear enough to see fish darting between coral. The speed ferry makes the crossing from Sihanoukville port in 45 minutes, costing $22 round-trip, though the memory of swimming in glowing water lasts much longer.

3. Prasat Preah Vihear, Preah Vihear
Stone steps climb up the mountainside at Prasat Preah Vihear, each one worn by centuries of footsteps. At the top, ancient walls frame views that stretch for miles into Thailand. The temples here tell stories in carved stone, yet visitors can often explore them without bumping into tour groups. 

The cool season from November through March makes climbing the stairs easier. From Siem Reap, the three-hour taxi ride ends at a place that feels worlds away from the busy pathways of Angkor Wat.

Scenic Routes

Cambodia reveals itself slowly to those who travel its waterways, coasts, and countryside. 

Five journeys stand out, each telling a different story about this land:

• 1. Siem Reap to Battambang: The Sangker River carries boats past homes built on stilts and families washing clothes at the water's edge. Children wave from wooden porches as you pass. Come between May and October when rain fills the river. From the boat deck, you'll see daily life unfold—farmers tending fields, fishermen casting nets, and monks in orange robes walking along the shoreline.

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• 2. Kampot to Sihanoukville: The road cuts through hills where trees grow thick and valleys where rice paddies stretch to the horizon. Between November and April, the skies stay clear. Bus windows frame scenes of farmers working, water buffalo cooling in mud, and hills rising blue in the distance.

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• 3. Kep to Kampot: Salt farms gleam white beside the road while pepper vines climb wooden poles in neat rows. Late afternoons from November to January cast long shadows across the fields. A tuk-tuk can stop whenever something catches your eye—a limestone cliff, a temple hidden among trees, or crabs being sorted at a roadside market.

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• 4. Sihanoukville to Koh Rong: The ferry cuts through blue water toward an island where beaches wait empty of footprints. During dry months, the sea lies flat as glass. From the deck, dolphins sometimes appear, and fishing boats with colored flags drift past.

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• 5. Kampot to Bokor Mountain: The road climbs through forest where monkeys watch from branches and mist hangs between trees. Early mornings from December to February offer the clearest views. On a motorbike, you can find turnouts where the valley spreads below, green and vast, all the way to the sea.

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Events, Festivals and Local Markets

Walk through the Angkor Night Market in Siem Reap as evening falls. Artisans sell wooden carvings and silk scarves while the aroma of grilled meats and spices fills the air. Locals chat with visitors under strings of lights that illuminate the pathways between stalls.

Join both Cambodians and travelers at Psar Chaa (Old Market), also in Siem Reap. Women arrange pyramids of dragon fruit and mangoes while others fold kramas (traditional checkered scarves) into neat stacks. The market buzzes with conversation and bargaining from morning until dusk.

Look for the distinctive yellow dome of Central Market (Phsar Thmei) in Phnom Penh. Inside the 1930s art deco building, gold vendors display their wares alongside electronics sellers. The clock at the center marks time as shoppers move through the four wings of this landmark.

Get lost in the narrow lanes of Russian Market (Phsar Tuol Tom Poung) in Phnom Penh. Cambodians know the routes to the finest coffee, the handmade silver bowls, and the racks of clothes. Stop at a food stall where older women serve bowls of noodle soup from recipes passed down for generations.

Best Places to Visit

1. Phnom Penh tells two stories at once—the elegant colonial buildings from French rule standing alongside traditional Khmer architecture. At the Royal Palace, morning light catches on golden spires while monks in orange robes walk quietly through the grounds. The National Museum houses thousands of artifacts, each with its own tale from centuries past. At Tuol Sleng, visitors walk silently through rooms where Cambodia's darkest chapter unfolded, leaving with a deeper understanding of what shapes today's nation.

In the evening, the riverside fills with families strolling, food vendors cooking, and friends gathering. The air smells of grilled meats and fresh herbs while the Mekong flows steadily past.

November through February brings blue skies and cooler air around 24°C/75°F, making afternoon explorations comfortable rather than exhausting.

On Friday and Saturday evenings, dancers in elaborate costumes perform ancient stories at the National Museum, their precise movements passed down through generations. Artists display new works at Java Creative Café, while musicians play both traditional and modern songs at riverside venues throughout the week.

• How to get to Phnom Penh 
• -International flights to Phnom Penh International Airport
• -River cruises from Vietnam via the Mekong Delta
• -Bus connections from major cities in Cambodia and neighboring countries

2. Siem Reap's morning mist rises around ancient stone faces at Angkor Wat as the sun creates a perfect reflection in the still pools. Later, in Siem Reap town, narrow streets lead to the Old Market where sellers arrange colorful displays of fruits, spices, and handmade crafts. Cooking instructors teach visitors how to pound lemongrass and chilies into fragrant curry pastes. On nearby Tonlé Sap Lake, entire communities live in wooden houses floating above the water.

Visit between November and March when temperatures hover around 27°C/80°F with clear skies. The stones of ancient temples stay cool enough to touch, and walking paths remain dry. In April, temperatures climb above 35°C/95°F, making temple exploration challenging.

As evening falls, Angkor Night Market comes alive with hundreds of stalls selling everything from shadow puppets to carved wooden elephants. At the Phare Cambodian Circus, performers flip through the air telling Cambodian folktales through movement rather than words. Craftspeople at Artisans Angkor demonstrate how they carve, weave, and paint using techniques their grandparents taught them.

How to get to Siem Reap

• -Direct flights to Siem Reap International Airport
• -Shared and private vans from neighboring cities
• -Boat service from Phnom Penh via Tonlé Sap Lake (seasonal)

3. Sihanoukville's waves lap against white sand beaches where fishing boats painted in bright blues and reds bob offshore. Small open-air restaurants serve fish caught hours earlier, grilled with lemongrass and kampot pepper. Morning light reveals tiny crabs making patterns in the sand while evening brings a gentle sea breeze cooling sunbaked skin.

From November to April, the water clears to reveal colorful fish swimming among coral. The sun shines consistently, and the sea stays calm for swimming. October and May offer the same beauty with fewer footprints in the sand.

Weekend evenings bring people together at Sihanoukville Beach Club, where music plays as the sun sinks into the Gulf of Thailand. Local fishermen take visitors out on their boats, teaching them how to cast nets before cooking the catch over beach bonfires. Beneath the surface, dive instructors point out seahorses hiding among corals and giant clams nestled in underwater gardens.

How to get to Sihanoukville

• -Flights to Sihanoukville International Airport
• -Express buses from Phnom Penh (4-5 hours)
• -Shared taxis or minivans from nearby cities
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Tips for Traveling in Cambodia

VISA & ENTRY

• Most tourists need a visa: $30 (30-day) available on arrival or e-visa online
• Requires a passport valid 6+ months, passport photo
• E-visa processing: 3 business days ($36)
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CULTURAL ETIQUETTE

• Remove shoes before entering homes/temples
• Dress modestly at religious sites (covered shoulders/knees)
• Greet with "sampeah" (pressed palms, slight bow)
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MONEY MATTERS

• Cambodian Riel (KHR) and USD are widely accepted
• Carry small USD bills for daily expenses
• ATMs available in cities, 4-6% withdrawal fees
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HEALTH & SAFETY

• Emergency: 119 (police), 119 (ambulance)
• Vaccines: Hepatitis A/B, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis
• Travel insurance is essential; bring mosquito repellent
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TRANSPORTATION

• Tuk-tuks for local travel ($2-5)
• Grab app available in cities
• Long-distance: buses or domestic flights
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