Cambodia tours & vacations

Cambodia has a distinct wet and dry season with high humidity and consistent temperatures of 20°C to 30°C all year. The north generally experiences slightly colder winters (dry seasons) than the south. It’s a true year-round destination, with each season having its advantages. 

The dry season (November to May) is the most popular season to travel by far, as showers usually only occur in the late afternoon and for a matter of minutes before passing over. The wet season (June to October) is still a great time to visit, as the paddies are extra lush, Angkor Wat's moats are full of water and floating villages are, well, even more floaty. Crowds tend to be smaller across the country, too.

Learn more about the best time to visit Cambodia

Learn more about the weather in Cambodia

Various empires arose in Cambodia's early history, with the Funan and Chenla Kingdoms reigning before the rise of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to the 13th centuries. The Khmer Empire is regarded as one of the most powerful in history. Many of Cambodia's artistic and archaeological treasures from this era, including the temples of Angkor, have inscriptions that provide fascinating insights into daily life, religious ceremonies and military exploits of the time.

There are many theories about the Khmers' decline. Likely, a combination of drought, the Plague and the rise of neighbouring Thai superpower Ayutthaya resulted in its decline from the 15th century onwards.

The events that shaped Cambodia’s recent history began with the Communist Party of Kampuchea overpowering the Khmer Republic after more than 100 days of fighting. What followed was a radical and brutal change in society under Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge regime. Awful atrocities were committed against civilians, religion and education were repressed, currency was abolished, and people were forced to work in the fields.

Almost two million people died at the hands of the Khmer Rouge before they were overcome by the Vietnamese Army in 1979 and the People’s Republic of Kampuchea was established.

Despite a tragic past, Cambodians are known for being some of the warmest, most hospitable and humble people in the world, and continue to gain strength from a burgeoning tourism industry. The enduring spirit of Khmer culture is based on tradition, honouring ancestors, respecting elders and living a life of honesty, humility and kindness.

Most Khmer people are Buddhist. Monks are highly respected and religious festivals and ceremonies are central to daily life. Expect to see orange-robed monks and many displays of faith, from people visiting elaborate temples to praying over shrines. Traditional Khmer customs are also sustained through dance, art and festivals.

Bordered by Vietnam, Thailand and Laos, much of Cambodia is covered by forested area, although sadly, this is rapidly changing due to the growth of agriculture and logging. Home to South East Asia’s largest lake, Tonle Sap (Great Lake) connects to the mighty Mekong River. It swells four times its normal size during the monsoon season and is a key food source.  

Most of the country is low-lying, except for pockets of mountains in the southwest along the Thai border. Large cities like Siem Reap and Phnom Penh are typically built-up, busy and filled with modern conveniences like nightclubs, bars, public transport and restaurants. Smaller towns and rural areas enjoy more peace and space, with low-density, simple housing and a reliance on agriculture for income. 

Rice, noodle soups and stir-fries are the main players in Cambodian, or Khmer, cuisine. With culinary influences from Thailand, China and Vietnam, Cambodian cuisine balances salt, sweet, sour and spicy flavours, but it is usually not as spicy – with Kampot pepper replacing chilli. 

Foods to try in Cambodia

1. Amok

Amok is fish that’s marinated in coconut, ginger, lemongrass and turmeric and steamed in banana leaves. It has a wonderful silky texture and is served with rice. You can also get amok with chicken, tofu or veggies. 

2. Nom banh chok

A popular breakfast meal, nom banh chok is a rice noodle soup made with green fish gravy, beansprouts, banana flowers, cucumbers and lots of green veggies. 

3. Lap Khmer

Not your typical cold salad, this Khmer specialty is made with thin slices of lightly seared beef dressed with lemongrass, shallots, garlic, fish sauce, herbs, greens and lots of red chillies.  

4. Ongkrong saek koo

One of the more palatable insect options you’ll find on a Cambodian menu, this dish is a stir fry of beef, basil, garlic, ginger, lemongrass and lots of ants, topped with chilli and served on a bed of rice. 

5. Baguettes

Similar to the Vietnamese banh mi, baguettes are a remnant of Cambodia’s French colonial past. Filled with an assortment of grilled or cold meats, salad and herbs, they make a great low-cost breakfast or snack. 

6. Tropical fruit

Jackfruit, mangoes, bananas, pineapple, dragon fruit and watermelon are all plentiful in Cambodia. Get a street vendor to mix up a fresh juice or smoothie for a refreshing treat. 

7. Iced coffee

Sweetened with condensed milk, the beloved iced coffee is the drink to try in Cambodia. If the caffeine gets too much, you can always switch to fresh coconuts to quench your thirst. 

Learn more about what to eat in Cambodia

Learn more about what to drink in Cambodia

1. Angkor Wat

After watching in awe as the sun rises over Angkor Wat temple, join a local guide to uncover the history and mysteries of this incredible 12th-century complex. You may also like to visit a monastery to experience an ancient ritual where you’ll be sprinkled with holy water and blessed with good luck for the rest of your travels.

Experience an ancient ritual in a monastery

2. Tonlé Sap

Known as the Great Lake of Cambodia, Tonle Sap Lake is South East Asia's largest freshwater lake and an essential food source for many Cambodians. Hop in a boat and cruise through floating villages where people live in silted houses, study in floating schools, pray in floating churches and temples, and eat in floating restaurants.

3. Kampot

International chefs regard Kampot’s delicious pepper as the world’s best. Visit the Pepper Project to learn about (and taste!) why it's so famous, explore the ghostly but beautiful buildings near Kep’s waterfront, or enjoy a massage by a blind masseur or masseuse while supporting the local charity, Seeing Hands.

Visit the Pepper Project

4. Phnom Penh

Welcome to the capital of Cambodia. There’s lots to see and do in Phnom Penh, whether exploring the Royal Palace’s grandeur, feasting on nom banh chok (Khmer noodles) or people-watching at the night market. Many travellers also visit Tuo Sleng Genocide Museum, a former prison of the Khmer Rouge, to learn about Cambodia’s sobering history.

5. Battambang

Discover the well-preserved architecture and welcoming people of Battambang – Cambodia's second-largest city – and its surrounding countryside. Enjoy a leisurely bike ride through villages, join locals for early morning yoga or folk dancing, or learn how to make spicy fried chicken at a cooking class.

6. Siem Reap

The gateway town to the UNESCO-listed Angkor complex has heaps to do once you’ve had your fill of ancient history. Watch a traditional shadow puppetry show, peruse the old market for silks, silver and sarongs, or get to know other travellers and locals over a cold beer on Pub Street. Don’t forget to try amok, the city’s signature dish of steamed fish curry in a banana leaf.

Credit cards are usually accepted by hotels, large retailers and shops in tourist areas, but less so by smaller shops and cafes or in rural areas. Always carry enough cash for smaller purchases in case credit card payments aren’t available.

The same goes for ATMs. Ensure you have enough cash before travelling outside urban areas.