On the coast of the Gulf of Thailand, in South East Asia, lies Cambodia. Cambodia is a country that will captivate you with its beautiful tropical landscapes, hospitable people, and long, deep history.
On this page, we will give you a glimpse into Cambodia, offering both practical and general travel information. From exploring the famous temples to taking a journey on the Mekong Delta, a mix of lively cities and beautiful nature coincides with gorgeous beaches and endless rice fields. Cambodia offers an unforgettable experience.
Area: 181,040 km²
Population: approx. 16.9 million (as of 2023)
Capital of Cambodia: Phnom Penh
Official language: Khmer
Currency: Riel (KHR) or US dollar
Geographical location: On the Gulf of Thailand, bordering Thailand, Laos and Vietnam.
Time zone: UTC+7
Recommended vaccinations (according to the Tropical Institute): Tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis A, rabies, measles for all children
For special risks: Hepatitis B (for close social contacts and long-term stays), typhoid (for poor hygienic conditions), poliomyelitis (for trekking trips, poor hygienic conditions and long-term stays), Japanese encephalitis - risk from May to October (WHO recommendation: for overnight stays of at least 2 weeks, especially in rural regions).
To enter Cambodia, travelers with British citizenship require a passport that is valid for at least six months upon departure. A Cambodia visa is also required. The cost of a one-month visa is around 30 - 35 US dollars per person. Two identical passport photos are required for the visa to be issued. Sometimes you will also be asked for your vaccination card, so it is advisable to take this with you. Children need their own children's passports.
The Cambodia visa is also available via:
- At one of the border crossings from Thailand, Laos or Vietnam
- On arrival at the international airport in Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. Here you can also apply for an eVisa online in advance.
- Alternatively, you can also apply for a visa for Cambodia at the Cambodian embassy in London before departure. In this case, entry is a little quicker, and there are no waiting times.
Cambodia's climate is warm and humid tropical and is divided into two seasons.
Rainy season: April to October is the rainy season in Cambodia, during which up to 80 % of the annual rainfall occurs. April is the hottest month and temperatures of up to 40 °C can be reached during the day. From June to October, there is also high rainfall and then an almost unbearable humidity of up to 90 %. However, this time of year also offers something positive: the rainforest is in full bloom and most lakes contain a lot of water.
Dry season: November to March is a slightly more pleasant dry season, which is also the best time to visit Cambodia. There is little rain and temperatures remain relatively constant at around 30 °C.
Despite the fact that Cambodia is a relatively small country, there is an incredible amount to discover here. This includes secret beaches and wonderful nature, as well as the country's culture. Unfortunately, Cambodian history is also characterized by war and death, but this side is also part of it and should be looked at more closely during the trip.
Our journey begins in the capital of Cambodia: Phnom Penh. After the tragic history of the Khmer Rouge communist regime less than 50 years ago, Phnom Penh has recovered well and has become a magnificent metropolis with historical monuments and surrounded by classy restaurants, elegant hotels and, lively bars.
The city of 2 million inhabitants is best explored on foot or by tuk tuk, you can stroll along the banks of the Mekon,g River, get lost in the numerous markets and sample the country's typical dishes.
One of the main attractions in Phnom Penh, its six-hectare grounds are also home to other highlights, such as the Silver Pagoda, beautifully landscaped gardens, and the Buddha statue made of 90 kilograms of gold and adorned with 9,500 diamonds.
Not far from the Royal Palace is the Independence Monument, which was built in 1958 in the shape of a lotus flower as a symbol of Cambodia's independence from French colonial rule. If you walk from here in the direction of Preah Sihanouk Boulevard, you will reach a very beautiful park, which is a beautifully maintained oasis in the middle of the city and invites you to take relaxing walks or enjoy a leisurely picnic.
The National Museum in Phnom Penh is Cambodia's treasure trove, as it houses the most important archaeological and historical collection in the entire country. Here you will find Khmer relics as well as many Hindu and Buddha relics. Nowhere else in the world is there a comparable exhibition with over 14,000 exhibits to marvel at.
The sights also include two memorials that remind us of the cruel times in which Pol Pot and his Khmer Rouge brought indescribable misery, torture, and death to the country: the Tuol Sleng torture prison and the Killing Fields.
What used to be a school was turned into a prison in the 1970s, where thousands of innocent people were killed and tortured. The remains of the prison can still be visited today and the many memorial plaques and information points provide an authentic picture of what happened.
After visiting the museum, you can continue to Choeung Ek, better known as the "Killing Fields", where there is a Buddhist memorial stupa to commemorate the people who were brutally killed. Regular ceremonies are also held here to prevent these terrible events from ever being forgotten.
Close to the Tonle Sap lake is the town of Siem Reap, home to wonderful temples, including the most important and famous in the world: Angkor Wat. But Siem Reap is not just about temples, you also have the opportunity to sample various dishes between the market stalls, visit the floating village on Tonle Sap Lake or have fun in one of the many clubs on the famous Pub Street. Incidentally, this has made the place one of the party strongholds of Southeast Asia and backpackers and night owls from all over the world meet here to party together.
Visiting these memorials will move you emotionally and will certainly not be easy, but it is a sad part of Cambodia's history that you should nevertheless bear in mind.
Due to the size of the entire area of Angkor (200 km²), it is advisable to plan at least a whole day or even better several days for sightseeing.
The most famous religious monument in the world is located here, as well as Cambodia's national symbol: Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat was built in the 12th century under the command of King Suryavarman II and is today the best preserved of all temples.
From personal experience, the best time to visit Angkor Wat is before sunrise. That way, you can avoid the biggest crowds and be on your way before the heat kicks in. However, this does mean that you will have to get up at 4am for a few days. But it's really worth it!
Another temple you should visit, which you will certainly recognize if you have seen the Tomb Raider movie, is the temple of Ta Prohm. It is particularly impressive to see how nature has reclaimed the land over the years: Roots of centuries-old trees run through and overgrow the buildings. A spectacular sight that should not be missed.
Another tip to avoid the tourist crowds: Start the tour in the opposite direction at the Ta Prohm temple, as this is the last stop on the usual tourist tours.
The Angkor Thom temple, which is also one of Cambodia's famous temples, is also impressive. The entire temple complex is surrounded by a wide moat and a ring of walls and is accessible via a total of 5 gates. The southern entrance gate is particularly popular as it is still very well preserved. It depicts the gods and demons in stone and a bridge leads over the moat directly to the central temple of Angkor Thom - Bayon. It was dedicated to Buddha and is adorned with a total of 216 stone faces looking in all directions of the surrounding jungle.
While Angkor Wat is characterized by more Hindu influences, the Buddhist details can be admired here.
The East Gate of Angkor Thom is also known as the "Gate of Death". It is surrounded by beautiful vegetation and is the perfect place to take a break.
This ancient Hindu temple from the 10th century AD is known as the Citadel of Women and was built in honor of the god Shiva. The temple is characterized by constructions made of red sandstone and the interiors are finely decorated and still visible today.
Cambodia's beaches adorn the coast of the Gulf of Thailand in all their unspoiled beauty and offer dreamlike landscapes with palm trees, fine sand and crystal-clear water.
We start in the port city of Sihanoukville, a backpacker's paradise where you will find a party atmosphere and relaxation at the same time. With well over 20 km of beach, you'll be spoiled for choice, but we recommend visiting the hippie beach of Otres Beach, the quiet Sokha Beach and the lively Independence Beach and Victoria Beach. Sihanoukville is also the starting point for the crossing to two of Cambodia's most beautiful islands: Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem.
Koh Rong Island, located opposite Sihanoukville, can be easily reached within an hour by ferry. Koh Rong is a beautiful island where there is no shortage of fun, lazing on secluded beaches and excursions into the tropical forest. The most beautiful beaches on Koh Rong are the quiet Lonely Beach, the wild Long Set Beach and Sok San Beach, where you can discover Khmer culture in the typical fishing villages.
If you really want to enjoy a Cambodian vacation, in unspoiled nature, without TV, phone or other distractions, then Koh Rong Sanloem is for you. Here you can choose to stay in elegant hotels, simple bamboo huts or small concrete houses equipped with the essentials and where you wake up every day to the view of Cambodia's most beautiful beaches. This small island is still a place that is not too often visited by tourists, so you have the opportunity to enjoy miles of white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters in peace and quiet. Don't miss Lazy Beach and Saracen Bay.
By now, we hope you have a glimpse into what to see in Cambodia, and what all the country offers. Don't let this country pass you by!
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We are Jacob and Taylor. Travel is our passion and we love sharing our experiences here at The Travelling Souk. Our hope is that you would be inspired by this little blog to try something new, embrace an adventure, and live life to the fullest.