Cambodia
Cambodia is one of the safest and most fascinating destinations in Asia. The country is blessed with a rich history and a variety of cultural heritages, making it a paradise for historians, archeologists and everyday people wanting to see some of the many wonders of the ancient world. The temples of Angkor are beautiful, yet mysterious, having stood for almost a millennia, silently guarding their secrets. Beyond the temples are interesting fishing communities and craft villages that produce handmade silk, silver, ceramics and other traditional crafts. The capital of Phnom Penh presents an engaging cosmopolitan culture with windows into a French-colonial past while the southern coastal region offers access to luxury island retreats.
Bordering Thailand to the west and Vietnam to the east, Cambodia offers visitors many unique experiences ranging from visiting the tribes of Ratanakiri to exploring the vast wet land of Tonle Sap Lake. There are also countless ancient temples and impressive natural scenery, including pristine beaches, mighty rivers and remote forests.
Far removed from its turbulent past, Cambodia is now open to visitors from around the world who wish to admire the grandeur of Angkor Wat and Thom, and the colonial capital Phnom Penh. Moreover, sea lovers can head for the empty beaches in Sihanoukville on the southern coast, which is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun.
Get ready to enjoy a trip of a lifetime with us!!
Cambodia is best known for its UNESCO World Heritage-inscribed Angkor Wat Complex in Siem Reap, the largest religious monument in the world and the seat of the 12th century Angkor Empire. Get lost in its crumbling, jungle-clad temples or climb up ancient structures to see the sun setting over the iconic spires of Angkor.
However, beyond the ancient temples of Siem Reap, the small country of Cambodia is filled with highlights including the floating villages of the Tonle Sap Lake, the faded colonial-era buildings of quiet Battambang and the premier beach town of Sihanoukville with its lightly developed islands offering an off-the-beaten path holiday away from the crowds. Once known as the ‘Pearl of the East’, the capital city of Phnom Penh is modernising at light speed, an intriguing mix of skyscrapers and chic boutiques promoting authentic design alongside historic heritage buildings recalling its glory days as the seat of a royal kingdom and a French protectorate.
Discover Cambodia, with its emerging art and performance scene and fascinating ancient and modern history, made all the more inviting by the gentle nature and genuine hospitality of the Cambodian people.
Country Facts
Capital City Phnom Penh
Time Zone UTC +7
International Dial Code +855
Currency Riel
Population 17 million
Religion Buddhism
Language Khmer
Weather Tropical
Within Easy Reach Of…
Cambodia has two key international airports in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. They service domestic flights and direct flights from regional countries. The below flight times are from/to Siem Reap International Airport.
Bangkok, Thailand 1hr 10min flight
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 1hr 20min flight
Luang Prabang, Laos 2hr 10min flight
Singapore 2hr 15min flight
WHEN TO GO & WEATHER
Cambodia has a simple weather system with two distinct seasons. The dry season is from October to April, and the green season is from May to September. Rainfall is heaviest in August and September. Comfortable temperatures averaging 24°C are in October, November, and December while the hottest time of year, averaging 35°C, is March to June.
Sometimes, merely a name can lure you to a place, and Cambodia is such a place. With at least three days strolling around the grand Angkor Wat, thick jungle traces at Ta Prohm or unbelievably huge stone smiles of Bayon, a visit to Cambodia can make you end up calling it ‘’the capital of great temples in Asia’’. Regardless of how many times you visit the country, Angkor Wat with its alongside architectural, archeological and historical treasures, it will always be a bewildering trip.
The habit of marking Cambodia a short extension seems to be coming to an end and visitors are planning longer stays for a week or more in Cambodia. The country is feasible for all kinds of tours with hospitable locals, radiantly tropical sunshine and pleasant weather from October to February, as well as loosened visa issuance procedures, all favorable conditions for tourists.
The convenient and effortless romantic cruises connecting Saigon with Phnom Penh are listed amongst the best tours. Right after landing in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, you can easily take the land way to discover further attractions and indulge yourselves for weeks in isolated islands with crystal clear water in the South, escaping from the bustle and hustle. You will surely enjoy stylish hotels with outstanding architecture, cozy spas, bars offering superb night life, DJs, as well as mouthwatering food from both outlets or markets. Whatever your choices are, Cambodia will definitely be able to satisfy you needs.
ATTRACTIONS:
Key Cities In Cambodia
Learn more about the unique character and attractions of the cities that make up this fascinating country.
SIEM REAP:
The provincial town of Siem Reap is best known as the gateway to the Angkor complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompass 400 ancient temples including the magnificent 12th century Angkor Wat.
Aside from temple touring, there are ample attractions surrounding this a charming town characterised by Chinese-style shophouses and French colonial architecture. Popular day trips include visiting the Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, and Phnom Kulen National Park, home to the sacred mountain of Cambodia.
BATTAMBANG
Nestled on the banks of the Sangker River, southwest of Tonle Sap Lake, Battambang is a laid-back provincial town with an impressive number of traditional Khmer, Chinese, and French colonial buildings.
More notably, Battambang earned the status as a UNESCO City of Performing Arts, known for producing some of Cambodia’s most talented artists and performers. It is also home to the Phare Ponleu Selpak, a performance and art school for disadvantaged youths.
PHNOM PENH
Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia, is situated at the confluence of the Mekong, Bassac and Tonle Sap rivers. Once known as the ‘Pearl of Asia’ for its fine culture and architecture, Phnom Penh today continues to be a vibrant city having recovered from the dark legacy of Pol Pot in the 1970’s.
Cafes, restaurants and hotels line the riverfront while boutique shops and art galleries are dotted along smaller side streets. Rich in history, the city offers numerous cultural attractions and historical landmarks.
KEP
In contrast to the popular and bustling beachfronts in Sihanoukville, Kep enjoys the vibe of a smaller, more low-key beach town. A former seaside retreat for the French and Cambodian elite in the 1960’s, Kep nowadays is best loved for its cosy oceanfront seafood shacks.
Nearby attractions include Rabbit Island with its pristine beaches, the quaint French colonial-style town of Kampot, and Bokor Hill Station, a former retreat for French officials and foreign visitors.
SIHANOUKVILLE
Located on the southwest peninsula facing the Gulf of Thailand, Sihanoukville was originally founded as a port town more than half a century ago.
Today, this provincial town is Cambodia’s premier beach destination with miles of powdery, white-sand beaches, picturesque islands and warm tropical waters that can be visited year round. Sihanoukville’s nearby islands teem with coral and a colourful range of tropical fish, providing excellent opportunities for snorkelling and diving.
KOH RONG
We recommend:
- Going off road to explore lesser-visited sites of Angkor by bike
- Morning prayers with monks at a centuries-old temple
- A sustainable craft discovery with trend-setting ateliers, designers and craftsmen in Siem Reap
- Kayaking through mangroves and watching the water birds at Tonle Sap Lake
- Giving back to rural villagers by supporting our Cambodia Clean Water project, an A&K Philanthropy project that has impacted over 22,500 lives since 2008.