The intricately carved Temples of Angkor are Cambodia’s main draw, but elsewhere in the country you’ll find vibrant minority villages and great swathes of wilderness. Our Southeast Asia specialists have visited Cambodia time and time again, meeting knowledgeable guides and seeking out comfortable beds in sublime locations. Aiming to take you beyond the obvious, our specialists can build a tailor-made itinerary to help you make the most of your Cambodia holiday.
Gradually reclaimed by jungle over hundreds of years, Angkor’s temples still retain their mystery and we can point you toward some of the smaller, lesser-visited sites. French colonists have left behind a legacy of European-style villas and baroque-influenced gardens, best seen along the boulevards of Phnom Penh. To the northeast, the hills and forests shelter wild elephants and mighty waterfalls, as well as resilient minority peoples. To the south you can soak up the relaxed atmosphere of sleepy coastal towns and enjoy the local delicacy, crab.
Suggested tours for Cambodia
Take an in-depth tour of the temples at Angkor, haggle at the Russian market in Phnom Penh, and search for rare Irrawaddy dolphins in Kratie. Our suggested itineraries are a great starting point as you begin to plan your trip to Cambodia.
Suggested activities for Cambodia
Enjoy sunset at Angkor Wat, learn to make traditional Khmer dishes in a private class, and see elephants close up at a sanctuary. Whatever your interests, our specialists will suggest experiences designed to enhance your trip to Cambodia.
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Kompong Khleang & the Tonle Sap Kompong Khleang & the Tonle Sap
Siem ReapKompong Khleang & the Tonle Sap
Travel southeast to one of the largest and least-visited villages on the Tonle Sap Lake, Kompong Khleang, about 55 km from Siem Reap. It has a population of about 10,000 people, all of whom make a living from the fishing industry.
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E.L.I.E. NGO Elephant Project E.L.I.E. NGO Elephant Project
Sen MonoromE.L.I.E. NGO Elephant Project
This is truly a unique experience to see elephants cared for in their natural environment and the views around the area are impressive. If you are fortunate you may also spot some of the wildlife in the area such as gibbons and eagles.
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Angkor Wat at sunset Angkor Wat at sunset
Siem ReapAngkor Wat at sunset
Believed to be the world's largest religious building, this temple is the perfect fusion of symbolism and symmetry and a source of pride and strength to all Khmers. Watching the sun set, sat on one of the temple's ancient walls is a magical experience.
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Best time to visit
Our specialists advise on the best months to visit Cambodia, including information about climate, events and festivals.
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Useful information for planning your holiday in Cambodia
As in most of Southeast Asia, the staple food in Cambodia is rice, which is traditionally eaten with almost every meal. But, the list of accompaniments is a seemingly endless, with rich soups, curries, and vegetable-based sauces, fragrant with fresh mint, lemongrass, coriander, and fish sauce.
Amok, steamed fish wrapped in a banana leaf, and lok lak, a beef dish served with a pepper dipping sauce made from Cambodian pepper, are particular highlights. The complex history of Cambodia is also reflected in its cuisine, with Indian, Chinese, French, and Portuguese influences shaping many of the noodle soups and street food you’ll find on a food tour of Phnom Penh.
The official language of Cambodia is Khmer, although many people working in hotels, cafes, and restaurants speak English.
Cambodia’s local currency is the Cambodian riel (KHR), but US dollars are also widely used.
For the latest travel advice for Cambodia, including entry requirements, health information, and the safety and security situation, please refer to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website.
The temples of Angkor are Cambodia’s main draw, which you can explore with an expert guide, on a cycling tour, or even with a specialist photographer. You can pair this with the country’s more modern history in Phnom Penh — this might include visiting the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek with a local guide or taking a tour of the city’s microbreweries and Khmer cafes.
Cambodia also has a wild, biodiverse landscape, where you can shadow wildlife rangers as they patrol the jungle, cruise down the Mekong at sunset, or search for Irrawaddy dolphins in Kratie. When you need to relax, you can head to the coast to take alfresco cooking classes, walk along the beach, or snorkel among thriving coral gardens.
Siem Reap, the kick-off point for exploring the temples of Angkor, is a key place to explore. But that’s just the start. You could spend time among the gleaming skyscrapers and gilded temples of Phnom Penh, cafe-hop in the French-colonial town of Battambang, or watch the fishing boats arrive into the coastal port in Kep.
Outside the towns and cities, Cambodia’s jungles, plains, and islands are an often overlooked highlight. Koh Kong is a sleepy coastal region where you can relax in a low-key guesthouse or head into the Cardamom Mountains. For a more traditional beach escape, the islands around Sihanoukville offer long, brilliant-white sands. Read more about our top places to visit in Cambodia.
From floating tents in the middle of the Cambodian wilderness to luxurious private islands, there’s a wide variety of places to stay in Cambodia. In the cities, properties range from restored historic buildings with a rich history to modern edifices with every facility you could possibly want. In more rural areas, family-run guesthouses will immerse you in local life, while the coast and islands have a range of secluded beach retreats. You can see our hand-picked range of stays, tested by our Cambodia specialists, on our hotels page.
You can’t fly direct from the UK to Cambodia, but there are regular connections to Phnom Penh via Bangkok, which takes around 13 hours.
The time zone in Cambodia is GMT +7.
While there are public transportation options, the best way to get around Cambodia is by car. This gives you the flexibility to stop whenever you like and travel at your own pace. In Phnom Penh, you could live like a local and explore the city on a Vespa with a local guide, while in smaller towns and rural areas, we could arrange a cycling or kayaking tour. Our Cambodia specialists can arrange your trip complete with a private driver.
UK passport holders need a visa to enter Cambodia, which you can get online (https://www.evisa.gov.kh) before you travel. These e-visas are valid for three months after the date of issue (not date of entry), so it’s best to obtain it within one month of travel. If you’re not a UK passport holder, you can check the visa requirements here.
It’s also possible to pay in cash for a visa on arrival at Phnom Penh or Siem Reap international airports, or at one of the border entry posts if you’re arriving overland from Vietnam, Laos, or Thailand. We recommend you bring an additional passport photo with you if you choose this option.
Your doctor can provide you with vaccine advice for Cambodia, but we recommend you’re up to date with the recommended vaccinations for your home country. You can also check the suggested vaccinations on the Travel Health Pro website.
If you’re travelling to Cambodia from a country considered to be at risk of yellow fever, you may be asked to provide proof of vaccination against the disease on arrival. Consult your GP for up-to-date advice.
Cambodia in pictures
Our expert guides to travelling in Cambodia
Written by our specialists from the viewpoint of their own travels, these guides will help you decide on the shape of your own trip to Cambodia. Aiming to inspire and inform, we share our recommendations for how to appreciate Cambodia at its best.
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Our 2-minute introduction to Cambodia's highlights
Thinking of going on holiday to Cambodia? A country of saffron-robed monks, age-worn temples in the jungle and bustling markets and riverfronts awaits you. Watch our 2-minute introduction to Cambodia's sights, landscapes and people.
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Mekong river cruises Mekong river cruises
Mekong river cruises
The Mekong is one of the greatest rivers in Asia, and on an Audley tailor-made trip we will ensure you're able to take in the local culture, wildlife and scenery at a relaxed pace in comfortable surroundings.
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What to do in Cambodia: our highlights guide What to do in Cambodia: our highlights guide
What to do in Cambodia: our highlights guide
Think Cambodia and the famous temples of Angkor might automatically come to mind. However, our guide encompasses diverse destinations, from fishing villages to the capital Phnom Penh, and the elephants in the remote hills of Sen Monorom,
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Cambodia's best beach holidays and island resorts Cambodia's best beach holidays and island resorts
Cambodia's best beach holidays and island resorts
Lauren from our Cambodia team shares five of her best-loved Cambodian beach and island resorts. From luxurious to eco-friendly, she explains what resonates with her about each beach and suggests the best activities and places to stay on each island.
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Top 5 luxury experiences in Cambodia Top 5 luxury experiences in Cambodia
Top 5 luxury experiences in Cambodia
Cambodia specialist Rachel shares some of the best luxury experiences that Cambodia has to offer. She recommends how to get off the beaten path in style, where to go for a luxe beach getaway, and an exclusive way to see the temples of Angkor.
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Ultimate Cambodia: a guide to the cities and beyond Ultimate Cambodia: a guide to the cities and beyond
Ultimate Cambodia: a guide to the cities and beyond
Cambodia warrants a longer visit than you might think, says specialist Mark. Remote temples, islands and national parks are opening up to visitors, while Siem Reap and Phnom Penh still have plenty of little-known facets to explore.
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Angkor Wat & the temples of Angkor Angkor Wat & the temples of Angkor
Angkor Wat & the temples of Angkor
Our Cambodia specialist gives a personal experience of visiting the 'big three' temples of Angkor: Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm. He details a brief history of each, his recommendations of where to stay and the best time to visit.
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Cambodia family holidays: timeworn temples and jungle adventures Cambodia family holidays: timeworn temples and jungle adventures
Cambodia family holidays: timeworn temples and jungle adventures
Cambodia specialist, and Siem Reap ex-resident, George explains why he sees Cambodia as an ideal family holiday destination. He has picked out experiences that are suitable for children, from exploring temples deep in the jungle to counting the gemstones in Phnom Penh’s glimmering Royal Palace.
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A guide to Vietnam & Cambodia riverboat tours A guide to Vietnam & Cambodia riverboat tours
A guide to Vietnam & Cambodia riverboat tours
Southeast Asia specialist Tom explains why travelling along the Mekong River is an ideal way to visit Vietnam and Cambodia in a single trip. Giving you time to take in floating villages and markets, the temples of Angkor, as well as Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh.
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