Between Thailand and Vietnam-tourists tend to ignore that there is an entire country to be discovered beyond the decaying temples. If you've never been to Cambodia before, it can be overwhelming to take it all in at once. We've put together a guide for you to make things easier.
Arrival at Cambodia
Most visitors arrive in Cambodia via Siem Reap International Airport, which is three miles from Angkor Wat and roughly five miles from the city of Siem Reap. You can take minibuses, buses, or domestic flights from Siem Reap to other country regions, such as Phnom Penh, Battambang, Kampot, and Sihanoukville.
To travel to Cambodia, tourists require a visa. Check the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism website for the latest information on policies before making travel arrangements.
Things to do in Cambodia
If you're thinking about a holiday to Cambodia, we have two recommendations for you:
Siem Reap
Siem Reap, a tiny village about five kilometres south of Angkor Wat, has grown into the fastest-growing settlement in Cambodia. When it comes to tourist attractions, Siem Reap is all about delicious cuisine, traditional cottages, and a number of fun activities that won't ruin your holiday.
Tonle Sap
Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake, grows from 1,000 square miles to 6,200 square miles during the rainy season, from June to October. Over 300 species of freshwater fish breed in the flooded forests, and the lake supplies half of Cambodia's entire fish catch. A short drive north of Siem Reap, Tonle Sap is known for its floating villages, where entire populations depend on the lake for their survival.
Where to stay
As Cambodia's most popular gateway city for tourists, Siem Reap has a wide variety of accommodation options, from hostels to five-star hotels. Booking in advance is especially important if you plan to travel during the peak season of December and February.
Best time to visit
Visit Cambodia in the dry season, which lasts from the end of November to the beginning of April. The Angkor temples are far more pleasant to visit during the dry season when the weather is cooler.