Pack your bags for the marvellous, adventurous, wild ride to Cambodia, which is filled with unforgettable lifetime experiences, breathtaking views, picturesque landscapes, floating villages, stunning beaches and delicious cuisine. " The Kingdom of Wonder", Cambodia, located in Southeast Asia, has a fusion of cultural drapes and a fascinating dark history. Admired for its beautiful, serene beaches, dense natural attractions, French colonial architecture legacy, interesting secrets, captivating corners, ancient temples, diverse cuisine, warm hospitality and plenty of other tourist attractions. It is the perfect getaway from city life's hectic hustle and bustle, where you can experience calm while exploring the rich historical significance. As you start planning an ultimate leisure trip to Cambodia but are wondering which places, must-try food, and the best time to visit, this comprehensive travel guide is for you. Here you will discover the list of delicious cuisine, popular locations, what to do in Cambodia, fascinating festivals, and much more.
Cambodia has a tropical climate throughout the year, which means the country only experiences two seasons, the Dry season and the green season. Travellers can visit the destination anytime; however, the best time to visit depends on the visitor's preference for the weather they wish to experience. Here is the breakdown of peak season, moderate season, and off-season month-wise, which will help you finalise the perfect month to visit Cambodia.
Exploring popular places in Cambodia is like adding a spark to your trip, making it more enjoyable and unforgettable. Cambodia is one of the cherished stockpiles of rich historical and cultural significance, with ancient temples, vibrant markets, pristine beaches, and picturesque landscapes. If you visit Cambodia for the first time, this travel guide will help you shortlist the best tourist places to enhance your travel experience. Here, you will discover the list of the must-visit tourist spots in Cambodia.
Pinnacle of ancient glory and classic majesty, Siem Reap is Cambodia's second-largest city. It is one of the most visited cities, home to the ancient Angkor temple, marvellous architecture, classic French-colonial buildings, cobbled streets, and numerous ancient temples. The incredible city is the fusion of dark history and modernity. Travellers can explore Angkor Wat, Ta Phrom Temple, Bayon Temple, Angkor National Museum, Preah Khan Temple, and Pub Street in Siem Reap.
Stunning Phnom Penh is the capital city of Cambodia, which adequately illustrates what traditional and modern fusion look like, with its rich history and cultural attractions. Visitors admire the city because of its iconic landmarks, such as the Royal Palace and Wat Phnom, and its spectacular Museums, like the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, the Killing Fields, and more. Beyond that, its charming French and Khmer architecture also contribute to its beauty; therefore, to explore the scenic views of Phnom Penh, one can take a direct flight to Phnom Penh International Airport in Cambodia.
The coastal city of Sihanoukville is also recognised as Preah Sihanouk, and it is just a five-hour drive from mesmerising Phnom Penh. Sihanoukville is the most visited city of Cambodia, which has become famous because of its crystal clear beaches, vibrant nightlife, magnificent beachside resorts, the country's only deep water ports, and great water sports activities. If you wish to be captivated by the surreal sunset views with the beach, then Sihanoukville is the ultimate spot in Cambodia, which will leave you speechless with its marvellous views.
Battambang is Cambodia's UNESCO-designated creative city of Gastronomy. Nestled in the northwest part of the country, it is approximately a 6-hour and 30-minute drive from the popular Phnom Penh. The creative city is famous for multiple reasons, including the quirky Bamboo train, its " rice bowl" status, French cultural architecture, and more. Battambang is also vital as the cultural hub for Cambodia's local artists.
The National Park is another good place to visit in Cambodia. It is located southwest of the Cardamom mountain range. Kirirom National Park is the ideal tourist destination for those seeking cold weather. It is nestled at over 700 meters above sea level and surrounded by numerous cliffs, pine trees, wooden hills, Buddhist shrines and spectacular breathtaking views. Significantly, the best time to explore the tour of Kirirom National Park is between October and February.
Cambodia's local traditions and vibrant festival celebrations light up the calendar every year. Every celebration is lively and spills out on the streets with pure joy. If you wish to see the country's heart and soul, attend any of the listed festivals.
Cambodia is beyond beauty as it is home to many breathtaking landscapes, a fusion of natural wonders, rich history and cultural significance. So, the country has much to offer each traveller besides the landscapes to enhance the tourist experience in Cambodia. If you are planning an upcoming trip to Cambodia for the first time, and wish to know what activities you can expect and cannot miss out on experiencing epic fun things. Here is a list of some fun stuff that makes the trip memorable for a lifetime.
To ensure the trip is smooth and convenient, travellers must consider the following tips, especially those visiting Cambodia for the first time and unfamiliar with the destination. Here you will find the breakdown of some essential travel tips curated for first-timers.
As the country has large waterbodies like the Mekong, Sap, and Tonle Sap, seafood is evidently on the list of must-try traditional dishes in Cambodia. There, you will find some conventional mouth-watering dishes that are perfect for seafood lovers. Here, you will discover the list of conventional Cambodian dishes you should try on your upcoming trip.
1. Amok ( Coconut Fish Curry): The popular fish curry Amok is a tangy, spicy coconut fish prepared in Banana leaves to give it a mousse-like structure. The mouth-watering dish is served with spice paste and Kreoung.
2. Kuy Teav ( Noodle Soup): Authentic Kuy Teav is usually served for breakfast, and one can try the traditional dish at any popular eatery. However, it consists of rice Vermicelli and beef/ pork bones. To add flavour, it is fried with shallots, green onions, garlic, and bean sprouts and then served.
3. Nom Banh Chok ( Khmer noodles): It is another noodle dish which is popular in Cambodia, mainly for breakfast that consist of fermented rice noodles and served with a gravy of lemongrass, Kaffir lime leaf, galangal, turmeric and fish which has been cooked for hours in coconut milk. You can add toppings of Banana blossom, cucumbers, and water lily stems to add more flavours.
4. Kempot Pepper Crab: To prepare the delicious traditional Cambodian Kampot Pepper Crab, fry the fresh crab in garlic sauce and then top it up with Kampot green peppercorns, giving the perfect spicy and peppery crunch flavour.
5. Salmor Curry ( Chicken Curry): The delicious Salmor Curry is prepared with a piece of Chicken combined with silky, creamy coconut sauce, which adds flavour. It is then mixed with Keroung Paste, shrimp paste, fish sauce, and palm sugar. To add more flavour, one can customise it with exotic vegetables like sweet potatoes, onions, bamboo shoots, carrots, eggplants, yard-long beans, or spinach.
Cambodia has not only one stunning spot but also numerous. Some of the must-visit spots are Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Koh Rong Island, Kampot, and more.
For first-time visitors, approximately seven to ten days is enough to explore the significant popular places of Cambodia, like beaches, national parks, and ancient temples, experience calm water activities, and more.
Although tourists are welcome in Cambodia throughout the year, as the tropical destination attractions open 12 months, the weather remains pleasant between October and March; otherwise, travellers might encounter hot and Humid weather.
Undoubtedly, Cambodia is one of the safest countries for solo travellers; however, scams and theft can be possible in some areas. To stay safe, travellers can take some safety precautions, like being aware of their surroundings, using public transport, and avoiding walking alone at night.
As Cambodia has a tropical climate, you should consider packing lightweight, breathable clothes, especially if you visit Cambodia during the summer. Pack a few covered clothes, comfortable shoes, sunscreen protection, and a portable charger to visit the ancient temple.
Solo travellers should avoid visiting the riverfront and BKK area of Phnom Penh at night, as well as the beaches and other tourist spots of Sihanoukville.