The mysterious jungle of the Cardamom Mountains and the forgotten islands off the south coast. The hypnotising temples of Angkor Wat at sunrise and the towering spires of Phnom Penh, which crouches like an exotic animal ready to hunt at the junction of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers. Welcome to our Cambodia travel guide.
The Khmer people have struggled through brutal regimes, poverty and bloodshed, emerging with a smile on their face and their sense of the sacred intact. Learning about their culture is as much of an adventure as trekking through the lush uplands of their breathtaking homeland.
So, where to start when planning your Cambodian adventure? Here are our picks of the best things to see and do in Cambodia.
Things to see in Cambodia
With so many colourful fishing villages and remote swathes of wilderness on offer in Cambodia, it can be hard deciding exactly what to see on your trip.
Without doubt, the number one thing to do in Cambodia is to visit the temples of Angkor Wat. Built by the Khmer god-kings in the 12th century, this sprawling complex is inhabited by 3000 stone nymphs and hundreds of towering spires – comparable only to sites such as Machu Picchu and Egypt’s pyramids in scale and significance.
Another must-see is the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh. This glittering complex, with its distinctive silver pagoda, sits at the heart of the city’s leafy boulevards among crumbling colonial mansions where you can sip coffee and people-watch.
Best places to visit in Cambodia
There are enough incredible things to see and do in this mystical country to last a lifetime, let alone a single trip.
One of the best places to visit is Tonle Sap Lake, a vast inland sea speckled with islands where traditional communities continue to live as they have done for generations. A boat trip through the floating village of Chong Khneas is a highlight.
It may be the gateway to the Angkor ruins, but Siem Reap is a destination in itself – its ancient architecture and heaving night markets make it one of Cambodia’s best cities to visit.
For a quieter urban escape, try Kampot, a sleepy town of picturesque French and Chinese buildings surrounded by lush agricultural land and rippling rice paddies. Exploring this emerald wonderland by bicycle is one of the area’s top things to do.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Cambodia depends on what sort of holiday you’re after.
Visiting in July can be a good way to avoid crowds and get lower prices. Expect short, sharp afternoon downpours that keep the countryside looking its most verdant and the moats around Angkor full.
For guaranteed sunshine and clear water off the south coast’s beaches, the best season is between December and April. Phnom Penh is a year-round destination, while Siem Reap comes into its own from November to March.
Where to stay in Cambodia
From exclusive private island retreats to townhouse hideaways steeped in history, Cambodia has a hotel to suit every traveller.
Luxury resorts: The Cambodian riel is weak compared to the Australian dollar, so true luxury is within most visitors’ reach here. The Pavilion is a prime example – set across several restored colonial villas that were once Queen Kossamak’s private residence, it’s a serene oasis in the heart of Phnom Penh at a fraction of the price you’d expect. If you feel like pushing the boat out, Song Saa is a cluster of stilted villas on a paradisiacal speck of white sand and pristine jungle floating in the Koh Rong archipelago. For something wilder, 4 Rivers Floating Lodge offers luxury tents on a pontoon on the Tatai River, where you’ll wake to the sound of monkeys and elephants moving through one of Asia’s last remaining elephant corridors.
Hostels: If you’re backpacking or on a tight budget, Cambodia’s hostel scene delivers. Onederz Siem Reap has a rooftop pool with incredible views, while Sla Hostel in Phnom Penh, with its garden of houseplants and boutique-hotel feel, combines value with comfort.
Best places to eat in Cambodia
Cambodia has a proud yet troubled past, and you can taste this in every bite. Having been both a French and Chinese territory, its food scene is a quilt of many fabrics deftly stitched together.
The winding streets of Phnom Penh are fragrant with street food snacks such as grilled spider with lime dipping sauce and nom banh chok noodles – a great way to eat like a local without booking a table.
In Siem Reap, Father’s Restaurant on Sok San Road is a no-frills, family-run spot known for its mean amok, a subtly sweet fish curry that’s local to the area.
Cultural experiences in Cambodia
Cambodia’s culture is an intricate web of religions, traditions and superstitions that hang together in perfect harmony.
The country is predominantly Buddhist, and on Vesak Bochea – a single day celebrating Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and passing into nirvana – the country hums with chanting and flickers with rays from floating lanterns. The date changes every year, so research before you go.
Ancient arts that originated in the Khmer kings’ courts, such as ballet and puppet shows, are enjoying a resurgence and are well worth seeking out during your visit.
Getting to Cambodia
You can fly to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide with a single stop, typically via Hong Kong or Kuala Lumpur. There are no direct flights to Cambodia from Australia.
