Famous for one of the world’s most spectacular sites, Angkor Wat, Cambodia is a country of charming people and a unique cultural heritage. With the incredible natural beauty of hills and forests that shelter wild elephants, pristine beaches, breathtaking temples, green rice fields, and rich, fascinating history, Cambodia is as appealing as its neighboring countries, Thailand and Vietnam.

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Why travel:  

Angkor Wat: Cambodia’s biggest draw is, of course, Angkor Wat. This 12th-century vast temple complex was the center of the Angkor Empire and nothing short of an architectural feat. Nothing compares to the first time you see the outline of the temple at sunrise. The rising sun reflects off the massive stone temple complex and the thick green jungle surrounding it, creating stunning hues of purple and blue.

Phnom Penh: Phnom Penh (pronounced as Pinom Peng) is the first stop of your visit to Cambodia and a city of controlled chaos and excitement. Roadsides teeming with street food stalls, bustling markets, gorgeous French colonial architecture, ornate Royal Palace and Pagodas, thriving art scene, and culinary experiences all provide a unique chance to discover real Cambodian life. 

Untouched Beaches: Cambodia is home to 300 miles of wild coastline, postcard-perfect tropical islands, and pristine beaches with powder white sand flanked by a turquoise ocean. Koh Rong Samloem and Koh Rong islands have some of the best remote and pristine beaches with an occasional fisherman’s shack. Kep is a large beach town with a raw beach and a beachfront promenade, and Sihanoukville is Cambodia’s biggest touristy beach resort with high-rise hotels and party-goers.

The Khmer People: People of Cambodia will the “X” Factor of your trip. They are kind, hardworking, generous, open-minded, helpful, and fundamentally honest! Despite struggling through years of bloodshed, poverty, and political instability, you will find them warm, infectiously optimistic, and genuine in their interactions.

History: Learning about Cambodia’s recent painful past is not only responsible, it is a way to understand and appreciate modern Cambodia. During the terrible Khmer Rouge rule under Pol Pot in 1975-79, around 2-3 million of then 8 million population died due to starvation, disease, torture, and execution. Cambodians have made admirable efforts to rebuild and yet pay homage to the victims and their families. A visit to Tuol Sleng, a former execution center and Killing Fields outside of Phnom Penh, is distressing but highly educational.

When to go:

Cambodia is hot year-round, and the seasons are divided into “dry” and “wet.” 

Best time to visit: Nov – Apr. The dry season brings clear and blue skies.

High Season: Nov – Apr. Peak months are Nov to Dec, and hotels are booked far in advance.

Low Season: May-Oct. Avoid Sep as it is the wettest month. May through Oct is rainy and humid. The countryside is lush and green; the crowds are less and rivers are full. October is a perfect month to take advantage of shoulder season promotional rates.