The enchanting Kingdom of Cambodia lies at the southern end of the Indochinese Peninsula, almost completely surrounded by Thailand, Laos and Vietnam but with its own stunning coastline on the Gulf of Thailand. The Land of the Khmer has missed out on much of the tourist over-development of its neighbour Thailand and is much the better for it. Cambodia is a mystical, spiritual holiday destination with many ancient sights just waiting to be discovered and is best visited in December and January when the humidity is at its lowest.
Facts at a glance
- Flight times from the UK
- Average flight time is 14.5 hours
- Time difference
- GMT +7 hours
- Peak season
- November - April
It you're looking for the ultimate in untamed beauty, Cambodia is the pick of Southeast Asian destinations. Located between tourist-orientated Thailand and communist Vietnam, the former Khmer Empire's rich mix of history, culture and natural wonders never fails to impress its foreign visitors. The summer in Cambodia can be extremely hot so a winter visit is recommended, when a number of significant festivals take place including Bon Om Tuk, which marks the end of the rainy season and celebrates Jayavarman VII's great naval victory over the Chams in 1181. For the best of the fireworks, head for the capital Phnom Penh.
If you're looking for wildlife and expansive green landscapes, visit Bokor National Park, situated on the southern tip of the Elephant Mountains, close to the Cambodia/Vietnam border. Here you'll find bellowing waterfalls, ocean views, as well as the chance of spotting bears and elephants in their natural habitat.
By far the most spectacular landmark in Cambodia is the collection of ancient religious ruins of magnificent Angkor, found south of the Kulen Hills close to the town of Siem Reap. Angkor is the capital of the Cam's ancient Khmer empire, which flourished from the 9th century to the 15th century. Today hundreds of temples lie in various states of disintegration, as the trees lay claim to the stones with their roots and foliage. If you're looking for spiritual awakening, stay within the grounds for a few days and immerse yourself in this vast, sprawling wonder of creative ambition.
Discover more...
Create a tailor-made multi-centre holiday in Cambodia
Our team of travel consultants will be happy to tailor make a holiday that takes in more than one resort in Cambodia, so that you can really experience the country. Or with so much to see in Southeast Asia, why not combine your holiday in Cambodia with another of our fascinating countries?
View some of our Suggested Itineraries, or speak to a specialist about a bespoke luxury holiday that is tailored to you.
Recommended highlights
The following experiences are possible from Cambodia. Talk to our expert travel consultants about how to make your holiday extra special:
Angkor Wat and the Floating Markets of Tonle Sap Fresh Water Lake
If you've got a half-day to spare in the city of Siem Reap, you should head to the Tonle Sap, which is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Whilst there, why not stop for lunch at the floating markets, where you'll experience the best in Cambodian cuisine. In the afternoon, you should head to the most magnificent temple at Angkor, one of the natural wonder of the world, Angkor Wat.
Tonle Sap Lake and Floating Village Half-Day Adventure
If you've got a half-day to spare in the city of Siem Reap, you should head to the Tonle Sap, which is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Just before lunchtime, you should aim to visit the floating markets and try your hand at bartering with the locals.
Phnom Penh City and Killing Fields Historical Appreciation
If you've got a full day to spare in Phnom Penh, you should definitely take in the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum. Later in the morning, take a stroll through the Tuol Tom Pong market, before stopping for lunch at a local restaurant along the Tonle Sap waterfront. In the afternoon, visit Tuol Sleng, a museum standing testament to the Khmer Rouge's horrific crimes. Thereafter drive south of the city to Choeung Ek, known as the Killing Fields. (The Killing Fields is a very disturbing experience for many, and remains a terrifying reminder of the atrocities committed in Cambodia.)
