Cambodia Travel Guide
Welcome to Cambodia, a country whose religious heritage and natural beauty are fused together. It’s most famous for Angkor Wat, one of the largest religious structures in the world and where ancient stone towers rise above the surrounding forest. But there’s so much more to see and do. Explore timeworn temples, see expansive rice fields, stroll through bustling markets, and learn about the country’s difficult past. However you choose to spend your time, Cambodia is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Cambodia Stats
Official Language: Khmer
Population: 17.6 million
Capital City: Phnom Penh
Currency: Cambodian Riel (KHR)
Power Outlet: Types A, C, and G
Siem Reap
Home the world-famous Angkor Wat and many other remarkable temples, Siem Reap is the starting point for exploring Cambodia’s vast temple ruins hidden deep in the jungle.
Siem Reap, Cambodia: Angkor Wat & Beyond
People from around the world travel to Siem Reap, Cambodia to tour Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument. We were no different. We had a week to explore Siem Reap and all it had to offer. Before traveling here, we were familiar with Angkor Wat, but we did not know much about the surrounding […]
Exploring Ta Prohm, Cambodia: A Photojourney
Ta Prohm is one of the most popular and most photographed of the temple complexes in Siem Reap, Cambodia. With enormous tree roots snaking across crumbling stone walls, ancient trees towering overhead, and long, dark hallways and courtyards to explore, this is a place that feels mystical and almost secretive. The temples of Ta Prohm […]
Faces in the Stone: A Visit to Bayon, Cambodia
Every year, millions of tourists travel to Siem Reap, Cambodia to tour famous Angkor Wat. But did you know that there is so much more to see than Angkor Wat? There is ancient Ta Prohm, a temple that was swallowed up by the jungle and now has enormous tree roots snaking along the walls and […]
Phnom Penh
Walking the Streets of Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh features bustling streets, night markets, temples, and museums. Enjoy our photo tour of the streets of Cambodia’s capital city.
Kampot
Motorbikes and Paddle Boards in Kampot, Cambodia
Located on the Preauk Tuek Chhu River, Kampot is a laid-back town with small stores and restaurants, surrounded by fishing villages, farms, and salt fields.
Top Experiences in Cambodia
Angkor Wat. According to Guiness World Records, Angkor Wat is the largest religious structure in the world. It is a beautiful reflection of Khmer architecture and a must-see when visiting Cambodia. Spanning over 1.6 square kilometers, this complex invites hours of exploration with its timeless sense of wonder.
Temples of Siem Reap. The Cambodian forest is dotted with Buddhist and Hindu temples that will have you feeling like Indiana Jones as you explore them. Be sure to visit Bayon for its many faces, Ta Prohm for the tree roots that have grown on the temple, and many more.
Phnom Penh. Visit the many temples, palaces, markets, and museums of Cambodia’s capital city.
The Killing Fields. The Killing Fields were the site of atrocities and genocidal acts committed by the Khmer Rouge following the Cambodian Civil War. Visit the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center to learn about this dark period of history.
Eating ‘Bugs’. What started as a means of sustenance during communist rule has grown into a common snack around Cambodia and other Southeast Asian nations. You’ll find fried cockroaches, crickets, scorpions, and even tarantulas sold in street markets across Cambodia.
Kampot. Tour Cambodian pepper plantations, paddleboard or kayak along the Kampot River, and walk the streets of this French-influenced southern Cambodian town.
Preah Monivong Bokor National Park. From Kampot head up to this national park where you can see a Buddhist temple, a Catholic church, a large statue of Lok Yeay Mao, and enjoy scenic views out over town and even to Phu Quoc Island.
Koh Rong. Explore the tropical paradise of Koh Rong Island, full of white sandy beaches lined with palm trees, and calm turquoise waters. The island was even used as a filming location for several seasons of “Survivor”.
When To Visit Cambodia
Cambodia features year-round heat and humidity due to its proximity to the equator. Its climate can be distinctly broken up into two seasons: a dry season and a wet season.
The best time to visit Cambodia is during the country’s dry season, from November to April. Not only will visitors have the coolest temperatures of the year, especially around December and January, but you’ll also have the best chance of sunny skies.
Cambodia’s rainy season runs from May to October, and features higher temperatures and humidity, making it feel muggy. Although conditions are harsher, you’ll find fewer tourists and cheaper hotel fares.
Travel through Southeast Asia
3 Month Southeast Asia Itinerary & Travel Planning Guide
On this Southeast Asia itinerary, explore the temples of Siem Reap, go island hopping in Krabi, drift down the Mekong River in Laos, visit the big cities of Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, cruise Ha Long Bay, cycle among the temples of Bagan, tour the floating markets in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam, and spend several days in Luang Prabang, a wonderful French town in Laos.
Cycling to the White Temple, Chiang Rai, Thailand
Chiang Rai was our final stop in Thailand. This very small town is located in the far northeast of Thailand, not far from Laos and Myanmar. Here the terrain was mountainous and very lush, with lots of palm trees, tea and rice plantations, and banana trees. Since it was January, it was the cool, dry […]
Island Hopping Off the Coast of Thailand
Ahhh…we finally made it to the beautiful beaches of Thailand. Tyler and Kara have been looking forward to this for so long, our first real beach destination in almost six months of travel. Some pure fun in the sun has been long overdue for these two kiddos and we arrived just in time for Christmas. […]
Taking the Slow Boat Down the Mekong River
The Mekong River is the lifeline of Laos. This river originates in the Yunnan Province of China, travels south, forming the boundary between Laos and other countries such as Myanmar and Thailand. The path of the Mekong crosses Cambodia and then ends in southern Vietnam, forming the famous Mekong Delta. One of the most popular […]
What Traveling Through Asia Has Taught Us
We have now been traveling through Asia for over five months and still have several more to go. It has been quite the learning experience for our family…new foods, new cultures, lots of history to learn about. Most of it has been a wonderful experience although we have had a few difficulties along the way, […]
12 Must-Have Experiences in Vietnam
Vietnam is the perfect mix of the past, present, and future. Explore the ancient Imperial Palace in Hue, tour rapidly growing Ho Chi Minh City, and watch as the Dragon Bridge in Da Nang puts on a pyrotechnic show. The cuisine in Vietnam is phenomenal. I would travel back to Vietnam just for the food…it’s […]
A Photojourney Through the Old Quarter of Hanoi
We spent a week in Hanoi during the middle of February, giving us plenty of time to get to know this city. Everyday we took a walk through the area, exploring the backstreets, watching people prepare and then celebrate Tet, the Lunar New Year. We walked on the train tracks, went shopping in the markets, […]