Phnom Penh Holidays

Noticeably less developed than its neighbours, Cambodia has a fairly turbulent and recent past. 30 years of turmoil were initiated by the Vietnam War and then exacerbated by the Khmer Rouge, a ruthless regime that wished to create a peasant-led, agrarian utopia… and killed one in five Cambodians in the process of trying. It’s a real testament to the Khmer people and their spirit that, despite three dark decades, there’s a pervading feeling of optimism wherever you go in Cambodia. The one thing most remarked upon by any visitor is, without exception, the lasting impressions of the people and the stories they have to tell. How can they possibly be so helpful, warm and genuinely friendly, having lived through so much?

Phnom Penh is the nation’s reborn capital, retaining some faded French colonial splendour, with wide, tree-lined boulevards and impressive architecture set in a rapidly emerging Asian city. Then there’s the laid-back, colonial heritage of Kep & Kampot; teetering stilt villages lining the great Tonle Sap Lake, the natural wonders of Koh Kong and the Cardamom Mountains, the untamed north-east and, to top it all, the tropical brilliance on the southern sands. This history-laden kingdom is full of surprises, not to mention the fantastic (and largely unknown) Khmer cuisine and wonderful artisan craftwork – Cambodia is a country with a lot to offer.

The weather in Cambodia is easy to understand, thanks to its uniform latitude and low altitude. Travel is possible year-round, although the period from November through to February is generally considered to be ‘high season’. However, each season brings its own benefits, with rainfall during the wet season rarely lasting more than a couple of hours in the afternoon, whilst hotel rates plummet and the countryside is at its most lush and verdant. Many people actively prefer to travel during the rainy season, and we don’t blame them.

There are two distinct seasons in Cambodia:

The Dry Season: October – April/Early May

The dry season is, of course, when visitor numbers peak. In more remote parts, the roads are at their best and journey times are shorter because of this. Whilst October through to January are quite cool by Cambodian standards (still in the high 20°C’s!), by April the weather is absolutely scorching. When Cambodia is at its hottest, it’s only really possible to make early morning and late afternoon excursions, with a few hours needed by the hotel pool sheltered from the sun over lunch. This happens to work perfectly when visiting the temples of Angkor!

Kep & the Islands Koh Rong, Koh Russey & Krabey on the south coast are popular during the dry season, as they bask in the brilliant sunshine and sea conditions are perfect. Over the period from late March through to May, river and lake levels are at their lowest before the rains arrive, so travel by boat can be problematic.

The Wet Season: Early/Mid May – October

Almost 80% of Cambodia’s annual rainfall falls over this period, with daytime temperatures averaging between 25°C and 27°C. The early months of the wet season (May to July) are still very hot, and the rainfall is usually infrequent, with short and fast downpours before the skies clear. In the latter months (late July to September), the rains tend to become more constant and are often heavy. This makes travel to the more remote corners of the country almost impossible due to the state of the roads.

Travelling in monsoonal Cambodia does have its advantages, though – the dust is gone and the lush greenery of the countryside returns. Angkor Wat, in particular, is stunning during the wet season, with moats brimming and a drastic drop in other visitors to share the magic with.

Before you travel with us, you’ll receive a guide to local restaurants and food in Cambodia, but in the meantime, we’ve included a little introduction to Cambodian cuisine below.

Cambodian food isn’t particularly spicy, although it’s often delicately flavoured with herbs such as lemon grass and coriander. Many Khmer dishes are variations on cuisine from other Asian countries, China’s in particular. Food is traditionally cooked in a single pot or wok over a charcoal stove; although gas burners are being introduced in the cities, many people prize the smoky flavour that food acquires when it’s cooked over charcoal. A lot of dishes are fried in palm oil and aren’t drained before serving, so the food can be quite greasy. If you’re vegetarian, it’s worth being aware that the pan is seldom washed out between the meat and vegetable dishes. Few Cambodians have refrigerators, and even if they do, they prefer to buy produce fresh from the markets as needed.

The cheapest food in Cambodia is available from street hawkers with hand carts or baskets dangling from a shoulder pole. Sell anything from fried noodles or baguettes, to fresh fruit and ice cream, there’s plenty to sample. Another source of cheap food is the country’s markets – open both day and night, though often in separate locations – where stalls sell a variety of dishes and desserts at prices only slightly higher than those charged by street hawkers. Each stall usually has its own speciality, and you can order from any stall in the market irrespective of where you’re sitting. When you’ve finished, you pay the stall closest to you for the whole lot, and they’ll sort out the money among themselves.

Most Cambodian meals are based around polished white rice, which is usually served either in a large bowl from which you help yourself or as individual platefuls. You’ll typically order two or three dishes each – fish or meat, vegetables and perhaps a soup – which are placed in the centre of the table; each person around the table then helps themselves from the communal fare in small amounts at a time. Smoky, charcoal-grilled chicken and fish are available everywhere, from roadside stalls to restaurants. The fish is served with a grated green mango, chilli, garlic, and fish sauce dip, while the chicken comes with a salad garnish and a sweet chilli sauce.

In the afternoon and evening, crusty baguettes, filled with your choice of meat pâté or sardines and pickled vegetables, can be bought from street hawkers for around 2000 riel. At beer stalls in the night markets, you’ll find grueng klaim, fibrous strips of dried beef or pork served with pickles and generally eaten with alcoholic beverages.

Water in Cambodia

Bottled water is found everywhere, as Cambodian tap water isn’t considered safe to drink. Be aware that the ice that is invariably added to cold drinks (unless you request otherwise) may not be hygienic except in Western restaurants.

There are currently no direct flights from the UK to Cambodia. The best options are flights via Bangkok (Thai, EVA or BA), via Hong Kong (Cathay Pacific) via Kuala Lumpur (Malaysian or BA) via Vietnam (Vietnam Airlines) or via Singapore (Singapore Airlines). A number of other airlines also fly to Cambodia via their respective hub cities or connecting to other airlines including Emirates, Bangkok Airways, Air Asia, Air France, Asiana Airlines, Cambodia Angkor Air, Cebu Airways, China Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Dragon Air, EVA Air, Jetstar Asia, Korean Air, Lao Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, Shanghai Airlines, Silk Air, Tiger Airways and Vietnam Airlines.

We always price up our flights on a case-by-case basis, making sure we use the best available deals for your trip. If you have any particular preferences for airlines or routes, or are considering upgrading your flights, please do let us know so we can help find the best and most convenient options for you.

If you’re a UK passport holder, you’ll need a visa for entry into Cambodia, as well as a minimum of 6 months of validity remaining on your passport from the date of your return to the UK after leaving Cambodia. The standard visa is valid for 30 days from the date of arrival in Cambodia. Tourist visas can be applied for either online or on arrival at your designated entry point. Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival at the international airports (Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville), without prior registration. Non-UK passport holders should check with their local Cambodian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information.

For all updates, please do check the latest FCO Travel Advice here: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cambodia

As we’re not medical experts, we feel it’s essential you contact your GP regarding vaccinations and the like for travel to Cambodia. In addition to such vaccinations as you’d routinely have for living in the UK, further boosters are recommended for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Polio and Tetanus. If you have visited a country where Yellow Fever is endemic, you’ll need a certificate of vaccination.

You must talk to your GP first, but it’s worth also drawing your attention to this useful website: traveldoctor.co.uk – an interactive website providing specialist health information for travellers, plus customised lists of travel medicines, vaccines for holidaymakers, global adventure travellers and expeditions.

Malaria is present in some rural areas of Cambodia at certain times of the year.

Cambodian Riel (R) is the official currency in Cambodia. There’s no coinage in Cambodia, only currency notes. However, the US dollar is the de facto currency and by far the most useful to have on hand.  Most hotels, restaurants, shops, taxis, buses and airlines actually set their prices in US dollars. Local currency is only used in small transactions, and often, if you pay in US dollars, change will be given in Riel, thus building up a small cash float of more than you will actually need. It’s best to keep a good supply of small-denomination US dollar notes with you, and it’s worth noting that worn or ripped banknotes will not be accepted – bring clean, unmarked bills only.

We recommend packing plenty of comfortable, lightweight clothing in natural fabrics such as cotton when travelling to Cambodia. The dress code is fairly casual, as in most parts of the tropics, but it’s advisable to cover arms and legs in the evenings to protect yourself against biting insects. A lightweight raincoat and umbrella are a good idea in the rainy season, with the umbrella doubling up as a useful shade from the sun. You shouldn’t wear shorts, short skirts or other skimpy clothing when visiting temples and monasteries and should ensure you have appropriate clothing for any visit to Angkor; otherwise, your access to the temples will be limited. Shoes (and socks!) must be removed before entering any religious building or private home. We recommend wearing shoes without too many laces, which can easily be taken on and off.

The Khmers are remarkably laid-back, friendly and relaxed – their hospitality is legendary. However, you do need to remind yourself that Cambodia is, in fact, a very conservative country where modesty is the order of the day. You can dress skimpily – many travellers do – but it won’t do you any favours in terms of the Khmers’ perception of you. If you are in a temple, it’s better to dress reasonably modestly, but by the same token, don’t get unnecessarily stressed about what is and is not appropriate. Be assured, they have seen it all! Likewise, openly public displays of affection will embarrass people, so don’t do it. Have respect for monks in general, women should never touch them.

As with other countries in the region, the concept of “face” governs social interaction on every level. You will get things done faster if you go out of your way to make sure that you don’t cause someone to lose face. If you find yourself getting angry, try not to show it, as this will only be counter-productive. Another thing to remember is that a Cambodian reaction to uncertainty or embarrassment is simply to giggle or laugh. Smile and joke as much as you can instead – it’s the Cambodian way, and people will be more willing to help you.

As in all Buddhist countries, the head is considered holy, while the feet are considered dirty. Don’t go around touching people’s heads, even if it’s just patting a child on the head. Likewise, don’t point the soles of your feet at anyone and certainly not at a Buddha image. Cambodians tend to sit on the floor with their feet tucked to the side.

We believe travel should be a force for good. That means exploring with open eyes, treading lightly, and respecting the people and places that make the world so special. Our code of conduct isn’t about rules, it’s simply a guide to help you travel thoughtfully, ethically, and with care. Because every small choice makes a big difference.

• If you choose to trust us with your holiday, we’ll send you a “Travel Facts” document when confirming your booking. This includes useful facts and travel advice, such as restaurant recommendations, reading tips, basic language information, cultural traditions, climate information, brief historical overviews, and more. We feel that this offers a useful insight and can help you interact with local residents in a more sensitive, well-informed manner. Please do try to take the time to read this information before your visit, it’s worth the time!

• A number of the countries in which we operate holidays are religious societies with a widely observed set of customs. Always respect these norms, particularly when visiting religious buildings.

• To the best of our knowledge, all hotels, lodges, and camps within our portfolio operate stringent measures to minimise water usage. All of our destinations have issues with water supplies to a certain extent, so feel free to raise any possible wastage should you encounter it during your stay, either with the accommodation or with us upon your return.

• Please ask permission before taking photographs of people, and respect their wishes if they are not happy to be photographed. We find that friendly requests and a smile are usually met with a ‘yes!’

• Strive, where possible, to make your own contribution to environmental practices as you travel. This might include minimising your electricity usage, not smoking in protected areas, avoiding coral while snorkelling, and safely disposing of all litter (recycling where possible).

• Where possible, try to purchase from local suppliers. This includes shopping for souvenirs, dining out at restaurants, and booking additional excursions during your free time. In areas where haggling is an accepted part of daily life, don’t be offended if you’re unable to obtain what you perceive as a fair price for an item.

• We emphasise to local suppliers that our clients should never be taken on unsolicited shopping trips, but if this does happen, try to retain your sense of humour, provide a firm refusal to participate and do let us know about it on your return. We pass on all feedback from every trip undertaken with us to our relevant local suppliers, who all share our commitment to travelling with sensitivity.

• Please don’t remove any indigenous items from their natural habitat and attempt to bring them home as a souvenir. This particularly applies to everything from coral, shells, plants and food in the natural world, to cultural artefacts and antiques.

If you’re unsure about anything relating to the above, please feel free to chat to us. Our Cambodia experts have travelled extensively in the country and will be more than happy to offer their considered advice.