Why Cambodia ?
Cambodia is a Kingdom of Wonders with a mixture of the ancient masterpieces and vibrant modern in big cities. Traveling to Cambodia, you will see the smiling faces of friendly and meek Khmer people whose country surpassed a glorious Angkor era, but pulled back by Khmer Rouge with tough and dark history. Those charm smiles are the positive belief to the brighter future. Cambodia is an awe-inspiring destination to experience unique attractions like mysterious Angkor temples, exotic nature, stunning beaches, beautiful countryside and wildlife. The country is available with good budget accommodation to high-end services.
Situating in the center of Cambodia, Phnom Penh also sits right at the confluence of the Mekong River and the country’s gigantic Tonle Sap Lake. This perfect location made Phnom Penh the capital city of Cambodia and getting more and more vibrant. The city’s economy and all aspects of life recovered and developed after all the war impacts either positive or negative; and the Khmer Rouge devastation. The French protectorate was left with the heirlooms of colonial buildings like the National Library, Central Market, Royal Palace, National Museum, and so on. Then the revolution Khmer Rouge brought the killings, deserts, and setting up of prisons S21 and the killing fields. Along with Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, and Battambang, Phnom Penh is a significant tourist destination in Cambodia.
How to Get to Cambodia
There are three international airports in Cambodia for the entries to this country. The very first one is Siem Reap Airport where leads the passengers close to Angkor Temples. Direct flights from Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore to Siem Reap are available. Phnom Penh Airport in the capital city of Cambodia is also available with the direct flights from those countries; plus, Myanmar, Indonesia and Philippines. The third one is Sihanoukville Airport for trips to pristine beaches of Cambodia like Koh Rong and Koh Rong Saloem Islands; or the exotic jungle of Cardamom.
Cambodia shares borders with Laos, Thailand and Vietnam that there are routes to cross the border to enter Cambodia
From Laos
After sightseeing in southern Laos with 4,000 islands, travelers can cross Nong Nok Khiene border in Don Det and get in Cambodia via Stung Treng Province.
From Thailand
There are five international border crosses between Thailand and Cambodia which can be done by either train or land drive. They are Poipet, Cham Yeam, O Smach, Psar Pruhm and Choam borders in Thailand. Among those Poipet is the most popular gate.
From Vietnam
Traveling from Vietnam to Cambodia by land can proceed with the pass of borders Moc Bai, Vinh Xuong, Xa Xia, Tinh Bien, Le Thanh, Xa Mat and Loc Ninh. Among those, the Moc Bai and Vinh Xuong are the most popular points for the tourist with high quality tourism buses via Moc Bai; and the 4-hour speed boat to Phnom Penh via Vinh Xuong ports.
Cambodia Visa
Tourists traveling to Cambodia can achieve e-visa or visa on arrival or are exempted. None is required to arrange the visa approval letters in advance.
Almost countries in the world could either receive Cambodia visa on arrival or achieve Cambodia e-visa in advance via https://www.evisa.gov.kh and pay the visa fee of USD 30/ person. Those proceed e-visa in advance won’t have to prepare a passport photo for custom when arrive, meanwhile the guests proceed Cambodia visa on arrival should prepare.
These nationalities can only get Cambodia visa on arrival: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Syria
There are 9 nationalities get Cambodia visa exempt including Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Seychelles, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. All of those nationalities get up to 30 days visa except Seychelles and Thailand receive 14 days exemption only.
When to visit Cambodia
Best months to visit Cambodia are from Nov to Mar when the weather is sunny, dry and moderate with temperature from 25 to 30 Celsius degree. April and May are the hottest months of 35 to 40 Celsius degree. During those two months, the Tonle Sap Lake level is also at its lowest level that make boat trip on the lake difficult. The rest months from June to October belong to green season with occasional rains of which September and October are with most heavy rains. However, the landscapes during this period are luxuriant.
Cambodia Food
Cambodia gastronomy bears some influences of neighbors Thailand and Vietnam and does not sound outstanding to the visitor visiting this country for the first time. Indeed, Cambodia is a country comprised of big water reservoirs when locating at the conjunction of Mekong River and Tonle Sap giant Lake, seashore and plain rural area that the cuisine essence is unique with different unique recipes for fish and rice. Khmer people cook fish is many ways like boil, fry, grill, make fermented sauces and smoke them. Meanwhile, rice is the basic dish that served in any meals of Cambodian people.
The very first dish to try in Cambodia is Fish Amok in which Khmer people use banana leaves to wrap fish with coconut milk and other ingredients and have it steamed. Amok, a mousse like texture dish, is among the most popular dishes of Cambodia. Other dishes worth a try are Kuy Teav or Cambodian noodle soup, Crab and pepper most famous in Kep province, Chive cakes made of glutinous rice, Tarantula found in most parts of Cambodia but most authentic in Skun spider market, Khmer curry, etc.
Explore around Cambodia
Traveling to Cambodia introduces fantastic journey to explore charming landscapes and amazing UNESCO Heritage of Angkor. The country topography is featured by plain, ocean and thick rainfall jungle that is appealing for any kinds of trips from classic exploration, wellness journey, beach leisure, adventurous journey or culture tours.
The most highlighted and popular provinces of Cambodia for classic visits are Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Battambang and Sihanoukville. To explore the best of Siem Reap, it takes average 2 nights while seeing the most outstanding places of Phnom Penh can be done in a day. Battambang is a rural province around 165km in the south west of Siem Reap province which could be reached by car or local boat. Battambang feature peaceful countryside landscapes and the French colonial influences. Though day trip to Battambang from Siem Reap is possible, overnight itinerary is always highly recommended to gain an insight of the land. Sihanoukville is a south west province of Cambodia closed to Thailand Gulf site that treat the visitors with stunning pristine turquoise beaches.
There are scatters of national parks in almost parts of Cambodia that offers diverse categories of wildlife, nature, waterfalls, etc. for forest trekking, bird and wildlife watching, hill hiking. Cycling through rural provinces instead of flying or car driving offers more chances to interact with locals and beat the hidden trails. Some of routes to consider are southern seashore provinces Kep – Kampot, the paths to Preah Vihear temple, escapes on the plateaus in Mondulkiri, the conquer of Cardamom mountains, or the admiration of Mekong River in Stung Treng and memorable trek to minority villages in Rattanakiri.
Culinary - 18 days 17 nights
Culinary - 6 days 5 nights
Honeymooners - 17 days 16 nights
Honeymooners - 10 days 9 nights
Beach Leisure - 4 days 3 nights
Wellness Journey - 8 days 7 nights