Researched 2 November 2026

Cambodia

Cambodia is a Southeast Asian kingdom where ancient temples, riverside cities, rural villages and tropical coastline sit within a compact area. Most trips start in Siem Reap, the gateway to the Angkor temples, including Angkor Wat. From there travellers usually continue to Phnom Penh, a livelier and more international capital than many expect. It has street food, a mix of architectural styles, access to the Mekong River and some of the country's most sobering historic sites. Beyond the two big cities are the colonial-era riverside towns of Kampot and Kep, the islands off the southern coast such as Koh Rong, and the forests and waterfalls of Mondulkiri. A week gives a good taste, and ten days to two weeks allows a mix of culture, city life and beach time. Overland journeys between destinations often take half a day, so pace your itinerary accordingly.

Best time to visit

November to March

The dry season, from roughly November to March, is the most comfortable time for most travellers, with lower humidity, clearer skies and good conditions for temple visits and beach stays. Temperatures climb sharply in April before the rains arrive. The wetter months, roughly May to October, turn the countryside green and bring fewer visitors, but afternoon downpours can disrupt outdoor plans and island trips.

History and culture

Cambodians draw on a cultural history of roughly two thousand years. Its high point was the Khmer Empire, which flourished from the 9th to the 15th century. The empire left the temple complexes of Angkor, including Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, with their sculptural friezes of Hindu epics and deities. Khmer culture grew out of a blend of indigenous animist beliefs with Hinduism and Buddhism, and it absorbed influences from Java, China and Thailand. Its art, architecture, music and dance in turn shaped neighbouring kingdoms such as Thailand and Laos. Court traditions kept classical dance, music, epic poetry and storytelling alive. Silk weaving, pottery and wood carving remain important crafts today. The modern era is marked by tragedy. In the 1970s the Khmer Rouge regime sought to build an agrarian, classless state, and about a fifth of the population died. Sites such as Tuol Sleng in Phnom Penh and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields preserve that memory, and Cambodian memorial sites received UNESCO World Heritage inscription in 2025. The country has since rebuilt its heritage institutions almost from scratch. The APSARA National Authority, created in 1995, manages the Angkor park, and Angkor was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1992. Traditions such as the Royal Ballet and the martial art bokator are recognised by UNESCO as intangible heritage. Buddhist festivals such as Pchum Ben remain central to Cambodian life, and dishes like amok and lok lak are good introductions to Khmer cuisine.

Start here · Sights

Angkor Wat, Siem Reap

4.8 out of 543,987 Google reviews

Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

The flagship temple of the Khmer empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its towers and epic carved friezes drawn from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Sunrise here is the classic Cambodian experience.

iconic
heritage
temples
sunrise

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Sights

Places to see. 6 places besides the lead pick.

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Phnom Penh
4.6 out of 512,233 Google reviews
A former prison turned museum that documents the Khmer Rouge atrocities. Sobering but essential for understanding modern Cambodian history.
- history
- sombre
- educational
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Food and drink

Places to eat and drink. 7 places.

Russian Market (Psar Toul Tom Poung), Phnom Penh
4.1 out of 58,521 Google reviews
Besides crafts and antiques, the market's food stalls serve noodle soups, grilled meats and iced coffee at local prices. It's a good place to try Phnom Penh street food.
- street-food
- budget
- market
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Stays

Places to sleep. 7 places.

FCC Angkor by Avani, Siem Reap
4.7 out of 5952 Google reviews
A striking boutique-style property with beautifully designed rooms and deep soaking tubs. It offers a slightly more affordable alternative to the top-tier luxury options in Siem Reap while still feeling special.
- boutique
- stylish
- relaxing
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