The Kingdom of Wonder
Quite a nickname to live up to ^ but once you visit Cambodia and see the grandeur of Angkor Wat, the unmissable Cardamom mountain rainforests and the seemingly photoshopped beauty of the tropical Southern islands you will agree, it truly is a ‘kingdom of wonder’.
Adventure hides in every corner of this country, and while many South-Eastern tourist routes pass through here many parts of this country remain uniquely unexplored. This provides a rare, unfiltered glimpse at the lifestyle, tradition and local wonders travellers all to often set off to find but never truly capture.
However the true wonder here is the people.
The Cambodian people have overcome unspeakable atrocities in the last 40 years and yet their spirit remains the beating heart of this countries beauty today. You will be greeted with smiles of untarnished positivity and receive a charming hospitality if you give the local tours a chance.
Kampot
Kampot has plenty to offer foodies, thrill-seekers, and culture lovers.
Kep
A must-visit costal town for seafood and beach lovers.
Phnom Penh
A buzzing hive of energy filled with hidden gems to explore.
Cardamom (Krâvanh) Mountains
This untouched jungle paradise is reserved for the most adventurous travellers seeking...
Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem
Two worlds separated by a twenty-minute boat ride, each with unique charm...
Siem Reap
Siem Reap is an incredible backpackers hub in Cambodia and is the...
Tours
To capture a cultures true charm and unlock a countries hidden secrets you often need a trusted local guide. Sometimes you may be yards away from a hidden jungle temple, the best local street food or unforgettable cultural experiences but the untrained traveller will walk straight passed chasing the crowds.
Take Angkor Wat for example, there are 72 temples dotted around the main temple yet most solo travellers miss out without knowing any better. Instead find a guided tour like this sunrise tour of Angkor Wat.
Or sometimes all you need is a push to taste flavours out your comfort zone why not try a local Cambodian Street food tour.
Culture
The untarnished positivity of the Cambodian people is inspiring.
Just over 40 years ago Cambodia experienced a mass genocide at the hands of the Khmer Rouge – 3 million died, all architecture destroyed, and all belief, creativity and hope locked away.
Today it is hard to pair the warm welcome of smiling faces, fond waves and children’s laughter to this atrocity but it really does show the strength and resilience of the Cambodian spirit.
A visit to the haunting Phnom Penh killing fields is vital to understand the painful reality of Cambodian Culture.
Activities
So what are the best things to do after visiting Angkor Wat? There are countless Cambodian activities besides the temples of Angkor that will fill your days with adventure – sample the street food, explore the Battambang bat caves at dusk or take a ride on the towns bamboo train.
Why not experience the island life and visit Cambodia’s tropical southern islands or trek into the Cardamom Mountains or across the rolling hills and Rice Fields of Kep and Kampot. Or for something out of the ordinary visit the spectacular non-profit Phare Cambodian Circus which raises money to restore the dramatic arts of Cambodia after the Khmer Rouge Regime.
Cuisine
Cambodian Cuisine is a delicious infusion of Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese and even French influence. You will find contrasting flavours like fermented sauces, punchy black Kampot pepper and aromatic spices such as, jungle Cardamom, Star Anise, Tamarind, Ginger, Kaffir Lime and of course lemongrass. You must try famous Cambodian dishes like Amok, Kdam Chaa, or Bai Sach Chrouk for a traditional forkful of deliciousness.
Accommodation
From the Bamboo beachside bungalows of Koh Krong to the luxury resorts of Koh Russey and the backpacker hostels of Siem Reap, Cambodia caters for everyones needs. With hostels coming in as cheap as £4 and a east of luxury villas and hotels for as little as £50, Cambodia has some of the cheapest accommodation in all of South East Asia.
Nature
The Cambodian landscape is defined by the mighty Mekong river that runs for almost 300 miles and the Tonle Sap lake and river. These waterways are the life force of the local community providing fishing, trade routes for business and flooding irrigation for farming. The warm, humid climate nurtures rolling rice fields and jungle rainforests that provide a sanctuary for some of the most endangered animals on our planet. The oceans are home to a vibrant array of marine life and provide the local coastal towns and islands a plentiful supply of delicious fresh fish and shell fish. The most famous of all being the supply of gigantic crab!
Visas and Entry Requirements
In 2024 you can gain a 30-day tourist visa to Cambodia online or upon arrival.
Both the Cambodia eVisa and Visa On Arrival (VOA) cost £30.
The online eVisa takes 3 business days to process.
Local Laws and Customs
Respect for Monarchy: Cambodians hold their monarchy in high regard, so it’s cool to show respect when the topic comes up.
Dress Code for Temples: When visiting temples, cover your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect. It’s a big deal here.
Public Behaviour: Keep public displays of affection to a minimum – it’s more respectful in Cambodian culture.
Drug Laws: It’s strict here. Don’t even think about it. Drug-related offenses can lead to serious trouble.
Local Customs: Greetings with a slight bow and a smile are appreciated. And if offered food or drinks, graciously accept – it’s their way of showing hospitality
Safety
Cambodia is a relatively safe destination with petty crime making up most of the criminal activity in the country. Like most of South East Asia tourists need to watch out for people snatching bags, phones and cameras off tables, with thieves commonly grabbing them as they speed passed on their moped.
Walking down both the busy streets of Phnom Penh and the rural lanes of Kampot I felt pretty safe. After travelling Cambodia for months I realised that the only real negative interaction was some hard hassling from the local street vendours and a few very avoidable scams.
A couple Cambodian Scams to watch out for are:
Fraudulent E-Visa websites – there are so many but only a fee are legit.
Police Corruption – You may be asked to pay a fine/tax to police although this is completely injust, be polite and pay the fine, arguments lead to escalation.
Angkor Wat – This is a hub for scammers, if you choose a tour guide agree the price before hand.
Motorbike Scams – As always take picture of all damage including any hidden underneath tape. I have had countless bike shops claim damage and without these photos its your word against theirs.
Vaccinations
Our pharmacy travel consultant recommended :
Diphtheria, Poliomyelitis, Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Rabies, Typhoid, Cholera, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis and Yellow Fever.
Respect
Respecting Buddhism in Cambodia : 93% of the Cambodian population are Buddhist and most men are expected to enter Monkhood during their lifetime.
You will likely see the vibrant orange Kāṣāya of Buddhist Monks as they peacefully make their way to meditate or receive food offerings in the markets called ‘almsgiving’. It is important to not disturb these monks, especially if you are a female traveller. Monks are prohibited from touching or being in close contact with women including their female family members.
If a Monk does naturally cross your path, the traditional Cambodian ‘Som Pas’ is a respectful way to greet a monk – this is where you place your hands together in a prayer like manner and offer a subtle bow.
Gestures to avoid in Cambodia:
Don’t touch peoples heads in Cambodia. Although ruffling the hair of friends and family is endearing in the western world, in Buddhism the head is sacred and touching it is considered highly offensive.
Don’t eat with your left hand as it is usually reserved for toilet hygiene and unclean tasks.
1
When is wet season?
Wet season in Cambodia is May-October.
2
What is tipping culture in Cambodia?
Tipping is not a custom in Cambodia, most hotels, street vendors, and tour guides will not expect a tip.
3
Why is there a dinosaur carving in the temples of Angkor
A popular conspiracy and unanswered mystery circulates around the carving of a Stegosaurus on the temple of Ta Prohm at Angkor. This stone caring has raised the debate into wether dinosaurs survived in the depths of the Cambodian jungle until the Human Era and were remembered and successfully documented by the ancient Khmer civilisation.
4
Emergency numbers in Cambodia?
119 for emergencies (023-723840 in English), 118 for fire incidents and 117 for police assistance (097-7780002 in English)
5
Are the insects in Cambodian street food safe to eat?
Yes the insects in Cambodia are actually surprisingly tasty and completely safe to eat. Enjoy the likes of Crickets, Tarantulas, Locusts and Grasshoppers deep fried with a touch of salt.
6
Are there tigers in Cambodia?
Unfortunately Tigers have been extinct in Cambodia since 2010. However, more recently the Cambodian government is discussing whether to reintroduce Tigers into the wilds of the Cardamom Mountain Rainforests. So there may be hope on the horizon for these beautiful big cats.
7
Why are geckos lucky in Cambodia?
Many Cambodians believe that counting the chirps of geckos can predict the fortune of whether you are likely to get married.
8
Is there an ethical elephant sanctuary in Cambodia?
While we advise against most so called ‘ethical’ elephant experiences in South East Asia the Elephant Sanctuary in Cambodia is an exception. Dedicated to the safeguarding of Asian elephants this sanctuary provides a rare glimpse into the delicate balance of ethical eco-tourism and the conservation of endangered wildlife.
9
How much are the crabs in Kep crab market?
Depending on your haggling skills crabs cost $5-10 dollars in Kep’s Crab Market, Cambodia.
10
Why can I use dollars in Cambodia?
Many Cambodian street vendors and shops accept dollars as payment. This is because dollars are the unofficial second currency of Cambodia and is often used with tourists.
