Essential Cambodia: Angkor and Phnom Penh
Duration : 8 days
Route : Phnom Penh (2 nights) → flight or road to Siem Reap (4 nights, Angkor temples) → Phnom Penh (1 night) → departure
Custom travel to Cambodia
Cambodia is one of Southeast Asia's most moving destinations, where the thousand-year-old temples of Angkor meet the preserved beaches of the Gulf of Thailand, where the painful memory of the Khmer Rouge dialogues with people of overwhelming hospitality, and where every region reveals its own character. From the sunrise over Angkor Wat to the floating Mekong markets, from the endless rice paddies of Battambang to the beaches of Koh Rong, through Phnom Penh and its Tuol Sleng genocide museum, the country offers a cultural and human intensity that makes it one of the world's most striking destinations.
Highlights
- Angkor: Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei
- Siem Reap: Angkor's home base, markets and restaurants
- Phnom Penh: Royal Palace, Tuol Sleng, Silver Pagoda
- Battambang and the Mekong: rice paddies, bamboo train
- South coast: Kep, Kampot, Koh Rong
Sample itineraries
Grand Cambodia tour
Duration : 14 days
Route : Phnom Penh (2 nights) → Battambang (2 nights, bamboo train, rice paddies) → Siem Reap and Angkor (4 nights) → Kampong Thom and Sambor Prei Kuk (1 night) → Mekong cruise (2 nights) → Phnom Penh (1 night) → Kep or Kampot coast (2 nights)
Cambodia and tropical beaches
Duration : 12 days
Route : Phnom Penh (2 nights) → Siem Reap and Angkor (4 nights) → flight to Sihanoukville → Koh Rong or Koh Rong Sanloem (5 nights) → Phnom Penh (1 night)
When to go
Cambodia is ideally visited November to March: cool dry season, pleasant temperatures (25-30 °C), little rain, sunny skies. December-February is optimal (mildest temperatures). April-May is extremely hot (38-40 °C, even 42 °C in the plain), to avoid except for beaches. Rainy season (June-October) is still doable: short tropical afternoon showers, very green landscapes, Tonle Sap at its largest (4 times the dry season), floating villages in full activity, gentle prices. Avoid September-October (heaviest rains).
- Cool dry season (November – February) — All regions, perfect conditions everywhere
- Hot season (March – May) — South coast and islands (sea still calm), Khmer New Year
- Wet monsoon (June – August) — Battambang and emerald-green rice paddies, large Tonle Sap
- Heaviest monsoon (September – October) — Tonle Sap at its largest, lively floating villages, Water Festival (Bon Om Touk)
Practical information
Cambodia is generally very safe and welcoming — main risks are taxi and tuk-tuk scams (negotiate beforehand), pickpockets in busy markets, and ATM scams (use those of major banks). A few cultural codes: covered clothing mandatory in temples (shoulders and knees covered, closed sandals), remove shoes before entering a pagoda or home; don't point feet at a Buddha statue or monk; don't touch someone's head. US dollar is widely accepted (often preferred to riel for payments over $1), also bring riels for change. Tap water not recommended — prefer bottled water. A few Khmer words (sok sabay = hello, arkun = thank you) always appreciated.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for a Cambodia trip?
November to March offers the best conditions: cool dry season, pleasant temperatures (25-30 °C). December-February is optimal. April-May is extremely hot (38-42 °C). Rainy season (June-October) is still doable but Tonle Sap is at its largest and landscapes very green.
How long for a Cambodia trip?
Minimum 8 days for Phnom Penh + Angkor. 14 days allow a grand tour: Phnom Penh + Battambang + Angkor + Mekong + south coast. 21 days to combine Cambodia + Vietnam or Laos extension.
What budget for a custom Cambodia trip?
As a guideline, €1,600-€2,200 per person for 8-10 days in comfort, excluding flights. For an upscale trip with Amansara or Belmond La Résidence d'Angkor: €4,500-€9,000. Paris-Phnom Penh flights: €700-€1,300.
Do I need a visa to travel to Cambodia?
30-day e-Visa mandatory ($35), apply online before departure on the official evisa.gov.kh site. Passport must be valid 6 months beyond return date. Visa on arrival is also possible ($35) but less practical (queue).
How many days to visit Angkor?
Minimum 3 days to explore the main temples (Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei) without rushing. The 3-day Angkor pass ($62) is the best value. For enthusiasts, plan 5 days to add Beng Mealea, Koh Ker, Preah Khan. Visit at sunrise and sunset for the light.
How do I get around in Cambodia?
Private driver recommended for most stops (flexibility, comfort, local knowledge). Phnom Penh-Siem Reap domestic flight (Cambodia Angkor Air, 1 h) saves 5 h on the road. Tuk-tuks in Siem Reap ($10/day for temples) and Phnom Penh. Fast boat to Koh Rong (45 min from Sihanoukville). No reliable public transport.
Should I visit Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields?
Yes, these visits are essential to understand contemporary Cambodia and the Khmer Rouge genocide (1975-1979, 1.7 million dead). It's emotionally exhausting but it's a memorial duty. Favor an audio-guide or French-speaking guide who places events in context. A half-day per site.
Is Cambodia safe for a trip?
Generally very safe and welcoming. Main risks are taxi and tuk-tuk scams (negotiate beforehand), pickpockets in busy markets, ATM scams. Avoid remote northeastern areas (residual landmines in some zones). Solo female travelers are safe.
How to pay in Cambodia: card, dollar, or riel?
US dollar is widely accepted (often preferred to riel for payments over $1). Also bring riels (KHR) for change and small purchases. Cards accepted in hotels and restaurants in tourist zones. ATMs abundant (prefer those of major banks to avoid scams).
Is Cambodia suitable for a family trip?
Yes, from age 8 (temple visits physically demanding due to heat). Safety, warm welcome for children, kid-friendly experiences (tuk-tuks, bamboo train, Tonle Sap cruise), many family hotels. Favor Siem Reap + Battambang + south coast for a first family trip (limit temple time to 2 hours per day).