Cultural  Cambodia holidays & tours

The driest months are between November and April, when you’ll enjoy blue skies and cooler weather until around February, although you’re likely to encounter bigger crowds then too. Temperatures peak in April and May, with the more humid rainy season running from June to October. Sites are quieter and the countryside is lush and green during these months and while rainfall can be heavy, it is often short-lived, so don’t necessarily rule out travel during this time when you’re planning your Cambodia holidays.

If you see nothing else in Cambodia (and that would be a shame), Angkor Wat is the country’s biggest attraction and a staple of all our Cambodia tours. This sprawling temple complex with its waterside setting and intricate decorations is just one of the temples to see at Siem Reap, along with the carved stone faces at Bayon and the overgrown charm of Ta Prohm. Cruise the waters of Tonle Sap to see the area’s famous stilt houses and learn more about Khmer culture, ride the bamboo railway at Battambang, and see the Royal Palace at Phnom Penh too, as well as memorials to some of the darker recent chapters of Cambodian history in the capital.

UK citizens must have a visa to Cambodia, which is valid for 30 days. You can apply for an e-visa which must be done at least four days in advance, although visas should also be available on arrival – you will need at least one passport photo and payment in US dollars. You also need to complete an electronic arrival card if you are entering Cambodia by air, which must be submitted within the seven day period before your arrival. Requirements can change, though – for the most up-to-date information on visas, please use the quick-check tool on our visa requirements page.

The official currency of Cambodia is the Riel, with bank note denominations of 100, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, 20000, 50000 & 100000 Riel. However, US Dollars are also used in most transactions (although you may get change in Riel or a mix of currencies) so it’s a good plan to take small denomination notes. Riel cannot be exchanged outside Cambodia, so ensure you spend any remaining notes before you leave. Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, including bigger restaurants and shops, but don’t rely on being able to use these in more remote locations.

Absolutely. From its fascinating culture and ancient sites to the beaches of the beautiful coastline and Mekong river cruises, there’s plenty to discover on Cambodia holidays. And while there’s much more to see than the temples of Angkor alone, a chance to visit one of the new Seven Wonders of the World shouldn’t be missed. Visitors to the country are warmly welcomed too, so a Cambodia guided tour is sure to be a trip to remember.

A visit to the temples of Angkor Wat is one of the highlights of any Cambodia holidays, discovering the fascinating history of the country, its culture and art forms. But there’s plenty more to experience, including Tonle Sap floating village where you can find local Cambodian handicrafts, and the Khmer homes at Wat Kor, where you can get a taste of traditional Khmer village life. Or see a performance, such as one of the many dance styles at the Apsara Dance show or the memorable Phare Cambodian Circus, where stories about Cambodian history and folklore are woven among acrobatics.

Petty crime is the biggest danger for most visitors to Cambodia, including pickpocketing/theft around Sihanoukville and the nearby islands, as well as some parts of Phnom Penh. Counterfeiting scams have also seen tourists presented with fake notes. It’s also wise to take sensible precautions after dark, with some attacks against lone female tourists in Siem Reap. However, the majority of travellers to Cambodia will receive a warm welcome and experience no problems during their stay. Joining guided Cambodia tours is a good option if you’re concerned about travelling independently, with tour leaders on the ground to advise on any risks and to help as needed.

The hot and often humid climate means that lightweight clothing is essential for all Cambodia holidays, as well as lightweight rainwear for the wettest months. Attitudes to clothing are conservative away from the beach and you’ll be expected to cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples. A cotton scarf can also be useful, along with a sunhat against the heat. You also need footwear that’s easy to take off when entering temples but sturdy enough to cope with the often uneven ground as you explore around Angkor Wat. For more tips, check out our packing guide. 

There are no specific vaccination requirements to enter Cambodia, unless you’re coming from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Travellers are recommended to have a vaccination for Hepatitis A as well as the usual course of vaccinations for life in their home country, including boosters for tetanus. Those at higher risk should consider Hepatitis B and typhoid vaccinations. There is a low risk of malaria in most areas of Cambodia visited by tourists, including Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Tonle Sap, so unless you’re visiting parts of the north and east only those at particular risk are recommended antimalarials. Other mosquito-borne diseases include dengue fever and Zika, which is most harmful for pregnant women and unborn children, so insect repellent is essential.