Many flocks to Cambodia for the prospect of witnessing its spectacular temples, timeless ruins, undisturbed beaches, and for discovering its rich cultural heritage. But not many people know that Cambodia has as much a fascinating range of activities as it has scenic attractions to bewitch travelers. From cruising, swimming with elephants, cycling around the cities,… a promising adventure awaiting you to visit this ancient kingdom. Below are the best things to do and see in Cambodia tours & vacation packages 2019 that will definitely disappoint you.
Cambodia is all about lush greenery, ancient temples, and a quiet, relaxed atmosphere, travelers keep it that way during their Cambodia vacation packages. Thus, cycling tours are a convenient way of sightseeing and one of the most popular things in Cambodia for backpackers. Riding through the quiet trails of the countryside amidst stunning natural scenery helps travelers escape the crowd and bustling roads. These Cambodia tours typically include sightseeing of Ta Prohm, Elephant Terrace, Bayon, and magnificent Angkor temples.
For lovers of art, dance & theatrics, the traditional Khmer Performance of Apsara Show is one of the best things to do in Cambodia. This cultural dance form draws its roots from the mythological courts of kings and Gods, then it has developed into its modern, unique form in present time. This traditional Khmer dance revolves around a storyline narrated through the attractive, flexible movements of the dancers together with their colorful and eye-catching attires, making is among the top things to do in Cambodia holidays 2019.
Cruising the Mekong is one of the most fascinating experiences for travelers coming to Cambodia. Spend some days in your Cambodia vacations to sail from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap on a traditional Cambodian boat. Other than the relaxing journey, the stunning view of the sunset that tourists can witness from aboard the cruise is like a cherry on the cake! Along the way, visitors can also easily spot the Irrawaddy river dolphins in the water, the rarest of all aquatic mammals. Witnessing these peaceful, friendly creatures in their natural habitat is undoubtedly among the refreshing things to do in Cambodia vacation.
The only structure in Angkor that has been left in its pristine form, Ta Prohm is considered the example of the power of Nature and among the most attractive places to visit in Cambodia. The enormous roots grasping the shrine seem to be challenging adventurers to try and alter the structure. This ‘Tomb Raider’ with its huge silk cotton trees and strangler figs is perhaps the most photogenic place in Cambodia.
5. Try Khmer food: Gorge on fresh seafood & Amok!
It cannot be denied that one of the main attractions of Cambodia is its unique food. Normally, a Cambodian meal consists of rice and a fish item. Often called the ‘cuisine of contrast’, Khmer food involves a lot of variations which tourists fall in love with. Among the range of Cambodian food, Fish Amok (steamed coconut fish in banana leaves), Nom Banh Chok (Khmer noodles), Samlor Machu Trey (sweet and sour soup with fish), and the Num Anksom Sach Chrouk (sticky rice cake),… are some must-try dishes. Additionally, with its vast range of seafood, Cambodia is one of the best places for seafood lovers.
The outstanding attraction of Phnom Penh built back in 1860, is not just a glittery palace dominating the city’s skyline, but also an important reminder of the dark chapter of Cambodia’s bloodstained history. The elegant architecture of the Royal Palace is characterized by its crown of stupas and towering spires, the beautiful Silver Pagoda sitting adjacent to it, tropical gardens, and the tranquility prevailing inside its high rise walls. More than those reasons, the Royal Palace is undoubtedly one of the best Cambodia tourist attractions.
The most famous, most ancient and the largest temple of the word is what drives the world’s travelers to Cambodia. The unrivaled beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site is unlike anywhere else on earth. Built in the 12th century as a dedication to Lord Vishnu, this ancient wonder of the world has still stood the test of time. Thus, any tours to Cambodia will not be completed without visiting Angkor Wat.
The War Museum in Toul Sleng, even though not exactly a cheerful place, is an important place to visit in your Cambodia vacation 2019 for its gruesome history. Back in the rule of Khmer Rouge, the former school ground was used to detain and brutally torture inmates. This S-21 Detention Centre now acts as a haunting reminder of the endless genocide of the period. Visiting the museum might not be one of the most joyous things to do in Cambodia, but your Cambodia vacation packages will be more meaningful if you visit and pay the respects to the brave men and women lost their lives there.
Some of the most relaxed, laidback beaches in Southeast Asia lie in Cambodia. Among various popular Cambodia's sites are the sandy, pristine beaches of Sihanoukville, Kep, Koh Rong, and Ream which offers holidaymakers with every bit of comfort and stunning views. You can bask in the sun lying comfortably on hammocks and recliners, get a massage, dine at the beach snacks, go fishing, snorkeling or boating, etc. If you are looking for a relaxing Cambodia vacation 2019, check out the islands and beaches in Cambodia.
The beauty of Cambodia isn’t just limited to what one sees on the surface, but also in the vibrant world underneath. The diving sites in Sihanoukville are blessed with crystal clear water, favorable water temperature, colorful corals, and a diverse range of marine life including whale sharks, eels, seahorses, triggerfish, starfish, etc. The world’s adventure seekers find diving to be one of the most exciting things to do in any Cambodia vacation packages. Offering a year-round favorable climate for diving, the Cambodia seas attract divers from all over the world every year.
Cambodia is located in Southeast Asia and it borders Laos, Thailand, Vietnam and the Gulf of Thailand. A trip to this hugely developing economy will bring you cultural treasures as well as pristine island and scenic beaches. With Cambodia vacation packages, you can combine sightseeing tours with a beach holiday. In this article, we offer all you need to know about the best time to visit Cambodia.
Cambodia is blessed with one of the simpler weather systems in Asia. The country has two distinct weather seasons: the dry season and the rainy season, However, you can travel in Cambodia all year round. Within each season there are variations in temperature, with the final dry months leading up the rainy season (March and April) and the early months of the wet season (May and June) usually being the hottest of the year with high temperatures up to 35°C at times. Humidity is at its highest during March and April whilst the coolest month of the year tend to be between October and December, however, this is cool for Cambodia but far from average temperatures ranging around 24°C-26°C.
Cambodia’s dry season lasts from October to April, when the dry north-east monsoon arrives, which hot wind plows across the entire country. While November to January is quite cool, by April the weather is scorching making early morning and late afternoon Angkor Temple tours. Thanks to the hot weather, it is unsurprisingly the season when Cambodia’s tourist numbers peak. In report areas such as the northeast regions of Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri, the roads are at their best and journey times are shorter because of the warm weather. Kep and Sihanoukville on the south coast are popular during this season as they bask in the brilliant sunshine and sea conditions are very favorable.
Cambodia’s rainy season comes courtesy of the southwest monsoon and lasts from May to October, bring it almost 75% of Cambodia’s annual rainfall. Across the country, throughout much of the rainy season, daytime temperatures average between 25°C and 27°C. the early months of the rainy season (May – July) remain very hot within infrequent rainfall usually in the form of short downpours. In the later months (late July – September) the rain tends to become more constant and heavier, especially in coastal and rural regions. You can choose to travel in the more remote corners of the country, such as Mondulkiri & Ratanakiri. Because it is almost impossible due to the state of the roads and journeys into the northeast are inadvisable during the peak rainy season. On the upside, traveling in monsoonal Cambodia does have its interesting advantages. The dust is gone and the lush greenery of the country returns. Angkor Wat, in particular, is stunning in the rainy season, with moats brimming with water and a severe drop in visitor numbers. High rainfall also makes it a great time to travel to the flooded forests and floating villages of Tonle Sap lake by boat, because of its huge size.