In the guide below you’ll find everything you need to know to have a breathtaking trip around Cambodia.
Getting There and Away
Located in the southeast of Asia, you’ll need to fly from the UK to Canada. Luckily, 30-plus airlines offer this service with the most typical route being from London Heathrow to Phnom Penh. You will need to brace yourself for a long-haul flight though as you can expect to be travelling from 19-30 hours depending on your layovers. Typical layover spots include Hanio, Beijing and Shanghai.
Safety in Cambodia
Now you know how to get to Cambodia you are probably wondering how safe it is to visit there, especially for older people. The good news is that it’s largely safe even in bustling cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Will you need to be mindful of your belongings as you travel? Yes, of course, just like every location there are people with bad intentions so staying aware of your surroundings is important. However, no more so than if you were visiting London or another major UK city.
Another big safety concern for tourists in Cambodia are the unexploded landmines left over from the Khmer Rouge that litter the countryside. The best way to avoid these is to never go off the beaten track and always stick to well established roads in rural and temple areas.
Accommodation in Cambodia
There is a wide variety of accommodations available in Cambodia from big fancy hotels with pools, to local guest houses for those looking for a more authentic flavour. Beach bungalows are also a popular option in the coastal and lake regions and can be booked for your entire or just part of your stay.
Costs for accommodation vary widely depending on the type and the location. However, there are some unique and novel places to stay overnight including a gorgeous old converted cinema in Kampot, complete with retro decor, bar and pool. Alternatively, there are eco villages built on stilts with balconies overlooking the water.
Must See Places In Cambodia
There are so many of these, as you might have guessed that whittling them down to just a few can feel like a mammoth task. The best way to approach this is to define what you want from your trip before you go.
For example, if you are looking for ancient culture then Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, and Ta Prohm Temple (the one where the tree roots are taking over) will be on your priority list. If you are looking for more recent history concerning the Communist genocide by the Khmer Rouge in the 1980s then visiting Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh, as well as the Cambodia Landmine Museum in Phumi Khna. If you are looking for sun, sand and azure blue waters then the beaches of beautiful Koh Rong, Koh Tonsay Island and Otres Beach 2. The latter being particularly quiet and lovely and not very tourists at all.
Of course, some people like a mixture of all of these things, and if that is the case for you, considering an organized trip like these Cambodia Tours may be just what you are looking for. This is because these tours take you to all the most popular locations, while also providing you with authentic cultural experiences such as meals cooked by locals, as well as top class accommodation.
Cambodian Cuisine
If you are looking for delicious edible delights then the cuisine in Cambodia is something you will not want to miss. Made from mostly locally grown and sourced ingredients you can expect some impressive Currys, and stews at most meals.
Yaohon which is a Cambodian hotpot is also a very popular meal is something you must try as well. Made from a base of coconut milk, chicken broth and the added addition of coconut soda the broth is thick and creamy and delicious. Within the delectable broth you’ll find all sorts of tasty morsels such as seafood like squid, shrimps, amd mussels, meat like chicken or beef, and veggies such as spinach and bok choy. The final layer is the flavouring which gives it a real punch and includes fish suave, kaffir lime leaves, palm sugar and barbecue sauce. If you’re lucky you might even find a quail egg or two in the mix!
Lastly, if you plan on travelling to Cambodia, then you will want to make sure you sample their famous Beef ceviche, also known as Pleah Sach Ko. Wafer thin slices of rare beef are soaked in a tangy mix of fish sauce, sugar, chicken stock, and lime juice! It’s divine!
