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Top 10 Things to Do in Cambodia Tours & Vacation Packages

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, and 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 that will definitely disappoint you.

Cycling in Cambodia: Explore Siem Reap’s Shrines & Palaces on a Bike

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.

Traditional Khmer Performance: Witness the Stunning Apsara Dance in Phnom Penh

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 the 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 it among the top things to do in Cambodia holidays.

Cruising Mekong: Spot Dolphins & Enjoy the Sunset

Cruising the Mekong is one of the most fascinating experiences for travelers coming to Cambodia. Spend some days in your Cambodia local tour 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.

Visit Ta Prohm: Wander through the Temple Famed for "Tomb Raider"

The only structure in Angkor that has been left in its pristine form, Ta Prohm is considered an 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.

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 that 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.

Get to Phnom Penh Royal Palace: Stare in Awe at its Opulent Architecture

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 Cambodian tourist attractions.

Explore Angkor Wat: Dwell in the Ancient Realms of the Largest Temple in the World

The most famous, most ancient, and the largest temple of the world 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.

Visit Tuol Sleng: Discover Heart-wrenching Secrets of the Torture House

The War Museum in Toul Sleng, even though not exactly a cheerful place, is an important place to visit in your Cambodia vacation for its gruesome history. Back in the rule of the 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 respects to the brave men and women who lost their lives there.

Hangout at the Laid-back Beaches in Cambodia

Some of the most relaxed, laidback beaches in Southeast Asia lie in Cambodia. Among various popular Cambodia, sites are the sandy, pristine beaches of Sihanoukville, Kep, Koh Rong, and Ream which offer holidaymakers 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, check out the islands and beaches in Cambodia.

Go Diving at Sihanoukville: Swim & Amidst the Vibrant World Underneath

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 package. Offering a year-round favorable climate for diving, the Cambodia seas attract divers from all over the world every year. Best Time to Enjoy Cambodia Tours & Vacation Packages 2023 - 2024 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 islands 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 Weather 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 tends to be between October and December, however, this is cool for Cambodia but far from average temperatures ranging around 24°C-26°C. Seasons in Cambodia - What is the Best Time to Visit Cambodia? The Dry Season: October - April/ Early May 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 it's time considering the best time for traveling in Cambodia. 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. The Rainy Season: Early/ Mid May - October 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 latter 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.

Cambodia General Information

Cambodia has blossomed into one of the main Southeast Asia destinations. Mention to Cambodia, you will be impressed by the great history of Cambodia.  To have a glance of Cambodia, we give a general overview of the country, its demographics, history, culture and much more, which is sure you need for your Cambodia Tour Package. With over 181,035 square kilometers, Cambodia is the neighbor of Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. The Cambodia Population is about 15 million people and most of them are ethnic Khmer, which is 90%. The official language is Khmer and the second language is French. The Capital of Cambodia is Phnom Penh with 290 square kilometers, which is considered as the center of Industry, Administration, Commerce, and Tourism

Cambodia Climate:

In Cambodia, the average temple is 27C. There are 2 main seasons, the monsoon season and the dry season. The monsoon season from May to October and the dry season from November to April. Usually, the temperature is from December to January is the coolest period. So, if you are planning to Cambodia Tour, you can follow and choose yourself the best time to visit Cambodia, normally is from October to April.

Cambodia Currency

Cambodia’s currency is the riel, and Cambodia’s second currency is the US dollar, which is accepted everywhere and by everyone. The denominations are Riel, some of Cambodia Riel are 100,000r; 50,000r; 20,000; 10,000; 5,000; 2,000; 1,000; 500; 200;100; 50. If you want to change Cambodia currency, take easy to change at hotels, airports, markets, and banks.

Cambodia People

The majority of the population in Cambodia is Cambodian living in this area since 1500 BC. The population in Cambodia is about 14.3 million with 96% of them being Khmer, four percent are Vietnamese, seductive Muslims, Chinese or others. The life expectancy of a man in Cambodia is 62 years old with the life of a woman being 66 years old. This is mainly due to the living conditions of rural poverty as well as the outcome of the war that has occurred in this country. The population of Cambodia was devastated by war and genocide from 1970 to 1989, the period of the Khmer Rouge with the country's mortality rate gradually reduced to 0 million unjustly killed during that period. After the Khmer Rouge era, people returned to the towns and these areas have been growing since 1980.

The Beauty in Cambodia culture & Tradition

Traditional arts and crafts abound in Cambodia. Sculptures, paintings, and curves were made with great care. It's easy to find them in markets, shops or museums. The variety of arts and crafts has a wide range and include items such as silver and gold jewelry, wicker furniture, fine hardwood furniture, silk, marble sculpture with Chinese qualities. Unfortunately, most of these works ceased to exist during the Khmer Rouge dictatorship. Instead, artisans were forced to work in labor camps, where most of them died painfully. Many arts and crafts also intentionally perished during that time. Today there has been a revival, due to a lot of restoration work, initiated by the foreign government. Now many centers have been established to keep ancient methods of craftsmanship in existence. Take easy to see this amazing culture everywhere in Cambodia

The Facts of Cambodia History

Early Civilization in Cambodia

Laang Spean (Cave of Bridges) in Battambang Province in northwestern Cambodia is home to a recorded Hoabhinian site (prehistoric Southeast Asia from about 13,000 to 3000 BC). Excavated in the 1960s by French archaeologists, the area produced stone tools characteristic of the era, as well as terracotta pottery, although dating back to the Neolithic period. It is thought that some historical sites in Cambodia can surpass prehistoric sites, but there is a bit of archaeological record for much of the prehistoric period.

Funan and Chenla Period in Cambodia

Mention to the Funan and Chenla periods, which were the pride of Cambodia occurred between the 3rd and 6th centuries CE, were culturally continuous kingdoms linking eastern India and southern China with islands in the South Sea. It is thought that Funan expanded as far west as Burma and south to Malaysia, accounting for much of what is now Thailand and South Vietnam. Both civilizations were heavily influenced by trade with India, resulting in the acceptance of many Hindu religious beliefs that gained importance in later Khmer culture. It is unlikely that these Kingdoms will be the dominant power in the whole region; instead, they include different nations or principals supported through trade and interference.

Cambodia Khmer Empire

The sacred mountain of Phnom Kulen, just north of today, Siem Reap, has drawn recent attention by archaeologists due to a mapping project that identified the legendary ancient capital city. by Mahendraparvata. Often referred to as the birthplace of the Khmer empire, the mountain inscriptions tell about Jayavarman II, claiming to be a universal army king in 802. Jayavarman II was the first in the succession of the golden age of Khmer civilization. Of course, the most famous from this period is the development of Angkor Wat in the early 12th century and the surrounding temples. However, equally impressive (and necessary for the construction of temples) is the domestication of the Kingdom of Water with the huge irrigation system that not only supports agriculture but also relates to foundations and stability of the temples themselves. This period is still considered the birthplace of many cultures, languages, and traditions of the whole region.

The Dark Ages in Cambodia History

After the death of Jayavarman VII (responsible for building Ta Prohm, Angkor Thom, and Bayon), the Khmer empire went into decline, ending with a successful invasion of Thailand in 1431. And 400 years later known as Cambodia's dark era, with neighboring Siam and Vietnam fighting for regional dominance.

Cambodia under the French Protection

It is difficult to say whether King Norodom (who ruled from 1860 to 1904) asked to teach Cambodia Cambodia to become the protector of France in 1867, because his emotions may be affected by the presence of the French army in this country. However, this agreement did a great job of re-establishing Cambodia as an independent Kingdom and preventing it from being completely separated and destroyed by its neighbors. French influence on Cambodia has brought about many political changes (including slavery cessation) and attracted much international attention to the country through the discovery of the Islamic city. However, there was also resistance to the French, which emerged during an active rebellion in the late 19th century, and in academic and political movements in the 1940s.

The Independence in Cambodia

World War II brought more instability to the entire region with a time of Japanese occupation of Cambodia. King Sihanouk (King from 1941 to 1955 and again from 1993 to 2004) was in a precarious position, trying to negotiate for independence so that the country did not fall into danger and fall into difficult situations between the US and Vietnam. Much was written about Sihanouk's political maneuvers at the time (in 1952, he abolished his cabinet, suspended the constitution and took control of the government, introduced martial law) But the situation is difficult to say, even when looking back, what will ultimately be best for the safety of Cambodia and the people. As such, Sihanouk managed to gain complete independence in 1953.

Civil War in Cambodia

Sihanouk tried to maintain Cambodia's international neutrality during the turbulent times of the Vietnam War and, in doing so, some said he lost the battle at home. During the 1960s, political unrest grew in Cambodia and led to Nikol Nol's deprivation of power in 1970. However, the Lon Nol government proved catastrophic, however, promoted Vietnam's invasion, civil war and encouraged the United States to bomb large areas of the country. This instability supported the newly established Khmer Rouge (literally, the Red Red Khmer), who occupied Phnom Penh on April 17, 1975. Experienced up and down of history, nowadays, Cambodia has become a part of the United Nations. In 1993, Cambodia became a member of ASIAN and became for the first time, after centuries of isolation, a full-fledged member of the Southeast Asia community.