Welcome to Cambodia

Cambodia is one of the most fascinating travel destinations in Southeast Asia — and much more than "just" Angkor Wat. In a country the size of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg combined, you can expect a mix that is found nowhere else:

• Angkor Wat — the largest religious structure in human history. Over 1,000 temples scattered over 400 km² of jungle. A UNESCO World Heritage Site that leaves even seasoned travelers speechless.
• Dream islands in the Gulf of Thailand — Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem offer powdery beaches, turquoise waters, and glowing bioluminescent plankton at night. Still far from the mass tourism of the Thai islands.
• One of the most moving stories of humanity — the Khmer Rouge era (1975–1979) deeply shaped the country. The memorials in Phnom Penh are among the most impressive places a traveler can visit.
• Incredibly low prices — a beer for 0.50 USD, a complete dinner for 2–4 USD, a double room with air conditioning from 10 USD. Cambodia is one of the cheapest travel countries in Asia.
• The warmth of the Khmer — despite their tragic history, Cambodians greet you with a smile that is genuine and disarming. "Sok sabay?" (How are you?) is heard all day long.
• Undiscovered Northeast — red dirt roads, elephant projects, volcanic lakes, and indigenous mountain peoples. Here, you won't meet another tourist for hours.
• Kampot Pepper — perhaps the best pepper in the world, grown on plantations you can visit. Plus fresh seafood in Kep and sunsets on the Kampot River.

Cambodia is not a country for all-inclusive tourists. It is raw, honest, and deeply touching. The infrastructure is sometimes adventurous, the roads dusty, the heat relentless. But that's exactly what makes it appealing: Here, you experience Southeast Asia in its most authentic form — before it becomes too polished.

Cambodia can be divided into five travel regions. Each has its own character:

Siem Reap & Angkor

For whom: Culture and history fans, photographers, all Cambodia visitors
The temple city of Angkor is by far the most important reason to travel. The city of Siem Reap is the tourist center with hotels, restaurants, and the infamous Pub Street. Also, the vast Tonle Sap Lake with its floating villages. Plan at least 3 full days for the temples.

Phnom Penh

For whom: City explorers, history enthusiasts, foodies
The capital at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap is rough, loud, and fascinating. The magnificent Royal Palace stands in stark contrast to the Khmer Rouge memorials. In between: Art Deco architecture, lively markets, and a burgeoning restaurant and bar scene. 2–3 days.

South Coast & Islands

For whom: Beach lovers, those seeking tranquility, gourmets
Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem are Cambodia's island paradises — still far from Thai overdevelopment. Kampot enchants with colonial charm and the best pepper in the world, Kep has the best crab market in Southeast Asia, and Bokor Hill Station offers ghost town atmosphere at 1,000 meters altitude.

Battambang & Northwest

For whom: Explorers, art lovers, travelers off the beaten path
Cambodia's second-largest city is a gem with French colonial architecture, the legendary Bamboo Train (reopened), and the Phare Ponleu Selpak Circus — a world-famous social project. In the remote northwest awaits the Banteay Chhmar temple, Angkor's forgotten twin.

Mondulkiri & Ratanakiri (Northeast)

For whom: Adventurers, nature lovers, animal friends
The wild east: red dirt roads, dense jungle, the perfectly round Yeak Laom volcanic lake, ethical elephant projects in Mondulkiri, and the last Irrawaddy river dolphins in the Mekong at Kratie. Here, Cambodia is still frontier.

1. Sunrise at Angkor Wat — The silhouette of the largest religious structure of mankind, mirrored in the lotus pool, while the sky is ablaze. THE iconic Southeast Asia experience. Be there at 5:00 AM, position yourself to the left of the pool. → Chap. Angkor
2. The Face Towers of Bayon — 216 enigmatic faces smile at you from 54 towers. In the morning mist, this temple feels otherworldly. → Chap. Angkor
3. Ta Prohm in Nature's Grasp — Giant strangler fig roots engulf the stone walls. The "Tomb Raider" temple is Cambodia's most photogenic spot. → Chap. Angkor
4. The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek — Emotionally overwhelming, but a must-see. The audio guide (included in the entrance fee, 6 USD) is one of the best in the world. With headphones, you hear survivors' stories. → Chap. Phnom Penh
5. Koh Rong's Bioluminescent Plankton — At new moon, the sea glows blue-green with every movement. Jump into the water and your body glows. A magical experience found in only a few places in the world. → Chap. South Coast
6. Eating Amok Trey — Cambodia's national dish: fish in a creamy coconut milk curry paste, steamed in banana leaf. Mild, aromatic, addictive. From 2 USD in local restaurants. → Chap. Food & Drink
7. Sunset at Phnom Bakheng — From this temple hill (65 m), you can see over the jungle to the towers of Angkor Wat. Only 300 visitors allowed at a time — be there early (4:00 PM). → Chap. Angkor
8. Walking with Elephants in Mondulkiri — At the Elephant Valley Project, accompany rescued elephants through the forest and watch them bathe. No riding, no circus — ethical and unforgettable. 75 USD/day. → Chap. Northeast
9. Swimming in Yeak Laom Crater Lake — A perfectly round, 50 m deep volcanic lake surrounded by jungle. The water is crystal clear and pleasantly warm. Sacred site of the Tampuan indigenous people. Entrance: 1 USD. → Chap. Northeast
10. Tasting Kampot Pepper on the Plantation — Black, white, red, and the rare fresh green pepper directly from the vine. La Plantation and Sothy's offer tours with tastings. 5–8 USD. → Chap. South Coast
11. Experiencing Phare Circus in Battambang — Acrobatics, theater, and live music performed by young Cambodians who escaped poverty through art. Celebrated worldwide, in Battambang for 18 USD. → Chap. Battambang
12. Watching Irrawaddy Dolphins at Kratie — The last approximately 90 freshwater dolphins in the Mekong. Boat tour from Kampi (9 USD, 1h), best in the afternoon when they surface. → Chap. Northeast
13. Eating Crabs in Kep — The crab market on the beach sells freshly caught crabs with Kampot pepper for 3–5 USD. Accompanied by an Angkor beer and sea view. Perfection. → Chap. South Coast
14. Strolling through the Royal Palace Complex in Phnom Penh — Golden spires, the Silver Pagoda with 5,000 silver tiles, and the Emerald Buddha. Cambodia's most splendid site. → Chap. Phnom Penh
15. Admiring Banteay Srei — The "Temple of Women" has the finest stone carvings in the entire Angkor region. Red sandstone, intricate reliefs, 37 km north of Siem Reap. → Chap. Angkor

Cambodia has a tropical monsoon climate with two seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. Temperatures are high year-round — it never gets cold.

Best Time: November–April (Dry Season)

The absolute recommendation for most travelers:

• November–February: The most pleasant time. 25–32°C, little rain, lower humidity. December and January are the "coolest" months (22°C at night). Peak season in Siem Reap and on the islands — book accommodations in advance!
• March–April: The hottest months. 35–40°C, sometimes over 40°C inland. Angkor and Phnom Penh are scorching hot. Best to visit temples early in the morning or late afternoon. Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey) in mid-April is an experience — but many businesses close.

Rainy Season: May–October

The "Green Season" has its own charm:

• May–June: Start of the monsoon. Mostly short, heavy showers in the afternoon (1–2h), then sunshine again. Everything turns green. Significantly fewer tourists, lower prices.
• July–September: Heaviest rain. Day tours possible, but unpaved roads in the northeast can become impassable. Tonle Sap fills up — a unique phenomenon (the river reverses its flow!).
• October: Rain subsides, landscape at its greenest. Angkor temples surrounded by water reservoirs and lush vegetation — especially photogenic. Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) in late October/November in Phnom Penh.

Climate Table: Siem Reap

Cambodia is a dream destination for budget travelers. The country is significantly cheaper than Thailand and on par with Vietnam or Myanmar. The use of the US dollar makes cost planning easy.

Daily Budget per Person

Price Examples (2025/2026)