Luxury Holidays to Cambodia Tailor Made by Wayfairer Travel

Complex history, mysterious ancient temple cities and relaxing waterside escapes

Cambodia has a rich history and culture, with religion at the forefront

Cambodia is a destination synonymous with history, from the ancient temple city of Angkor to the horrific rule of the Khmer Rouge and Pol Pot. Today, that history is the main draw for Cambodia holidays to the once-isolated country, with tourism playing a key role in the country's ongoing rebirth and renewal.

Where to go on your Cambodia holiday

The magnificent ruins of Angkor are a must-see on any Cambodia tour, with sunrise at Angkor Wat being a "bucket list" experience for many. However, there are hundreds of ruins to discover at Angkor without the crowds, with many structures beautifully entangled in roots and branches, as the jungle takes back the land.

Siem Reap, one of Cambodia's biggest cities, is the gateway to Angkor and also has its own attractions in busy markets packed with local artworks, wooden carvings and Khmer textiles.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital, is a lively metropolis of traditional markets, modern developments and French colonial architecture. Trips to the Royal Palace and its Silver Pagoda, as well as the National Museum, offer striking Khmer architecture and exploration of Cambodian culture; while visits to the harrowing Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Killing Fields are sombre, yet important, reminders of Cambodia's tragic past.

Riverside Escapes & Beach Holidays in Cambodia

Outside of the cities, Cambodia has many beaches, rivers and island oases. On the south coast, the beach destinations of Sihanoukville and Kep provide seaside escapes and fresh seafood, with the sleepy riverside town of Kampot (home of Kampot pepper) and the idyllic island paradise of Koh Rong nearby. Or, take a trip to the laid-back Mekong riverside retreat of Kratie, which is the best place to visit in Cambodia, to see the rare freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins.

If you prefer to get off the beaten path, Kampong Thom in northeast Cambodia boasts remote sites of ancient temple cities (including a complex that pre-dates Angkor by 400 years), bustling markets, and delicious Khmer cuisine, such as must-try fish amok.

For more information, browse our itinerary suggestions for luxury Cambodia holidays designed to give you more ideas for your customised Cambodia tour, all packed with unique encounters with nature, authentic cultures, and local communities.

When to go to Cambodia

A tropical country, Cambodia is warm all year round, with temperatures rarely dipping below 18c, but often rising above 30c. The best time to visit is between November and March, when the temperatures are pleasant, and the humidity is low. However, this is also the busiest time for tourists visiting Cambodia, and Angkor Wat is especially busy over Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year, with tourists from around the world descending on the temple complex.

If you are looking to experience the UNESCO heritage site without the crowds, then consider visiting in September or October, when there is a small chance of rain, but there will be far fewer tourists. The monsoon rain falls between May and September, and heavy daily downpours are accompanied by high humidity. During this time, it can be difficult to explore the more remote regions of Cambodia.

Most festivals involve Cambodians returning home for quiet ceremonies, but the Water Festival in November is a vibrant experience for travellers to witness. Colourful boat races, fireworks, and street parties mark the end of the rainy season and the Harvest moon of the Lunar calendar (usually November). This is also the time when the Tonle Sap River changes its direction of flow - it’s the only waterway in the world to change.

From the website: The best time for a Cambodia holiday is between November and March, when the temperatures are warm, and the humidity is low. However, this is also the busiest time for tourists, and Angkor is especially busy over Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year. Monsoons cover the country from May until August, and April is the hottest month of the year. 

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