Holidays in Cambodia

Seeing the sun rise above the towers of Angkor Wat is one of those life-affirming moments that will forever stay with you. It’s the ultimate glimpse of the Khmer empire’s genius and a must on any trip to Cambodia – it is on the national flag after all. But there are many over temples hidden in the UNESCO-listed Angkor complex worthy of your attention and nearly all of them only draw a fraction of Angkor Wat’s crowds. The sprawling ruins of Angkor Thom are spread over nearly four square miles, its wonders – including a trio of state temples, Baphuon, Phimeanakas and Bayon – guarded by five magnificent gates topped with ornately decorated heads. Make time to see Ta Prohm, with its remains slowly being swallowed by the jungle, while the monuments at Roluos are some of the earliest examples of Khmer temples and classical art.

The vast Tonle Sap is the biggest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia but it’s also home to a fascinating community. The string of floating and stilted villages that line its banks is a brilliant place to observe local life that has existed here for centuries. Watch fishermen twirl their nets into the lake in hope of landing a big catch and wander the villages themselves on a guided tour, where you’ll learn how life on the lake evolved for the ethnic Vietnamese and Cham communities. Explore the surrounding flooded forest as well, where you can spot birdlife such as spot-billed pelicans and painted storks.

If you want an authentic wedge of local life, then head to the sleepy south coast town of Kep. Its mellow atmosphere and laid-back locals are a refreshing change and an authentic add-on to an island stay off the coast of Sihanoukville. You can stay in a stylish boutique hotel, converted from an original villa built by the French in the early 20th century. A visit to the crab market guarantees great seafood while the town's sailing club is ideal for a sundowner or two. Neighbouring Kampot, only a half-hour drive away, is lined with endearing tumbledown shophouses that hark back to a time other places have long forgotten and La Plantation, a pepper farm found in the countryside between the two towns, is a local enterprise showcasing the region’s excellent produce and well worth a visit.

For a truly off-the-map experience, Cambodia’s southern reaches are carpeted in pristine rainforest. The Southern Cardamom and Botum Sakor national parks are unspoilt lands overflowing with incredible biodiversity. Walking trails web the lush landscape while boats ford their snaking rivers, both offering prime opportunities for spotting a raft of Cambodia’s elusive wildlife – pileated gibbons, clouded leopards, sun bears and Malayan tapirs all roam here. Aside from the exploring, relaxing in a luxury jungle camp, listening to the soothing sounds of the rainforest, is a great way to get away from it all.

Many people don’t realise that Cambodia has many island retreats to add on after exploring its inland marvels. But the tropical isles that lie off the country’s south coast quietly provide an unspoilt combination of beach and rainforest that are yet to be discovered. Several luxury holiday resorts help you soak up a slice of serene jungle intimacy in a relaxed setting, with each adding its own twist, from rainforest spa treatments to overwater villas.

Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Polio and Tetanus-Diptheria vaccinations are currently recommended. There’s a risk of the Zika virus, while Malaria is a risk around Angkor Wat and Tonle Sap lake. If you’re entering Cambodia from a Yellow Fever zone, possession of a valid Yellow Fever inoculation certificate is required but for any current travel health advice, you should seek guidance from your GP at least four to six weeks prior to travel.

The time difference is GMT +7 hours.

There are no direct flights from the UK to Cambodia but it’s still only a simple one-stop route. It’s roughly 12 hours to a major Asian city such as Bangkok, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, before a connecting two-hour flight to either Phnom Penh, Siem Reap or Sihanoukville.

The currency is the Cambodian riel.

British passport holders need a visa to enter Cambodia. They can either be obtained on arrival into Cambodia for US$30 (make sure you have two passport photos with you as well) or online in advance for US$36 (includes a processing fee).