After a difficult time, Cambodia is poised to develop as an emerging destination. The country has developed significantly in recent years and now receive visitors with open arms. In Cambodia are fewer opportunities than in Thailand but also in the ancient Khmer kingdom you will experience culture, tradition, great food, beautiful, quiet beaches, many temples and fun city life! A destination to keep track!
Because the land is less developed, the infrastructure and facilities are less well organized than in neighboring Thailand and Vietnam. Roads are sometimes less passable, and the country is still less set to Western visitors, which is also due to the fact that tourists only recently welcome in the country with such a painful recent history. The expectation is that Cambodia within a few decades a large proportion of rural income will generate from tourism!
Facts and Figures
Number of inhabitants: 14.5 million
Capital: Phnom Penh
Language: Khmer
Currency: Riel
Religion: Buddhist
Area, 182,000 square kilometers
Climate: subtropical
How and when
Like every country in Southeast Asia, Cambodia each year have periods which it sometimes and sometimes not rain, the rainy season. The rainy season runs from June to October and is characterized by short periods of heavy rain. In March and April, the extreme temperature and humidity rise up to 40 degrees! The best time to visit Cambodia, like Thailand and Laos in early December to late February. Cooling breeze creates a pleasant climate.
From Amsterdam, Brussels, Cologne, Dusseldorf will fly you in about 11 hours non stop to Cambodia. It is smarter to go to Cambodia from Thailand. Bangkok is easy and cheaper than traveling to Phnom Penh and from Thailand you can easily travel through eastern Thailand, Vietnam and then Cambodia. In Cambodia you need a visa which you can buy at the embassy of your country of residence.
Highlights
The highlight of Cambodia is of course the old city of Angkor, near Siem Reap. From Bangkok in Thailand, you can travel in about 5 hours to Siem Reap, a similar time as your starting point Phnom Penh. You can easily fly to Siem Reap. Angkor by UNESCO in 1992 declared a World Heritage. The area is 400 km2 and is filled with beautiful temples! Some temples have been restored, others still lay hidden in the jungle. Highlights of the park are the temples Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Neak Phan, Thaprom, Bantey Srei and Loi Lei.
But there is more to see in and around Siem Reap. Step back in time in the French Quarter with its charming hotels and restaurants. A visit to the capital city Phnom Penh while traveling in Cambodia should not be missed. The capital has developed significantly in recent years and is now a pleasant town for a couple of days. Visit the Silver Pagoda, National Museum and drinking a cocktail at the Foreign Correspondence Club.
Would you like to discover the less touristy areas of Cambodia? Pay a visit to northeastern Cambodia. Here you will find the resorts of Sihanouk Ville and Kep. Less developed but certainly with Cambodian charm.