Luxury Cambodia Travel
Cambodia is a land of ancient wonders, where the magnificent Angkor Wat materializes out of the jungle at dawn, temples shimmer in gold and silver, and museums brim with art and artifacts from the Khmer Empire. But in vibrant, modern cities like Phnom Penh, the pulse of modern Cambodia is also felt through art, design, and cuisine, as the country emerges resilient from a difficult past.
Although the UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor is what attracts many people to travel in Cambodia, there’s much more to discover in this land of contrasts. Venture into the heart of the country and float along the waters of Tonle Sap Lake or trek through pristine rainforest in the remote Cardamom Mountains. On the coast, the golden beaches and blue waters of the Koh Rong Archipelago offer a slow, tropical escape. Unique accommodation awaits wherever your trip takes you, from elegant urban retreats to luxury tented suites in the rainforest.
Whether you’re exploring Cambodia’s rich history and cultural heritage or seeking serenity amidst natural beauty, this destination promises a captivating, nuanced travel experience.
What is Cambodia Best Known For?
Cambodia is a country with a complex yet rich history, boasting incredible artistic achievements and a deep, abiding spirituality. The most enduring symbol of this is found at the awe-inspiring Angkor temple complex, an exquisite example of Khmer architecture and a paean to the country’s Buddhist and Hindu traditions. Religion continues to play a significant role in daily life, and the predominant faith of Theravada Buddhism comes to life during temple rituals, everyday acts of kindness and charity, and the calm and warmth of the Cambodian people.
Despite a turbulent history marked by the Khmer Rouge regime and decades of civil unrest, Cambodia has emerged as a resilient nation with a youthful energy and a deep sense of pride in its cultural heritage. Traditions such as classical Apsara dance and the practice of silk weaving have been revived, offering a glimpse into the country’s rich artistic past. In its rural heartland, family and spiritual life, as well as traditional festivals, remain central to Cambodian identity.
Cambodia balances these ancient roots with modern aspirations. Urban centers like Phnom Penh are emerging as vibrant, forward-thinking cultural hubs where an entrepreneurial spirit is expressed in world-class design and cuisine. Cambodia’s food culture, with its fragrant curries, freshwater fish, and distinctive use of herbs and spices, reflects the nation’s relationship with the land and water, which continues to shape contemporary interpretations of these culinary traditions. While still grappling with its past, Cambodia looks to the future with hope and possibility, offering an inspiring experience in Southeast Asia.
Cambodia Travel Highlights
- Visit the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor alongside an archeologist guide. You’ll also visit a secretive temple, far from the Angkor crowds, for a more contemplative ruins experience.
- Board a wooden boat and cruise around Tonle Sap Lake, visiting traditional stilt villages and gleaning a glimpse of everyday life along the water.
- Watch the tangerine sun set over green rice paddies from the terrace of your private stilted villa at Phum Baitang, a world unto itself just outside Siem Reap.
- Visit Tuol Sleng prison in Phnom Penh to learn about the Khmer Rouge and how the genocide tragically imprinted on Cambodian society and psyche.
- Ride a zipline through the treetops to reach the magical tented property of Shinta Mani Wild in the remote rainforest.
- Retreat to an overwater bungalow off the Cambodian coast and revel in sun-drenched beach days.
What to Expect on a Luxury Trip to Cambodia
- Memorable Accommodations: There are properties to delight every type of traveler in Cambodia. Retreat to the tranquil, bucolic setting of Phum Baitang, a refined retreat just outside Siem Reap that evokes the charm of a traditional Khmer village in its design. Embrace adventure and wellness at Shinta Mani Wild, a remote rainforest sanctuary, experience urban sophistication at Raffles Hotel Le Royal Phnom Penh, or escape to a private island retreat at Song Saa.
- Expert Guides: Wherever your trip in Cambodia takes you, you’ll have friendly and knowledgeable, English-speaking guides connecting you to the destination in a meaningful way, whether you’re exploring ancient ruins and countryside temples, birdwatching in the rainforest, or discovering modern art and cuisine.
- Exclusive Experiences: Every trip we design is bespoke, and we pride ourselves on giving you access to exclusive experiences tailored to the type of travel that resonates with you. Expect private classes or workshops, and excursions led by expert guides and knowledgeable locals. Visit the lesser-known temples of Angkor in a vintage Jeep, zipline into a remote jungle retreat in the Cardamom Mountains, or tour artist ateliers in Siem Reap with a local expert gallery curator.
- Seamless, Worry-Free Travel: Journeying from the temples of Angkor to the quiet coastline or remote rainforest often requires expert logistics and scheduling. Your Cambodia specialist will weave your trip together seamlessly, arranging all transfers, private drivers, and connections so you can simply enjoy the journey.
- 24/7 In-Destination Support: Our job doesn’t end when your boarding pass is printed. Extraordinary Journeys is always by your side while you’re traveling. We have reliable on-the-ground support, and a 24/7 concierge is just a phone call away.
Cambodia Travel FAQs
Like all our bespoke itineraries, how long you stay in Cambodia depends on your interests and timeline. If you’re hoping to add some time in Siem Reap to discover Angkor after visiting neighboring countries, three to four nights may suffice. But if you’d like to venture deeper into the country’s landscape, history, and culture, you can easily spend two weeks here, visiting the remote rainforest in the Cardamom Mountains, decompressing with some beach time on an island off the coast, and exploring the country’s vibrant modern cities.
Cambodia is generally a safe destination. Of course, it’s always good to practice common sense and situational awareness in busy urban centers. We recommend not wearing flashy jewelry or unnecessarily drawing attention to yourself as a traveler.
American citizens require an E-visa for travel to Cambodia.
There are no mandatory vaccinations to enter Cambodia, however, we suggest you check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for up-to-date recommendations, and discuss options with your healthcare professional.
Khmer is the country’s official language, but you’ll find many people working in hospitality in popular tourist areas speak English. We will also arrange English-speaking guides and drivers for the duration of your trip.
It’s always appreciated if you know some basic Khmer phrases, however. For example, “hello” is “susedai“, “thank you” is “arkoon”, and “bong” is a respectful way to address others.
The Cambodian Riel (KHR) is the official currency but U.S. dollars are preferred for most transactions. (Ten USD is equivalent to roughly 40,500 riels.) Ensure banknotes are recently issued (within the last 20 years) and are absent tears or markings.
The Best Time to Travel to Cambodia
Head to Cambodia during the dry season, from November to April, to capitalize on sunny days that are ideal for wandering around the ancient temples of Angkor and exploring the outdoors. November to February is the most comfortable as its slightly cooler, while March and April can get quite hot.
The wet season, from May to October, brings newly green landscapes and fewer tourists, so if you’re less focused on the beach and would love to see Angkor Wat without the crowds, this season can be an incredible time to visit. Most rain showers occur in the late evening or early morning, leaving much of the day free for exploration.
While the above is a good rule of thumb to follow when planning a visit to Cambodia, there are some exceptions.
- While visiting sites such as Angkor Wat or the cities of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh can benefit from off-season travel, other destinations are truly best in the dry season.
- In the Cardamom Mountains, roads and trails can become muddy and impassable with frequent rain.
- In the Koh Rong Archipelago, seas are calmer for swimming and snorkeling during the dry season.
Where to Travel in Cambodia
No one will fault you for heading straight to the mystical, awe-inspiring temples of Angkor. But if time allows, we recommend venturing farther afield to experience the true essence of Cambodia travel, even within wider Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor. Whether it’s the modern buzz of Phnom Penh or the serene respite of Cambodia’s rainforest or beaches, this is a dynamic and diverse country that you could devote weeks to exploring.
Siem Reap
Siem Reap is practically synonymous with Angkor Wat, and you’ll get to explore the Angkor temple complex in an intimate, singular way. Led by an expert guide or archaeologist, embark on a jeep safari to discover this ancient site away from the crowds, uncovering its fascinating history and lesser-known temples. In the countryside outside the city, get a glimpse of rural life by visiting small villages and cruising around the stilt houses of Tonle Sap Lake.
Phnom Penh
Cambodia’s capital is a city of contrasts, where the ghosts of a sobering past linger in a metropolis that’s emerging as a dynamic artistic destination. Reflect on the legacy of the Khmer Rouge with a guided visit to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek and visit other historical sites such as the Royal Palace and National Museum. Then, immerse yourself in Phnom Penh‘s contemporary culture by touring art and architecture highlights, winding your way through vibrant markets, and indulging in refined world-class cuisine.
The Cardamom Mountains
Visions of temples and ancient ruins often eclipse other plans for travel to Cambodia. But in the remote Cardamom Mountains, adrenaline junkies and serenity seekers alike will find a haven in the country’s largest remaining tract of rainforest. Zipline through the treetops to reach a stunning jungle camp, trek through misty green hills, birdwatch from a kayak, or unwind with a foot massage while soaking in a river.
Koh Rong Archipelago
Get your beach fix during Cambodia travel with a coastal escape in the Koh Rong Archipelago. Whether you’re seeking a romantic retreat or time to decompress on a solo trip, the slow pace of private island hideaways and overwater bungalows here is a balm for the spirit. Snorkel, cruise to secluded beach picnics, take a cooking class, or dive in for a bioluminescent night swim.
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