Cambodia Holidays

Last updated: September 2026

Cambodia holidays centre on one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological sites — Angkor Wat — but the country offers far more than its famous temples. Phnom Penh is a vibrant river capital with a complex and moving history, the coast is dotted with undeveloped islands, and the warmth of Cambodian hospitality makes every visit deeply affecting.

Cambodia is compact and easy to navigate, making it ideal for a first Southeast Asia adventure or as part of a longer regional trip combining Vietnam, Thailand or Laos. Two weeks is enough to see the highlights; a week focused on Angkor and Phnom Penh is a perfectly satisfying short break.

Why Choose Cambodia?

Cambodia punches well above its weight as a travel destination. Angkor Wat alone justifies the flight, but the country also offers a capital city with genuine depth, a coastline that feels a decade behind the development curve, and a people whose resilience and warmth is extraordinary given the country’s recent history.

Cambodia is one of Southeast Asia’s best-value destinations. Excellent food, comfortable accommodation and entry to the Angkor temples all cost a fraction of equivalent experiences elsewhere in the region.

The country is also a natural fit with neighbouring destinations. Bus and boat connections to Vietnam and Thailand are straightforward, and budget flights make it easy to combine Cambodia with the wider region.

Angkor Wat and Siem Reap

Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument ever constructed — a 12th-century Hindu temple later converted to Buddhism, covering 1.6 square kilometres and surrounded by a moat 190 metres wide. In person, it is even more overwhelming than photographs suggest.

The Angkor Archaeological Park extends well beyond Angkor Wat itself. The Bayon temple is famous for its 216 serene stone faces gazing in every direction; Ta Prohm — the “Tomb Raider temple” — is being slowly consumed by the roots of enormous fig trees; Banteay Srei is a smaller, exquisitely detailed 10th-century temple often cited as the finest carving in all of Angkor.

Siem Reap, the town that serves the temples, has developed into a genuinely pleasant base. Pub Street and the old market area have good restaurants, bars and night markets, and the town makes an excellent two or three-night base for temple exploration.

An Angkor Archaeological Park pass is required to enter the temples. Three-day passes offer the best value for most visitors, allowing morning and sunset visits and time to explore the wider park beyond the main sites.

Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh sits at the confluence of the Mekong, Tonle Sap and Bassac rivers — a position that gives the city its graceful, waterfront character. The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda are the architectural highlights, set within a compound that reflects Cambodia’s royal Buddhist tradition.

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum — the former S-21 prison — and the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek are essential, sobering visits for anyone seeking to understand Cambodia’s 20th-century history. They are among the most important history sites in Southeast Asia.

The city’s food and café scene has developed considerably in recent years. The riverfront and BKK1 neighbourhood have excellent restaurants, rooftop bars and coffee shops. Phnom Penh deserves two nights minimum — one is simply not enough.

The Coast and Islands

Cambodia’s coastline is one of Southeast Asia’s last genuinely undeveloped stretches. Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem — islands a short boat ride from Sihanoukville — offer beautiful white-sand beaches, crystal-clear water and a relaxed atmosphere that feels very different from the busier Thai islands.

Koh Rong Samloem in particular is prized for its tranquillity. The main beach, Saracen Bay, is a long arc of fine sand with a handful of low-key beach bungalows and excellent snorkelling just offshore.

Sihanoukville itself has undergone significant development in recent years. Visitors are best advised to pass through the town quickly and head directly to the islands, where the original appeal of Cambodia’s coast remains intact.

Food and Culture

Cambodian (Khmer) cuisine is one of Southeast Asia’s most underrated food traditions. Fish amok — a fragrant, steamed coconut-milk curry served in a banana leaf — is the national dish; lok lak (stir-fried beef with lime, pepper and egg) and nom banh chok (Khmer noodles with green fish curry sauce) are equally good.

Food costs in Cambodia are very low. A bowl of excellent soup costs under a dollar from a local stall; a full meal with beer in a mid-range restaurant rarely exceeds £8 per person. The night markets in Siem Reap are a particularly enjoyable setting for dinner.

Buddhism is the foundation of Cambodian culture and its influence is everywhere — in the temple complexes, the daily alms-giving rituals and the gentle, unhurried approach to life that characterises interactions with Cambodian people.

When to Go

November to April is Cambodia’s dry season and the best time to visit. Temperatures are warm (25–35°C), humidity is lower, and the Angkor temples are at their most photogenic in the clear morning light.

May to October is the wet season, with afternoon downpours that are usually short but heavy. The temples are greener and more atmospheric during this period, and visitor numbers are significantly lower — making for a more contemplative experience. Some roads in remote areas become impassable.

The Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) in October or November — when the Tonle Sap River reverses direction — is a spectacular celebration in Phnom Penh worth planning around if your dates allow.

Getting There

There are no direct flights from the UK to Cambodia. The main connections are via Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Ho Chi Minh City, with total journey times of 14–17 hours. Siem Reap and Phnom Penh both have international airports.

Budget carriers including AirAsia and Bangkok Airways connect Siem Reap and Phnom Penh cheaply to Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur and Hanoi. Overland bus connections between Cambodia and Vietnam are reliable and popular with independent travellers.

UK citizens require an e-visa for Cambodia, available online before departure. Visa on arrival is also available at major border crossings and both international airports.

Cambodia at a Glance

Book Your Cambodia Holiday

Search4Sun compares Cambodia holiday deals from the UK’s leading tour operators, with departures from local airports across the UK. Angkor Wat temple tours, Phnom Penh city breaks and island beach extensions can all be arranged through our partner operators.

For last-minute Cambodia deals, check LastMinute.com. Cambodia combines beautifully with Vietnam and Thailand — see our Asia holidays page for multi-country inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cambodia Holidays

How many days do I need at Angkor Wat?

Two to three days is the recommended minimum to explore the Angkor Archaeological Park properly. A single day allows you to see Angkor Wat, the Bayon and Ta Prohm — the main sites — but leaves little time for the quieter outlying temples that many visitors find most rewarding. Three days allows a relaxed exploration of the full park including Banteay Srei and the remote Beng Mealea temple.

Is Cambodia safe for tourists?

Cambodia is generally safe for tourists in the main visitor areas of Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and the coast. Petty theft occurs in crowded areas; be careful with bags and phones. Unexploded ordnance remains a risk in rural areas away from established paths — always stick to marked routes when visiting remote temples or countryside. Check FCDO travel advice before departure.

Can I combine Cambodia with Vietnam?

Yes — the Cambodia–Vietnam combination is one of Southeast Asia’s classic itineraries. The most popular route runs from Hanoi south through Hue, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City, then crosses overland to Phnom Penh and on to Siem Reap. The journey can be done entirely by bus and boat or supplemented with short budget flights. Allow three to four weeks for a relaxed two-country trip.

What currency should I use in Cambodia?

The US dollar is the practical currency for most transactions in Cambodia — hotels, restaurants, tuk-tuks and entry tickets are all priced in dollars. The Cambodian Riel is used for small change (notes below $1). There is no need to obtain Riel before travelling; simply bring or withdraw US dollars. ATMs dispensing dollars are available in all major towns.