Discover
Cambodia
Few sights in the world compare with sunrise over Angkor Wat
Cambodia's temple complex is one of the great wonders of Asia, a vast city of stone faces, jungle-wrapped ruins and moats, and it's only the beginning.
Beyond Siem Reap, Cambodia offers the riverside charm of Phnom Penh, quiet French-colonial towns like Kampot and Kep, and island beaches in the south that still feel undiscovered. Add warm, welcoming people, a fascinating if often moving history, and excellent value, and it's easy to see why Cambodia is a favourite with seasoned Asia travellers.
It's an ideal add-on to a Thailand or Vietnam trip, or a rewarding destination on its own.
Exclusive Holiday Getaways members can win adventures across Southeast Asia in our weekly holiday giveaways, save with member rewards, and support our charity partners through every membership.
How To Get There
There are no direct flights from Australia, but connections are easy through Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur or Ho Chi Minh City.
Siem Reap (SAI): the new Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport, about an hour from town, is the gateway to the temples
Phnom Penh (KTI): the capital's new Techo International Airport
Total travel time: usually 10 to 14 hours from the east coast with one connection, and less from Perth and Darwin
Cambodia is three to four hours behind Australian eastern time.
Editor's note: both major airports have moved to new sites recently.
Getting Around Cambodia
Tuk-tuks: the classic way to get around Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Hire one by the day for the temples.
Ride-hailing apps: Grab and PassApp offer fixed, fair prices for tuk-tuks and cars.
Private drivers and buses: connect Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Kampot and the coast.
Domestic flights: link Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, saving a five-to-six-hour drive.
Ferries: run from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem.
Best Time To Visit
Cool, dry season (November to February): the best time to visit, with comfortable temperatures and clear skies. Peak season at Angkor.
Hot season (March to May): very hot and humid, with temple visits best at sunrise and late afternoon.
Wet season (June to October): afternoon downpours, lush green landscapes, fewer crowds and lower prices. Angkor is at its most atmospheric, with moats full and jungle at its greenest.
Things To Do
Siem Reap and Angkor
Angkor Wat at sunrise: the world's largest religious monument, reflected in the lotus ponds at dawn.
Bayon Temple: more than 200 serene stone faces gazing out from its towers.
Ta Prohm: the "jungle temple", where giant tree roots tumble over the ruins.
Banteay Srei: a small, exquisitely carved pink sandstone temple.
Phare, the Cambodian Circus: an acrobatic performance by a social enterprise that trains young Cambodian artists.
Tonlé Sap Lake: visit floating villages and stilted houses on Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake.
Phnom Penh
Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda: gleaming golden spires and a floor of silver tiles.
Riverside: a sunset cruise where the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers meet.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek: sobering but important memorials to the Khmer Rouge era.
Markets: shop for silk, silver and souvenirs at the Russian Market and Central Market.
The South Coast
Kampot: a sleepy riverside town famous for its pepper farms and sunset river cruises.
Kep: fresh crab at the seaside crab market.
Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem: white-sand beaches, clear water and glowing bioluminescent plankton at night.
Where to Stay
Siem Reap: the best range in the country, from boutique pool villas to luxury resorts, many with free tuk-tuk transfers to town.
Phnom Penh: riverside hotels and stylish boutique stays in restored colonial buildings.
Kampot and Kep: riverside bungalows and small boutique resorts.
Koh Rong islands: beachfront bungalows and a handful of luxury island resorts.
Budget Guide
Cambodia is one of the best-value destinations in Asia. As a rough guide per person, per day, excluding flights:
Budget: around A$50–80 for guesthouses, street food and shared tuk-tuks
Mid-range: around A$120–200 for a boutique hotel with a pool, restaurant meals and a private driver
Luxury: A$400+ for five-star resorts, private temple guides and fine dining
US dollars are widely used, so you rarely need to change much money.
Past Giveaways
Imagine sunrise at Angkor Wat. Browse our current holiday giveaways for your chance to win an Asian adventure.
Upcoming Giveaway
Current Giveaway | 86
Win a Six-Night Suite Escape to The Aviary Hotel, Siem Reap Valued at $6,072
Upcoming Giveaways
FAQs
Yes. Get a tourist e-visa online before you go (US$30, usually issued within three business days, for a stay of up to 30 days), or buy a visa on arrival for the same price in cash US dollars. All air arrivals must also complete the free Cambodia e-Arrival card. Your passport needs at least six months' validity.
Passes are sold for one, three or seven days, from about US$37 for a single day. Buy them online or at the official ticket office. Three days is ideal to see the main temples without rushing.
Cover your shoulders and knees at Angkor and other religious sites. Lightweight long pants or a skirt and a T-shirt work well in the heat.
Both the US dollar and the Cambodian riel. Prices are often quoted in dollars, with small change given in riel. Bring clean, untorn US notes, as damaged ones are often refused.
Cambodia is generally safe for tourists. Watch for bag snatching in Phnom Penh, use reputable transport, and stay on marked paths in rural areas because of remaining landmines. Check Smartraveller for the latest advice.
Make your
next Holiday aReality
Turn daydreams into departures. Become a member today and make your next getaway a reality.
Never miss an offer or update
Subscribe and be the first to receive our news and exclusive offers.
Download Our
Mobile App
Download the EHG App to manage your account and use the interactive map to
easily find local deals and discounts near you.
