Cambodia holidays

To the south, discover Cambodia’s best kept secret: 443km (275 miles) of coastline, dotted with dreamy islands and peaceful fishing villages. From the busy beaches of Sihanoukville to the quiet coves of Koh Rong Sanloem and the seafood delights of Kep, the county’s under-developed shores offer a slice of Southeast Asia by the sea, minus the crowds.

In fact, compared to neighbours Thailand and Vietnam, Cambodia receives a fraction of the tourists. Step away from the popular hotspots, and you’ll see just how quiet this fascinating country can be. And while numbers are rising, prices are staying low – in a region famed for its value, holidays to Cambodia are among the cheapest in Southeast Asia.

Travelling during the wet season comes with its challenges, although it shouldn’t be ruled out entirely. Not only is it cheaper, but attractions, such as Angkor Wat, which would be heaving in the dry season, are wonderfully quiet. That said, road travel can be difficult due to flooding.

Generally, it is best to avoid September and October, as these are the wettest months.

To say Angkor Wat is one of the greatest archaeological sites on Earth is no exaggeration. Its staggering complex of temples stretches out over 400 acres, an intricate monument to the Hindu faith and the Khmer kingdom’s former power. The three sites of Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm and Bayon, are the main draw, but there’s much to see beyond this and you’ll need at least two days to get close to doing it justice.

Tonle Sap floating villages

Whole villages float on the soupy waters Tonle Sap lake, suspended on bamboo stilts and built onto rafts. Take a boat tour to one of the four main villages, Chong Kneas, Kampong Khleang, Kampong Phluk, and Mechrey, where houses, schools, restaurants, churches, and even entire markets, sit on the water. Most travellers arrange boat tours from Siem Reap, which is around 45 minutes from the closest village, Chong Khneas, by car.

Mondulkiri

Step off the beaten track and into Mondulkiri, Cambodia’s remote northeast where elephants still roam and hilltribes live in relative isolation. The dense forests and undulating terrain have made the province a popular trekking destination, and many make the tough trip here for a multi-day hike into the wild. Given the lack of people in the area, wildlife sightings of rare animals, such as birds, bears and even leopards, are more likely here than anywhere else in the country.

Kampot

Lazily reclined along the banks of Preaek Tuek Chhu river, tranquil Kampot draws travellers with the right mix of relaxation and exploration. Most spend a few days pottering about its sleepy town centre, swimming in the clean river water between day trips to the province’s pepper plantations and the abandoned hill station at Bokor. Nearby Kep, popular for its super cheap seafood and old crab market, is also worth a visit. The province is a good stop off between Phnom Penh and the islands of the coast.

The street food of Phnom Penh

Pork and rice, grilled meat skewers, Khmer noodle soup, maybe even the odd fried insect – Phnom Penh’s mouth-watering street food is the perfect introduction to Cambodian eating. Day and night, the city buzzes with roadside vendors and busy markets, fuelling the capital’s residents from breakfast right through to dinner.

For the most selection, head to Phnom Penh Night Market, a popular riverside spot serving every kind of Cambodian dish imaginable. Alternatively, Orussey Market, in the centre of the city, is a great place to lunch with locals.

At Angkor Wat, most people stay in Siem Reap, a small city less than 20 minutes from the temples. With its pepper farms, national parks and beaches, Kampot Province is also popular with families.

For travellers on a budget

Cambodia is a budget traveller’s dream destination. Even in busy spots like Siem Reap, you’ll find decent hotels for as little as £20 per night. In Phnom Penh, the cheapest hotels tend to be around Sangkat Boeung Kak 1.

On the coast, Otres Beach draws a steady backpacker crowd, while quiet Kep is an affordable alternative to lively Sihanoukville. Lesser visited areas, such as Koh Kong Province and Ratanakiri Province, remain low cost. On the whole, holidays to Cambodia are very cheap – particularly if you’re willing to settle for basic.

For food and drink

Cambodian cuisine might not grab the headlines like Thai, Vietnamese and Malaysian, but write off Khmer cooking at your peril. Top of the pile, Phnom Penh is the country’s must-visit foodie city. From fancy fine dining to casual street food stalls, the capital shows off the full range of Cambodia’s culinary spectrum.

Siem Reap is a close second, particularly good for street food and the city’s special rice wines. For fresh seafood, Kep and its famous crab market is a must; riverside Kampot, known for its fiery pepper, is another.

For nightlife

Phnom Penh has a diverse, sometimes dingy but always entertaining nightlife; the BKK1 and Tuol Tompoung neighbourhoods are both packed with bars, clubs and restaurants. In Siem Reap, stay near to the suitably named Pub Street for the classic neon sign, boozy backpacker bar nightlife Southeast Asia is famed for.

If you’re after the tropical island party scene (a la Thailand), head to Koh Touch on Koh Rong island. With beach bars, party hostels, clubs and pubs, it’s got everything you need to get on it.

For culture

Phnom Penh’s Riverside area is walking distance from most of the city’s biggest sights, such as the Royal Palace, the National Museum of Cambodia, the night market, and various pagodas and temples. For Angkor Wat and the floating villages of Tonle Sap lake, Siem Reap is the best place to stay.

Kampot and Kep are good bases to explore rural southern Cambodia, while often overlooked Battambang, offers something similar to the northwest. Head up to Cambodia’s northeast, around Banlung, for trekking with the country’s hill tribes.