The magnificent temples of Angkor are unrivalled in the region and beyond the rich legacy of the Khmer empire lie the buzzing capital of Phnom Penh, hundreds of kilometres of unspoilt tropical beaches, the mighty Mekong River, a vibrant culture and some of the friendliest people in the region.
When to go
Cambodia can be visited at any time of year. The ideal time to visit is December and January, when humidity levels are relatively low, there is little rainfall and a cooling breeze whips across the land.
From early February temperatures start to rise until the killer month, April, when temperatures often exceed 40* C. Some time in May or June, the southwestern monsoon brings rain and high humidity, cooking up a sweat for all but the hardiest of visitors. The wet season, which lasts until October, isn't such a bad time to visit, as the rain tends to come in short, sharp downpours. Angkor is surrounded by lush foliage and the moats are full of water at this time of year. If you are planning to visit isolated areas, however, the wet season makes for tough travel. Some visitors like to coordinate their trip with one of the annual festivals, such as Bon Om Tuk, the water festival in Phnom Penh, or Khmer New Year.
What to take
- Bring as little as possible. Cambodia has everything you find back home, only a whole lot cheaper. All the soaps and smellies are plentiful, and clothing, shoes and backpacks are available at a fraction of the price in the West. Tampons are available in all major towns and cities, but not in more remote areas.
- A Swiss army knife or equivalent comes in handy, but you don't need 27 separate functions, just one blade and an opener.
- A torch (flashlight) and compass.
- Ear plugs to block the ever-present noise
- A universal plug adaptor
- A rain cover for your backpack
- Insect repellent to keep the bugs at bay.
Right there. When you're in need.
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