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Friday Feature: Cambodia

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Cambodia

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Cambodia is teeming with lush jungles, picturesque beaches, mysterious caves, and friendly locals! There is something here for every travel style – relax on a private island resort, rock climb the caves near Kampot, experience ancient temples, or taste authentic Amok (a famous Cambodian meal)! Ready to book your ticket?! You can find flights out of Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, and more! The Phnom Penh International Airport is the gateway to the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh. However, Siem Reap International Airport better serves visitors to the temples of Angkor.

Best Times to Visit: Most travelers visit Cambodia from November to March. If you prefer to dodge the crowds and go when prices are lower, the best time to visit is from May to early October. Cambodia’s most rainy months are September and October.

Things to do:

Eat fresh seafood on Ko Ta Kiev Island. Ko Ta Kiev is the largest island of the Cambodian islands and a beautiful place if you are looking to escape reality. It is a popular destination for day trips and island tours for visitors to Cambodia because the quiet island is it’s own tropical paradise. After a day of exploring this jungle island, refuel with fresh caught seafood served by the most friendly locals!

Visit Kep National Park. The nearly 5 mile trail can be done by foot or bike, and leaves visitors with impressive views of the ocean and mountains in the distance. There is a $1 entrance fee into the national park and a perfect day trip from the nearby towns. Make sure you bring water and comfortable shoes!

Explore the caves near Kampot. This is a great way to sneak away from the tourists in Cambodia as mostly only locals know of these caves. Some of these caves are Phnom Ta or Phnom Sia, which has an elephant rock formation. You can also see Phnom Chhogok, which has a small temple inside the cave. You have to walk up some steps to the cave but will see stunning views of the rice fields in the distance – so make sure to bring your camera. We recommend reserving a tour in advance for a half day of caving, abseiling, and rock climbing! 

Visit the temples of Angkor. These temples feel like heaven on earth. Angkor is one of the world’s foremost ancient sites, with the enormity of the Great Wall of China, the detail of the Taj Mahal, and the symbolism of the pyramids, all rolled into one! To say these temples are breathtaking and a must do while in Cambodia is an understatement.

Feature Hotels: Song Saa Private Island, Belmond La Residence dAngkor, Amansara Cambodia


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Things To

Know Before You Go…

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  • Brush up on your negotiation skills. Haggling is expected with street vendors, taxi drivers, outdoor markets, and some restaurants.

  • Keep your hands to yourself. And never touch someone else’s head as it is considered sacred.

  • Cover your shoulders. Cambodians dress modestly and always remove their shoes before entering a home or wat.

  • Clasp your hands and bow when greeting someone. Bow lower for the elderly as a sign of respect.

  • Be happy. Avoid showing negative emotions, especially anger. Always receive compliments humbly.

Follow the adventure!

@explorateurtravel