Holidays in Cambodia. The best beaches of Cambodia - an unforgettable experience Holidays in Cambodia in the summer

It remained a closed country for tourists. Only the most courageous dared to enter it - mysterious and mysterious. Today the Kingdom is quite a popular and visited place. Inquisitive travelers are attracted by educational excursions.

Beach lovers - the sea, the sun and beaches with pure white sand. Adventurers rush into the mysterious jungle. And everyone, without exception, is attracted by the comfortable Cambodian climate , allowing you to plan a vacation at any time of the year.

Climate of Cambodia

The climate in Cambodia is mild, there are no sharp daily temperature fluctuations. Cambodia is located in the zone of subequatorial (monsoonal tropical) climate with a clear division into two seasons - dry and wet. The dry season is divided into 2 sub-seasons - cool and hot.

From December to March, the dry, hot season dominates with occasional showers. The wet period lasts from May to October. It rains mostly at night. In the daytime, it represents short-term downpours, after which a rainbow appears and the sun shines.

Cambodia weather

The average annual temperature of Cambodia fluctuates within +25°С. The following is a detailed description Cambodian weather by months.

It is worth noting that the temperature in Sihanoukville is usually lower than in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. In addition, due to natural disasters, indicators may change from year to year.

Winter weather

Winter in the country is windless, dry and mild. This period is the most favorable time to travel to the country.

• December

Weather in Cambodia in December, in comparison with other months of the year, the coolest. Daytime temperatures reach +30…+32°С, nighttime temperatures drop to +20…23°С. The beach holiday season has begun. There are not so many people at this time, but the white sandy beaches of the resort towns of Sihanoukville and Kepa are already filled with tourists. The islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Saloem are also beginning to receive tourists.

Warm sand, clear water, palm groves, organized beaches with conveniently located hotels, hammocks, water skiing, fishing, crabs, boat trips, diving, snorkeling and a day on the beach of the almost uninhabited Rabbit Island will give you a lot of unforgettable experiences. For the whole month there can be only three or four rainy days.

• January

Weather in Cambodia in Januarydry and sunny, except for two or three rainy days. The sun shines 10-12 hours a day. The beach season is in full swing. Temperatures range from +31…+33 in the daytime to +22…+26С° at night. Sea water temperature reaches +25…+27 degrees. In addition to a beach holiday, it's time to visit the medieval capital of the Khmer Empire Angkor, the modern capital of the country Phnom Penh with its museums and architectural monuments, and buy souvenirs.

• February

Weather in Cambodia in Februarycontinues to be sunny and dry, which favors coastal recreation, extreme sports, fishing, shopping and numerous excursions around the country. Temperature during the day +32…+33°С, at night +24…+27°С. The water in the sea is very, very warm. Three or four rainy days of the month will not spoil the vacation.

Spring weather

Spring is the hottest season. Favorable time for a beach holiday and travel around the country. People who do not tolerate heat well should weigh everything carefully when planning to visit the country in the spring.

• March

Weather in Cambodia in Marchsultry is established. During the day the air warms up to +33…+37°С, at night it drops to +26…+29°С. March is the last month of the dry season and one of the hottest months of the year. The water temperature near the shore is +30°С.

In addition to beach holidays and water sports, you can enjoy the pristine nature of the islands of Koh Rong and Koh De Kul, or test your strength in the Cambodian jungle. And you can visit the settlements of the Khmer Mountains, getting to know their traditions and way of life.

• April

Weather in Cambodia in Aprilvery contradictory. Until the middle of the month, the weather is clear, hot, even stuffy (+34 ... +37, sometimes up to + 40 ° С) with rare short-term rains, indicating the approach of the rainy season. Arriving in Cambodia in April from a temperate zone, you can feel some discomfort.

The conditions for a beach holiday are generally ideal - a passive stay in the shade of sprawling palm trees endows the skin of tourists with a bronze tan.

The sea, however, is not always calm. Since you don’t get to swim every day, you can buy a guidebook, or hire a local guide and visit Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, the temples on Mount Sihanoukville, or stroll through shopping centers in search of souvenirs. From the second half of the month begins a period of frequent rains of medium strength. April is the time of holidays and festivals.

Weather in Cambodia in Maycharacterized by tropical heat, quite stuffy. The rainy season has begun. May is not the wettest month of the year, but umbrellas and raincoats are already constant tourist companions. Water sports are no longer possible. Swimming, on the contrary, should be in a hurry, as tropical showers will soon wash away the beaches.

The increased level of humidity in combination with high air temperature (+34 ... + 37 ° C) causes some inconvenience. But this is not an obstacle for those wishing to plunge into the depths of Khmer history, to see the unique ancient palaces and temples, to visit the famous Silver Pagoda.

Summer weather

In the summer, monsoons from the ocean now and then carry short but heavy showers. During the summer period, three-quarters of the annual precipitation pours onto the country. It is noteworthy that there are no prolonged rains familiar to us. A solid wall of rain is abruptly replaced by the peeking sun.

• June

Weather in Cambodia in Junewindy and rainy. Air temperature during the day +33…+37°С, at night +24…+26°С. During the month, up to 19 rainy days can be issued.

Due to high positive temperatures, everything dries very quickly, but the air humidity is high (90-100%).

• July

Weather in Cambodia in July hot and rainy. The air temperature is still stable +31…+36°C during the daytime and +24…+26°C at night. Humidity is high. Visiting architectural monuments and sights of the country in periods between rains remain relevant types of cultural recreation.

• August

Weather in Cambodia in Augustwet, however, the rainy season is already on the wane. The temperature regime is within +33…+37°С during the day and up to +25°С at night.

weather in autumn

The beginning of autumn characterizes the continuation of the rainy season. The end of autumn is the beginning of the dry season.

• September

Weather in Cambodia in Septembercontinues to be hot and humid. During the day the temperature is up to +32…+34°С, at night up to +26°С. Due to the prolonged rainy season, not all excursion routes are available.

• October

Weather in Cambodia in Octoberis steadily improving. There are more sunny days. Temperature indicators are similar to September. According to the calendar, the rainy season is coming to an end.

• November

Weather in Cambodia in Novemberis starting to improve. Tourists are again flocking to the country. The rains stop, the sun is shining, the air humidity is still high. Thermometers show +32…+33°С during the day and up to +26°С at night. A full-fledged excursion period, the most comfortable in terms of weather conditions.

The infrastructure of Cambodia is still poorly developed. There are many cons, but there are also many pluses. There are at least 10 places in Cambodia that are worth seeing. There are not many historical places left on earth with the remnants of ancient civilizations, and Cambodia is one of them. Before traveling to a country, it's a good idea to at least casually get acquainted with its history. The southern sun, white beaches and palm trees, along with affordable prices, are the second attractive side of Cambodia.

Knowing what the weather is like in Cambodia in a certain month of the year, you can plan the appropriate activities and avoid disappointment.

The weather in Cambodia during the year can be divided into three periods. Between December and February, the country is dry, warm and sunny. This is the best season for travel and beach holidays. In this regard, the prices for everything will be higher.

The period from March to August is hot. The flow of tourists is gradually subsiding, prices are falling. The rainy season begins in mid-April and lasts until the end of October. However, the rains in Cambodia are not very scary. They go for half an hour or an hour, after which you can again continue to relax and explore this mysterious country.

Cambodia, located on the Indochina Peninsula, is an amazing country of interesting sights and fabulous beaches. The beaches of Cambodia are not as popular as in Egypt, Turkey or Vietnam, but there are many beautiful coastlines here, and there are not so many people on the coast.

The shores of the country are washed by the waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Here, year-round, the water temperature does not fall below +21 degrees, which allows tourists to enjoy both beach and outdoor activities.

How to get there

There are no direct flights from Russia to Cambodia yet. But in recent years, this tourist destination is gaining momentum, which means that if the flow of tourists increases, then it will be necessary to organize direct flights to this country.

Cambodia is located between Vietnam and Thailand. It is through one of these countries that tourists come here. From Moscow you can fly to Bangkok, from there you can already move to Cambodia. This method is the most optimal.

The cheapest tickets from Moscow to Bangkok and back

departure date	Return date	Transplants	Airline	Find a ticket
		1 transplant
		2 transfers

Features of staying in Cambodia

Before you go to Cambodia, you need to apply for a visa - tourist or transit. This will require a standard package of documents. The application is considered within one day. A tourist visa is issued for 1 month, its cost is about 20 dollars.

The low crime rate makes vacationing in Cambodia as safe and relaxing as possible. Traveling even in the most remote and remote places does not pose any threat, and the Khmers warmly welcome tourists in the best Asian traditions.

In Cambodia, the rainy season is in September and early October. During this period, there is nothing to do here, since most of the roads are flooded, and they turn into a mess.

Where to stay

Almost all hotels in the country are a combination of excellent service and luxury.

Freedom Hotel is located in the province of Siem Reap. It is designed in the style of traditional Khmer architecture. For guests there is an outdoor pool, free wi-fi, a bar, a restaurant.

Mary Beach Hotel & Resort is a resort hotel with modern, comfortable rooms that offer breathtaking ocean views. Located in Sihanoukville on the new first class beach Otres II.

Queen Grand Boutique Hotel and Spa is located in Daung Penh, Phnom Penh. This is an excellent choice for those interested in museums, temples and street markets. Guests can enjoy the hot tub on the roof, admire the amazing panoramic views while sitting in the bar or restaurant.

Plenty of choice and budget options. For example, in the Good Day Guesthouse you will be met by good-natured hosts who will offer comfortable cozy rooms with free internet and air conditioning. Spa services are offered to guests.

You can rent bungalows, which are located mainly in beach areas. High-comfort housing guarantees high service, as well as the beauty of nature and oriental hospitality. An excellent option for those tourists who arrived in Cambodia for a long time.

The price range in the cost of living is quite large. Which type of hotel to choose - a hotel, a guesthouse or a bungalow - is up to you.

Important! Accommodation will be much cheaper if you take care of this issue in advance by ordering accommodation via the Internet a few months before arrival.

By the way, on New Year's Eve even the simplest rooms are not cheap.

Beach holidays in Cambodia

Cambodia offers tourists and beach holidays.

• The province of Sihanoukville is a great place for those who like to sunbathe and swim in the waters of the Gulf of Thailand. It's always fun and interesting here. Especially good on the beaches of Sokha and Independence, where it is clean and comfortable. But only guests of the Sokha Beach Resort and Independence Hotel Resort & Spa can enjoy their holidays on these beaches.

The advantage of rest in Sihanoukville is its lack of demand. Prices here are the lowest in all of Southeast Asia. Even in the highest season there are few tourists here, so you can count on a quiet, relaxing holiday. The beaches are not polluted, which is also important for recreation.

Ochhutil Beach captivates with a beautiful coastline with picturesque landscapes. Its length is about three kilometers, and hotels, restaurants, bars and other privileges of the civilizational world are located along the entire coastline.

• Fans of a relaxing family holiday can go to the small town of Kep. This beautiful quiet place has clean and well-maintained beaches on the coast. There are few tourists here, so it is always calm. Hotels at affordable prices.
• You can count on an excellent beach holiday on the islands of Koh Rong, Koh Tan or An Tay located near Kep. There are not only amazing landscapes, but also clear azure water with a snow-white sandy shore. Young companies will be bored here, but couples with children are very comfortable.
• There are many secluded corners in Cambodia. Sea, sun and peace await those who wish on the outskirts of almost any resort.

Thus, the coast of the country boasts a small number of tourists, which ensures peace and measured relaxation. The unobtrusive but good-natured local population does not leave indifferent, as well as a worthy, varied service.

Diving enthusiasts will not be bored in this country either. The depths of the sea promise excellent opportunities for diving and snorkeling for lovers of deep-sea beauty. And all this thanks to the unique fauna and flora.

Important! It is recommended to choose a suitable place for recreation immediately. This is due to the fact that Cambodian transport is not particularly comfortable, so it is better not to take risks and not decide on a long and inconvenient move from place to place.

What to visit and what to see in Cambodia

Someone goes to Cambodia in order to enjoy a secluded beach holiday. And for some, the historical and cultural component is of paramount importance. In this case, you should pay your attention and visit the following attractions.

• The most popular among tourists is the Angkor temple complex. At one time, this city was the center of the cultural life of the country. The surviving ruins testify to its former grandeur. The area on which they are located occupies about 200 square kilometers. It was in these places that the popular Hollywood movie "Lara Croft - Tomb Raider" was filmed.
• It is reasonable to combine your trip to Angkor with a visit to the city of Siam Reap, which acts as a gateway to Angkor. Fans of the ancient history of Cambodia and Buddhist shrines will be delighted with these places.
• Phnom Penh is unusual with its combination of the most beautiful ancient buildings and modern skyscrapers. This city is the capital of the country - a Cambodian metropolis with many different recreational activities. Young companies looking for fun and adventure will especially like it here. Worthy of attention are the Royal Palace, the National Museum, Wat Phnom. Special impressions will remain after a walk along the embankment.
• There is a genocide museum in Phnom Penh, but only people with a strong nervous system should visit it. Here are collected exhibits that testify to all the horrors of the Pol Pot regime and the Khmer Rouge.
• A two-hour drive from Siem Reap is a seven-tiered ziggurat, which is part of the ancient city of Lingapur.
• Those wishing to see the famous floating villages can go to the north-west of the country, where the Tonle Sap freshwater lake is located.
• In the northeastern part of Siem Reap is the holy mountain of Phnom Kulen. Here, tourists are interested in the very first Angkorian temple and the Thousand Lingman River.
• It is not easy to get to the temple of Preah Vihear. Today, a one-day tour operates in this direction for tourists. The temple is the subject of a territorial dispute between Cambodia and Thailand.
• In the south of the country, in the province of Takeo, there are many pre-Angkor temples that are also of interest to tourists.
• Located in the south of Cambodia, the small town of Kampot surprises with French architecture, which you would never expect to see here. It is here that you can see how the best pepper in the world grows and salt is evaporated.
• Phnom Bokor National Park is located 8 kilometers from the city of Kampot. The view of the waterfalls is breathtaking. Everything in this area is saturated with the color of bygone eras.
• The province of Ratanakiri is located in the northeastern part of Cambodia. Unusual mountain tribes live here, but you need to remember that you can only visit those who live in villages, not far from cities, they do not pose a danger.

Cambodia is still in the process of developing its tourism potential, so the country manages to avoid a massive influx of tourists even in the hottest season. Untouched exotic nature, secluded islands, quiet sparsely populated beaches - there is everything for a relaxing holiday away from civilization. The Kingdom of Cambodia is a unique opportunity to plunge into the special charm of this country, get to know the examples of the brilliant art of the Khmer civilization and, of course, enjoy a wonderful holiday in an exotic atmosphere.

The Kingdom of Cambodia, formerly often referred to as Kampuchea, is a small state in southeast Asia, in the southern part of the Indochina peninsula. Larger states are located around Cambodia - Thailand, Vietnam and Laos.

The border with Vietnam is the longest (1228 km) and is located in the east. From the west and north, Cambodia borders on Thailand (803 km). Also in the north is the border with Laos, 541 km long. Cambodia has access to the sea - its shores are washed by the waters of the Sima Bay from the southwest. In addition, Cambodia owns several islands located in this bay, in particular Kong, Pring, Tang and others.

Cambodia is a fairly small country, covering an area of ​​181,035 square kilometers. The population is 16,245,729, nearly three times that of neighboring Laos. The most common ethnic group is the Khmers, who make up 80% of the total population of the country. Among national minorities, people from neighboring Vietnam and China stand out, as well as a few nationalities, such as Chama and some others. The official language is Khmer. Locals more or less speak English in the main tourist cities - Siem Reap, Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh. Part of the population speaks French.

Current time in Phnom Penh:
(UTC+7)

The capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia is the city of Phnom Penh, where just over 2 million people live. The national currency is the riel.

How to get there

Cambodia is by no means the cherished dream of an ordinary tourist or a developed economic country, so getting to the Khmer state from Russia is not so easy - there are no direct flights to this country. On the other hand, Cambodia's neighbors are states such as Thailand and Vietnam, which have long been successfully loved by Russian tourists (especially Thailand), so those who want to visit Cambodia will first have to become a guest of one of the countries mentioned above .

So, from Moscow you can safely fly to Hanoi, Noi Bai airport, by flights of several airlines - Aeroflot and Vietnam Airlines. In addition, Vietnam Airlines operates flights to Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. The flight to Southeast Asia is quite grueling and lasts more than 9 hours, so, for example, Vietnam Airlines flights are served by comfortable Boeings, and meals are served twice. Aeroflot planes take off from Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport, and Vietnam Airlines from Domodedovo. For short-term (less than 15 days) visits to Vietnam, Russian citizens do not need a visa, which is good news for those whose main goal is Cambodia.

The same is true with a trip through Thailand - in this country, Russians can do without a visa for 30 days. To go through customs and passport control, you need to have a foreign passport (valid for at least 6 months), air ticket, voucher or hotel reservation, insurance policy. You can fly to Bangkok from Russia from several cities at once, in addition to Moscow: from Yekaterinburg, St. Petersburg, Krasnoyarsk, Vladivostok, Novosibirsk and Irkutsk. An S7 plane flies from Novosibirsk once every two weeks to Ho Chi Minh City, and a Vladivostok-Avia plane flies from Vladivostok to Hanoi every week.

From Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok to the capital of Cambodia - the city of Phnom Penh - there are regular flights operated by the Vietnamese airline Vietnam Airlines and Thai Airways. The low-fire Air Asia also flies this route. However, for some tourists, traveling such a short distance by plane for a lot of money (most often this does not apply to the last carrier) is not very reasonable. Fortunately, there are alternatives.

The most common way is ground transport - buses and trains. Cambodia does not have direct rail links with neighboring countries, so inside it, in any case, you will have to use buses, or taxis and tuk-tuks.

There are several ways to get from Bangkok to Cambodia. It is most convenient to travel by train through Thailand and by bus in Cambodia, as the direct bus route from Bangkok to Phnom Penh is too long and exhausting.

The best option is to travel from Bangkok to the Cambodian city of Siem Reap and further across the country, in particular, to Phnom Penh. The fact is that it is near Siem Reap that Angkor is located - an ancient city, without which the sights of Cambodia are unthinkable. In Bangkok, you need to take a train from Hualampong Station to Araniapratet near the border with Cambodia.

Directly to the border Poipet can be reached by motorcycle, tuk-tuk or bus (the cheapest option). It is easier to take a taxi from Poipet to Siem Reap - prices in Cambodia are unusually low. From Siem Reap to Phnom Penh there are buses and water transport. Poipet border checkpoint is open from 7-00 to 20-00.

Another option is a 2-day trip directly from Bangkok to Phnom Penh. The first half of the journey is similar - by train to Araniapratet and from there to the border Poipet. Further, the route passes through Battambang, where you will have to spend the night, and only in the morning by bus to get to Phnom Penh.

From Vietnam, from Ho Chi Minh City, to Phnom Penh there is a 6-hour bus departing from the station located at 237 Pham Ngu Lao Str, Ben Nghe Ward, 1Dist, HCMC.

Customs

When entering the country, certain customs regulations apply. So, it is impossible to export and import local currency, and foreign currency can only be within the established limits - no more than 10,000 US dollars. If the amount is higher, you will have to declare. In addition, alcohol and tobacco can be imported into Cambodia without paying duties for personal purposes. Weapons, drugs, poisonous substances, ammunition and media materials that offend local culture are strictly prohibited from importing. Leaving Cambodia, you can not export wild animals and stuffed animals, as well as antiques and works of art that constitute the national treasure of the country, and jewelry in bulk.

Visa

Applying for a visa to Cambodia is not such a complicated process, in any case, it cannot be compared with obtaining visas to the United States and the Schengen countries. However, there are still some nuances, and it is better to know about them in advance. As the saying goes, forewarned is forearmed.

Flight Search
to Cambodia

Find flights to Cambodia

We compare all available flight options for your request, and then we direct you to purchase on the official websites of airlines and agencies. The airfare you see on Aviasales is final. We have removed all hidden services and checkboxes.

We know where to buy cheap air tickets. Plane tickets to 220 countries of the world. Search and compare prices for air tickets among 100 agencies and 728 airlines.

We cooperate with Aviasales.ru and do not take any commissions - the cost of tickets is absolutely the same as on the site.

Climate and weather in Cambodia

The territory of most of the country is very low - 75% of the area is located at an altitude of no more than 100 meters above sea level. Naturally, there are exceptions, for example, the Cardamom Mountains, stretching in the west of the country with the highest point in Cambodia - Mount Phnom Oral (1813 meters).

The climate in Cambodia is tropical, monsoonal, with a pronounced division into two seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The rainy season lasts approximately from May-June to October. Especially a lot of precipitation falls from July to September, when the main lake of the country, Tonle Sap, bursts its banks. However, as is often the case in countries with a similar climate, the rains, although heavy, are short-lived. The dry season lasts from November to April - this is the best time to visit the country. There is almost no rain at this time, and in March and April the highest temperatures are observed, the most pleasant weather is during the winter months.

In principle, the temperature throughout the year fluctuates between +25 and +40: in the summer months, on average, from +26 to +32, and in winter - from +22 to +26. During the year, approximately 750 to 2000 mm of precipitation falls and the humidity is traditionally high - more than 90%.

Cities and regions

The small territory of Cambodia is divided into 23 provinces (khet). In addition, there is one city of central subordination (krong) - this, of course, is the capital of the country - Phnom Penh.

Phnom Penh

Where to go in Cambodia

Attractions

Museums and galleries

Entertainment

Parks and recreation areas

Transport

Private guides in Cambodia

Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Cambodia in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.

Movement around the country

With transport in Cambodia, to put it mildly, trouble. The country's economy is almost barely making ends meet, so the infrastructure leaves much to be desired. As already noted, there has been no rail service within Cambodia for several years, and air travel between cities, for example, between Sihanoukville and Siem Reap, can be expensive even for visitors.

Intercity buses run between the capitals of the provinces - this is perhaps the best option to get, for example, from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. In total, there are over 35,000 kilometers of road in Cambodia, of which only 20 percent are paved. The rest are covered with gravel or are ordinary primers, so in the rainy season this is a rather pathetic sight. Many roads were destroyed during hostilities in Cambodia, such as the country's main thoroughfare - Highway No. 1, connecting Phnom Penh with the Vietnamese border. True, it was restored already in the early 80s thanks to the help of Vietnam. By the way, the Soviet Union played an active part in the restoration of the Cambodian infrastructure.

Buses running between cities are quite comfortable and inexpensive - for example, a trip from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap will cost about $ 5.

There are several bus companies in Cambodia that provide roughly the same service. The difference in price is small - 1-2 $.All bus companies have their own "bus station" - bus station, where tickets are sold, there is a bus waiting area (with benches), a toilet. Often this is just a parking space for buses, and you have to wait for them under simple sheds.

Also from Phnom Penh, buses run to the border point with Thailand Poipet and Moc Bai on the border with Vietnam. You can also travel between cities in a rented car with a driver. It will cost 20-30 dollars per day. In Phnom Penh, you can easily rent such a taxi at the Central Market. If you do this in a group, then, of course, it will be more economical. It is strongly not recommended to drive a car on your own in Cambodia - local roads and driving features are “contraindicated” for tourists.

Water transport also runs between cities. Ferries run from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, crossing the main Cambodian lake, Tonle Sap. True, the downside here is both the high cost (about $ 25), and non-compliance with safety standards and, as a result, terrible overcrowding of ferries. There is a ferry service from Siem Reap to Battambang, although this option is not as convenient as traveling by land. There is also a popular route from Kah Kong to the resort of Sihanoukville. It is especially in demand during the rainy season, when most of the roads are simply blurry.

In terms of air transport, there are essentially three decent airports in the country - Phnom Penh International Airport, Sihanoukville Local Airport and Siem Reap Angkor International Airport - the busiest in Cambodia. The Phnom Penh-Siem Reap route is naturally the most popular in the country. Flights between these cities are operated by the two largest airlines of the Khmer state - and.

Urban transport

In the city, among all vehicles, the palm should probably be given to a moped. Motorcycle taxis are certainly not the safest mode of transport, but in the chaos of the cities of Southeast Asia, they are almost perfect. In tourist places, motorcycle taxi drivers mostly speak English and know the area very well - the main thing for a tourist is to decide for himself where exactly he wants to go. The price of the trip should always be negotiated in advance, as well as the route, since a slight change in it will immediately give a signal to the driver that you need to demand a b O more pay. You need to pay in small money, because drivers do not always have change, and even if they do, he won’t tell you about it anyway.

A motorcycle taxi with a driver can be rented for the whole day. In addition, there is always the opportunity to rent a moped yourself to see some specific sights outside the city. True, care should be taken - traffic in Cambodia is much crazier than even in Russian cities. Renting a moped for the whole day will cost about $5. It is possible that the company's employees will "find" a lot of "tourist-made" scratches and damage, so in order to avoid fraud, you can simply take photos of the moped before renting it.

Ordinary taxis are also popular in cities. For example, from Phnom Penh Airport to the city center by taxi can be reached for $ 8. In addition, the practice of renting a car with a driver for the whole day is common among tourists, in particular, for sightseeing in Angkor. It will cost about 30-50 dollars, depending on the size of the car. And the main advice is to bargain. Three times cheaper than renting an ordinary tuk-tuk.

Kitchen

Cambodian cuisine is unique in its own way, although many culinary traditions are intertwined in it. First of all, this concerns the influence of neighboring countries - Thailand and Vietnam. China and India also influenced the formation of Cambodian cuisine, and during the era of French colonization, European gastronomic traditions also penetrated the country. All this eventually gave the phenomenon that is commonly called the cuisine of Cambodia. A Western tourist here, on the one hand, can especially not risk his stomach and eat carefully, “European-style”, and on the other hand, plunge into the culinary exoticism of this mysterious country. The benefit of exotics is more than enough here.

The basis of Cambodian cuisine is, of course, rice. This culture is perhaps the main symbol of Southeast Asia and the most popular ingredient in local dishes. Rice often goes as a side dish; in Cambodia, vegetable oils like peanut, coconut or palm oil and a lot of greens are usually added to it. Such rice is present on the table in Cambodian families almost every day, and in addition to it there are fish, meat or seafood. The result is a dish called "baicha". Rice with pork and soy is also popular, which is called "un-som-chro". You can also try a more unusual dish - rice with bananas.

In Russia, they are used to eating soups for lunch, but a simple Cambodian does not care about this - he has soup for breakfast. Most often it is a soup with rice noodles and various herbs, meat, fish or shrimp, called kiteou. This soup can be easily tasted in every cafe in the country. There are more exotic soups, the ingredients of which are even snails and frog legs - for this you need to say thanks to the French colonizer. Also, the French should be thanked for the fact that cheeses, delicious buns and bread, baked throughout the country, have “rooted” in Cambodian cuisine. Pasta lovers will not be left out either - in Cambodia, such types of noodles as fried rice noodles or rice noodles with many different spices, seasonings and sauces are very popular, most of which have a very specific taste.

Meat dishes are less popular than fish dishes. There are no problems with fish in Cambodia (especially in coastal areas), so you can almost always enjoy dishes from the freshest fish in local cafes and restaurants. For example, samla-machu-banle, one of the most popular soups in the country, is prepared from fish, as well as dtrai-chin-nyung soup, which has a characteristic sour taste, amok, a fish curry with coconut sauce, and countless others. original and not very fish dishes. In addition, Cambodians are famous for their fish sauces and pastas. For example, prahok is a salty paste made from fermented fish with a rather pungent odor and some others. As far as meat is concerned, poultry meat is primarily eaten. Pork, beef and goat meat are less common, although it is not difficult to find dishes from them.

Returning to sauces, it is worth adding that they are often added to vegetables, which are usually eaten along with main dishes of rice, fish and meat. Vegetables are most often eaten in the form of some specific salads with the addition of vegetable oils, spices and herbs. In addition, meat or fish are also put in vegetable salads, which only makes them more O more originality.

Where there are vegetables, there are fruits. And Southeast Asia is just a fruity Klondike. Not only are there an incredible number of species here, but sometimes they make truly amazing things. A myriad of fruit puddings, desserts, salads, cakes and pies with fruit - all this awaits you in any Cambodian restaurant for ridiculous money. Many exotic fruits grow on the territory of Cambodia, which you can hardly find and try in the West - guava, rambutan, longan, mangosteen and the famous durian - the unofficial owner of the most terrifying smell in the world and the largest amount of vitamins.

It is impossible not to mention how “omnivorous” the locals are, since a huge amount of such living creatures is eaten here, at the sight of which civilized Europeans are used to wincing. Cambodians do not deny themselves the pleasure of eating fried grasshoppers, spiders, beetles, insect larvae, meat and entrails of snakes, bird embryos and other exotic things. Anyone can taste all this - if he, of course, has the courage.

Among the drinks in Cambodia, Chinese green tea is especially common, which is sometimes not even included in the bill. As for the original local drinks, it is worth highlighting “tektnot” - palm tree juice, samrong seed infusion, sugar cane juice and coconut milk. In hot weather, the local drink “dtyuk-rolok”, which is prepared from egg yolk and various fruits, can be useful. Cambodians are far from the most drinking nation on the planet, but alcohol is naturally available here. First of all, this is the most popular beer in the country, Angkor, as well as some other varieties - Lao, Alain Delon, and such exotic ones as palm beer, etc. Cambodia even produces its own whiskey, which has a very specific from the point of view of a European taste.

Purchases

The markets of Cambodia, especially in large cities - Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, are full of an abundance of all kinds of souvenirs and interesting things that visiting tourists are happy to take away with them as a keepsake.

Perhaps the main Cambodian souvenir is silk. Silk fabrics can be found here in all sorts of colors and finishes, for example, very thin and elegant gauze silk or more dense and coarse wild silk. Many silk products are sold in Cambodian markets at very low prices, but the quality can sometimes fail, and the product will shed after washing. The best silk is produced in the provinces of Takeo and Kampong Cham.

Many folk crafts flourish in Cambodia, which only increases the number of all kinds of souvenirs in local markets. For example, souvenirs made by local woodcarvers are quite popular. These wooden products are very beautiful and original and can be perfect as a gift. Wooden figurines of the Buddha are very popular with tourists. Also in the markets you can see pottery suitable for cooking, decorative ceramics, wicker baskets, which are very common among the female population of the country, and much more.

In addition to silk clothes, you can also buy krama - these are traditional Khmer cotton scarves, very popular among visitors. However, tourists willingly buy not only Cambodian clothes, but also Cambodian silver. There are plenty of silver shops in Phnom Penh and other large cities, and local silver products are quite cheap and of more or less good quality (pure silver content can reach 70-80%).

Certain restrictions apply to the export of antiques. When buying an antique item, you need to check with the Cambodian Ministry of Culture whether it is allowed to be taken out of the country or not, as there may be problems at customs. Products made of precious stones in Cambodia can be easily bought at large markets like the Central one in Phnom Penh. Popular are emeralds, sapphires, rubies and some others - both in a frame and without it. Stone sculptures of the Buddha, which do not have historical value, can be exported from Cambodia without hindrance, but not from Thailand. Tourists may also be interested in ancient Cambodian agricultural tools sold at the Siem Reap market.

The main markets of the country are located in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, where the main flow of tourists arriving in the country is usually sent.

Connection

Communication in Cambodia is neither bad nor good. Mobile "catch" only in Phnom Penh and major cities, including the tourist Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. The GSM 9001800 standard is used. The largest cellular operator in Cambodia is , covering more than half of the Cambodian cellular market. Other carriers include Mfone, StartCell and Smart. You can use the roaming of the largest Russian operators - MTS, Megafon and Beeline. You can find out about their prices on the websites of companies.

Calls from landline phones can be made from hotels, post offices and call centers. There are almost no pay phones in the country, with the exception of Phnom Penh, where there are very few of them. Phonecards are used for calls, which can be bought at post offices, shops and hotels. A minute of an international call from Phnom Penh will cost about $3. Calling from the province is one and a half times more expensive.

The international code of Cambodia is 855

City codes

• Phnom Penh - 23
• Battambang - 53
• Kampongspa - 25
• Kampong Chhnang - 26
• Kampot - 33
• Kamponchgthom - 62
• Kahkong - 35
• Krache (Kratje) - 72
• Pursat - 52
• Svayrieng - 44
• Siem Reap - 63
• Sihanoukville - 34
• Stingtraeng - 74

To call from Russia to Cambodia, you need to dial 8-10-855-city code-subscriber number.

To call from Cambodia to Russia, you need to dial 00-7-city code-subscriber number.

Emergency Phones

As for the Internet, in Cambodia in large cities there is no shortage of Internet cafes - in the same Phnom Penh there are quite enough of them. You can also access the Internet from many hotels, restaurants and ordinary cafes.

The once great power of Southeast Asia - today can be considered the most economically poor and ruined state. Being excluded from the world community by the regime of dictator Pol Pot for a long seven years, Cambodia was left without intelligentsia, specialists and simply educated people. A long civil war finally ruined the country, only by the mid-90s did peaceful life begin to improve.

Tourism for Cambodia is the most important budget revenue item. Despite the poor infrastructure, the country is proud of its temple complexes, natural parks, excellent beaches and delicious cuisine. The mild climate, very cheap housing and food, well compensate for the lack of European comfort and inconvenience when moving around the country.

Many domestic tourists note the similarity of the current economic situation in Cambodia with Russia in the 90s. High corruption, an abundance of the poor and frankly beggars on the streets. On the other hand, tourists here are trying to protect from all possible troubles. But vigilance will never be superfluous.

Travel companies sell five-day tours to the country of the jungle and Hindu temples at a price of 1400 euros for two (without meals, the price includes a flight and a simple 3 * hotel room). The real cost of the trip in this case will eventually increase to more than a thousand euros per person. Can you save money by traveling on your own? Let's figure it out!

Visa!

Despite the fact that Russians need a visa to visit Cambodia, it will not significantly increase the travel budget. A visa can be obtained in Russia, through a travel company, or in person at the consulate, as well as at the airport terminal.

The cost of an entry permit does not cost more than 18 euros (in both cases). True, if you use the services of travel companies, you will have to pay about the same amount.

A Cambodian visa entitles a tourist to visit Thailand and return back. A definite advantage, isn't it?

Road

There are no direct regular flights between Russia and Cambodia. Organized tourists enter the country on charter flights, which are quite problematic to get a ticket for. You will have to fly with transfers in China, Vietnam or Thailand.

The cheapest time to fly to Cambodia is in November-December and February-March. At this time, the most attractive discounts on tickets from Moscow to Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville are offered by China Eastern - from 525 euros round trip. The flight takes about a day (a long wait for a transfer in Shanghai). A flight via Thailand or Vietnam can be found much faster, but the cost of such a flight will be more than two thousand euros per person.

Hotels, apartments, residences

Most often in Cambodia there are hotels that do not provide guests with food. This circumstance will not spoil the rest, since in any of the cities of the country the number of cafes, restaurants and eateries is amazing.

And the prices are very reasonable:

• You can find a European-class hotel for one hundred euros per day, or you can stay in an excellent small guest house a kilometer from the beach for 6 euros (in November-December, a double room with a fan and free internet).
• For 12 euros you can rent an excellent room with air conditioning, TV (satellite TV, several Russian channels), in a hotel that provides a fairly high level of comfort.
• A bungalow fully equipped with all amenities (shower, toilet, air conditioning, terrace, outdoor cooking facilities) will cost no more than 13-15 euros.
• A room in a hotel that provides guests with breakfast - from 22 euros. Bungalow 300 meters from the beach - from 30 euros (breakfast included).

The level of service for tourists in hotels is very high. Khmer people are generally very friendly and helpful people.

Gastronomic features and prices for food in restaurants and cafes

The traditional dishes of Cambodia in terms of ingredients are not very different from the dishes of neighboring countries (Thailand, Vietnam), which are well known to our tourists. But the taste of these same dishes here is quite special: not as spicy as in Thailand, not as balanced as in Vietnam. Khmer dishes are almost always a bit sweet, and the set of spices is such that it creates a special and unique flavor.

In Cambodia, an Asian and traditional country, rice is the staple of the diet. Meat and fish are also held in high esteem here. The climate provides an extraordinary variety of vegetables and fruits in the diet. If in other countries of Southeast Asia, dishes from insects and reptiles are prepared more for tourists, in Cambodia, the local population enjoys eating red ants, larvae, spiders, beetles and grasshoppers, snakes, frogs in fried or stewed form. Such exotic dishes most often act as snacks for strong alcohol.

Exotic dishes of Cambodia are not in demand by all tourists, but all travelers note especially delicious dishes that are made from ingredients traditional for Europeans:

• Bai sach chrouk is a widespread, inexpensive, but very hearty and savory dish. Spicy rice with pieces of pork roasted on an open fire, served with fresh cabbage and a cup of broth. Excellent breakfast, costing no more than 1 euro;
• Lap Khmer is an excellent salad with marinated beef and vegetables. It may well pass for a main course, especially in the hot season;
• Kdam chaa - fried crab with herbs and local pepper, served in resort towns on the ocean;
• Ank dtrey myk - grilled squid with lime and basil sauce;
• Fried fish is a very special dish, the fish is cooked in coconut milk and served with a sauce of many seasonings and lime juice.

Prices for food in street cafes are very low, and the quality of food is always excellent. If you eat on your own, you will have to spend a little more.

The fact is that in the supermarkets of Cambodia, products are mainly imported. The prices in them can not be called low, and the quality even more so. There are frequent power cuts in the country. In the hot season, food spoils quickly.

When eating in inexpensive cafes and restaurants, expenses should be planned as follows:

• Breakfast - one dish and a drink - 1.5-2 euros;
• Lunch - two dishes and a drink - 3-4 euros;
• Dinner - one dish, beer or wine - 3 euros.

The daily food budget is thus between 7.5 and 9 euros per person.

Historical and natural attractions

All the main tourist beauties of Cambodia can be divided into three groups: temples, beaches, natural parks and pepper plantations.

Cambodia offers so many facilities that wherever you are (Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Kampot, etc.), you can visit many unusual temple complexes, special museums, walk through the real jungle and enjoy the most fantastic views.

List of objects of the "obligatory" tourist program:

• Angkor Wat is the main treasure of Cambodia, which is not missed by any tourist. Hindu temple city, symbolically depicting the center of the world - Mount Meru. Dedicated to the god Vishnu. Despite the fact that the temple is abandoned and has not been active for a long time, visiting it, you need to observe some clothing restrictions (shorts and short T-shirts are prohibited). It will take several days to see the complex. The best option is a ticket for 72 hours (35 euros). Taxi (tuk-tuk) from the nearest major city (Sien Riap) - 10 euros (if rented for the whole day). You can get from the capital by bus (on the way - 7 hours, ticket - 13.50 euros one way). The best time to visit is early morning (no later than 5 o'clock), at other times you will have to wade through the crowd;
• Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, has only two truly interesting tourist sites: the Royal Palace and the Genocide Museum. The Royal Palace will take at least two hours. The main thing here is the silver pagoda and the emerald Buddha. Entrance ticket - 8.5 euros. Closed clothing is required to visit (no shorts and short T-shirts!). The Genocide Museum is a scary place, a political prison from the time of Pol Pot. Torture chambers, punishment cells, historical exposition - all this makes a strong impression. Entrance ticket - 2 euros;
• Sihanoukville is the main resort of the country. There are many ancient temples in the city, and in the urban environs you can see waterfalls, pepper plantations. But the main thing here is the beaches (basically, they are free, a sunbed is issued after ordering at a beach bar - from 1 euro). Prices in the city are higher than in other parts of the country;
• Kampot is a small town in the vicinity of which the Bokor Natural Park is located. In addition to natural beauties, here you definitely need to see the abandoned royal residence, caves. In the town itself, there is an unusually original market where you can find not only vegetables and fruits, but also inexpensive and high-quality silk scarves (5-7 euros). You can visit the park and temples for free;
• Uninhabited islands near Sihanoukville - visiting these islands is a unique opportunity to escape from civilization and relax in the bosom of virgin nature (conditionally, of course, now there are many who want to visit these islands).

Precautions and features of Cambodian life

The main troubles faced by tourists in Cambodia are associated with three features of the country:

• Lack of ATMs, currency scammers;
• Corruption;
• Beggars (most often children).

In the first case, you need to have cash with you. Best of all, American dollars, they can always be exchanged at banks and exchangers at a favorable rate. Moreover, you can pay with dollars almost everywhere, although this is not convenient. The best option is to have cash in local currency and dollars in small bills.

In the second case, nothing can be done. You need to be doomed to be ready that the “magic” bill, in denomination of 1 dollar, solves almost all misunderstandings: you crossed the road incorrectly (although the locals never follow the rules of the road), you want to stay longer in the temple (almost all of them are officially open until 6 pm ), if you want to get a working sunbed, if you want your room to have a view of the sea… Everything is solved, and the price of the issue is 1 US dollar.

In the third case - you have to tighten up. To keep the beggars behind you for the duration of your holiday, once you have to make a scandal with the participation of the tourist police. Leave immediately and forever!

Have a nice holiday in Cambodia!

Cambodia, which has recently been in the shadow of its Asian neighbors, is beginning to firmly gain prestige in world tourism. The Kingdom of the Indochinese Peninsula has won the hearts of millions of tourists from all over the world. There are several main features that make a holiday in Cambodia attractive and memorable.

Original cultural values

A country with a great history has retained the originality and centuries-old traditions of the Khmer Empire. The heyday of the ancient Asian state is reflected in the outstanding and unique temples of Angkor. The grandiose complex of historical buildings is the main attraction and a real cultural heritage of Cambodia.

Liberal prices

Democratic prices are characteristic of many states of Southeast Asia, but even among them, Cambodia surprises with its liberality. The country has not yet managed to pick up a tourist boom from neighboring Thailand, Vietnam and India, so you can successfully count on a vacation in Cambodia at quite reasonable prices.

Great beach holiday

Velvet beaches are considered the hallmark of Cambodia. An unforgettable vacation awaits tourists on the sandy shores of the province of Sihanoukville, immersed in palm groves and lush shrubs. The islands of Cambodia offer no less luxurious beach areas with the purest azure water. Washing the coast of the Gulf of Thailand meets tourists with calm soft waves and delicate white sand.

Hospitality and cordiality

Local Khmers are distinguished by their cordiality and hospitality to foreign guests. It is difficult to notice aggression or unfriendliness in your address here; the inhabitants of Cambodia greet tourists with a smile and friendliness. Despite the rather low standard of living, the Khmers are happy and satisfied with living in their poor, but very comfortable country.

Tranquility and privacy

Cambodia is only in the process of developing its tourism potential, so the country manages to avoid a massive influx of tourists even in the hottest season. Untouched exotic nature, secluded islands, quiet sparsely populated beaches - there is everything for a relaxing holiday away from civilization.

Extraordinary underwater world

For lovers of scuba diving, Cambodia offers excellent opportunities for diving and snorkeling. The sea depths promise divers to meet the unique fauna and flora of the Gulf of Thailand: colorful coral reefs, bright tropical fish, rare turtles and octopuses. The best dive sites are located near the islands of Koh Rong and Koh Tan near the resort of Sihanoukville.

High security

The low crime rate makes Cambodia a safe and relaxing holiday. Trips even to the most remote and remote places do not pose any threat, and the Khmers warmly welcome tourists in the best Asian traditions.

The Kingdom is loved by tourists for its rich culture, exotic nature, picturesque beaches and amazing recreational opportunities. Cambodia will give you unforgettable impressions from visiting this diverse and beautiful country.