Cambodia

Language: Khmer

Currency: Riel

Religion: Buddhism

Timezone: GMT+7

Cambodia, the soul of Southeast Asia, casts a spell that few places on earth can match. From the awe-inspiring temple complexes of Angkor, the greatest religious monument ever built, to the languid, cafe-lined riverfront of Phnom Penh, this is a country that humbles and energises in equal measure.

Head northwest to Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor’s vast ruins, where sunrise over Angkor Wat ranks among travel’s truly unmissable moments. Venture south to the coast for a more laid-back rhythm. Kep and Kampot offer pepper plantations, river sunsets and fresh crab, while the islands of Koh Rong shimmer with white sand and bioluminescent waters. Inland, the mighty Tonlé Sap lake sustains entire floating villages, a world unto itself. Wherever you wander, the warmth of the Khmer people and the fragrant complexity of their cuisine will stay with you long after you’ve left.

Highlights and hidden gems

Phnom Penh: Explore the gilded spires of the Royal Palace and the haunting halls of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum before unwinding with a cold drink on the buzzy, sun-splashed Sisowath Quay riverside.
Angkor Archeological Park: Avoid the sunrise throngs at Angkor Wat and instead trek to the moss-covered, vine-strangled ruins of Beng Mealea or find solitude at Banteay Samre during the quiet midday hours.
Battambang: Ride the quirky, adrenaline-pumping Bamboo Train through rice fields and watch as millions of bats erupt in a swirling black cloud from the Phnom Sampeau caves at dusk.
Kampot and Kep: Wander the crumbling French colonial streets of Kampot to tour world-famous pepper plantations, then head to Kep to feast on fresh blue swimmer crab at the seaside market.

Siem Reap art and culture: Dive into the city’s creative soul at Theam’s Gallery, a lush artist’s sanctuary, or catch the high-flying, electrifying storytelling of Phare, The Cambodian Circus, which empowers local youth through performance.
Koh Rong and Samloem: Kayak through glowing, bioluminescent plankton under an inky night sky and hide away on the powdery, secluded sands of Lazy Beach for ultimate tropical isolation.
Ratanakiri: Jump into the ice-clear waters of the Yeak Laom volcanic lake and trek into the wild heart of Virachey National Park to discover hidden waterfalls and Indigenous hill-tribe culture.
Cardamom Mountains: Immerse yourself in one of Southeast Asia’s last great wildernesses by staying in a floating eco-tent on the Tatai River, tracking gibbons through the mist, and exploring vine-choked rapids.

Where to stay

Top stay

Cardamom Tented Camp

Cardamom Tented Camp, in western Cambodia’s Koh Kong Province, is home to pristine lowland and coastal habitats linking wildlife corridors to the Cardamom Mountains. The camp is surrounded by tropical forest, mangrove and river areas that host some of the world’s most endangered species, such as Asian elephants, clouded leopards, pangolins and sun bears. This unique camp offers eco-friendly packages to adventure enthusiasts keen to be a part of real conservation work. Home to nine safari-style tents, guests are invited to join the Wildlife Alliance Rangers on patrol, kayak along the Preak Tachan River, hike through the jungle trails, or simply relax and enjoy nature at its best.

Inspiration and guides

Spinning golden silk, Golden Silk Pheach

The revival of ancient silk weaving in Cambodia

Responsible travel in Cambodia and Laos

Have a great trip

At Ethical Escapes, we believe travel should enrich both people and the planet. Every journey we share is chosen with care, focusing on conservation, community, climate and culture.

Info

Quick links