QUICK PEEK

Home to the legendary Angkor Wat, Cambodia is not only the host of a complex of temples with incredible architecture, but it possesses mystical charm extending beyond the walls of its renowned symbol. From the serene beaches to the bustling cities, discover the whole of Cambodia for what it truly is—a kingdom full of wonders. Interact with the friendly people, bite into the local flavours of Khmer Cuisine and leave no stone unturned for a truly immersive experience.
 

UNCOVERING CAMBODIA

 
WHERE TO GO
Cambodia’s panoramic beaches and captivating islands are launchpads of excitement. Tourists seeking a party-like atmosphere will reach cloud nine amidst the ambience of Koh Rong Island, a well-known spot for backpacker’s bars and full-moon festivities. Koh Ta Kiev, on the other hand, is ideal for those in need of a relaxing getaway. Four kilometres off Otres beach, Sihanoukville City, also known as Kampong Som, offers the tranquility of beautiful shores dotted with bamboo huts.

The floating villages of Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, draws fascination to many tourists. From Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, or any of the lakeside towns, you can hire a boat to reach the place. Schools of fish, reptiles by the stream, and a great variety of plants make the location more enchanting.

Aside from uncovering this hidden paradise, complete your trip by going on a shopping spree at Phnom Penh’s Central Market. Here, you can purchase apparels and souvenirs at wallet-friendly prices. The Central Market holds a great selection of shops and food stalls selling Cambodian delicacies. It’s the perfect venue for tourists who want to indulge in the succulent and tasteful authentic of Khmer food.

HOW TO GET THERE
Flight time from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to either Phnom Penh (PNH) or Siem Reap International Airport (REP) takes a little over 2 hours. There are no direct flights from Singapore to Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS), Cambodia’s third largest airport.

Travellers seeking for adventure could opt for a road trip to Cambodia via Thailand. A bus service is available from Golden Mile Complex to Hat Yai, Thailand followed by a 13-hour train ride to Bang Sue, Bangkok before boarding another bus to Phnom Penh. What may seem like a long-winded alternative can turn into an adventure filled with remarkable travel memories.
 

WHEN TO VISIT

While Cambodia is pretty much warm all year round, the subtle pours of rain kicks in between November to February depicting it as the cool season. Tourist arrivals peak at this time of the year. The weather is comfortable venturing outdoors or exploring temples, yet warm enough for sunbathing by the coast. However, if the travel intent is solely to embrace the calmness of the beaches, the optimal travel period lays between March to May. Phnom Penh and Battambang generally see a peak in temperature between 33C to 35C, serving as the best time to enjoy the sunny islands of Cambodia.
 

LOCAL FLAVOURS

Khmer Cuisine encompasses an array of varying flavours with rice being a staple. The rice dish is a typical accompaniment of curries and stews, but sometimes it is fried into a form of a cake. One of the must-try local Khmer delights is the ‘Fish Amok,’ a white, freshwater fish steamed in a banana leaf and then served with fresh toppings of coconut cream. Cambodia is also known for its own production of the world-famous Kampot Pepper. The homegrown pepper adds the classic touch of the distinct flavours of Cambodian food.
 
Resources
Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia (official website)