DMC CAMBODIA

CAMBODIA – THE COUNTRY

The enticement of Angkor Wat is the country’s main draw and the sheer scale of the temples and their intricate carvings always impress. But there’s so much more to the Kingdom of Wonder to reward those who stay a bit longer: waterfalls and wildlife-filled treks in national parks, laid-back islands without the crowds and a whole country to explore in between. A visit to the temples of Angkor Archaeological Park is pretty much compulsory — and for good reason. The Hindu and Buddhist temples provide a fascinating journey through centuries of religious splendour, architectural development and political upheavals. The bas-reliefs help to bring much of this to life, with vivid depictions of epic battle, regal ceremony and the everyday mundane. A day trip to the hilltop waterfall at Phnom Kulen provides a break from temple fatigue and a chance to take in the country’s natural heritage; a visit to the floating villages and flooded forests (best enjoyed outside of the dry season) is a great way to experience the vast Tonle Sap lake. To the east, the hills of Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri are home to elephant sanctuaries, forest waterfalls, diverse minority ethnic cultures, and from March to June, a blessed respite from the heat. To the west, Koh Rong island is the perfect beach hideaway, while the Cardamom mountains in Koh Rong province provide genuine ecotourism explorations for the adventurous.

CAMBODIA – BEST TIME TO VISIT

Cambodia’s temperatures stay pretty constant all year round with a distinct wet and dry season. The north generally experiences slightly colder winters (dry seasons) than the south. The most popular season to travel, by far, is the dry season, as showers usually only occur in the late afternoon and for a matter of minutes before passing over.