Cambodia tours & travel

Based on a tradition of honoring one’s ancestors, respecting elders and living an honest, kind and humble life, it only makes sense that Cambodian people are renowned for being some of the world’s most warm and hospitable. The majority of Khmer people are also Buddhist, so when visiting expect to see orange-themed monks and displays of faith – from grandiose temples to people praying over humble shrines. Despite the welcoming of modern ideas, Khmer culture has been kept alive through traditional dance, festivals and costumes. Sharing borders with Vietnam, Thailand and Laos, much of Cambodia is low-lying, forested area. That said, however, deforestation is playing a part in its reduction. Cambodia is home to larger, more built-up cities like Siem Reap and also the smaller, peaceful rural villages. Across the country, many people rely on agriculture for income. 

Sharing borders with Vietnam, Thailand and Laos, much of Cambodia is low-lying, forested area. That said, however, deforestation is playing a part in its reduction. Cambodia is home to larger, more built-up cities like Siem Reap and also the smaller, peaceful rural villages. Across the country, many people rely on agriculture for income. 

If there is anything Cambodia loves, it’s a good market. From the large markets in Phnom Penh to the smaller, local markets in regional areas, you can always find a great bargain (just make sure you double check with your local customs officials to ensure you can bring your souvenirs home!). Keep an eye out for silver jewellery, traditional Cambodian scarves and hand-woven baskets. 

Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey)

The Cambodian New Year is a three-day celebration consisting of traditional games, gestures of good will and incredible feasts. Most Cambodians will return to their homes to spend time with their families over this period.

Pchum Ben Day

Otherwise known as ‘Ancestor’s Day’, Pchum Ben Day involves Cambodians visiting pagodas bearing gifts of food, flowers and rice. These gifts are given to monks who then make offerings to the afterlife so that the dead do not haunt the living.

Water Festival

Celebrating the end of the monsoon season, this festival lights up with ornamental boats, music performances, colourful racing boats, dance, food, drink and lots of fireworks.

Boasting a cuisine heavily influenced by Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese flavours and a French-colonial past, Cambodian food is delicious – if you only know where to look! Recommendations include fresh, crunchy baguettes, all manner of tropical fruit from the marketplaces and a plate of Amok, a dish consisting of fish seasoned with coconut milk and steamed in a banana leaf. 

• First They Killed My Father, Loung Ung
• When Broken Glass Floats: Growing Up Under the Khmer Rouge, Chanrithy Him
• Angkor: Cambodia’s Wondrous Khmer Temples, Dawn Rooney
• Cambodia Now: Life in the Wake of War, Karen Coates
• The Road of Lost Innocence: The True Story of a Cambodian Heroine, Somaly Man