Cambodia

Why Choose an Escorted Holiday to Cambodia?

Angkor Wat is one of the greatest religious monuments ever built by human beings. The temple complex outside Siem Reap - 400 square kilometres of 9th to 15th century Khmer temples reclaimed from the jungle, with Angkor Wat itself at the centre - is a place that photographs and films consistently fail to prepare you for. The scale, the stone carvings, the balance between nature and architecture, and the extraordinary spiritual heritage of the Khmer Empire all demand time and explanation to appreciate fully.

Cambodia is also a country of considerable historical weight. The Khmer Rouge period, less than fifty years in the past, is visible in Phnom Penh at Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek - places that should be visited with care, respect and proper context. Our tour managers approach Cambodia honestly, without glossing over its recent history, while also making space for the country's extraordinary resilience and its growing confidence as a travel destination. For British-Indian passengers with an interest in Buddhist art and architecture, Cambodia is a destination of exceptional significance.

Indian-Friendly Features on Our Cambodia Tours

• Indian dinners included on most multi-day tours, with Indian restaurants in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh
• Vegetarian options widely available, strongly supported by the Buddhist tradition of the country
• No beef or pork compulsory in any included group meals
• India departure add-on available on many Southeast Asia itineraries - contact our India team on 1800 123 181 181
• Buddhist heritage deeply relevant to many of our Indian passengers - Angkor's Hindu-Buddhist architectural tradition has clear visual parallels with Indian temple architecture

Best Time to Visit Cambodia

November to February is the dry season and the best time to visit. Temperatures are around 28°C, the skies are clear and the temples are at their most photogenic. This is the busiest period - book ahead.

March and April are the hottest months, with temperatures reaching 38°C. Early morning temple visits are essential. The Khmer New Year falls in mid-April.

May to October is the wet season. The countryside turns strikingly green, the Tonle Sap lake expands dramatically, and prices fall significantly. Many days are sunny in the morning with afternoon rain. A perfectly viable time to visit for the budget-conscious.

Popular Destinations Within Cambodia

Angkor Wat - the central temple of the Angkor complex, built in the early 12th century as a Hindu (later Buddhist) state temple. The bas-reliefs depicting the Mahabharata and Ramayana narratives are among the most extraordinary works of art in Southeast Asia.

Angkor Thom and the Bayon - the walled royal city at the heart of the Angkor complex, dominated by the Bayon temple with its 216 carved stone faces. Ta Prohm, the jungle-consumed temple left deliberately unrestored, is the other essential stop.

Phnom Penh - Cambodia's capital, with the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, the National Museum of Cambodian Art and Archaeology, and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum - a former school used as a prison by the Khmer Rouge.

Tonle Sap Lake - Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake, with floating villages, stilted houses above the waterline and a rich ecosystem of birds and fish. The lake doubles in size during the wet season.

Sihanoukville and the coast - Cambodia's main beach destination, with islands including Koh Rong accessible by boat. A useful addition to a longer itinerary for those who want to combine temples with relaxation.

Battambang - Cambodia's second city, with a well-preserved colonial French quarter, excellent local food markets and the famous bamboo train (norry) - a rickety but memorable local transport tradition.

Practical Information

• Currency: US Dollar (USD) widely used alongside Cambodian Riel (KHR)
• Language: Khmer; English spoken widely in tourist areas and Siem Reap
• Time zone: Indochina Time (GMT+7). No daylight saving.
• Electricity: Type A, C and G plugs (230V). A multi-adapter is recommended.
• Tipping: Included in your Star Tours holiday price
• India bookings: Call our India line free on 1800 123 181 181 (10am-7pm)
• ABTA & ATOL: All our Cambodia holidays are fully protected