Cambodia holidays conjure up majestic temples, historic civilisations and enchanting monuments – not to mention remarkable landscapes.
Head to the nation’s vibrant capital, Phnom Penh, to stroll through the electrifying night markets and visit palaces, shrines and museums.
Venture to Siem Reap to see the breathtaking sunrise at mystical Angkor Wat, a vast temple at the heart of the extraordinary Khmer kingdom.
Find adventure in the vast lost city of Angkor Thom, where former palaces and ancient monuments emerge from the forest.
Visit Bayon, where the faces of former rulers are carved into the walls, or wander through the mazy corridors of Ta Prohm, where jungle trees have merged with temple walls. Then taste tempting Cambodian delicacies in the local street markets.
Start planning your holiday to Cambodia with Etihad today – and look forward to an extraordinary adventure in the Kingdom of Wonders.
Holidays in Cambodia open a whole host of opportunities, from discovering ancient temples to tasting traditional street food.
The sight of the sun rising behind Angkor Wat is the iconic image of any Cambodia holiday. This vast Hindu temple, close to the heart of Siem Reap, is the most famous landmark in the ancient kingdom of Angkor. Visit in the early morning to catch the sunrise and explore the wider kingdom spread across the jungle.
Marvel at the many-faced temple of Bayon. Built in the 12th century, this impressive building is located at the centre of the former Khmer capital. Then head to atmospheric Ta Prohm, where huge trees have grown around the temple ruins, spanning doors and running along corridors.
Phnom Penh is home to a pair of spectacular structures that are well worth seeing up close.
The Independence Monument stands at around 100 feet in height, drawing on influences from traditional Cambodian stupas to create a tiered, lotus-style effect. It looks especially beautiful when lit up at night.
The Cambodia–Vietnam Friendship Monument, meanwhile, is a majestic statue commemorating the close links between the nation and its neighbour. Botum park, where it sits, is a great place for a relaxing stroll.
The capital has a great many attractions to enjoy. Stroll through the street stalls of the Tonle Sap promenade, where fresh fish and colourful fabrics are sold. Wander among the stunning surroundings of the Royal Palace, home to the Silver Pagoda and the elegant Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
Afterwards, explore Cambodian history from Angkor to the present day at the National Museum of Cambodia, where many of the most impressive finds from Siem Reap’s archaeological park are stored. Here you’ll also be able to marvel at the vast statue of King Jayavarman VII – legendary ruler of the Khmer empire.
Offering a flavour of Cambodian life in the heart of Phnom Penh, taste your way around the city’s inviting Night Market as vendors serve up samples of local food.
This is a fabulous way to spend an evening after a day packed full of adventure.
Stroll along the array of stalls beside the waterfront, gather a selection of tasty treats, then grab a spot on a traditional mat to tuck into your carefully selected dishes. Once you’ve eaten, you can continue an evening of entertainment by browsing for clothing, bags and jewellery. Live musicians often provide a lively soundtrack to your shopping too.
The city of Siem Reap has plenty to offer besides the stunning Angkor complex. Take a stroll around and admire some of the impressive pagodas and Buddhist Wats scattered across the centre. The lotus-shaped Wat Preah Prom Rath is inspired by the many-faced temple of Bayon, while the colourful murals and artwork of Wat Kesararam are a delight.
As evening falls, head to the markets off Pub Street to find all manner of handmade items, tasty treats and curious local delicacies.
Wake up to views of the Tonle Sap river with a stay beside the water in Phnom Penh.
The Quay Boutique Hotel is just minutes from the National Museum and has all the amenities for a perfect Cambodian adventure, including barbecue grills and a rooftop garden terrace.
This stretch of water is packed with local attractions, including the Kandal Market, Night Market and the grand Royal Palace.
Stay in central Phnom Penh and you’ll discover it’s the perfect base for exploring the wider city.
Modern districts close to the Central Market offer delicious dining options, stunning hotels and riverside walks along the Tonle Sap.
For a luxury holiday in Cambodia, the five-star Rosewood Phnom Penh is a spectacular hotel with views across the city skyline. Sweeping suites are superbly furnished and there are plenty of options for dining and recreation.
Siem Reap is a great place to stay if you’re wanting to explore Cambodia’s most cherished historical sites and attractions.
Check into the stylish Palace Residence & Villa, home to three restaurants, or choose from 15 outdoor swimming pools at the Angkor Paradise Hotel. Wake up early and venture to nearby Angkor Wat to watch the sun rise over its 900-year-old towers.
The local currency in Cambodia is the Cambodian riel (KHR), though US dollars are also widely accepted. ATM machines are available in the major cities.
Taxis, tuk-tuks and ‘motos’ are the most common mode of transport in the cities. There are also plenty of bus routes between major destinations.
Cambodia’s official language is Khmer, which is spoken by about 90 per cent of the population. In Phnom Penh and other tourist areas, you will find that many people also speak some English.
National holidays in Cambodia include the Khmer New Year, starting on 13 or 14 April, and Independence Day on 9 November. The nation’s Water Festival takes place each October or November.
Cambodia has a rich tradition of music, art and dance dating back to the Khmer kingdom and beyond.
Today, this can still be seen and celebrated – with traditional Khmer classical dance shows performed in venues such as the Apsara Theatre in Siem Reap. Khmer music played on harps, flutes and gongs also accompanies visits to many historic sites and temples.
The nation looks to the future with cutting-edge cultural offerings too. Phnom Penh is home to a number of contemporary art galleries, including the cool Kbach exhibition space – and several stylish venues where paintings are displayed in trendy cafes, restaurants or even spas.
Khmer cuisine is found throughout the nation, especially in the busy street markets of major cities like Siem Reap. Rice dishes are a firm favourite and flavours tend to include ginger, lemongrass and other mild spices.
Fish Amok is a served on many street corners and includes fish smothered in curry sauce and wrapped in a banana leaf. Seafood is a staple of Khmer cuisine, especially around coastal towns.
An especially delicious dish found throughout the nation is crab sprinkled with the country’s Kampot pepper. Try some and feel your taste buds spring to life.
Holidays to Cambodia offer a fascinating experience for anyone with an interest in history.
Nicknamed the ‘Kingdom of Wonders’ thanks to its exceptional monuments, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the country’s most famous period of history began in the 9th century – and key landmarks from this era include the mesmerising Angkor Wat.
Temples, shrines and beautifully sculpted statues form a significant part of this legacy. Siem Reap is very much the gateway to the iconic Angkor sites, while the capital is the perfect place to chart Cambodia’s story from the 19th century to the present day.
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