Where to relax in Cambodia. Beach holidays in Cambodia November – February

For many decades, Cambodia was closed to tourism, so only the most intrepid travelers dared to visit it. Today, the country in Southeast Asia is considered a popular destination among tourists of various categories. Some go on vacation to Cambodia to wander through the mysterious jungle, others prefer to alternate lazy lying on the beach with a relaxing massage, and still others cannot imagine life without educational excursions to ancient temples.

When is the best time to go?

The climate of Cambodia is clearly divided into two seasons: dry and wet. The rainy season lasts from May to October. In addition to the risk of getting wet, rainy times cause a number of other inconveniences: washed-out roads make it difficult to move along the streets, the countryside suffers from floods, and many non-essential bridges are closed. Among the advantages, it is worth noting the incredible beauty of landscapes surrounded by lush greenery, a significant reduction in prices in Cambodia for accommodation and a minimum of crowds at attractions.

From November to March there is a dry season, which is characterized by heat, dust and a huge flow of tourists. Experienced holidaymakers flock to the country's resorts en masse from late autumn to mid-winter, trying to take advantage of the relatively cool days and lack of precipitation. Closer to spring, the thermometer confidently creeps up, gradually replacing comfortable weather with hellish heat.

Main cities

Phnom Penh. The name alone creates an image of an exotic destination in your head. The shimmering spiers of the Royal Palace, the precious metal floor of the Silver Pagoda and its prime location on the banks of the mighty Mekong River represent a legacy of fabulous Asia. Although today's noisy, dirty capital is unlikely to win the tourist award, it would be a grave mistake to ignore the city literally reborn from the ashes.

Siem Reap. The main destination for those wishing to visit the ancient temple complex of Angkor. In addition, the city is interesting from the point of view of gastronomic tourism or extreme entertainment.

Sihanoukville. The most popular ticket to a heavenly trip to Cambodia. A small, very young town cannot boast of stunning architecture or hosting worthwhile festivals. The destination attracts with luxurious relaxation on the white sandy coast of the South China Sea, the proximity of uninhabited islands, and vibrant nightlife.

Popular attractions

Angkor. A superstructure of antiquity, the Hindu temple complex is considered one of the most amazing architectural projects in the world. Temple City is the national symbol and pride of Cambodia. He combined creative ambitions and spiritual devotion. Angkor Wat is a unique structure over 1000 years old, which covers an area of ​​200 hectares. It often takes 3 days to inspect the entire territory. When purchasing a trip to Cambodia, you can arrange an excursion in advance.

Royal Palace. Classic Khmer roofs and dazzling gilding catch the eye of visitors to the capital. This striking architectural ensemble, located near the embankment, bears a striking resemblance to its counterpart from Thailand. Since the palace is the official residence of King Sihamoni, many of its halls are hidden from the public eye. However, those to which access is permitted are quite capable of satisfying the curiosity of foreigners.

Safety

Due to the unstable political situation, tourists are advised to avoid getting into disputes about Cambodian rulers and stay away from rallies and demonstrations. As in many resort regions, cases of petty theft and robbery are often recorded here. Leave valuables and documents in the hotel safe. It is advisable to carry a minimum of things with you. In public transport and crowded places, beware of pickpockets.

Cambodia– a fabulous place for travelers who prefer exclusively beach tourism.

The vast clean coastline with soft white sand and azure waters of the bay, as well as the excellent opportunity to retire in the most beautiful conditions, will be one of the main reasons for traveling to this country. The beaches of Cambodia will leave the most vivid impressions of your holiday.

Holidays in Cambodia

Every year, the southeast Asian country attracts more and more tourists to its expanses. If earlier it was included only in the excursion program along the historical and cultural route “Cambodia and Thailand”, then soon the country began to attract people with its wild beaches.

What sea or ocean washes the country?

The Kingdom of Cambodia itself is located on the Indochina Peninsula, so its shores are washed by the waters of Gulf of Thailand. In this water area, the water temperature does not drop below +21°C all year round, allowing tourists to enjoy first-class beach and active recreation.

The Gulf of Thailand itself belongs to the South China Sea - they connect in the southeast of the country.

Holiday season

Thanks to excellent weather conditions, holidays in Cambodia are possible at any time of the year, but most favorable climate observed from late to May. At this time, the weather is clear and warm - the air temperature does not warm up above +27-30°C.

At the same time, the absence of strong winds and heavy rains does not prevent tourists from relaxing, enjoying the great opportunities that appear during the high season.

Read also in what airports are there in Cambodia, and how to get there from Russia.

Map with resorts in Russian - where is the best place to go?

The most popular and comfortable coastline in Cambodia is located in Sihanoukville– the most actively developing resort. It got its name from the name of the country’s ruler, Sihanouk, and the addition of the prefix “ville,” taken from the French language.

Sihanoukville is located in a favorable area - 230 kilometers from the capital of Cambodia - Phnom Penh. Its coast is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Thailand, and previously there was deep sea port, used by the French.

Nowadays, this corner of the country is known throughout the planet for its luxurious beaches with a fairly developed infrastructure and extensive opportunities for active and extreme tourism.

The beaches themselves in Sihanoukville are quite extensive coastline with sand fine as dust, an abundance of sun loungers and cafes, which allows you to choose a small secluded corner while enjoying a pleasant vacation surrounded by Cambodian exoticism. Local beaches are washed by warm and clear water, in which you can simply swim, as well as go diving or snorkeling.

Sihanoukville experiences wonderful weather throughout the year. Unlike other resorts in the country, this part is sunny and hot, and the air temperature often exceeds +30°C during the day and +20 at night. During the rainy season, when tropical downpours accompanied by high humidity occur throughout the country, such weather conditions are not so noticeable in this region.

The picturesque beaches of Cambodia are located not only on the mainland. It’s worth sailing a little from the coast and you can immediately come across fifty-two small, but incredibly beautiful and well-groomed islands related to Cambodia.

They are not inferior in their attractiveness to the beaches of Sihanoukville, and the most popular of them allow you to plunge into a peaceful atmosphere.

Tourists choose the coast of the islands for their holidays:

• Ko-Russey– a small part of the land covered with bamboo thickets and bungalows hidden in them;
• Koh Rong– the exotic island is a coastline with pristine beaches and plenty of entertainment for two;
• Ko Thmey– an island covered with mango trees, remote from civilization, allows crowds of tourists to stay overnight in bungalows;
• Ko-Tan- a real paradise for tourists, surrounded by a variety of exotic trees, as well as a rich underwater world.

The Cambodian coastline is so diverse that every beach here is ideal for any type of holiday. Those who prefer noisy parties, prestigious hotels, clubs and cafes will find them in Sihanoukville.

Romantics, newlyweds and those who want to escape in peace and quiet can choose the small islands located in the Gulf of Thailand. Each of them has a small territory and is perfect for a secluded holiday.

Beach areas

Fans of beach holidays, going on vacation to Cambodia, choose the coast of Sihanoukville. In addition to the fact that the beaches here are ideal for relaxing at any time of the day, they also have a gentle entrance to the sea, which is perfect for families with children. That is why this part of the country is considered the best for beach tourism.

The best beaches - photos

Those who love to soak up the sun while listening to the sound of the waves will love the best beaches in Cambodia. They are amazingly beautiful, and the coast has everything for an ideal holiday.

Compared to its neighboring ones, Cambodia's beaches are less developed, but also less noisy, so they can easily compete with them.

First in the ranking of the best beaches in Sihanoukville is Ochutel– the most popular and longest beach in Cambodia. It has a very narrow strip filled with umbrellas and sun loungers. Located on the coast, you can enjoy the hot rays of the sun and beautiful fiery sunsets all day or visit a cafe with local cuisine.

What is noteworthy is that Ochuteel is usually divided into two parts, so every tourist will find a place to relax on the coast, based on their preferences. The first half of the beach is a place where there is everything, including bungalows, restaurants and hotels, and the second half is a wild coast where you can be surrounded by nature alone.

Next beach on the list Otres– a picturesque coast, the views of which resemble a fairy-tale paradise. It has earned its share of popularity among young people, since in this part of Sihanoukville you can save a little on tourism. Hotels, restaurants and all kinds of entertainment on the coast, as well as sun loungers, bars and extreme entertainment - all this can be found in this part of the country.

If you are a lover of incredible adventures, take a look and you will learn about the most unusual places on Earth.

On the coast of Otres beach you can relax, enjoying the sunbathing, and if you suddenly get tired of relaxing and doing nothing, then there is a large selection of water transport that allows you to easily get to neighboring islands.

Here you can rent catamarans, kayaks or a boat, as well as take a diving school.

The Pearl of Sihanoukville – Victoria- a luxurious coastline that has become a center not only for beach but also for night recreation. In this part of the resort there are quite a lot of hotels, shops, as well as clubs, casinos and discos. It is here that you can meet many compatriots who have decided to relax in Cambodia. Thanks to the extensive selection, fans of a comfortable and carefree holiday will be delighted with this beach.

The following beaches are also included in the list the best:

1. Serendipity- no less noisy beach than Victoria. Life on this coast is in full swing due to the large number of vacationers, cafes, clubs, shops and restaurants, bungalows and hotels. Those who want to relax in peace and quiet should avoid this place;
2. Lazy Beach– this island resort is aimed exclusively at beach holidays and complete relaxation. Here you can sit on the ivory-colored sand, swim in the clearest and clearest waters, or go diving. Comfortable bungalows are available for overnight accommodation on the island.

Finally, the rating of the best beaches ends with the coast called Sokha. This cozy and pretty beach stretches for about 1.5 kilometers along a narrow coastal strip. Its larger “piece” is private and belongs to the hotel, so it is maximally equipped for beach holidays and swimming, but there is also a well-groomed wild corner where anyone can relax. It is worth noting that this beach is considered the cleanest.

Coastal areas for holidays with children

Most tourists choosing family trips to Cambodia prefer hotels and inns that have their own beaches. This makes it possible not to worry about the presence of developed infrastructure, as well as the absence of dirt and traders.

In addition to a beach holiday, Sihanoukville is valuable because the most iconic countries are located here. If you are planning a trip with children, you can visit Ream Park. It consists of a wild forest and several large islands, between which it is possible to travel by boat.

Available for walks:

1. Bamboo Island;
2. Old pier;
3. Phnom Bokor National Park.

Fans of national cuisine should definitely try this Khmer dishes. They are unlike other cuisines in the world and therefore leave an exceptional impression.

Read about the differences between classes of service on airplanes, and which one is better to choose.

It is worth noting that the beaches, like the country itself, are not suitable for independent recreation. It is forbidden to stay overnight on the coast - only in hotels or bungalows, and in this case the price of a vacation will be noticeably higher.

When to fly to Cambodia? Around the same time as in Thailand. A tropical monsoon climate awaits you. There are two clearly defined seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The rainy season lasts approximately from May to October. Much rain falls from July to September. It is at this time that the country's main lake, Tonle Sap, overflows its banks. As happens in countries with similar climates, the rains are very heavy, but short-lived.

In general, this is the low season in Cambodia. The dry season lasts from November to April, which is considered the high season in Cambodia. There is almost no rain at this time, and the highest temperatures are observed in March and April. The best time to vacation in Cambodia is easy to determine. The most pleasant weather to visit is during the winter months.

Temperatures throughout the year range between +25°C and +40°C. In the summer months, on average from +26°C to +32°C, in winter from +22°C to +26°C. During the year, precipitation falls from 750 to 2000 mm and humidity remains above 90%. To understand when is the best time to go to Cambodia, decide on your plans. If you want to see the sights, then choose winter time; it is hot here at the beginning of spring. You can swim all year round, but hurricanes occur in the summer. If you are not afraid of rain and want to save money, then you can take the risk of traveling in the summer.

Holidays in Cambodia in winter

The weather in Cambodia in winter is dry and hot. The water temperature off the coast of the country is around +25°C. It is quite hot in the capital, but throughout the territory the air temperature can drop to +25°C, +28°C. There is an interesting route from Cambodia to South Vietnam, it is by water and goes along the Mekong River. Here the tourist can expect both the vastness of the floods of this famous river and the unusual life of ordinary Cambodians and Vietnamese. With a simple visa and border crossing, traveling between these two countries is not difficult. In the vicinity of the resort town in Cambodia there are unique natural attractions. One of them is the Kbal Chhay waterfall.

Read also:

Holidays in Cambodia in spring

The weather in Cambodia in spring is hot and quite dry at the beginning, but by May it already rains. Visit Kep, a small provincial town on the Gulf of Thailand coast in southern Cambodia. It is known to all gourmets of the world as the city of blue crab. From the famous Bokor National Park, at the foot of the Elephant Mountains, you can go to Kampot province, located in the southwestern part of Cambodia.

Think over your route in advance by studying the roads and nuances of traveling around the country. So, in order to see the beautiful and mystical natural park of Cambodia, Phnom Bokor, on the Bokor plateau, you need to move southeast from Sihanoukville. The beginning of spring is considered a good time to visit natural parks and other attractions of the country. But by the end the weather already threatens with showers and floods.

Read also:

Holidays in Cambodia in summer

The weather in Cambodia in summer is humid, hot and rainy. The rains are tropical, violent and frequent, but there are fair intervals of sunshine between them. If you decide to travel to the country at this time, choose trusted, well-known and large cities that have good hotels with air conditioning. And, of course, the sights. For example, you can visit Wat Krom, or Lower Temple, the second most important Buddhist temple in Sihanoukville.

It is better to postpone a trip to Siem Reap (Siem Reap in other spellings) until late autumn or winter. But if you are determined to see the Angkor Wat temples at this time, you will see that there are slightly fewer tourists here. True, there is enough rain.

In the meantime, only independent travelers and lovers of economical holidays come here. The tourism infrastructure in the city is just beginning to develop, so the price level here is much lower than, say, in Thailand. When there are more tourists, prices will rise.

Photo of Otres Beach in Sihanoukville.

Suhanoukville does not boast impressive attractions, a wide range of entertainment, exciting shopping, large shopping and entertainment centers and gourmet restaurants.

The resort is more suitable for those who need nothing more than a good beach and a portion of seafood for a good rest. There are no problems with this in Sihanoukville: the beaches are covered with fine sand, cafes and restaurants are found on every corner, and their prices are probably the lowest among the resorts in Southeast Asia.

About Sihanoukville

This is the country's main beach resort. The city is small and rather ordinary. The only thing of interest is the beaches. Therefore, it is better to choose a hotel not in the central part of the city, but near the coast.

The tourist area of ​​Sihanoukville is a couple of streets in the area of ​​Serendipity and Ochheuteal beaches, as well as the Victory Hill area. All the evening life of the city is concentrated here, there are many cafes, clubs, travel agencies, shops, etc. In other areas of the city, the infrastructure is less developed, and with the onset of darkness, life comes to a standstill.

To avoid disappointment in Sihanoukville and in Cambodia in general, it is important to understand that this is a poor country where many live in poverty. Cities in Cambodia are dusty and unkempt, there is chaos on the roads, and spontaneous trade in consumer goods along the roads.

Cambodia lags far behind its neighboring country in economic and cultural development. But this is why it appeals to a certain category of travelers - here you can see Southeast Asia as it was before the influx of tourists, without embellishment and ostentatious gloss.

Discreet and sensitive people may not like the real Asia, but for those who are ready to sacrifice comfort for the sake of immersion in an exotic culture, Cambodia will give an unforgettable experience.

How to get to Sihanoukville?

This is the main problem of the city. The airport accepts flights only from the capital - Phnom Penh, with a transfer in Ho Chi Minh City, which makes this flight pointless, because... It's faster to get there by bus. There are no planes flying from the CIS countries to Phnom Penh, so you will have to make a transfer in Thailand, Vietnam or other countries. From Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville the bus takes 4-5 hours, a ticket costs about $10, a taxi costs $40-50.

Many people come to Sihanoukville by bus from neighboring Thailand. Travel agencies in Bangkok and Pattaya sell tickets for tourist buses. It is better to split the trip into two parts, otherwise it will turn out to be too tiring. For example, on the way from Thailand you can stop in Siem Reap, visit the famous Angkor temple complex, and then go to the sea.

Beach holiday in Sihanoukville

The best time to travel to Sihanoukville is from November to March, when the weather is sunny with moderate humidity. The sea in the resort area is clean, transparent and warm. The beach line is quite long - about 12 km. It is divided into several sections:

• Victory Beach. Not a bad beach, which was chosen by Russians living in Cambodia. The only negative is that there is a port nearby, so you can smell fuel oil in the air.
• Hawaii. The beach is popular with locals. Coniferous trees grow along the shore, in the shade of which there are many sun loungers. Sometimes the current carries mud or oil stains from the port, but regardless of this, Hawaii is the best place to watch the sunset.
• Independence. Long beach with good sand and clear sea. Calm and uncrowded place.
• Sokha. The beach almost entirely belongs to the five-star Sokha Beach Resort, but there is an area where everyone can relax. The place is pleasant: quiet, clean, peaceful atmosphere and clear sea.

• Serendipity. A noisy, crowded beach, where the fun does not subside until late. There are many shops, massage parlors and bars along the shore. In the evening it is also crowded - cafes put comfortable chairs facing the sea, bars play music and throw parties.
• Lost my mind. Beach adjacent to Serendipity. Just as crowded, because... is located near the tourist center of the city. Along the shore there are hundreds of sun loungers, many massage parlors and wandering merchants. The sea and sand are not the best in Sihanoukville, but they are quite suitable for swimming.
• Otres. The longest and most deserted beach. Located a few kilometers from the city center. There are areas with garbage from vacationers, but since the sand strip is very long, you can always find a clean and comfortable place. The sea on Otres is clear, shallow, and the sand is fine and soft.

Best hotels in Sihanoukville

Grand Sihanouk Ville

Simple hotel with a large swimming pool. It is located 150 meters from the busiest beach - Serendipity, and a 7-minute walk from the tourist center of the city.

Grand Sihanouk Ville has a restaurant and a tour desk where you can buy tours and bus tickets to neighboring towns. The level of equipment of the hotel rooms is average, but the rooms are clean and spacious.

Sokha Beach Resort

The luxurious five-star resort is located on its own beach - Sokha, one of the best in Sihanoukville. On the vast territory of the hotel: an artificial lake, a flowering garden, two huge swimming pools, several bars, a restaurant by the water. In addition, guests have access to: a gym, a spa, a children's room, a sauna, a jacuzzi, a tennis court, etc.

The spacious (45-132 m²) rooms at Sokha Beach Resort have parquet floors, wicker furniture, a work desk, a living room with a tea set and a minibar. The windows of the rooms overlook the garden or towards the sea.

Golden Sand Hotel

The 3-star hotel was built in the center of the tourist area. The majority of restaurants, cafes, travel agencies, shops, etc. are concentrated in this area. Serendipity Beach is a 5-minute walk.

Golden Sand Hotel is a good hotel, no frills, but quite comfortable: good breakfasts, large rooms, a spacious pool with a sunbathing terrace. At the reception you can rent a bicycle, buy excursions and bus tickets to the capital.

Sunset Lounge

Guest house with its own territory on Otres beach. Guests can enjoy bungalows with a hammock and wicker furniture on the terrace. The beach is very beautiful: white sand, coniferous trees, turquoise sea.

Sunset Lounge is located away from the city, so there are few restaurants, shops, etc. around. Holidays here will appeal to those who love solitude in the lap of nature, where the noise of civilization does not interfere with enjoying the sun and sea.

The Moonflower Bungalow

The Moonflower Bungalow is a series of detached bungalows surrounded by a green garden. There is silence all around, because... the complex of buildings is located 4 km from the city center, a 10-minute walk from Otres beach.

To avoid having to go to the city for everything you need, there is a restaurant, a travel agency and a moped rental service on site. A holiday in this place is suitable for those who are looking for peace from the bustle of the city.

Sihanoukville resort hotel map

A selection of popular hotels in Sihanoukville

Where to eat in Sihanoukville?

Many cafes are located on Serendipity Beach Street near the beach of the same name. Choice of food: from Mexican to Japanese or Greek. In the evening it is lively here: most of the foreigners who are in Sihanoukville that day come here for dinner and a walk.

The street leads to Serendipity Beach, where there are also restaurants and bars. You can dine by the water, sitting in wicker chairs. Recommended establishments in this part of the city:

• Delicious. A small family cafe with Khmer (Cambodian) cuisine. An unpretentious establishment where the food is tasty and inexpensive. The average price of national cuisine is $2-3.5, pizza – $4-6.5.
• Maybe Later. A popular place for lovers of Mexican cuisine. In the evening it is crowded and noisy. Prices: 2 tacos – $5, burritos – $5, quesadillas – $3.5.
• Mango Cafe. A simple but cozy Italian restaurant with pizza for $5-6 and pasta for $4-65.
• Ernie's Burgers. A simple diner with good fast food. Hamburgers cost $3, hot dogs – $2, Coca-Cola – $1.

Sights of Sihanoukville

There are none in the city itself. All interesting places are located in the surrounding area or on the islands. Tourists in Sihanoukville mainly enjoy diving, snorkeling and fishing in the open sea.

It is located 20 km from the city. In winter, when the high season begins in Sihanoukville, the waterfall is shallow because... It rarely rains at this time. But nevertheless, it looks impressive: boulders like bricks form cascades from which streams of water flow.

Bokor Hill

A fascinating place with a mysterious atmosphere: moss-covered, abandoned buildings on the top of a mountain with a fantastic view of the sea. Once upon a time there was a settlement of French colonialists: a church, several villas, a casino, etc.

Then everything fell into disrepair, and now the place looks like the set of a horror film. Mount Bokor is located 120 km from Sihanoukville. You can buy a one-day excursion from travel agencies in the city, which also includes a visit to a waterfall in the same area.

Islands of the Gulf of Thailand

There are about 50 islands in the coastal waters of Sihanoukville. Some of them bring excursions from the city. The main reason people come to them is the gorgeous beaches with amazing sand and crystal clear sea. The most beautiful of the islands: Koh Rusei, Koh Tan, Sun Neil, Koh Rong.

Minuses: difficult to get to; there are no attractions in the city; no entertainment for children; lovers of a comfortable stay will be uncomfortable.

Pros: low prices for food, seafood, housing and transport; uncrowded beaches; picturesque nature on the nearby islands.

The Kingdom of Cambodia, formerly often called Kampuchea, is a small state in Southeast Asia, in the southern part of the Indochina Peninsula. Larger states are located around Cambodia - Thailand, Vietnam and Laos.

The border with Vietnam is the longest (1228 km) and is located in the east. From the west and north, Cambodia borders on Thailand (803 km). Also to the north is the border with Laos, which is 541 km long. Cambodia has access to the sea - its shores from the southwest are washed by the waters of the Gulf of Sima. In addition, Cambodia owns several islands located in this bay, in particular Kong, Pring, Thang and others.

Cambodia is a fairly small country, covering an area of ​​181,035 square kilometers. The population is 16,245,729 people, which is almost three times more than neighboring Laos. The most common ethnic group is the Khmers, who make up 80% of the country's total population. Among the national minorities are people from neighboring Vietnam and China, as well as a few nationalities, such as the Chama and some others. The official language is Khmer. Local residents more or less speak English in the main tourist cities - Siem Reap, Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh. Part of the population speaks French.

Current time in Phnom Penh:
(UTC +7)

The capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia is Phnom Penh, home to just over 2 million people. The national currency is the riel.

How to get there

Cambodia is by no means the cherished dream of a simple tourist or a developed economic country, so getting to the Khmer state from Russia is not so easy - there are no direct flights to this country. On the other hand, Cambodia’s neighbors are countries such as Thailand and Vietnam, which have long been successfully loved by Russian tourists (this is especially true for Thailand), so those who want to visit Cambodia will first have to become a guest of one of the countries mentioned above .

So, from Moscow you can easily fly to Hanoi, Noi Bai Airport, on flights of several airlines - Aeroflot and Vietnam Airlines. In addition, Vietnam Airlines operates flights to Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. The flight to Southeast Asia is quite grueling and lasts more than 9 hours, so, for example, Vietnam Airlines flights are served by comfortable Boeings, and meals are served twice. Aeroflot planes fly from Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport, and Vietnam Airlines planes fly from Domodedovo. For a short-term (less than 15 days) visit to Vietnam, Russian citizens do not require a visa, which is good news for those whose main goal is Cambodia.

The same is the case with a trip through Thailand - in this country, Russians can do without a visa for 30 days. To go through customs and passport control, you need to have a foreign passport (valid for at least 6 months), an air ticket, a voucher or hotel reservation, and an insurance policy. You can fly to Bangkok from Russia from several cities, in addition to Moscow: from Yekaterinburg, St. Petersburg, Krasnoyarsk, Vladivostok, Novosibirsk and Irkutsk. An S7 plane flies from Novosibirsk to Ho Chi Minh City once every two weeks, and a Vladivostok-Avia plane flies from Vladivostok every week to Hanoi.

There are regular flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok to the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, operated by Vietnam Airlines and Thai Airways. Low-cost airline Air Asia also flies on this route. However, for some tourists, traveling such a short distance by plane for a lot of money (most often this does not apply to the last carrier) is not very reasonable. Fortunately, there are alternatives.

The more common method is ground transport - buses and trains. Cambodia does not have direct railway connections with neighboring countries, so inside it in any case you will have to use buses, or taxis and tuk-tuks.

There are several ways to get from Bangkok to Cambodia. It is most convenient to travel by train within Thailand and by bus in Cambodia, since the direct bus route Bangkok-Phnom Penh is too long and exhausting.

The best option is to go from Bangkok to the Cambodian city of Siem Reap and further across the country, in particular to Phnom Penh. The fact is that right next to Siem Reap is Angkor, an ancient city without which the sights of Cambodia are unthinkable. In Bangkok, take the train from Hual Lamphong Station to Aranyaprathet, near the Cambodian border.

Directly to the border Poipet you can get by motorcycle, tuk-tuk or bus (the cheapest option). It’s easier to take a taxi from Poipet to Siem Reap - prices in Cambodia are unusually low. There are buses and water transport from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. The Poipet border crossing is open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Another option is a 2-day trip directly from Bangkok to Phnom Penh. The first half of the journey is similar - by train to Aranyaprathet and from there to border Poipet. Next, the route passes through Battambang, where you will have to spend the night, and only get to Phnom Penh by bus in the morning.

From Vietnam, from Ho Chi Minh City, there is a 6-hour bus to Phnom Penh, departing from the station located at 237 Pham Ngu Lao Str, Ben Nghe Ward, 1Dist, HCMC.

Customs

When entering the country, certain customs rules apply. Thus, you cannot export or import local currency, and foreign currency can only be within established limits - no more than 10,000 US dollars. If the amount is higher, you will have to declare it. In addition, alcohol and tobacco can be imported into Cambodia without paying duty for personal use. Weapons, drugs, toxic substances, ammunition and media materials that insult local culture are strictly prohibited from being imported. When leaving Cambodia, you cannot export wild animals and stuffed animals, as well as antiques and works of art that constitute the country’s national treasure, and jewelry in bulk.

Visa

Obtaining a visa to Cambodia is not such a complicated process; in any case, it cannot be compared with obtaining visas to the USA and the Schengen countries. However, there are still some nuances, and it is better to know about them in advance. As they say, forewarned is forearmed.

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Climate and weather in Cambodia

The territory of most of the country is very low-lying - 75% of the area is located at an altitude of no more than 100 meters above sea level. Naturally, there are exceptions, for example, the Cardamom Mountains, which stretch in the west of the country with the highest point in Cambodia - Mount Phnom Oral (1813 meters).

The climate in Cambodia is tropical, monsoon, with a pronounced division into two seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The rainy season lasts approximately from May-June to October. There is especially a lot of rainfall from July to September, when the country's main lake, the Tonle Sap, overflows its banks. However, as often happens in countries with a similar climate, the rains, although heavy, are short-lived. The dry season lasts from November to April - this is the best time to visit the country. There is almost no rain at this time, and in March and April the highest temperatures are observed, the most pleasant weather is in the winter months.

In principle, the temperature throughout the year fluctuates between +25 and +40: in the summer months on average from +26 to +32, and in winter - from +22 to +26. During the year, approximately 750 to 2000 mm of precipitation falls and the humidity remains traditionally high - more than 90%.

Cities and regions

The small territory of Cambodia is divided into 23 provinces (khets). In addition, there is one city of central subordination (krong) - this, naturally, is the capital of the country - Phnom Penh.

Phnom Penh

Where to go in Cambodia

Attractions

Museums and galleries

Entertainment

Parks and Recreation

Transport

Private guides in Cambodia

Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Cambodia in more detail.
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Getting around the country

Transport in Cambodia is a problem, to put it mildly. The country's economy is barely making ends meet, so the infrastructure leaves much to be desired. As noted, there has been no rail service within Cambodia for several years, and air travel between cities, such as Sihanoukville and Siem Reap, can be expensive even for visitors.

Intercity buses run between provincial capitals - this is perhaps the best option to get, for example, from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. In total, Cambodia has over 35 thousand kilometers of roads and only 20 percent of them are asphalted. The rest are covered with gravel or are ordinary primers, so during the rainy season it is a rather pitiful sight. Many roads were destroyed during hostilities in Cambodia, such as the country's main highway, Highway No. 1, connecting Phnom Penh with the Vietnamese border. It was, however, restored in the early 80s thanks to the help of Vietnam. By the way, the Soviet Union played an active part in the restoration of Cambodian infrastructure.

Buses running between cities are quite comfortable and inexpensive - for example, a trip from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap will cost about $5.

There are several bus companies in Cambodia that provide approximately the same service. The price difference is small - $1-2.All bus companies have their own “bus station” - a bus station, where tickets are sold, there is a bus waiting area (with benches), and a toilet. Often this is just a space for buses to park, and you have to wait for them under simple canopies.

Also from Phnom Penh, buses go to the Thai border point of Poipet and Moc Bai on the border with Vietnam. You can also travel between cities in a rented car with a driver. It will cost 20-30 dollars per day. In Phnom Penh, you can easily rent such a taxi at the Central Market. If you do this in a group, then, naturally, it will be more economical. Driving on your own in Cambodia is strongly discouraged - local roads and driving conditions are “contraindicated” for tourists.

Water transport also runs between the cities. Ferries run from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, crossing Cambodia's main lake, Tonle Sap. True, the downside here is both the high cost (about $25) and non-compliance with safety standards and, as a result, terrible overcrowding of the ferries. There is a ferry from Siem Reap to Battambang, although this option is not as convenient as traveling by land. There is also a popular route from Koh Kong to the resort of Sihanoukville. It is especially in demand during the rainy season, when most roads are simply washed away.

When it comes to air transport, there are essentially three decent airports in the country - Phnom Penh International Airport, Sihanoukville Local Airport and Angkor International Airport in Siem Reap - the busiest in Cambodia. The Phnom Penh - Siem Reap route is naturally the most popular in the country. Flights between these cities are operated by the two largest airlines of the Khmer state - and.

Urban transport

In the city, among all vehicles, the palm should probably be given to the moped. Motorcycle taxis, of course, are not the safest form of transport, but in the chaos of the cities of Southeast Asia, they are almost ideal. In tourist places, motorcycle taxi drivers mostly speak English and know the area very well - the main thing is for the tourist to decide for himself exactly where he wants to go. The price of the trip must always be agreed upon in advance, as well as the route, since a slight change in it will immediately signal the driver that he needs to demand a second one. O higher fee. You need to pay in small change, because drivers don’t always have change, and even if they do, he still won’t tell you about it.

A motorcycle taxi with a driver can be rented for the whole day. In addition, there is always the opportunity to rent a moped yourself to explore some specific attractions outside the city. However, you should be careful - traffic in Cambodia is much crazier than even in Russian cities. Renting a moped for the whole day will cost about $5. It is possible that the company’s employees will “find” a lot of scratches and damage “made by the tourist,” so to avoid deception, you can simply take photographs of the moped before renting it.

Regular taxis are also popular in cities. For example, you can get from Phnom Penh airport to the city center by taxi for $8. In addition, it is common among tourists to rent a car with a driver for the whole day, in particular for sightseeing at Angkor. It will cost approximately 30-50 dollars depending on the size of the car. And the main advice is to bargain. Renting a regular tuk-tuk will cost three times less.

Kitchen

Cambodian cuisine is unique in its own way, although it intertwines many culinary traditions. First of all, this concerns the influence of neighboring countries - Thailand and Vietnam. Also, the formation of Cambodian cuisine was influenced by China and India, and during the era of French colonialism, European gastronomic traditions also penetrated into the country. All this ultimately gave rise to the phenomenon that is commonly called Cambodian cuisine. A Western tourist can, on the one hand, not particularly risk his stomach and eat carefully, “European-style,” and on the other hand, plunge into the culinary exoticism of this mysterious country. Fortunately, there is more than enough exoticism here.

The basis of Cambodian cuisine is, of course, rice. This culture is perhaps the main symbol of Southeast Asia and the most popular ingredient in local dishes. Rice is often served as a side dish; in Cambodia, vegetable oils such as peanut, coconut or palm and a lot of herbs are usually added to it. This kind of rice is present on the table almost every day in Cambodian families, and it is complemented by fish, meat or seafood. The result is a dish called “baicha”. Also popular is rice with pork and soy, called un som chro. You can also try a more unusual dish - rice with bananas.

In Russia they are used to eating soups for lunch, but the average Cambodian doesn’t care about this - he has soup for breakfast. Most often it is a soup with rice noodles and various herbs, meat, fish or shrimp, called “kiteow”. This soup can easily be tasted in every cafe in the country. There are more exotic soups, the ingredients of which even include snails and frog legs - for this we must thank the French colonialist. The French should also be thanked for the fact that cheeses, delicious buns and bread, baked throughout the country, have taken root in Cambodian cuisine. Pasta lovers will not be left out either - in Cambodia, such types of noodles as fried rice noodles or rice noodles with many different spices, seasonings and sauces, most of which have a very specific taste, are very popular.

Meat dishes are less popular than fish dishes. There are no problems with fish in Cambodia (especially in coastal areas), so in local cafes and restaurants you can almost always enjoy dishes made from the freshest fish. For example, “samla-machu-banle” is prepared from fish - one of the most popular soups in the country, as well as “dtrai-chin-nyung” soup, which has a characteristic sour taste, “amok” - fish curry with coconut sauce, and countless others original and not very fish dishes. In addition, Cambodians are famous for their fish sauces and pastes. For example, prahok is a salty paste made from fermented fish with a rather pungent odor, and some others. As for meat, poultry is primarily eaten. Pork, beef and goat are less common, although dishes made from them are not difficult to find.

Returning to sauces, it is worth adding that they are often added to vegetables, which are usually eaten along with main courses of rice, fish and meat. Vegetables are most often eaten in the form of some specific salads with the addition of vegetable oils, spices and herbs. In addition, meat or fish is also placed in vegetable salads, which only gives them a more O greater originality.

Where there are vegetables, there are also fruits. And Southeast Asia is just a fruit Klondike. Not only are there an incredible number of species here, but sometimes truly amazing things are made from them. A myriad of fruit puddings, desserts, salads, cakes and fruit pies - all this awaits you in any Cambodian restaurant for a reasonable price. Cambodia is home to many exotic fruits that you are unlikely to find or try in the West - guava, rambutan, longan, mangosteen and the famous durian - the unofficial owner of the most terrifying smell in the world and the largest amount of vitamins.

It is impossible not to mention how “omnivorous” the local residents are, since a huge amount of such living creatures are eaten here, at the sight of which civilized Europeans are accustomed to wince. Cambodians do not deny themselves the pleasure of eating fried grasshoppers, spiders, beetles, insect larvae, meat and entrails of snakes, bird embryos and other exotic things. Anyone can taste all this - if, of course, he has enough courage.

Among drinks in Cambodia, Chinese green tea is especially common, which is sometimes not even included in the bill. As for the original local drinks, it is worth highlighting “teknot” - palm tree juice, infusion of samrong seeds, sugar cane juice and coconut milk. In hot conditions, the local drink “dtyuk-rolok”, which is prepared from egg yolk and various fruits, can be useful. Cambodians are far from the hardest drinking nation on the planet, but, of course, there is alcohol here. First of all, this is the most popular beer in the country “Angkor”, as well as some other varieties - “Lao”, “Alain Delon” and such exotic ones as palm beer, etc. Cambodia even produces its own whiskey, which has a very specific from a European point of view, taste.

Purchases

The markets of Cambodia, especially in large cities - Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, are replete with an abundance of all kinds of souvenirs and interesting things that visiting tourists happily take with them as souvenirs.

Perhaps the main Cambodian souvenir is silk. Silk fabrics can be found here in all kinds of colors and finishes, for example, very thin and elegant gauze silk or denser and coarser wild silk. There are many silk products sold in Cambodian markets at very low prices, but the quality can sometimes fail and the product will fade after washing. The best silk is produced in the provinces of Takeo and Kampong Cham.

Many folk crafts flourish in Cambodia, which only increases the number of all kinds of souvenir products in local markets. For example, souvenirs made by local woodcarvers are quite popular. These wooden products are very beautiful and original and can be perfect as a gift. Wooden Buddha figurines are very popular among tourists. Also in the markets you can see pottery suitable for cooking, decorative ceramics, wicker baskets, which are very common among the female population of the country, and much more.

In addition to silk clothes, you can also buy krama - these are traditional Khemer cotton scarves, very popular among visitors. However, tourists willingly buy not only Cambodian clothes, but also Cambodian silver. There are plenty of silver shops in Phnom Penh and other large cities, and local silver products are quite cheap and of more or less good quality (the pure silver content can reach 70-80%).

The export of antiques is subject to certain restrictions. When purchasing an antique item, you need to check with the Cambodian Ministry of Culture whether it is allowed to be exported from the country or not, as problems may arise at customs. Products made from precious stones in Cambodia can be easily purchased in large markets such as Central in Phnom Penh. Emeralds, sapphires, rubies and some others are popular - both in a frame and without it. Stone sculptures of Buddha, which have no historical value, can be exported from Cambodia without hindrance, but not from Thailand. Tourists may also be interested in ancient Cambodian agricultural tools sold at the Siem Reap market.

The country's main markets are located in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, where the main flow of tourists arriving in the country usually goes.

Connection

Communications in Cambodia are neither bad nor good. Mobile phones are only available in Phnom Penh and major cities, including the tourist destinations of Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. The GSM 9001800 standard is used. The largest cellular operator in Cambodia is , covering more than half of the Cambodian cellular market. Other operators include Mfone, StartCell and Smart. You can use roaming from the largest Russian operators - MTS, Megafon and Beeline. You should find out about their prices on the companies' websites.

Calls from landlines can be made from hotels, post offices and call centers. There are almost no pay phones in the country, with the exception of Phnom Penh, where there are very few of them. To make calls, use telephone cards “Phonecards”, which can be purchased at post offices, shops and hotels. A minute of international call from Phnom Penh will cost about 3 dollars. Calling from the provinces is one and a half times more expensive.

Cambodia international code is 855

City codes

• Phnom Penh - 23
• Battambang - 53
• Kampong Speu – 25
• Kampong Chhnang - 26
• Kampot – 33
• Kamponchgthom - 62
• Hong Kong - 35
• Krache (Kratje) – 72
• Pousat – 52
• Svay Rieng - 44
• Siem Reap - 63
• Sihanoukville - 34
• Stung Traeng - 74

To call from Russia to Cambodia you need to dial 8-10-855-city code-subscriber number.

To call from Cambodia to Russia you need to dial 00-7-city code-subscriber number.

Emergency numbers

As for the Internet, in Cambodia there is no shortage of Internet cafes in large cities - for example, Phnom Penh has plenty of them. You can also access the Internet from many hotels, restaurants and regular cafes.