Cambodia Overview

The country is bounded on the west by Thailand, on the north by Laos, in the east by Vietnam and to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and is about half the size of Italy. Topographically, the country is dominated by the mighty Mekong River, which cuts through the country from north to south; the Tonle Sap (Great Lake); the Elephant and Cardamom mountains in the southwest; the Dangkrek Mountains along the Thai border; and the Eastern Highlands in the northeast. The most densely populated areas lie on the fertile central plains of the Mekong-Tonle basin.

Ancient temples, empty beaches, mighty rivers, remote forests and the famed Angkor Wat await visitor's discovery. Cambodia has emerged from the decades of war and isolation that made it a byword for atrocities and political instability and is well and truly back on the South-East Asian travel map.

The successor-state of the mighty Khmer Empire, which ruled much of what is now Vietnam, Laos and Thailand, Cambodia boasts a rich culture and impressive natural scenery. From her ancient temples to her national parks there is a new experience waiting at every corner. Her national parks include Bokor, on the south coast; Ream, near Sihanoukville; Kirirom, outside Phnom Penh; and Virachay, bordering Laos and Vietnam where, if you are lucky you may spot some of the world's endangered species such as elephants, tigers, leopards, rhinos and crocodiles among others.

If nature and temples are not your scene, Cambodia has much more to offer from sporting activities to festivals such as the Bom Om Tuk festival celebrating the end of the wet season (in early November considered the best time to visit Phnom Penh or Siem Reap) or shopping for antiques and handicrafts. Visitors certainly won't be bored. Not only that, the infrastructure is reasonable to good and hotels and resorts pamper their guests as only Cambodian's can, ensuring guests, whether visiting for business or pleasure are sure to have an enjoyable time.

Climate

Cambodia's climate is governed by two monsoons: the cool, dry north-eastern monsoon from November to February and the humid south-western monsoon from May to October. Monsoon rains fall mostly in the afternoon and account for 70 to 80% of annual rainfall. Average annual temperatures vary from 21 to 35 deg. C. (70 to 95 deg. F.), often reaching 40 deg. C. (105 deg. F.) in April, the hottest month.

Warning: Despite the easing of political tensions in Cambodia, sporadic outbreaks of violence still occur. Visitors are advised to avoid demonstrations and political gatherings, and to generally exercise caution. Cambodia remains one of the world's most heavily land-mined countries, with an estimated four to six million dotted around the country. The most heavily mined part of the country is the Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat and Kampong Thom provinces. Landmines are a problem nationwide but the tourist areas of Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville are considered mine-free.  However it's advisable to travel with a local guide in rural areas and never venture off the path into forest or paddy fields - even when you're at Angkor. Avoid solo travel during the day outside provincial towns, and in all parts of the country at night. Street crime remains a problem in the capital - take particular care at night, and travel by taxi, rather than moto or cyclo. Other problem areas are between Kratie, Snuol and Stung Treng.

Note: We take absolutely no responsibility for travellers visiting Cambodia. All visitors to this country do so at their own risk.