5 Cambodia Travel Essentials – Useful Tips for the Traveller

You will find that Cambodia may be visited at any time of the year, with year-round warm weather to be expected. The country features a monsoon-influenced climate which results in dry and rainy seasons. Many travellers choose to visit during the dry season which extends from November through April, with January being the coolest month. The duration from November through February is considered to be the peak period for tourism. However, the rainy season which stretches from May through October may also be a good time at which to visit Cambodia as the country will be quieter with fewer tourists.

Since there are no direct flights to Cambodia from North America, Europe, South Africa or Australasia, you will be obliged to fly in from Southeast Asia or East Asia. You may also cross over by land from the nations of Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. Once you are in Cambodia, you will find that travelling by bus would be inexpensive and convenient; minibuses are also available, but they may not be the most comfortable mode of transport. Train transport is also available linking some destinations, while internal flights within Cambodia would be another option for travellers. Other available methods of local transport include renting a car as well as using shared taxis, scooters, motorcycles, motorbike taxis and tuk-tuks.

You will find many dining options in Cambodia with something for everyone. The local cuisine is distinctive, being subtly flavoured using herbs like coriander and lemongrass. The most inexpensive food in Cambodia could be obtained from street hawkers. Other relatively budget-friendly dining options would include stalls at markets, cheap restaurants and noodle shops. On the other hand, you could also dine at tourist restaurants and fine dining venues. Locals consume rice and noodles as staple foods, along with meats like pork, beef, duck and chicken as well as fish. The local cuisine also includes vegetable dishes, sweets, desserts and snacks. Popular drinks include tea, coffee, soft drinks and alcoholic tipples.

You will find an interesting selection of attractive locally made products in Cambodia. To look for appealing souvenirs probably the best places would be the local markets. You may also find elegant pieces at galleries, specialist shops and boutiques at hotels. Cambodia is known for its textiles, particularly silk and cotton. Stone and wood carvings also often capture the eye of visitors, with exquisite pieces being available. You will also find a range of curios, antiques, jewellery and lacquerware which will serve as attractive mementoes. When seeking the best hotels in Cambodia, an accommodation choice to consider from which you could also shop for souvenirs and explore local markets would be the Siem Reap property of Avani Hotels & Resorts.

The handshake is a common greeting between Cambodian males and when Cambodian men meet foreigners; however, many Cambodian women prefer to use the "sompeyar", a traditional greeting, when meeting foreigners. You will find that Cambodians are rather reserved and accordingly, may be offended by public shows of affection. You will also probably be accorded more respect if you are decently dressed, with the locals generally dressing modestly. If you visit temples, you should take care to wear clothing that covers the legs and shoulders.