CAMBODIA
ស្រុកខ្មែរ
The mysterious Khmer Kingdom opens itself to you for an incredible journey from the paradise island of Koh Rong to the Angkor Temples Complex worthy of fairy tales by way of the surprising floating villages on Tonle Sap.
After the horror perpetrated by the Red Khmers of Pol Pot during the 1970's and 1980's, Cambodia has lost between 3.25% and 41% of its population. Due to this genocide, the country has lost also many of its cultural and traditional aspects. Hopefully, Cambodian population works hard to find back and promote all these lost wonders. Come and observe this re-discovery of Cambodian culture and learn from this young generation giving a boost to the country.
VISA PROCESS
- On arrival at international airports $25 (> 30 days)*
- E-Visa from $37*
*Not for every nationalities
MONEY
Riel (៛)
1€ = 4.874khr
$1 = 4.075khr
HEALTH
Vaccine recommended by embassies:
Typhoid ; Malaria ; Japanese Encephalitis
LANGUAGE
Khmer language
ភាសាខ្មែរ
CULTURE OF CAMBODIA
Khmer culture is very unique aspect thanks to its religion influence. Thanks to the popular beliefs as syncreticism and indigenous animistic beliefs as well as two religions, Buddhism and Hinduism, Cambodia offers an incredible journey through Kingdom era.
The most impressive and well-known aspect is certainly the architecture. The majestic temples of Angkor, minority housing and old pagodas give a sensation of traveling in a fairy tale.
Cambodia traditional clothing is also a true symbol of the country, with the influence of Indian and neighboring countries.
A last important aspect is the traditional dance, which survived through generations and Pol Pot horror. Handicrafts and traditional arts as litterature suffered and almost disappeared because of the genocide which targetted firstly intellectuals and artists.
ETHNIES OF CAMBODIA
After Pol Pot regime, Cambodia counted its dead citizens. Since then, the population increases quickly and does it best to find back its cultures. The majority ethnie is the ethnie Khmer, 90% of the population. Most of them are Buddhists and live in Mekong plains and Tonle Sap area. The 10 last pourcent combines different minority groups as Cham, mostly muslim from Tonle Sap and Mondolkiri region, Viet origin living in Phnom Penh, Chinese origin minorities (Hmong, Miao, Lao) and Lao origin minorities on Mekong banks near Laos frontier.
Associations in Cambodia organize a "cultural renewal" to help the population to learn handicrafts, traditions and identities lost during the genocide but the goal is still far ...
Amasia Travel is committing to a sustainable development to work closely to local minorities and help them to be actor of tourism industry.
CLIMATE IN CAMBODIA
Cambodia has a tropical climate which gives two different seasons. The first one, from May to October, is the worst for travels because of the monsoon period and stifling temperature. After this period, temperature is still high but the humidity rate goes down for a very pleasant weather, sunny and 28-30°C. Perfect to enjoy your visits of all temples of Angkor Complex!
November to March
26/31°C
March to May
29/32°C
May to October
28/30°C
Generally sunny
Sunny
with possibility of rain
Raining season (high humidity rate)
GASTRONOMY IN CAMBODIA
The gastronomy in Cambodia is perfect for herbs and spices lovers. Taking advantage of the various influences from Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and even India, Cambodian dishes will wake up your taste buds.
The basic ingredient is the rice, of course, with countless herbs and vegetables, often served with fish, chicken or beef meat. Fruits are also important in some traditional dishes as well as the famous Kampot Pepper! It's also noted for the use of prahok, a type of fermented fish paste, in many dishes as a distinctive flavoring.
Everyone can enjoy this delicious art of Cambodia, with reasonable price. Count $6 for one bowl of steamed fish with spices and a drink.
Fish Amok
One of the most well-known Cambodian dishes, it's a fish mousse with fresh coconut milk and kroeung, a type of Khmer curry paste made from lemongrass, turmeric root, garlic, shallots, galangal and fingerroot, or Chinese ginger.
OUR ITINERARIES TO CUSTOMIZE IN CAMBODIA
ESSENTIAL OF CAMBODIA
#Discovery #Sharing | 6 days 5 nights
CUSTOMIZABLE
Most people who visit Cambodia are drawn by the monumental scale, grandeur and beauty of Angkor. It graphically illustrates the greatness of a lost civilization. Yet there is more in Cambodia than temples. The riverside capital, Phnom Penh, retains its French-colonial ambience and charm. In an era of change, the Khmer culture roots still go deep despite modernity...
From $528
North West of Cambodia
The heart of Khmer Kingdom is beating in this passionating region. It's crazy to imagine a complex society which decides to create this enormous and incredible Angkor temples complex. Across these temples, you will learn more about Khmer cultures and influences, Cambodian every day life and philosophy.
HIGHLIGHTS OF CAMBODIA
Siem Reap
ក្រុងសៀមរាប
Certainly the most famous destination of Cambodia and Indochina, Siem Reap is in the middle of all attentions. The small city situated few kilometers away from the entrance of Angkor Complex's wonders. Discover the amusing covered market and handicrafts before a delicious lunch in little alleys. Be lost with your bicycle/horse/motorcycle/tuk-tuk in Siem Reap countryside to immerse yourself in Cambodian dailylife.
And of course, be amazed by the incredible Angkor Wat and its many neighbors temples for 1/3/7 days.
Why this destination?
Perfect for cycle lovers and family moments
To discover Khmer culture & history
To settle one week and visit the city and its surrounding area
Kulen & Beng Mealea
ភ្នំគូលេន - ប្រាសាទបឹងមាលា
Far from the touristic craziness of Cambodian highlights, Kulen Mount and Beng Mealea Temple are the two favorite spots of Amasia Team for an unforgettable experience of travel. Perfect for a one day tour from Siem Reap, this area will charm you and teach you the incredible legends of Khmer culture.
On the Mount, enjoy a little trek in the jungle and discover the carved river, unique heritage of Khmer history before taking a bath at the waterfall.
Beng Mealea is a Angkor temple, so charming with tree roots surrounding ruins.
Why this destination?
Perfect for nature lovers and family moments
To enjoy a waterfall swim
For a 1 day trip far from beaten tracks
Battambang
ក្រុងបាត់ដំបង
Battambang, second most populated city of the country is a former French station. Its colonial architecture heritage is wonderful. Many small boutique hotels are now set up in these beautiful yellow houses, proposing a unique experience of stay, in vintage but lovely environment.
Battambang countryside is rich of many temples and villages very interesting to understand Cambodian daily life.
We are sorry to announce that we stopped to propose the famous Bamboo Train excursion, due to security and sustainability issues in the railway management.
Why this destination?
Perfect for slow travel lovers and couples
To discover traditional and colonial architecture
For a 1 day trip far from beaten tracks
Tonle Sap
ទន្លេសាប
Tonle Sap is difficult to introduce in few lines. This unique lake linked to Mekong river is like a country in its own right. Cambodian from Tonle live at the pace of this lake, providing them food, work, entertainment and accomodation. Villagers live on floating villages on incredibly high stilt houses. Traveling through this stretch of water is an unforgettable experience! It's a must-see spot of the country for sure.
Why this destination?
Perfect for photograph lovers and family
To observe and be charmed by the dailylife of the lake
For a 1 day trip in a peaceful atmopshere
North East of Cambodia
This unspoilt region of Cambodia, neglected by tourists, is chock-full of hidden treasures. In the middle of the attention during Vietnam War as Ho Chi Minh Trail was passing by the region, North East of Cambodia lives in the shadow of the Angkor passion. Dwelling many minorities, preserving their cultures and traditions of cultivation, these provinces are oasis of calm to offer you the opportunity to go back to the land.
Ratanakiri
រតនគិរី
Unknown by travelers, Ratakiri province remains a rich and peaceful place. Dwelling around 500 groups of Gibbon monkeys in a preserved forest, Ratakiri is place of sharing. 70% of the population has minority origins, still living from harvest and hunting. This kind population dailylife is in harmony with flora and fauna, especially elephants still helping them in farming chores.
Hike in this beautiful environment and immerse yourself in Ratanakiri haven of peace, swim in the volcano lake and waterfalls and participate to the harvest with minorities. For bravest, awesome Jungle Trekkings are waiting for you!
Why this destination?
Perfect for trekking addict and adventure lovers
To be one of the privileged visitors the Gibbon reserve
For an original trip far from beaten tracks
Mondolkiri, "where the hills meet", is a must-see province for eco-tourism lovers. Rich of its ethnies and flora and fauna, this region as Ratanakiri is an haven of peace.
Enjoy an immersion in an ethnical village to discover the dailylife of Stieng, Phnong or Kraol live like a local for few hours. Visit the Elephant Project park, protecting the elephant population which suffered much from wars and poaching. Start a trekking as a treasure hunt, searchinf for waterfalls and unspoilt spots.
Why this destination?
Perfect for trekking addict and adventure lovers
To immerse yourself in one of the many hilltribes villages
For an original trip far from beaten tracks
Kratie
ក្រចេះ
Kratie is well-known for its population of Irrawaddy Dolphins, sea animals first but became feshwater animals with time. Endangered species, the population of dolphins dicreases every year because of intensive fishing activities on the Mekong river. Let's meet them with a kayak or a local boat even if it's difficult reassure them and approach them. You will also be amazed by the turtles conservation project and cycling trails on Mekong islands.
Why this destination?
Perfect for slow travel lovers
To enjoy a unique experience with fresh water dolphins
For an original trip far from beaten tracks
Mondolkiri
មណ្ឌលគីរី
South of Cambodia
The South of Cambodia is often the entrance door of tourists but also often neglected. But these regions has so much to offer. Cruising to the bottom of Mekong Delta to Phnom Penh, it's like discover the history of the country, kilometer by kilometer. Learn about the recent history of Cambodia by a complete visit of the capital before relaxing on the coast, this little sister of Thai coast.
Phnom Penh’s dynamism was diminished by the impact of war and revolution. But the city has since then regained its strength.
Very appreciated by its visitors, Phnom penh offers an excellent range of temples and palaces, witnesses of the Cambodian history. On the bank of Mekong river, the city attracts as much travelers as expatriates, all in love with the cafe culture, the kindness of inhabitants and the delicious food scene, recognized in all Asia.
Why this destination?
Perfect for quiet city getaway
To discover Cambodia history of the past 60 years
For a departure spot before visiting Cambodia
Sihanoukville
ក្រុងព្រះសីហនុ
Sihanoukville is the biggest harbor of the country before of its deep water. This only real coastal station og Cambodia, Sihanoukville will charm you and permit you to discover the dailylife of fishermen and farmers in the land. Take a deep breath and enjoy the white sand beach before a delicious meal in one of the many international restaurants of the city.
From here, you can take a bboat to the beautiful island of Koh Rong, not too invaded by tourists. Its crystal water and desert beaches will offer you marvelous photo opportunities.
Why this destination?
Perfect for couples and romantic getaway
To discover fishing villages daily life and Koh Rong Island
For a short beach break before departure
Kep & Kampot
កែប - ក្រុងកំពត
This two former French vacation stations will charm you with its quietness and peaceful atmosphere.
Kep was developt in early 1900's to provide a seasisde station to French colonial, "Kep sur Mer". White sand beaches and the national park will delight you.
25km away to the West, a city that you certainly know wthout knowing it, Kampot. Yes, your delicious pepper of Kampot comes from here! Let's lose yourself in the traditional market, dsicover the colonial architecture of the town, admire a breathtaking sunset along the river and learn the art of this famous pepper cultivation.
Why this destination?
Perfect for authenticity lovers
To discover and buy Kampot Pepper directly at the farm
For a short stopover during your trip in Cambodia