Cambodia Tours & Holidays

From exploring French colonial influences in bustling Phnom Penh to soaking up the vast serenity of Angkor Wat, a holiday in Cambodia is a journey of the senses. A land of rice paddies and chanting monks perfectly juxtaposed with glittering modern architecture and vibrant cityscapes, this Southeast Asian gem offers visitors a warm welcome. Drift through the exquisite waterways of Tonlé Sap, home to rare and endangered birdlife, and learn more about the lifestyles of the locals living in this extraordinary aquatic setting.

Explore the colourful market town of Siem Reap, the gateway to the Lost City of Angkor Thom, and home to the Angkor National Museum. Marvel at the four giant heads and countless other faces carved into the rock of the astounding Bayon temple. Spend time with a family at a local village and learn about their lifestyle, traditions and cuisine. Visit riverside Battambang, Cambodia's 'second city', home to colonial-era buildings and quaint neighbourhoods, or perhaps embark on a scenic sunset cruise on the Mekong River.

Known as Khmer, Cambodian cuisine has a long, rich history, with a focus on simplicity, freshness, seasons and regions. Cambodian delicacies rely on the abundant use of rice and herbs, and the harmonious combination of contrasting flavours, textures and temperatures. A rich bounty of seafood and freshwater fish from the Mekong and Tonle Sap are key staples on the Cambodian menu, while kroeung, a distinctive spice paste, is the foundation of many Khmer dishes.

You’ll find yourself eating rice repeatedly in Cambodia; it is often a part of every meal. Expect rice porridge for breakfast and plain white rice as an accompaniment to soups and vegetables for lunch and dinner. Rice snacks, including deep-fried rice cakes, are available from street vendors. Cambodian cuisine differentiates itself from the many other styles of food from its neighbours, as dishes move away from hot spicy flavours in neighbouring India and Thailand, and shift towards a concentrated focus on fresher tastes.

Cambodia’s diverse array of foods draws influence from its neighbouring countries, as well as its French colonial past. You’ll find adaptations of dishes from Thailand, flavoured with less coconut milk and fewer hot and spicy chillies. Khmer cuisine also shares many common dishes with Vietnam, from noodle soup comparable to Vietnamese pho and sandwiches similar to banh mi. Of course, there's a national love of good-quality bread, influenced by the French, often served with soup or made into unique sandwiches.

In terms of specific dishes to look out for on Cambodia holidays, a great place to start is with amok trey. Similar to a Thai red curry, though less spicy, it is Cambodia's national dish and is therefore widely available. Another traditional option is lok lak, a stir-fry made with chicken or beef and served with rice and salad. The perfect afternoon snack, num banh chok is a noodle dish featuring a fish and coconut sauce with raw vegetables.