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Where Can I Celebrate Khmer New Year?

by bangchu
written by bangchu
Where Can I Celebrate Khmer New Year?

Where Can I Celebrate Khmer New Year?

The Biggest Celebrations are in Siem Reap & Phnom Penh

Whether you find yourself in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap for the Khmer New Year, you’re in for great time. However, it pays to be prepared. It gets extremely busy, so make sure to book your accommodations and transportation in advance.

You will have a great time partying with Cambodians and fellow travelers for three full days! Do set aside some time to experience and learn about the social and religious traditions around Khmer New Year.

Visit Angkor Wat to take part in Angkor Sankranta! This is a three-day festival full of cool events, entertaining shows, traditional ceremonies, fun activities, delicious food and drinks all in the stunning Angkor Temple Complex. There’s always a nice little schedule and itinerary every year. Once we find it, we’ll be sure to share it here and on our social profiles.

Taking part in Siem Reap’s songkran means you’ll get wet.

No matter where you walk or drive, you’re sure to end up soaked with water and covered in baby powder. Prepare to be ambushed with water guns, buckets, hoses full of icy cold water! So, buy yourself a water gun and join in the fun.

Where Can I Celebrate Khmer New Year?

What to do in Siem Reap during Khmer New Year

If you are lucky enough to be in Siem Reap during the Khmer New Year, we strongly advise you to venture out and join Siem Reap Sangkranta festivities with the locals. To do just that, here are the most recommended five activities to do during Khmer New Year in Siem Reap.

1. Visit a Pagoda

For the Khmer New Year, nearly every pagoda of the country is decorated for the occasion. Go to one of them to admire the colorful garlands, flowers and other decorations that adorned every part of the monument. During your visit, you can witness several traditional ceremonies taking place, especially in the morning when families go to pagoda to offer foods and fruits to the monks and receive blessings.

Note: Remember to be respectful by wearing modest clothing and make sure that you are enough covered, also take off your shoes before entering the pagoda.

2. Play Traditional Games and Dance with the Locals 

Don’t pass on the opportunity to join the locals who gather at the courtyard of pagodas and other public areas to dance Khmer music and play traditional games such as Leak Kanseng, Donderm Sleok Cher, or Teanh Proat. This is the time to truly get to know the Cambodians and to share together a joyful moment. Laughter guaranteed!

3. Participate to the Siem Reap Sangkranta Festival 

This year, Siem Reap Sangkranta festival will take place in the city center located near the Royal Residence. This festival is one of the main attractions of the city during Khmer New Year. So don’t hesitate to go and take a look at what’s going on. Many cultural activities will take place throughout the three days.

It’s the perfect opportunity to discover Khmer arts and traditions. Also, multiple stalls set up in the area will offer endless choice of street food and other traditional delicacies for the occasion. Finally visit the commercial displays to find handmade souvenirs and other items as your memorable belongings from the Khmer New Year in Siem Reap.

4. Visit a Nearby Village 

We advise you spend an afternoon in a village nearby Siem Reap if you can. It’s the best way to interact with the local Khmer people and experience an authentic celebration of the Khmer New Year. Don’t forget your camera because you will also be able to see breathtaking landscapes, with rice fields and wooden houses on stilts.

5. Party in the Streets of the Old Market area 

Finally, for the third and final night of the celebration, if you’re up for partying, wander in the streets of the Old Market area where Cambodians, expats and tourists come together to party and to celebrate the end of the holiday. When it’s time, look up at the sky and admire the fireworks to conclude your perfect Khmer New Year experience.

Safety during Khmer New Year

Khmer New Year was a really friendly, lively festival to be a part of, but due to the water and talcum powder throwing, and alcohol intake it can also be dangerous on the roads.

There’s an increase in road traffic accidents caused by people swerving or being surprised by water attacks when on their motors or cycles. The combination of water and talcum powder also makes the road surface slippery resulting in skidding and crashes, especially when mixed with speeding and drink driving.

Personally, I would avoid riding a bicycle or motorcycle during Khmer New Year. After being squirted directly in the face when riding my bicycle on the first day of the festival and nearly coming off it I decided the bike would remain safely at home for the rest of the celebrations. You also need to stay alert when walking around town as normal road rules don’t apply…keep your wits about you.

There’s little violent crime during Khmer New Year but one other thing to be aware of is the increase in opportunistic pickpockets and bag snatchers, especially in the crowded areas.

There’s probably not much chance of it happening but to be on the safe side I’d recommend the following: don’t take a bag out with you, don’t carry large amounts of money and don’t walk around with your camera or phone out.

I actually just stashed my money in my bra and kept my iPhone in the waistband of my jeans. If you take these precautions you should be fine.

One other thing to remember is that Khmer New Year falls at the hottest time of the year, so be sure to drink lots of water and wear sunscreen when out and about.

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Cambodia travel News

Khmer New Year in Cambodia

by bangchu
written by bangchu

Khmer New Year in Cambodia 2023

The Khmer New Year – Choul Chnam Thmey in the Khmer language – is one of Cambodia’s major holidays. Communities with roots in the Khmer culture, which includes most Cambodians and the Khmer minority in Vietnam, stop work for three whole days to return to their home communities and celebrate.

Unlike many Asian holidays that are set to the lunar calendar, the Khmer New Year follows the Gregorian calendar and is celebrated for three days, taking place every year from April 13–15. Neighboring Buddhist countries like Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos celebrate their respective New Year celebrations on or around the same date.

Note: ‘Khmer’ and ‘Cambodian’

When seeing or hearing the word “Khmer” such as Khmer New Year, Khmer Community, or Khmer Temple, many people are not familiar with the word and they ask what “Khmer” is?   In practice, the two words, “Khmer” and “Cambodian”, can be used to replace each other. For example, one might say Khmer New Year or Cambodian New Year; Khmer People or Cambodian People.  The exception is when talking about “Khmer Rouge” (it is not correct to use the word Cambodian instead of Khmer in this case).  (For information about the Khmer Rouge see: Cambodian Cultural Profile)

The word “Kampuchea” means a country of Khmer people.  Kampuchea can be translated as “Khmer country”. The French call Kampuchea “Le Cambodge”; the Khmer male is called “Le Cambodgien”; and the Khmer female is called “La Cambodgienne”.  A bit different from French, the English name for the country is “Cambodia” and the Khmer people are called “Cambodian.” However, the full definition of what is Khmer and what is Cambodian remains a large topic of discussion among Khmer or Cambodian intellectuals.

Why Do Khmer Celebrate the New Year?

The Khmer New Year marks the end of the traditional harvest season, a time of leisure for farmers who have toiled all year to plant and harvest rice. April represents a rare break from the hard work, since it’s the hottest and driest month of the year, making it all but impossible to work for long in the fields.

As the harvest season winds down, farming communities turn their attention to the rites of the New Year ahead of the rainy season that arrives in late May.

Until the 13th century, the Khmer New Year was celebrated in late November or early December. A Khmer King (either Suriyavaraman II or Jayavaraman VII, depending on who you ask) moved the celebration to coincide with the end of the rice harvest.

The Khmer New Year is not strictly a religious holiday, although many Khmer visit the temples to commemorate the holiday.

The legend of Khmer New Year

Once Upon a time, there was a young man named Dhammabal Koma. As the son of a rich father, he had successfully completed his studies of the three Vedas. He could also speak and understand the language of all birds. Dhammabal Koma was famous throughout the country for his knowledge. And so, it came to pass that one day the King of the Gods Kabil Moha Prum learned of the extraordinary cleverness of Dhammabal.

This made the King of the Gods very jealous, he decided to descend to Earth and challenge Dhammabal with a riddle. The King was sure that he would win and declared that the loser should lose his head. Dhammabal was certain in his knowledge and agreed to take part.

The riddle

The riddle of King Kabil Moha Prum consisted of these three questions:

  • What is happiness in the morning?
  • What is happiness in the afternoon?
  • What is happiness in the evening

Dhammabal had seven days to solve the riddle. But try as he might, even after six days he had still not worked out the answers. Dhammabal was without hope and in desperation he decided to go deep into the forest and kill himself.

After spending many hours going deeper and deeper into the forest, he rested, exhausted, under a large palm tree. But suddenly whilst he was half asleep he noticed a pair of vultures talking to each other. The female vulture asked her husband what they should eat the next day.

The male vulture replied that they would have Dhammabal Koma’s flesh for the next day, and for the days that followed that.

For Dhammabal will die because he cannot solve the riddle. The female vulture became curious and she asked her husband what the riddle was. Her husband answered her with these three questions:

  • What is happiness in the morning?
  • What is happiness in the afternoon?
  • What is happiness in the evening?

The answers to the riddle

And then the vulture gave his wife the answers to the questions:

  • Happiness in the morning is on the faces of the people as they wash their face before they begin a new day.
  • Happiness in the afternoon is on the breast of the people as they swim to cool their bodies from the afternoon heat.
  • Happiness in the evening is at the feet of the people, as they clean their feet after a whole day of work and prepare themselves for the night’s rest.

As soon as the vulture had uttered these answers, Dhammabal recovered from his fatigue, and hurried back to the palace. There he waited for the King of the Gods to answer the riddle.

The King of the Gods kept his word, since he had been defeated. But before he was beheaded, he called his seven daughters to him and ordered them to take care of his head. His head could not come into contact with the earth, for it would burn it. Contact with the air would evaporate the rain, and contact with the sea would make all the oceans dry up.

New Year – and every year an angel comes down to earth

After these terrible warnings, Kabil Moha Prum cut off his own head and handed it to Tungsa, his eldest daughter. Tungsa placed her father’s head on a metal plate and took it to Mount Someru. Tungsa and a trillion other angels circled around the Someru mountain before she brought her father’s head to the Kuntheakmali Temple in Heaven.

There, the angels created a magic meeting place where they could meet every year at Mount Someru. Each year since that day, on the Cambodian New Year (Sangkran) one of the seven daughters takes the father’s head in a ceremonial circle around Mount Someru to bring happiness and good weather for a good harvest to the earth before returning it to the Kuntheakmali temple in heaven.

You will find it quite similar with the legend of Songkran in Thailand, Lao New Year, or Thingyan Festival in Myanmar

How Do the Khmer Celebrate Their New Year?

The Khmer mark their New Year with purification ceremonies, visits to temples, and playing traditional games.

At home, observant Khmer do their spring cleaning and set up altars to offer sacrifices to the sky deities, or devodas, who are believed to make their way to the Mount Meru of legend at this time of year.

At the temples, entrances are garlanded with coconut leaves and flowers. Locals visit the pagodas and bring offerings of food, desserts, and other everyday items to appease their deceased ancestors.

The temple courtyards also become playgrounds for the Khmer, who play traditional Khmer games during this time of year. A game called angkunh, for example, uses large inedible nuts that are tossed and knocked about by opposing teams.

Modern Khmer New Year Day Celebrations

The celebration of Khmer New Year has evolved over the years and is now characterized by crowds of people, including tourists, roaming around and soaking each other. This involves gathering along the streets using water pistols, water hoses, and super soakers, throwing buckets of water, and basically soaking anyone they can see around them.

Although the celebration of Khmer New Year may have evolved, a lot of Cambodian people still use this holiday as an opportunity to head to their hometowns and spend time with their families and relatives. Buddhists, on the other hand, visit temples and pour water on the images of Buddha and on the hands of Buddhist monks as a sign of respect.

How Long Does the Khmer New Year Festival Last?

The Cambodian New Year is celebrated for three whole days, each with its own ritual significance and ceremonies.

Day 1: Maha Sangkran (មហាសង្រ្កាន្ត)

Maha Sangkran, derived from Sanskrit Maha Sankranti, is the name of the first day of the new year celebration. It is the end of the year and the beginning of a new one. People dress up and light candles and burn incense sticks at shrines, where the members of each family pay homage to offer thanks for the Buddha’s teachings by bowing, kneeling and prostrating themselves three times in front of his image. For good luck people wash their face with holy water in the morning, their chests at noon, and their feet in the evening before they go to bed.

Day 2: Virak Vanabat (វិរ:វ័នបត)

Vireak Vanabat is the name of the second day of the new year celebration. People contribute charity to the less fortunate by helping the poor, servants, homeless, and low-income families. Families attend a dedication ceremony to their ancestors at monasteries.

Day 3: Vearak Loeng Sak (វារៈឡើងស័ក)

T’ngai Loeng Sak in Khmer is the name of the third day of the new year celebration. Buddhists wash the Buddha statues and their elders with perfumed water. Bathing the Buddha images is a symbolic practice to wash bad actions away like water clean dirt from household items. It is also thought to be a kind deed that will bring longevity, good luck, happiness and prosperity in life. By washing their grandparents and parents, the children can obtain from them best wishes and good pieces of advice to live the life for the rest of the year.

New Year’s customs

In temples, people erect a sand hillock on temple grounds. They mound up a big pointed hill of sand or dome in the center which represents Valuka Chaitya, the stupa at Tavatimsa where the Buddha’s hair and diadem are buried. The big stupa is surrounded by four small ones, which represent the stupas of the Buddha’s favorite disciples: Sariputta, Moggallana, Ananda, and Maha Kassapa. There is another tradition called Sraung Preah: pouring water or liquid plaster (a mixture of water with some chalk powder) on elder relative, or people (mostly the younger generation is responsible for pouring the water).

The Khmer New Year is also a time to prepare special dishes. One of these is a “kralan”: a cake made from steamed rice mixed with beans or peas, grated coconut and coconut milk. The mixture is stuffed inside a bamboo stick and slowly roasted.

Cambodian New Year Food

Khmer New Year is a time to party, and it is also a time to feast. During Khmer New Year, many families prepare special dishes. One such special dish is called kralan.

Kralan is a cake made by mixing steamed rice, beans or peas, grated coconut, and coconut milk. This sweet and sticky mixture is then stuffed inside a bamboo stick and slowly roasted.

Traditional games

Cambodia is home to a variety of games played to transform the dull days into memorable occasions. These games are similar to those played in Manipur, a north-eastern state in India.  Throughout the Khmer New Year, street corners often are crowded with friends and families enjoying a break from routine, filling their free time with dancing and games. Typically, Khmer games help maintain one’s mental and physical dexterity.

Chol Chhoung 

A game played especially on the first nightfall of the Khmer New Year by two groups of boys and girls. Ten or 20 people comprise each group, standing in two rows opposite each other. One group throws the chhoung to the other group. When it is caught, it will be rapidly thrown back to the first group. If someone is hit by the chhoung, the whole group must dance to get the chhoung back while the other group sings to the dance.

Chab Kon Kleng 

A game played by imitating a hen as she protects her chicks from a crow. Adults typically play this game on the night of the first New Year’s Day. Participants usually appoint a strong player to play the hen who protects “her” chicks, while another person is picked to be the “crow”. While both sides sing a song of bargaining, the crow tries to catch as many chicks as possible as they hide behind the hen.

Bos Angkunh

The simple style consists of just throwing the Ongkunhs to hit the target Ongkunhs. The extended style adds five more stages in addition to the throwing stage. Both styles end with a penalty called Jours-activity that the winning team members get to perform on the losing team members. The Jours-activity is performed by using the Onkunghs the hit the knees of the losing team.

Leak Kanseng

A game played by a group of children sitting in a circle. Someone holding a “kanseng” (Cambodian towel) that is twisted into a round shape walks around the circle while singing a song. The person walking secretly tries to place the “kanseng” behind one of the children. If that chosen child realizes what is happening, he or she must pick up the “kanseng” and beat the person sitting next to him or her.

Bay Khom

A game played by two children in rural or urban areas during their leisure time. Ten holes are dug in the shape of an oval into a board in the ground. The game is played with 42 small beads, stones or fruit seeds. Before starting the game, five beads are put into each of the two holes located at the tip of the board. Four beads are placed in each of the remaining eight holes. The first player takes all the beads from any hole and drops them one by one in the other holes. He or she must repeat this process until they have dropped the last bead into a hole that lies besides any empty one. Then they must take all the beads in the hole that follows the empty one. At this point, the second player may have his turn. The game ends when all the holes are empty. The player with the greatest number of beads wins the game. It is possibly similar to congkak.

Khmer New Year Songs

For the song during new year, you have 2 options: classic & new one.

Here is the classic option

 

If you want a ‘little’ shake, here is your option

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Cambodia travel News

Cambodia weather in June

by bangchu
written by bangchu

Cambodia weather in June

The month of June marks the beginning of wet season in Cambodia and the country becomes less popular tourist destination. However, wet season is not as bad as the label implies because it depends on what you want to do in these countries. If you want to enjoy a quieter holiday in Cambodia, June is definitely a good time to avoid the crowds. In addition, short downpours have their own advantage of eliminating the scorching heat. Keep reading our article about Cambodia weather in June to have more confidence to visit this country without being disturbed by summer rainfalls.

WaterfallsFrom June, Waterfalls are slowly filled with water after many hot and dry months.

Cambodia Climate in June

When Cambodia gets close to June, the wet southwest monsoon is slowly established, which makes humidity reach up to 50 – 70% during day time and 80 – 90% at night time. At this time of the year, average temperature remains at 28°C and rain can be expected throughout the entire country. Thanks to the appearance of rainfalls, the fierce heat of hottest months (March and April) eases off and temperatures start to drop, making life a little more comfortable after many hot and dry months.

There are around 10 – 12 hours of sunshine per day with bright mornings. Different from most other tropical countries, the initial rains of wet season in Cambodia is very mellow and showers happen more frequently towards the middle of June. In spite of its frequency, June’s rains last no more than a couple of hours and tend to occur in the afternoon or at night.
Temperatures in Siem Reap range from 26°C to 33°C, with the forecast of 150mm precipitation during June. Phnom Penh experiences the same situation with average temperature of 29°C, and rainfall reaches 155mm.

Meanwhile Cambodia’s southern coastal beaches such as Sihanouk Ville and Kep, as well as Cardamom Mountains can experience heavy downpours because these is difference about pattern of monsoon rains in these regions. Temperatures fluctuate between 26°C and 31°C. Although the sun still dominates the sky in between the showers, Sihanouk Ville and nearby offshore islands get wet with more than 250mm of precipitation expected over the course of the month.

Suggested Places to visit in June

Many people often misunderstand the initial months of the rainy season in Cambodia. Actually, June – the start of the rainy season is a very enjoyable time to visit Cambodia with a lots of advantages. Most tourists refuse to visit during this month because they are afraid that rains will spoilt their holidays.

Cambodia Siem Reap Angkor Wat

Thanks to downpours in June, Angkor Wat looks more stunning with fully watered moats surrounding.

Consequently, travel turns out extremely rewarding with much lower numbers of tourists, especially in the too famous Angkor Temples in Siem Reap. In some extends, these spectacular temples are more stunning in wet season with fully watered moats surrounding, which provides perfect chances to snap shots of temple reflections in the water. But sunrises and sunsets are very much a matter of luck. Don’t miss out the visit to floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake. Thanks to frequent downpours, the water level in the lake starts increasing, which allows boats transfer more conveniently and make the houses “float”.

Cambodia Siem Reap Tonle Sap Lake

In June, the increasing water level in Tonle Sap Lake allows boats transfer more conveniently.

In June, the rains tend to appear from middle of the month but it’s enough to turn the countryside into a lush green paradise. There is no better time than this month to visit Battambang, Kampong Thom and Kampong Cham, which are famous for their tranquility and countryside landscape. In addition, travel to and from these destinations remains easy due to relatively good infrastructure and convenient locations between two tourism hubs of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Horse riding

Foreign students enjoy horse riding in the lush countryside of Siem Reap.

If you are travelling on a budget, it’s not difficult to find discount rates from hotel suppliers, as well as many interesting promotions in June. One additional good news is that sightseeing activities can easily be planned because the monsoon rains in June are fairly predictable and don’t last long. They help to decrease the temperature and the cloud cover provide tourists with a few hours of relief from the harsh sun. Between showers, plenty of sunshine is still expected and the decreasing numbers of tourists makes sightseeing a pleasant activity.

Cambodia countryside

June’s rains don’t last in long period but enough to turn the Cambodian countryside into a lush green paradise.

However, there is a different story in rural north east regions like Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri. The downpours act like a dampener to adventure journeys and make the remote tracks become unpassable. There is high possibility to get drenched if you plan a trip to the south beaches of Kep and Sihanouk Ville, or the Cardamom Mountains as the torrential rain is a tough obstacle to overcome. But don’t feel frustrated because you can still get your sunshine packed beach vacation by taking short flight to Vietnamese beaches of Danang and Hoian, where experience sunny and dry days in summer time.

Cambodian Events in June

On 18 Jun every year, Cambodians celebrate the birthday of King Norodom Sihamoni’s mother – Queen Norodom Monineath Sihanouk. Even being an official public holiday, this occasion is a low-key holiday in Cambodia. The celebration may be held within royal family members, with dinner party to make cordial toasts to the Queen’s continued good health.
However, local people take advantage of this day off to take part in public events organized by local governments in public parks or shopping malls.

Elders may visit Buddhist temples to pray for the health of “Queen Mother”. Or tourists can get a taste of “traditional art” events on King’s Mother Birthday.

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Bus from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap

by bangchu
written by bangchu
Bus from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap 2023

Bus from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap 2023

From Ho Chi Minh Citу (Saigon) to Siem Reap уou can traᴠel bу buѕ or plane.

Traᴠel diѕtance from Saigon to Siem Reap iѕ about 600 km bу land ᴠia Phnom Penh. From Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap уou can traᴠel bу touriѕt buѕ or уou can book a direct flight. There iѕ no train connection from Saigon to Siem Reap. The moѕt cheapeѕt ᴡaу of tranѕport iѕ to traᴠel bу buѕ/ᴠan or miniᴠan, buѕ ticketѕ to Siem Reap ѕtart at $25 – 33/pp. A lot of buѕeѕ haᴠe ѕtopoᴠer in Phnom Penh (the capital of Cambodia) and in Phnom Penh уou ᴡill be tranѕported to another buѕ to Siem Reap (there are alѕo direct flightѕ from Saigon from Phnom Penh). The moѕt faѕteѕt and comfortable ᴡaу iѕ to traᴠel bу plane becauѕe there are alѕo direct flightѕ from Saigon to Siem Reap. Traᴠel bу plane takeѕ about 1.5 hour and it coѕtѕ about $90-180/pp. Siem Reap International Airport iѕ about 5 km from the citу centre, ѕo thiѕ option iѕ alѕo ᴠerу uѕeful. You can alѕo traᴠel to Siem Reap bу buѕ+boat ᴠia Chau Doc and Phnom Penh. There are boatѕ betᴡeen Chau Doc and Siem Reap (ᴠia Phnom Penh). Read carefullу the inѕtructionѕ before уou book buѕ ticketѕ and flightѕ to Siem Reap. Book and buу уour ticketѕ or flightѕ from Saigon to Siem Reap online and enjoу уour holidaу in Cambodia. Bus from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap 2023

Hoᴡ do I get from Ho Chi Minh Citу to Siem Reap?

1. BUS from Ho Chi Minh Citу to Siem Reap

Yeѕ, alѕo buѕeѕ run, a cheapeѕt option of tranѕport betᴡeen Saigon and Siem Reap there are direct buѕeѕ or buѕeѕ ᴡith ѕtopoᴠer in Phnom Penh ѕtop oᴠer in Phnom Penh (the capital of Cambodia, 330 km from Siem Reap, 250 km from Ho Chi Minh Citу) buѕ ticket from Saigon to Siem Reap coѕtѕ about $24-30/ppᴠerified buѕ companieѕ – Kumho Samco, Giant Ibiѕ, Mekong Eхpreѕѕ, The Sinh Touriѕt, Thero Eхpreѕѕ Kumho Samco, Thai Duong Limousine bus , Giant Ibiѕ – come to the buѕ at leaѕt 30 minuteѕ before departure (print уour e-ticket)buѕ of Mekong Eхpreѕѕ – come to the buѕ at leaѕt 60 minuteѕ before departure (print уour e-ticket)buѕ of Thero Eхpreѕѕ – bring уour ᴠoucher to the office addreѕѕ ѕtated 30 minuteѕ before departure time to eхchange for ticket and board buѕ. You maу either print or ѕhoᴡ the ᴠoucher on уour ѕmartphone/tablet.read the all neceѕѕarу information before уou book and buу уour ticketѕ!

7 Bus from ho chi minh to siem reap mới nhất

 

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Van of Mekong Eхpreѕѕ from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap (photo: Baolau).

2. FLIGHTS from Ho Chi Minh Citу to Siem Reap

there are alѕo direct flightѕ from Saigon and Siem Reapairlineѕ: Vietnam Airlineѕ, Cambodia Angkor Airone-ᴡaу loᴡ-coѕt flight from Saigon to Siem Reap coѕtѕ about $120-180/ppneᴡ loᴡ-coѕt airlineѕ: Lanmei Airlineѕ (flight coѕtѕ about $90-100/pp)flight time to Siem Reap iѕ about 1 hour and 20 minuteѕtraᴠel bу plane iѕ the faѕteѕt but the moѕt eхpenѕiᴠe ᴡaу of the tranѕfer betᴡeen Saigon and Siem Reap

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Direct flight to Siem Reap from Ho Chi Minh Citу iѕ the faѕteѕt ᴡaу of tranѕfer.

3. BUS + TAXI/CAR from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap

You can traᴠel bу buѕ to Phnom Penh and from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap bу taхithere are ᴠariouѕ touriѕt buѕeѕ and miniᴠanѕ to Phnom Penh and taхi/carѕ to Siem Reappriᴠate taхi/car from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap coѕtѕ about $95-180/cartaхi companieѕ from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: Phuket Ground Serᴠiceѕ, Glaѕѕfloᴡertraᴠel bу priᴠate taхi from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap takeѕ about 4-5.5 hourѕуou can book уour priᴠate taхi/car from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap online

4. BUS + BOAT from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap (ᴠia Chau Doc)

уou can alѕo traᴠel bу buѕ + boat/ѕpeedboat from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap ᴠia Chau Doc there are buѕeѕ from Saigon to Chau Doc and boatѕ/ѕpeed boatѕ from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh + Siem Reap from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap уou can traᴠel bу boat ᴠia Tonle Sap Lakeуou can book buѕ ticketѕ to Chau Doc and boat ticketѕ to Phnom Penh online.

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TRAIN from Ho Chi Minh Citу to Siem Reap?

You can alѕo traᴠel from Ho Chi Minh Citу to Phnom Penh and from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, there are buѕeѕ or flightѕ, check thiѕ:

1. Hoᴡ to traᴠel from Ho Chi Minh Citу to Phnom Penh (6 hourѕ bу buѕ)2. Hoᴡ to traᴠel from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap (5.5 – 7 hourѕ bу buѕ)

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Ta Prohm temple in Angkor Wat, Siem Reap.

Angkor Wat iѕ one of the ѕeᴠen modern ᴡonderѕ of the ᴡorld.Angkor Wat temple compleх iѕ located about ѕiх kilometerѕ north of Siem Reap. Thiѕ maѕѕiᴠe compleх ᴡaѕ built during the 12th centurу and it iѕ belieᴠed that it took almoѕt 30 уearѕ to complete the conѕtruction. The temple iѕ dedicated to Hindu god Viѕhnu. Angkor Wat iѕ the largeѕt monument of the Angkor group.

Bus from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap 2023

– it iѕ belieᴠed to haᴠe been uѕed aѕ a funerarу temple for King Surуaᴠarman II– the Wat iѕ 213 meterѕ tall and three leᴠelѕ, each one iѕ higher and ѕmaller than the loᴡer one– the oᴠerall plan of the compleх mimicѕ the ѕhape of a lotuѕ bud– the ᴡat iѕ conѕidered to be a microcoѕm of the uniᴠerѕe in ѕtone and occupieѕ about 500 acreѕ of land– the ᴡat iѕ acceѕѕible through itѕ ᴡeѕtern entrance ᴡhich iѕ flanked bу ѕtone lionѕ

 

Bus from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap 2023

Bus from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap 2023

Angkor Wat Temple compleх in Siem Reap. Bus from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap 2023

Baolau – Search, book and buу ticketѕ and flightѕ online

– Baolau ѕellѕ the train, buѕ, ferrу e-ticketѕ and flightѕ mainlу for Vietnam (+ ticketѕ for Cambodia and Laoѕ)– companу offerѕ alѕo a ticketѕ larger buѕ companieѕ (Mai Linh, Hoang Long, TheSinh Touriѕt, Futabuѕ, Sapa Eхpreѕѕ…)– companу offerѕ flightѕ of Vietnameѕe airlineѕ, VietJet Air, JetStar, Air Aѕia aѕ ᴡell aѕ flightѕ to neighbouring countrieѕ– ticketѕ for the ferrieѕ in Vietnam, eg. ferrу to Phu Quoc, Con Dao to Saigon, ferrу to Cat Ba, ferrу to Phnom Penh, ferrу to Quan Lan…– ticketѕ for Malaуѕia (Penang to Langkaᴡi, Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlandѕ, Penang to Singapore…)– the price of ticketѕ or flightѕ iѕ from the official price of tranѕport companу or airlineѕ– уou ᴡill ѕee the final price before making the paуment tranѕaction– уou can uѕe online train e-ticket in уour mobile phone in Vietnam (I recommend to print a ticket)– read in the order anу other information about ticketѕ, read alѕo frequentlу aѕked queѕtionѕ on Bus from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap 2023

Tongdaive.com – Search, book and buу ticketѕ and flightѕ online

– Thai Duong Limousine bus ѕellѕ the buѕ, train, ferrу e-ticketѕ and flightѕ mainlу to Vietnam,Cambodia)– from 2011 уou can book train ticketѕ for China online (Beijing to Xian, Beijing to Shanghai, Shanghai to Hangᴢhou..) – ferrу/boat ticketѕ in Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, eg. ferrу to Vung Tau, Koh Chang, Koh Rong, Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi…– ticketѕ for the main routeѕ in Thailand, eg: Bangkok to Hua Hin, Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bangkok to Phuket– уou can not uѕe an online train e-ticket in Thailand, уou haᴠe to print it ( Tongdaive.com can deliᴠer theѕe train ticketѕ)– more information about train ticketѕ and trainѕ in Thailand– уou can uѕe an online train ticket in Vietnam (not in Thailand)– information about Tongdaive.com read in article about tranѕportation in Vietnam– if уou order an train ticket in Baolau or 12go for touriѕt trainѕ in Vietnam to Sapa (Orient Eхpreѕѕ, Sapalу…), уou muѕt pick it up at the ѕtation Bus from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap 2023

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Cambodia travel News

Top 9 things to do in Phnom Penh

by bangchu
written by bangchu
Phnom penh cambodia11 - Cambodia Travel

Top 9 things to do in Phnom Penh

Once regarded as the “Pearl of Asia”, Phnom Penh Capital of Cambodia used to be the hub for both the Khmer Empire and French colonialists. Despite of not being the most beautiful place in Cambodia, there is a plethora of things to do in Phnom Penh. While you still see the remnants of Cambodia’s tragic recent history because Phnom Penh was the former epicenter of the Khmer Rouge regime, you also can explore masterpieces from the city’s rich heritages, stroll along beautiful boulevards lined with old colonial French villas and buildings, sampling local culinary delights and immerse yourselves into Khmer culture.

To help you have a fun and frolic vacation in Cambodia’s bustling capital, Cambodia Travel propose a list of 10 things that you shouldn’t miss to do while in Phnom Penh.

Table of Contents

1. Visit cultural landmarks in central Phnom Penh

Despite recent rapid changes, Phnom Penh still holds an undeniable charm with its wide tree-lined boulevards and faded colonial mansions. Even you plan a short or long stay in this city, the visit to Royal Palace should not be forgotten. The Royal Palace –  a stunning architectural masterpiece of the 19th century, is home to the Cambodian King’s and royal family, as well as the proud symbol of Cambodia Kingdom.

Phnom penh cambodia11 - Cambodia Travel

Visitors can access some sections inside the complex grounds, such as the ornate temples, libraries, galleries and manicured gardens. Within the palace compound is a prominent temple named Silver Pagoda. This name comes from its gleaming floor, which is covered with 5 tonnes of silver. To admire the world’s finest collection of Khmer sculpture, just take a short walk from Royal Palace to National Museum – home to more than 5,000 artefacts dating back to the ancient Angkorian period.

The museum building itself is a graceful terracotta structure of traditional design with dark red clay bricks and roofs that spirals toward the heavens. The cultural exploration will be continued to Wat Phnom. This Buddhist temple stands on the only hill in Phnom Penh at the height of 27 meters. With more than 600-year history, Wat Phnom is the center of Cambodia’s important celebrations like Khmer New Year, and Pchum Ben. The sightseeing trip in central Phnom Penh can be done on foot or by cyclo. These are special ways to experience the city’s streets and buildings. 

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The Complete Cambodia Travel Guide

2. Learn about Cambodian tragic recent history under Khmer Rouge

During the Khmer Rouge regime, Phnom Penh was chosen as the epicenter so it’s the best destination to grasp the harsh and bloody recent history of Khmer people. The former school was transformed into a torture prison – known as Security Prison 21 (S-21) where Khmer Rouge gathered and brutalized their victims. Within only 4 years (from 1975 to 1979), there were 14,000 people imprisoned but only 7 survived in this prison. S21 Prison has turned into the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum to reveal the crimes of the Khmer Rouge.

The Killing Tree

Choeung Ek Killing Fields with many evidences to reveal the crimes of the Khmer Rouge.

Hundreds of thousands victims were sent from S-21 Prison to their deaths at Choeung Ek extermination camp. Now more commonly known as the Choeung Ek Killing Fields is a special place for those who want to understand the reality of what happened in Cambodia in their own eyes. Upon arrival at this memorial field, tourists will be given a headset that will guide them through the exhumed graves and tell the bloody stories in the past. Even it’s not a pleasant experience, it helps tourists understand more about how Khmer people have remained resilient and strong.

3. See the sun go down in Phnom Penh’s River

Conveniently located at the junction of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers, Phnom Penh offers many excellent opportunities to enjoy sunset over water. A sunset river cruise can fulfill your desires whether you seek for romance or adventure. During the cruise journey, passengers can choose to taste local cuisine, along with cocktails and wine. With all-inclusive refreshments, you can leisurely float along the river watching the Royal Palace and Phnom Penh’s distinctive skyline become surrounded with a warm orange glow.

sunset river cruise in phnom penh

River cruise in Phnom Penh offers excellent opportunity to enjoy sunset over water.

Sisowath Quay is also an ideal location for catching sunset moments. This lively artery alongside the turgid Tonle Sap River is lined with terrace cafes and restaurants where you can leisurely enjoy local drinks and snacks and watch the sun go down. Strolling along this riverside promenade at dusk, tourists will get closer to local nightlife scene. Just take a seat at any comfy bench in the boardwalk and see locals getting fit at the aerobics classes or playing games. Or don’t hesitate to sample any delicious local snack offered by local peddlers you stumble on along the way.

4. Get lost in local markets

Whether you want to test your bargaining skills, window shopping or get more local experience, Phnom Penh’s markets are a must-visit.
Sweltering Russian Market should be included into Phnom Penh trip of any traveler. This bazaar got its name because it was the popular area amongst Russian expats back in the 1980s. Coming to this market, you can expect to find a little bit of everything like silk scarves, spices, woodcarvings, and more.

Cambodia-Phnom-Penh-Central-Market

Phnom Penh’s Central Market where offers anything tourists could ever want to buy while on vacation.

Psar Thmei, or widely known as Central Market, is a landmark itself due to the impressive art deco design by French architects. Located right in the heart of the city, this huge golden domed structure resembles a Babylonian ziggurat and used to be ranked as the biggest indoor market in Asia when it was built. If you are short on time, just go straight to Central Market where offers anything you could ever want to buy while on vacation, from local handicrafts to designer handbags and discounted brand-name clothing. Hundreds of colorful stalls in local markets surely make you get lost and you may easily spend hours wandering around!

5. Immerse yourself in Phnom Penh’s urban art culture

Cambodia’s art scene and creativity were almost disappeared under the Khmer Rouge. Luckily, when the country rebuilt, Cambodia’s artistic ability shone through and many young artists turn traditional art into modern art form of expression. While in Phnom Penh, just pay a visit to the Street 93 and the laneway off Street 240 that make up Phnom Penh’s vibrant street art scene. Throughout the capital, colorful and creative murals brighten up drab paths, abandoned buildings, and crumbling structures. These awesome murals have been created by talented local and international street artists.

urban art culture

Colorful and creative murals brighten up drab paths, abandoned buildings, and crumbling structures throughout Phnom Penh.

If you come to Phnom Penh in right time of the annual Cambodia Urban Art Festival, you can witness artists showcase their skills with live mural paintings. The festival’s missions are to professionalize local artists and encourage foreign artists to exchange culture through their artworks.

6. Interact with animals in an ethical way

Cambodia is home for many wildlife sanctuaries which are dedicated to the rehabilitation and conservation of animals. If you have more than two days in Phnom Penh, don’t miss the chance to access Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center. With only an hour’s drive from Phnom Penh, this tour to the animal sanctuary surely will bring wonderful Cambodia wildlife experiences. Being founded in 1995 and operated by Wildlife Alliance, this conservation center now is home to over 1,200 animals, including sun and moon bears, elephants, leopards, lions, tigers, gibbons, macaques, deer, and more.

Bear Care Tour off by Free the Bears

Free the Bears offers one full day educational trip for tourists to interact with rescued bears in ethical ways.

If taking part in the full day behind the scenes tour, tourists will have chance to visit a local market to pick up fresh fruit which they’ll then hand feed to the elephants and rescued baby macaques, visit the private tiger dens and baby animals which are undergoing rehabilitation. The tour includes a Cambodian-style lunch and resting time in the hammocks.

Bear Care Tour offered by Free the Bears is designed for those who are ever been wild about bears rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. During this full day educational trip, participants will help the Bear Care Team to prepare food and special treats to keep the bears happy and healthy in their natural living habitats. After lunch time with traditional Khmer food, visitors will visit other animals at Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre. By joining in these experiences, you contribute to support these ethical sanctuaries and organizations working to protect and save Cambodia’s vulnerable wildlife.

7. Watch cultural shows at Cambodian Living Arts

Once in Phnom Penh, you are highly recommended to spend at least one night to enjoy traditional dance performances at Cambodian Living Arts. This not-for-profit organization aims to preserve endangered performing art forms and rituals, bring traditional arts back to life and promote creativity and innovation in the arts sector. Shows start from 7 PM to 8 PM at the covered open-air theater in the beautiful premises of the National Museum. During one hour long performance of classical and folk dances, talented dancers and musicians will take you on a journey from the courts of Angkorian palaces to scenes of daily village life.

Cambodian Living Arts

In Cambodian Living Arts, talented dancers and musicians will take you on a journey from the courts of Angkorian palaces to scenes of daily village life.

It’s really amazing to know that your attendance to this show serves a philanthropic cause because all profits have been used to support troupes as well as offer scholarships and fellowships to talented people in their art careers.

8. Go for a bike ride through Koh Dach Island

If you want to escape the bustling scene of Phnom Penh for the day without going too far, half day biking to the nearby Koh Dach Island is not a bad suggestion. Koh Dach, also known as Silk Island, is a narrow island in the middle of the Mekong River and just an hour’s journey from the capital, including a short ferry ride. Once in this silk island, tourists can take a soft biking through rice paddies, and small villages with traditional Cambodian teak wood houses.

bike ride through Koh Dach Island

After a short ferry ride from Phnom Penh’s mainland, tourists can enjoy half day biking trip around Koh Dach Island.

Meeting with the local Khmer, tourists can learn about Cambodian silk weaving industry. In weaving villages dotted across the islands, tourists can watch women busy in using handlooms to spin silk while others dye materials to create stunning silk designs and accessories.
Don’t forget to bring your camera as there are plenty of novel things to explore and capture here.

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9. Sample Khmer food in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh might not have the same vibrant food scene as Vietnam’s Capital or distinctive food culture of Bangkok, but trying Khmer cuisine is still an essential part when visiting Cambodia’s Capital. If you want a taste of Cambodia’s classic culinary, just go ahead to the Night Market, where street food stalls offer a wide range of cheap local dishes. Visitors will have chances to feast on food cooked fresh on the streets, from deep-fried creepy crawlies to delicious Khmer curries and wok-fried Khmer noodles (Read more about Cambodia Food: 10 Dishes You Need to Try).

Sample Khmer food in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh’s Night Market concentrates street food stalls offering a wide range of cheap local dishes.

If food hygiene standards are your top concern, take part in Phnom Penh Street Food Tour with Cambodia Travel’s experienced and information tour guides. The trip will lead gourmets off the beaten track to gorge on authentic Cambodian flavors at local markets and street food eateries. This is a great way to sample the diversity of Khmer delicacies in a fun and safe way.

If you seek for fine dining experience, there are many good Khmer restaurants in town with reasonable prices and cozy atmosphere. To name a few:

  • Eleven One Kitchen Phnom Penh – Street 460, Tuol Tom Poung & Street 334, BKK.
  • Malis Restaurant Phnom Penh – #136 Street 41.
  • Friends the Restaurant – #215, Street 13.
  • Khmer Surin Restaurant – #9 Street 57.
  • Romdeng Restaurant – Street 174.

Phnom Penh is a beautiful Southeast Asian city with interesting pre and post-colonial history. As the major economic and cultural center of the Khmer Kingdom, there are many things to do and see in Phnom Penh, as well as witness the progress that has been made to help the country move forward. Don’t hesitate in spending a few rewarding days in this Cambodia’s vibrant and bustling capital city.

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Cambodia travel News

Top 10 Attractions in Phnom Penh

by bangchu
written by bangchu

Top 10 Attractions in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh Capital – the heartbeat of Cambodia, is where modern and old collide. From stunning architecture, both ancient and New Khmer and from French colonial period, as well as its recent tragic history, Phnom Penh still retains its own charm and therein gives a more unspoiled Southeast Asian experience. For more ideas on places to visit, keep on reading our suggested list of top 10 attractions in Phnom Penh.

1. Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda

Royal Palace is the striking structure conveniently located near the riverfront in Phnom Penh. The spired-roof pavilions and ornate decoration of the complex are excellent examples for classic Khmer architecture. There are 4 main structures in the complex: the Khemarin Palace, the Inner Court, the Throne Hall and the Silver Pagoda.

Being the seat and residence of Cambodia’s royal family since the 1860s, half of the compound is closed to the public. Tourists are allowed to visit the Throne Hall and adjacent Silver Pagoda which is set within manicured gardens. The Throne Hall being seen today was built in 1917 to replace the earlier wooden structure. It is topped by a 59m-high tower inspired by the Bayon at Angkor. Coronations and important ceremonies like presentation of credentials by diplomats are taken place in this hall.

Royal Palace Phnom Penh

Throne Hall and Silver Pagoda are opened for public visit in Royal Palace’s complex.

The Silver Pagoda gets its name as the floor is covered with 5 tonnes of gleaming silver. It was originally built of wood in 1892 with the inspiration from Bangkok’s Wat Phra Kaew, then rebuilt in 1962. Therefore, visitors are surely amazed by the Emerald Buddha statue and a life-sized gold Buddha statue studded with 2,086 diamonds. The interior ceiling murals of the pagoda are stunning examples of extraordinary Khmer artisanship with depictions of the Cambodian epic poem, the Reamker based on the story of the Indian Ramayana.

All visitors must dress appropriate clothes covering their knees and shoulders. Photography is prohibited inside the Silver Pagoda.

Address: Samdach Sothearos Blvd (3), Phnom Penh.
Opening hours: 8 AM – 10:30 AM, 2 PM – 5 PM daily (closed on public holidays).

2. National Museum of Cambodia

Not only the largest architectural and historical museum in Cambodia, the National Museum in Phnom Penh is also home to the world’s finest collection of Khmer sculpture. Being constructed from 1917 to 1920, the museum itself is an example of traditional design with a graceful terracotta structure and a serene courtyard garden. Anyone with special interest in Cambodian history should not miss the chance to visit National Museum.

National Museum Phnom Penh

The graceful terracotta structure with traditional design of National Museum in Phnom Penh.

It houses the large exhibits of artifacts dating from Funan and Chenla periods (pre-Angkorian) from 4th to 9th centuries; and the classical Angkorian period from 10th to 14th centuries.
The visit normally starts from left side and continue in a clockwise direction and follow chronological order.
Photography is only allowed in the museum exterior and courtyard, and not permitted inside the museum.

Address: Preah Ang Eng Street 13, Phnom Penh.
Opening hours: 8 AM – 5 PM daily.

3. Toul Sleng Genocide Museum

Located right in the heart of Phnom Penh, Toul Sleng Genocide Museum preserves a tragic period in Cambodia’s history during the Khmer Rouge regime. In 1975, Pol Pot’s security forces took over Toul Svay Prey High School in Phnom Penh and converted it into Security Prison 21 (S-21). Within four years (from 1975 to 1978), more than 14,000 people were imprisoned and tortured here, which made it become the largest center of detention and torture in the country.

Toul Sleng Genocide Museum

Toul Sleng used to be a high school before being converted into the Security Prison during the Khmer Rouge regime.

Displays in the museum focus on main topics: the Khmer Rouge period, the living conditions of prisoners and the impact of this dark period on the present Cambodian society. The visit to Toul Sleng is really a depressing experience, especially more visceral by the displayed photographs of victims hanging on the walls. But the visit there is recommended for those who want to get greater sight about Cambodia bloody history and admire Khmer people’s strong resilience.

Toul Sleng Museum serves as a testament to the crimes of the Khmer Rouge and encourages visitors to be messengers of peace.

Address: St.113, Boeung Keng Kang III, Boeung Keng Kang, Phnom Penh.
Opening hours: 8 AM – 5 PM daily.

4. Choeung Ek Killing Fields

Located 17 km south of Phnom Penh city center, Choeung Ek Killing Fields is the site of a former orchard and mass grave of victims of the Khmer Rouge between 1975 and 1979. During this period, more than 17,000 victims were sent to their deaths at Choeung Ek extermination camp, many of them came from S-21 Prison after detention and torture there. Among 129 mass graves here, 86 that have been excavated, exhuming the remains of 8,895 bodies after the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime. There is a memorial stupa at the center of Choeung Ek, which contains an acrylic glass case with over 5,000 human skulls.

Choeung Ek Killing Fields

The memorial stupa at the center of Choeung Ek contains an acrylic glass case with over 5,000 human skulls.

Upon arrival at this memorial field, tourists will be given a headset that will guide them through the exhumed graves and tell the bloody stories in the past. Even it’s a somber experience, it helps tourists understand more about how Khmer people have remained resilient and strong during tumultuous period in Cambodia’s modern history.

Address: Phnom Penh.
Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM daily.

5. Psar Thmei – Central Market

Psar Thmei, or widely known as Central Market, is a landmark itself due to the impressive art deco design by French architects. Located right in the heart of the city, this huge golden domed structure resembles a Babylonian ziggurat and used to be ranked as the biggest indoor market in Asia when it first opened in 1937. Even on a sweltering day, the market’s central hall is still cool an airy thanks to its excellent ventilation system. Psar Thmei was renovated by the fund from French Development Agency from 2009 to 2011 and now is in good shape.

Psar Thmei

Psar Thmei in Phnom Penh with its impressive art deco design by French architects.

The four diagonal wings are filled with stalls selling silver and gold jewelry, antique coins, fake name-brand watches and other such items. Right at the market’s entrance, tourists will be impressed by souvenir merchants hawking everything from T-shirts and postcards to local handicrafts. When you are hungry, there is plenty of food stalls and colorful fresh produce sections offering classic local dishes.
In spite of the overcharged prices on most products, Phsar Thmei is still the best market in the city for an aimless wander, and photography opportunities.

Address: Street 128, Phsar Thmei 1 Commune, Daun Penh District.
Opening hours: 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM daily.

6. Russian Market Top 10 Attractions in Phnom Penh

Russian Market is situated in the southern part of the capital city and locally known as Phsar Toul Tom Poung. It earned its moniker as “Russian Market” because during the 1980s, the predominantly Russian expats living in Phnom Penh shopped here. From the outside, it doesn’t look like much but when entering inside, tourists will have opportunities to soak up a slice of local life here with the market’s huge arrays of local produce on display.

Russian Market

Russian Market offers countless chances for tourists to soak up a slice of local life with huge arrays of local produce on display.

A little bit of everything can be found here, like Cambodian silks, local handicrafts, discounted name-brand clothing, musical instruments, silver jewelry and so on. It will be an interesting experience to try out your bargaining skills here.

This narrow and sometimes sweltering market shouldn’t be visited during midday. So plan for an early morning or late afternoon visit.  When the hunger strikes, don’t worried because there are some local food stalls around Russian Market.

Address: Street 163 Corner of Street 440, Phnom Penh.
Opening hours: 6 AM – 4:30 PM daily.

7. Wat Phnom

Wat Phnom – a Buddhist pagoda, stands on a 27 m high tree-covered hillock at the central point of Phnom Penh and is the tallest religious structure in the city. Legend says that a wealthy widow named Penh found a large koki tree on the riverbank of Mekong River. There were four sacred Buddha statues inside the tree. Therefore, Lady Penh gathered nearby residents to construct an artificial hill and erected a shrine on top to protect these sacred statues in 1372.

Wat Phnom

Wat Phnom is the tallest religious structure in Phnom Penh.

The grand eastern staircase guarded by lions and naga balustrades is the main entrance leading to Wat Phnom. The temple sanctuary then was renovated several times in the 19th century and the current one dated from 1926. There is a huge stupa at the west of temple sanctuary, which contains the ashes of King Ponhea Yat. On the southwestern corner of the temple and stupa is a small shrine dedicated to Lady Penh.

Being one of the most important Buddhist temples in the city, Wat Phnom is often busy with locals coming to pray for good luck and success in business and other important life events.
When climbing down the hill to the northwest corner, tourists can pay a visit to the arts and crafts center, where local women and disabled people make and sell ceramics, jewelry, silks and sculptures. The surrounding area offers the pleasant green space to relax and escape from bustling capital for a while.

Address: Road 102, Norodom Boulevard, Phnom Penh.
Opening hours: 7 AM – 6 PM daily.

8. Sisowath Quay

Named in honour of King Sisowath (1904 – 1927), Sisowath Quay is a 3 km riverfront strip bordering the Mekong River and abutted by the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh. It’s considered as the important commercial public region and home to beautiful colonial-style buildings as well as foreign embassies. With a westernized and multinational vibe, this area is filled with street vendors, restaurants, bars, cafes, shops and hotels.

Sisowath Quay - Top 10 Attractions in Phnom Penh

Top 10 Attractions in Phnom Penh

Local daily life is attached to Sisowath Quay from early morning to late evening.

From the early morning, the Quay awakes with exercise sessions and interesting music practiced by “early bird” locals. During the day time, it’s a great place to hang out for both locals and tourists, especially crowded in weekend and public holidays. The portion in front of Royal Palace is used to watch boat races held in Water Festival in the mid-April. If you want to get away from the noisy rush hours of the bustling capital, just join in the sunset cruise departing from the tourist boat dock between 5 pm and 7:30 pm. This is really a relaxing way to soak up the gentle pace of local river life, as well as enjoy the city view from other perspective.

When the sun goes down until midnight, Sisowath Quay become busier with locals getting fit at the outdoor aerobics classes or playing games, and riverside night market opened for sale. Just take a seat at any comfy bench in the boardwalk and observe local nightlife scene. Or sample any delicious local snack offered by street peddlers you stumble on along the way.

9. Kbach Gallery

Just 2 km south of central town is Kbach Gallery, which was opened in 2017 by a London native – Tony Francis, to promote Cambodian urban and street art scene and its artists. With three galleries covering 400 sq meters of Factory Phnom Penh, Kbach organizes frequent exhibits and competitions where local and international artists have chance to showcase their work and talent. It also cooperate with local schools and organizations to implement meaningful projects such as refresh blank walls by stunning murals of urban art.

Kbach Gallery

Kbach Gallery is where tourists can admire Cambodian urban and street art scene and its artists’ talents.

Coming here, visitors will be inspired by exterior covered by dazzling murals, and the interior houses urban and mixed-medium art. Moreover, visitors can enjoy other facilities of Factory Phnom Penh like coffee shop, craft brewery, cinema, skateboard park and trampoline park Fly Phnom Penh.

Address: Factory, 1159, NR2, Phnom Penh.
Opening hours: 11 am – 6 pm Monday – Saturday/ 12 pm – 5 pm Sunday.

10. Koh Dach Island

top attractions in phnom penh silk island - Cambodia Travel

Koh Dach, also known as Silk Island, is a narrow island in the middle of the Mekong River, on the upstream of Phnom Penh. From Phnom Penh, it is just an hour’s journey to Koh Dach, including a short ferry ride. Once in this silk island, tourists can rent bikes at the ferry drop-off point and take a soft biking through rice paddies, and small villages with traditional Cambodian teak wood houses.

Meeting with the local Khmer, tourists can learn about Cambodian silk weaving industry. In weaving villages dotted across the islands, tourists can watch women busy in using handlooms to spin silk while others dye materials to create stunning silk designs and accessories.
Don’t forget to bring your camera as there are plenty of novel things to explore and capture here.

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Cambodia travel News

Cambodia Weather in July

by bangchu
written by bangchu
Cambodia Weather in July

Cambodia Weather in July

Although July is considered as one of the wettest months of the year in Cambodia, rain often comes in short and sharp downpours and doesn’t last all day long. Tourists can still expect plenty of hot weather in summer mode during this month. July is especially suitable for tourists who want to avoid the high season crowds because almost tourist attractions are much quieter at this time of the year. Keep reading to discover more about Cambodia weather in July and other essential information.

1. Cambodia Climate in July. or Cambodia Weather in July

Coming to July, the wet southwest monsoon is established and in full swing. Thanks to rains, days in Cambodia are more comfortable with average temperatures around 27°C. In Phnom Penh, temperatures range from 25°C at night to 33°C in daytime, with around 170 mm of precipitation expected over the course of the month. Siem Reap experiences the similar situation with almost a 60% chance of rain each day. Temperatures here reach highs of 32°C and lows of 27°C as observed in recent years. Over the course of this month, destinations in coastal southern part of Cambodia like Sihanoukville get the minimum temperature of 24°C and maximum temperature around 31°C. The average amount of rainfall is 146 mm but sun can be occasionally seen during this month with average 174 hours of sunlight. Cambodia Weather in July

Cambodia Weather in July

Cambodia Weather in July

July’s average temperatures in main tourist destinations in Cambodia.

When the month end draws near, monsoon rains will gradually increase. However, several dry days are still expected throughout this wet month. In a positive way, the downpours in this country don’t last the entire day. They come with plenty of warning so you can have enough time to find the shelter before the precipitation hammers from the sky for about one hour. Then the skies are once again blue immediately and the sun is shining. After a couple of raining months, the countryside is much more lush and green.

2. Important notes when visiting Cambodia in July.

During July, rains can be seen throughout the country. Tourists can face more or less rain depending on their exact destination. Generally, downpours will not last all day long. Tourists can start the day trip in the morning with bright and dry conditions. In the afternoon, rainfall typically comes in the form of heavy and intense showers to clear the humidity. Impressive lightning and thunder storms can break out infrequently, which provides some spectacular views for those who have never experienced them before, especially while standing at the famous Angkor Complex. Cambodia Weather in July

If you don’t consider rainfall as a nuisance, you will find Cambodia is a picturesque destination to travel in July. This month experiences a significant decrease in the number of tourists. This makes major landmarks like Angkor Complex in Siem Reap, Royal Palace in Phnom Penh much less crowded. Therefore, it’s one of the quietest times to explore both the city and temples. In addition, almost hotels and resorts offer attractive packages or discount programs to attract tourists during this low season. Budget travelers can’t deny that July is one of the ideal time to visit Cambodia.

rainfall typically comes in Cambodia in July - Cambodia Weather in July

Cambodia Weather in July 2023

Angkor Wat experiences a significant decrease in the number of tourists in July.

After many days of precipitation, the countryside turns into lush and green shade and water levels in the lakes increase. However, the travel to rural north-east regions, such as Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri, is rather difficult due to flooding.

If you look for beach relaxation at the end of your Cambodia holiday, just skip the beaches of the south Cambodia during July due to the heavy downpours and hop over to the neighboring Vietnam to soak in the sunshine. Beaches in central Vietnam are at their prime at that time and this extension can be easily added to your travel plan.

3. What to pack? Cambodia Weather in July

– Clothing: although your visit falls in the early wet season, please keep in mind that Cambodia is still a tropical country with hot climate. So you should pack clothing including cotton t-shirt, linen pants or dry-fit. Light rain jacket is a must in your suitcase.
– Footwear: bring appropriate footwear for the wet season like weather-resistant walking shoes and/or waterproof sandals.
– Waterproof backpacks or bags: these items are necessary to keep your important belongings safe and dry while travelling in rainy season. Cambodia Weather in July

– Hairdryer: it’s a good idea to bring a small hairdryer along with you. It’s not just for drying your hair, but very useful for quick drying a wet piece of clothing in urgent cases.
– Insect repellent spray: tropical Cambodia in wet season has good conditions for mosquitoes and other insects. So protect yourself against these pesky bites by packing a good insect repellent spray and protective clothing.

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Cambodia travel News

Cambodia Weather in August

by bangchu
written by bangchu

Cambodia Weather in August

Cambodia weather in August is not much different from July. Even being one of the wettest months of the year, you can still expect several sunny days at this time. In addition, the travel services in this low season are offered with attractive rates so don’t let the rain put you off. Let’s see what August can bring you if travelling in Cambodia during this time of the year.

1. Cambodia Climate in August

When it comes to August, the amount of precipitation per day starts to increase and tends to hit its peak from the middle of the month. Cambodia in this wet season can experience rains every day. But generally, August sees more short and intense downpours rather than all day showers. It’s really a good news for those who plan to visit Cambodia in its most lush glory. Rain waters turn the countryside landscape into new life.

Cambodia Climate in August

August’s average temperatures in main tourist destinations in Cambodia.

In August, temperatures in Cambodia hover around 27°C and there are 18 rainy days in the month on average. In main tourist destinations like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, the average daily sunshine hours in August is about 6 hours. The main characteristics of weather in Siem Reap are hot, humid and wet. The temperature ranges from 32°C in the daytime to 26°C at night time. With 18 rainy days, August rainfall in this town reaches at 229 mm.

Phnom Penh is slightly cooler than Siem Reap but its climate is still humid and wet. Phnom Penh has average highs of 31°C, while lows are at 24°C after dark at this time of the year. In spite of the high temperatures, rainfalls account for three quarters of the days with an average of 165 mm of precipitation across the month.

2. Important notes when visiting Cambodia in August

Cambodia is right in the middle of heavy monsoons when it comes to August. So torrential downpours may be an obstacle for sightseeing activities in the ancient monuments. It will be a great idea to arrange indoor activities while raining then taking outdoor excursions when the weather brightens up.

The terms “rainy season” or “wet season” can prevent many people from visiting Cambodia in August. In a positive perspective, tourists can still enjoy their holiday in this tropical country when temperatures are much more pleasant and the countryside is lush and green thanks to downpours. In addition, the country’s waterways are in full flow, making it possible to visit the flooded forests and floating villages in Tonle Sap by boat.

the road to Ratanakiri in rainy season

Heavy rains can cause travel disruption in the rural areas where road systems are less developed.

In the rural areas, such as Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri, where roads are less developed, the heavy rains can cause travel disruption and remote tracks become impassable. Therefore, it’s better to forget “off the beaten path” destinations when you are in Cambodia at this time of the year.Cambodia Weather in August 2023

Destinations along the south coast like Kampot, Kep and Sihanoukville experience the heaviest precipitation during this month. Those looking to a beautiful sun kissed sandy bow after exploring Cambodian culture and history do not have to look far. Just take a short flight to neighboring Vietnam where Hoian and Danang beaches are still enjoying sunny and dry weather in August.

3. What to pack? Cambodia Weather in August

– Clothing: although your visit falls in the wet season, please keep in mind that Cambodia is still a tropical country with hot climate. So you should pack clothing including cotton t-shirt, linen pants or dry-fit. Light raincoat or waterproof jacket is a must in your suitcase.
– Footwear: bring appropriate footwear for the wet season like weather-resistant walking shoes and/or waterproof sandals.
– Waterproof backpacks or bags: these items are necessary to keep your important belongings safe and dry while travelling in rainy season.
– Hairdryer: it’s a good idea to bring a small hairdryer along with you. It’s not just for drying your hair, but very useful for quick drying a wet piece of clothing in urgent cases.
– Insect repellent spray: tropical Cambodia in wet season has good conditions for mosquitoes and other insects. So protect yourself against these pesky bites by packing a good insect repellent spray and protective clothing.

4. What’s on August in Cambodia? Cambodia Weather in August 2023

4.1. Khmer Empire Marathon

Khmer Empire Marathon

Khmer Empire Marathon’s participants run through ancient temple ruins in the heart of Angkor Complex.

In early August, the Khmer Empire Marathon is annually organized by Cambodia Event Organizer in Siem Reap. Thousands of professional and amateur runners around the world come to participate this exceptional marathon. This meaningful event’s outcomes support disabled people and poor children in Cambodia. Runners will get unique experience while running through ancient temple ruins in the heart of Angkor Complex, rice paddy fields, and traditional villages. Participants can register distances of 3 km, 10.5 km, 21.1 km or the full marathon distance of 42.195 km.

4.2. World Elephant Day Cambodia Weather in August

Mondulkiri Elephant Sanctuary

World Elephant Day is held annually on 12 August in Mondulkiri.

Every year on 12 August, World Elephant Day is celebrated in Mondulkiri to honour all the elephants as well as organizations that are working to protect wild elephants, stop the illegal trade of elephants and other wildlife animals, as well as provide alternative habitats for elephants to live freely.

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Cambodia travel News

Cambodia Weather in September

by bangchu
written by bangchu

Cambodia Weather in September

Cambodia in September is best known for short and intense rainfalls, which bring cooler air than previous months. If you are keen on avoiding the crowds and willing to take your chance of getting wet, September is a great month to travel to Cambodia. Cambodia Weather in September Keep reading this post for more information to prepare your vacation to this tropical country in this month!

1. Cambodia Climate in September. Cambodia Weather in September

Coming to September, the monsoon continues to dominate throughout Cambodia with the clear evidences of precipitation from previous months: flooded paddy fields, overflowing rivers and lakes, lush and green countryside. It seems that the country is in the middle of its bathing session, with high level of humidity and heavy downpours during this month. Although all-day downpours can happen sometimes, the more common form of rainfall is short and intense for a few hours. On average, it’s predicted that the precipitation in Cambodia reaches the level of 280mm over September. Therefore, make sure you bring at least one light waterproof jacket while you are there. Cambodia Weather in September

Cambodia Climate in September - Cambodia Weather in September

The average temperatures in main tourist destinations in Cambodia in September

In southern coastal regions like Sihanoukville and in more rural regions such as Ratanakiri, the rain showers tend to be heavier and more prolonged so the beaches and islands are very quiet at this time of the year. Cambodia Weather in September

Temperature in Sihanoukville hovers around 25°C and 29°C in this area. In Siem Reap, temperature is at its low of 24°C after dark, then climbs as high as 31°C at day time. Night time in Phnom Penh has the same temperature to Siem Reap but the daytime temperature reaches its highest values at 34°C.

2. Important notes when visiting Cambodia in September.

If you don’t mind getting wet while travelling, September is a good time to visit Cambodia when the natural scenery comes to life after being blessed with life giving rain. Across the country, the rice paddies are brimming with water, flora and fauna are green, lush and in full bloom. There is not better season than this month to capture unspoiled views of the country. Exploring Angkor Wat can be a treat as you are offered numerous photo opportunities of temple reflections in the water from surrounding moats and pools. If you are lucky enough, you even can experience the iconic Angkor in the midst of a lightning storm.

After several months of raining, water levels on the Tonle Sap Lake drastically increase, making the lake swollen to more than 5 times its normal size at this time of year. This is not a bad choice to take boat trip along Tonle Sap and visit its unique landscapes of the flooded forests and floating villages.

visit Tonle Sap Lake in September - Cambodia Weather in September

Cambodia Weather in September

Boat trip to Tonle Sap during wet season is not a bad choice

Another positive perspective of spending holiday in Cambodia at this time is that the numbers of tourists decrease drastically, making most popular sites like Angkor Complex in Siem Reap, cultural and historical sites in Phnom Penh are much quieter. You can easily find the place to yourself and take great photo shoots without being disturbed by any nuisances.

On the contrary, heavy downpours make travelling to remote destinations in north east regions (Kratie, Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri) and southern coastal destinations (Sihanouk Ville, Kampot, Kep) fairly difficult or even impossible. Remote tracks can become tricky to navigate through due to flooding of road system there. For those who are planning some relaxing days on the beach should forget Cambodia’s south coast during these months.

3. What to pack? Cambodia Weather in September

– Clothing: although your visit falls in the wet season, please keep in mind that Cambodia is still a tropical country with hot climate. So you should pack clothing including cotton t-shirt, linen pants or dry-fit. Light raincoat or waterproof jacket is a must in your suitcase.
– Footwear: bring appropriate footwear for the wet season like weather-resistant walking shoes and/or waterproof sandals.
– Waterproof backpacks or bags: these items are necessary to keep your important belongings safe and dry while travelling in rainy season. Cambodia Weather in September
– Hairdryer: it’s a good idea to bring a small hairdryer along with you. It’s not just for drying your hair, but very useful for quick drying a wet piece of clothing in urgent cases.
– Insect repellent spray: tropical Cambodia in wet season has good conditions for mosquitoes and other insects. So protect yourself against these pesky bites by packing a good insect repellent spray and protective clothing.

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Cambodia travel News

Cambodia Weather in October

by bangchu
written by bangchu

Cambodia Weather in October

When Cambodia comes to October, rainfall starts to subside as the month progresses and the dry season will arrive soon. As the transitional month from wet to dry season, October is another good period to visit the country. This post will deliver more details about Cambodia weather in October and other information you may need to know!

1. Cambodia Climate in October

Even a few rainy days are still expected in October, fairly good weather can be found for much of the month. The frequency of rainfall drops off considerably, and completely stops by the end of this month. The warm days with average temperatures at 27°C make this month more pleasant to visit Cambodia. Temperatures in the capital of Phnom Penh range from 23°C to 31°C.

Sihanouk Ville and other destinations on the southern coast are a bit cooler with average of 29°C at the beginning of the month and decrease to 24°C after dark. Rain showers can be experienced on the coast at this time but with less frequency.

Monks in Angkor Cambodia Weather in October

Cambodia Weather in October

October is another good period to visit Cambodia when the weather transits from rainy to dry season.

The climate of Siem Reap is similar to that of Sihanouk Ville. But lying in the north of Cambodia, this ancient capital tends to be drier than the beach resorts at this time of year. In the early October, the sun rises at 5:55 am and sets just before 6 pm.

October is the time when the rainy season comes to an end and the dry season arrives very soon. After many months of wet weather, the country is nearly back to its best time of the year with plenty of color in the countryside.

2. Suggested Places to visit in October

After long spells of raining season, Tonle Sap Lake grows more than five times its normal size of approximately 2,600 square kilometres. With water levels at their peak, October is the great time to make boat trips to the floating villages and flooded forests. The high water levels also contribute to increase the water volume flowing into the waterfalls at Kulen Mountain (nearby Siem Reap) and in Rattanakiri and Mondulkiri, which are located in the north east regions of the country. These full flowing waterfalls are great refreshing swimming spots to beat the summer heat of Cambodia.

Did you know that Ka Choung is one of the most popular waterfalls in Cambodia

Cambodia sightseeing

October is the great time to enjoy natural landscapes with full flowing lakes and waterfalls.

Countryside regions like Battambang or Kampong Thom are covered with lush greenery thanks to downpours in the earlier monsoon months. Life there is back to normal with cleaner drainage canals and drier mornings.

Sihanouk Ville and Kep on the south coast are ready to welcome more visitors when the monsoon starts to dissipate, although the chances of showers are still a possibility but less frequent. Moving towards the end of October, long periods of sunshine can be expected as the dry season is just around the corner.

Before the dry season officially comes with full swing of tourist season, those who are keen on quiet holiday atmosphere while the weather is still pleasant are highly recommended to travel to Cambodia in October.

3. Cambodian Events in October

3.1. Pchum Ben Day Cambodia Weather in October

Pchum Ben Day (or also known as Ancestors’ Day in Khmer) is the 15-day religious festival in Cambodia. It’s celebrated on the 15th day of the tenth month in the Khmer calendar to follow the period called “Vassa” in the Buddhist Lent. The dates may vary in the Gregorian calendar but it normally falls in October with three days off as national public holiday. This occasion is a time when Cambodians pay their respects to deceased relatives of up to seven generations. During this period, “gates of hell” are supposed to open and imprisoned spirits are especially active. Some are supposed to gain permanent relief, while other are thought to leave hell temporarily, then return to endure more sufferings. Therefore, Khmer people make many food offerings at temples and pagodas during this period. By this way, offerers believe that they will receive merits and blessings from the dead.

pchum ben day in cambodia - Cambodia Travel

Ambassador and Mrs. Heidt stopped for a short visit to Wat Bopha Sovann in Pursat for an early Pchum Ben festival (Source: U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh)

With three days off from work, Cambodians will come back their hometown in Pchum Ben to participate in ceremonies involving processions around the temples. Large crowds dressing in bright color (normally white) wait outside the temple with lit incense in hand as the monks perform rituals inside. The monks chant suttas (Buddhist scriptures) in Pali language overnight without sleeping, then conduct the colourful and complex food offering ceremonies. Cambodia Weather in October

3.2. Commemoration Day of King’s Father – Norodom Sihanouk

Cambodian celebrates 15 Oct every year to honour their former king, Norodom Sihanouk. He was born in 1922 and took the throne of Cambodia during French colonial rule in 1941. He abdicated in 1955 and was exiled from Cambodia several times. Sihanouk took the second reign in 1993 until his abdication in 2004 due to health problems. On 15 October 2012, he passed away in Beijing after a heart attack.

Late King Norodom Sihanouk

The bronze statue of Late King Norodom Sihanouk stands next to the Independence Monument in Phnom Penh.

His body was cremated as his wish and part of his ashes was scattered into the Tonle Sap River. While the rest were kept at the Silver Pagoda within the compound of Royal Palace in Phnom Penh. His bronze status was inaugurated next to the Independence Monument in 2013. On yearly 15 Oct, many Cambodians come there to remember and pay respects to their late king.

3.3. King’s Coronation Day – Norodom Sihamoni

After Norodom Sihanouk announced his abdication due to illness in 2004, his son – Norodom Sihamoni was chosen as his successor. Cambodia is one of the few elected monarchies in the world. Therefore, Sihamoni was chosen by the Royal Council of the throne for his great life and significant contribution to national prestige. Before formally being appointed as King on 29th Oct 2004, Sihammoni spent most of his life to study arts and become a classical dancer abroad. Then he was appointed Cambodia’s delegate to UNESCO in Paris, and contributed significantly to Cambodia culture. Cambodia Weather in October 2023

King Norodom Sihamoni

King Norodom Sihamoni was chosen due to his great life and significant contribution to national prestige.

Every year, Cambodians celebrate the anniversary of King Norodom Sihamoni’s Coronation on 29 Oct. In major cities, tourists can take part in all types of celebrations with parades, fireworks, cultural displays and entertainment events. In Cambodia, the monarchy is deeply ingrained in the national history and culture so this day is the time when local people express their great love and passion for the king.Cambodia News

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