When to go to Cambodia?
Like many countries in this region of Asia, Cambodia has a bipolar climate based on alternating monsoon and dry seasons.
Let's be clear: a monsoon period in Cambodia corresponds to several weeks, even several months of heavy rain... and daily!
The weather in Cambodia
A trip to Cambodia implies, above all, knowing when the rainy season takes place. For that, nothing could be simpler, since the weather in the region is rather easy to predict: from December to March, you will have hot and dry weather, with rare rain. From April to August, as well as in November, the humidity becomes heavier, making the general atmosphere heavy with heat. September and October, on the other hand, should be crossed off your calendar: showers are guaranteed at this time! The temperature will vary, depending on the region, from 25 to 30-35°C, and will quickly become difficult to bear as soon as the air is loaded with humidity during the rainy season.
The travel agencies established in the country will easily be able to provide you with more detailed information about the climate in specific regions of the country, and thus allow you to plan a trip according to the period in which you travel, your timing, and your desires for discovery! Moreover, do not hesitate to hire a guide in Cambodia: he will allow you to negotiate more easily your hotel services and your travels by tuk-tuk and cab. A guide, French or English-speaking, will also be essential during your visits to sites such as the temples of Angkor, as well as a perfect vector in order to approach the local population and discover the Khmer culture and the history of Cambodia!
How to organize your trip to Cambodia? Like any other destination on another continent, Cambodia implies a certain number of preparations that will only make your expedition more pleasant.
Tailor-made trip to Cambodia
The best way to discover the country of the Khmers is still to trace your own route on an organized trip. Thus, by choosing the option of a tailor-made trip to Cambodia, you will not miss the must-sees, while having the possibility to manage your timing and to get off the beaten track. To this effect, the organizations established in the country will be able to offer you a vast panel of destinations and activities according to the period and your desires. The ideal is to be in contact with a local agent in order to plan your travels in a coherent way with him and to benefit from the best prices in terms of transport and hotels!
Before leaving for Cambodia, vaccinations and visa
Planning your trip on the spot is one thing, but it does not exempt you from essential preparations beforehand. Thus, it is good to know that, although there is no obligation in terms of vaccines in Cambodia apart from what is usually foreseen in your vaccination calendar, the following injections are recommended: rabies (this will not immunize you but will give you more time to treat an infection), Japanese encephalitis (rare but dangerous), hepatitis B, and typhoid (in case of a prolonged stay). Visas for Cambodia are not free of charge: they can be obtained directly from the country's main airports (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville) for $20 and two passport photos. Tourist visas are valid for one month, and can be renewed for a maximum of one month. Do not hesitate to contact our local agents for more information.
Going to Cambodia with a guide
To enjoy the temples of Angkor, rely on a guide!
This is even more true when discovering Siem Reap and its surroundings: the variety of sites and their stories is such that an improvised visit will only allow you to fly over the splendors. Moreover, the distances are often great, so you will not fail to pay a high price for the tuk-tuk drivers and other moto-dops! Don't panic though: our local agents will leave you in the hands of the best guides in the Angkor temples, who will take you from temple to temple according to a customized itinerary adapted to your desires and your timing. And, of course, a tuk-tuk driver will guide you wherever you want!
Rent a car with a driver
Moreover, if you feel particularly comfortable with your guide, do not hesitate to ask him if it is possible to visit other parts of Cambodia with him: guides are concentrated in the very touristy region of Siem Reap, but are often able to vary their services. To this effect, renting a car with a private driver in Cambodia is an excellent way to visit freely.
Accompanied by your guide, you will be able to really decide on your itinerary throughout the country while enjoying every step! Your local agent will take care of organizing everything in advance for you!
