Best Cambodia Tours & Holidays

The small country of Cambodia is jam-packed with heritage, culture and beautiful landscapes. Relics of this resilient nation’s chequered history abound, from remnants of French colonial rule, ruins of glorious ancient kingdoms and sombre monuments paying tribute to the suffering inflicted by the reign of Khmer Rouge in the 1970s.

Inspiring Vacations offers Cambodia tours that go beyond the ancient treasures, like the magnificent temple complex of Angkor Wat. There’s plenty to please the curious traveller, from beautiful beaches and islands to lush jungles, welcoming locals and delectable local cuisine.

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Frequently asked questions

Our Cambodia tours are featured as part of broader journeys across Southeast Asia, blending Cambodia's highlights with neighboring destinations like Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. To experience Cambodia, choose from intimate  Small Group tours of up to 20 travelers, exclusive Private tours, and fully customizable Tailor-made tours.

All Inspiring Vacations group tours to Cambodia are fully escorted by experienced local guides who bring Cambodia's history, traditions, and vibrant culture to life. Their insider knowledge helps you connect more deeply with every place you visit, and they are a fantastic resource for recommendations on what to do during any free time scheduled on your tour.

Our Cambodia group tours vary in pace. You'll find Balanced tours that mix sightseeing with free time, Active itineraries for those who enjoy a faster tempo, and Leisurely options for travelers wanting a more relaxed journey. Each tour is thoughtfully designed to offer a fulfilling yet comfortable experience. Check out the “Your Tour Experience” section on the tour page that interests you for more information on the pace of specific itineraries.

Solo travelers are warmly welcomed on our Cambodia tours from the United States. Some of our itineraries include a Shared Solo Option, where we can pair you with another solo guest of the same gender to help you avoid paying the single supplement. This may even include separate sleeping arrangements like twin beds or split mosquito nets on select tours. Not all tours offer this feature, so we recommend checking individual itineraries for availability. You’re also welcome to upgrade to a private room if you prefer your own space.

Some tours to Cambodia include short regional flights within Southeast Asia to streamline longer travel distances. Where included, these flights will be clearly detailed in your itinerary. Checked baggage allowances are typically between 44–51 lbs, with carry-on limits around 15 lbs. Always double-check your documents before departure.

Our best Cambodia tours are designed to suit a variety of fitness levels, offering a blend of guided sightseeing and relaxed exploration. While some walking is required—especially around sprawling temple complexes like Angkor Wat—the pace is generally manageable, and many sites offer shaded areas and rest stops. If you’re comfortable with a few hours of leisurely walking each day, you'll find Cambodia a truly enriching and accessible destination. For further insight into the pace of a specific tour, review the “Your Tour Experience” section on individual tour pages.

Yes. Many travelers choose to add extra nights in Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. If you’re interested in extending your stay, simply let us know at the time of booking your Cambodia tour. Our team can arrange additional accommodation at your existing hotel (subject to availability) or suggest suitable alternatives nearby, or you can book this yourself using our intuitive Traveler Hub. Extensions are a great way to enjoy more time at your own pace, whether you want to explore more temples, relax by the river, or simply soak up the local atmosphere.

Cambodia experiences a tropical monsoon climate with two primary seasons:

  • Dry Season (November to April): Characterised by sunny days and lower humidity, with temperatures ranging from 75°F to 95°F. This is considered the best time for sightseeing, especially if you want to explore temple complexes like Angkor Wat under clear skies.

  • Wet Season (May to October): Marked by short, heavy afternoon showers. Temperatures typically range from 75°F to 90°F. The rain transforms the countryside into a lush, green wonderland, and popular sites tend to be less crowded.

The hottest months are March and April, where temperatures can soar above 95°F.

Cambodia operates a dual-currency system. While the Cambodian Riel (KHR) is the official currency, US dollars are widely accepted, especially in urban and tourist areas. However, there's an ongoing effort to promote the use of Riel, particularly for transactions under $10. It's advisable to carry small denominations of both currencies. Ensure US bills are clean and undamaged, as torn or old notes may be declined.

ATMs are widely available in cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap and typically dispense US dollars. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants, but cash remains king in most daily transactions.

Cambodian cuisine is fresh, aromatic, and full of vibrant flavors. It’s shaped by centuries of influence from neighboring countries like Thailand and Vietnam, but carries a character all its own. Meals are typically built around rice, with fragrant herbs, mild spices, and seasonal produce.

A few must-try dishes include:

  • Fish amok (steamed curry)
  • Beef lok lak (pepper beef)
  • Bai sach chrouk (pork and rice)
  • Khmer red curry
  • Fresh spring rolls

Street food in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap offers everything from banana pancakes to spicy noodle soups, while upscale restaurants highlight the refined side of Khmer cooking.

While traditional Khmer cuisine often features meat, fish, and rich broths, there is a growing awareness of different dietary needs, especially in popular destinations like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Most hotels and many restaurants now cater to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets, offering delicious alternatives without compromising on flavor.

Some local dishes that vegetarian travelers will love include:

  • Nom banh chok (Khmer rice noodle soup with herbs and green curry)
  • Vegetable amok (steamed coconut curry with local vegetables)
  • Stir-fried morning glory (pak boong)
  • Fresh spring rolls packed with herbs and crisp vegetables
  • Vegetarian fried rice with aromatic spices and greens


As always, please let us know your dietary preferences when booking your guided tour to Cambodia, so we can pass this information to your tour leaders and hotels in advance for a smoother travel experience.

When preparing for your Cambodia travel, consider bringing:

  • Lightweight, breathable clothing
  • Modest outfits for temples (covered shoulders and knees)
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • A wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen
  • A lightweight rain jacket (especially May–October)
  • Power adapter (Type A, C, and G)
  • Reusable water bottle

Drinking tap water in Cambodia is not recommended. Stick to bottled or filtered water, which is widely available throughout the country. Most hotels will provide complimentary bottled water daily in your room. When dining out, it’s best to request drinks without ice unless you are certain it has been made from purified water. Using bottled water for brushing your teeth is also a smart precaution during your travels.

Wi-Fi is widely available throughout Cambodia, particularly in hotels, cafes, and restaurants in cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. You’ll generally find reliable access for checking emails, messaging apps, and sharing your travels with friends back home. In smaller towns and rural areas, however, connections may be slower or patchier, and service outages can occasionally occur. If staying connected is important, consider purchasing a local SIM card with a data plan once you arrive—they are affordable and easy to set up.

Yes. Most hotels on our Cambodia tours offer convenient laundry services for an additional fee. Many travelers find it helpful to pack light and make use of hotel laundry facilities halfway through their journey. It’s a simple way to keep your luggage manageable and your wardrobe fresh while you explore.

Cambodia is generally considered a safe and welcoming destination for visitors. As with any international travel, it’s wise to stay alert, secure your valuables, and exercise extra caution at night or in busy public places. A little common sense goes a long way toward ensuring a smooth and memorable journey.

Khmer is the official language of Cambodia, and it is spoken by the majority of the population. In major cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, English is commonly understood in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas, especially among younger Cambodians working in hospitality. French is also occasionally spoken, a legacy of Cambodia’s colonial past. While you will be able to get by with English in most tourist areas, learning a few basic Khmer phrases will be warmly appreciated and can help you connect more meaningfully with locals.

A few helpful phrases to know include:

  • Suosdei (Hello)
  • Orkun (Thank you)
  • Somtoh (Sorry or Excuse me)
  • Baht (Yes for men) / Chaa (Yes for women)
  • Te (No)
  • Lea haeuy (Goodbye)
  • Tirk (Water)
  • Thlai pon maan? (How much?)

Even a small effort to use Khmer greetings will often be met with big smiles during your Cambodia travel.

Understanding a few cultural norms will make your Cambodia travel even more rewarding. Some important customs and etiquette tips include:

  • Dress modestly when visiting temples and religious sites (shoulders and knees covered).
  • Always remove your shoes and hat before entering temples or someone’s home.
  • Use a traditional greeting called the sampeah – place your palms together in a prayer-like position and bow slightly.
  • Avoid touching anyone’s head, as it is considered the most sacred part of the body.
  • Pointing your feet at people or religious statues is seen as disrespectful.
  • Tipping is not mandatory, but it’s very much appreciated. If you are happy with the service, consider tipping guides, drivers, hotel porters, and restaurant staff.

Cambodia is a country that stirs the soul. From ancient wonders to everyday moments, there’s no shortage of experiences that leave a lasting impression:

  • Watch the sunrise slowly spill its golden light across the towers of Angkor Wat.
  • Drift through the floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake, where life flows to the rhythm of the water.
  • Reflect on Cambodia’s resilient spirit at the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Museum in Phnom Penh.
  • Wander the lively Angkor Night Markets, a treasure trove of handicrafts, street food, and buzzing energy.
  • Be mesmerised by a traditional Apsara dance performance, where every graceful gesture tells a centuries-old story.

Each of these experiences reveals a different side of Cambodia’s beauty, resilience, and magic.

Most travelers will require a visa to enter Cambodia. Visas are easily obtained online (e-visa) or on arrival and incur a fee. However, requirements can change. Review our Visa Entry Requirements page early in your planning and ensure your passport has at least six months validity with empty stamp pages. 


As of July 2024, all travelers are required to complete the Cambodia e-Arrival Card online within 7 days before arrival. This digital form includes immigration, health, and customs declarations, streamlining the entry process.

Planning your Cambodian adventure with Inspiring Vacations is simple. Start by exploring our handpicked collection of Cambodia tours, where you’ll find detailed itineraries, inclusions, and pricing at your fingertips. Whether you dream of sunrise over Angkor Wat or cruising the floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake, each tour has been thoughtfully crafted to make the most of your journey.


You can book easily online, or if you’d prefer a personal touch, our friendly team is ready to help at 1 888 356 2021. Your unforgettable adventure in Cambodia is just a few clicks or a phone call away.

Experiences

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