Book cheap flights to Cambodia

Cambodia is a year-round travel destination, with two distinct seasons. The dry season runs from November to March, while the rainy season is between May and October. While the cooler dry months are more popular amongst tourists to visit the temples and beaches, the rainy season is just as good a time to go, as the afternoon rain showers don’t really hinder travel plans and the streets are less crowded, with half-price accommodation to match. The temples of Angkor are always busy, and with the intense heat and humidity, it is best to visit them at sunrise or sunset. Phnom Penh experiences mild temperatures, while the sun-kissed beaches and islands off the south coast are brimming with activity between December and April. Cambodia celebrates a wealth of traditional and international festivals throughout the year. Pchum Ben in September sees the Buddhist temples filled with locals celebrating their ancestors and making traditional offerings. A landmark festival is King Sihanouk’s Birthday Celebration on 31 October, when the streets of Phnom Penh are ablaze with music and parades, bringing together people from around the country. If you find yourself in Cambodia around mid-April, be prepared for ornate decorations, joyous faces and water pistols to bless everyone in celebration of the Khmer New Year.

South African passport holders will be issued a visa for Cambodia on arrival. The visa is valid for 30 days. Ensure that your passport has at least 6 months validity and that you have 3 blank pages available for stamps. You will also need 1 x passport-sized photo and $37 visa fee to be paid at the airport.

There is no South African representation in Cambodia. Representation is accredited from Bangkok, Thailand.

While Cambodia is still very much a developing country, the undeniable warmth and hospitality of its people make up for its primitive way of life. A good sense of street savvy and vigilance will serve you well, as some locals may try to scam you into buying tours, souvenirs and tuk-tuk rides. Tourists are common targets for petty theft so keep belongings close-at-hand and leave extra money and valuables locked away in your hotel. Cambodia is an incredibly poor country, so any sign of wealth will attract street children and hawkers. When visiting the Angkor temples, be respectful and dress modestly, or you may be refused entry.

There are no required vaccinations for entry into Cambodia, although it is strongly recommended to be immunised against typhoid and hepatitis A as you may be exposed to contaminated food and water. Definitely try the street food, but beware of poor hygiene. Stick to bottled water only. Cambodia has an increasingly high rate of HIV/ AIDS, particularly in Phnom Penh where many local women try to lure foreign men into strip clubs and brothels.

Malaria is no danger in the cities, but if you plan on venturing into the countryside, consider taking anti-malaria medication. Dengue fever is also widespread, so it’s best to bring along a good insect repellent.

A comprehensive travel-insurance policy to cover theft and medical expenses is always recommended.