CAMBODIA – bit of a hidden gem

Cambodia is a Southeast Asian nation whose landscape spans low-lying plains, the Mekong Delta, mountains and Gulf of Thailand coastline. Phnom Penh, its capital, is home to the art deco Central Market, glittering Royal Palace and the National Museum’s historical and archaeological exhibits. In the country’s northwest are the ruins of Angkor Wat, a massive stone temple complex built during the Khmer Empire.

Cambodia feels like a bit of a hidden gem in Southeast Asia. While it’s still a pretty popular tourist destination, it’s not talked about nearly as much as Thailand. With spectacular temples, beautiful islands and beaches, and a rich cultural heritage, Cambodia’s a place you won’t want to miss. While the bustle of the big cities might be the country’s main attractions, my favorite places in Cambodia are actually the smaller towns and villages. From the jungles to the beaches, this country is full of amazing sights just waiting to be explored.

Festivals and Celebrations: Cambodia is a country with a rich cultural heritage, and the Khmer people love to celebrate their traditions with big parties and festivals. If you’re visiting in April or May, you’ll be able to experience the Khmer New Year celebration. The first two days of this holiday are spent in traditional activities and family gatherings, while the third and final day erupts into a country-wide water fight (similar to Thailand’s Songkran, though much more toned down).

At the end of April or beginning of May (depending on the year), the Khmer people mark the beginning of the rice planting season with the Royal Ploughing Ceremony. This more solemn ceremony takes place in Phnom Penh and is an impressive sight to behold.

Perhaps the most festive and exciting holiday celebrated in Cambodia is the water festival, held every year in October or November. Marking the change in the flow of the Tonle Sap and Mekong River. Over a million people congregate in Phnom Penh for the occasion. The city transforms into a festival atmosphere and is a perfect place to experience Khmer culture and its best–and most fun!

Trip planning: The most popular time to travel in Cambodia is during the dry season, from November to March. In the dry season, temperatures usually vary between 70 degrees Fahrenheit and the high 80s, occasionally getting up to the 90s. April and May are the hottest and most humid months, with temperatures reaching 100 degrees.

The rainy season goes from May to October, and while the temperature will still reach highs of 90, the rain does cool it off a bit. In the wet season, afternoon downpours are routine but don’t tend to disrupt daily life very much. If you don’t mind packing an umbrella, traveling during this time can be pleasant and a lot less crowded than the high season.