Cambodia
Angkor Wat and the Temples of the Mysterious Jungle
Cambodia is a Southeast Asian country that unfolds harmoniously across an incredible landscape of green plains, mountains, the Mekong Delta, and the coast along the Gulf of Siam.
It is home to one of the oldest and largest temple complexes in the world, the famous Angkor Wat. But Cambodia is much more than that: it is a universe of colors, beauty, charm, and spirituality, all immersed in the lush and untamed nature of Asia. Many ruins of the Khmer Empire have been swallowed by the dense jungle. Among them are Koh Ker and Preah Vihear, two sites dating back to the 10th century, hidden deep in the forest. A truly unique spectacle!
Cambodia is also a land of bamboo forests, dolphins, white beaches, and pristine sea. For those exploring the wonders of the country, a must-see is the ancient floating village of Kompong Luong, set on Tonlé Sap Lake. Here, fishermen live on large boats converted into floating homes, and every structure, from fruit and vegetable markets to schools, sits on water. It is a simple, genuine way of life that represents the very essence of Cambodia.
If you’re looking to relax, head to Sihanoukville, the country’s most important coastal city. With its white sandy beaches and warm, crystal-clear sea, it offers a splendid tropical escape, the perfect place to unwind, snorkel, and dive.
LANGUAGE: The official language of Cambodia is Khmer. English is also widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
RELIGION: The state religion is Buddhism. There are also Hindu, Muslim, and Christian minorities.
TIME ZONE: In winter, Cambodia is 6 hours ahead of Italy; in summer, the difference is 5 hours.
CLIMATE: The climate is tropical and heavily influenced by the monsoon season, which lasts from May to early November, with its peak in October. The best time to visit Cambodia is from December to mid-February, when temperatures are not excessively high. Generally, temperatures remain high all year round and can reach up to 40°C in March and April, when heat and humidity make the climate particularly intense. The sea water stays pleasantly warm throughout the year, averaging around 30°C. Cambodia is rarely affected by typhoons, which usually move toward the coast of Vietnam.
DOCUMENTS: To enter Cambodia, travelers need a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry. It is advisable to carry a certified copy of your passport and keep the original in a safe place. A visa is required and can be obtained at the border or online.
CURRENCY: The national currency is the Riel, but the main currency used is the US dollar (USD). One US dollar equals approximately 4,000 Riel.
Curiosity
Khmer is a fascinating and complex language, with 33 consonants and 35 vowels and diphthongs, making it one of the most intricate languages in the world, capable of producing around 600 different sounds. Khmer is written from left to right, and words within a sentence are usually not separated by spaces. It is spoken in the capital and throughout the country, although local variations in pronunciation exist.
Our advices
WHAT TO READ: Modern Cambodian literature is almost non-existent, due to the Khmer Rouge regime, which executed anyone capable of reading or writing. To understand this tragic period in Cambodian history, a recommended book is Ghosts: Dispatches from Cambodia by Tiziano Terzani.
WHAT TO LISTEN TO: Cambodian music has been influenced by various styles, from Arabic to Indian. Today, modern genres such as jazz are also popular. Don’t miss a traditional Khmer dance performance, a symbol of grace and sensuality, remarkable for the beauty of its movements and the harmonious variety of its rhythms.
WHAT TO WATCH: Among the most famous films set in Cambodia are Apocalypse Now (1979) and City of Ghosts (2002).
WHAT TO EAT: Cambodian cuisine is not very different from Thai cuisine, but generally less spicy. Typical dishes include grilled fish with peanut sauce, Prahok (fermented fish paste), and Amok (a fragrant fish stew). Fruits and vegetables are excellent — fresh, flavorful, and natural.
