Cambodia

Generally most of the people you meet who suffered under Pol Pot’s brutal regime will talk to you about it if asked. It is tactful to mention the topic subtly at first to work out what the reaction is, and then move on from there.

Yes, when visiting temples it is important to remember to cover up bare shoulders and legs. It is also appropriate to remove footwear before entering so bringing a bag to carry your shoes is always a good idea.

We would recommend a minimum of 2 days to visit the temples at Angkor, however, if you are wishing to visit all of the temples in-depth you would need at least 4 days. That said, there is so much more to see and do in and around Siem Reap that a week would not be too long.

Cambodia is relatively safe, with only incidents of theft being the worst menace to travellers. We advise keeping an eye on your belongings when out and about in busy crowds, and leaving any valuables behind.

The street food in Cambodia is some of the best in the world and a trip to this country should include trying some of the local cuisines. Eating at stalls which are busy and popular with the locals is our best tip, along with making sure food is fresh and has not been sitting around all day in the heat. If you like local food then booking a guide for a street food tour is always worthwhile.

During your visit, try a bowl of the popular Bai Sach Chrouk, which is eaten at all times of the day, every day. Made up of BBQ grilled pork, marinated in coconut milk or garlic served with pickled ginger, radish and ginger on a bed or rice with chicken broth on the side. If you want to try something different, don’t be surprised if you come across a variety of roasted insects which are a delicacy in Cambodia.

855

Cambodia is seven hours ahead of GMT.

From London to the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh, planes fly via Bangkok. The flight duration is around 13 hours.

Internet is widely available throughout the country in the big cities and tourist areas. If you are heading off the beaten track, it may be harder to access and less frequent.