EXPLORE CAMBODIA WITH TROPICANA

A 7-day trip to Cambodia provides a great cultural and historical experience, allowing you to explore Angkor's temples and enjoy Phnom Penh’s nightlife. However, given the limited time, it’s best to focus on key destinations.
The total cost depends on your travel style:

• Budget travelers: €500-800
• Mid-range travelers: €1,000-1,500
• Luxury travelers: €2,000+

In Cambodia, you can pay with cash or card, but it's always recommended to carry cash for small transactions and quick payments.
Credit & Debit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, etc.) are commonly accepted in hotels, upscale restaurants, and major stores.
Cash is preferred for local markets, street vendors, and small businesses.
Contactless payments are not widely used, so a physical card with a magnetic strip or chip is required.
Mobile payments via smartphones or smartwatches are not yet available in Cambodia.

Cambodia is generally a safe destination for travelers.
Italians are well-received, especially in tourism and cultural exchanges.
Bilateral relations between Italy and Cambodia are friendly.
Respecting local culture is key to maintaining a positive experience.
As with any country, staying alert in crowded areas, avoiding isolated places at night, and keeping valuables secure is always recommended.

Cambodians primarily consume rice and fish, with a lesser amount of meat. During festivals, fermented fish is commonly eaten, as it is a staple food throughout the year. Cambodian cuisine is influenced by Indian and Chinese flavors, featuring delicate and mildly sweet dishes.
The main ingredients include rice, which is the staple food and accompanies almost every meal. Cambodians also use glutinous rice for special dishes, such as sticky rice and bamboo tube rice. Palm juice, extracted from sugar palms, is used to sweeten food and prepare fermented beverages. Neem flowers, harvested between December and March, are a delicacy with a bitter taste and a sweet aftertaste.
Edible insects, rich in protein, are commonly consumed and prepared in various ways. Fermented fish, a traditional staple, plays a central role in Cambodian cuisine and is preserved for months. Lastly, grilled snakehead fish wrapped in banana leaves is another typical dish.

Angkor Wat is a sacred site for the Khmer people, and visitors should dress modestly. To access the upper level, you must cover your arms and thighs. Additionally, only a limited number of visitors are allowed to ascend to the upper level to enjoy the surrounding view.

Cambodia is home to many fascinating temples, with Angkor Wat being the most famous and iconic. Here are some must-visit temples:

• Angkor Wat: The largest and best-preserved temple in the Angkor complex, renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate bas-reliefs.
• Bayon: Famous for its numerous smiling stone faces and elaborate carvings, located in the heart of Angkor Thom.
• Ta Prohm: Known for its mysterious atmosphere and tree roots intertwined with the ruins, made famous by the movie Tomb Raider.
• Banteay Srei: Also called the "Temple of Women," admired for its intricate carvings and remarkable architectural beauty.
• Angkor Thom: The ancient capital, featuring massive gateways and the Bayon temple within its walls.
• Phnom Bakheng: A hilltop temple offering spectacular panoramic views of the Angkor complex, especially at sunset.
• These temples provide a glimpse into Cambodia’s rich history and culture, making them essential stops for first-time visitors.

Ideally, 7 to 10 days is perfect to experience Cambodia’s top destinations without rushing. If you're short on time, even 4 to 5 days is enough to see Angkor Wat and get a taste of local culture. For a deeper and more relaxed journey, 2 weeks allows you to explore the temples, countryside, riverside towns, and coastlines.

The best months to visit Cambodia are from November to February, during the dry season. The weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing, especially around Angkor Wat. This is also a great time to explore rural areas and enjoy boat rides in Tonlé Sap or along the Mekong.

Cambodia offers a variety of family-friendly experiences:

• Angkor Wat: Explore the famous temples of Angkor with child-friendly tours and activities.
• Phnom Penh: Visit the Royal Palace, the National Museum, and the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre.
• Kampot: Enjoy scenic riverside walks, and visit the nearby caves and waterfalls.
• Koh Rong & Koh Rong Saloem: Spend time on the beaches or take boat trips to nearby islands.

Yes, Cambodia can be a great destination for couples. The country offers a mix of romance, adventure, and history. You can explore the ancient temples of Angkor Wat at sunrise, take a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake, enjoy beach retreats in Sihanoukville, or explore the charming town of Kampot. Whether you want adventure or relaxation, Cambodia has plenty to offer for couples seeking a romantic getaway.

Cambodia has some nice beaches, especially in the southern coastal region:

• Sihanoukville - Once popular, but now heavily under development; some quieter spots still exist.
• Koh Rong & Koh Rong Samloem - Island paradises with clear water, white sand, and a laid-back vibe.
• Kep & Kampot - Peaceful seaside towns with charming views and less touristy experiences.

For travelers looking for off-the-beaten-path beaches, Cambodia can be a lovely choice.

The best time to visit Cambodia’s beaches is from November to April, during the dry season. These months offer sunny skies, calm seas, and pleasant temperatures - ideal for relaxing, swimming, and island-hopping. Beach destinations like Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem, and Sihanoukville are at their most beautiful during this period.

Cambodia’s top trekking spots are in the southwest and northern regions, particularly:

• Cardamom Mountains - One of Southeast Asia’s largest remaining rainforests, great for multi-day jungle treks, wildlife spotting, and river crossings
• Bokor National Park (near Kampot) - Offers scenic hikes through cloud forests, with colonial ruins and cliff views
• Phnom Kulen National Park (near Siem Reap) - Combines short hikes with waterfalls, forest paths, and ancient ruins like the “River of a Thousand Lingas”
• Virachey National Park (Ratanakiri Province) - Remote and adventurous, with indigenous communities and dense forests for experienced trekkers

Cambodia’s most famous dish is amok, a creamy coconut fish curry steamed in banana leaves. Other must-try Cambodian foods include:

• Lok lak - stir-fried beef in a tangy sauce, often served with egg and rice
• Nom banh chok - Khmer noodles with green fish curry
• Bai sach chrouk - pork and rice, a popular breakfast dish

Yes, absolutely! Vietnam and Cambodia share a land border and are often visited together in one trip. Many travelers cross between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh by bus, boat, or flight. It's convenient, affordable, and ideal for exploring the highlights of both countries in a single itinerary.