Sea resorts of cambodia on the map. Holidays in Cambodia
The Cambodian beach destination as an alternative to Thai is increasingly appearing in the search queries of Russian travel agencies: potential travelers want variety within their beloved Southeast Asian region. Every year, entire detachments of fans of a serene vacation arrive at the resorts of Cambodia, which can be easily combined with a rich excursion program, because there are no other Khmer temple complexes equal in size and importance anywhere in the world.
"For" or "Against"?
Undoubted ticks in the list of arguments for a trip to the resorts of Cambodia can be put if:
- You like oriental exoticism and you don't mind high humidity, extreme cuisine and not too well maintained beaches.
- You prefer not to overpay for a vacation simply because the resort is too popular and promoted.
- You are attracted by a luxurious excursion, even for the sake of which it is worth flying half the world.
Arguments "against" are usually a long flight and the need for a visa to Cambodia for Russian citizens. But in fairness, it is worth noting that a visa is placed at the border without problems, and the time spent on the way from Moscow to Thailand practically does not differ in the short direction.
City of fishermen
The most popular resort in Cambodia is located about six hours from the country's capital. A bus or an old and slightly rusty boat helps to overcome this distance. The first means of transportation involves stops along the way, the second is an rafting along the Tonle Sap River with all the ensuing colorful consequences.
The resort of Sihanoukville was in the past a fishing village, and today hundreds and thousands of Europeans and Americans spend their holidays, winters and even years of life here. The beaches of Sihanoukville are sandy and stretch along the Gulf of Thailand of the South China Sea. The liveliest of them are located within the city limits and slightly to the north of it, and southern beaches more suitable for backpackers and unpretentious comfort level lovers to smoke weed while lying in a hammock.
Russian tourists in the resort of Cambodia every year it becomes more and more, and therefore the former compatriots, who settled there for a long time and firmly, opened several restaurants of Russian cuisine and even hotels on the islands in Sihanoukville.
A beach holiday in Cambodia is possible, but for people who are not very picky about cleanliness, since all the beaches of Cambodia are littered with garbage, regardless of whether they are private or public beaches.
In Cambodia today there is only one resort - this, however, it is also very weak in terms of development and infrastructure, even compared to. People who are accustomed to snow-white European beaches, such as Italy or Spain, will not understand at all why they should go to such a hole as, especially since package tours to this country are not sold.
Based on the fact that you will not buy a ticket to Sihanoukville in any travel agency, you will have to organize beach holiday in Cambodia alone.
Also you should book a room in Sihanoukville hotel. It is better to choose for this either Victory Beach or Ochutel beach. On Victory Beach, both housing and food will be cheaper, but for entertainment you will have to travel through the whole city to Ochutel Beach. If you don’t drive a motorbike and don’t want to deal with fraudulent taxi drivers, then it would be better to immediately settle on Ochutel.
It is also possible, for security reasons, to purchase health insurance for Cambodia in advance, but it is not mandatory. You decide.
In addition to the resort of Sihanoukville, a beach holiday in Cambodia can be spent on one of the 52 islands that are located in the warm Gulf of Thailand. If you think that on tropical islands there will be no garbage in Cambodia, then you are mistaken. Is not . Cambodians are used to eating on the beach in large groups and throwing everything away right away. This factor most likely has an impact on the poor development of resorts in Cambodia, compared with neighboring Thailand.
To relax on the islands in Cambodia, it is not necessary to check into one of the hotels on the same islands, especially since there are not many of them. You can find accommodation on the mainland in Sihanoukville and travel to one day tours by the islands. Every day, several ships and boats depart from the pier on Ochutel Beach, which specialize in island tours. The cost of the tour is from $ 15 for visiting 3 islands, with food and drinks.
A beach holiday in Cambodia is best combined with a sightseeing trip to temple complex and visiting Thailand. Thus, you are guaranteed to get the maximum experience, as a monotonous beach holiday in Cambodia can seem rather boring due to the small amount of entertainment.
As for the prices for holidays in Cambodia by the sea, the cost of living in guest houses in Sihanoukville starts from $ 6 per room per day. For $25 you can rent a room in a good boutique hotel with a pool. The average cost of a dish in Sihanoukville is 2-3 dollars. The most expensive holiday is the cost of an air ticket, since there are no direct flights to Cambodia from Russia. You will have to fly with a transfer either through (Thailand) or through Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam).
The Kingdom of Cambodia has recently become of interest to our compatriots as an independent tourist destination. Initially, people came here only as part of an excursion program from Thailand and Vietnam. But for several years, Russians have become very interested in holidays in Cambodia. Reviews of tourists who have already visited this country and touched ancient civilization Khmer, inspire our compatriots on a journey that they had not even thought about before. In this article we will talk about all the nuances that tourists need to know in this amazing kingdom. And also find out when to go to Cambodia on vacation.
Cambodia: brief information about the kingdom
The Kingdom of Cambodia, or Kampuchea, as this country is often called, is located in South-East Asia. The state has the longest borders with Thailand, Vietnam and Laos. Therefore, it is from these countries that the easiest way to get to Cambodia.
Most of the inhabitants of the kingdom speaks in places where tourists often come, the locals speak quite tolerably in English language. Approximately one third of the inhabitants have a good command of French. So you don't have to worry about the fact that during the rest there may be a serious
The country itself is quite small, its area does not exceed two hundred thousand square kilometers. But in this area is a large number of ancient monuments that make up cultural heritage Cambodia. It is because of these attractions that tourists from nearby Thailand and Vietnam came here. But in recent years, travelers have discovered a beach holiday in Cambodia. Reviews of hotels with a high level of service, snow-white clean beaches and gentle waters allow us to conclude that the country has a great future in the field of tourism. This industry is actively developing and is already ready to offer a lot to tourists from Russia and other countries of the world.
Cambodia through the eyes of tourists
If you are planning a trip to this kingdom, then keep in mind that Cambodia is a seaside holiday combined with local sightseeing. To deprive yourself of some part of this program will be an unforgivable mistake for a tourist, because getting to know the country gives vacationers incredible pleasure and gives a lot of unforgettable emotions. Almost everyone who decides to vacation in Cambodia leaves reviews in enthusiastic tones. They leave this country in love with its amazing culture, friendly residents and incredibly delicious Asian cuisine. And if you add to this the cheapness that distinguishes the kingdom, then you will have a picture of an almost perfect vacation.
Keep in mind that it is better to relax in Cambodia with group tours. Do not risk and come here on your own. Despite the fact that the streets of the country are quite calm, and locals they are very friendly to tourists, we should not forget that not so long ago military operations took place in Cambodia. Therefore, guides strongly discourage tourists from relaxing on wild beaches, traveling to sparsely populated areas and carrying large sums of money. It is known that mined areas are still found on the outskirts of the country, and quite a lot of weapons remain in the hands of the Cambodians.
But let these facts not confuse you, if you are careful and do not go beyond the bounds of decency, Cambodia will seem to you a real paradise, not yet spoiled by crowds of tourists and destructive human activities.
Sights of Cambodia
The most famous landmark of the kingdom is the Angkor temple complex. Once this city was the center cultural life country, even its ruins testify to its former greatness - they cover an area of two hundred square kilometers. At one time, the famous Hollywood film "Lara Croft - Tomb Raider" was filmed here.
In parallel with visiting the temple complex, tourists visit the city of Siam Reap. It plays the role of a gate to Angkor and welcomes everyone who is interested in ancient and Buddhist shrines.
The capital of the kingdom - Phnom Penh - is a combination of beautiful ancient buildings and modern skyscrapers. Now the city is considered a metropolis and is ready to offer tourists many recreational activities.
It is difficult to list the best holiday destinations in Cambodia, because in order to get acquainted with the culture of the country, you need to travel around many different cities. This opportunity is provided to tourists through numerous excursion programs. But if you are primarily interested in a beach holiday, then your path should lie in Sihanoukville.
The best resort in Cambodia
Once again, we will clarify that beach tourism in the country is at the initial stage of development. Therefore, do not expect resorts with developed infrastructure and numerous nightclubs. You won't find this in Cambodia. But if your dream is cozy hotel, successfully inscribed in the surrounding natural beauty, clean beach and numerous inexpensive cafes - this is definitely Sihanoukville.
At the moment, it is the only beach resort in the country, and a great future is predicted for it. However, now it is small town ok with a population of one hundred thousand people. There are very few tourists here, and the beaches and coastal waters are crystal clear. There are numerous hotels with an average of three stars to choose from. They are equipped with everything you need, and you can eat in restaurants and cafes located along the beach strip.
Surprisingly, prices in Sihanoukville are much lower than in other parts of Cambodia. This is due precisely to the fact that the country is still perceived as a place where people come for a short period to view unique temple complexes and other cultural monuments. But small towns with magnificent nature and not too developed infrastructure are not popular with tourists for most of the season.
It is worth noting that our compatriots rarely get to Sihanoukville, but those who were lucky enough to be here remember it from the best side. These tourists always know the answer to the question, where is the best vacation. Of course, in Sihanoukville. After all, the beaches of this town are ideal for a lazy pastime with the family. Besides, it's easy here. the most beautiful places for diving or snorkeling - coastal waters are rich and colorful underwater world. Local travel agencies offer inexpensive excursions to nearby islands, which tourists should definitely visit. These corners of pristine nature seem to be created for romantic couples who dream of solitude in paradise.
Is it worth traveling to Cambodia with children?
It is difficult to say how good Cambodia is for traveling with a child. Holidays with children involve trips to countries with developed infrastructure, a large number of attractions, or at least the presence of animators in hotels, as well as places where it will be interesting for a child to go on an excursion.
Cambodia, of course, cannot boast of all this. After all, she is only at the beginning of the path to glory. tourist center South-East Asia. But if your child is interested historical monuments, loves to snorkel and is over ten years old, then feel free to choose a vacation in Cambodia. Reviews of tourists about holidays with children make it possible to form an opinion about this country as suitable for visiting with a child. Many mothers in their comments specify that a prerequisite for traveling with children for them was registration medical insurance and collection of a first-aid kit. Just in case, the most necessary medicines are collected in it, antibiotics and drugs for indigestion are especially important. Sometimes children suffer from various digestive problems from a sharp change in food. Therefore, you should be prepared for all unpleasant surprises. Otherwise, children tolerate the climate and the excursion program of Cambodia very well.
Climate of Cambodia
The kingdom is dominated by a tropical climate, which is subject to the influence of the monsoons. average temperature air does not fall below twenty-five degrees Celsius, and in the dry season often fluctuates within forty degrees above zero. This makes Cambodia very convenient for year-round recreation, but it is worth considering some climatic features of the country.
As in many others Asian countries, two seasons are clearly distinguished in Cambodia:
- dry;
- rainy.
The dry season starts from November and lasts until April. During this period, there is a slight increase in the tourist flow in Cambodia, which allows us to consider this time as the high season in the country. The most comfortable temperature is kept in the winter months, and with the onset of spring, the thermometer begins to creep up quite quickly.
The rainy season starts from May to October, and during this time the highest amount of precipitation falls. The rains are usually short but very heavy. Many tourists note that this does not interfere with lying on the beach and sightseeing. Therefore, you can relax in Cambodia all year round. Keep in mind that the country has very high humidity. Its level - more than 90% - often becomes a serious test for Europeans who find themselves in Asia for the first time.
The best holiday season in Cambodia by month
Winter is the most comfortable time to visit the country with children. The weather is stable and the temperature is perfect for spending long days on the beach at the water's edge. In addition, during this period, you can freely visit all the sights, because the sun will not be an obstacle to being outdoors. Let's look at the weather in each of the winter months separately:
- December.
The temperature regime in the first month of winter is quite comfortable - an average of thirty degrees Celsius. Beaches and popular places quite deserted and just starting to fill up with tourists. The water at this time is surprisingly clean, and prices in catering establishments can pleasantly surprise you.
Based on the reviews of tourists, we can say that January is the best month to travel to Cambodia. In Sihanoukville, the weather is calm and warm, and the water temperature does not drop below twenty-five degrees Celsius. At this time, guides highly recommend visiting Buddhist temples and other cultural monuments of the country.
The temperature starts to rise gradually. In February, the daily norm is thirty-three degrees, and at night it is kept at around twenty-two degrees. This makes it possible to relax not only during the day, but also afford romantic walk under the moon or night scuba diving. The last winter month in Cambodia will delight those who prefer mainly a beach holiday, because it’s getting a little hot to go on excursions.
Spring makes its own adjustments to the plans of tourists. Usually at this time only those who can stand the heat and high importance are at risk to come to Cambodia. Don't expect the temperature to drop below thirty-five degrees Celsius for at least one day in March. The first month of spring is suitable for visiting the highlands of Cambodia. Khmer villages are located here, where you can get acquainted with their cultural traditions and way of life.
The hottest season in Cambodia
Spring is the time of the highest temperatures. But for those for whom Cambodia is a seaside holiday, April and May are almost perfect. During this period, you can get a luxurious tropical tan in just a couple of days, but the sunscreen should be used at the highest rate.
April is great for those who are not keen on travel and sightseeing. This category of tourists in the morning goes to the snow-white and spends all their free time. Well, if you get bored with this lazy pastime, then you can always go to the mountains, where the most beautiful ancient temples are located.
Holidays in Cambodia in May will be spoiled by extremely high temperatures that not everyone can endure. At this time, it is already undesirable to be on the beach, the air temperature often exceeds forty degrees. Therefore, most tourists prefer to visit numerous National parks and the Popoquil Falls. Among the parks, Bokor, which is located near the capital of Cambodia, is more popular.
Rainy season in the kingdom
Usually, in May, tourists can observe intermittent rains, but the rainy season opens in all its glory with the advent of summer. Each month has its own weather and temperature:
- June.
The air temperature is still kept at a rather high mark of thirty-two degrees Celsius, but there are noticeably fewer vacationers on the beach. Showers are becoming more frequent and prolonged, and the sea is restless due to frequent winds.
This month, Cambodia has the most rainfall, but tourists still come here. Most often, such travelers are interested in the city of Siam Reap, which is closest to the Angkor temple complex.
The last month of summer is characterized by high humidity and rather hot weather. Local residents prefer not to go outside during the day and only at dusk, when the thermometer drops to twenty-five degrees Celsius, they begin to do some business. However, already at this time you can see rare tourists on the beaches who enjoy sea bathing.
Autumn becomes the threshold of the high season, but the weather in Cambodia can bring a lot of surprises:
- September.
This month is the least suitable for tourist trips. The country is quite windy and still rainy, and the overflowing lake Tolensap makes it impossible to see the sights of Cambodia.
At this time, the weather gradually becomes more comfortable, the temperature is kept at around thirty degrees above zero. But strong winds significantly spoil the impression of the rest. The sky is usually cloudy during the day, and it often rains at night.
The last month of autumn opens the high season. Night temperatures during this period are not conducive to walks, but during the day the air warms up to thirty degrees. The first tourists begin to appear on the beaches, who are eager to relax in Cambodia.
In recent years, tour operators have noted that tours to Cambodia are becoming very popular during the period new year holidays and also in late autumn. Apparently, during this period, our compatriots really do not have enough heat and sun.
Holidays in Cambodia: hotels
We have already clarified that the country's tourist infrastructure is not as developed as in But still, the number of hotels presented is enough to make the right choice. Keep in mind that most hotels have three stars. Moreover, these are very worthy options, where in the room you will have a safe, satellite TV, free internet, slippers with a bathrobe, air conditioning and even a mini-bar. Meals are usually limited to a fairly varied breakfast.
If you choose a hotel in the city center, it will not have a pool. This is a hallmark of Cambodia that frustrates many tourists. If you are looking for a hotel with a high level of service, then there are such hotels in the kingdom. They are worth stopping by when you plan to spend more than five days in the country. For example, in Sihanoukville the best hotel complexes are:
- Sokha Beach (4 stars).
- Independence (4 stars).
They are located on the first coastline, have their own piece of the beach and offer excellent food.
If you are in Cambodia just for sightseeing, then you can stay at the Angkor Way Hotel (3 stars). It is the closest to the temple complex of the same name, so you do not have to spend several hours on the road.
Cost of holidays in Cambodia
When you are planning a vacation with the whole family, the financial side of the event becomes extremely important. It is not surprising that most of our compatriots are primarily concerned with the question of how much a vacation in Cambodia costs. We hasten to please you - the prices can pleasantly surprise any Russian.
On average, tours to Cambodia from Moscow will cost Russians fifty to sixty thousand rubles per week of rest. This price includes airfare, accommodation in a four-star hotel and buffet breakfast.
AT local cafes You can please your stomach with a wide variety of dishes. It is worth noting that they are all very tasty and quite cheap. The basis of the Cambodian diet is soups and main courses of rice, meat and vegetables. They are served with exotic sauces that locals add to almost all food without exception. The average check per person in a small cafe will not exceed one hundred and fifty rubles.
Russian tour operators claim that it is the cheapness of recreation that is the factor that almost always tips the scales in favor of Cambodia. But those who choose this country according to this criterion remain under the pleasant impression of the trip due to the magnificent nature, beautiful architectural monuments and interesting excursions which can give tourists a lot of thrills.
One of the popular Asian resorts, the Kingdom of Cambodia is also gaining momentum in the Russian tourist flow. Thousands of people fly here to see the ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat and swim in the sea of Cambodia, sunbathe on its magnificent beaches and taste the main masterpieces of local exotic cuisine.
Geographic details
The kingdom is located on the Indochina peninsula, and when asked which sea washes Cambodia, geographic Maps The answer is the Gulf of Thailand. It belongs to the South China Sea basin and connects with it in the southeast. The climate on the shores of the sea of Cambodia can be attributed to the subequatorial. Two seasons are clearly distinguished here, the change of which depends on the monsoons. At the beginning of summer, the rainy season begins, which continues until mid-autumn. The water temperature in the Gulf of Thailand at this time is about +27 degrees. During the dry season, both the water and the air become a little cooler, but swimming and sunbathing in winter is much more pleasant, because the humidity decreases significantly.
- The area of the Gulf of Thailand exceeds 300 thousand km.
- The sea of Cambodia is not too deep. The maximum bottom mark is fixed at 80 meters, and on average the depth varies between 10-20 meters.
- The warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand have allowed the development of numerous coral colonies, and therefore diving on the local reefs is one of the main attractions for tourists.
- The salt content in the waters of the Cambodian sea is quite low and is no more than three and a half ppm.
Where to go on vacation?
When studying the question of which seas are in Cambodia, and choosing where to sunbathe, you should pay attention to the city of Sihanoukville. It is here that the main resort infrastructure of the country is concentrated. On the beaches of Sihanoukville you can meet a very different contingent: families with children, and fans of wintering in warm countries, and respectable bikers, and young students. The local beaches allow you to organize a vacation or vacation in any style: for a large company, and for a couple who want privacy. Sihanoukville hotels offer rooms for a variety of pockets - from quite fashionable with all the benefits of civilization to a place where you can hang a hammock and use public amenities for a couple of dollars a night. Popular here wild beaches, where you can be alone with yourself and nature, and noisy civilized places to relax near the city center with restaurants, discos and entertainment for every taste.
Today, even for experienced travelers, the resorts of Cambodia remain unknown. This destination is not as popular as, for example, neighboring resorts. But if you like exotic and adventure, then Cambodia can really surprise you and give you a lot of unforgettable impressions.
Siem Reap
First of all, people go to this beautiful country in order to see unique monuments and enjoy the virgin beauty of its nature. After all, it is young people who can make long journeys through the jungle to visit abandoned temples.
If you are interested in the best resorts in Cambodia, you should probably start with a visit to the city of Siem Reap. Here you can spend exciting travels whole days enjoying the monuments of Angkor Wat. In that unique place there are numerous ancient temples with ancient Buddha statues and interesting bas-reliefs.
Angkor Wat - Cultural Center country, located a few kilometers from the city of Siem Reap. Actually, all travelers stop in the city, where the tourist infrastructure is well developed. There are a lot of hotels of different categories, as well as numerous cafes and restaurants.
Usually tourists spend the whole day in Angkor Wat and return to Siem Reap for the night. But the day does not end there for many, because there are nightclubs and discos in the city. You can also visit the night market - a local night market where you can buy everything from expensive gold jewelry to elegant silk scarves or simple bamboo crafts.
For young people
Travel agencies offer different tours for fans of hiking through the rugged jungle. It can be a one-day walk or a multi-day motorcycle ride. The choice always remains with the client.
beautiful waterfalls, mountain lakes and impenetrable lianas - this and much more awaits curious tourists in the proposed hikes. Naturally, such entertainment is suitable for trained and physically developed people.
Interesting reviews are left by tourists after visiting the Phnom Kulen waterfall, which goes into the jungle. In his warm waters you can swim. Travelers say it's real a good place where you can spend a great day!
Some travelers want to get acquainted with the identity of the Khmer village, to see with their own eyes how the descendants of the ancient culture live today. For them, there are specially designed tours to the Cambodian outback, where there are no paved roads, and there is no electricity in the homes of the local population. Many travelers are advised to visit the villages in the province of Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri (of course, accompanied by an experienced guide).
Sihanoukville
If you are looking for seaside resorts in Cambodia, then you should pay attention to Sihanoukville. Getting into this small town for the first time, many come back here more than once. Here you can find ancient Buddhist temples, modern spas, nightclubs and discos.
But the most attractive thing about Sihanoukville is its endless sandy beaches. Popular among the local population and tourists are such beaches as Ochutel, Serendipity, Independence, Hawaii, Victory Hill and Otres. Tourists arriving, choose a place to stay according to their tastes and preferences.
Usually young people stop at Ochutel or Serendipity, because it is here that life does not stop for a minute. During the day, you can sunbathe here and dine in a restaurant right on the seashore. And in the evenings, these same restaurants turn into nightclubs and work until dawn.
Hawaii and Victory Hill are quieter areas. There are fewer big hotels and restaurants. Many tourists rent apartments here for a month, enjoying their vacation on the snow-white seashore.
Otres is chosen by those who come to the resorts of Cambodia to find solitude. This beach is far from the city center and the benefits of civilization. But unforgettable sunrises, clear sea, White sand and silence is something that can only be enjoyed here.
According to numerous reviews of tourists, we can conclude that this city is great for long-term residence and starting a business. For example, many expats say that this place is great for doing business, for many Cambodia has already become a second home.
For romantics
For those who are looking for romantic beach resorts Cambodia, a holiday on the island of Koh Dek-Kul is ideal. Of course, the famous Sihanoukville, like other cities in the country, is great for a vacation. But it is on Ko-Dek-Kul that many travelers prefer to spend their honeymoon.
Among connoisseurs, the island of Ko-Dek-Kul has long been on the first place in the list " Best Resorts Cambodia at sea. This island has been privately owned for several years, and an exclusive five-star hotel has been built on it.
The hotel is small, it has 12 rooms, each of which is a detached villa with a private pool. Here you can be guaranteed to enjoy privacy and freedom. Young couples come here to relax and enjoy the time spent with each other.
Eco-vacation
As mentioned above, the resorts of Cambodia can hardly be called popular. tourist destinations. There are few travelers here, so nature has retained its original appearance. There are many places in the country where no tourist has set foot. Many travelers choose Cambodia for secluded relaxation and eco-tourism.
Deserted places where you can spend the night right under open sky, can be found near Siem Reap or Sihanoukville. To do this, you just need to move away from popular resorts. But despite being close to big cities Do not forget about caution - snakes and other dangerous animals roam free.
Islands
The real Cambodias are located on local islands. For example, the island of Koh Rong is well suited for recreation, where you can set up a tent right in the middle of the jungle. For a better acquaintance with the surroundings, you can take a walk to the Cardamom Mountains. Those who are accustomed to a comfortable stay can pre-book a room at a local hotel.
An ecological paradise can be found on the nearby islands of Koh Kong, Koh Rong Samloem and Koh Ta Kyiv. The nature there is almost untouched. Here you can admire the amazing mountainous and forest landscapes, as well as observe the life of animals and birds with interest.
After visiting the island of Koh Rong, tourists share their impressions and say that it is very clear water and most beautiful beaches, and one day to get acquainted with the area is clearly not enough.
For divers
If there are places on earth created specifically for divers, then some resorts in Cambodia are exactly on this list. Almost everyone tourist town has good conditions for diving.
Good diving schools can be found in Sihanoukville. Experienced and novice divers are more comfortable on Koh Kong. It is here that you can swim among various marine animals and explore sunken ships, of which there are a lot on this island.
Those wishing to swim among the coral reefs go to the island of Koh Rong. Popular diving points are located here, and they are good for both beginners and professionals.
According to numerous reviews of tourists, the amazing resorts of Cambodia remain in memory forever. Here the traveler will find the friendliness of the local population, an extraordinary atmosphere and stunning landscapes.
