Cambodia

Why Cambodia on an organized tour?

Cambodia is one of the most heartbreaking experiences in Southeast Asia. Its Angkor temples, the legacy of an empire that dominated the region for five centuries, are among the largest religious complexes ever built by humanity. Angkor Wat, Bayon and its stone faces smiling above the jungle, Ta Prohm strangled by the roots of giant cheese trees: each site exceeds what we imagined.

But Cambodia is much more than Angkor. Phnom Penh carries the story of one of the deadliest genocides of the twentieth century with silent dignity. Battambang sleeps in colonial sweetness. Kampot perfumes the air with its pepper plantations. And on the Tonle Sap Lake, entire villages float in the floods, inhabited by families whose world has lived on water for generations.

The organized tour makes sense here: the distances between the stages require careful logistics, the historical sites deserve a guide to understand their depth, and the recent history of the country calls for an enlightened presentation rather than a solo discovery.

When to go to Cambodia?

The best period is from November to March, in the middle of the dry season: temperatures between 22 and 30°C in Siem Reap, extremely rare rains, clear skies. November is the ideal month, combining the return of good weather and the Bon Om Touk Water Festival (November 23-25, 2026), a spectacular canoe race in Phnom Penh. December and January are the most pleasant months, also the most crowded.

Avoid June to September (intense monsoon, 150 to 216 mm per month), unless you are looking for nature in all its exuberance: the Tonle Sap Lake reaches its maximum surface area and the temples of Angkor are drowned in a striking green setting.

Budget: how much does a tour in Cambodia cost?

Cambodia is one of the most accessible destinations in Asia. A meal in a good local restaurant costs 3 to 6 euros, a tuk-tuk for the day around Angkor costs 12-15 USD. Organized tours from France start at around 2,090 euros all-inclusive (flight and accommodation included, Kuoni 2026 package). A Paris-Phnom Penh plane ticket with a stopover costs between 550 and 860 euros depending on the season.

Practical note: The US dollar (USD) is co-used with the Cambodian riel (KHR) throughout the country. Bring cash in dollars for rural areas.

Must-see cities

From the Angkor basin to the shores of Kampot, each stage of Cambodia has its own character. Siem Reap, the logical starting point, is not just about its temples: it is also a lively, hospitable city, turned towards travellers. Phnom Penh, the capital, imposes an obligatory and moving stopover. And the South, Kampot and Kep in the lead, reveals a peaceful Cambodia that few tours take the time to show.

Photo gallery

Typical itineraries

These routes are educational examples to give you an idea of what is possible. They do not correspond to a specific product. Use the questionnaire to find the tour that suits you exactly.

Practical advice

Formalities and visa

French nationals must obtain a visa before entering Cambodia. The tourist e-visa (30 USD, obtained in 3 working days on evisa.gov.kh) is the easiest solution. The visa on arrival is also accepted at the airports of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Passport valid for a minimum of 6 months after the date of entry.

Please note: the Thailand-Cambodia land border has been closed for an indefinite period since 2025 (military conflict, fragile ceasefire). All passage between the two countries is by air only.

Currency and payments

The Cambodian riel (KHR) and the US dollar (USD) are both accepted everywhere. In practice, transactions are often made in dollars for large amounts, and change is given in riels for small amounts. 1 EUR is worth approximately 4,686 KHR or 1.07 USD (August 2026). Credit cards are accepted in mid- and higher-end hotels and restaurants; bring cash for rural areas and markets.

Getting around

The tuk-tuk is the emblematic transport to discover the temples of Angkor and to get around the city. For intercity trips, organized tourist minibuses (Giant Ibis, Mekong Express) connect the main cities comfortably. Car rental is not recommended: driving is chaotic and the signage unreliable.

Culture and uses

Cambodia is a Buddhist country. In temples and pagodas, cover your shoulders and knees (sarongs are often available at the entrance). Remove your shoes before entering a place of worship. Smiling is the universal currency: a warm welcome calls for a similar response. Tips are appreciated but not mandatory (1-2 USD for a daily tuk-tuk driver).

History and memory

Visiting the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields in Phnom Penh is an emotionally intense but indispensable experience to understand contemporary Cambodia. The Khmer Rouge regime (1975-1979) killed between 1.5 and 2 million people. Approach these sites with respect and, if possible, with a local guide to give these places their full meaning.

Frequently asked questions