Mobile/Whats App:(+84) 977 89 05 45Email: contact@ilotustours.com
Mobile/Whats App:(+84) 977 89 05 45Email: contact@ilotustours.com
Cambodia is a country in the Indochinese peninsula, bordered by Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. It spans 180,000 km² and has a population of 15 million. The official language is Khmer, though English and French are also spoken. Most of the population practices Theravada Buddhism.
This country is renowned for its majestic temples, but also for its people with contagious smiles, warmly welcoming visitors. From the Khmer jungle to southern beaches, and across Tonlé Sap Lake, Cambodia delights both travelers seeking relaxation and adventurers eager for discovery. The protected parks serve as a refuge for a remarkable diversity of wildlife and plants, which nature lovers can enjoy on foot, by boat, or even by elephant. At the end of your trip, relax on the islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, where pristine white-sand beaches, caressed by turquoise waters, offer an ideal and charming escape.
Cambodia experiences a tropical climate. It’s hot all year round, but there are two seasons: the dry season from November to April and the rainy season from May to October. In July and August, rains are infrequent, often occurring as thunderstorms in the late afternoon. It is hot and humid, but quite bearable.
The best time to visit Cambodia is during the dry season, from November to March, when temperatures range between 25°C and 30°C. iLOTUS TOURS particularly recommends traveling in November and December, when the rains have passed, and the landscapes have turned lush green. It is also when prices are most affordable, as opposed to the peak tourist season.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry. You can obtain your visa upon arrival at the airport or border crossings. Prepare a valid passport, a passport-sized photo, and $35 USD in cash. You will receive a tourist visa valid for one month after a few minutes of waiting without prior formalities. If you don't have a photo with you, don’t worry—you can have one taken there for $1 USD.
To get an e-visa: It is possible to apply for an e-visa by visiting the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' website: www.evisa.gov.kh. Payment is made online by credit card. Processing time: 3 days.
Cambodian cuisine, while preserving its own distinct flavors and characteristics, has integrated influences from its neighbors, especially Thailand, Laos, India, and France. Rice is the base of every meal, usually accompanied by soup (samla). The ginger pork soup (samla chapek) is particularly tasty. Cambodians also eat plenty of fish from the Tonlé Sap Lake. Grilled fish is cut into pieces, wrapped in lettuce or spinach leaves, and dipped in fermented fish sauce (or shrimp sauce).
Khmer curries stand out due to the frequent use of coconut milk. Salads, flavored with coriander, mint, or lemon thyme, are fresh and light. For street food, you’ll easily find rice noodle dishes at every street corner. For dessert, brave travelers should try the durian—a fruit whose smell is reminiscent of a gas leak but has a silky texture and unique taste.
iLOTUS TOURS’ clients can manage the cost of a trip to Cambodia by selecting the duration, accommodations, and travel period. A tailor-made trip to Cambodia lasting about 10 days, staying in charming, comfortable double rooms, starts at €2,000 per person. This price includes international flights, accommodations, all transfers, and guided private tours in French.
The cost of living in Cambodia is very affordable. Adventurous travelers can dine at local establishments for just a few euros. A tuk-tuk ride rarely costs more than €2.
The Cambodian currency is the Riel, but US dollars are accepted everywhere, even in remote villages. If you don’t have dollars at home, no worries—exchange offices are everywhere: at the airport, on the streets, and in hotels. The Euro can also be used, but iLOTUS TOURS recommends preparing US dollars for convenience.
Tipping can be tricky. Although not part of the cultural norm, it is viewed by Cambodians as a significant gesture of appreciation. The amount is left to your discretion, and we do not impose it on our clients. For guides and drivers, it constitutes a significant part of their income. However, determining an appropriate amount per person can be difficult, as it can be substantial for large groups and relatively modest for smaller ones. Therefore, various factors (group size, the performance of the staff, etc.) should be considered when leaving a tip. We suggest the following amounts:
€8 to €15 per day per group for the guide
€4 to €8 per day per group for the driver
€1 per service at the hotel per group
