Advice for Travelers to Cambodia: KINGDOM OF WONDER

Cambodia, known for its warmth and hospitality, invites visitors to experience its rich cultural heritage with respect and awareness. Before embarking on your journey to this Kingdom of Wonder, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with local customs and practices to ensure a respectful and enjoyable visit.

When traveling in Cambodia, it is crucial to seek permission before taking photographs of Cambodian people or monks, as this demonstrates respect for their privacy and cultural practices. In places of worship, such as pagodas or temples, it is customary to remove your shoes and dress modestly, covering your upper arms and legs while removing hats. This practice also extends to entering someone’s home, where removing your shoes is a sign of respect. A respectful greeting involves a slight bow with your hands pressed together at the chest, known as the “Sampeah.” If you are invited to dine at a Cambodian family’s home, bringing a small gift, such as fruit, dessert, or flowers, is considered polite. Additionally, when attending a Cambodian wedding, it is customary to bring cash as a wedding gift. At the dining table, if using a toothpick, cover your mouth with one hand to maintain propriety. Business cards should be exchanged with both hands, and they should also be received in the same manner.

Conversely, there are several important DON’Ts to observe while in Cambodia. Do not use your feet to point at someone or touch a Cambodian person’s head, as both actions are considered disrespectful. If you are a guest at a meal, wait for the host to start eating before you begin. Women should avoid touching male monks or handing items directly to them, as this is not permissible. It is also advised to keep public displays of affection to a minimum, as overt displays may be viewed as inappropriate.

In terms of commonsense practices, ensure that you do not litter and contribute to keeping the community clean and safe. Proper disposal of plastic bags is essential to avoid environmental hazards.

When it comes to what to wear, Cambodia’s weather is categorized into the wet season (May to October) and the dry season (November to April). For the dry season, lightweight, loose-fitting cotton clothing is recommended due to the hot and humid conditions. Long pants and long-sleeved shirts are advisable for outdoor activities like hiking or trekking, and a hat and sunglasses are useful for sun protection. During the rainy season, packing a light rain poncho or a sturdy umbrella is practical, along with a light jacket or cardigan for the cooler months of December and January. When visiting outdoor temples, including Angkor Wat, shorts and T-shirts are acceptable, but shoes and hats should be removed at the entrance. For more formal sites like the Silver Pagoda within the Royal Palace grounds, dress more formally: gentlemen should wear long trousers, and ladies should opt for long trousers or skirts while keeping their shoulders covered.

For your trip, be sure to bring photocopies of your passport and at least two passport-size photographs. Carry cash in denominations of US$1, $10, $20, and $50, and consider packing a folding umbrella or lightweight rain poncho if traveling during the rainy season. Zip lock bags are handy for keeping items fresh and dry. Most importantly, bring an adventurous spirit to fully embrace and enjoy the diverse experiences Cambodia has to offer.

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🌿 Kampong Khleang Nature Tourism Community
Location: Kampong Khleang Village, Kampong Khleang Commune, Sout Nikom District, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia about 52 km southeast of Siem Reap city and Sokchea Angkor Hotel.

Established in 2016, the community was formed in collaboration with local authorities and NGOs to support local livelihoods by developing sustainable ecotourism and promoting environmental conservation.

 

🌟 What You Can Experience
🛶 Canoe & Boat Tours
Ride canoes or wooden boats through floating villages, seasonally flooded forests, and the edge of the Tonlé Sap Lake.
Witness the daily life of fishing communities and their adaptation to water-based living.
🍲 Community Meals & Homestays
Enjoy traditional Khmer meals made from local ingredients (like sticky rice, palm sugar, and grilled fish).
Stay overnight with local families to immerse yourself in rural Cambodian life.
📚 Environmental Education
A portion of the income from tourism supports Bridge of Life School, clean water projects, and environmental education for locals and children.
📅 Seasonal Features
Rainy Season (June–October): The entire village becomes a floating village with houses and boats gliding over the water.
Dry Season (November–May): The water recedes, exposing “wooden skyscrapers” — tall stilt houses that rise dramatically above the dry land.
💲 Tour Options & Pricing
Option Description
Group Tours: Daily departures with guides, canoe trip, and village visit & Price Range 38–45 USD
Private Tours 5.5-hour full experience, including school visit, pagoda, and Tonlé Sap sunset view & Price Range $60 USD
Custom Packages: Add-on services like Khmer cooking class, extended homestays, or community volunteering: & Price Range Varies
✅ Best For
Activity, What You’ll Gain
Canoe/Boat Ride: Explore ecosystems, learn about floodplain living and aquatic biodiversity
Environmental Study: Get insights from community guides about seasonal flooding and sustainable adaptation
Community Support: Help fund local education and clean water through responsible tourism
Local Culture: Participate in Khmer traditions like fishing, cooking, and temple visits
🌍 Community Impact
The project actively improves livelihoods, education, and environment.
It’s known for being a more ethical alternative to over-commercialized floating villages like Chong Khneas.
Revenues are reinvested into the community through infrastructure, schooling, and clean water access.

We are delighted to introduce our sister property, Sokchea Kampot Hotel, located in the picturesque town of Kampot. Sokchea Kampot Hotel offers the same exceptional service and luxurious amenities as Sokchea Angkor Hotel, providing an ideal getaway for travelers seeking tranquility and charm.

Discover the charm of Kampot with Sokchea Kampot, where luxury, comfort, and personalized service come together to create a memorable stay. Whether you are looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, Sokchea Kampot is the perfect destination for your next vacation.

Siem Reap will come alive on Nov. 14-15 for its vibrant Water Festival, a lively celebration filled with a variety of activities that embrace Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage. Alongside the iconic boat races, which remain a highlight of the festival, visitors can partake in full moon salutations and taste traditional pounded rice dishes, symbolizing blessings and community unity. The enchanting lantern floats will also light up the evening sky, adding a magical touch to the festivities.

Beyond these traditional events, visitors can enjoy exhibitions showcasing local food and products, with stalls offering a taste of Cambodia’s unique flavors and craftsmanship. Concerts, cultural performances, and various forms of entertainment will fill the areas along the Siem Reap River, as well as key tourist sites, providing an exciting array of options for attendees.

This year’s festival aims to shine a light on the heart of Cambodian culture, with an expectation of drawing a diverse audience of both national and international visitors to the province. The Siem Reap administration warmly welcomes everyone to experience the festivities and has stressed the importance of maintaining order, security, safety measures, and cleanliness to ensure an enjoyable and respectful celebration for all.