Planning for a trip to Cambodia, but not sure where to go and what to explore? Simply ask someone who has explored the country well before. And you will be surprised to know that there are so many wonderful places apart from Angkor Wat or Siem Reap.
From Dubai you will usually fly through Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Doha because no airline runs a direct route, so once you make that long journey, better to keep 8 to 10 days and see a bit more.
As of now, there are no direct flights from Dubai to Cambodia. But, you can take connecting flights like:
- Bangkok,
- Kuala Lumpur,
- Singapore or
- Doha
Since these are connecting flights, you may not get seats available all year round. Therefore, its best to book your flights at least one to two weeks beforehand.
Just remember that the entry rules for the country are not the same. You cannot enter or exit as per your wish. Entry rules always vary as per your passport. Get your Cambodia visa from Dubai before you book your hotels. I will come to the exact rules towards the end of this article.
1. The Quieter Temples Around Siem Reap
Of course, Angkor Wat and Bayon are worth visiting – because these are the primary highlights of the country. Most tourists stop right here and then prepare to leave for their hometown.But that’s only half of what Cambodia offers to its visitors. If you have a spare day, don’t waste it.What you could do is hire a tuk tuk driver for the full day and visit Banteay Srei which is about 35 km away. It is a small temple and the pink sandstone carvings and tourists know them as the jewel of Khmer art. Beng Mealea is on the way and you should not miss it. A one-day pass costs about USD 37. You can also buy a three-day pass worth about USD 62. Choose three days, because one day is simply too little.
2. Life on the Water at Tonle Sap
If you want to see how people live on water,plan your visit to Tonle Sap. It’s the biggest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. As you reach here, you will find thousands of families live there. Here houses sit on tall stilts. There is a school on a boat and you will also find a shop on a boat. Kampong Phluk is the best choice. Chong Kneas is nearer to town, but it’s too commercial now. Keep the trip for late afternoon. The sunset over the lake pays you back for everything. You will surely fall in love with the views.
3. Phnom Penh and Its Two Sides
Now, on to Phnom Penh. A bus ride takes five to six hours. A flight takes just one hour into the new Techo International Airport. Keep two days for this city. It has a way of surprising people. During the stay, most travellers find out it has two sides. One is lovely, with the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. The other one is painful, with the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields.
4. Battambang, Where Time Moves Slowly
Yes, Battambang is officially the second largest city in Cambodia. But there are subtle hints of a village feel. Outside the city is where the real fun happens. Go on a half day tuk tuk tour around the countryside. See how families work together to produce rice paper, banana chips and fish paste right there at their homes. You should also take the opportunity to try the bamboo train. The ride offers quite a lot of excitement. It is a wooden platform mounted on wheels that wobbles its way up and down the paddy field. Be sure to go to the Phnom Sampeau hill before sunset. Millions of bats come out of a cave at the same time to fly overhead for almost half an hour.
5. Kampot and Kep for Pepper and Crab
Thislaid back riverside town with the odd French period shop house is located on the south coast. The pepper grown here is very popular worldwide. Top chefs recommend and use it to prepare various delicacies. So, a trip to the local pepper farms with a complimentary tasting tour makes for a good half day excursion. A drive to the Bokor Mountain is also fun.The cooler climate and the opportunity to see the ruins of a French hill station is unbeatable. A half hour drive from Kampot is Kep – a town which sees most visitors coming for one reason alone, the crab market. Taste freshly prepared crabs using green Kampot pepper.
6. Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem
End your trip on a relaxing note because that’s what holidays are meant for. And the islands are the best choice. Boats take about 45 minutes to reach Koh Rong. The nightlife here is quite happening. This place is fun from morning till late. Find great cafes and lively nights. Then comes the beach. Soft white sand and clear water, just the way you dreamed. Stay back till dark. Watch the plankton in the sea glow – its looks magical.
Know the Cambodia Visa Rules from Dubai
Do UAE residents need their residence visa to decide entry? Many think so. But Cambodia plays by other rules. Your passport is the only thing it asks for.ASEAN passport holders which include Filipinos do not require any visa. For most other passports like Indian, British and European, there are two options. Of course, the online e-visa is the first solution which costs around USD 30. Plus a small service fee and is normally approved in about 3 working days. The second option is the visa on arrival at the airport.It costs again USD 30 but paid in clean US Dollar notes. Either way you get 30 days for tourism.
But know that there are some exceptions as well. Nationalities like Pakistan and Bangladesh are generally not permitted via the e-visa or visa on arrival option. They need to apply through a Cambodian embassy in advance. Along with the visa every passenger flying in need to complete the free Cambodia e-Arrival card online within 7 days prior arrival. The passport should have 6 months validity remaining and at least one blank page.
For those who need to apply through the embassy, it’s the paperwork that goes wrong.
- Bank statement
- Salary certificate
- UAE residence visa
- Emirates ID copy and
- Confirmed flight and hotel bookings
All of these need to match each other. Simply trust an expert visa agent in Dubai. You can prevent rejections and last-minute stress. At Tunz Travel we first check what visa option is suitable for your passport. And then prepare the whole application for you and arrange the matching bookings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good trip length for a first visit to Cambodia
Siem Reap with Phnom Penh needs around 5 or 6 days. Adding Battambang, the south coast or the islands takes it to 10 to 12 days.
Does my UAE residence visa help me get a Cambodia visa on arrival
No, it is decided by nationality. Most nationalities can get it at Siem Reap or Phnom Penh airport, while a few must apply at the embassy before flying.
Which money works best in Cambodia
US dollars are accepted almost everywhere, and the local riel is used for small change. Carry only clean, untorn notes.
Which months are best for Cambodia
November to February is the most pleasant period with dry, cooler days. March to May is very hot and June to October is rainy.
Should I use a visa agent in Dubai for Cambodia
If your passport qualifies for the e-visa, you can apply for the visa all by yourself on the official site. A visa agent in Dubai like Tunz Travel makes the process much easier when it comes to flight and hotel bookings and embassy visas.