Flights from Christchurch (CHC) to Cambodia

Discover Cambodia

Discover Cambodia

Why visit Cambodia?

Cambodia offers ancient temples, riverfront cities, and rural landscapes where daily life unfolds at a gentle pace. You will find a mix of heritage, nature, and welcoming local hospitality.

What to expect

Explore the temples around Siem Reap, the lively boulevards of Phnom Penh, and serene countryside dotted with rice fields and stilt houses. Your journey blends historic sites with relaxed urban charm.

Plan your trip

Cambodia works well as both a standalone destination and a gateway to mainland Southeast Asia. With good connections via Singapore, you can combine your visit with nearby countries in one itinerary.

Top experiences in Cambodia

Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Watch the first light illuminate the towers of Angkor Wat, then wander through bas-reliefs and quiet courtyards as the complex slowly comes to life.

Temple hopping in Angkor Archaeological Park

Cycle or drive between iconic sites such as Bayon and Ta Prohm, discovering hidden terraces, jungle-framed gateways, and carved stone faces.

Riverside strolls in Phnom Penh

Walk along the Tonle Sap riverfront, where colonial-era buildings sit beside cafés, leafy boulevards, and a relaxed evening promenade.

Island escapes off the Cambodian coast

Head to the southern coast to catch boats to nearby islands, where you can enjoy sandy beaches and clear, calm waters.

Exploring local villages and rice fields

Take a day trip into the countryside to see traditional wooden houses, quiet pagodas, and patchworks of rice paddies stretching to the horizon.

Museum visits in the capital

Spend time in Phnom Penh museums to learn about Cambodia’s art, history, and recent past in a thoughtful, curated setting.

Tonle Sap lake excursions

Join a boat trip from the Siem Reap area to view life on and around Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, with floating villages and birdlife.

Experience Cambodia’s way of life

Getting around

You can travel between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap by domestic flight, bus, or private car, while tuk-tuks, taxis, and bicycles are common within cities. Many visitors also arrange day tours with local drivers to reach temples and nearby villages.

Local life & culture

Cambodia’s daily rhythm moves at an unhurried pace, from morning markets to evening gatherings along riverfronts. You will notice strong community ties, traditional arts, and a blend of old and new influences in both the capital and smaller towns.

Where to unwind

Relax in Siem Reap’s leafy resorts, Phnom Penh’s riverside cafés, or in spa retreats that offer massages and wellness treatments. Further afield, quiet countryside homestays and coastal getaways give you space to slow down and reconnect with nature.

A taste of Cambodia

National dishes & specialties

Look out for classics such as fish amok and tangy, herb-rich salads, which are popular in both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Regional dishes often draw on river fish, fresh greens, and fragrant spices.

Casual & modern dining hubs

You will find simple eateries, cafés, and modern restaurants across Cambodia’s cities, from street-side spots to contemporary spaces serving regional and international flavours. Siem Reap and Phnom Penh both offer relaxed, walkable dining districts.

Signature & scenic dining

Enjoy rooftop venues overlooking the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, garden restaurants near the Angkor temple zone, or sunset drinks with city or countryside views. Many places pair atmospheric settings with refined takes on local recipes.

Retail therapy in Cambodia

Malls & lifestyle hubs

In Phnom Penh, modern shopping centres bring together international labels, cinemas, and lifestyle services. Smaller complexes in Siem Reap cater to travellers with souvenirs, clothing, and everyday essentials.

Markets & local crafts

Central and night markets in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap showcase textiles, silks, baskets, and handmade souvenirs. Some social enterprises also support artisans who produce jewellery, ceramics, and homeware.

Evening retail scene

After dark, market streets and riverside promenades light up with stalls, handicrafts, and casual boutiques. You can browse at an easy pace, often combining a short shopping trip with an evening walk or meal.

Best time to visit Cambodia

Dry peak season runs roughly from November to February, with cooler, less humid days around 21–32°C (70–90°F), making it peak season for temple visits and city breaks. The hotter shoulder season from March to May sees temperatures rise to about 25–35°C (77–95°F), with more intense midday heat but fewer crowds at major sights. The green low season from June to October brings tropical showers, lush landscapes, and temperatures of about 24–33°C (75–91°F), with heavier rain usually in short bursts.

Frequently Asked Questions