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Although it may not be as popular a tourist destination as some of its Southeast Asian neighbors, Cambodia, nevertheless, has quite a lot to offer. In fact, one may even say it is the ‘hidden gem’ of ASEAN. With its roots in the rich historical and cultural legacy of the ancient Khmer civilization, tourists flock to Cambodia every year to explore its vibrant cities, and bask in the vast nature of the Mekong River Delta.

So when is the best time to travel there? Cambodia has a rainy season which lasts from May to October, during which is it is rather uncomfortable to travel because it’s also quite hot. The rest of the year is the dry season. The hottest part of the year begins in March, with average temperatures soaring above 30 degrees celsius. February, with its dry weather and cooler average temperature around 27 degrees celsius, is considered the best season to visit. The famous temple complex Angkor Wat attracts the most visitors at this time of the year, and a large number of them also go trekking in the northeastern part of the country. Many tourists enjoy diving and swimming in southern beach resorts as well. In other words, February is the peak season for touring Cambodia.

Siem Reap, the city where Angkor Wat is located, is a resort town, and as such, it is fairly safe for tourists to sightsee without excess concern. It is definitely worth visiting just to experience the ruins of Angkor Wat, an iconic tourist destination that is also one of the largest archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. Consisting of the ruins of the Khmer Empire that flourished from the 9th to the 15th centuries, the site was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, and is constantly being renovated and restored. The Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation is also involved in the repair and restoration of the Angkor Thom and PreahPithu temples.

Angkor Wat is accessable by taxi and local transportation. However, if you want to avoid the complexity of navigating through the city by yourself, it is convenient to book a day tour on a travel service platform such as My Real Trip or Klook. Many tours have professional guides who pick up tourists from the hotel lobby and take them in small groups. They are very convenient for novice travelers, and you can also listen to detailed commentary on the ruins.

In addition to the World Heritage site Angkor Wat, Siem Reap also boasts a charming fusion of Eastern and Western cultures. It offers many authentic French restaurants, cafes, and bakeries which distinguish it from other ASEAN cities, as it was once under French colonial rule. You can enjoy French course meals or brunch at affordable prices, and you should also try the city’s numerous gourmet French steak houses. All in all, Cambodia is a highly recommended destination that is rich in both history and culture.