Similar to how Angkor is over and above its Wat, so is Cambodia with its temples and urban spots that can surprise you with its sophistication. The capital city, Phnom Penh is chaotic yet captivating and is earning praise for its extravagant riverside setting, world-class dining scene and cultural renaissance. Though it has the world’s 8th wonder in its yard, the real treasure of Cambodia is the people. The Khmers have struggled for years with poverty, bloodshed and political instability. Their strong spirit and contagious optimism is what makes them stand out and smile wide. You can never come away without admiring the inhabitants of this unfathomable kingdom.
Weather In Cambodia In June
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The Cardamom Mountains and the south coast beaches like Sihanoukville and Kep in Cambodia go through the heaviest downpours in June, but the country enjoys welcome rain following dry, hot months. In spite of the rainy weather, June is an enjoyable month to visit this country as you can anticipate lots of sunshine in the midst of the showers. The number of visitors is low and low season deals in hotels are not unusual, particularly in Siem Reap.
In the major tourist spots, travel remains trouble-free owing to good infrastructure, but in the rural northeast regions like Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri, the rain might make your journey a fairly difficult one. Watching sunrises and sundown is possible only for lucky people. The southwest monsoon starts to establish itself. The humidity is nearly 50 to 70 percent in the day and 80 to 90 percent at night. The temperatures drop in June, and the severe heat of the previous months slows down as the rains start to pour in.
The sun shines for around 10 to 12 hours every day. It is bright in the mornings with some showers in the middle days of June. The temperatures generally vary from 24 degrees Celsius to 33 degrees Celsius. You can easily avoid crowds during June since no large tourist groups are touring Cambodia this month.
The Angkor complex temperature is typically lower attributable to the dense trees and forested area which helps retain the cool temperature.
Must Read: Cambodia Travel Tips: For A Carefree Holiday Plan In This Charming Land With Your Loved Ones
Travel On Budget In Cambodia In June
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You need to bear in mind that it is generally cheap to travel around in Cambodia. The season deals are a bit higher in the month of June. If you are a backpacker, you might have to spend around $30-$40 every day. The majority of the meals cost around $3 to $5 and the basic dorm rooms cost around $5 to $10.
You should get some travel insurance, though it is an additional expense. It might not help keep you healthy or safe, but if you happen to get in the middle of a tricky situation, it might come in as a life-saver, particularly when you travel far abroad. Bear in mind that a medical insurance that is possessed at home might not work in this country.
5 Places To Visit In June
1. Angkor Wat
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Angkor Wat temple complex is the definite highlight of the country. This archaeological site is a vast ancient city and the largest religious monument in the world. The main temple is a small part of the 400 sq km site. You can get a 3-day pass to explore the whole place. Numerous travellers come here to see the sunrise. It is a wise thing to start early to reach this place since there will be only a few travellers early in the morning and so you can wander the area in peace.
Suggested Read: 10 Top Churches In Cambodia That’ll Add More Bliss & Beauty To Your Trip
2. Siem Reap
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Siem Reap is the major tourist spot in Cambodia since this city is situated very close to Angkor Wat. In addition to functioning as a base for exploration of the temples, you will see various other tours and services in this city to help you stay entertained; pottery classes, quad bike tours, cooking classes, fish pedicures, massages, zip-lining. When the sun starts to set, you can visit Pub Street for some good booze. A typical day trip from this city is to go to a conventional floating village located on Tonle Sap Lake.
Suggested Read: 10 Cambodian Street Food Everyone Must Try On Their Trip
3. Phnom Penh
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The capital of Cambodia was often referred to as the “Pearl of Asia”, once. Most guesthouses and hotels are situated in a district behind the Royal Palace. You can take a walk along the promenade river. There aren’t many activities during the day, but you can see the night turning colourful with the street vendors and people striking incense sticks at the Buddhist shrine. The impact of revolution and war tarnished the shine of this city. But it has escalated itself to grab its place amongst the trendy capitals in the region, with bustling bars, great cafe culture and world-class food.
Suggested Read: 10 Best Waterfalls In Cambodia That Ought To Be A Part Of Your Next Trip!
4. Kratie
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Located near the Mekong River, Kratie is a small town present in northeastern Cambodia. It is a perfect stop for people travelling towards the 4000 Islands in Laos or Banlung. Kratie is a great place to stop at, as well. Independent travellers frequent this town because of its easy rural area access and local character. The centre part of this town has deteriorating French colonial buildings and a lively market area. Koh Trong, the riverine island is situated across the water and offers you a lovely share of rustic Cambodia with floating villages and cycling trails. The exceptional Irrawaddy dolphins living in the river are a major attraction. Unlike the usual dolphins, they don’t keep jumping around. You will see them pop out their heads over the surface if you are lucky.
Suggested Read: Cambodia Visa For Indians: A Handy Guide For First Time Visitors
5. Cardamom Mountains
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The Cardamom Mountain range is situated on Cambodia’s southwestern part and is one of the very few unfragmented rainforests in the entire Southeast Asia. It is an actual wilderness spot where you can still see wild elephants roaming. Not many travellers are aware of the Chi Pat town that offers a great gateway to the park. You can opt for the Jungle River and trekking tours from this town. You can also experience the local life in the village. The money that you spend in this place is funded to forest protection. This beautiful nature reserve is preserved by ecotourism.
Suggested Read: You Must Visit These 10 Restaurants In Cambodia During Your Trip!
5 Activities To Try In June
1. Cambodian Spa
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The spa therapies offered in this country are often different from the typical southeastern spa experiences. Khmer spa possesses a unique approach to relaxation, which is mirrored in its remarkable spa treatment and therapy varieties. The major cities in this country have numerous certified spa and massage centres. Some of the well-known spa therapies amongst tourists are Aroma Spa, Khmer Traditional Herbal Spa, Deep Tissue, Hot Oil Massage, Slimming Massage and different facial and scrubs types.
Suggested Read: 7 Best National Parks In Cambodia For Wildlife Enthusiasts And Nature Fanatics
2. Diving Experience At Sihanoukville
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The attraction of Cambodia cannot be restricted to what is seen on the surface layer, but the vibrant, vast world underneath as well. The diving sites situated in Sihanoukville have clear water, colourful corals, good water temperature and a wide variety of marine life that include whale sharks, seahorses, eels, stingrays, whale sharks, barracuda, triggerfish, starfish, nudibranch and more. With the climate being favourable all around the year, apart from a slightly less visibility during monsoons, the Cambodia seas appeal to divers from various parts of the world.
Suggested Read: 10 Best Indian Restaurants In Cambodia For A Delectable Vacay
3. Bayon Temple
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Visit the Angkor Archaeological Park to reach the Bayon temple. This enchanting temple was constructed in the 12th century CW during the rule of Jayavarman VII, the Buddhist King. This temple combines Hindu and Buddhist architecture styles and is a wonder for the visitors who come here. The structural design is spectacular among other elements present in the temple. Visit this temple to seek blessings, when you visit Cambodia.
Suggested Read: Our 9 Days In Cambodia Made Us Fall In Love With These Places And Here’s How
4. Siem Reap Biking Experience
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Cambodia has pristine temples, lush greenery and a relaxed and quiet atmosphere that the tourists would like to maintain when they explore it. There are cycling tours to help you travel around conveniently if you are a backpacker. You can ride through relaxed and quiet trails in the countryside in the middle of overwhelming natural scenery as it lets you escape the busy roads and crowd. These cycling tours generally include sightseeing of various places such as Elephant Terrace, Ta Prohm, Bayon and various Angkor temples.
Suggested Read: Island Hopping In Cambodia: A Scenic Tour Down The Most Enchanting Spots
5. Taste Cambodian Cuisine
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One amongst the typical Cambodian attractions that make people want to visit this beautiful paradise is the food. A typical meal includes rice and a fish dish. Often known as the “cuisine of contrasts”, the food here has several variations which tourists fancy a lot. Fish Amok, Samlor Machu Trey, Num Anksom Sach Chrouk and Nom Banh Chok are some of the best fish dishes one should try. With the wide range of seafood availability, Cambodia is one of the major places to visit for seafood aficionados.
Further Read: 9 Best Homestays In Cambodia For A More Authentic Holiday Experience
One can experience the rural life rhythm and explore the rice paddies and sugar palms landscapes on your trip to Cambodia. The south coast is bordered by the tropical islands pointed with the special fishing village. The northeast is a separate world; its mountainous and wild landscapes are home to ethnic minorities in Cambodia. You can find loads of wildlife and natural attractions here. The Mekong river slices through this country, while the Cardamom Mountains provide home to budding ecotourism adventures and indefinable wildlife.
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A writer by choice, a photographer by passion, a seasonal sailor preferably monsoons and a pilot when the wind is just right! When not in the city, I’m often found chasing sunrises in the mountains or sunsets at the beaches!
