Luxury Holidays In Cambodia – 2026/2027

Steeped in ancient majesty and enveloped in rich jungle, luxury holidays in Cambodia offer a taste of Southeast Asia at its very best. A lack of tourism for many decades means that large areas remain beautifully untrammelled. The Cardamom Mountains, for example, where a sprinkling of luxury lodges are hidden away in rainforests filled with orchids and native birds. Or on the Tonle Sap Lake, where remote communities in floating villages live their lives entirely determined by the flow of the Mekong.

Even in places that do now see more visitors, you can still enjoy peaceful and meaningful encounters. This could be a private Angkor Wat tour taking in alternative viewpoints, to a sunset cruise around the tranquil moat of Angkor Thom. In Cambodia’s urban centres, places like Phnom Penh retain a strong regional identity and are all the richer for it. The thriving foodie scene in the Cambodian capital is one of the most exciting in Southeast Asia.

As the wonders of Cambodia are slowly discovered by the outside world, with it has come the welcome advent of more luxury hotels. Those in our portfolio are generally hotels bursting with character, from landmark turn-of-the-century mansions in Phnom Penh, to Khmer-inspired villas surrounded by forests and rice paddies in Siem Reap. Even Cambodia’s beaches – always paradisical – are now all the more enjoyable thanks to the arrival of a number of small luxury resorts.

We have longstanding partnerships in Cambodia that open doors which remain firmly closed to others. Our love for this very special country shines through all the bespoke tours we design, and every single detail is taken care of. A Cambodian journey curated by Red Savannah delivers richness, authenticity, and ease in equal measure.

THE SEASON AHEAD

September marks the tail end of Cambodia’s green season, when rice paddies glow an almost luminous green and the jungle feels thick and humid after months of rain. Showers can still be heavy, but by October they usually ease and the air feels fresher, making this one of my favourite times to visit. At Angkor Wat, the temples sit amid dense foliage, birdsong carries through the trees and visitor numbers are often far lower. I have wonderful memories of my guide leading me to quieter corners of the complex, where we seemed to have the ruins almost entirely to ourselves. Moments like these remind me how untouched Cambodia can still feel.

October and November are also excellent for Tonle Sap Lake, when water levels are at their highest after the summer rains, opening access to floating communities that become harder to reach later in the year. I love the glimpse this gives you into everyday Cambodian life as you move between villages by boat. You could even continue the journey on a luxury Mekong cruise from Siem Reap towards Phnom Penh. From November through to February, drier conditions suit long days exploring the capital or the rainforest-clad Cardamom Mountains, before ending on Koh Rong’s pristine white sands.

Sam – September 2026

WHERE AND WHEN

When is the best time to visit Cambodia?

The best time to visit Cambodia is during the dry, winter season of November to April. Less rain and lower humidity make exploring the country's magnificent temples and pristine forests a very enjoyable experience. This is also the season that offers the most blue skies and sunny days on Cambodia’s glorious beaches. Average temperatures at this time of year are 26C (79F).

Cambodia’s rainy season officially falls between June and October, but the heaviest rains tend to fall in the months of July, August, and September. This can limit your enjoyment of cultural sites, nature activities, and time on the beach. Travel to rural areas can also become difficult.

The shoulder season month of October is a great time to visit Cambodia if you would like to experience sites like Angkor Wat with fewer visitors. The rains are easing, humidity slowly decreasing, but the Tonle Sap Lake is still full from the summer rains, meaning you can explore the floating villages by boat. May and early June can also be good times to visit Cambodia, to experience a quieter side of the country before the heaviest rains begin to set in.

Where are the best places to visit in Cambodia?

Angkor Wat is always a highlight of any vacation to Cambodia, and this magnificent site is popular for good reason. The largest religious monument in the world, the Angkor temple complex is a breathtaking display of Khmer architecture. Its perfect symmetry, lotus-shaped towers, and intricately carved bas-reliefs depict Hindu epics are truly magnificent, while its jungle setting adds a profound sense of place. There are countless intriguing temples to be explored in and around the area, and we can organise exclusive experiences with private guides. Siem Reap is the gateway city to the Angkor region, and nearby you will find boutique hotels surrounded by forests and rice paddies which provide a relaxing base for your time in the area.

Phnom Penh is another place that is well worth a visit during a tour of Cambodia. The capital city has undergone a culinary renaissance in recent years, and there are now superb gourmet experiences to be enjoyed alongside classic sights such as the Royal Palace, and the faded French colonial mansions of the historic centre. 11 miles south of Phnom Penh, the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek provide a sobering insight into Cambodia’s tragic recent history.

To experience Cambodia’s natural beauty, we recommend spending a few days in the Cardamom Mountains. Here you take nature walks through the rainforest, go kayaking surrounded by the sounds of nature, and learn more about fascinating conservation projects. To round off your Cambodia tour with some time on the beach, the best place to stay is the Koh Rong archipelago. Here, pearl-white sands are lapped by warm turquoise waters, and luxury beach resorts are the best in the country.

HOW TO VISIT CAMBODIA IN STYLE

Planning your trip to Cambodia? Read our guide below to find out how to weave in the most outstanding experiences and luxurious touches into your vacation.

"A land of ancient dynasties, sacred rivers, and enigmatic jungle trails, Cambodia is a destination that rewards those who travel thoughtfully. Beyond the buzz of tuk-tuks and the well-trodden paths of Angkor, a more refined Cambodia reveals itself. Here, it’s possible to witness the sun rise over Angkor Wat from a quiet vantage point known only to insiders, sip cocktails by the river in the Cardamom Rainforest, and savour Michelin-starred cuisine as you drift down the Mekong. Read on to discover how our longstanding partnerships in Cambodia ensure you experience the country in the most authentic and exclusive way, opening doors that remain closed to the average visitor."

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SINATH — LOCAL GUIDE

Originally from Siem Reap, Sinath was born near the wondrous temples of Angkor Wat. Starting out as a local English teacher, Sinath retrained as an English-speaking tour guide in the mid-2000s and has led private tours for many Red Savannah clients ever since.

Sinath’s knowledge of Cambodia is so extensive that he is a regular local fixer on numerous film and television productions, having worked on Taste Cambodia, as well as Race Across the World for the BBC. Sinath loves outdoor activities like hiking and biking and has worked as a ranger-guide in Kirirom National Park on the edge of the Cardamom Mountains. Sinath is passionate about sharing the history and culture of Cambodia with visitors from other countries. He also loves introducing visitors to the best Cambodian cuisine, as well as local drinks such as Cambodia Beer.

KULIKAR — FILM DIRECTOR & GUIDE

Born in Phnom Penh, Kulikar Sotho is an award-winning Cambodian filmmaker. Working as a Line Producer on the 2000 film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider ignited Kulikar’s passion for film, and she has since worked on dozens of feature films and documentaries in a career spanning over 20 years. The Last Reel was Kulikar’s directorial debut in 2014, winning her the prestigious ‘Spirit of Asia’ Award at the Tokyo Film Festival, as well as a number of other international awards.

Beyond film, Kulikar has worked in the travel industry for three decades as part of a female-led enterprise, established with her mother back in the early 1990s. Kulikar oversees the team planning journeys and designing unique and authentic experiences for Red Savannah clients visiting Cambodia. For a deeper insight into Kulikar’s work, we can arrange a private screening of The Last Reel a boutique cinema and screening room in Phnom Penh.