My friend and I have 10 days in mid-November to travel to Cambodia.

November is an ideal time to visit Cambodia as the rain has stopped and the weather is slightly cooler than at other times of year. The countryside still looks green and lush from the rainy season and water levels in rivers and lakes are still high, meaning boat trips are possible.

Cambodia has a good reputation among tourists for its friendliness and beauty. Once you’ve seen the grandeur of the Angkor complex in Siem Reap, you may then go and relax by the beach. For snorkelling, head to Sihanoukville, Cambodia’s top resort town. The town has great beaches that are great for sunbathing. You can also go for boat trips to neighbouring islands that boast better visibility and a colourful sea life and are the best for swimming and snorkelling. November is a great time to go snorkelling in Cambodia, as the water is clear and cool.

For shopping, there are great markets in Phnom Penh. Many people who go enjoy the cheap clothes and silver jewellery at the Russian Market. Another good stop is Central Market for its interesting Art Deco architecture and an almost endless sea of goods inside. There are also some really nice boutiques, such as Ambre, featuring the clothes of Cambodia’s foremost fashion designer. You should also check out Olympic Market (Phsar Olympic) located near the Olympic Stadium and popular with local residents for wholesale goods, and a Night Market known as Phsar Reatrey. It is the new Night Market in Phnom Penh, located on the river front, Targeted at visitors, the market has a wide selection of all the usual tourist items including handicrafts, silks, art, T-shirts and souvenirs. 

 

 

I’ll be in Southeast Asia with my family this year for the holiday as a part of my academic work. We enjoy going all-out for Christmas with gifts, decorations, food, the whole lot. What can I expect? Ryan

 

As you will already know, Southeast Asian countries including Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Myanmar are predominantly Buddhist.

Bangkok, Thailand’s chaotic capital, still manages plenty of festive cheer. Many places in downtown Bangkok feature yuletide lights and it’s often hard to believe that 95 per cent of the residents are Buddhists. In fact, the joyous mood if generated by hotels and shopping malls during the highest time of the tourist season. Besides Bangkok, you will find places to celebrate Christmas in Phuket, Samui and other popular tourist destinations.

For other cities in this region like Phnom Penh or Vientiane, December 25 is business as usual, although some of the old colonial influence is still on hand. Some have already adopted Christmas as a bona fide commercial holiday A considerable expat presence in major capital cities is another reason why you will find a Christmas tree in hotel lobbies. In Hanoi and Yangon, December 25 is a national public holiday. You will still find yuletide pageantry on display in big hotels from early December through New Year's Day. I am sure you will find places to enjoy the special time with your family!