Cambodia
Essentials
The answers you need first
Best for
Angkor temples, Khmer culture, food, river life, countryside and the southern coast
Ideal first trip
10–14 full days
Main language
Khmer; English is common in major visitor areas
Currency
Cambodian riel (KHR); US dollars are also widely used
Emergency
Police 117, fire 118, ambulance 119
Main transport
Buses, minivans, domestic flights, taxis, tuk-tuks and private drivers
Climate
Tropical monsoon climate; broadly drier November–April and wetter May–October
Power
230 V, 50 Hz; sockets commonly accept Types A, C and G
01
Is Cambodia right for your trip?
Cambodia rewards travellers who combine Angkor's monumental history with living Khmer culture, food and slower regional journeys.
The country is much more than Angkor Wat: Phnom Penh, rural landscapes and the coast create a balanced first route.
Road journeys can be slow, so fewer bases usually produce a better trip.
- World-class temple complexes.
- Warm everyday hospitality.
- Good value across budgets.
- Ten to fourteen days works well.
02
When should you visit?
November to February is generally cooler and drier; the green season brings heat, humidity and intense showers.
March and April can be extremely hot, while rain usually falls in heavy bursts rather than all day.
Seasonality also affects Tonlé Sap water levels and some boat experiences.
- Book peak-season rooms early.
- Start outdoor days before the heat.
- Carry rain protection in wet months.
- Check current flood and road conditions.
03
What must you check before entering Cambodia?
Visa eligibility, passport validity and permitted entry points depend on nationality and can change.
Many visitors can apply for an eVisa, while other arrangements apply by nationality and border point.
Confirm the current fee, validity and permitted stay directly before travel.
- Use only the official eVisa portal.
- Check eligible ports of entry.
- Carry onward-travel details.
- Keep a passport photo and approval offline.
04
How does Cambodia e-Arrival work?
The official digital arrival system combines immigration, health and customs information for travellers.
Requirements and the treatment of air and land arrivals can evolve.
Avoid unofficial lookalike sites and review the official instructions shortly before departure.
- Submit through the official portal.
- Use passport details exactly.
- Save the confirmation offline.
- Check the latest submission window.
05
How long should a first trip be?
Ten to fourteen full days supports Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and one additional region without constant transit.
A shorter trip should prioritise two bases.
Add buffer time before an international flight when arriving overland or from an island.
- 7 days: Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
- 10 days: add Battambang or Kampot.
- 14 days: add coast or countryside.
- Count full days, not flight dates.
06
What is the strongest first-time route?
A practical route links Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, then adds Battambang, Kampot or the coast according to your interests.
The order depends on your international flights.
Open-jaw tickets can remove a long return journey.
- Begin with two or three Phnom Penh nights.
- Allow four or five Siem Reap nights.
- Choose one slower third base.
- Avoid one-night stops.
07
Which regions deserve time?
Cambodia's regions offer distinct experiences, from Tonlé Sap and rice country to cardamom forest and the Gulf coast.
Distances look short on a map but road speed varies.
Choose regions for depth instead of trying to collect every stop.
- Phnom Penh for history and food.
- Siem Reap for Angkor.
- Battambang for arts and countryside.
- Kampot and Kep for a slower coast.
- Islands for beach time.
08
How do you move between regions?
Intercity buses, minivans and private cars handle most journeys; domestic flights serve selected routes.
Timetables and journey times can change with traffic, weather and road works.
Hotel-arranged vehicles cost more but simplify door-to-door travel.
- Compare recent operator reviews.
- Choose daytime departures.
- Confirm the exact pickup point.
- Keep valuables with you.
09
How should you choose buses and private drivers?
Safety record, vehicle condition and realistic timing matter more than the cheapest ticket.
Ask whether a quoted car includes fuel, tolls, waiting and parking.
For temple days, clarify which circuit and sunrise hours are included.
- Use established operators.
- Wear the seat belt when available.
- Avoid rushed overnight road travel.
- Agree private-driver inclusions in writing.
10
Should you drive or rent a scooter?
Traffic is unpredictable and road standards vary, making a car with driver the easier choice for most visitors.
International cover may exclude motorcycles unless specifically licensed.
Police documents, rental contracts and damage terms should be understood before departure.
- Check licence and insurance rules.
- Wear a certified helmet.
- Never ride after drinking.
- Avoid remote roads after dark.
Important
Unexploded ordnance and landmines remain a danger in some remote and border areas. Stay on established roads and marked paths, and follow qualified local guidance.
11
How should you plan Angkor?
Angkor deserves several unhurried days, with early starts, rest periods and a mix of famous and quieter temples.
Pass options, prices and rules can change, so confirm them on the official site.
Siem Reap is the practical base for the archaeological park.
- Buy passes only from Angkor Enterprise.
- Carry the pass each day.
- Use a licensed guide for context.
- Schedule shade and water breaks.
12
What does responsible temple travel require?
Angkor is a living sacred landscape as well as an archaeological site.
Follow signs, barriers and instructions from site staff.
Responsible operators should not encourage staged interactions with children.
- Cover shoulders and knees.
- Do not climb closed structures.
- Do not touch carvings.
- Ask before photographing people.
- Keep drones and commercial shoots within current rules.
13
How do the coast and islands fit?
Kampot, Kep and the Gulf islands add beaches, seafood and a slower finish after the major cities.
Sea conditions affect transfers, especially in the wet season.
Development and facilities differ sharply between islands and beaches.
- Check boat status close to travel.
- Keep a weather buffer.
- Choose accommodation by beach and access.
- Carry enough cash.
14
How should you choose accommodation?
Location, road access, noise and backup power can matter more than star rating.
In Siem Reap, decide between walkable nightlife and quieter districts.
In Phnom Penh, riverfront views can come with traffic and late-night noise.
- Check the exact map pin.
- Read recent construction comments.
- Confirm late-arrival access.
- Ask about pool and lift availability.
15
What should you know about food and water?
Khmer cooking ranges from peppery soups and grilled meats to fish amok, fresh herbs and regional specialities.
Ice in established venues is commonly commercially produced, but use judgement.
Heat changes appetite and hydration needs quickly.
- Drink sealed or properly filtered water.
- Choose busy food stalls.
- State allergies clearly.
- Use hand hygiene.
- Carry oral rehydration salts.
16
How do money and payments work?
Riel and US dollars circulate together, while cards are common mainly at larger businesses.
Damaged US-dollar notes may be refused.
Dynamic currency conversion and ATM fees can make card withdrawals expensive.
- Carry small clean notes.
- Expect change in riel.
- Use bank-linked ATMs.
- Check the currency before paying.
- Keep backup cash separate.
17
Which customs matter most?
Calm, respectful behaviour and modest dress are valued, especially at religious and memorial sites.
Public anger and confrontation can cause loss of face.
Learn a few Khmer greetings and follow local cues.
- Remove shoes where requested.
- Avoid touching anyone's head.
- Use two hands for respectful exchanges.
- Do not point feet at people or sacred images.
- Ask before portraits.
18
What are the main safety and health risks?
Traffic, heat, mosquitoes, petty theft and inadequate insurance are more common concerns than violent crime for visitors.
Seek professional pre-travel health advice for your route.
In an emergency, use official services and contact your insurer promptly.
- Use trusted ride services.
- Keep phones away from the road edge.
- Use repellent and sun protection.
- Avoid animal contact.
- Buy medical evacuation cover.
19
What should you confirm before departure?
Final checks should cover entry documents, transport, Angkor plans, insurance and weather.
Recheck official requirements shortly before departure.
Store booking addresses in Khmer and English where possible.
- Passport and visa status.
- e-Arrival confirmation.
- First transfer and hotel.
- Angkor pass plan.
- Insurance contacts.
- Offline copies and cash.
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