Cambodia Travel Tips: A Complete Guide to the Country [UPDATED]

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At a Glance

Cambodia feels like a bit of a hidden gem in Southeast Asia. While it’s still a pretty popular tourist destination, it’s not talked about nearly as much as Thailand. With spectacular temples, beautiful islands and beaches, and a rich cultural heritage, Cambodia’s a place you won’t want to miss.

While the bustle of the big cities might be the country’s main attractions, my favorite places in Cambodia are actually the smaller towns and villages. From the jungles to the beaches, this country is full of amazing sights just waiting to be explored.

We recommend using Bookaway or 12Go website to view bus, boat, and train schedules ahead of time. We’ve used these websites all over Asia and it saves us the hassle of lining up in travel agencies or bus stations.

Transportation: The transport from one place to the next is fairly easy in Cambodia and is quite efficient, as well as cheap.

Perhaps the most festive and exciting holiday celebrated in Cambodia is the water festival, held every year in October or November. Marking the change in the flow of the Tonle Sap and Mekong River. The city transforms into a festival atmosphere and is a perfect place to experience Khmer culture and its best–and most fun!

At the end of April or beginning of May (depending on the year), the Khmer people mark the beginning of the rice planting season with the Royal Ploughing Ceremony. This more solemn ceremony takes place in Phnom Penh and is an impressive sight to behold.

Festivals and Celebrations: Cambodia is a country with a rich cultural heritage, and the Khmer people love to celebrate their traditions with big parties and festivals. If you’re visiting in April or May, you’ll be able to experience the Khmer New Year celebration. The first two days of this holiday are spent in traditional activities and family gatherings, while the third and final day erupts into a country-wide water fight (similar to Thailand’s Songkran, though much more toned down).

In recent years, Cambodia has seen a rise in tourism which has led to an increase in the use of English. While the locals in a small village might not understand you, you’ll be able to get by easily in the bigger towns and cities using English. If you want to nail down a few basic words, check out our Khmer Guide for Traveling .

Language: Khmer is the official language of Cambodia, although sometimes it’s just referred to as Cambodian. It’s spoken by over 90% of the country’s population. The exact dialect may vary slightly depending on where you are in the country, but most Cambodian natives speak central Khmer, the most common dialect.

At the risk of sounding like your parents, make sure you get travel insurance before hitting the road. Trust us, it’s one of those things you don’t want to leave home without. We recommend either World Nomads or Safety Wing , depending on the type of traveler you are. Safety Wing offers monthly plans which is very convenient!

One additional warning about Cambodia: Never wander off in rural areas like forests or rice paddies without a guide. While not common, it is possible to stumble upon unexploded mines. In most of the places you’ll be visiting, this won’t be an issue, but just take heed from the locals and don’t go wandering off in the jungle alone. This isn’t the place to indulge your inner Indiana Jones!

As with any place you visit, it’s important to be cautious. In big cities like Phnom Penh, bag snatching can happen, especially when tourists are riding in tuk-tuks. Keep your wits about you and make sure you keep your belongings close to you. Use the same caution you would in any busy city.

Safety: In general, Cambodia is a very safe country to visit. The Khmer people are friendly and increasingly welcoming to foreigners as the country becomes more and more popular with tourists and travelers.

If you’ll be working in Cambodia, longer stays are permitted if you have a business visa. But for most people, the tourist visa is perfect.

E-visas cost an additional $6 and take three days to process. The 30-day tourist visa can be extended at the embassy in Phnom Penh for $45 for an additional 30-days. Citizens coming from ASEAN nations, you can get a free visa on arrival which lasts for 30 days.

Visa: A 30-day tourist visa is required for all visitors coming to Cambodia. Visas can be obtained on arrival for $30 in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Preah Sihanouk. You’ll just need to bring a passport sized photo with you. The Cambodian government website also offers e-visas, so you can apply beforehand to speed up your entry into the country.

Electricity Socket: 230V AC electricity. Power outlets are two-prong round sockets. To avoid the hassle of having to buy new adaptors for everywhere you go, we recommend picking up a Universal Travel Adaptor before you leave.

Cambodian Riel (Although the Riel is the official currency, Cambodia also uses US dollars for almost everything. In most of the country prices will be marked in USD, though you will likely receive Riel as change during a purchase).

Major cities like Phnom Penh or Siem Riep will have any amenity you could need, so don’t worry if you forget to pack something; you’ll likely be able to find it there. For a more detailed account of what to bring, check out our Southeast Asia Packing list guide. After spending almost 3 years traveling around this region, we’ve got the packing business pat down.

Other things we recommend bringing would be a sturdy travel water bottle , sand-free beach blanket if you’re planning on visiting any of the islands, an RFID travel wallet , and a good pair of travel sandals. Last but not least, you will definitely need a good sun hat as the sun can get quite intense especially when wandering around Angkor Wat.

No matter when you travel in Cambodia, it’s going to be pretty hot. The tropical climate means high heat and humidity year-round. Despite that, it can still get cool in the evenings, especially during the “winter” months, so it’s a good idea to bring a lightweight rainjacket or sweater. Ponchos are available in most places, but it’s a good idea to bring a rain jacket if you’ll be traveling during the wet season. There’s nothing worse than getting stuck in an afternoon downpour without cover!

Motorcycle taxis: $1 or less Rework-moto or tuk-tuk (carts pulled by motorcycles): $1-$5 depending on distance Metered taxis: not available in most parts of the country, but easy to find in Phnom Penh. Usually around $1 per mile Buses: Trips to and from major cities in Cambodia are very affordable by bus. Siem Reap to Phnom Penh is $6, Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville is $5.

For $25 a day you’ll be able to live very comfortably in Cambodia and enjoy some of the country’s best attractions. The more tours you want to go on or hotels you want to spring for will obviously affect your budget, but in general, I’d say a good base point to plan for would be about $20-$25 per day for your visit.

As with most of southeast Asia, travel in Cambodia is relatively cheap. If you’re happy staying in hostel dorms and eating local dishes, you might be fine getting by on $15 a day. But if you want to indulge in some comfort food, get a private room, or experience some of the country’s tourist activities, you’re going to want to budget a bit higher.

The rainy season goes from May to October, and while the temperature will still reach highs of 90, the rain does cool it off a bit. In the wet season, afternoon downpours are routine but don’t tend to disrupt daily life very much. If you don’t mind packing an umbrella, traveling during this time can be pleasant and a lot less crowded than the high season.

The most popular time to travel in Cambodia is during the dry season, from November to March. In the dry season, temperatures usually vary between 70 degrees Fahrenheit and the high 80s, occasionally getting up to the 90s. April and May are the hottest and most humid months, with temperatures reaching 100 degrees.

Best Things to Do in Cambodia

Visit the ruins in the Angkor Archaeological Park

The largest religious monument in the world, Angkor Wat is truly unmatched. The temple and surrounding complex engulfs over 400 sq km and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Angkor was once the heart of the Khmer civilization, and the temple is now perhaps the best representation of Khmer art and culture.

Whether you’re interested in history and archeology, or just like taking in the incredible views at sunrise, Angkor Wat is a must-see. If you’re feeling templed out, check out our guide on other things to do in Siem Reap.

Insider Tip: When exploring Angkor Wat, although you can most definitely just wander around on your own, it makes a huge difference when you have a guide giving you the historical background of each temple which is why we recommend going on a day tour. Here are a few of our top recommendations.

Recommended Angkor Wat Tours

• Angkor Wat Sunrise Day Tour This small group tour (max 10 people) will take you to experience the legendary Angkor Wat sunrise as well as taking you around the other famous temples like Ta Prohm, Angkor Thom City, and Bayon Temple.
• Full-day Angkor Wat Private Tour If you prefer to explore the place on your own, you can opt to get a private tour which gives you the freedom to sightsee and explore at your own pace. The guide will be there to explain historical temples and to take you to the best places around the Archeological Park. This tour starts at sunrise giving you the chance to see the park come to life.
• Angkor Temples Siem Reap Bike Tour If you’re looking for something a little bit more active, you can opt to explore this area on a bike tour! Because you are traveling by bike, your guide can take you through some lesser known temples making the entire experience super memorable.
• Angkor Wat Two Day Private Tour We personally recommend spending at least two days in the park. This is so you can see and explore everything without ever feeling rushed. Take a look at this private tour taking you to some of the best parts of the park.

See the Ruins in Ta Prohm

If Angkor Wat is the manicured cultural epicenter, Ta Prohm is its forgotten cousin. Covered in a vast system of roots and vines, this ancient temple looks as though it is being swallowed by the earth. Nestled in the jungle, Ta Prohm leaves visitors feeling like they’ve entered into a magical place. Now, granted, this place is still a hugely popular destination for tourists, so it’s not quite so serene as you might be imagining, but it definitely has a different vibe from the chaos of Angkor Wat and is also considered one of the best things to do in Cambodia.

Have a Go at Cooking Khmer Food

Attending cooking classes has become a huge pastime of mine when we travel. Taking the time to learn a little bit about the local cuisine is the perfect way to get to know and really understand a culture. While in Cambodia, we highly recommend attending cooking classes in Cambodia to get a taste of what Khmer food is like.

Taking a cooking class is one of our favorite activities when traveling which is why we highly recommend in every place we go.

View Cooking Classes

Relax in Sihanoukville and the Islands

Thailand is often renowned for its idyllic islands, but did you know Cambodia’s beaches are just as beautiful? Travel down to Sihanoukville in the southwest of the country and set off from there to some of the country’s island paradises. If you’re an avid scuba diver, there are a few dive sites around Cambodia that are also worth exploring.

Pristine beaches and clear-blue waters make for the perfect beach vacation, especially in the island paradise of Koh Rong. A warning to the digital nomads out there, though: some of the islands are a little primitive, and while you’ll have decent accommodation, you might have a hard time finding a wi-fi signal out there. But after all, who needs wifi connection when you can swim with glowing planktons at night? Seriously, it’s one of our favorite things to do in Koh Rong.

Chill Out in Kampot and Kep

The sleepy riverside town of Kampot, a few hours from Phnom Penh, has become increasingly popular with tourists and expats in recent years. Full of western restaurants, cute shops, and riverboat cruises, Kampot has many of the conveniences of the city without all the people.

It’s a great place to slow down and relax during your travels. Set up a hammock on the beach overlooking the river or get to know some of the locals and expats living there. It’s a place that can easily feel like home. Kep, on the other hand, is another little seaside town that is worth visiting just to eat a plate of freshly cooked pepper crabs. Yum!

Here are our detailed guides for both seaside villages.

Things to do in Kampot
Things to do in Kep

Floating Villages of Tonle Sap

Tonle Sap is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. You can travel to the lake in Siem Riep and explore the area’s natural offerings, from unique ecosystems and wildlife to the “floating” villages.

While you can definitely explore the area yourself, it’s easiest to book a tour so you can experience a tiny slice of village life on the lake without the hassle of trying to navigate it yourself. The floating villages of Tonle Sap are a vibrant and colorful part of Khmer culture and can provide a much-needed respite from the chaos of the cities.

You can explore this area by yourself or can opt to join a tour similar to this sunset dinner cruise (which we highly enjoyed!)

Understand Cambodia’s History

While a visit to the historical parts of Phnom Penh like the S21 Prison and the Killing Fields may be considered as debbie downers, they are absolute musts in every visit to this country. While the entire experience is painful and depressing, it will give you a new sense of understanding towards the true resilience and kindness of the Cambodian people.

Apart from visiting these historical sights, there are loads of other things to do in Phnom Penh that we recommend doing. If you’re looking for volunteer opportunities, a visit to the Mondulkiri Project to support rescued elephants is also something we’ve done in the past and highly recommend.

Insider Tip: Again, similar to Angkor Wat, joining a tour for exploring the historical side of Phnom Penh is highly recommended. In order to understand the scale of what the Cambodian people went through and the extent of their suffering, you need to hear it from the locals.

Recommended Historical Tours in Phnom Penh

• Phnom Penh’s Past Small Group Tour This tour includes an English speaking guide that will take you to all the highlights including Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and Choeung Ek Killing Field.
• S21 and Killing Fields Private Tour If you prefer to travel at your own pace, getting a private tour is worth it as it allows you to take your time. Similar to the one above, this particular tour also has an English speaking guide.