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Asia
Cambodia Travel Guide
One of the most authentic and unspoiled destinations in Southeast Asia, Cambodia attracts adventurous travellers with remarkable ancient temples, unique cultural experiences, and picturesque rural landscapes. Even the historical horrors of the Khmer Rouge draw tourists, with attractions like the notorious Killing Fields serving as harrowing reminders of Cambodia's most turbulent and tragic chapter.
Nestled along the tropical waters of the Gulf of Thailand, sharing boarders with Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand, Cambodia has a lot to offer intrepid visitors. Travelling by tuk-tuk along the chaotic streets of French-flavoured Phnom Penh is a must. Cambodia also promises idyllic beaches, usually less crowded than those of its neighbouring countries. However, by far the most popular attraction in the country is the ancient temple complex of Angkor, a magnificent 'Lost City' which is undoubtedly one of the most magical tourist attractions in the world and a bucket-list destination for many.
Although Cambodia is still most popular with backpackers and budget travellers, luxury accommodation and amenities are on the rise, catering to the increasingly diverse crowds wanting to explore this beautiful country.
Best time to visit Cambodia
The weather in Cambodia is typically tropical with distinct wet and dry seasons. The best time to visit Cambodia is in the cooler dry season, from November to February, when temperatures are more comfortable. For visiting the temples at Angkor, or enjoying the beauty of the Tonle Sap in full flood, the best time to go to Cambodia is during monsoon season, from June to October, but temperatures and humidity levels can rise high during this period.
What to see in Cambodia
-Make a pilgrimage to Angkor Wat for sunrise before touring more of the ancient temples near Siem Reap.
-Take a boat from Chong Khneas to the 'floating villages' on the massive Tonle Sap Lake.
-Visit the tiny village of Kratie to view the rare Irrawaddy River Dolphins.
-Take a tuk-tuk to the Tuol Sleng Museum and the Killing Fields for a glimpse into the tragic history of Cambodia.
What to do in Cambodia
-Shop till you drop at Phnom Penh's famous Russian Market.
-Learn how to cook the famous Fish Amok (Amok trei) at a Cambodian cooking class in Phnom Penh.
-Picnic on the banks of the Mekong on the lawns of the Royal Palace.
-Indulge in a Seeing Hands Massage done by expert blind masseuses.
Getting to Cambodia
Direct flights to Cambodia are not currently available from the US or UK but indirect flights are operated by several airlines. Flights to Siem Reap Angkor International Airport are available from regional airports such as Bangkok, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur, and Seoul.
Read
River of Time by Jon Swain, A Blessing Over Ashes by Adam Fifield, Off the Rails in Phnom Penh by Amit Gilboa, and Angkor by George Coedes
Listen
Cambodia (Kim Wilde)
Watch
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001), and The Killing Fields (1984)
Drink
Angkor beer is cheap and refreshing, with the iconic Angkor Wat printed on the label.
Eat
Amok trei or fish amok is the national dish, served steamed or curried with coconut milk in a banana leaf cup.
Buy in Cambodia
Clothing made from Cambodian silk, or sculptured reproductions of some of the country's iconic temples.
Pack for Cambodia
Light and casual clothes, but remember to dress respectfully when visiting temples.
What's on in Cambodia
Cambodia transforms into a festival of colour each year for Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey) held in April. One of the most iconic and evocative half marathons, the Angkor Wat International Half Marathon, takes place in and around the Angkor Temples in early December. Boat races and partying are the order of the day on the Tonle Sap for the annual Water and Moon Festival at the beginning of November.
Did you know
-Cambodia is home to the largest freshwater lake in Asia - the Tonle Sap - which covers a whopping 23,100 square miles (60,000 square kilometres) over the monsoon period.
-The great temple of Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world.
-A large proportion of Cambodian young men are Buddhist monks for a short time.
-Cambodia was under French rule from 1863 to 1953.
A final word
A friendly and upbeat attitude and awe-inspiring ancient temples make a holiday in Cambodia an adventure not to be missed.
Things to do in Cambodia
Cambodian attractions are unique, moulded by the country's culture and history, making sightseeing a real Khmer experience. The fact that Cambodia has only recently emerged as a popular tourist destination has ensured that visitors can still get an authentic experience of this ancient culture. Most people who holiday in Cambodia are enticed by the impressive ancient temple city of Angkor in Siem Riep. Once hooked by the ancient attractions however, tourists will discover that the more recent history of the Khmer Rouge, though tragic and frightening, is intriguing in its own way. The more sombre Phnom Penh attractions, such as the Killing Fields and Tuel Sleng Prison Museum, are contrasted to the vibrant Central Market and to the peacefulness of the river front and lake side, not to mention the habitually friendly local population. For even more relaxation, the beach towns of Kep and Sihanoukville on the Cambodian coast are well worth a visits, if only to catch a glimpse of the rare Irrawaddy river dolphins of the northeast.
Getting around Cambodia can be challenging. Visitors should bear in mind that in monsoon season - June to October - the roads can get really muddy, making travel outside of the main centres more difficult. The rest of the year travel can be dusty but is more manageable.
Cambodia travel info
Electricity
Local electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. The European round two-pin plug is standard. Travellers should be aware that power cuts are frequent and, outside the capital, electricity is generally only available in the evenings.
Language
Khmer is the official language. French is also spoken, but English is fast becoming popular with the younger generation.
Money
Riel (KHR) is the official currency and is divided into 100 sen. Foreign currency can be difficult to exchange, with the exception of US Dollars. Most transactions require cash but credit card use is on the rise, especially in tourist-orientated hotels and restaurants in larger cities and towns. US Dollars and Thai Baht are accepted, although smaller transactions are usually done in Riel. A torn US Dollar note is useless. There are ATMs in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville but they shouldn't be relied upon as a source of money.
Tipping
Tips are not necessarily expected, but are welcomed in restaurants and hotels. Hotels often add a 10 percent service charge to the bill, but small amounts for personal services are appreciated, as salaries in the country are low. Tour guides should be tipped.
Health
Malaria is common in Cambodia and malaria prophylaxis is recommended for all areas except Phnom Penh and around Lake Tonle Sap. Dengue fever, transmitted by mosquitoes, is also prevalent, especially in the heavily populated areas. Insect protection measures should be taken throughout the day. Travellers staying long-term, or for more than one month, and those who may engage in extensive outdoor activities, should be vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis. Vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid are recommended for all travellers. If you come from a yellow-fever-infected area then a yellow fever vaccination is required. Avoid swimming or paddling in fresh water as Bilharzia is present. Tap water is not suitable for drinking but bottled water is widely available. Avoid uncooked meat, unpeeled fruit, salads and food sold by street vendors, and don't drink beverages containing ice. Medical facilities are very limited in most of Cambodia, except for a few expensive private clinics in Phnom Penh. Treatment must be paid for with cash and health insurance is essential.
Safety
Cambodia remains one of the most heavily land-mined countries in the world. When hiking or visiting rural areas, travel with a local guide and never stray off the main paths. It is not advisable to travel in rural areas at night.
Caution should be taken in the capital, Phnom Penh, especially at night, as street crime is a problem, and popular tourist nightspots may be targeted. After dark there is also a risk of crime in Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. Visitors should be aware that bag snatching is becoming an increasing problem on tuk-tuks, motorcycle taxis, and while walking in the main towns. Due to the large numbers of tourists involved in road accidents on motorcycles, police in Siem Reap and other tourist centres have in the past banned rental outlets from hiring motorcycles to tourists - these bans are sporadic and may happen at any time.
There is political tension, tourists should avoid large gatherings, demonstrations, and political meetings. Travellers are also advised to avoid the Cambodian-Thai border areas because of ongoing border disputes; the Preah Vihear temple area has become particularly dangerous.
Local customs
Permission should be sought before taking pictures of people, particularly monks. Avoid touching someone on the head as it is considered the most sacred part of a person's body. When visiting religious sites, shoes should be removed, and shorts avoided; women in particular should dress modestly. A traditional greeting in Cambodia is a bow, bringing together the hands at chest level (similar to hand position for prayer). With foreigners Cambodians sometimes convert to the handshake. The simple rule is to respond with the same greeting you were given.
Doing business
Developing a personal relationship in Cambodia is important before any business can be discussed, a process which might include shared meals and plenty of socialising. It is considered rude to cause any business associate to 'lose face' publically, so tact and politeness are important.
On introduction, the most senior in the group will be introduced first, and visitors are advised to do likewise so that the hosts understand the hierarchy of the group; the highest-ranking person on both sides should greet each other first and perform the introductions. A light handshake is appropriate on introduction, after which business cards can be exchanged using both hands; it is considered impolite to put the card away without making a show of studying it for a short while. If men are dealing with women they should wait and see if they extend a hand before doing so. Eye contact should be kept to a minimum.
In Cambodia people are addressed with the honorific title 'Lok' for a man and 'Lok Srey' for a woman followed with the first name or both the first and surname. Dress is conservative, but formal business suits will be out of place in the tropical heat; lightweight suits can be worn for formal meetings. Business hours are generally 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, often with a long lunch from about 12pm till 2pm.
Duty free
Travellers to Cambodia are allowed to enter the country with a reasonable amount of tobacco products and spirits for personal use: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 200g of tobacco; about 350ml of perfume; and two litres of alcohol. Cambodian customs authorities may enforce strict regulations on the import or export of drugs, firearms, antiquities, and ivory.
Communications
The international access code for Cambodia is +855. The outgoing code is 001 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 00144 for the United Kingdom). Phnom Penh's area code is (0)23; the code for Siem Reap is (0)63. Internet cafes provide a fast and inexpensive service in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and other main towns. Free wifi is available at restaurants, cafes, and hotels in most tourist centred areas. Local prepaid SIM cards can be purchased for a reasonable price to avoid expensive international roaming fees.
Passport & Visa
All visitors must have sufficient funds to cover their stay and documentation for onward travel. A visa can be issued on arrival for 30 days. For a visa to be issued on arrival one passport photo is required and an empty page in the passport is required, along with US$30 for a tourist visa or US$35 for a business visa. E-visas can be obtained before departure at https://www.evisa.gov.kh/. Extensions of visas are usually possible.
Entry requirements
US travellers must have a passport valid for at least six months from date of arrival, and a visa, which can be obtained on arrival for stays of up to 30 days. Alternatively, US nationals can obtain an e-visa before departure at www.evisa.gov.kh
UK travellers must have a passport valid for at least six months from date of arrival, and a visa, which can be obtained on arrival for stays of up to 30 days. Alternatively a visa can be obtained online before departure at www.evisa.gov.kh
Canadian travellers must have a passport valid for at least six months from date of arrival, and a visa, which can be obtained on arrival for stays of up to 30 days. Alternatively, a visa can obtained online before departure at www.evisa.gov.kh
Australian travellers must have a passport valid for at least six months from date of arrival, and a visa, which can be obtained on arrival for stays of up to 30 days. Alternatively an e-visa can be obtained online before departure at /www.evisa.gov.kh
South African travellers must have a passport valid for at least six months from date of arrival, and a visa, which can be obtained on arrival for stays of up to 30 days. Alternatively visitors can obtain an e-visa online before departure from www.evisa.gov.kh
Irish travellers must have a passport valid for at least six months from date of arrival, and a visa, which can be obtained on arrival for stays of up to 30 days. Alternatively visitors can obtain an e-visa online before departure from www.evisa.gov.kh
New Zealand travellers must have a passport valid for at least six months from date of arrival, and a visa, which can be obtained on arrival for stays of up to 30 days. Alternatively visitors can obtain an e-visa online before departure from www.evisa.gov.kh
Useful contacts
Ministry of Tourism, Phnom Penh +855 (0)23 884 974 or www.tourismcambodia.org.
117 (Police), 119 (Ambulance), 118 (Fire)Embassies / consulates in other countries
Embassy of Cambodia, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Canada): +1 206 726 7742.
Embassy of Cambodia, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 20 8451 7850.
Embassy of Cambodia, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6273 5867.
Embassies / consulates in Cambodia
United States Embassy, Phnom Penh: +855 (0)23 728 000.
British Embassy, Phnom Penh: +855 (0)23 427 124.
Canadian Embassy, Bangkok (also responsible for Cambodia): (66) 0 2646 4300.
Australian Embassy, Phnom Penh: +855 (0)23 213 470.
South African Embassy, Bangkok, Thailand (also responsible for Cambodia): + 66 (0)2 659 2900
Irish Embassy, Hanoi, Vietnam (also responsible for Cambodia): +84 (0)4 974 3291.
New Zealand Embassy, Bangkok, Thailand (also responsible for Cambodia): +66 (0)2 254 2530.
Climate in Cambodia
Cambodia's climate is tropical with seasonal monsoons. There are two distinct seasons, the rainy and dry. Temperatures during the rainy season, between May and October, average 81°F to 95°F (27°C to 35°C). The dry season can be divided into cool months, from November till February, with temperatures averaging 63°F to 81°F (17°C to 27°C); and hot months, from March till May, with temperatures averaging 84°F to 100°F (29°C to 38°C). The cooler, dry months of November to February are a pleasant time to visit Cambodia, but the best time to visit does vary depending on desired activities.