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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Cambodia travel advice

Latest updates: Entry and exit requirements – updated information on other entry requirements

Last updated: August 27, 2024 15:54 ET

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as phone and bag snatching, occurs frequently. Thieves, sometimes on motorcycles, grab bags and other valuables, including passports. Theft targeting foreigners is frequent on sidewalks, on motorcycles and tuktuks (rickshaws) in:

Phnom Penh, particularly the riverfronts and the Boeung Keng Kang areas
Sihanoukville

Personal belongings have been stolen from locked rooms, particularly in low-cost accommodations. Items have been removed from luggage stored in the luggage compartments of buses, especially on the journey between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

These crimes occur any time of day or night.

During your stay in Cambodia:

ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and your other travel documents are secure at all times
do not leave your belongings unattended
if you are robbed, hand over cash, electronic devices and valuables without resistance

Violent crime

Violent crimes, such as stabbings, sometimes occur. Foreigners have encountered difficulties when reporting crimes to police and military personnel lacking discipline.

Organized crime

There are reports of criminal operations in the seaside resort of Sihanoukville and the Special Economic Zone. The criminal activity includes employment scams, drug and human trafficking.

During your trip:

exercise a high degree of caution at all times
avoid walking alone after dark
report any criminal incidents to the local police of the jurisdiction, before leaving Cambodia

Cambodia is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world. Landmines pose a threat to the safety of travellers.

There are still reports of landmines in the following areas:

the Preah Vihear Phnom Kulen temple areas
the border areas, including with Thailand
the River of a Thousand Lingas

There are also landmines in rural areas, especially in the following provinces:

Banteay Meanchey
Kampong Thom
Siem Reap except in the town of Siem Reap and the Angkor temples, which are considered clear by the Cambodian government

If you are travelling through the affected areas:

be especially vigilant in remote areas, near small bridges and secondary roads
do not walk in forested areas, fields or in dry rice paddies without a local guide
don't handle suspicious items and report them to local authorities
pay attention to signs indicating the possible presence of landmines
stay on paved and main roads and avoid roadside ditches, shoulders and unmarked trails
cross only at official border crossings

Although there have been no recent reports of terrorist activity, the global risk of terrorism should not be ruled out.

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place and even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
Follow the instructions of local authorities
Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Credit card and ATM fraud

There is bank and ATM fraud. When using debit or credit cards:

pay careful attention if other people are handling your cards
use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
count and examine your cash at the ATM or with your teller
avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Scams targeting tourists occur, including card games. The criminals sometimes take travellers to ATMs and force them to withdraw money.

Travellers have been the victim of scams and extortion at border crossings. Some have reported that border officials demanded they pay extra charges before they can enter Cambodia.

Carefully consider accepting assistance from individuals offering to help with documentation or transportation.

Reports of scam operations have increased, especially in the city of Sihanoukville and Poipet.

Be wary of fake job offers on social media, through agencies, or from unknown employers.
Verify the business's legitimacy before making the decision.

Telephone scams

Foreigners have received calls from scammers claiming to be local authorities or financial institutions. The caller may try to collect personal information or request a fund transfer to resolve administrative or customs issues.

Do not send any money or personal information in this type of situation.

Romance scams

Romance scams through dating sites or social media have occurred. Be alert to attempts at fraud by persons who profess friendship or romantic interest over the internet. It may be an attempt to get you to send money to pay off fake debts.

Beware of people who show a keen interest online
Keep in mind that you may be the victim of a scam if you go to Cambodia to meet someone that you met online
Always meet new acquaintances in a secure and familiar location
Be mindful of the risk of inviting new acquaintances in your hotel room or apartment

Useful links

Overseas fraud
Cyber security while travelling

Women's safety

Sexual assault has been committed, including against foreign women, in Cambodia. Some of the reported incidents happened in hostels.

Be cautious of strangers who are helpful and friendly
Do not accept offers of transportation from strangers
Avoid dark alleys and isolated areas
Avoid unattended beaches
Keep your hotel or hostel doors and windows locked

If you are victim of a sexual assault, you should seek medical attention and report the situation immediately to local authorities and the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate.

Advice for women travellers

Road safety

Driving habits.

Road safety can vary considerably across the country. Drivers do not drive safely or respect traffic laws.

Drinking and driving is common, and frequently the cause of accidents, especially around major holidays. Some vehicles, especially motorcycles, may drive against the flow of traffic and on the sidewalks.

Exercise caution when driving or walking
Be particularly vigilant when driving during the holiday periods

In the event of a car accident:

remain at the scene
report the accident to the police and your insurance company as soon as possible
if you are found to be at fault, you may be detained until all fines are paid

Road conditions

The road system outside of major cities is in poor condition. Main roads are paved but secondary roads may not be. Narrow and unpaved roads affect rural driving. Conditions may be more hazardous during the rainy season.

Travel by road during daylight hours.

Travel by motorcycle

Motorcycles are a common in urban areas. Motorcycle accidents kill or maim several Canadians in Cambodia each year.

Riding motorcycles in Cambodia as it is dangerous, even for experienced motorcyclists.

Rental agencies often request passports as a guarantee when renting motorcycles.

You should not use your Canadian passport as collateral or assurance for debts or rental of motorcycles. If your passport is inaccessible or stolen because of such misuse, you may be subject to investigation by Passport Canada and may receive limited passport services.

Checkpoints

Expect checkpoints and have your up-to-date documents ready for traffic police to inspect.

Public transportation

Exercise caution when taking buses in Cambodia.

Only use reputable transportation companies
Contact your travel agency for a list of recommended intercity bus companies

Taxis and ridesharing services

Taxis are available in major cities and are easy to obtain at hotels or taxi stands. Self-drive (rental), chauffeur-driven cars and ridesharing services are also available in major cities.

Confirm fares before entering a taxi, and/or request that the taxi driver use the meter.

Travel can be affected by the poor track maintenance and drivers trying to beat the train at crossings.

Boats are often overcrowded and lack adequate safety equipment. Boat owners do not accept liability for accidents.

Each year, illicit drug use leads to the death of several Canadians in Cambodia. Seek medical assistance if you begin to feel sick after using drugs.

More information on how to avoid difficult and dangerous situations related to illegal drugs

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report – International Maritime Bureau's Piracy Reporting Centre

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Cambodian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry into Cambodia. If you wish to extend your stay in Cambodia, make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the extension period.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Visa expiry date

When issued outside Cambodia, visas have an expiry date, which refers to the date by which the visa must be used, not the length of time allowed in the country. Visas must be renewed for stays over 30 days and may only be extended once.

Where to get a visa

Tourist and business visas can be obtained at:

a Cambodian embassy abroad
upon arrival at the airports in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap
certain land borders as e-visas

For more information, contact the nearest Cambodian embassy or consulate.

Other entry requirements

The trial period for the Cambodia e-Arrival application (CeA) will end on August 31, 2024. As of September 1, 2024, the electronic form in the app will replace the standard immigration, customs and health forms.

You will have to complete your e-Arrival forms (immigration, customs and health) within 7 days of your scheduled arrival.

Cambodia e-Arrival (CeA) application – Government of Cambodia

An onward or return ticket and proof of sufficient funds are required to visit Cambodia.

Foreigners Presence in Cambodia System (FPCS)

Cambodian immigration has required that foreign nationals in Cambodia be registered on the FPCS – an online registration system aiming to protect foreigners' safety and security in case of an emergency while living or staying in Cambodia. If you don't register, you may be denied a visa extension. Verify with your accommodation staff or owners if they have registered your information on the system. If you own your accommodation, you can self-register by downloading the mobile app.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary.

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

Vaccination is not recommended.
Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
Contact a designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus. Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain. It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.

Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:

travelling long term (e.g. more than 30 days)
making multiple trips to endemic areas
staying for extended periods in rural areas
visiting an area suffering a JE outbreak
engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitos (e.g., entomologists)

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes. There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination.

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving. Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times: • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin. • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows. • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area. • Wear permethrin-treated clothing. If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living.

The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.

The flu occurs worldwide.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to April.
In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and October.
In the tropics, there is flu activity year round.

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals).

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs.

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.

There is a risk of schistosomiasis in this destination. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by tiny worms (blood flukes) which can be found in freshwater (lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands). The worms can break the skin, and their eggs can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, or urinary problems. Schistosomiasis mostly affects underdeveloped and r ural communities, particularly agricultural and fishing communities.

Most travellers are at low risk. Travellers should avoid contact with untreated freshwater such as lakes, rivers, and ponds (e.g., swimming, bathing, wading, ingesting). There is no vaccine or medication available to prevent infection.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
Minimize exposure to insects
Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country. The level of risk may vary by:

The virus that causes chikungunya is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can cause fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times.

Learn more:

Insect bite and pest prevention Chikungunya

In this country, dengue is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika virus is a risk in this country.

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel.

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Human cases of avian influenza have been reported in this destination. Avian influenza is a viral infection that can spread quickly and easily among birds and in rare cases it can infect mammals, including people. The risk is low for most travellers.

Avoid contact with birds, including wild, farm, and backyard birds (alive or dead) and surfaces that may have bird droppings on them. Ensure all poultry dishes, including eggs and wild game, are properly cooked.

Travellers with a higher risk of exposure include those:

visiting live bird/animal markets or poultry farms
working with poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, domestic ducks)
hunting, de-feathering, field dressing and butchering wild birds and wild mammals
working with wild birds for activities such as research, conservation, or rehabilitation
working with wild mammals, especially those that eat wild birds (e.g., foxes)

All eligible people are encouraged to get the seasonal influenza shot, which will protect them against human influenza viruses. While the seasonal influenza shot does not prevent infection with avian influenza, it can reduce the chance of getting sick with human and avian influenza viruses at the same time.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

washing your hands often
avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks and impairs the immune system, resulting in a chronic, progressive illness known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).

High risk activities include anything which puts you in contact with blood or body fluids, such as unprotected sex and exposure to unsterilized needles for medications or other substances (for example, steroids and drugs), tattooing, body-piercing or acupuncture.

There has been an increase in the number of multidrug-resistant gonorrhea cases reported in this country. Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection. It is spread through sexual contact (oral, genital or anal) with someone who has the infection. Multidrug-resistant gonorrhea is very difficult to treat as it may not respond to currently recommended antibiotics.

Reduce your risk of getting multidrug-resistant gonorrhea by:

avoiding sexual activity with a new partner
packing your own supply of condoms and dental dams
using condoms consistently and correctly every time you have sex
using dental dams (rectangular pieces of thin latex) over the vagina or anus for a protective barrier during oral sex

If you think you may have been exposed to gonorrhea, discuss this with your health care provider. If you are diagnosed with gonorrhea, it is important to follow your health care provider's prescribed treatment and any follow-up recommendations.

Safer condom use
Getting tested for STIs
Sexual health and travel

Medical services and facilities

Medical facilities are poor and very limited throughout Cambodia, except some foreign hospitals in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Doctors and hospitals may require cash payment or written guarantees from insurance providers in advance for health services.

Medical evacuation to Thailand or Singapore is often required to obtain adequate treatment. You should seek immediate assistance in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap and consider leaving the country if you experience medical problems.

Psychiatric or psychological facilities and services in Cambodia are almost non-existent.

Some prescription medication may not be available in Cambodia. Pharmacies only carry a limited selection compared to Canada. There have been reports of expired and fake medicines being sold in some pharmacies.

If you take prescription medications, you're responsible for determining their legality in Cambodia.

Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you
Always keep your medication in the original container
Pack them in your carry-on luggage
Carry a copy of your prescriptions

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

There are severe penalties for the possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs. If you are convicted, you can expect lengthy jail sentences and steep fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Expulsion, deportation and limitation of visit

Cambodian authorities can expel, deport or limit a traveller's visit if you are accused, or suspected of:

violating local laws, which include possession of invalid entry documents and requirements
having a criminal record
being involved in criminal activities
suffering from mental illness or serious transmitted diseases

Legal process

Detention during the investigative period is commo and can exceed 6 months before charges are laid.

Illegal or restricted activities

Overstaying a visa.

Immigration regulations are strict. You could face fines, detention and deportation if you overstay your visa. There is a daily fine for overstaying the validity of your visa. There is no limit to this fine. If you overstay more than 30 days, you will need to leave Cambodia in addition to paying the fine.

Exploitation of minors

There are harsh penalties for sexual exploitation of minors. It is a serious offence in Cambodia.

Canadians may also be subject to criminal proceedings in Canada for acts of this nature committed while abroad.

Child Sex Tourism: It’s a Crime

All forms of commercial surrogacy are illegal in Cambodia. Penalties for surrogates, as well as operators of clinics and hospitals providing surrogacy services, may include imprisonment and/or fines. If you have already entered into a surrogacy agreement, you should seek advice from a local lawyer on how these guidelines, including its exit requirements, apply to your situation.

Cultural heritage and antiquities

A permit is required to purchase, export or possess cultural or archaeological artefacts.

To avoid any difficulties, make sure you obtain and carry the required legal paperwork to purchase or export antiquities.

2SLGBTQI+ persons

Cambodian law doesn't prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Cambodia.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Cambodia, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Cambodia.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Cambodia by an abducting parent:

act as quickly as you can
consult a lawyer in Canada and in Cambodia to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
Request emergency assistance

You must have and carry a Cambodian driver's licence.

Helmets are mandatory for motorcycle riders, but many helmets do not meet international safety standards. Ensure your medical insurance will cover you when riding as a driver or passenger.

Dress and behaviour

There are reports of local authorities cracking down on events such as pub crawls, raves, booze cruises and pool parties, as well as other events where recreational drugs may be present. Avoid these types of events.

Behaviour that is deemed scandalous, drunken or disorderly is considered highly disrespectful to the local culture and population, especially near the Angkor temples.

To avoid offending local sensitivities:

dress conservatively
behave discreetly
respect religious and social traditions
do not photograph airports or military installations
ask permission before photographing individuals, including Buddhist monks

The currency is the riel (KHR).

U.S. dollars are also widely used. Only newer, undamaged notes are accepted. Notes with the slightest tear will not be accepted.

Credit cards are not widely accepted outside major cities. Some banks in Phnom Penh accept certain credit cards for cash advances. There are many ATMs in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville but fewer in smaller cities.

The rainy (or monsoon) season extends from May to November. Severe rainstorms can cause flooding and landslides, resulting in loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure. They can also hamper the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged. Flooding can affect wide areas in numerous provinces, including certain parts of Phnom Penh.

Keep informed of regional weather forecasts
Avoid disaster areas
Follow the advice of local authorities
Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons
Mekong River conditions – Mekong River Commission

Forest fires

The dry season lasts from November to April. Forest fires can start and spread very quickly during this period.

Stay clear of active fires
Always verify local conditions with relevant authorities before travelling near forested areas, particularly during the dry seasons

National Committee for Disaster Management – Government of Cambodia

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

police: 117
medical assistance: 119
firefighters: 118 or 666

Consular assistance

Siem Reap, Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, and Preah Vihear

Thailand, Cambodia, Laos

For emergency consular assistance, call the Office of the Embassy of Canada in Phnom Penh and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

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Travel Advisory July 24, 2023

Cambodia - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Cambodia. Some areas have increased risks. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Exercise increased precautions in:

Phnom Penh due to crime.
Very remote areas of Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap, Pailin, and Kampong Thom provinces due to land mines.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Cambodia.

If you decide to travel to Cambodia:

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
Review the Country Security Report for Cambodia.

· Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

Phnom Penh – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Street crime, particularly phone and bag snatchings, occurs frequently in areas where foreigners gather; resistance can result in injury. Be aware of your surroundings at all times and to be extra vigilant when displaying items like jewelry, bags and cell phones in public. Violent crime, such as sexual assault and homicide, is common, sometimes against foreigners.

Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Use caution when walking or driving at night.

Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap, Pailin, and Kampong Thom provinces – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Land mines and unexploded ordnance are found in very remote areas throughout Cambodia, and especially in Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap, Pailin, and Kampong Thom provinces.

Do not touch unknown metal objects; instead notify the Cambodia Mine Action Center at 012-800-473/023-995-437. Use a local guide when walking in forested areas or dry rice paddies in these areas.

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Six months.

One page is required per entry stamp; please note endorsement pages are not considered blank passport pages.

The import of local currency (Riel) is prohibited. When entering Cambodia foreign currency amounts over US $10,000 must be declared.

The export of local currency (Riel) is prohibited. Foreign currency can be taken out of the country up to the limit declared at customs on arrival.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy phnom penh.

#1, St. 96 (entrance on St. 51 between St. 96 and 102), Phnom Penh Telephone: 855-23-728-402, 051, or 234 Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Emergency after-hours telephone: 855-23-728-000 Fax: 855-23-728-700 Email: [email protected] Facebook Twitter

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Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Please visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for more information on entry/exit requirements related to COVID-19 in Cambodia. 

You will need a valid passport and a Cambodian visa to enter Cambodia. Tourist and business visas are valid for one month from the date of entry into Cambodia.  Cambodia offers on-line visa processing . You may also apply in person at the Cambodian Embassy located at 4530 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011, tel. 202-726-7742, fax 202-726-8381.

Tourists, diplomats, and business travelers may also obtain a Cambodian visa at the airports in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and at all major border crossings. Cambodian immigration officials at airports now collect fingerprints upon entry using an inkless, electronic process. You will need a passport valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of entry into Cambodia.

If you remain in Cambodia beyond the date of your authorized stay, Cambodian immigration officials will likely impose a fine of $10 per day overstayed. In cases of excessive overstays, you may be arrested for violating immigration laws and detained as you undergo official deportation proceedings at your own expense. Deportation from Cambodia may result in your being prohibited from reentering Cambodia in the future. You should contact the nearest Cambodian embassy or consulate, or visit the  Embassy of the Kingdom of Cambodia website  for the most current visa information.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Cambodia

Safety and Security

The Department of State is concerned that individuals and groups may be planning terrorist actions against U.S. citizens and interests, including at sites frequented by Westerners in Southeast Asia. Extremist groups in Southeast Asia have transnational capabilities to carry out attacks against locations where Westerners congregate. Although the extremist threat in Cambodia is considered low and terrorist attacks are not common, U.S. citizens residing in, or traveling to, Cambodia should exercise caution in clubs, discos, bars, restaurants, hotels, places of worship, schools, outdoor recreation venues, tourist areas, beach resorts, and other places frequented by foreigners. U.S. citizens should remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and avoid ongoing police enforcement actions, crowds, and demonstrations. See Department of State’s  Worldwide Caution .

Land mines and unexploded ordnance are found in remote rural areas throughout Cambodia, and especially in Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap, Kampong Thom, and Oddar Meanchey provinces. Travelers in these regions should never walk in forested areas or even in dry rice paddies without a local guide. Areas around small bridges on secondary roads are particularly dangerous. Travelers should not touch anything that resembles a mine or unexploded ordnance; they should notify the Cambodia Mine Action Center at 012-800-473/023-995-437.

Crime:  Cambodia has a critical crime rate, including street crime. Military weapons and explosives are readily available to criminals despite authorities’ efforts to collect and destroy such weapons. Armed robberies occur frequently, and foreign residents and visitors, including U.S. citizens, are among the victims. The Embassy has also received reports that residences and hotel rooms of U.S. citizens in Phnom Penh were burglarized while the occupants were asleep.

The most common type of theft is “snatch and grab” robbery, and anything that can be quickly grabbed is at risk: cameras, jewelry, purses, backpacks, mobile phones, etc. Exercise caution and keep belongings out of sight if you travel via “tuk-tuk,” as passengers in these open-air vehicles have been targeted by thieves. If walking along the street, make yourself less of a target by carrying bags or items in your hand or on the shoulder that is furthest from the street. If someone attempts to rob you, you should surrender your valuables immediately, since any perceived resistance may be met with physical violence, including lethal force. The U.S. Embassy has received reports of violent robberies escalating into fatalities.

Pickpockets, some who are masquerading as beggars, are present in the markets and at the tourist sites. Sometimes they may act overly friendly, placing their hand on your shoulder or back to distract you in order to pick your pocket.

To avoid the risk of theft or confiscation of original documents, the U.S. Embassy advises its personnel and all U.S. citizens traveling to, or residing in, Cambodia to carry photocopies of their U.S. passport, driver's license, and other important documents and to leave the originals in a hotel safe or other secure place. The U.S. Embassy advises citizens not to give their passport as collateral for motorcycle rentals, hotels, etc. Local police rarely investigate reports of crime against tourists, and travelers should not expect to recover stolen items. It has also been reported that some police stations charge foreigners between $20 and $100 to file a police report.

Foreigners travelling to Cambodia should be aware of common scams targeting tourists, often involving card games. [MWP(P1] The Embassy has received reports of U.S. citizens being approached by individuals in public locations, such as popular shopping malls, and being invited to their homes where they end up participating in card games. These are often scams to steal tourists’ money. If you find yourself a victim of one of these scams, you should contact the U.S. Embassy.

Foreigners travelling to Cambodia should be aware of crime targeting tourists involving drugged drinks. The Embassy has received reports of U.S. citizens’ drinks being drugged at bars in order to incapacitate them for theft or sexual assault. Do not accept drinks from strangers and do not leave drinks unattended.

The U.S. Embassy advises citizens to be wary of scams involving individuals claiming they are in Cambodia and need financial assistance from the United States. The Embassy has determined that many of these requests are fraudulent and the individuals making the requests use false identities. In the past year, numerous confirmed media reports of large-scale scam operations have led to a crackdown by Cambodian authorities. These operations have been reported to lure non-Cambodians with false promises of gainful employment. Victims of this false recruitment have then been made to participate in the online/phone-based financial confidence scams.

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI pages for information on scams.

There have been numerous reports of visitors receiving fake or novelty $50 and $100 bills from ATM machines and banks across Cambodia. When receiving money from ATMs or bank tellers, you should count and examine the money while still in the presence of the ATM camera or bank teller. The fake money typically has a different feel than real U.S. currency and often has markings on the lower left that indicate it is for novelty purposes. If a suspicious bill is discovered, it should be shown to the ATM camera or teller, and the bank should be notified immediately.

The U.S. Embassy advises its personnel who travel to the provinces outside of Phnom Penh to exercise caution outside the provincial towns at all times. Many rural parts of the country remain without effective policing. Avoid walking alone after dusk anywhere in Sihanoukville, especially along the waterfront. You should be particularly vigilant during annual festivals and at tourist sites in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville, where there have been marked increases in motorcycle “snatch and grab” thefts of bags and purses.

If you are visiting Cambodia, you should practice sound personal security awareness by varying your routes and routines, maintaining a low profile, not carrying or displaying large amounts of cash, not wearing flashy or expensive jewelry, and not walking alone after dark. In addition, you should travel by automobile and not use local moto-taxis or cyclos (passenger-carrying bicycles). These vehicles are more vulnerable to armed robberies and offer no protection against injury when involved in traffic accidents.

U.S. citizens are advised not to engage in commercial surrogacy arrangements in Cambodia. In October 2016, the Government of Cambodia issued an official proclamation banning commercial surrogacy in Cambodia. Please keep in mind that U.S. citizens and other foreigners in Cambodia are subject to Cambodian laws and procedures.

Although gambling and casinos are legal in Cambodia, the U.S. Embassy strongly encourages all travelers to be cautious in choosing to visit casinos or related gambling centers in Cambodia. The U.S. Embassy is aware of numerous reported incidents at casinos throughout Cambodia. In the past year, these incidents such as fires at casinos resulting in multiple fatalities, violent assaults, murders, and suicides under suspicious circumstances have occurred.

Victims of Crime:  Report crimes to the local police and contact the U.S. Embassy at 023-728-000. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

In cases of sexual assault, U.S. citizen victims should contact the U.S. Embassy first before contacting local police or authorities.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

help you find appropriate medical care
assist you in reporting a crime to the police
contact relatives or friends with your written consent
explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
provide a list of local attorneys
provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S .
provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Cambodia are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. If you break local laws in Cambodia, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

The same rights and protections afforded those accused of a crime in the U.S. are not guaranteed in Cambodia, and the judicial process may be influenced by political, personal, and financial connections. In both the criminal and civil judicial systems, resources devoted to the investigation/discovery and trial process fall far below the standard expected in the United States. Cambodia routinely employs pre-trial detention for those charged with criminal offenses, sometimes for long periods of time before a trial is scheduled. Prison conditions in Cambodia are substandard and overcrowded, with little access to health care or basic nutritional requirements.

U.S. citizens in Cambodia should be aware that there are limits to the assistance the Embassy can offer to those with concerns about due process or the fairness of their trial, as the Embassy is unable to interfere in the legal processes of a host country.

You can be prosecuted in the United States for engaging in sexual conduct with children or for using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country regardless of the legality of these activities under that country’s laws. Counterfeit and pirated goods are illegal in the United States, and if you purchase them in a foreign country, you may be breaking local law as well.

Arrest Notifications:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details:

Faith-Based Travel Information
International Religious Freedom Report   – see country reports
Human Rights Report   – see country reports
Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers:  While there are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Cambodia, same sex marriage is not permitted. While Cambodians are relatively tolerant toward foreigners, LGBTI Cambodians routinely face discrimination and harassment, especially outside major urban areas. Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon for couples of any sexual orientation.

See our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section six of our Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance:  While in Cambodia, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what they find in the United States. Currently, except for buildings and hotels that have been built under international standards, most public places and public transportation are not accessible. Persons with disabilities will face difficulties with Cambodia’s sidewalks, rest rooms, road crossings, and tourist areas.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  There have been reports of sexual assaults in the vicinity of drinking establishments and possible drugs being used to incapacitate female travelers. See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Water Festival:  During this annual festival, which takes place in November, the population in Phnom Penh increases significantly as millions of Cambodians from every town and province flock to the capital for three days. For personal safety and security, you should avoid crowded areas near the riverfront during the Water Festival holiday.

Customs:  Cambodian customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Cambodia of items such as medications, firearms, antiquities, or ivory. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Cambodia in Washington D.C. for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Restrictions on Freedom of Expression and Association: There are freedom of speech restrictions in Cambodia. Anyone who criticizes or insults the King by any means could face between one to five years in prison. This ban includes insults or criticism made online and via social media. The government of Cambodia has used libel and slander laws to restrict public discussion on topics it deems sensitive or against its interests.

Dual Nationality:  Dual nationality is allowed under Cambodia's 1996 nationality law. However, if you have Cambodian nationality and possess another nationality, you may be viewed as a Cambodian citizen in any court proceedings and face stricter sentences.

Business Transactions:  Some U.S. citizens have reported threats of personal injury, extortion, detention, or kidnapping related to personal business disputes, in particular those involving real estate. If you are planning to engage in real estate or other significant financial transactions, please proceed with caution and retain the appropriate legal counsel.

Financial Transaction:  The U.S. dollar is widely used, especially for larger transactions, and most prices are quoted in dollars. Ripped, torn, or stained U.S. bills are not accepted. Authorities encourage greater use of the Cambodian riel, but it is less favored and is mostly given to tourists as change for dollar purchases. The riel is commonly used in smaller towns and rural areas. Credit cards are accepted at some establishments within Cambodia, and a number of banks in Phnom Penh accept credit cards for cash advances. Credit cards are often subject to a service charge. Banks and major hotels accept travelers' checks but usually charge a service fee. Several international banks operate ATM machines that allow travelers to obtain U.S. dollar currency in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and other urban centers. Personal checks are not generally accepted. Several banks serve as Western Union agents, to which funds can be wired, including in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, and other provincial cities. Information on Western Union can be found at their  website .

Photography:  Taking photographs of anything that could be perceived as being of military or security interest — including government buildings, military installations, airfields, and bridges — may result in problems with the authorities and confiscation of your camera.

Medical facilities and services in Cambodia do not meet international standards. Both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have a limited number of internationally run clinics and hospitals that can provide basic medical care and stabilization. Medical care outside of these two cities is almost non-existent. Local pharmacies provide a limited supply of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Because the quality of locally obtained medications can vary greatly, make sure to bring a supply of your medications adequate for the duration of your stay in Cambodia. You should be wary of purchasing local medication. Counterfeit medication is readily available, often indiscernible from authentic medication, and potentially lethal.

 Be aware that neither U.S. Medicare nor Medicaid apply overseas.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage overseas. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on what type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

  Supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation is strongly recommended.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the government of Cambodia to ensure the medication is legal in Cambodia. Always, carry your prescription medication in the original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.

Be careful if purchasing off-brand medication from pharmacies in Cambodia. Drugs sold in pharmacies can be fake and possibly dangerous.

Malaria, Dengue and Tuberculosis are serious health concerns in Cambodia. For further information, please consult the CDC .

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

World Health Organization
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Air Quality: Visit AirNow for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

Travel and Transportation

Road Condition and Safety:  You should not drive at night in Cambodia outside of city limits. Roads between major areas are adequate; however, roads leading to rural areas are poor. During the rainy season, road conditions deteriorate considerably, and roadside assistance is non-existent. Cambodian drivers routinely ignore traffic laws and vehicles are poorly maintained. Intoxicated drivers are commonplace, particularly during the evening hours. Travel is recommended in daylight between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. There are also frequent bus accidents. Serious flooding occurs throughout Cambodia from June through November. Travel on unpaved or dirt roads is difficult after heavy rainfall. The National Route highways are the only roads that can be traveled, with caution, during this time of the year.

Traffic Laws: In the event you are in a traffic accident, you should cooperate with the police. You should also contact your insurance company for guidance in dealing with the other party and the police. To avoid the risk of theft or confiscation of original documents, the U.S. Embassy advises its personnel and all U.S. citizens traveling to, or residing in, Cambodia to carry photocopies of their U.S. passport, driver's license, and other important documents and to leave the originals in a hotel safe or other secure place.

While in Cambodia, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. Traffic in Cambodia is composed of a mix of automobiles, commercial trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and tuk tuks. As a result of poor roads, driver intoxication, and disregard for traffic laws, traffic accidents are a common occurrence. You should exercise great caution in moving through the country, regardless of mode of transportation.

Public Transportation:  Travelers should exercise caution when using inter-city buses, including those to popular tourist destinations such as Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. Despite the wide availability of moto-taxis, you should not use them due to safety concerns. Be vigilant if traveling by “tuk-tuk” or “cyclo” as personal belongings can be easily stolen. Organized emergency services for victims of traffic accidents are non-existent outside of major urban areas, and those available in major urban areas are inadequate.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. Visit the website of Cambodia’s  national tourist office  and national authority responsible for  road safety .

Aviation Safety Oversight:  As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Cambodia, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Cambodia’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: The Commandant of the Coast Guard has determined that effective anti-terrorism measures are not in place in Cambodia ports and has imposed conditions of entry on vessels that arrive in U.S. ports having visited ports in Cambodia. Mariners and passengers on commercial vessels traveling through the ports of Cambodia should exercise increased caution.

Mariners planning travel to Cambodia should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at Maritime Security Communications with Industry (MSCI) Web Portal | MARAD (dot.gov) . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings website  (select “broadcast warnings”).

For additional travel information

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories .
Follow us on X (formerly known as "Twitter") and Facebook .
See traveling safely abroad for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Cambodia . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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TRAVEL to CAMBODIA – Tips and Information Guide (2024 Edition)

Everything you need to know to help you travel to Cambodia on your next adventure.

Paradise-like beaches and an abundance of culture are just a few of the things that inspire people to travel to Cambodia.

However, Cambodia offers plenty of life-changing experiences and sights that should be on your bucket list!

This country in southeastern Asia is not only very rich in natural beauties but in history as well.

It is most famous for being home to one of the most prominent UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Angkor Wat.

This site alone attracts thousands of annual visitors to the Kingdom of Cambodia.

But there are also many temples that are just as beautiful that should not be missed!

The capital city, Phnom Penh, is heaven for lovers of beautiful architecture.

Even though the bustling city never sleeps, it also exudes a peacefulness that is rare to encounter.

It is situated where three rivers join together and is one of the most interesting cities in Asia.

You should consider getting lost in Phnom Penh and truly getting to know its spirit and incredibly kind people!

Cambodia also offers many quiet beaches , making it a great place for the perfect holiday.

You’ll feel as if you’re on your own private beach without going to a remote part of the country.

The weather is typically always warm and the food is delicious! What more could you ask for?

If you’re considering travel to Cambodia be sure to follow the information and advice in our Cambodia Travel Guide!

Cambodia Travel Guide

Cambodia is a great place to visit at any time of year and for any number of reasons.

Whether you’re travelling to the seaside or the cities, on a budget or willing to splurge, our Cambodia Travel Guide will prepare you for the trip of a lifetime.

General Info

Before you get too far in your planning, make sure you understand the basics about travel to Cambodia.

Here’s a list of things you might find useful!

Currency : Cambodian riel (however, US Dollars are usually accepted)
Capital : Phnom Penh
Language : Khmer
Population : 16,245,729
Area : 181,035 sq. km
Electricity Voltage : The standard voltage in Cambodia is 230 V at 50 Hz. If the voltage or the frequency is different from the one in your country, you should use an adaptor/converter.
Electricity Sockets : Type A, type C (also works with plug E and F) and type G

How to Get to Cambodia

There are many ways you could travel to Cambodia. Here are a few of the most convenient and cost-effective transportation methods.

Cambodia has three major operating airports – the Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville International Airports.

There aren’t any direct intercontinental flights. So you will need at least one connection if you are not coming from an Asian country.

However, the majority of eastern Asian countries have direct flights to one of the three cities.

Often, you’ll be able to choose between the three airports, since they’re all very frequent.

Of course, the one in the capital city of Phnom Penh has the most international flight connections.

The ticket prices can vary drastically depending on the date, so make sure you book in advance!

If you’re flying in from Europe, no more than one layover is usually necessary.

Your best option might be to depart from the UK, France or Germany and to fly into China, Vietnam or Thailand. You will be able to connect directly to Cambodia from these Asian hubs.

Click here to see a list of all destinations you can fly in from.

Overland Vehicle

It is possible to cross into Cambodia from the neighbouring countries of Vietnam, Thailand and Laos via automobile, motorbike or bus.

Roads are relatively well maintained between the capital and major cities of each country.

Common routes include from Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) to Phnom Penh and from Bangkok (Thailand) to Siem Reap.

Travel to Cambodia from Laos is a little more tricky, but possible.

If travelling to Cambodia by bus the options are plentiful and relatively inexpensive.

Giant Ibis, Kampot Express and Golden Bayon Express are three of the more popular bus companies in Cambodia that can accommodate travel into the country.

But note that travel times are often, if not always, slower than those posted in schedules. If you are crunched for time, you might want to consider flying into Cambodia instead of travelling by bus.

Ferry and Cruise Ship

At the moment, there’s only one ferry line available from Vietnam to Cambodia.

Mandarin Cruises has up to 7 weekly departures from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh and the tickets cost around USD$65.

The price includes the company picking you up at your hotel and dropping you off at your chosen address.

You can make a reservation on their website or buy the ticket in their office.

Make sure you have the necessary visas and travel documents!

Cruise Ship

You could also take a cruise ship from Vietnam to Cambodia.

But this is considered a luxury cruise and will be more expensive and touristy than taking the ferry.

However, this will allow you significantly more comfort and luxury, if you’re willing to spend the money.

The greatest advantage of these cruises is that you will have an English-speaking guide.

He or she will introduce you to the Mekong river, as well as the countries that it’s connecting.

The cruises last for a minimum of three days and they usually include all three meals.

Even though the prices can be very high, you can usually find early-bird discounts or cheaper deals.

Visa Requirements for Cambodia

Those who choose to travel to Cambodia must obtain a visa unless they are coming from a visa-exempt country.

Those countries are Laos, Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Myanmar, Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam and Thailand.

Residents of these countries can stay in Cambodia for up to 30 days.

Other tourists can get a visa upon arrival or they can get an e-visa via the iVisa website .

Keep in mind that e-visas are accepted at only two of the three airports (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap).

You can find the list of all entry points, including land borders, by clicking on this link .

The tourist visa costs USD$30 and if you’re using the e-visa service, you’ll have to pay an additional USD$7 fee.

The business visa costs USD$35 and can be extended multiple times for longer periods.

On the contrary, the tourist visa can only be extended once.

Residents of certain countries must get their visa in advance, in Cambodian embassies in their homelands.

Those countries are: Iraq, Iran, Egypt, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Algeria, Libya, Sudan, Syria, Yemen.

It is important that your passport is valid for at least six months.

Also, the Cambodian visa will take up one page of your passport, so make sure you have enough space left.

Click here to see the visa application form.

If you don’t want the responsibility of handling the papers, you can always get the help of an agency!

You can also apply for visas to visit other countries, such as Vietnam , from the capital city of Phnom Penh.

5 Interesting Facts About Cambodia

The Angkor Wat temple complex holds the Guinness World Record for the largest religious structure in the world! It measures a whopping 162,2 hectares (401 acres).
People in Cambodia celebrate the New Year in April! The holiday lasts for three days and it marks the end of the harvest season.
There is historical and architectural evidence that people have been living in Cambodia for at least 7,000 years!
In Cambodia it is considered disrespectful and rude to point your feet at people and your fingers at things. People in Cambodia always keep their feet tucked and they point with their entire palms.
The Cambodian flag is the only one in the world that features a building. Of course, that building is Angkor Wat!

Best Time to Travel to Cambodia

There truly is no bad time to travel to Cambodia, depending on your travel preferences and whether you are willing to endure rain during your visit.

Unlike many parts of the world, Cambodia doesn’t really have four seasons.

Instead Cambodia’s seasons are divided into the rainy season and the dry season.

The dry season lasts between October and April. Therefore, the most popular time for travelling to Cambodia is usually during these times.

Even though the weather is warm all year round it is best to avoid travelling to Cambodia during the rainy season.

The humidity can be smothering and the heavy rains will greatly restrict your ability to see and do things across the country.

On the other hand, some people like to travel when there aren’t many tourists around.

The advantages of that are lower prices and the fact that it’s highly unlikely any place will be too crowded.

The rain season has a couple more perks, such as seeing the country at its greenest and lushest.

However, even if you don’t mind the rain, there are certain months when the weather conditions are especially difficult.

The peak of wet season is in September and October, when heavy rains can cause transportation issues.

Also, keep in mind that May and June are usually the hottest months, when temperatures often reach 40°C.

Travel Itineraries Suggestions

Although it is a relatively small country, Cambodia has much to offer to keep you busy during your visit.

There is always something new to discover and try – whether it is a tale from its history or a tasty dish.

Travelling to Cambodia offers great choices both for lazy beach vacations or for active expeditions.

The options make it hard to choose and plan, since you’ll probably want to do everything!

Here’s a couple itinerary suggestions based upon arrival in Phnom Penh that you might find useful:

Day Trips In and Around Phnom Penh

A week in and around the capital city of Phnom Penh will give you the opportunity to experience the culture and history of Cambodia.

You won’t be able to see and do everything in this time, so consider touring the temples and beaches as part of your travel to Cambodia.

Fly to Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh – 4 days
Day trip to Koch Dach – 1 Day
Go to Kirirom National Park – 2 days
Go back to Phnom Penh

Tour the Temples

If you have 8-10 days or more and want to tour the spiritual centre of the region, you could travel along the following itinerary.

Travel from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
Go to Koh Ker; Koh Ker – 1 day
Go to Beng Mealea; Beng Mealea – 1 day
Go to Angkor Thom; Angkor Thom – 1 day
Go to Ta Prohm; Ta Prohm – 1 day
Go to Angkor Wat; Angkor Wat – 3 days
Go back to Siem Reap; Siem Reap – 2 days
Return to Phnom Penh

The Beaches

Everyone has their own idea of how long to relax along the beach.

But with 8-10 days you could have a very refreshing time visiting the beaches of Cambodia along the following itinerary:

Travel from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville
Go to Koh Rong; Koh Rong – 4 days
Go to Koh Rong Samloem; Koh Rong Samloem – 3 days
Go back to Sihanoukville; Sihanoukville – 3 days

Budget for Travelling to Cambodia

Cambodia is very affordable for tourists.

It’s actually even cheap compared to its other Southeastern Asian neighbours!

You can find plenty of good accommodation deals. The food is very inexpensive. And public transportation doesn’t cost a fortune.

Therefore, you can fully explore and travel in Cambodia regardless of your budget.

if you travel to Cambodia in the less popular, rainy months you will save even more money during your stay.

On the other hand, if you would like to stay in a luxurious resort you have that option as well.

There’s something for everyone’s preference and budget !

Here’s our list of three different budgets that you might find helpful. The prices below are per day:

Single Traveller: USD$15-$30

The cheapest accommodation you can find will cost you around USD$7 per night.

Keep in mind that, even though it’s the cheapest, it doesn’t mean that accommodation is the worst.

There are actually some very decent rooms for that amount of money!

The next thing you’re going to have to spend money on is food.

Luckily, there’s a variety of delicious street food options, as well as a number of nice cheap restaurants.

For example, the Phsar Chas Fried Chicken will cost you less than a dollar. A restaurant option is pork ribs at Bei Chomneanh for only USD$2.

When it comes to public transportation, tuk-tuk rides usually don’t cost more than USD$3 anywhere across a city.

The tickets to some of the most popular tourist spots, such as the National Museum, will run around USD$10.

Flashpacker

Single Traveller: USD$80-$150

A room in a good hostel or a decent hotel will usually cost around USD$30-$50, depending on the time of year.

This option will allow you more comfort and quality, and you still won’t spend large amounts of money.

You probably chose to travel to Cambodia so you could try the traditional food, among other things.

Therefore, you should try to eat nice, cooked Cambodian dishes.

Their prices in restaurants are typically around USD$4 – $10 per meal.

You should visit Angkor Wat, since it’s one of the main attractions in the country. The one day pass costs USD$37.

Single Traveller: USD$250 and more

If you’re willing to splurge and treat yourself, Cambodia will have plenty to offer in return.

Spending the night in the beautiful Veranda Natural Resort in Kep will cost you around USD$100.

On the other hand, one of the most luxurious hotels in the country is the Park Hyatt in Siem Reap.

The price of one night in a room with a king-sized bed is between USD$200 – $300.

Eating in high-end restaurants will cost around USD$30-$50 per meal, drinks included.

Don’t hold back on the tourist passes and tours. They are all worth the money!

Top 5 Places to Visit in Cambodia

When you choose to travel to Cambodia, you probably already have an idea of what you’d like to visit.

Some places are worldwide famous and some you’ve probably found while doing your research.

Just so you wouldn’t miss some of the best spots, we’ve created a list for you.

Even though everyone’s preferences are different, make sure to add these to your list of places to visit in Cambodia!

Angkor Wat : It’s an obvious choice, but it has to be mentioned! This will not only be one of the most breathtaking places you’ll see in Cambodia, but also in your lifetime. Built in the 12th century, its features and the level of details are still unsurpassed. If possible, we suggest getting the 3-day pass, to truly take in the beauty and magnificence of Angkor Wat!
Phnom Kulen : Phnom Kulen is believed to be the most sacred mountain in the country. People visit the enormous reclining Buddha statue on top of it so they could say their prayers and bring offerings. Other than being interesting for allowing a peek into the locals’ praying rituals, it has incredible natural beauties. You might recognize the stunning jungle and waterfalls from the Lara Croft: Tomb Raider movie!
Phnom Penh : The largest city in Cambodia is everything but boring. The vibrant city is full of attractions and fun experiences. Take advantage of its three rivers and go on a cruise. Visit the National Museum and the Royal Palace. Or just blend in with the locals and follow them to the markets, remote restaurants and shops!
Sihanoukville : Commonly known as a party destination, Sihanoukville is that and much more. This sandy coastal paradise will allow you to unwind and relax as well as enjoy the great nightlife. During the day, consider surfing or kayaking, or just sit back and enjoy the scenery. The seemingly endless file of bamboo bungalows and the white sand make it one of the most gorgeous vacation spots in Cambodia!
Tonlé Sap : This large freshwater lake and its floating village are the Venice of Cambodia! The restaurants, stores and private homes are all floating houses. There’s a variety of tours that will introduce you to the interesting lifestyle of the inhabitants of the village. It’s a perfect destination if you’re looking for some peace and quiet and a good place to watch sunsets!

Top 5 Travel Experiences to Have in Cambodia

The Battambang Bamboo Train : Battambang offers one of the most interesting “train” rides in the world. The train is actually a norry – a platform made of bamboo with a small engine. Created because the national railroad was abandoned during the civil war, it is now one of the most famous tourist attractions. The 30-60 minute ride takes you through Cambodia’s wonderful landscapes and rice fields, at a maximum speed of 40 km/h!
Glowing Plankton (bioluminescence) on Koh Rong: This is one of those experiences that you’ll remember for the rest of your life! Just imagine witnessing the sea full of sparkling blue dots, everywhere around you. Only a small number of places in the world are inhabited by bioluminescent planktons. The area around the Koh Rong island is one of them. There’s a number of nighttime boat tours available, at a fairly cheap price (around USD$10).
Dolphins in Kratie : A rare kind of dolphin, the Irrawaddy dolphin, lives in the Mekong river and can be seen in Kratie province! The dolphin viewing area is in Kampi village, near Kratie town, and it’s easily accessed by bike or tuk-tuk. If you’re lucky, you’ll even catch them jumping in the air and playing! Make sure you add this day trip to your list of activities.
Phnom Penh Walking Tour : The capital city is full of interesting spots with great backstories that you could never know on your own. Since the traffic can be chaotic, walking tours are an amazing option. Local guides will take you through Cambodia’s history and culture and really open your eyes to everything around you!
Get a massage : Southeast Asia is known for having some of the world’s best masseuses! Find time to visit a Cambodian spa and relax completely. Ask for a traditional Khmer massage!

Transport in Cambodia

Transport between locations in Cambodia is fairly easy and full of different options.

You can choose between travelling on water, on land or in the air.

Here’s how you can get around the country and inside the cities:

Since there are three airports in Cambodia, you can travel from one side of the country to another by plane.

You’ll often be able to find affordable tickets since domestic flights are usually inexpensive.

Buses are the most affordable and most popular way to travel between cities.

However, as for now, they’re only departing from a few locations.

There’s a couple of companies that have very comfortable buses, equipped with Wi-FI and air conditioning.

12Go.asia is a website that you could use for ticket reservations.

The popularity of travelling by boat is decreasing and people are choosing other means of transport.

One of the few remaining advantages of travelling in Cambodia by boat is enjoying the scenery and the sights.

Right now, eight companies offer services between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

You can also travel from Siem Reap to Battambang by boat, as well as from Phnom Penh to Chau Doc.

Tuk-tuks and cyclos are the most popular way to get around urban areas.

The ride won’t cost you more than USD$3 to go virtually anywhere within a city or town.

There’s also a possibility of hiring the driver for the day.

You could expect to negotiate a price around USD$20-25 to have your own personal chauffeur for the day!

Accommodations in Cambodia

When it comes to places to stay, Cambodia has all categories covered.

Cheap accommodation can be found virtually anywhere. While the more luxurious options are available in the bigger cities and on the seaside.

Average tourists usually stay in hostels and guesthouses that cost around USD$15-$25 per night.

Some of the most expensive hotels are located in Siem Reap, as well as Song Saa, a private island.

Since the popularity of Cambodia is constantly growing, new accommodation options seem to be appearing overnight.

It’s unlikely that you’ll have an issue with finding a suitable option for you.

Of course, booking online in advance might help you save some cash!

Food in Cambodia

When in Cambodia, eat like a local! Cambodian food is not only cheap, but very delicious as well.

The traditional specialties are full of flavour and usually made with rice, noodles, meat or fish.

Even though it’s not the most famous Asian cuisine, Cambodian food is very underrated.

Don’t miss out on the street food, since it can often be tastier than restaurant food!

Here are some of Cambodia’s signature dishes:

Fish Amok (creamy curried fish wrapped in banana leaves)
Lap Khmer (spicy sour beef salad)
Prahok (fermented fish paste)
Nom banh chok (rice noodles with a green fish gravy)
Num Chak Kachan (steamed layer cake with coconut cream)

Safety in Cambodia

Presently travelling in Cambodia is fairly safe for visitors.

Violence against tourists is extremely unlikely.

You shouldn’t have any problems, as long as you stick to common-sense safety tips such as walking in well known and well-lit areas.

Avoid visiting the remote areas of Phnom Penh and try not to walk through them alone.

There have been some incidents of bag snatching in the capital, so try to take care of your possessions.

Other than that, the frequency of petty thefts is pretty much the same as in any tourist hotspot in the world.

Some levels of precaution are always advised, such as keeping your money in a safe place and not flashing expensive items in public.

A rather unique danger to tourists involves unexploded ordinance from past wars in the area.

It is advised that you don’t stray from well-marked paths.

There is a possibility of bumping into un-exploded ordnance. The most important thing to remember is to never touch any rockets, bombs or anything similar to that.

Medical System in Cambodia

Medical care in Cambodia is underdeveloped. But it is getting better gradually.

It is incredibly important to have travel insurance to protect you in the event of illness or accident.

Consult your doctor about the necessary vaccines prior to travelling to Cambodia.

If you plan on spending time in rural areas, some recommended vaccines include those against Japanese encephalitis and malaria.

When it comes to the quality of hospitals, the best ones are located in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

The International SOS Medical and Dental Clinic, the Royal Rattanak Hospital and the Calmette Hospital are the best in the capital.

Prescriptions are not a thing in Cambodia, which means you can buy everything over the counter.

Be careful when choosing a pharmacy, since many of the independent ones have been accused of selling fake medicine.

Stick to the chains, such as U-Care and Pharmacie de la Gare.

When it comes to the prices, a consultation with the doctor usually costs between USD$20 – $50, plus the cost of medicine.

Also note that the national emergency phone number is 119.

We recommend that you always have travel insurance wherever you travel, and Cambodia is no exception. Get a free quote with World Nomads below.

Packing List for Cambodia

The good news about packing for travel to Cambodia is that no matter when you decide to visit, you’ll never need clunky sweaters and coats!

Cambodia is very warm all year round. Rain is actually the only weather factor for which you should be prepared.

Here are some of our suggestions for packing:

long-sleeved top
loose pants

Miscellaneous Items

insect repellent
travel electricity adapter

Travel Tips for Cambodia

Always cover your knees and your shoulders when you’re visiting a temple. Although you may not follow Cambodian religious beliefs, this is a way of showing your respect for the culture. The locals will appreciate it!
Even though most places accept US Dollars, do not assume that everywhere will. Make sure that you have both currencies on you, or at least only Cambodian Riels.
Knowing some basic Khmer phrases will help out a lot. To say ‘yes’ the word is “baat” for men and “chaas” for women. “Dteh” means ‘no.’ “Suom mehta” means “please.” And the Khmer phrase for ‘thank you’ is “or-koon.”
Make a copy of your visa and your passport. You never know what could happen and this could save you a lot of time and headache later. It is always good to keep a copy or copies in separate bags/places on your person in the event one is stolen or lost.
Do not drink the tap water. Only consume bottled mineral water. Try to avoid ice in your drinks in bars and restaurants, since it is also made with tap water.

Read Our Cambodia Posts

Things to do in battambang – not just the bamboo train, angkor wat – why one day isn’t enough, why we didn’t do an elephant tour in sen monorom, backpacking budget for cambodia – cost breakdown, cambodia motorcycle adventure, getting your vietnam visa in phnom penh, cambodia, otres beach – best spot in sihanoukville, cambodia, koh rong – cambodia’s slice of paradise, bokor mountain – the beauty in the national park, getting your cambodia visa in vientiane.

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There's a magic about this charming yet confounding kingdom that casts a spell on visitors. An adventure to Cambodia will inspire travelers to contemplate what happens when ancient and modern worlds collide.

Best Time to Visit

Best places to visit, attractions, must-see attractions.

Temples of Angkor

At the heart of Angkor Thom is the 12th-century Bayon, the mesmerising, if slightly mind-bending, state temple of Jayavarman VII. It epitomises the…

Banteay Srei

Considered by many to be the jewel in the crown of Angkorian art, Banteay Srei is cut from stone of a pinkish hue and includes some of the finest stone…

Beng Mealea

A spectacular sight to behold, Beng Mealea, located about 68km northeast of Siem Reap, is one of the most mysterious temples at Angkor, as nature has well…

Banteay Chhmar

Northwestern Cambodia

Beautiful, peaceful and covered in astonishingly intricate bas-reliefs, Banteay Chhmar is one of the most impressive temple complexes beyond the Angkor…

The traveller's first glimpse of Angkor Wat, the ultimate expression of Khmer genius, is matched by only a few select spots on earth. Built by Suryavarman…

The so-called 'Tomb Raider Temple', Ta Prohm is cloaked in dappled shadow, its crumbling towers and walls locked in the slow muscular embrace of vast root…

Prasat Preah Vihear

The most dramatically situated of all Angkorian monuments, Prasat Preah Vihear sprawls along a clifftop near the Thai border, with breathtaking views of…

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

In 1975 Tuol Svay Prey High School was taken over by Pol Pot’s security forces and turned into a prison known as Security Prison 21 (S-21); it soon became…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

Best Things to Do

From exploring Angkor Wat to learning to cook local dishes in Phnom Penh, here are the best experiences in Cambodia.

Things to Know

Make the most of your trip to Cambodia with these top planning tips, from packing to which currencies are accepted.

Transportation

Famed for its temples, jungles and beaches, Cambodia is small in size but big on adventures. Here are our top tips for getting around in Cambodia.

Visa Requirements

Do you need a visa to visit to Cambodia? Can you extend your visa? Where do you enter the country? We have answers to all your questions.

Money and Costs

Cambodia is incredibly cheap when compared with destinations in Europe or North America. These top tips can make your budget stretch even further.

Best Road Trips

The best way to take in the magic of Cambodia might be on two wheels. Here is our guide to the top motorcycle itineraries in this Southeast Asian country.

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Cambodia and beyond.

A popular activity in Sihanoukville, Cambodia is the Dolphin Shack booze cruise which takes backpackers out to swim and party at various islands

Cambodia Travel Guide

Your ultimate cambodia travel guide, with tips, ideas on things to do, and best things to see in cambodia. great for first-time & returning travelers..

Angkor Wat is definitely the star attraction of Cambodia and is certainly one of the most impressive structures on the planet.

We will never forget driving up to the complex and seeing Angkor Wat standing proudly over the water or the adorable little girl that sold us post cards as she recited our capital city of Canada.

But once you have your fill of temples, head over to the country’s capital Phnom Penh.

Relax by the Mekong River, check out the Royal Palace and then hire a guide to the Tuol Sleng Museum and the Killing Fields; the most compelling and profoundly moving sight in Phnom Penh.

This Cambodia travel guide will help you plan your next vacation.

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Guide to Visiting Angkor Wat

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Table of Contents

Fast Facts about Cambodia

Cambodian power voltage is 220/230 V 50 Hz; Power sockets A & C
Cambodian currency is the Cambodian Riel (KHR) and is around 4,000 KHR for 1 USD. Check current rates here.
If you want to skip getting a visa upon arrival, than citizens of most nations can apply for an e-Visa online on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation website. The price is indeed a little higher, due to a processing fee, and the e-visa only valid for entry by air or at specific border main land crossings.
Do some good and have a drink at The Foreign Correspondents Club or a meal at Friends (215 Street 13; 00855 12 802072; friends-international.org ), where street children are trained to be waiters and chefs.
Take small note denominations in US dollars – $1 bills are ideal – for tipping and small purchases.
Make sure to book in advance if you plan on visiting during mid-April’s New Year celebrations or for the Water Festival in Phnom Penh in November.

Things to See and Do in Cambodia

Visit Tuol Sleng – former school building, it was here that The Khmer Rouge Regime, held prisoners and tortured them until they gave names of family and friends who in turn were arrested.
Explore Angor Wat – hire your own private guide and explore the various sites
Watch plankton glow at night – Head to the island of Koh Rong to watch the water light up at night as the plankton glow from below.

Accommodation

Budget: You can stay in budget hotels in Cambodia starting at $10 US per night. They often have free Wi-Fi, continental breakfast, and are near city centers.

Mid Range: You will find outdoor pools to enjoy at mid-range hotels in Cambodia along with restaurants, lounges, and laundry service.

High End: When you stay at a high-end hotel in Cambodia, you may have access to a fitness center, massage services, and beautiful views from your balcony.

Check out our favorite booking platforms Booking.com , Tripadvisor and VRBO for the best deals on accommodation.

Fish amok – This popular dish consists of fish, coconut milk, ginger, turmeric, and lemongrass.

Lap khmer – This beef salad is marinated with lime juice, fish sauce, mint, basil, bell peppers, and fish sauce and comes with chiles on top.

Red tree ants – Various sized ants are mixed with chili and beef and put on top of white rice.

The Best Ways to Get Around Cambodia

Getting to cambodia:.

Getting to Cambodia: There are no direct flights to Cambodia from North America, but you can fly in by way of Bangkok, Seoul, and other cities in Asia.

You can check for the best flights to Cambodia on Skyscanner .

Transportation:

Buses : There are some buses available in the larger cities, including ones that run to and from the airport, which start at $1.

Taxis: Taxis are available in Cambodia in most larger areas as well as tuk-tuks and motodups starting at $1.

Car Rental: Car rentals are available in Cambodia starting at around $40 a day. Check for prices and availability here.

When to go To Cambodia

The best time to visit Cambodia is between November and February as the heat dies down but it’s still dry enough for outdoor activities.
Many people also enjoy visiting from March through May as the weather starts to get warmer, making it perfect for swimming and scuba diving.

Where to Stay in Cambodia

Borei Angkor Resort & Spa – This beautiful hotel in Siem Reap offers an outdoor restaurant, spa, and outdoor pool. The hotel is located within half an hour of many temples and the Siem Reap International Airport.

Thansur Sokha Hotel – This is a good hotel to stay at for families in Kampot. It as it has a waterpark and in-room childcare. They also have a nightclub and casino for guests who want to go out at night.

TeaHouse Asian Urban Hotel – This hotel is located in Phnom Penh and offers a restaurant, lounge, and an airport shuttle. They’re also right in the city center so you’ll have access to restaurants and shops within a few minute’s walk.

What to Pack for Cambodia

Cambodia is in a tropical zone , affected by two distinct seasons: wet and dry. Monsoon season is from May to October, raining usually for a short time in the afternoon.

The dry season is from November to March where temperatures hovering around 95°F (35°C). Phnom Penh is always very humid.

Umbrella / Rain coat: Climate change means that Cambodia experiences rainstorms during the dry season and cool temperatures in the hot season – in short the weather can be unpredictable. Make sure to bring an umbrella or rain coat.
The protection basics – Travellers should stock up on the essentials: sun block, mosquito/insect repellant containing DEET or a pyrethroid insecticide, sunglasses and a hat. If you plan on traveling in rural areas, make sure to avoid mosquito-born dengue fever by wearing clothes that cover the arms and legs and spraying yourself with DEET. Mosquito coils can also help/
Pack for Humidity – for humid weather it is best to pack fabrics that breathe as much as possible and natural fabrics, like cotton, linen or rayon (avoiding silk, wool and polyester). Clothing should be loose and comfortable to encourage the flow of air and allow moisture to evaporate. Think “cool but conservative.”
Footwear – to make visiting temples and homes easy, look for a pair of supportive and sturdy sandals that can be easily slipped on and off. For hiking and trekking, pack a pair of boots. Last make sure to pack a pair of flip flops for those long walks along the beach.

Cambodia Travel Guide: Best Booking Resources

Whenever we travel to we make sure to start with these companies. We have tried a lot of different ones over the years and all of these have consistently proven to be the best when it comes to offering great prices.

We have used every one of these personally and continue to do so.

Booking.com : This is our go site to when comparing prices for accommodation. It usually has the cheapest prices, especially in Europe and we love their interface. Not to mention you get free cancellation and you are guaranteed the best price.
Trip Advisor : What we like about Trip Advisor is that we can look at all the reviews and then book our accommodation. TripAdvisor is where we go when we want to compare prices with multiple accommodation providers.
VRBO : is the main search engine we use when we are looking for a home or apartment rental. It can sometimes be cheaper than hotels and it is the best way to stay in areas that offer a more local feel.
Hostelworld : With one of the largest databases of hostels in the world, Hostelworld is the go-to site when you are looking for budget accommodation.
Skyscanner : This is the first place we check for flights. It consistently comes back with the cheapest and best options. It allows us to compare a lot of airlines to get the best price.
Rome 2 Rio : If you want to see how to get somewhere by plane, train, bus, ferry or car Rome2Rio lays it all out for you as well as related costs.I love how they show it all to you on a Google Map and it works offline.
Get Your Guide: For all your day trip and city guide needs, we use Get Your Guide. It has the world’s largest collection of things to do with more than 30,000 activities in 7500 destinations.
World Nomads Insurance: When traveling to Italy you should always have travel insurance. We have found the best bang for your buck is by far World Nomads.

Cambodia Travel Guide: Related Articles

To browse all our articles and guides about Cambodia click here.

Ultimate Guide to Visiting Angkor Wat Temples

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Exercise normal safety precautions in Cambodia.

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Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies.

Call 119 in Phnom Penh or go to a hospital. Outside of Phnom Penh you will need to contact a hospital directly.

Call police on 117 or contact the tourist police

Advice levels

Exercise normal safety precautions in Cambodia.

Street crimes, particularly phone and bag snatchings, occur regularly. Thieves often travel on motorbikes and target pedestrians or people in open taxis. Be prepared to surrender your valuables rather than risk injury in a struggle. Significant celebrations often attract large crowds and can lead to petty crime and more serious threats.
Sexual assault occurs in tourist areas. Travellers have been assaulted after having their drinks spiked. Stick with people you trust, don't leave your drinks unattended in nightclubs and bars.
Many people in Cambodia own guns, and gun crime and shootouts are common. Explosions have also occurred. These incidents usually arise from commercial, personal or other disputes. They can and have occurred at a wide range of locations, including at popular tourist destinations.
Scams, credit card fraud and ATM fraud are common. Check for card-skimming devices before using ATMs.
Protests may turn violent. Avoid large public gatherings. Officials may arrest and deport foreigners involved in protests.
Be wary of invitations from strangers. Never carry parcels or luggage for others.
Be careful when visiting regions near the border with Thailand. Landmines and unexploded remnants of war are a risk. Stay on marked roads if you're travelling in the north and northwest (see 'Travel').
Fatal road accidents, particularly on provincial highways, are common. Be alert at all times on the roads and avoid travelling at night (see 'Travel').
Severe storms and flooding can occur during the wet season (July to November). These can disrupt services and travel, including on the Mekong River. Check with your tour operator for updates.

Full travel advice: Safety

Take care buying medication in Cambodia. Local pharmacies may sell fake medication. Carry enough medication from Australia for your trip.
Don't drink homemade or unlabelled alcohol. It may contain harmful substances, particularly methanol. Get medical help if you have symptoms of methanol poisoning, including fatigue, headaches, nausea and vision problems.
Insect-borne diseases present in Cambodia include Dengue, Chikungunya, Japanese Encephalitis, and Malaria. Use insect repellent, wear appropriate clothing, and ensure your accommodation is insect-proof. For longer stays, consider taking anti-malarial medication and getting pre-travel vaccinations for Japanese encephalitis, particularly when travelling to remote areas.
Animals in Cambodia can carry rabies. Rabies is fatal without immediate treatment. Consider getting pre-travel vaccination for rabies. Get medical attention straight away if an animal scratches or bites you, even if you have received the pre-travel vaccination.
Outbreaks of hand, foot and mouth disease are common, and other foodborne, waterborne, parasitic and infectious diseases include hepatitis, tuberculosis and typhoid. Drink only boiled or bottled water. Avoid raw or undercooked food. Don't swim in freshwater.
Medical facilities in Cambodia's public hospitals are often poor in quality and below international standards. Hospital stays can be expensive. Costs often increase to thousands of dollars. The hospital might keep your passport until you pay.

Full travel advice: Health

Don’t use or carry illegal drugs. Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include long prison sentences, even for small amounts.
Understand and follow local laws and customs. It's illegal to criticise or insult the King or monarchy. Lying to police, flying drones without a permit in certain areas, public nudity, and possessing or producing pornography is illegal.
Child sex offences are punishable under both Cambodian and Australian law.
Cambodian authorities enforce 'modesty' laws at religious sites, such as Angkor Wat. Wear clothing that covers your knees and shoulders.
Be careful when taking photos. Don’t photograph people, including monks, without permission. Don’t take photos near sensitive sites, such as military areas, transport hubs or government buildings.
Be aware of business and employment offers that appear 'too good to be true'. Foreign nationals have been trafficked into Cambodia and forced to work in fraudulent activity.

Full travel advice: Local laws

If you're entering Cambodia via air, you must complete and submit an electronic e-Arrival Card (CeA) within 7 days prior to your arrival. There is no charge for this.
You need a visa to enter Cambodia. You can apply for an e-visa online or get a tourist visa on arrival. These are valid for 30 days. For longer stays or other situations, apply for a visa through an embassy or consulate of Cambodia . Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Cambodia for the latest details.
If you overstay your visa, Cambodian immigration officials may stop you from leaving Cambodia. For excessive overstays, you could be arrested for violating immigration laws and detained until your overstay fines are paid.

The Cambodian General Department of Immigration requires all foreigners to be registered in the Foreigner Present in Cambodia System (FPCS). Registrations are completed by hotel/guesthouse staff or residence owners. Make sure they register you. Foreigners in self-owned accommodation are required to self-register.

Full travel advice: Travel

Local contacts

The Consular Services Charter details what the Australian Government can and can’t do to help you overseas.
For consular help, contact the Australian Embassy in Phnom Penh .
To stay up to date with local information, follow the Embassy’s social media accounts.

Full travel advice: Local contacts

Full advice

Petty crime.

'Snatch-and-grab' crimes against travellers are common. Thieves often travel on motorcycles and steal from people who are:

walking along footpaths
using motorcycle taxis
travelling on tuk-tuks or rickshaws

Foreigners have been injured in these thefts. Be prepared to surrender your valuables rather than risk injury in a struggle.

Some thieves use knives to cut bags as they snatch them.

Significant celebrations often attract large crowds and can lead to petty crime and more serious threats.

Australians have had valuables stolen from locked hotel and guesthouse rooms, often in cheaper accommodation.

Theft from luggage on buses is common.

To help protect yourself from theft:

avoid carrying bags or carry only what you need and leave other valuables in a secure location
walk on footpaths (where available), away from the curb, with your bag on the opposite side to the traffic
if travelling by tuk-tuk, use those with barriers (curtains or netting) covering the passenger sides
always keep an eye on your belongings, particularly easy-to-grab items
avoid using ATMs on the street — use ATMs inside hotels, banks and shopping centres if possible

Sexual assault and other violent crime

Foreigners have been the target of sexual assault , particularly in tourist areas.

Criminals often target victims:

when intoxicated
when travelling alone

Reports of groping and other sexual assaults are rising.

Drink spiking occurs. Foreigners have been sexually assaulted after having spiked drinks at nightclubs.

To protect yourself from drink spiking:

only drink alcohol at reputable places
pay attention when your alcoholic drinks are being mixed
stay with people you trust in bars and nightclubs

Get urgent medical attention if you think your drink has been spiked.

Parties, including organised dance parties on islands off the coast of Sihanoukville, can be risky. They may place you at greater risk of sexual assault.

Coastal islands are often isolated. Access to medical or emergency assistance may be limited or not exist.

To help keep safe at parties:

pre-arrange transport with your hotel when heading out at night
stick with people you trust, and never leave your drinks unattended at parties, bars, and nightclubs.

See a doctor quickly if you're involved in a violent crime, especially rape. There is a risk of contracting HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and other sexually transmitted diseases in Cambodia.

More information:

Reducing the risk of sexual assault overseas
Advice for women
Partying safely

Many people in Cambodia own guns, and gun crime and shootouts are common. Explosions have also occurred. These incidents usually arise from commercial, personal or other disputes. They can and have occurred at a wide range of locations, including at popular tourist destinations.

Traffic disputes have also resulted in violence involving weapons. Bystanders can get caught up in these disputes.

Armed robberies and home invasions targeting businesses or business owners happen across Cambodia.

Criminals have seriously injured or killed foreigners.

Motorcycle and taxi drivers sometimes assault and rob foreigners late at night. Areas popular with tourists and expats are particular targets.

To help keep yourself safe from assault:

consider using a ride-hailing App such as Grab or Passap
be alert to danger at all times, especially after dark
avoid travelling alone at night
limit night-time travel to well-lit public areas, especially around Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville and Siem Reap
travel in groups wherever possible
don't travel by motorcycle taxi at night.

At night, car travel is often safer than travel by motorbike or tuktuk.

Ridesharing services are common in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, and Kampot and are often safer than a flagged down taxi, motorbike or tuktuk. Prices are often cheaper than those you'll negotiate on the spot.

Criminal rings operate in Cambodia, particularly in Phnom Penh, and often use an apparently friendly person to approach travellers. They use ploys and stories to invite travellers to private homes.

Travellers are talked into playing card games, where they lose large amounts of money. Some are forced to withdraw money from an ATM or shop, often at gunpoint.

Online relationships and friendship scams also happen. Australians involved in these scams have been asked to take items with hidden drugs out of Cambodia or may be asked to send large sums of money to assist with fake problems.

Be aware of business and employment offers that appear 'too good to be true'. Foreign nationals have been trafficked into Cambodia and forced to work in fraudulent activity, with poor pay and living conditions, restrictions on movement, and severe mistreatment. There are reports of 'scam centres' operated by organised crime organisations, where foreign victims are tricked into coming to Cambodia and other destinations in Southeast Asia and forced to work in online scamming . You can also learn more about business and employment scams on ScamWatch.

Credit card and ATM fraud occur. This includes using skimming machines to store card data.

To help protect yourself against scams:

be wary of invitations from strangers, including to visit private homes
never carry parcels or luggage for others
check for skimming machines before using ATMs and check your transaction statements

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

More information:

Cyber security when travelling overseas

Kidnapping

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

More information:

Kidnapping

Civil unrest and political tension

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people may turn violent. Local police and security forces have occasionally responded with force and may not distinguish between demonstrators and bystanders.

Authorities may arrest and deport foreigners involved in protests, filming or taking photos of demonstrations, the military or the police.

In Phnom Penh, possible sites for rallies include:

political party offices and court buildings
Wat Phnom
Freedom Park
the Prime Minister's home
government and military buildings or compounds

Roadblocks can be set up with little warning, restricting access through the city. Armed security personnel on the streets can increase around the time of local political events such as elections.

Land and border disputes along Cambodia's borders with Vietnam and Thailand have resulted in:

demonstrations
increased presence of armed forces
cross-border fighting

Tourist attractions and border crossing points in these areas close with little or no notice.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

avoid demonstrations, political events, protests, large-scale public gatherings and roadblocks
monitor the media about possible unrest, protest locations and roadblocks
follow the advice of local authorities
don't film or photograph protests, political rallies or armed security personnel
be particularly alert and careful in the lead-up to and during days of national significance, such as elections, commemorations, and religious events.
show respect, especially in areas where royal family or religious activities are taking place
Demonstrations and civil unrest

In the last decade, Cambodian authorities have stopped planned bomb attacks.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Climate and natural disasters

Severe weather can happen without warning in Cambodia. In the wet season from July to November, beware of:

severe storms
widespread seasonal flooding
localised flash flooding

Floods may disrupt travel to some provinces. The Mekong River Commission provides news on flood levels for the Mekong River.

To stay informed and safe:

monitor the media, weather and flood level reports, especially during the wet season
check with your tour operator for the latest news on disruptions
take official warnings seriously
don't enter areas affected by flooding without advice from local authorities

If there's a natural disaster , follow the advice above and:

keep your passport and phone in a safe, waterproof place
stay in touch with friends and family
register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation: the Australian Government won’t pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

what activities and care your policy covers
that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

have a basic health check-up
ask if your travel plans may affect your health
plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least eight weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

Mental health support and counselling

Mental health services in Cambodia are extremely limited and expensive. Certain medications can be difficult to purchase and be less effective due to the heat or stomach issues travellers may experience. Consider your personal mental health needs carefully before travelling.

General health advice
Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Medications

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Cambodia. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

what the medication is
your required dosage
that it's for personal use

Local pharmacies may sell fake medication. It can be difficult to tell real medication from fake.

Health risks

Methanol poisoning.

Don't drink homemade or unlabelled alcohol. It may contain harmful substances, particularly methanol, which can cause:

serious illness
brain injury

Symptoms of methanol poisoning include fatigue, headaches and nausea.

The effects are similar to excessive drinking but with vision problems, such as:

blurred or 'snowfield' vision
flashes of light and tunnel vision
changes in how you see colour
dilated pupils
difficulty looking at bright lights

Get medical advice if you think you, or anyone you're travelling with, has been poisoned. This could be vital to avoiding permanent disability or death.

Report methanol poisoning to local police.

Insect-borne diseases

Insect-borne diseases are widespread in Cambodia, such as Dengue , Chikungunya and Japanese Encephalitis .

Malaria is also common in some regions, especially along the borders in mountain regions.

To protect yourself from disease:

make sure your accommodation is mosquito-proof
use insect repellent
wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
consider taking medicine to prevent malaria
get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis before you travel

Discuss your travel plans and other vaccination needs with your doctor before you travel.

Infectious diseases

HIV/AIDS infection is a risk in Cambodia.

Take precautions if engaging in sex or activities that expose you to risk of infection.

Rabies is fatal if you don't get vaccinated or receive quick treatment. Animals across Cambodia carry rabies.

Rabies is found in infected dogs, cats, monkeys, bats and other mammals.

To reduce your risk of rabies, don't go near, or pat, dogs and other mammals.

If you're bitten or scratched, seek medical help straight away.

Rabies vaccinations and post-exposure treatments are often available at larger medical facilities in tourist and expat areas. Treatment in Phnom Penh is usually available at:

Institute Pasteur Rabies Clinic No.5, Monivong Boulevard 12201 Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Bird flu (avian influenza)

Human cases of avian influenza are reported in Cambodia.

Hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is common. Sometimes serious outbreaks occur.

HFMD mostly affects children under the age of 10 years. However, adult cases (especially young adults) do occur.

To reduce the risk of getting or passing on HFMD, practise good hygiene. Wash your hands well and often.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common. They include:

tuberculosis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

Isolated outbreaks of cholera occur in some rural areas.

Freshwater sources, such as rivers and lakes, carry parasitic diseases like bilharzia (schistosomiasis) .

To protect yourself from illness:

drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
avoid block ice
avoid uncooked and undercooked food
don't swim in fresh water

Get urgent medical attention if you suspect food poisoning, have a fever or diarrhoea.

Medical care

Medical facilities.

Public medical facilities in Cambodia are generally poor in quality. The services they can provide are limited.

Foreign private medical clinics are available in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville.

Outside Phnom Penh there are almost no medical facilities that can deal with medical emergencies.

Hospitals and doctors generally require cash up-front before they'll treat you, even in an emergency. Sometimes they'll accept proof of your medical insurance.

Hospital stays can be expensive. Costs often increase to thousands of dollars. The hospital might keep your passport until you pay.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

Medical service providers in Cambodia

Medical tourism

Medical tourism is growing in many countries in Asia, including Cambodia. However, medical care in Cambodia doesn't generally meet international standards.

Elective and cosmetic surgery in Cambodia is unregulated. Operations by unqualified surgeons can lead to life-threatening complications.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter , but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include long jail terms for even small amounts.

Carrying or using drugs

Surrogacy and adoption laws

Commercial surrogacy is illegal in Cambodia.

Australia doesn't have an intercountry adoption program with Cambodia. This means the Australian Government can't process adoption requests.

The Attorney-General's Department is watching to see if Cambodia will accept intercountry adoption. The department is also waiting to see if Cambodia will comply with the Hague Convention .

Going overseas for international surrogacy
Going overseas to adopt a child

Marriage laws

If you intend to marry a Cambodian citizen, you'll need approval from the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation . This doesn't apply if you're also a Cambodian citizen.

Getting married

In Cambodia, it's illegal to:

criticise or insult the King or the monarchy, including online and via social media
lie to police, including in relation to an insurance claim such as reporting a crime that didn't happen or lying about the circumstances of an incident
be topless or naked in public places or at sacred sites, including Angkor Wat
have or produce pornographic material, including on mobile phones, cameras or computers for personal use

It's also illegal to:

buy or possess cultural or ancient artefacts without a permit
fly drones in certain areas without a permit. These include areas of Phnom Penh, Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap or other sensitive areas. Seek prior approval from the local municipality
hunt wildlife without permission
traffic wildlife
work without a valid work permit — see Travel

Australian and Cambodian authorities are committed to combating child sex offences. Penalties are severe under both Australian and Cambodian law.

You can be punished either in Cambodia or at home under Australian law. Penalties for having sex with anyone younger than 18 years include long jail terms.

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

Staying within the law and respecting customs

Local customs

Cambodian authorities enforce 'modesty' laws at sites of religious significance, such as Angkor Wat. Dress respectfully, including covering your knees and shoulders. You can't enter if you don't.

Don't take photos of people without their permission, especially monks and other religious figures. It's culturally inappropriate.

Avoid taking photographs near sensitive sites, such as:

military areas, assets or military personnel
transport facilities
government buildings

Dual citizenship

Under Cambodian law, you can't give up Cambodian citizenship. This includes even if a Cambodian citizen becomes a nationality of another country.

Always travel on your Australian passport .

Cambodian dual nationals aged 18 to 30 years who live in Cambodia may have to enrol in military service. Military service for female citizens is voluntary.

If you're a dual national, contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Cambodia before you travel.

Dual nationals

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.

You need a visa to visit Cambodia. Tourists and business travellers can apply for an e-visa online or get a tourist visa on arrival. These are valid for 30 days. For longer stays or other situations, apply for a visa through an embassy or consulate of Cambodia .

Don’t overstay your visa. This is a serious offence (see below).

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Cambodia for the most current visa information.

Visa overstays

You can only stay for 30 days from the date of your arrival on a tourist visa. Other visa types will list the date by which you must have left Cambodia or extended your visa. Overstaying your visa is a serious offence. Authorities may stop you from leaving Cambodia until you pay a fine or serve a prison sentence. Fines increase daily.

If you overstay your visa by more than one month, you risk penalties such as:

deportation
being banned from returning to Cambodia

Check your visa and the dates carefully. If it was issued outside Cambodia, the expiry date is not how long you can stay. It's the final date you can use it to enter.

If you want to stay in Cambodia for more than 30 days, you must renew your visa. Tourist visas can only be renewed once.

Border measures

You must complete and submit the Cambodia e-Arrival Card within 7 days prior to your arrival in Cambodia by air. On arrival in Cambodia, you will need to show your completed Cambodia e-Arrival Card (there is no charge for this).

Staying in Cambodia

Renew your visa at a:

travel agency
vehicle rental company

You can also visit the Department of Immigration office opposite the Phnom Penh International Airport.

Land border crossings

If you plan to enter or exit via a land border crossing, first confirm it's open to foreigners. Check you can get a visa when you arrive. Day trips are not permitted at land border crossings.

Be alert to the security status of border regions and land crossings between countries.

Monitor local media for updates. Follow advice from local authorities. See Safety .

Cambodia–Thailand border

There's an ongoing dispute over the Thailand–Cambodia border.

If you visit this border area, landmines and unexploded military weapons are a risk. The risk is higher in and around:

the Preah Vihear temple (known as Khao Pra Viharn temple in Thailand), between Sisaket Province in Thailand and Preah Vihear Province in Cambodia
the Ta Krabei (known as Ta Kwai temple in Thailand) and Ta Moan Thom (known as Ta Muen temple in Thailand) temples, in Oddar Meanchey province in Cambodia

Tourist attractions and border crossing points in this area can close with little or no notice.

Working in Cambodia

If you plan to work in Cambodia, you need the correct visa and a work permit. Your employment status isn't relevant.

The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training issues work permits.

Living or working overseas

Some countries won’t let you enter unless your passport is valid for six months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you’re just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than six months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport’s expiry date before you travel. If you’re not sure it’ll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service .
If you’re overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate .

If your passport is lost or stolen in Cambodia, you'll also need to:

get a police report from the tourist police station closest to where the incident happened
get a replacement passport — contact the Australian Embassy in Phnom Penh
get an exit visa from the Cambodian Department of Immigration

Exit visas take around 3 working days from when you submit your police report, passport and exit visa request. In some individual cases it may take longer to obtain an exit visa.

Allow enough time to get a new passport and exit visa before you plan to leave. If you don't have a valid visa in your passport, this will delay your departure. You may be fined or detained.

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

LGBTQIA+ travellers

The official currency of Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel (KHR). US dollars are also legal tender.

ATM facilities are available in:

Sihanoukville

In other areas, ATM facilities are limited and may be unreliable.

Card skimming happens throughout Cambodia.

Cashing services for credit card cash advances and traveller's cheques are available for a fee at banks in:

Take enough US dollars to cover basic travelling expenses.

Ensure your US currency is in good condition. Sellers may not accept:

dirty notes
high value notes

Fake money is common in Cambodia, check received notes carefully, particularly high value notes.

Local travel

Landmines are a danger in many parts of Cambodia, especially along the border with Thailand.

Large areas of rural Cambodia still have live landmines.

If you visit the north and north-west of Cambodia, stay on marked pathways.

Take extra care if travelling away from the Angkor Wat temple complex to other temples in the Siem Reap area.

Driving permits

If you want to drive a car or ride a motorcycle larger than 125cc, you need a Cambodian driver's (or motorcycle) licence, or your Australian licence and International Driving Permit.

You can apply for a Cambodian licence equivalent to your Australian licence in person at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport's main Phnom Penh office or at their outlets located inside Aeon Mall 1 and Aeon Mall 2 in Phnom Penh and at the Heritage Walk mall in Siem Reap. If you do not have a valid foreign licence you will need to undergo testing at their main office to receive a Cambodian licence.

If using an Australian licence and International Driving Permit you can only operate the vehicles listed. You must carry both documents when operating a vehicle and comply with all Cambodian traffic law.

Under Cambodian law, you can ride a motorcycle with an engine capacity of up to 125cc without a licence. However, check with your insurer. Some travel insurers may not cover you for riding a motorcycle at all, even if you're fully licensed. Others won't cover riders unless they hold an Australian motorcycle licence, even if riding a motorcycle with capacity less than 125cc.

Road travel

Travel by road, especially at night outside major cities, is dangerous because of:

poor road conditions
drunk drivers
wandering livestock
the risk of crime

Be alert at all times on the roads and avoid travelling at night.

There have been recent upgrades to road construction on the Expressway between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville, and the road connecting Siem Reap township and the new provincial Siem Reap airport. Whilst this has made travel safer, care should still be taken if using these roads at night.

Driving standards are often poor. Vehicles and roads are often not well maintained.

Streets are crowded in major cities. Drivers often ignore road rules.

Serious injuries from road accidents happen every day in Cambodia. Motorcycles, buses and coaches have high accident rates.

Large crowds can form quickly after road accidents. If you're in an accident, people might try to take advantage of you.

Speed limits for motorcycle drivers are:

30km per hour in towns
60km per hour on the outskirts

Other vehicle drivers can't go over:

40km per hour in towns
80km per hour outside towns

You must wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle.

If you get a speeding ticket, you need to pay the fine at a payment centre within 30 days. Always ask for a receipt.

If you plan to drive:

learn about local traffic laws
avoid driving at night outside major cities
Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Motorcycles are a common form of public transport in cities. Check your insurance policy covers you for motorcycles, either as a driver or passenger.

Always wear a helmet.

Most helmets in Cambodia don't meet Australian standards. Bring a helmet and protective clothing with you if you're:

visiting Cambodia for a motorcycle tour
expecting to travel a lot by motorcycle

Taxis and Tuk-tuks

Official, metered taxis are generally safe and convenient. However, be alert to possible scams and safety risks.

Registered drivers with ridesharing services are available in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville. Limited services operate in Kampot and Battambang.

Flagged-down motorcycle taxis (moto), tuk-tuks and rickshaws are often used for short trips.

Many drivers do not use metered fares and may charge according to:

distance travelled
number of passengers
time of day

Drivers sometimes take passengers without understanding their destination. Destinations are often identified by common landmarks, such as the nearest pagoda.

Before using a moto, tuk-tuk or rickshaw, you should agree on the fare with the driver, have some idea of the best route to take, or use ride-hailing apps such as Grab and Passapp.

Rail travel

Rail services are unreliable and limited. Expect frequent changes and interruptions to schedules with little notice.

Transport and getting around safely

Sea/River travel

Travel by boat can be dangerous.

Boats taking passengers to islands off the coast of Sihanoukville have sunk.

Even modern boats may be overcrowded and lack basic safety gear.

To help keep yourself safe on the water:

ensure any boat you plan to board has suitable safety gear, including life jackets for all passengers
always wear your life jacket, even if others don't
check with your tour operator or boat manager that safety standards are in place, including passenger and weight limits

If safety standards are not in place, find another boat.

Travelling by boat

The safety and upkeep standards of local aircraft may be low.

Local airlines often cancel or reschedule flights at short notice.

DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Cambodia's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

family and friends
travel agent
insurance provider

Call police on 117 or contact the tourist police (see below).

The police may not have the resources to help you in an emergency. They may not have time to look into crimes.

Police stations and emergency numbers might not be available 24 hours a day. Phone operators may not speak English.

The tourist police have booths in tourist areas and most cities.

In other towns, contact the nearest police station. You may need an interpreter.

Be wary of putting your fingerprint or signature on a police document if you can't read it.

Always get a police report when reporting a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Check the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can’t do to help you overseas.

For consular assistance, contact the Australian Embassy in Cambodia.

Australian Embassy, Phnom Penh

No. 16B, National Assembly Street Sangkat Tonle Bassac Khan Chamkamon Phnom Penh, Cambodia Phone: (+855 0) 23 266 500 Fax: (+855 0) 23 266 588 Email: [email protected] Website: cambodia.embassy.gov.au Facebook: @AustralianEmbassyPhnomPenh X: @AusEmbPP

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

+61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
1300 555 135 in Australia

Travelling to Cambodia?

Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.

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Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

Packing List

After Your Trip

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
Avoid contaminated water and soil
Avoid floodwater

Clinical Guidance

Schistosomiasis

Wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, or untreated pools.

Avoid bug bites

Chikungunya

Mosquito bite
Avoid Bug Bites
Mosquito bite
An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

Avian/bird flu.

Being around, touching, or working with infected poultry, such as visiting poultry farms or live-animal markets
Avoid domestic and wild poultry
Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
Bite from an infected rodent
Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
Avoid rodents and areas where they live
Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Cambodia, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Cambodia. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
2-undecanone
Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Cambodia include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
Do not dive into shallow water.
Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Cambodia. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
Go to a doctor right away.
Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

Use latex condoms correctly.
Do not inject drugs.
Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Cambodia’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Cambodia. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

Wear a seatbelt at all times.
Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Cambodia may be poor.
Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
If you choose to drive a vehicle in Cambodia, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
Follow all local laws and social customs.
Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Cambodia for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

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Traveling to Cambodia: Essentials to Know

What You Need to Know Before Visiting Cambodia

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove

Traveling to Cambodia is easy, but knowing a few essentials before arrival will help you navigate the tangles and traps that often snare tourists on their first visits.

Tourism in Cambodia is on the rise. With double-digit growth in recent years, over 6 million tourists visited Cambodia in 2018. Not bad, especially considering Cambodia's population was estimated to be 16.2 million in 2018. Many of those international tourists proceed directly to Angkor Wat near Siem Reap .

But along with practical information for visiting Cambodia, you should know a little about Cambodia's struggle to recover after decades of war and bloodshed. Grab a copy of the book First They Killed My Father by Loung Ung for a moving, firsthand account of the atrocities Cambodia faced not too long ago. Instead of comparing the infrastructure to that in Thailand—a bigger, never-colonized neighbor— be amazed at what Cambodia has accomplished .

Cambodia Travel Essentials to Know

Official Name: Kingdom of Cambodia
Other Names: Kampuchea (Cambodge in French)
Population: 16.2 million (per 2018 census)
Time: UTC + 7 (12 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time)
Country Phone Code: +855
Capital City: Phnom Penh (also the largest city)
Primary Religion: Theravada Buddhism

Cambodia's Difficult Past

Cambodia, home to the once-powerful Khmer Empire, has literally taken a beating in the last 500 years. Despite being the most dominant power in the region for centuries, Cambodia fell to Ayutthaya (modern-day Thailand) in the 15th century. Since then, a number of conflicts were fought in or around Cambodia, leaving far too many orphans, land mines, and unexploded ordinance behind.

Cambodia was made a protectorate of France between 1863 and 1953; further suffering was brought on by the Vietnam War. Pol Pot and his bloody Khmer Rouge are attributed with the deaths of over two million people between 1975 and 1979.

Along with war, a mending economy and extreme poverty gave rise to a real problem of corruption. Tourists who begin their Southeast Asia travels in Thailand often make the mistake of comparing Cambodia's infrastructure, cuisine, and other aspects of culture to what they experienced in Thailand.

Angkor Wat in Cambodia

Although there is much more to see when traveling in Cambodia, the ancient ruins of Angkor temples dating back to the 12th century are the crown jewel for tourism. Angkor Wat is considered the largest religious monument in the world and even appears on Cambodia's flag.

Located near modern-day Siem Reap, Angkor was the seat of the mighty Khmer Empire that peaked between the 9th and 15th centuries until the city was sacked in 1431. Today, Angkor Wat is protected as one of Southeast Asia's most impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Containing both Hindu and Buddhist temples spread over many miles of jungle, the bas-reliefs and statues depict scenes from mythology, providing a small glimpse of the ancient Khmer civilization. Although the main site is impressive, it is also perpetually busy—especially during high season between November and April. Fortunately, intrepid travelers still have the option to visit the many unrestored temples located away from the main site.

Getting to Cambodia

Cambodia has around a dozen overland border crossings with neighboring Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. But the easiest way to reach Cambodia with the least amount of hassle is via a budget flight to Siem Reap or the capital, Phnom Penh. Plenty of inexpensive flights are available from Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur .

If your primary plan is to see Angkor Wat, flying into Siem Reap is easiest, although flights tend to be more expensive relative to the short time spent in the air. Phnom Penh is connected to Siem Reap via bus (5–6 hours) and speedboat.

Cambodia Visa and Entry Requirements

A visa for Cambodia can be arranged online before travel via the Cambodian e-visa website . Citizens from many approved countries can also get a 30-day visa on arrival at the airport in Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. Visa on arrival is available at some of the major land border crossings but not all.

Two passport-sized photos are required as well as the application fee. The official price for a visa should be around US $30–35. Officials prefer if you pay the application fee in U.S. dollars. You may be charged more for paying in Thai baht.

Tip: Some of the oldest scams in Southeast Asia happen to travelers crossing into Cambodia. Border officials have been known to change the visa application fees on a whim; all prefer if you pay with U.S. dollars. If paying with Thai baht, be mindful of the exchange rate you are given and hold out for the official entry fee. Your change will be returned in Cambodian riels and subject to the exchange rate in an official's head. It's better to pay the exact fee if you can.

Money in Cambodia

The official currency in Cambodia is the Cambodian riel (KHR), but U.S. dollars are widely accepted and circulated. Both are accepted interchangeably, however, dollars are preferred in many cases. You'll see prices in urban and tourist areas quoted in dollars. Thai baht is used in some places, particularly nearer the borders.

Try to carry smaller denominations of Cambodian riel and U.S. dollars at all times. Horde your small change! Your U.S. dollars should be in relatively good condition without tears or excessive damage. Instead of U.S. coins, you'll usually be given change back in riel, meaning you'll have to keep an eye on whatever exchange rate is worked out for each transaction.

Western-networked ATMs are widespread throughout Cambodia; the most common networks are Cirrus, Maestro, and Plus. Expect to pay a fee between of up to $5 per transaction on top of whatever your bank charges. Credit cards are only accepted in large hotels and at some tour agencies. It's always safer to use cash (card skimming can be a problem in Cambodia) and stick to using ATMs in public places, ideally those attached to bank branches.

Like most of Asia, Cambodia has a culture of haggling . Prices for everything from souvenirs to hotel rooms can generally be negotiated. Plan to use up your Cambodian riel before leaving the country because it cannot be exchanged. The riel is practically useless outside of Cambodia.

Vaccinations for Cambodia

Although there are not any officially required vaccinations to enter Cambodia, you should have the usual, recommended vaccinations for Asia . Hep A, Hep B, typhoid, and tetanus (often combined with others into a Tdap vaccination) are generally recommended.

Mosquito-borne dengue fever is a serious problem in Cambodia. The vaccine for dengue fever is currently only recommended for people who have already had a bout of the fever. You should protect yourself by learning how to avoid mosquito bites.

When to Visit Cambodia

For the most part, Cambodia has two dominant seasons: wet and dry. Unless air conditioning is to blame, rarely will you ever be cold while in Cambodia. The dry season and peak months for visiting are between November and April. Temperatures in April can exceed 103 degrees Fahrenheit! The rain begins sometime in May or June after the hottest months to cool things down. Heavy monsoon rains make a lot of mud, shut down roads, and greatly contribute to the mosquito problem.

The best months for visiting Angkor Wat are also the busiest because of the number of sunny days. January typically has the least number of rainy days.

Cambodia Travel Tips

Avoid mentioning or asking questions that may cause locals to become uncomfortable. Controversial topics include: war, politics, the Khmer Rouge, the problem of land mines, and other subjects that could trigger dark memories.
Avoid supporting unsustainable practices such as child begging or the many children selling souvenirs to tourists. Don't buy souvenirs made from insects, shells, or wildlife; these cause further damage to the environment. Practicing sustainable travel is especially important in Cambodia.
The water in Cambodia is unsafe to drink. Bottled water can be purchased everywhere; always check the seal before drinking.
Although marijuana is very easy to find (you can order it on pizzas in Siem Reap), all drugs are illegal in Cambodia just as they are in Thailand.
Petty theft (most often in the form of motorbike-based bag snatching) can be a nuisance in Cambodia. Don't keep your smartphone sticking out of your pocket, and watch out for your purse or daybag while riding in tuk-tuks.
Although busy with tourism, Angkor Wat is still a religious monument used by worshippers. You will encounter many monks there. Dress appropriately and follow the usual rules of temple etiquette .
The entrance fees for Angkor Wat increased significantly in 2017. You can now pay for passes by credit card at the ticketing counter (hours: 05:30–5 p.m.). You'll need a single passport photo.

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS ARE IN PLACE FOR THIS COUNTRY

There are entry requirements for anyone who plans to travel to England from this country. Please check here for further information. Advice may vary in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

The information on these pages should be used to research health risks and to inform the pre-travel consultation.

Due to COVID-19, travel advice is subject to rapid change. Countries may change entry requirements and close their borders at very short notice. Travellers must ensure they check current Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice in addition to the FCDO specific country page (where available) which provides additional information on travel restrictions and entry requirements in addition to safety and security advice.

Travellers should ideally arrange an appointment with their health professional at least four to six weeks before travel. However, even if time is short, an appointment is still worthwhile. This appointment provides an opportunity to assess health risks taking into account a number of factors including destination, medical history, and planned activities. For those with pre-existing health problems, an earlier appointment is recommended.

All travellers should ensure they have adequate travel health insurance .

A list of useful resources including advice on how to reduce the risk of certain health problems is available below.

Food and water hygiene
Insect and tick bite avoidance
Personal safety
Sexually transmitted infections
Sun protection

Details of vaccination recommendations and requirements are provided below.

All travellers

Travellers should be up to date with routine vaccination courses and boosters as recommended in the UK . These vaccinations include for example measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine.

Country-specific diphtheria recommendations are not provided here. Diphtheria tetanus and polio are combined in a single vaccine in the UK. Therefore, when a tetanus booster is recommended for travellers, diphtheria vaccine is also given. Should there be an outbreak of diphtheria in a country, diphtheria vaccination guidance will be provided.

Those who may be at increased risk of an infectious disease due to their work, lifestyle choice, or certain underlying health problems should be up to date with additional recommended vaccines. See the individual chapters of the 'Green Book' Immunisation against infectious disease for further details.

Certificate requirements

Please read the information below carefully, as certificate requirements may be relevant to certain travellers only. For travellers further details, if required, should be sought from their healthcare professional.

There is no risk of yellow fever in Cambodia, however, there is a certificate requirement.
Under International Health Regulations, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
According to World Health Organization (WHO), from 11 July 2016 (for all countries), the yellow fever certificate will be valid for the duration of the life of the person vaccinated. As a consequence, a valid certificate, presented by arriving travellers, cannot be rejected on the grounds that more than ten years have passed since the date vaccination became effective as stated on the certificate; and that boosters or revaccination cannot be required.
View the WHO list of countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Most travellers

The vaccines in this section are recommended for most travellers visiting this country. Information on these vaccines can be found by clicking on the blue arrow. Vaccines are listed alphabetically.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a viral infection transmitted through contaminated food and water or by direct contact with an infectious person. Symptoms are often mild or absent in young children, but the disease can be more serious with advancing age. Recovery can vary from weeks to months. Following hepatitis A infection immunity is lifelong.

All travellers should take care with personal, food and water hygiene.

Hepatitis A vaccination

As hepatitis A vaccine is well tolerated and affords long-lasting protection, it is recommended for all previously unvaccinated travellers.

Hepatitis A in brief

Tetanus is caused by a toxin released from Clostridium tetani bacteria and occurs worldwide. Tetanus bacteria are present in soil and manure and may be introduced through open wounds such as a puncture wound, burn or scratch.

Travellers should thoroughly clean all wounds and seek medical attention for injuries such as animal bites/scratches, burns or wounds contaminated with soil.

Tetanus vaccination

Travellers should have completed a tetanus vaccination course according to the UK schedule.
If travelling to a country or area where medical facilities may be limited, a booster dose of a tetanus-containing vaccine is recommended if the last dose was more than ten years ago even if five doses of vaccine have been given previously.

Country-specific information on medical facilities may be found in the 'health' section of the FCDO foreign travel advice pages.

Tetanus in brief

Typhoid is a bacterial infection transmitted through contaminated food and water. Previous typhoid illness may only partially protect against re-infection.

Vaccination is recommended for most travellers, particularly travellers visiting friends and relatives, those in contact with an infected person, young children, frequent or long-stay travellers visiting areas where sanitation and food hygiene are likely to be poor, and laboratory personnel who may handle the bacteria for their work.

Typhoid vaccination

Oral and injectable typhoid vaccinations are available.

Typhoid in brief

Some travellers.

The vaccines in this section are recommended for some travellers visiting this country. Information on when these vaccines should be considered can be found by clicking on the arrow. Vaccines are listed alphabetically.

Cholera is a bacterial infection transmitted by contaminated food and water. Cholera can cause severe watery diarrhoea although mild infections are common. Most travellers are at low risk.

Cholera vaccination

This oral vaccine is recommended for those whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk. This includes:

aid workers.
those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to safe water and medical care.
those for whom vaccination is considered potentially beneficial.

Cholera in brief

Hepatitis b.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection spread through blood, semen and vaginal fluids. This mostly occurs during sexual contact or as a result of blood-to-blood contact (for example from contaminated equipment during medical and dental procedures, tattooing or body piercing procedures, and sharing of intravenous needles). Mothers with the virus can also pass on the infection to their baby during childbirth.

Hepatitis B in Cambodia

This country is considered to have an intermediate or high prevalence of hepatitis B.

Travellers should avoid contact with blood or body fluids. This includes:

Avoiding unprotected sexual intercourse.
Avoiding tattooing, piercing, public shaving, and acupuncture (unless sterile equipment is used).
Not sharing needles or other injection equipment.
Following universal precautions if working in a healthcare or other higher risk setting.

A sterile medical equipment kit may be helpful when travelling to resource poor areas.

Hepatitis B vaccination

Vaccination could be considered for all travellers and is recommended for those whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk. This includes:

Those who may have unprotected sex.
Those who may be exposed to contaminated needles through injecting drug use.
Those who may be exposed to blood or body fluids through their work (e.g. health and aid workers).
Those at high risk of requiring medical or dental procedures or hospitalisation e.g. those with pre-existing medical conditions, those who may require travelling for medical care abroad, or those travelling to visit families or relatives.
Long-stay travellers.
Those who are participating in contact sports.
Families adopting children from this country.

Hepatitis B in brief

Japanese encephalitis.

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a viral infection transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. These mosquitoes usually bite between dusk and dawn, mainly in rural areas; especially where there are rice fields, swamps and marshes. Mosquitoes become infected by biting JE infected animals (particularly pigs) or birds.

Travellers are at increased risk of infection when visiting rural areas. Short trips (usually less than a month) especially if only travelling to urban areas, are considered lower risk.

Japanese encephalitis in Cambodia

JE occurs countrywide. Transmission season is year-round, with most cases reported between May and October. Cases may be reported outside these months.

All travellers should avoid mosquito bites particularly between dusk and dawn.

Japanese encephalitis vaccination

Vaccination is recommended for those whose activities put them at increased risk (see above).
Vaccination could be considered for those on shorter trips if the risk is considered to be sufficient e.g. those spending time in areas where the mosquito breeds such as rice fields, marshlands, or pig farming areas.

Japanese encephalitis in brief

Rabies is a viral infection which is usually transmitted following contact with the saliva of an infected animal most often via a bite, scratch or lick to an open wound or mucous membrane (such as on the eye, nose or mouth). Although many different animals can transmit the virus, most cases follow a bite or scratch from an infected dog. In some parts of the world, bats are an important source of infection.

Rabies symptoms can take some time to develop, but when they do, the condition is almost always fatal.

The risk of exposure is increased by certain activities and length of stay (see below). Children are at increased risk as they are less likely to avoid contact with animals and to report a bite, scratch or lick.

Rabies in Cambodia

Rabies is considered a risk and has been reported in domestic animals in this country. Bats may also carry rabies-like viruses.

Travellers should avoid contact with all animals. Rabies is preventable with prompt post-exposure treatment.
Following a possible exposure, wounds should be thoroughly cleansed and an urgent local medical assessment sought, even if the wound appears trivial.
Post-exposure treatment and advice should be in accordance with national guidelines .

Rabies vaccination

A full course of pre-exposure vaccines simplifies and shortens the course of post-exposure treatment and removes the need for rabies immunoglobulin which is in short supply world-wide.

Pre-exposure vaccinations are recommended for travellers whose activities put them at increased risk including:

those at risk due to their work (e.g. laboratory staff working with the virus, those working with animals or health workers who may be caring for infected patients).
those travelling to areas where access to post-exposure treatment and medical care is limited.
those planning higher risk activities such as running or cycling.
long-stay travellers (more than one month).

Rabies in brief

Tuberculosis.

TB is a bacterial infection most commonly affecting the lungs but can affect any part of the body. When a person with TB in their lungs or throat coughs or sneezes they could pass TB on to other people. TB is curable but can be serious if not treated.

The BCG vaccination helps to protect some people, particularly babies and young children who are at increased risk from TB.

Tuberculosis in Cambodia

This country has reported an annual TB incidence of greater than or equal to 40 cases per 100,000 population at least once in the last five years ( further details ).

Travellers should avoid close contact with individuals known to have infectious pulmonary (lung) or laryngeal (throat) TB.

Those at risk during their work (such as healthcare workers) should take appropriate infection control and prevention precautions.

Tuberculosis (BCG) vaccination

BCG vaccine is recommended for those at increased risk of developing severe disease and/or of exposure to TB infection. See UK Health Security Agency Immunisation against infectious disease, the 'Green Book '.

For travellers, BCG vaccine is recommended for:

Unvaccinated, children under 16 years of age, who are going to live for more than 3 months in this country. A tuberculin skin test is required prior to vaccination for all children from 6 years of age and may be recommended for some younger children.
Unvaccinated, tuberculin skin test-negative individuals at risk due to their work such as healthcare or laboratory workers who have direct contact with TB patients or potentially infectious clinical material and vets and abattoir workers who handle animal material, which could be infected with TB.

There are specific contraindications to BCG vaccine. Health professionals must be trained and assessed as competent to administer this vaccine intradermally.

Following administration, no further vaccines should be administered in the same limb for 3 months.

The BCG vaccine is given once only, booster doses are not recommended.

Tuberculosis in brief

Malaria is a serious illness caused by infection of red blood cells with a parasite called Plasmodium. The disease is transmitted by mosquitoes which predominantly feed between dusk and dawn.

Symptoms usually begin with a fever (high temperature) of 38°C (100°F) or more. Other symptoms may include feeling cold and shivery, headache, nausea, vomiting and aching muscles. Symptoms may appear between eight days and one year after the infected mosquito bite.

Prompt diagnosis and treatment is required as people with malaria can deteriorate quickly. Those at higher risk of malaria, or of severe complications from malaria, include pregnant women, infants and young children, the elderly, travellers who do not have a functioning spleen and those visiting friends and relatives.

Travellers should follow an ABCD guide to preventing malaria:

A wareness of the risk – Risk depends on the specific location, season of travel, length of stay, activities and type of accommodation. B ite prevention – Travellers should take mosquito bite avoidance measures. C hemoprophylaxis – Travellers should take antimalarials (malaria prevention tablets) if appropriate for the area (see below). No antimalarials are 100% effective but taking them in combination with mosquito bite avoidance measures will give substantial protection against malaria. D iagnosis – Travellers who develop a fever of 38°C [100°F] or higher more than one week after being in a malaria risk area, or who develop any symptoms suggestive of malaria within a year of return should seek immediate medical care. Emergency standby treatment may be considered for those going to remote areas with limited access to medical attention.

There is a low risk of malaria in Cambodia: awareness of risk and bite avoidance recommended.
There is a very low risk of malaria in the temple complexes of Angkor Wat and around Lake Tonle Sap, including Siem Reap: awareness of risk and bite avoidance recommended.
There is no risk in Phnom Penh: bite avoidance recommended.
Mefloquine resistance is widespread in the western provinces of Cambodia bordering Thailand.

Special risk groups

In low risk areas, antimalarials may be considered in exceptional circumstances for travellers who are at higher risk of malaria (such as long term travellers visiting friends and relatives), or of severe complications from malaria (such as the elderly [over 70 years], the immunosuppressed, those with complex co-morbidities, pregnant women, infants and young children). The final decision whether or not to advise antimalarials rests with the travel health advisor and the traveller after individual risk assessment.

Travellers with an absent or poorly functioning spleen should be dissuaded from travel to any area with risk of malaria. Where travel is essential, awareness, rigorous bite avoidance and antimalarials should be advised even for the low risk areas. For the areas regarded as ‘very low’ malaria risk, antimalarials would not be advised, but bite avoidance and awareness of risk would still apply.

For special risk groups, you may wish to seek specialist advice. Atovaquone/proguanil OR doxycycline OR mefloquine would be suitable options for the low risk areas except in the western provinces of Cambodia bordering Thailand where atovaquone/proguanil OR doxycycline would be preferred.

Antimalarial recommendations map

Click on map to open in a new window
Malaria in brief
Malaria factsheet
Children's antimalarial dose table
Malaria prevention guidelines for travellers from the UK

There are some risks that are relevant to all travellers regardless of destination. These may for example include road traffic and other accidents, diseases transmitted by insects or ticks, diseases transmitted by contaminated food and water, sexually transmitted infections, or health issues related to the heat or cold.

Some additional risks (which may be present in all or part of this country) are mentioned below and are presented alphabetically. Select risk to expand information.

Biting insects or ticks

Insect or tick bites can cause irritation and infections of the skin at the site of a bite. They can also spread certain diseases.

Diseases in South-eastern Asia

There is a risk of insect or tick-borne diseases in some areas of South-eastern Asia. This includes diseases such as chikungunya , leishmaniasis and scrub typhus .

All travellers should avoid insect and tick bites day and night.
There are no vaccinations (or medications) to prevent these diseases.

Further information about specific insect or tick-borne diseases for this country can be found, if appropriate on this page, in other sections of the country information pages and the insect and tick bite avoidance factsheet .

Dengue is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes which mainly feed during daytime hours. It causes a flu-like illness, which can occasionally develop into a more serious life-threatening illness. Severe dengue is rare in travellers.

The mosquitoes that spread dengue are more common in towns, cities and surrounding areas.

Dengue in Cambodia

There is a risk of dengue in this country.

Travellers should avoid mosquito bites particularly during daytime hours.
A dengue vaccine is licensed in the UK for the prevention of dengue disease in individuals from 4 years of age. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and World Health Organization are in the process of reviewing the product information. Recommendations on the use of this vaccine will be published in due course.

Dengue in brief

Seasonal influenza is a viral infection of the respiratory tract and spreads easily from person to person via respiratory droplets when coughing and sneezing. Symptoms appear rapidly and include fever, muscle aches, headache, malaise (feeling unwell), cough, sore throat and a runny nose. In healthy individuals, symptoms improve without treatment within two to seven days. Severe illness is more common in those aged 65 years or over, those under 2 years of age, or those who have underlying medical conditions that increase their risk for complications of influenza.

Seasonal influenza in Cambodia

Seasonal influenza occurs throughout the world. In the northern hemisphere (including the UK), most influenza occurs from as early as October through to March. In the southern hemisphere, influenza mostly occurs between April and September. In the tropics, influenza can occur throughout the year.

All travellers should:

Avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals
Avoid crowded conditions where possible
Wash their hands frequently
Practise ‘cough hygiene’: sneezing or coughing into a tissue and promptly discarding it safely, and washing their hands
Avoid travel if unwell with influenza-like symptoms
A vaccine is available in certain circumstances (see below)*

*In the UK, seasonal influenza vaccine is offered routinely each year to those at higher risk of developing of severe disease following influenza infection, and certain additional groups such as healthcare workers and children as part of the UK national schedule (see information on vaccination ). For those who do not fall into these groups, vaccination may be available privately.

If individuals at higher risk of severe disease following influenza infection are travelling to a country when influenza is likely to be circulating they should ensure they received a flu vaccination in the previous 12 months.

The vaccine used in the UK protects against the strains predicted to occur during the winter months of the northern hemisphere. It is not possible to obtain vaccine for the southern hemisphere in the UK, but the vaccine used during the UK influenza season should still provide important protection against strains likely to occur during the southern hemisphere influenza season, and in the tropics.

Avian influenza

Avian influenza viruses can rarely infect and cause disease in humans. Such cases are usually associated with close exposure to infected bird or animal populations. Where appropriate, information on these will be available in the outbreaks and news sections of the relevant country pages. Seasonal influenza vaccines will not provide protection against avian influenza.

Avian influenza in brief

Outdoor air quality.

Poor air quality is a significant public health problem in many parts of the world. Exposure to high levels of air pollution over short time periods (e.g. minutes/hours/days) and longer time periods (e.g. years) is linked to many different acute and chronic health problems. These effects are mainly on the respiratory (lungs and airways) and cardiovascular (heart function and blood circulation) systems.

Current information on world air quality is available from the world air quality index project .

Travellers with health problems that might make them more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution who are travelling to areas of high pollution should:

discuss their travel plans with their doctor, and carry adequate supplies of their regular medication.
take sensible precautions to minimise their exposure to high levels of air pollution.
check local air quality data and amend their activities accordingly.
take notice of any health advisories published by the local Ministry of Health and Department for Environment, and follow the guidance provided.

It is unclear if face masks are beneficial at reducing exposure and may make breathing more difficult for those with pre-existing lung conditions. Those who choose to use one should make sure that the mask fits well and know how to wear it properly.

Outdoor air quality in brief

Schistosomiasis.

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection. Schistosoma larvae are released from infected freshwater snails and can penetrate intact human skin following contact with contaminated freshwater. Travellers may be exposed during activities such as wading, swimming, bathing or washing clothes in freshwater streams, rivers or lakes.

Schistosomiasis infection may cause no symptoms, but early symptoms can include a rash and itchy skin ('swimmer's itch'), fever, chills, cough, or muscle aches. If not treated, it can cause serious long term health problems such as intestinal or bladder disease.

Schistosomiasis in Cambodia

There is a risk of schistosomiasis in this country.

There is no vaccine or tablets to prevent schistosomiasis.
All travellers should avoid wading, swimming, or bathing in fresh water. Swimming in adequately chlorinated water or sea water is not a risk for schistosomiasis.
Drink water that is boiled, filtered or bottled.
Application of insect repellent before exposure to fresh water, or towel drying after possible exposure to schistosomiasis are not reliable in preventing infection.
All travellers who may have been exposed to schistosomiasis should have a health check to test for schistosomiasis infection.

Schistosomiasis in brief

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes which predominantly feed during daytime hours. A small number of cases of sexual transmission of ZIKV have also been reported. Most people infected with ZIKV have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they are usually mild and short-lived. Serious complications and deaths are not common. However, ZIKV is a cause of Congenital Zika Syndrome (microcephaly and other congenital anomalies) and neurological complications such as Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Zika virus in Cambodia

There is a risk of Zika virus in this country. Details of specific affected areas within this country are not available, but information on current outbreaks where available will be reported on our outbreak surveillance database.

Pregnant women should discuss the suitability of travel and the potential risk that Zika virus may present with their health care provider.

All travellers should avoid mosquito bites particularly during daytime hours.
There is no vaccination or medication to prevent Zika virus infection.
Women should avoid becoming pregnant while travelling in this country, and for 2 months (8 weeks) after their last possible Zika virus exposure* (see below if male partner has travelled).
If a woman develops symptoms compatible with Zika virus infection, it is recommended she avoids becoming pregnant for a further 2 months following recovery.
Women who visited this country while pregnant, or who become pregnant within 2 months after their last possible Zika virus exposure*, should contact their GP, obstetrician or midwife for further advice, even if they have not been unwell.

Please note screening of returning travellers without Zika virus symptoms is not available on the NHS. Couples planning pregnancy in the very near future should consider whether they should avoid travel to a country or area with risk of Zika virus, rather than delay conception for the recommended period (see below) after travel. This particularly includes couples in assisted fertility programmes.

Prevention of sexual transmission

Couples should follow guidance on prevention of sexual transmission of Zika virus and avoid conception as follows:

If both partners travelled, for 3 months after last possible Zika virus exposure.*
Male traveller only, for 3 months after last possible Zika virus exposure.*
Female traveller only, for 2 months after last possible Zika virus exposure.*

See further information for pregnant women, their partners and couples planning pregnancy .

*Last possible Zika virus exposure is defined as the later of either the date of leaving a country or area with risk for Zika virus transmission, or the date on which unprotected sexual contact with a potentially infectious partner took place.

See detailed guidance on factors to consider when assessing the risk of Zika virus.

Zika virus in brief

COVID-19 disease is caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV2. The main symptoms of COVID-19 are a new continuous cough, a high temperature, and a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell. Symptoms range from mild to life-threatening. Older people and those with underlying health problems are more likely to develop severe disease.

COVID-19 is spread through close contact with people who have the virus. It is mainly transmitted from person to person by breathing in droplets produced when someone infected with the virus breathes, speaks, coughs or sneezes. It is also spread by touching the infected droplets on surfaces, then touching the eyes, nose or mouth.

COVID-19 vaccines provide high levels of protection against severe illness, hospitalisation, or dying from the virus. Vaccination against COVID-19 reduces, but does not eliminate the risk of infection, so social distancing and personal and respiratory hygiene remain important interventions, particularly during overseas travel.

Travellers should always check the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice and their country-specific pages for the latest COVID-19 travel advisories which may include information on travel restrictions, quarantine, COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements. This includes considering the recommendations and requirements for any transit countries.

Travellers should be aware that COVID-19 case numbers in individual countries/areas can increase rapidly, and healthcare capacity and country requirements can change at short notice.

COVID-19 in Cambodia

Most countries worldwide present a risk of exposure to COVID-19. The risk of COVID-19, public health policy, and travel advice or restrictions may change quickly, therefore travellers should ensure they have access to up to date information on COVID-19 and be prepared for rapid changes in guidance both before and during travel.

All travellers should check the FCDO travel advice and carefully consider their personal situation and risks of COVID-19 before travel to this country. This is particularly important in those at higher risk from COVID-19 who may wish to seek medical advice before travel.

Individuals entering or returning to the UK may be required to follow additional UK border measures .

If travelling to this country, travellers should:

Consider the risk at all destinations including any transit countries, and the risk during travel itself.
Check with the airline/tour operator about preventive measures in place to reduce risk during travel.
Follow the latest guidance on social distancing and face coverings, including any local requirements and maintain good hand, respiratory, and personal hygiene at all times. This may be particularly important if staying with friends and family.
Ensure they are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination courses and boosters as recommended in the UK vaccination programme.

See guidance on factors to consider when assessing the risk of COVID-19 for travellers .

If travellers develop COVID-19 symptoms while abroad, they should:

Follow local guidelines on self-isolation, testing and avoiding travel.
Contact their travel insurance provider.
Seek medical advice if needed.

COVID-19 in brief

Lunar New Year: Travel advice

Celebrating the Lunar New Year abroad? Lunar New Year is a public holiday celebrated across several days in many countries worldwide

Changes to the Country Information pages: Zika

NaTHNaC has reviewed and updated country-specific Zika information and prevention advice

Malaria: a reminder for travellers over the winter holiday season

Advice for travellers and health professionals about malaria

Using information collated from a variety of sources, we regularly review and update information on overseas disease outbreaks and other health issues that may affect the UK traveller.

Please note that not all cases of disease or outbreaks are reported ; some diseases may only be reported if they occur outside of the usual recognised risk area or season, or they have been reported in greater than usual numbers.

Further information on the Outbreak Surveillance section.

Foreign travel advice

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Before you travel check that:

your destination can provide the healthcare you may need

you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 119 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

check the latest vaccine recommendations for Cambodia
see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .

Healthcare in Cambodia

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Cambodia where some staff will speak English.

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Cambodia.

COVID-19 healthcare in Cambodia

If you think you have COVID-19 symptoms, dial +855 (0)12825424 and local authorities will be able to advise you on what action you should take.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .

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Cambodia travel tips and advice – A complete guide

We’ve spent over 6 months in Cambodia and we’ve put that experience into our Cambodia travel tips and advice guide. Cambodia is such a beautiful country to travel, from it’s beautiful beaches, temples and largely untouched landscape make it a fascinating country to explore. Despite it’s challenging history, the local people are kind and welcoming and it is easy to get lost in the countries natural charm. This travel guide contains all the Cambodia travel tips and advice you need to plan your dream trip and enjoy your Cambodian adventure.

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For more information, please see our disclaimer here .

Cambodia travl tips and advice is a complete guide to travelling in Cambodia. A beautiful country full of culture, there is so much to see and do. #travel #siemreap #beaches #thingstodoin #killingfields #angkorwat #travellerswithtime

Is Cambodia worth visiting?

Although Cambodia is one one of the poorest countries compared to others in South East Asia, there is nothing like Cambodian hospitality and kindness and fell in love with the country on my first trip here. Cambodia is absolutely worth visiting.

Cambodian currency and money

Local currency – The Cambodian Currency is called the Riel, however most transactions will take place in US Dollars. When you pay in USD, any small change will be given in Riel. ATMS – ATMS are wide spread in most major cities and urban areas. Credit and Debit Cards – These are accepted in most tourist areas and by larger businesses and hotels, however have cash just in case. Small businesses will not accept credit cards.

Cambodia travel tips and advice : Be careful when using ATM’s as card skimming is quite common in Cambodia, as a result of this it is always use an ATM that is in a busy place or inside a bank.

Sample Costs in Cambodia (USD)

Accommodation

Budget Mid-Range High End $4-9 USD $10-30 USD $30 USD and up

Food and Drink

Street Food Restaurant or foreign food Beer $1-$3 USD $4-10 USD $1.00 USD for local beer

General daily budgets

As with most South East Asian countries, Cambodia can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be. Your daily budget will be affected by the cities and areas you visit, the types of accommodation you stay in, whether you eat local or foreign food and the activities and tours you do. The following guidelines are per person and in US dollars.

Budget Mid-Range High End $15-40 $40-70 $70 +

Getting to Cambodia

Arriving by plane.

Most international flights will arrive at either Phnom Penh International Airport in the east, or Siem Reap International Airport in the west although you may also be able to fly into Sihanoukville airport, in the South, from a limited number of Asian countries.

Land crossing from Vietnam, Laos or Thailand

There are many land crossings between Cambodia and the surrounding countries of Vietnam, Laos and Thailand. Buses into Cambodia can be booked in advance with 12Go , or from the nearest large city, or from closer border towns.

Travel tips for Cambodia – When crossing on a tourist bus, as opposed to a local bus, you will often find the bus driver and staff have their own efficient way of speeding up the immigration process. On a bus from Vietnam for example, the bus attendant will take your passport once the bus is moving. At this point, you can let them know you need a Visa on arrival, and they will facilitate this for you.

Getting a Cambodia Visa

Cambodian Visa’s on arrival are issued at international airports and border crossings. The visa on arrival is a 30 day visa and it is advisable to check your personal visa requirements before attempting to enter Cambodia. If you’re catching a bus into the country, also make sure that the border you are crossing can issue your visa on arrival. The bus company should be able to tell you this alternatively the tour bus companies will often help guide you and facilitate your border crossing for an additional fee and it is often useful to use this service.

I was travelling alone my first time in Cambodia and my tuk tuk driver organized by bus ticket to Vietnam. He was lovely and meant well but the bus was full of locals who had all organized their own pick up from the Vietnam bus station prior to boarding the bus. The bus went to a bus station about an hour outside the city and when we arrived I had no way of getting from the bus station to my hostel. Obviously not the end of the world but not ideal after a long day.

Looking for an itinerary if you only have one week in Cambodia ?

Getting around Cambodia

Local travel.

Motorbike taxi is great for short trips, be sure to agree on a price before you leave. Local buses are a fantastic way to interact with locals Grab/PassApp is readily available in the larger cities of Cambodia. You can choose a motorbike or car. Metered taxis are a safe and reliable way to go travel short distances, particularly at night. Remork-moto (known as tuk tuks in Thailand) can often be found throughout the country. Cyclo or bicycle rickshaw is an inexpensive way to get around in the cities.

Cambodia travel tips and advice -tuk tuk, man riding on the back of potato sacks on truck

Long Distance travel

Buses and mini vans can be booked to take you to your next destination. In larger cities this is easy to do via tour agencies, otherwise your accommodation can often organise this for you.

Plane With 17 airports, domestic flights in Cambodia are a cheap and fast method of getting around the country.

Cambodia Travel Advice

Planning your cambodia travel itinerary.

The main tourist areas in Cambodia tend to be split between the far west (Battambang and Siem Reap) and the east (Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Koh Rong, Kratie etc). Below is a list of some of the best places to visit in Cambodia and what to do while you’re there to help you plan your itinerary.

Places to go and things to do in Cambodia

If you’re still in the planning stages, don’t forget to check out our guide on planning a South East Asia trip.

Located in north western Cambodia, Siem Reap is the town from which you can explore the Temples of Angkor. A bustling hub of tourism, there is plenty to see and do moreover it is possible to find a range of activities to suit all bugets and requirements.

Things to do in Siem Reap

Visit the Ankgor Archaeological Park and explore the ancient temples of Siem Reap
Explore the modern temples located around the city
See performances of traditional dance
An small group tour of Ankgor is a fantastic way to explore the temples
Try eating insects and other local delicacies like snake and scorpion

Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s busy capital city and economic, industrial and cultural center. Located at the junction of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, its riverfront is lined with bars and restaurants. Phnom Penh is also home to some of Cambodia’s most devastating historical museums and monuments.

Cambodia travel tips and advice - The Royal Palace grounds in Phnom Penh

Things to do in Phnom Penh

Visit the National Museum of Cambodia
Wonder through the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide Crimes, the S21 prison.
Listen to audio as you walk through the Choeung Ek killing fields.
Visit Wat Phnom
Explore the Phnom Penh Zoo , known as Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center
See the Independence Monument
Visit he Royal Palace

We’ve put together a post on the dress code for the Royal Palace and other cultural attractions.

The Islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem

Cambodia is home to some of the most beautiful islands in South East Asia, Koh Rong, Koh Rong Sanloem. Koh Rong, the second largest island of Cambodia, located about 25km south of Sihanoukville, and is known for its beautiful beaches and coral reefs and lush jungle interior. Koh Rong Sanloem can be found 4km south of Koh Rong.

Things to do in Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem

Relax on the beautiful white sand beaches
Explore the depths while diving or snorkeling
Do a day tour to explore the island
Go hiking in the Jungle
Kayak to smaller nearby islands
Experience swimming with bio-luminescent plankton

Cambodia travel tips and advice - Temples at Mt Banan

Battambang is home to some of the best preserved early 20 th century French architecture in Cambodia. Combine this with all the benefits of a modern city, a small town feel and cafes, coffee and cuisine similar to what you could get at home and you have a wonderfully relaxing place to spend a few days.

Things to do in Battambang

Take a tuk tuk tour of Battambang to explore What Ek Phnom, Phnon Banan Temple and Phnom Sampov
See the Damrey Sor Pagoda
Wander through the Battambang Provincial Museum
See the Phare Ponleu Selpak performing arts show

Characterised by rolling grassy hills, pine groves and rainforests, Mondulkiri is home to some great conservation projects, it is the most sparsly populated region in Cambodia. Here you have a higher chance of seeing wildlife than anywhere else in Cambodia.

Things to do in Mondulkiri

Witness the power of the Boo Sra waterfall
Swim in the Monorom Falls waterhole
Visit the Elephant Valley Project where sick and injured elephants find sancturary
Spend time at the Phnom Prich Wildlife sanctuary

The relaxing, riverside setting of Kampot is the perfect base to explore the south east of the country. Known for its pepper plantations and salt fields and its old French architecture, most people will come to Kampot to simply relax and take a break from the busyness of the rest of the country

Things to do in Kampot

Explore the Bokor National Park
Visit the Bokor Hill Station
Explore the river by Kayak or paddle board
Visit salt fields and pepper plantations
Wander through the Kampot Caves located just outside of town

Located north of Phnom Penh, and situated beside the Mekong River, Kratie is a lively town. The main attraction is the opportunity to see the few remaining Irradwaddy Dolphins in their natural environment.

Things to do in Kratie

Kayak or boat (I’ve done both and Kayak is definitely better as the dolphins are not running from the boat) to see the Irrawaddy Dolphin
Explore the Mekong Discovery trail with a tour
Visit the Phnom Sambok Pagoda

Things to know before travelling to Cambodia

Cambodia travel tips and advice .

There are a few important things to know before travelling to Cambodia. While some of them will help you while you’re there, others will give you time to think and prepare yourself mentally.

What is the best time of year to visit Cambodia?

Peak season in Cambodia is between December and February when temperatures are lower and there is minimal rain. The rest of the year, however, has a lot to offer weather wise. Check out our post on dry season in Cambodia , and learn the benefits of travelling in rainy season.

Cambodia travel warnings

Is cambodia safe.

Generally speaking, Cambodia is a safe country for tourist, however there are a few common issues that can occur. The US Government have Cambodia listed at the lowest risk level, advising people to exercise normal precautions.

Cambodia warnings and dangers

In areas such as Phnom Penh, bag snatching is a real risk. Make sure you keep your valuables secured to you at all times. Be particularly careful in tuk tuks and on motorbikes. It is not uncommon to hear stories of travellers who put their bags at their feet in a tuk tuk, only to have them snatched by someone on the back of a motorbike. It is also advisable not to walk alone late at night, especially if you’ve been drinking.

There are still land mines and unexploded devices in some distant parts of tourist areas such as Siem Reap, Battambang, Pursat, Banteay Meanchey, Pailin and Kampong Thom provines. All this means for tourists is that you don’t go wandering off the beaten track, onto rural land in these areas.

Cambodia has a dark recent history

skulls in the Remembrance Stupa at the Killing Fields

If you’ve spend any time looking into the country you’ll no doubt know about some of the recent difficulties the country has faced. Once in Cambodia you’ll have the opportunity to witness what went on there for yourself by visiting places like the Killing Fields and S21 Prison in Phnom Penh. These, and other places like them around the country are difficult to witness.

While they are ‘tourist attractions’ they are more than that. The mood is solemn and people tend to drift apart from their friends, take their time and process the reality in their own way.

It is considered appropriate to dress respectfully when you visit such sites as they are memorials to the millions of people who were killed. This means knees and shoulders covered. You’ll find all but a few people do this. You’re definitely the odd one out if you don’t.

Poverty and children

It is hard to miss the poverty, the children working, the hungry children. Especially if you venture into the more rural and less touristic areas. It can be heart breaking. We are not experts and so we have no idea whether we do the right thing, but as a general rule I personally choose never to pay children for anything. Yes, that may be the families only source of income, and yes, I may be depriving them of it (argh) but I just can’t do it. I will pay the mother for the same service, but not the child. This is a decision you will have to make for yourself.

Cambodia travel tips and advice : A lovely gentleman in Vietnam once told me that if in doubt, buy the child an ice cream. He said all kids like ice cream, they’ve got some food inside them and it can’t be taken away.

Tips for the budget savvy

– Cities are more expensive than less touristy areas so head off the beaten path and explore more of the country – Foreign meals vary in price but are substantially more expensive than local food so if you’re watching your budget, explore local restaurants. – If you’re planning on doing tours try booking them yourself rather than having your hotel or guesthouse book them for you. This can save you a lot of money but may be a little more hassle.

Haggling (bargaining) in Cambodia

As opposed to Vietnam where bargaining is expected, Cambodia is a lot less ruthless about it. You will absolutely have to bargain when you purchase items at markets, but they don’t hold out for too long. Taxi’s, remork-motos and cyclo’s however, require a bit more bargainng skill and effort.

Cambodia travel tips and advice – Make sure you agree on a price for a services such as a transport before you get in otherwise you’re in for a long and difficult negotiation at the end.

While Cambodia is developing rapidly it is still quite a conservative country and visitors should try to follow local customs. Don’t wear revealing clothing to temples and religious sites.

Cambodian foods to try

A delicious dish of fish and coconut curry cooked in banana leaves, Fish Amok is an authentic Khmer street food, to enhance the flavour, herbs such as lemongrass, kefir lime and turmeric are added.

Deliciously juicy beef served with salad of fresh tomato, lettuce, onion and raw cucumber and then seasoned with lime juice and pepper. Lok Lak is delicious.

Exploring a cultures cuisine is a great way to learn about a country. Why not try a Cambodian cooking class where you can learn how to make some of Cambodia’s most popular dishes?

Planning a trip to South East Asia? This is how we do it

Find flights through Skyscanner or Expedia
Book the first few nights accommodation
Get travel insurance

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. We earn a small commission on items you purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you.

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Cambodia travel tips and advice to help you plan the ultimate trip, from setting budgets to planning your itinerary and deciding what to do. #cambodiatravel #thingstodo #guide #budget

About Christine

Christine and her partner Ben have spent the last few years traveling through New Zealand and then Europe by campervan. They travel with their dog Alisa, who they adopted in Croatia. You'll find them exploring old cities, hiking through National Parks, and taking unforgettable road trips.

22 Cambodia Travel Tips: Things To Know Before Traveling To Cambodia

Traveling to Cambodia? Maybe you’re making plans too? To help you get prepared for your upcoming visit, we have a few essential Cambodia travel tips just below. From the best time to visit Cambodia, to what to see and what you should skip, and a helpful etiquette list, after you read our below things to know before traveling to Cambodia, you’ll be more than ready for your amazing Cambodia adventure.

Cambodia Travel Tips

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1. There Are Two Forms of Cambodian Currency

Yup! You read that correctly. Two forms. First up on our Cambodia travel tips is money. Kinda important right?

While the official currency of Cambodia is the Riel, US dollars (USD) are widely used throughout the country too. While street vendors, shop owners as well as restaurants will have prices shown in the Cambodian Riel, you can pay in US dollars, no problem.

Cambodia Travel Tips: When using U.S. dollars, but sure the bills are not torn in any way. If the bill is damaged (torn or has writing on it), more often than not, Cambodians will refuse to accept bills in damaged form.

Just be prepared that when you pay for something using one currency, you’ll more than likely get a mix of both U.S. dollars and Cambodian Riel in return as your change.

While this can add to the confusion, to avoid any potential scams , just make sure you know the Riel to the USD exchange rate so you can be sure you are getting back the appropriate amount of change back. During our trip, the standard exchange rate across the country was $1 USD to 4,000 Cambodian Riel, which thankfully makes for a pretty easy to use for conversion to do in your head.

Check out our Cambodia Itinerary to allow us to help you plan your visit to Cambodia!

2. Getting Your Cambodia Visa on Arrival Is Easy

No need to apply ahead of time (if you don’t want to), you can get your visa on arrival for Cambodia when you land at either Siem Reap International Airport or Phnom Penh International Airport. Also, visa on arrivals is eligible at select border crossings for those who are traveling overland to and from Cambodia.

Cambodia’s visa on arrival costs $30 USD and is good for 30 days starting on your date of entry into the country. You’ll need:

$30 USD in cash (not debit cards, checks or credit cards)
A passport-size photo that meets passport photo requirements
A valid passport that has enough pages for stamps and does not expire within 6 months.

If you are wanting to apply for a visa ahead of time, Cambodia does offer eVisa’s. You can visit Cambodia’s official eVisa site and follow the steps of the application. Just know that an eVisa is not instantaneous and requires several days for processing.

As always, before visiting any country, be sure you check an official government website to understand the country’s specific entry and visa requirements. Things and policies change, so just make sure you come prepared with the proper documentation.

3. Transportation Moves On Cambodian Time

Our advice to you. Be patient. Patience is key when traveling around Cambodia. Sometimes things leave on time, but more times, they don’t. Just know it’s out of your control and you’ll arrive at your next destination when you arrive.

The best way to get around Cambodia is via tuk-tuks and busses. Tuk-tuks are great for getting you around town when things are a little too far to walk to whereas busses are the most popular form and best way to get to your next city or town.

Be sure to book your transportation a few days ahead of time to ensure you get the day and time you want. BookMeBus and 12GoAsia are great sites to check out the latest transportation timetables and prices.

4. Do Not Drink The Tap Water

It should go without saying, but just to cover the basics, DO NOT drink tap water in Cambodia. Also, be careful when brushing your teeth and showering too. A little accidental drop of water you sallow can lead to big stomach troubles later.

5. Know When It’s The Best Time To Visit Cambodia

Understand that when planning your trip to Cambodia, there are two seasons in Cambodia, wet and dry.

The wet season is caused by the Southwest Monsoon bringing rain to the country from late May to September . The best time to visit Cambodia, in terms of no rain, is from October to early May .

From October to early May, cities like Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Battambang, Sihanoukville, and the islands of Cambodia are rain-free but oh, so hot! Like SOOOOO HOT. Also, these months are considered peak season meaning more people and higher prices.

If you are looking to save a few dollars, look into visiting Cambodia during its rainy season or its shoulder season. Sure, it may be difficult to get around at times, but the scenery will be lush and the tourists will be fewer.

6. Make Sure Not To Skip Cambodia’s Beaches

When most people think of beaches in Southeast Asia, Indonesia and Thailand come to mind. However, Cambodia is home to some amazing beaches and islands, two of which are Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem.

To get to the islands of Cambodia, you can catch a ferry from Sihanoukville. From parties and bioluminescent plankton to quiet strolls and amazing stars, spending a few days on a Cambodian island should be a must-do when visiting Cambodia.

7. Do Make Sure To Skip Sihanoukville

The only reason you should go to Sihanoukville is to leave Sihanoukville. Sihanoukville is far from pleasant (in our opinion) and should only be visited to catch a ferry to the Cambodian Islands.

Why is Sihanoukville so unpleasant? It’s loud, dirty, full of bad casinos, and offers nothing to see or do of worth. It sounds harsh, but it’s true. If you are limited or time or even looking to see the best of Cambodia, we advise skipping Sihanoukville at all costs.

8. You’ll Need To Cover Up When Visiting Temples

While popular temples in Cambodia may look like piles of ruins to us, they are important sights for practicing Buddhists.

For women, their shoulders, chest, and knees must be covered to gain access to the temples. Plan to pack a scarf or sarong that you can easily wrap around your waist or drape over your shoulders to cover your “revealing” parts.
For men, tank tops are not permitted and in some cases, men are also required to cover their knees.
For all genders, shoes must be removed before stepping foot inside of temples.

9. Yes, Angkor Wat Is Worth It, But Crowded

You have failed big time if you skip Angkor Wat when traveling to Cambodia. A visit to Angkor Wat is worth every penny. You’ll want to a lot at least one day to visit Angkor Wat and its archeological site. Also, seeing the sunrise over Angkor Wat is great, but is beyond crowded with tourists. You’ll be lucky to get a good seat or view to see the sunrise, so even though we enjoyed it, it’s definitely a little chaotic. Just plan ahead and you’ll have no problem.

Check out our guide to visiting Angkor Wat at sunrise as well as our itinerary and planning guide to ensure you see the best temples in Angkor Wats Archeological Site.

10. Is Cambodia Cheap?

Yes and no. It depends on the type of traveler you are and what you want to do.

For those looking to keep it cheap, Cambodia definitely has cheap eats (street food) and budget accommodations for you to choose from. While it’s a blast, be prepared to spend some money when partying your way down Pub Street or paying to visit Angkor Wat.

For those not really on any sort of budget and just looking to experience the country, there are amazing restaurants and cocktail lounges, guided tours , and accommodations for you to choose from, especially near Angor Wat, where folks can beat the heat in amazing pools .

Long story short, yes, Cambodia is cheap but also has fine dining and luxurious accommodations as well.

11. Cambodia is Safe, But Scams Still Happen

Be Aware of Your Belongings. Out of all the countries we’ve been to in Southeast Asia, we were never reminded more to “watch out for our belongings” like we were in Cambodia. The people that reminded us the most to watch our belongings were the locals themselves!

We were told handfuls of times to not record videos while we were riding in tuk-tuks as our drivers informed us, “thieves look for opportunities like these to drive by and grab your phone.” We’d be lying if we said this didn’t make us nervous. However, we’re not here to scare you! We are happy to report that we ran into no issues whatsoever!

However, we were smart and listened to the folks who were trying to keep us safe.

Cambodia Travel Tips for Safety:

Keep your phones out of site when not in use.
If you are traveling with a bag, make sure the bag goes across your body versus just casually strapped over one shoulder.
Never put anything in your back pockets (i.e phone, wallet, etc.). Make sure they are zipped away or in your front pockets.
Only carry what you need on you aka leave the passport locked up in the room with all your extra cash
When purchasing something, open your wallet discretely. You don’t want to show people how much money you have on you.

Theft does not happen only in Cambodia. Theft can happen anywhere! Duh, right? Just be smart and aware and you’ll have nothing to worry about.

Don’t Buy Anything From Children

As much as you want to, don’t. It’s awful and hard with those cute little faces begging you, but please, don’t. We know, we know you think you are doing a good deed, but you’re not. These kids are pulled out of school to come into the city and sell cheap trinkets.

It’s so important not to buy souvenirs from these kids as it devalues education for them. Rather than going to school, families think using their kids to make money is more valuable than them getting an education.

The Food Scam

There you are, walking down the street on the hunt for some tasty Khmer food when all of a sudden, you’re approached by a small, cute hungry child telling you how they don’t want any more, they just want a meal.

Seems 100% legit and something you can do to make the world a better place – feed a hungry child. The child points in the direction of a restaurant. THIS IS WHERE YOU STOP. STOP RIGHT NOW.

The scam begins the moment you agree to this innocent request. The kid is in cahoots with the restaurant. You’ll go to the restaurant and be hit with a MASSIVE bill and be forced to pay it . The restaurant and the kid split the profit when you leave.

The Baby Milk Scam

If you thought being approached by a hungry kid was hard, wait till you are approached by a mom, a toddler, and an infant. Woof, we get sad just thinking about it. Here’s how it goes…

As we said, you’ll get approached by a mother holding a very tiny, not-fussy infant asking you to buy formula for her baby. You may find it odd that a seemingly starving child isn’t making a peep or even moving that much but the humanitarian in you overrides and you agree. She’ll point to a mini-mart where you’ll pay $20 – $30 USD for a can of baby formula.

After you leave, feeling like the good Samaritan of the year, the money you just paid is split between the store owner and the girl. In addition, that non-fussy baby is likely being drugged to keep it calm during the formula negotiations.

You can honestly google both of these scams and read about them as there are so many stories out there. The big thing with both of these scams is to politely decline and keep walking.

The Motorbike Theft Scam

One of the best ways to get around Cambodia is by renting a scooter or motorbike because they are so easy to ride and cheap to reserve. However, scams have been popping up over the years regarding motorbike rentals and theft.

Once you rent a motorbike, someone will follow you. Once you leave your bike parked, someone following you will steal your bike leaving you with your bill to replace it with the rental company. The person who stole your bike is working with the motorbike rental company and both are looking to make a profit off of you.

Always rent from a reputable company or your accommodation to avoid this scam from potentially happening to you.

Cambodia Travel Tips: The scams listed here are not the only ones operating in the country. Keep your belongings close by and be wary and border crossings and always listen to your gut. If something doesn’t feel or seem right, it’s probably not. Politely decline any offer and remove yourself from the situation and under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you ever give any person or police your passport.

12. Keep To The Main Paths In Rural Areas

Probably one of our most important Cambodia travel tips. Why? Landmines. Due to conflicts of the past, The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) estimates there may be as many as four to six million active landmines in Cambodia.

So when traveling in rural Cambodia, stay on main walking and hiking paths and pay attention to signs. It’s a sad fact, but Cambodia ranks among the highest numbers of amputees caused by unknowingly standing on an active landmine.

13. Avoid Animal Tourism in Cambodia

Let us be VERY clear, under NO circumstances should you ever ride an elephant. Never ever. One of the most popular activities in all Cambodia is seeing Angkor Wat by the back of an elephant. Please do not partake. An elephant is not meant to be ridden. Physically, they are not made for it. Animals, such as elephants, suffer extraordinary bodily harm for the sake of pleasing tourists. Don’t be that tourist.

If you want to interact with animals when traveling aboard, DUE YOUR RESEARCH and ensure the company is ethically responsible, not only for the animals but uses fair labor practices and employing the services of local people responsibly.

14. You Can Bargain and Haggle

Who doesn’t love a good bargain? While haggling may be frowned upon in your home country, you can haggle away in Cambodia. Places like hotels, malls, and restaurants are of course a no-go for haggling, but when shopping in local markets, go on and get your haggle on.

15. Where To Get Money

When you land at either Siem Reap or Phnom Penh airports, you can get money out at the ATMs that you’ll find available in the airports themselves. Once in the streets of Cambodia, there are ATMs scattered about larger cities.

If you are planning to visit the islands, be sure to withdraw money ahead of time as many of the islands do not have ATMs as of yet.

Cambodia Travel Tips: When withdrawing money from ATMs, you’ll pay a foreign transaction and ATM fee. To avoid adding incremental costs, look for debit cards that offer 0 foreign and ATM fees. For us, we used Charles Schwab Debit Card and saved loads in unnecessary transaction fees.

16. Do You Tip In Cambodia?

Cambodia tip for tipping in Cambodia is this, it is tips are not expected but are appreciated. The country of Cambodia is poor and with workers making low wages, a few extra Riel left behind goes a long way for some workers.

For restaurants, spas, and tour guides 10% is a good rule. Of course, if the service is exceptional, feel free to give more! If a hotel employee, tuk-tuk driver, or cab driver goes out of their way in helping you with bags or recommendations for the area, feel free to tip but it is not expected .

17. Learn About The Cambodian Genocide Before Traveling To Cambodia

Before traveling to Cambodia, educate yourself on recent Cambodian history and the country’s dark past. Seriously, do it. During the ’70s the country went through one of the worst genocides in modern history . It is estimated that about 2 million Cambodians were killed during the 4-year reign of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge .

If you plan to visit The Killing Fields or S21 , we recommend learning more about those events prior to your visit. Be warned, it’s an intense place but something we firmly believe everyone should see and be educated on during their visit to Cambodia.

Cambodia Travel Tips: Before visiting Cambodia, you can actually do your research ahead of time by reading the book First They Killed My Father . It’s a difficult read but provides a first-hand account of what one family endured during Pol Pot’s reign of terror.

18. Learn A Little About Cambodia Etiquette

What’s considered rude or polite in Cambodia may differ widely then what is considered rude or polite in your home country. Cambodia is a Buddhist country that appreciates modest behavior, action, and dress. Along with this, a few other things

Ease up on the public displays of affection and arguing in public
Don’t take photos of locals without their permission
Avoid using your left hand to hand someone something
Show respect by giving and receiving objects with both of your hands versus just one
Don’t point, use your open hand to direct
Remove your shoes when entering homes or temples
Dress appropriately when visiting temples aka shoulders and knees covered.
Women, in particular, should not sit too close to Monks or touch them.

19. If You Want To Volunteer In Cambodia, Do Your Research

One of our biggest Cambodia travel tips for you is to research and vet any potential organization you want to volunteer at!

Orphanage tourism boomed in Cambodia after Angelina Jolie and her family adopted their first child from here. Since then, fake orphanages have been popping up all over the country. These “organizations” exploit children all in the hopes of shuffling westerns into their “orphanages.” These orphanages are FAKE but play the part of a real-life orphanages in the hopes of getting donations from tourists .

If you plan on volunteering, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do your research and donate your time and/or money to a legit organization that will help children. We found an amazing organization in Battambang, Cambodia called BOVA.

You can learn more about volunteering, how to donate, and the amazing man that runs it here: Volunteering at an Orphanage in Cambodia . If you are unsure about your organization, please vet your volunteering organization and work through an organization like ConCERT , and Environment and Responsible Tourism NGOs.

20. You May Want To Get Vaccinations for Cambodia

While there are no legal requirements to get the below vaccinations for Cambodia, it would be a little silly of you not at least consider them. For example, you can get typhoid through contaminated food and water and if you cut yourself on a rusty patch, the potential ailments brought on by bacteria can be prevented with a tetanus shot.

Really and truly, these are just preventive measures you can control to add a little extra layer of safety to your trip. Peace of mind is never a bad thing.

Check with your country’s CDC to get a list of vaccinations that are deemed wise to have before visiting foreign countries.

21. What’s the Language Of Cambodia?

The official language of Cambodia is Khmer. However, to our surprise, a lot of people spoke English …. and they spoke it well! To those of you who may be worried about a language barrier, don’t be in Cambodia. Everyone is so kind, and helpful and they speak English like it’s their first language.

However, a little Khmer goes a long way with these people. Brush up on hello and thank you and you’re sure to be a hit!

Hello – Sou sdey (pronounced like sou-saday)
Thank you– Ah Kun (pronounced like ah-koon)

22. Just Know Cambodia Is Amazing

Last and certainly not least in our Cambodia travel tips is a simple fact that Cambodia itself. It’s amazing. It’s packed with history, home to unbelievably scenic places and within its borders resides some of the kindest people we have ever had the pleasure of meeting. We have no doubt in our mind that you’ll fall in love with this place, just like we did, and wonder what took you so long to visit the amazing Kingdom of Cambodia.

Cambodia Travel Tips: Traveling To Cambodia With Travel Insurance

A great thing to always have with you is travel Insurance . When we spent 3 weeks in Cambodia, we had travel insurance through World Nomads. Covering things like medical bills and theft, having travel insurance has definitely come in handy for us a time or two.

Where To Stay in Cambodia

From Phnom Penh to Kampot to Siem Reap and all the other amazing cities, towns and islands there are to experience in Cambodia, check out the latest places and prices below to secure an unforgettable Cambodian accommodation.

WANT MORE INFORMATION ON CAMBODIA?

7 Must-See Temples When Visiting Angkor Wat

Three Week Cambodia Best Places To Visit in Cambodia

Vietnam to Cambodia Border Crossing: Mekong Delta to Phnom Penh

PIN IT FOR LATER – CAMBODIA TRAVEL TIPS!

For more travel tips, guides, and awesome travel shots, be sure to poke around our site, follow us on Instagram @wanderingstus, Pinterest on Facebook . Oh and if you have any questions, let us know in the comment section. We’re happy to answer. Or, just leave us a positive note!

Happy Travels,

– Lauren & Jesse Stuart (The Stüs)

We're Lauren & Jesse, the creators behind Wandering Stus! We've been traveling for decades, exploring and experiencing the very best this world has to offer. Whether we're roadtripping the U.S. in our camper, hiking through National Parks, or jet-setting to different countries around the globe, we write detailed travel guides to help you plan one amazing (and unforgettable) adventure!

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Travel Guide Cambodia

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The Cambodia Travel Guide will help you discover one of Southeast Asia’s most enjoyable destinations. Visit Cambodia, and you’ll find plentiful attractions ranging from unspoilt beaches and colonial townscapes through to dense forests and majestic rivers and lakes. The legendary temples of Angkor continue to attract millions of visitors each year. Away from the temples, Cambodia is refreshingly untouristy. Cambodia remains largely unexplored in many places. New roads now bring once remote destinations within easy reach.

Cambodia travel facts

Where to go in cambodia, best time to go to cambodia.

How to get to Cambodia

Cambodia’s cities

Phnom Penh is the capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia. The city is an alluring attraction in its own right. The centre has broad appeal, and its French influence is evident in the open-fronted colonial shophouses that line the streets. There are a mind-boggling number of restaurants, bars and cafes to try. Many tourists that travel to Cambodia linger here for the culinary experience. You can also take a boat trip from Phnom Penh along the mighty Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers.

Siem Reap is Cambodia’s principal tourist town. This city offers a gateway to the temples of Angkor. More than one hundred Angkorian monuments lie spread over some 3000 square kilometres of the countryside around the town. Siem Reap retains its small-town charm despite its popularity. It’s a lively city with many activities and attractions including lively Psar Chas Market, buzzing cafes, bars, boutique shops and plentiful nightlife. It’s also a good spot from which to visit the nearby floating villages on the Tonle Sap.

Laidback Battambang is Cambodia’s second biggest city. It is worlds apart from Phnom Penh’s urban bustle. It has a growing number of ex-pats fuelling the growth of arty cafes, restaurants and bars. It’s also home to impressive colonial architecture. You can take a countryside ride on its quirky bamboo railway.

Kompong Cham is Eastern Cambodia’s largest city. The waterfront is particularly attractive, with a string of colonial buildings lined up along the Mekong.

Temples of Angkor

For most tourists that choose to come here, their Cambodia trip is not complete without a visit to the unforgettable temples of Angkor. Understandably, this is high on the list for many who travel Cambodia as it is one of the most important archaeological sites of Southeast Asia. The awe-inspiring Angkor Wat is the most famous of the temples dominated by five corncob towers. Visit early in the morning to avoid some of the crowds. The temples attract some two million visitors per year. Visit How to see Angkor Wat without the crowds for more tips.

Southwest Cambodia & The Southern Islands

Visit the Southwest to discover miles of unspoilt beaches, hidden coves and idyllic Cambodian islands. Sihanoukville is the most popular beach resort. Ochheuteal Beach and Serendipity Beach Road justify their party town reputation. There are quieter spots too, particularly around Otres, 6km away. Sihanoukville is also the entry point to the islands of Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem and Koh Ta Kiev. Koh Rong has a buzzing backpacker strip at Koh Toch. The beaches at Long Set and Long Beach along the west coast are more laidback. Peaceful Koh Ta Tiev retains a real castaway vibe. Remember to take cash as there are no ATM’s on the islands.

Ream National Park is 18km east of Sihanoukville. It’s a great place to explore Cambodia’s unspoilt natural environment. The park is evergreen with mangrove forests, sandy beaches, coral reefs, and offshore islands. The riverside town of Kampot with the backdrop of misty Bokor mountains is one of Cambodia’s most appealing towns to add to your Cambodia trip itinerary. 25km southeast of Kampot, Kep is a favourite with ex-pats and Cambodians who descend at the weekend. They are attracted by its delicious, inexpensive seafood, freshly plucked from the ocean.

Eastern Cambodia

If you travel to Cambodia and you like nature and wildlife, the east is the place to be. There are patches of dense, unspoilt rainforest that remain in Eastern Cambodia . The riverside town of Kratie is an excellent base for exploring the nearby countryside. Just over 20km from Kratie is Kampie which provides the best riverside vantage point to view a pod of rare freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins . It’s thought that only around eighty remain in the entire Mekong river.

Tucked away in the forest near the sleepy capital of Banlung in the Rattanakiri province, there is a trio of impressive nearby waterfalls Ka Chhang, Katieng and Chha Ong.

Discover more places in Cambodia

Nokor Bachey Pagoda, Kampong Cham, Cambodia © Sergei Mugashev/Shutterstock

Battambang Travel Guide

Figuring out the best time to travel Cambodia depends on what you plan to do when you arrive. Cambodia is warm all year round, but it has a rainy season too.

If you visit Cambodia between March and May, the temperatures and humidity are higher. Visiting at this time can still be a good choice if you are hitting the coast. If you are travelling Cambodia to explore the temples, the season between November and February is cool enough for sightseeing. December and January can be the most popular time for tourists.

Travel Cambodia in the rainy season, and you’ll find the countryside at its lushest. Travelling around Cambodia during this season can present some practical challenges and flooding is commonplace. However, the mornings are usually dry as the rain mainly falls in the afternoon. If you do choose to go visit in the rainy season, you’ll avoid the crowds too.

The busiest International Airports are Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. There aren’t any direct flights from Europe to Cambodia. You can reach Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap via Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City and several other destinations. Take a look at Skyscanner for more options.

It’s also possible to travel overland into Cambodia from neighbouring countries. You can cross the border at several spots in Thailand, Vietnam and Laos.

Find out more Cambodia travel information in Getting to Cambodia .

When planning how to travel around Cambodia, consider the transport as part of the adventure.

Roads have seen massive improvements in the past five years, so getting around the country is much easier than it once was. The bus system provides connections between all major towns. The bus offers the cheapest and usually the most convenient way to travel.

Minibuses and ‘share taxis’ are also other options to travel by road. Share taxis are faster than taking the bus, but they do get absurdly packed. You can ask to pay roughly double the standard fare to have a front seat to yourself. You could also pay to hire the entire taxi.

For short local trips, you can hire a motorcycle or ‘moto’ for the day or a tuk-tuk. A tuk-tuk is a passenger carriage pulled by a motorbike. It’s virtually impossible to rent a self-drive car in Cambodia, but you can hire a car with a driver. Three-wheeled cycle rickshaws called cyclos are also available in Phnom Penh for short trips.

You may also end up travelling Cambodia by boat. Boat trips run between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, and between Siem Reap and Battambang. In the south, regular ferries and fast catamarans run between Sihanoukville and Koh Rong. Find out more about how to travel to Cambodia in our Cambodia guide to “ Getting Around ”.

Why travel to Cambodia? Here are 10 of the best places to travel in Cambodia. These highlights are sure to convince any traveller to include Cambodia on their itinerary when taking a trip to Southeast Asia.

The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh: The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh are the city’s finest example of twentieth-century Khmer influenced architecture. The Royal Palace is set back from the riverbank on Sothearos Boulevard. You can stroll this complex of regal structures and perfectly manicured grounds. While there, you will gain an insight into Cambodia’s past and present. A blue flag flies when the King is in residence. While the palace itself is off-limits, it’s possible to visit several buildings within the grounds. The Silver Pagoda is named for its floor which is covered in gleaming silver.
Temples of Angkor: The Temples of Angkor are world-renowned and house some of the country’s finest monuments. More than one hundred Angkorian monuments lie spread over some 3000 square kilometres of the countryside. The best-known monuments are the vast temple of Angkor Wat and the walled city of Angkor Thom. During the Angkorian period, the ruling god-kings built imposing temples as a way of asserting their divinity. They left a legacy of more than one hundred temples constructed between the ninth and fifteenth centuries. The full magnificence of Angkor Wat represents the height of Khmer art. The pretty tenth-century temple of Banteay Srei is unique, made from unusual pink sandstone and with intricate ornamentation.
Koh Ta Tiev: Peaceful Koh Ta Tiev is one of the southern islands, and it’s a tropical paradise retaining a real castaway vibe. There are several types of accommodation to choose from, and you can even camp or sleep in a hammock between two trees over the sand. There is limited electricity on the island and no wifi. Spend your days’ jungle trekking, snorkelling, or experiencing authentic Khmer cooking.
Battambang: Battambang is Cambodia’s second largest city, but it’s often overlooked. It’s a bustling city that is both welcoming and laidback. Its lush surrounding countryside is ideal for bike rides, and it’s easy to get out on the water by kayak. You can whizz past rice paddies and rattle over bridges when you ride the quirky bamboo railway too.
Kampot: The riverside Kampot is one of Cambodia’s most appealing towns with the backdrop of misty Bokor Mountains. At Kampot, you can potter along the river for a swim or sunset cruise. You could also head into the mountains to explore caves. Kampot is also a base from which to explore the region’s famed pepper plantations. Bokor National Park is home to an abandoned 1920s hotel and casino. Kampot has a friendly but low key nightlife.
Kep: Kep is renowned throughout Cambodia for its delicious, inexpensive seafood. It’s heaven for seafood connoisseurs. You can get fresh crab straight from the sea at the crab market on the western seafront. It’s also a good base from which to go on an island boat tour. Head over to the palm-fringed beach of Rabbit Island or Koh Tonsay.
Floating villages on Tonle Sap: Tonle Sap lake is home to dozens of picturesque floating villages. Explore the fascinating houses built from bamboo and raised on stilts; they are mainly inhabited by Vietnamese fisherman. You’ll pass floating markets, schools and pagodas and learn more about local life.
Irrawaddy Dolphins: Around 20km north of Kratie is Kampie. It offers the best riverside vantage point to spot the rare freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins. It is expected that only around eighty remain in the entire Mekong. The Irrawaddy dolphins look very much like porpoises. The Irrawaddy dolphin has been added to the IUCN Red List as a critically endangered species. The dolphin-watching site is now run as an ecotourism project by the local community.
Ream National Park: Ream National Park is one of Cambodia’s most accessible national parks. Here you can explore Cambodia’s unspoilt natural environment with mangrove forests, sandy beaches and rich diversity of flora and fauna. You are likely to see kingfishers, eagles and monkeys.
Trekking in Rattanakiri: Trek into the forest of Rattanakiri, the capital Banlung is surrounded by peaceful countryside. It is dotted with waterfalls and lakes, and it’s also home to the indigenous chunchiet hill tribes. You may spot gibbons, rare birdlife and endangered species in the Virachey National Park.

For more places to visit, check out these gorgeous pictures of Cambodia .

The carefully-curated itineraries in our Cambodia travel guide will inspire you to make the most of your trip. These itineraries take in the most popular destinations for those that travel Cambodia including the cities and infamous Temples of Angkor. You can also take the opportunity to go off the beaten track and take in Cambodia’s natural attractions. There is an itinerary to suit anyboth your interests and your timeframes.

Travel ideas for Cambodia, created by local experts

The Ultimate Southeast Asia Grand Tour

Explore the highlights of four countries in a bit over 3 weeks: Halong Bay & the Mekong Delta in Vietnam combined with the cities Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Proceed to Cambodia with Angkor Wat before watching the monks in Luang Prabang/Laos. Your trip ends in Thailand with elephants and Bangkok.

Impressions of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos

Start and end your trip in Ho Chi Minh City and visit highlights such as the Mekong Delta, Phnom Penh with the Killing Fields, Angkor Wat, the historic city of Luang Prabang in Laos before heading back to Vietnam - Hanoi, Halong Bay and Hoi An await.

Siem Reap Family Adventure

Traditional ox and carts, sprawling rice fields, majestic temples, glorious food and breath-taking countryside – this is Cambodia. Take some time out in Siem Reap with its Old Market and boutiques, savour local cuisine and be prepared for the trip of a lifetime. Perfect for groups and families.

Cambodia’s Beaches and Temples

See the best of beautiful Cambodia on this amazing tour. Explore the busy capital Phnom Penh, laze on the golden sands of the south coast beaches, discover local villages and Cambodian cuisine before you lose yourself among the mystical temples of Angkor.

Cambodia Explorer

This is a trip to Cambodia for the adventurer. This trip takes you from the glorious temples and rolling countryside of Siem Reap to the attractive riverside capital of Phnom Penh where you can explore the city’s broad boulevards, new restaurants and myriad sights.

A Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos Adventure

Make the most of your time in South East Asia and discover not 1 but 3 exciting countries. From Vietnam to Cambodia and Laos you will get the know the locals, visit ancient temples, relax on a cruise, get a taste of Buddhism and so much more. This itinerary will show you the wonders of Asia.

Cambodia cultural discovery tour takes in Phnom Penh, with its romantic cafes and haute cuisine, ancient, awe-inspiring temples, stunning countryside and one of the greatest wonders of the world.

Cambodia Explorer travel tour takes you from the glorious temples and rolling countryside of Siem Reap to the attractive riverside capital of Phnom Penh where you can explore the city’s broad boulevards, new restaurants and myriad sights.

Combining remote locations that are as yet not overrun with tourists is the aim of the Unseen Cambodia itinerary , which includes trips to quiet tucked away townships and villages.

Travel advice for Cambodia

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Cambodia

Eating and drinking in Cambodia
Getting around Cambodia: Transportation Tips
Best time to visit Cambodia
Weather in Cambodia in May
Weather in Cambodia in April
Weather in Cambodia in March

When you plan your Cambodia trip, make sure you have the latest Cambodia travel advice.

Check out the travel essentials section with all the travel advice you need before you go. It will help you to make sure your trip runs smoothly. It covers tips on travelling Cambodia, including keeping healthy, staying safe, money and insurance. Cambodia travel essentials also includes festival and public holiday dates, tips on travelling with children and more.

All foreign nationals except those from certain Southeast Asian countries need a visa to enter Cambodia. Tourist visas are valid for thirty days. The tourist visas are issued on arrival at all border crossings and airports. You will need two passport photos to get your visa. You can also take care of your tourist visa online in advance evisa.gov.kh. The e-visas are only valid at airports and the Poipet, Koh Kong and Bavet land crossings. Check the website for full details. E-visas take three days to process, and you still need to provide a digital photograph.

A tourist visa can be extended once for one month. Many travel agents and guesthouses can help you extend your visa for a commission. You can also buy a business visa, and this can be extended in a variety of ways, and they allow multiple entries. Find out more in the Cambodia guide to travel essentials.

The main cities in Cambodia have several accommodation options and finding something is rarely a problem. There are basic hotels in every provincial town too. The budget accommodation can be very cheap at around $7 to 8$ per night. Most hotel rooms have a double bed as standard. Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville also offer tourist-orientated budget guesthouses and hostels. Hostels can be priced as little as $2 per night. Camping is theoretically illegal in Cambodia, but is a possibility in some places – for example, on the beaches and islands of the south coast.

Mid-range and luxury accommodation is usually only found around the tourist hotspots and major towns. Luxury accommodation is widely available in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang, Sihanoukville and Kep. There are choices of five-star chain hotels, chic boutiques and idyllic resorts constructed in traditional Khmer style.

Find out more in the Cambodia guide to accommodation .

Cambodian food has influences from many other countries in Asia and French influence too. Cambodian food is milder than Thai food and often herbs, spices and chilli are served on the side rather than blended into the dish. Dishes are delicately enhanced with flavours like lemongrass and coriander. Cambodia’s national dish is bamboo-leaf infused fish amok. Stir-fries feature on most menus alongside delicious coconut milk curry dishes and rice.

Local variations of typical Vietnamese dishes can also be found too. French influences can also be found on the menus here with endless coffee options and French-style baguettes. You can find Khmer street food at markets and on street stalls. You can fill up on noodle dishes, filled baguettes and stir-fries.

Cambodians drink plenty of green tea and fruit shakes. Stalls are set up in towns all over the country from late afternoon. Also available is iced sugar-cane juice and the juice of green coconuts - all very refreshing. Cambodia’s national beer is Angkor, brewed by an Australian and Cambodian joint venture in Sihanoukville. Find out more about food and drink in Cambodia .

Cambodia has an increasing number of activities and sports. In the northeast, particularly in Banlung and Sen Monorom, local guides can lead groups or individuals on treks into the surrounding jungle and Virachey National Park. Treks can last anything from a day to a week. There is also good trekking in the forested hills around Koh Kong.

Diving in Cambodia

There are excellent opportunities to snorkel and dive in and around Cambodia. There are several PADI dive shops in Sihanoukville and nearby islands offering both certification and fun day trips.

Cycling and kayaking are available in the northeast around the Mekong River. Bike trips can be organised at Kratie, Stung Treng and around Angkor’s temples or the Cardamom Mountains.

Those that travel Cambodia will gain more respect from locals if they are well dressed. Both men and women dress conservatively. It’s best to avoid skimpy clothes and shorts unless you are at a beach resort. When visiting temples, it’s best to have both shoulders and legs covered. Remove your shoes before entering a Cambodian temple or Cambodian home. Cambodians themselves are conservative and do their best to keep clean and well presented.

It’s advisable to avoid any displays of public affection between men and women. Even visitors holding hands can be embarrassing for Cambodians.

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written by Andy Turner

updated 22.05.2024

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Cambodia Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 5, 2024

a view of Cambodia's Angkor Wat temple, with two monks in orange robes walking inside

Backpacking Cambodia was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.

When I first visited Cambodia in 2006, I had low expectations for the country as I hadn’t heard much about it as a travel destination. I knew a little about its violent and tumultuous past but that was it.

But, as I traveled around Cambodia, I was blown away by the friendliness of the people, the beauty of the country, and all the great things there are to see and do. The country quickly became one of my all-time favorite travel destinations; I think it’s one of the most underrated countries in the world. I can’t recommend it enough!

Since that first visit, I’ve been back dozens of times — I even spent over a month there writing a book. After all these visits and my subsequent travels elsewhere, the country remains a favorite.

Cambodia is still trying to find its footing after the horrifying genocide carried out by Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge regime between 1975 and 1979, which saw upwards of 3 million Cambodians killed. This conflict left a deep, deep wound on the country that very much exists to this day.

Despite this, Cambodia is filled with some of the friendliest people I’ve ever encountered, a rich history, delicious food, beautiful coastlines, and a lively nightlife.

This guide to Cambodia travel guide can help you plan your trip, save money, and ensure you make the most of your visit to one of the best countries in the region.

Things to See and Do
How to Stay Safe
Where to Stay
Typical Costs
Suggested Budget
Money-Saving Tips
How to Get Around
Best Places to Book Your Trip
Related Blogs on Cambodia

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in cambodia.

Man driving a boat down a waterway in front of brightly colored houses on stilts in Tonle Sap, Cambodia

1. Explore Angkor Wat

The Angkor Wat temple ruins are massive and you’ll need a few days to satisfy your inner Tomb Raider. If you’re not a history buff, just purchase a single-day ticket ($37 USD). Everyone else may want to consider the 3-day ticket ($72 USD) as there is a ton to see here! You can also take a guided tour if you want to really learn about this epic site!

2. Hang out in Sihanoukville

White sand beaches, nearby deserted islands, great diving, seafood, and a lively nightlife filled with cheap booze make Sihanoukville a favorite among backpackers. It’s not a quiet place to hang out, but it’s a good place to drink or use as a base to visit the nearby islands, which are quiet and serene.

3. See Phnom Penh

As the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh has a wild west ambiance. But it’s an up-and-coming foodie hub with lots to see and do so you can easily spend a few days here playing tourist. Don’t miss the sobering but important Killing Fields outside the city.

4. Visit Tonle Sap

Sailing down this river and around the lake highlights just how closely Cambodian life is tied to this major waterway. You can take a boat all the way downriver or just cruise around on a day trip. Tours start around $20 USD per person.

5. Discover Battambang

Battambang is Cambodia’s second largest city. Here you’ll find great temples, a bamboo train, and stunning architecture. It’s Cambodia without the tourism — for now! Try taking a riverboat back to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap for a unique experience (tickets are usually around $20 USD).

Other Things to See and Do in Cambodia

1. see the killing fields.

You can’t mention Cambodia without people drawing a connection to the country’s bloody genocide. Although a visit to Choeung Ek, also known as the Killing Fields, may not be the most cheerful way to spend an afternoon, it makes for a hallowing and memorable experience, a testament to the dangers of uncontested power. You can’t understand modern Cambodia without learning about Pol Pot and the violence of the Khmer Rouge, which was responsible for killing millions of people during their reign of terror. Admission is $6 USD, though you’ll need to arrange a ride to the area, as the site is located 10 miles from Phnom Penh. Expect to pay at least $15 USD for a return trip via tuk-tuk .

2. Visit Kep

This quaint beach town, located three hours east of Sihanoukville, is the quiet version of Sihanoukville. It’s a nice place to relax near the ocean without the party atmosphere. This town is famous for its pepper crab and empty beaches. It’s quite sleepy and there’s not a lot to do here, making it a good place to come for some downtime. Nearby Kep National Park, which spans almost 70 square kilometers (26 square miles), is a great place for mountain hikes with incredible views over the water and surrounding jungle.

3. Hike in Bokor National Park

Visit this national park as a full-day trip from Sihanoukville or nearby Kampot. Here you can wander among the atmospheric French ruins while hiking around the rainforest. Bokor was a big destination for the French aristocracy in the early 20th century and Bokor Hill Station has the remains of an abandoned luxury resort and casino that was later used as a hideout by the Khmer Rouge. Admission to the park is free. Group day tours from Sihanoukville start from about $20 USD, while a private guide for the day is $40 USD.

4. Enjoy the views at Prasat Preah Vihear

This breathtaking mountain temple was built in the 11th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its exceptional carved stonework and overall preservation. Today, it’s the source of conflict with neighboring Thailand, which also claims ownership of the temple. As it is quite remote, the trip here is not easy so not a lot of foreigners visit. Expect a $10 USD entrance fee and a long and steep hike (you can hire a 4×4 for $25 USD or a motorbike taxi for $5 USD to take you to the top if you don’t want the trek).

5. Visit a river village

There are three major floating villages in Cambodia. At these villages, the houses are built on bamboo stilts, and there are always boats filled with people selling trinkets, food, and hanging out. The Chong Khneas is the most visited in the country, but its popularity has made it a bit of a tourist trap. It’s interesting to visit but you won’t have a whole lot of interaction with the locals. Most tours cost at least $15 USD per person. The other floating villages are Kampong Khleang and Kampong Phluk, which you can access from nearby Siem Reap.

6. Visit the pepper farms of Kampot

Outside the city of Kampot and on the way to Kep are vast pepper fields. This southern region of Cambodia is filled with pepper farms where you can learn about the history of the spice, see how it is grown, and pick up what is considered some of the finest pepper in the world. Tours are usually free, though you need to arrange transportation. Half-day tours are around $25 USD. Don’t miss the nearby mangroves and national park too.

7. Trek Koh Kong

An island near the Thai border in the Cardamom Mountain district, the Koh Kong region offers excellent jungle trekking opportunities, as well as a chance to relax on the white-sand beaches. Koh Kong is the biggest island in the country and is considered one of the best beach spots in Southeast Asia. It’s illegal to spend the night there, but there are plenty of operators offering day trips to the island. Keep an eye out for monkeys, boars, and all kinds of indigenous birds while visiting.

8. Tour Kampong Cham

Though it’s the third-largest city in Cambodia, most travelers overlook Kampong Cham. The city has retained a lot of its old French colonial feel and is a great place to really get to know Cambodia. While the city in itself is something to explore, don’t miss the ruins at Nokor Wat, a 10th-century temple built by Jayavarman VII. One of the temple’s highlights is a detailed series of murals that depict religious torture scenes.

9. Relax, Unpack, and Meditate in Kep

Take a break from traveling and sign-up to stay at Vagabond Temple for a while. Prices begin at $275 USD for a 5-day retreat, which includes accommodation, meals, and full days of yoga and meditation classes from incredible teachers. If you’d like to commit to staying for longer, you can pay around $43 USD per day for a two-month retreat. This is a great place to take a break and gather your thoughts, especially if you’re on a long trip. No previous yoga or meditation training is required either.

10. Visit the Landmine Museum

Landmines have devastated Cambodia, maiming and killing thousands over the decades. The remaining mines from the Vietnam War (which spilled over to Cambodia) are still discovered every year. Located in Siem Reap, the Landmine Museum is an eye-opening museum that will broaden your perspective on the war and the horrific impact of landmines. Admission for foreign visitors, including a guided tour in English, is $5 USD per person. I can’t recommend this museum enough.

11. Shop at the markets

Exploring the street, indoor, and night markets is a quintessential part of traveling through Southeast Asia , and Cambodia is no different. Every major city has sprawling markets offering all manner of stalls, from prepared street food and produce to clothing and household items that make great souvenirs. Haggling is commonplace, so don’t be afraid to do so.

12. Learn to cook Cambodian dishes

Learning how to cook Cambodian food is one of the best souvenirs you can bring home. Dive into Cambodian cooking with a class where you’ll learn to cook 3-4 different dishes — and eat them at the end! You’ll usually get to go to a market to shop for produce too and you’ll also get a recipe card so you can recreate the recipes at home. Class sizes tend to be around 6 people, take around 3 hours, and cost around $20 USD per person.

13. Take a food tour

Traditional Khmer food is often overlooked compared to other Asian foods, so a food tour is the best way to sample this culture’s amazing noodle dishes, fresh seafood, sweets, and street food while learning about the history and culture behind the cuisine. Siem Reap Food Tours offers several tours, including morning tours into the market and evening tours perusing food stalls. Tours start from $75 USD and include all food, drinks, and transportation.

14. Hike in Phnom Kulen National Park

Located just 1.5 hours from Siem Reap, this national park is the perfect place to spend a day hiking in the rainforest, with majestic waterfalls, epic viewpoints, and hidden temples in the jungle. Don’t miss Kbal Spean, an archaeological site in a riverbed with intricate rock carvings representing Hindu gods. The entire park area holds tremendous national significance as it was on this mountain range that King Jayavarman II founded the Khmer Empire in 802 CE. The park entrance fee is $20 USD.

For more information on specific cities in Cambodia, check out these guides:

Angkor Wat Travel Guide

Phnom penh travel guide.

Siem Reap Travel Guide
Sihanoukville Travel Guide

How to Stay Safe in Cambodia

Cambodia is a safe place to backpack and travel — even if you’re traveling solo, and even as a solo female traveler. Violent attacks against tourists are rare here, though petty theft can occur so always guard your possessions.

Unfortunately, theft is frequent on the beaches and in crowded streets. Always keep an eye on your belongings when out and about and never flash your valuables. Keep your wallet and phone secure and out of reach and don’t leave anything unattended on the beach either.

There are some common scams around that you’ll want to be aware of, such as the motorbike scam. This is where vendors try to charge you for damage to your bike rental. To avoid this, take pictures and video of your bike when you rent so that you can’t be charged for existing damage.

There is also a common tuk-tuk scam where the driver takes you miles from your destination and then pressures you to stay and spend money at the shop or restaurant where he dropped you off (the driver works under commission for a particular restaurant, hotel, or shop). If this happens, firmly decline and demand to go back or find another tuk-tuk driver.

Another common scam involves shady or fake police officers who demand to see your passport. Chances are, you’ll be asked to pay a “fine” to get it back. Simply deny the request and tell them the passport is back at your hotel in a safety deposit box.

For more information on travel scams, read about common travel scams to avoid here .

The people who usually get in trouble in Cambodia tend to be involved with drugs or sex tourism. Stay away from that stuff and you’ll likely be fine.

Avoid dehydration in the heat by making sure you bring lots of water to keep hydrated. Remember that tap water isn’t safe to drink, so bring a water bottle with a built-in filter.

If you experience an emergency, dial 119 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Where to Stay in Cambodia

Accommodations in Cambodia are incredibly cheap. Here’s a list of budget-friendly places to stay in Cambodia:

The Magic Sponge (Kampot)
The Siem Reap Pub Hostel (Siem Reap)
Lub D Cambodia Siem Reap (Siem Reap)
Onederz Hostel (Siem Reap)
Onederz Sihanoukville (Sihanoukville)
Next Beach Club (Koh Rong)
Mad Monkey Koh Rong Samloem (Koh Rong Samloem)
Mad Monkey (Phnom Penh)
Onederz (Phnom Penh)
Sla Boutique Hostel (Phnom Penh)

Cambodia Travel Costs

Woman walking down a path with cows next to hear in the ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Note: Cambodia uses USD. There’s no real need to carry the local currency, Cambodian Riels (KHR), unless you’re paying for really small things on the street. In a growing number of places, especially in the countryside, you might start getting riels back when paying in USD but you can essentially get by using mostly USD here.

Accommodation

Hostel Dorms – $6-8 USD per night
Hostel private rooms – $10-20 USD per night
Budget hotels – $15-35 USD per night
Airbnb apartments – $25-35 USD per night
Street food – $1-3 USD
Sit-down restaurants – $3-5 USD
Western restaurants – $5-10 USD
Beer – $1 USD
Glass of wine – $3 USD
Cocktails – $3-5 USD
Cappuccino/latte – $1.75 USD
Groceries for a week – $15-20 USD

Cambodia Suggested Budgets

Backpacker – $45 usd per day.

This budget lets you stay in a dorm room, eat street food, have a couple of beers here and there, and take public transportation to get around.

If you’re visiting Angkor Wat (you likely are), you’ll need an additional $37 USD plus the cost of a bike or driver.

Midrange – $90 USD Per Day

On a mid-range budget, you can stay in a budget hotel with air conditioning, have some sit-down meals at nicer restaurants, drink more, take buses between cities, visit Angkor Wat, and do more tours and activities like seeing the Killing Fields and taking a cooking class.

Upscale – $160 USD Per Day

On a “luxury” budget, the sky is the limit! You can stay at hotels, eat out anywhere you want, drink as much as you want, hire a driver, and do whatever tours and activities you want (including a multi-day visit to Angkor Wat).

Cambodia Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Cambodia is one of the cheapest countries in Southeast Asia . There really aren’t any big money-saving tips here unless you go out of your way to find the most expensive things to see or do. But if you really want to pinch some pennies, here are a few tips on how to save extra money in Cambodia:

Pack a water bottle – A water bottle with a purifier comes particularly in handy in Cambodia since you can’t drink the tap water. Save money and thousands of plastic bottles by getting a bottle that can purify the tap water. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw since it has a filter that ensures your water is always safe and clean.

Minimize your drinks – Every drink is a dollar and before you know it, you’ve spent more money on beer than on food and accommodation. Limit your drinking to save your budget.

Work for your room – You can usually negotiate a discount at a hostel if you stay for a week or longer and offer to volunteer. Usually, this means just a few hours per day helping out in exchange for free accommodation.

Book tours and day trips as a group – You have more negotiation power when you’re with a group of people buying multiple tickets. Traveling alone? Meet a friend at a hostel and see if they want to join the same tour as you. You can likely get a better price this way.

Don’t book in advance – Don’t book any tours or activities before you get to your destination. They’ll be much cheaper when you arrive as you can to negotiate a lower price. Anything you see online is going to be more expensive than you need to pay!

Eat on the street – You can pick up tasty local fare for cheap in Cambodia. Eat cheap at the stalls and avoid Western food.

Bargain hard – Nothing is ever at face value here. Bargain with sellers, because most of the time, the price they’ve quoted is way higher. There’s a haggling culture in the region so play the game and save some money. You’ll never get the local price, but you might come close!

How to Get Around in Cambodia

Mopeds, motorbikes, and tuk tuks driving along a street lit up at night in Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia

Public transportation – Local city transportation is cheap in Cambodia. Phnom Penh is the only city with any public transportation network to speak of, with a small bus network of 17 routes. Tickets cost just $0.40 USD per ride, paid in cash each time you board the bus.

Taxi – Taxis are normally double to triple the local transportation cost, and you often must haggle for the price. They start high, and you work towards something you are willing to pay. Shared taxis for long-distance travel are a good idea if you have a group of 3-4 people. When in doubt, ask your hotel/hostel staff for a price estimate so you know you’re not getting ripped off.

Renting a driver for the day costs $15-20 USD, and most hostels can help you arrange finding one.

Tuk-tuks can be found on every corner in the big cities, though be sure to negotiate a price in advance (usually not more than $5 USD depending on the distance).

Bus and minibus – The easiest and cheapest way to travel around Cambodia is by bus, a network that has improved quite a bit in recent years. The backpacker trail is so worn that there is a very well-established tourist bus system to take you anywhere. Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville are the main hubs.

Generally, you can get a bus anywhere in the country for under $20 USD. Buses depart regularly from Siem Reap to Bangkok for $20 USD each way, a journey that takes around 9 hours. Both buses and mini-buses also make the 6-hour journey from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh daily for $10 USD per person. The 5-hour ride from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville starts from $9 USD, while Siem Reap to Sihanoukville takes 10 hours and costs $17 USD.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Train – Trains are not common in Cambodia and there are only a few routes. There’s a train between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville (that includes a stop in Kampot) as well as a train between Phnom Penh and Poipet. Tickets cost $7-10 USD. While improvements are being made, train service in the country is still pretty bad and the train cars are pretty old (though you may get lucky and find one of the new cars being brought into service). That said, trains are a lot slower than the bus so unless you are a train enthusiast, I wouldn’t take the train in Cambodia. It won’t save you any time and it’s not that enjoyable of an experience.

Boat – You can take a boat between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap and between Siem Reap and Battambang. This isn’t the most efficient or cost-effective way to travel, but it can be a scenic and fun journey. The 6-hour ferry ride from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh costs $18-25 USD, and it’s $25 USD between Siem Reap and Battambang.

Flying – There are only a few domestic routes in Cambodia, between the major destinations of Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, and Siem Reap. The main airline carrier is Cambodia Angkor Air. Flights are generally quite expensive and have infrequent schedules. The one-hour flight from Sihanoukville to Siem Reap costs $140 USD, while the 45-minute flight from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh is $90 USD. These prices can increase significantly when booking last minute.

Car rental – Car rentals are expensive here and the roads are far from excellent. Since accidents are common, I suggest skipping the car rental here.

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in Cambodia is possible, though it’s not common. Most people will think you’re waiting for a taxi though so make sure you clarify that you’re hitchhiking. Rural areas see little traffic so expect long waits outside major highways. You can check out Hitchwiki for more information and advice.

When to Go to Cambodia

The high season in Cambodia is from November to April when temperatures are milder. This more or less coincides with the dry season, which is from November-May. November-February are the busiest months, with temperatures rarely dipping below 20°C (68°F). Temperatures can go as high as 38°C (100°F), especially in April and May, so if you visit during these months be prepared for the heat and dress accordingly.

If you’d rather avoid peak tourist season, visit from May to the beginning of October. Although this overlaps with the rainy season, generally that just means getting hit with brief heavy rainfall in the afternoons. You can still see and do a lot during this time, just bring a rain jacket.

Cambodia Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

Cambodia Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Cambodia travel and continue planning your trip:

A blue sky over the ancient buildings of Angkor Wat in Cambodia

Backpacking Cambodia: 3 Suggested Itineraries for Your Trip

The ancient Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia reflected in wateer

Phnom Penh, I Love You!

View from the back of a tuk-tuk in Southeast Asia

How to Get Around Southeast Asia on the Cheap

Panoramic view over the city of Phnom Penh, Cambodia on a clear, sunny day

Is Southeast Asia Safe for Travelers?

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A Practical Guide to Travel Through Cambodia and Vietnam

If you’re planning a trip to Southeast Asia, combining Cambodia and Vietnam into your itinerary is a good idea thanks to their proximity and shared climate. The best time to visit Cambodia and Vietnam often coincides, depending on what you’re looking to experience. These countries will offer you a rich history and culture to explore, as well as stunning landscapes. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, you’ll find it here!

Here’s how to make the most of your trip through Cambodia and Vietnam.

Table of Contents

1 Get Your Visas
2 What to Pack
3 First Stop: Cambodia
4 Crossing into Vietnam

Get Your Visas

Before diving into the adventures awaiting you, make sure you’ve sorted out the essentials. Both Cambodia and Vietnam require visas for most travelers. The process is very easy tho! Cambodia offers visas on arrival at major entry points, including Siem Reap and Phnom Penh airports. Vietnam, on the other hand, typically requires you to arrange a visa in advance, although their e-visa system is easy to navigate. But be sure to apply a couple weeks in advance to avoid any issues with delayed visas.

What to Pack

Pack light but smart. The weather in Cambodia and Vietnam is tropical, meaning it’s hot and humid most of the year. Comfortable clothing, good walking shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent are must-haves. Don’t forget your rain gear if you’re traveling during the wet season, from May to October.

First Stop: Cambodia

Its a good idea to start your adventure in Cambodia. Here you will find ancient history and modern culture colliding. Siem Reap is your gateway to the world-famous Angkor Wat , the largest religious monument in the world. You will need an entire this day for this site, or if you want to dive deep, minimum two days. You can consider hiring a local guide or renting a bicycle to explore the less-visited temples, like Ta Prohm, which is slowly being reclaimed by the jungle, or the enigmatic faces of Bayon Temple.

You can also consider visiting the ancient wonders in the capital, Phnom Penh. Here, you can learn about Cambodia’s tragic history at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields. While these sites are emotionally challenging, they offer crucial insights into the resilience of the Cambodian people. Balance this with a visit to the Royal Palace.

If what you are looking for is a beach getaway, then venture to the south coast and relax on the beaches of Sihanoukville or take a boat to the islands of Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem. These islands are less developed than other Southeast Asian beach destinations, offering a much more peaceful retreat with crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs.

Crossing into Vietnam

Traveling from Cambodia to Vietnam is straightforward, with several options depending on your itinerary. You can fly between major cities, which is the easier, most comfortable option. You can also take a bus across the border, or even travel by boat down the Mekong River into Vietnam’s Mekong Delta.

Once in Vietnam, you can start in the Mekong Delta region, where you’ll experience the floating markets and get a glimpse of rural Vietnamese life.

Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is your next stop. This metropolis is a mix of French colonial architecture, war history, and modern skyscrapers. The old and the new all together. Visit the War Remnants Museum for a look at the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese perspective. Don’t miss the Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast underground network used by Viet Cong soldiers during the war. And afterward, indulge in some of the best street food in the world—try pho, banh mi, or fresh spring rolls.

The Northern region in Vietnam offers a lot amazing experiences, starting with Hoi An. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its well-preserved architecture, vibrant lantern festivals, and tailor-made clothing shops. Hoi An is also a great place to take a cooking class and learn how to make Vietnamese dishes yourself.

Continuing north, you’ll arrive in Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. The city is known for its historic citadel, royal tombs, and pagodas. A boat ride along the Perfume River offers a peaceful way to see the sights.

Finally, you can end your journey in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Here, you can wander through the Old Quarter, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and explore the Temple of Literature. Hanoi is also the gateway to Halong Bay, which is one of the most visited destinations in the entirety of Vietnam. The famous natural wonder with thousands of limestone islands and emerald waters. An overnight cruise on Halong Bay is the perfect way to wrap up your trip.

Tips for a Smooth Journey

Currency: Cambodia uses the Cambodian riel and U.S. dollars interchangeably, while Vietnam uses the Vietnamese dong. Make sure to carry some local currency for small purchases, especially in rural areas.
Language: English is widely spoken in tourist areas and you will easily get by with that.
Health: Be sure to get travel insurance in advance. Do not drink tap water and beware of street food.

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Read This Before Visiting Cambodia: 16 Essential Travel Tips
The Complete Guide to travel to Cambodia
Cambodia Travel Guide
How To Plan Trip In Cambodia (Angkor, Must-Sees & Travel Tips)
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COMMENTS

Cambodia Travel Advisory
Read the entire Travel Advisory. Exercise increased precautions in: Phnom Penh due to crime. Very remote areas of Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap, Pailin, and Kampong Thom provinces due to land mines. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Cambodia. If you decide to travel to Cambodia:
Cambodia travel advice
FCDO travel advice for Cambodia. Includes safety and security, insurance, entry requirements and legal differences.
Things to know before going to Cambodia
Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months or you won't be allowed into Cambodia. Arrange any recommended inoculations at a travel-health clinic. Purchase travel insurance with decent health coverage. Double-check to see if you need to arrange a visa before arrival. You might also like:
Read This Before Visiting Cambodia: 16 Essential Travel Tips
It's easy to obtain a visa on arrival at key border crossings; meaning if you arrive by plane or overland you'll be fine. Remember the obvious stuff like having a valid passport (6 months +) and bring a passport sized photo. Tourist visas will cost you around $30USD (you will definitely need USD here) for 30 days.
Travel advice and advisories for Cambodia
The criminal activity includes employment scams, drug and human trafficking. During your trip: exercise a high degree of caution at all times. avoid walking alone after dark. report any criminal incidents to the local police of the jurisdiction, before leaving Cambodia.
Cambodia International Travel Information
Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories.
TRAVEL to CAMBODIA
Those who choose to travel to Cambodia must obtain a visa unless they are coming from a visa-exempt country. Those countries are Laos, Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Myanmar, Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam and Thailand. Residents of these countries can stay in Cambodia for up to 30 days. Other tourists can get a visa upon arrival or ...
Cambodia travel
Make the most of your trip to Cambodia with these top planning tips, from packing to which currencies are accepted. Read article. Transportation. Famed for its temples, jungles and beaches, Cambodia is small in size but big on adventures. Here are our top tips for getting around in Cambodia.
Entry requirements
FCDO travel advice for Cambodia. Includes safety and security, insurance, entry requirements and legal differences.
The Ultimate Cambodia Travel Guide (Updated 2021)
What to Pack for Cambodia. Cambodia is in a tropical zone, affected by two distinct seasons: wet and dry. Monsoon season is from May to October, raining usually for a short time in the afternoon. The dry season is from November to March where temperatures hovering around 95°F (35°C). Phnom Penh is always very humid.
23 Essential Cambodia Travel Tips
Learn 23 essential things to know before you go to Cambodia, from the two currencies to the visa options, the islands to the safety tips. Find out how to plan your trip, save money, and travel better in this comprehensive guide.
Cambodia Travel Advice & Safety
Be alert at all times on the roads and avoid travelling at night (see 'Travel'). Severe storms and flooding can occur during the wet season (July to November). These can disrupt services and travel, including on the Mekong River. Check with your tour operator for updates. Full travel advice: Safety.
Cambodia
Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home. ... Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Cambodia for a list of health-related items to ...
Tips and travel advice for travelling in Cambodia
Travel advice and tips for visiting Cambodia. If your next adventure leads you to Cambodia, you've landed in the perfect spot. Here you'll find our curated collection of insights from local travel experts covering everything from safety precautions to navigating transportation, budgeting tips, and even essential packing advice. ...
Travel to Cambodia: Tips and Essential Info
Unless air conditioning is to blame, rarely will you ever be cold while in Cambodia. The dry season and peak months for visiting are between November and April. Temperatures in April can exceed 103 degrees Fahrenheit! The rain begins sometime in May or June after the hottest months to cool things down.
NaTHNaC
Due to COVID-19, travel advice is subject to rapid change. Countries may change entry requirements and close their borders at very short notice. Travellers must ensure they check current Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice in addition to the FCDO specific country page (where available) which provides additional ...
Health
COVID-19 healthcare in Cambodia. If you think you have COVID-19 symptoms, dial +855 (0)12825424 and local authorities will be able to advise you on what action you should take.
Cambodia travel tips and advice
Cambodia Travel Advice Planning your Cambodia travel itinerary. The main tourist areas in Cambodia tend to be split between the far west (Battambang and Siem Reap) and the east (Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Koh Rong, Kratie etc). Below is a list of some of the best places to visit in Cambodia and what to do while you're there to help you plan ...
Cambodia Travel Tips: A Complete Guide to the Country [UPDATED]
Cambodia Trip Planning. 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.
22 Cambodia Travel Tips: Things To Know Before Traveling To Cambodia
Cambodia Travel Tips: Traveling To Cambodia With Travel Insurance. A great thing to always have with you is travel Insurance. When we spent 3 weeks in Cambodia, we had travel insurance through World Nomads. Covering things like medical bills and theft, having travel insurance has definitely come in handy for us a time or two. Where To Stay in ...
Cambodia Travel Guide
When you plan your Cambodia trip, make sure you have the latest Cambodia travel advice. Check out the travel essentials section with all the travel advice you need before you go. It will help you to make sure your trip runs smoothly. It covers tips on travelling Cambodia, including keeping healthy, staying safe, money and insurance.
Cambodia Budget Travel Guide (Updated 2024)
6. Visit the pepper farms of Kampot. Outside the city of Kampot and on the way to Kep are vast pepper fields. This southern region of Cambodia is filled with pepper farms where you can learn about the history of the spice, see how it is grown, and pick up what is considered some of the finest pepper in the world.
A Practical Guide to Travel Through Cambodia and Vietnam
Pack light but smart. The weather in Cambodia and Vietnam is tropical, meaning it's hot and humid most of the year. Comfortable clothing, good walking shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent are must-haves. Don't forget your rain gear if you're traveling during the wet season, from May to October. First Stop: Cambodia

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