Cambodia is a fascinating country with a rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty. Whether you want to explore the ancient temples of Angkor, experience the vibrant nightlife of Phnom Penh, or relax on the pristine beaches of Sihanoukville, Cambodia has something for everyone. However, traveling to Cambodia also requires some preparation and research. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know before you travel to Cambodia in 2024, including entry requirements, health and safety tips, best time to visit, top things to do and see, and more. Let's get started!
What are the visa requirements for Cambodia?
Most nationalities will need a visa to enter Cambodia. You can obtain a visa on arrival at most international airports in Cambodia. However, it is generally recommended to apply for a visa in advance online or through a Cambodian embassy or consulate.
How to Get a Visa for Cambodia?
When planning your trip to the captivating Kingdom of Cambodia, it's essential to be aware of the visa requirements, which can vary depending on your nationality. Most nationalities, such as citizens of Australia, the European Union, the UK, and the US, are required to obtain a visa to enter Cambodia. However, there are exceptions that provide visa-free access for citizens from neighboring countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). These lucky travelers hail from nations like Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Additionally, citizens of some other Asian countries, including Japan and South Korea, typically enjoy visa-free entry into Cambodia for most travel purposes.
On the flip side, travelers from specific countries, including Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, and Sudan, need to make prior arrangements to secure a Cambodian visa.
For tourists planning to stay in Cambodia for up to one month, a standard tourist visa can be obtained for a fee of US$30. If you're considering a more extended visit for business purposes, easily extendable business visas are available for US$35.
For the convenience of modern travelers, Cambodia also offers an online option known as the tourist e-visa. This electronic visa can be obtained for US$36, which includes a US$6 processing charge. It's a hassle-free way to ensure your travel documents are in order before embarking on your Cambodian adventure.
What Vaccinations Do You Need for Cambodia?
Here are the main vaccinations recommended for travel to Cambodia:
- Hepatitis A - The CDC recommends this for all travelers to Cambodia. It is spread through contaminated food and water.
- Typhoid - Also recommended due to the risk of typhoid fever from contaminated food and beverages. Can be prevented through either an injection or oral vaccine.
- Hepatitis B - Recommended for travelers who may have direct contact with blood or bodily fluids. This includes medical workers. It's transmitted through contact with infected blood.
- Rabies - Recommended for travelers spending a lot of time outdoors, as rabies is present in animals in Cambodia. Get the vaccine if you plan on extensive hiking or biking.
- Japanese Encephalitis - Recommended for extended stays in rural areas and if spending time outdoors, especially around dawn and dusk when mosquitos are active.
- Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) - Get vaccinated/boosted as needed if not up to date with routine immunizations.
- Polio - A one-time booster is recommended for adults.
- Tetanus-diphtheria - Recommended for all travelers. Get a booster if it's been over 10 years since last vaccinated.
In addition, take general precautions against insect bites, food and water safety risks, and diseases like malaria if traveling to remote areas. Check the latest CDC advice for your specific travel details. This is a list of vaccines that are suggested but not required. You also do not need any vaccination certificate when entering Cambodia. And basically, traveling to Cambodia at the present time is safe for most people from infectious diseases.
When is the Best Time to Travel to Cambodia?
Here are a few tips for the best time to visit Cambodia:
- The dry season from November to March is generally considered the best time to visit most parts of Cambodia. This is when rainfall is low, skies are sunny, and temperatures are not too hot. Popular destinations like Angkor Wat and Phnom Penh are most pleasant during these months.
- April and May can get quite hot and humid as the weather transitions into the rainy season. However, the countryside remains green and lush. Travelers who don't mind occasional rain showers may still enjoy visiting during these shoulder season months.
- June to October is rainy season. Though major rainfalls tend to happen mostly at night, expect occasional heavy downpours during the day too. Rural roads can get flooded and some outdoor activities may be limited. However, hotel rates are cheaper.
- Major festivals like Khmer New Year in mid-April and Water Festival in November can get quite crowded but provide an insight into Cambodia's culture. Book accommodation in advance if visiting during festivals.
So in summary, the peak dry season months of November to February are ideal for comfortable weather and travel conditions throughout Cambodia. But the shoulder seasons can still be a good time to visit if looking for greenery, lower hotel costs or cultural events. Just prepare for hotter or wetter weather depending on the month.
What are the Main Attractions in Cambodia?
The must-see attractions in Cambodia include:
- Angkor Archaeological Park - This famous complex near Siem Reap is home to the iconic Angkor Wat temple, as well as other stunning ancient temples like Angkor Thom, Bayon, and Ta Prohm.
- Phnom Penh - The capital city offers the Royal Palace, National Museum, and grim but important Khmer Rouge historical sites like the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.
- Sihanoukville - Located on the country's southern coast, this town is a popular beach getaway with options like Ream National Park, Otres Beach, and offshore islands.
- Battambang - Cambodia's second largest city has French colonial architecture, the riverside Battambang Bat Caves, and nearby temples like Wat Banan and Wat Ek Phnom.
- Kampot - A riverside town surrounded by countryside and pepper plantations. Attractions include the salt flats of Kep and Bokor National Park.
- Tonle Sap Lake - One of the largest lakes in Southeast Asia and home to many floating villages, best seen from the town of Siem Reap.
- Silver Pagoda - Located within the Royal Palace grounds in Phnom Penh, this pagoda is named for its silver tiled floor and houses many national treasures.
- Mondulkiri Province - Known for its lush scenery, wildlife, waterfalls, and the double-drop waterfall of Bou Sraa.
How to Get Around in Cambodia?
The best way to get around Cambodia depends on your budget and preferences. If you are on a tight budget, you can take public buses or minivans. However, these buses can be crowded and uncomfortable, and they may not always be reliable. If you have a larger budget, you can hire a private taxi or driver. This is a more convenient option, and it allows you to travel at your own pace.
Here are some common transportation options for getting around in Cambodia:
- Tuk tuk - These small three-wheeled open-air taxis are the most popular way to get around cities and towns. Agree on a fare before setting off.
- Motorcycle taxi - Known as "motodop", motorcycle taxis are good for zipping through traffic. Drivers can also act as guides. Always wear a helmet.
- Car/Minibus - Can be hired with a driver for inter-city travel. Useful for multi-day tours.
- Bus - Connects most major towns and cities. Options range from basic local buses to more comfortable coaches and mini-vans.
- Boat - Boats and ferries are commonly used to reach areas along the Mekong River and Tonle Sap Lake. Be sure they meet safety standards.
- Bicycle - Can be rented to explore some areas at your own pace, like Angkor Archaeological Park. However, roads can be hazardous.
- Tram/Skytrain - Limited public transit systems exist in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Good for avoiding traffic.
- Walking - Walking around downtown areas of cities and towns is an option to soak in the sights and sounds. Just be careful of traffic.
- Taxis - Found in larger cities but you'll need to negotiate the fare in advance. Try to use official metered taxis when available.
For longer distances, domestic flights are available between major cities like Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. Plan transportation wisely as options can be limited in rural areas.
What are the Cultural Dos and Don'ts in Cambodia?
Cambodia is a Buddhist country, and it is important to be respectful of the local culture. Some things to keep in mind include:
- Dressing modestly, especially when visiting temples.
- Avoiding public displays of affection.
- Not pointing at people or statues.
- Removing your shoes before entering temples.
- Asking permission before taking photographs of people.
Here are some key cultural dos and don'ts to keep in mind when visiting Cambodia:
Dos:
- Greet people with a smile and slight bow. Use formal titles if you know them.
- Dress conservatively by covering knees and shoulders, especially when visiting temples.
- Remove shoes when entering homes, temples, and some businesses.
- Eat with a spoon and fork - sticky rice is scooped up with the fork. Chopsticks may also be provided.
- Accept things with your right hand only. The left is considered unclean.
- Be patient and calm in interactions. Raising your voice is seen as rude.
Don'ts:
- Don't touch anyone on the head, not even children. The head is considered sacred.
- Avoid public displays of affection, anger, and boisterous behavior.
- Don't point feet or shoes at people or sacred objects and images.
- Don't touch Buddhist monks or hand objects to them directly as a sign of respect.
- Refrain from criticizing the royal family. It can land you in legal trouble.
- Don't take photos of people without asking first. Be sensitive in sacred places.
- Avoid exposing lots of skin, which is seen as disrespectful of Cambodian traditions.
Following these general etiquette tips will help you have the best experience interacting with the friendly locals!
What are the Best Places to Stay in Cambodia?
Cambodia offers a wide range of accommodations to suit different budgets and styles of travel. Here are some of the best places to stay in the major destinations:
- Siem Reap - This temple town near Angkor Wat has everything from hostels like Lub d and Mad Monkey to luxury hotels like Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor. Boutique hotels with traditional Khmer style like Shinta Mani Angkor are also popular.
- Phnom Penh - The capital city has high-end hotels along the riverside like Raffles Hotel Le Royal and Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra. Mid-range picks include TeaHouse Asian Urban Hotel and Blue Lime.
- Sihanoukville - Known for its beaches, Sihanoukville has many beaches considered the most beautiful in Cambodia. Sihanoukville has resorts like the Sokha Beach Resort and budget bungalow options in Otres Beach. Independence Hotel and Mick & Craig's are solid mid-range choices.
- Kampot - Boutique hotels with countryside charm like Les Manguiers or backpacker hostels like Magic Sponge Guesthouse are found here.
- Battambang - Classy yet affordable boutique stays like Bambu Hotel and Lotus Village Hotel suit Battambang's laidback vibe.
Overall, a hotel near major attractions or a charming boutique stay immerses you in local culture. Do your research to find the right accommodation to meet your needs and budget.
What are the Best Foods to Try in Cambodia?
Cambodia has a delicious and distinct culinary tradition that's worth exploring. Here are some of the top foods to try when visiting:
- Amok - This tasty curry made with fish, coconut milk, and khrueang green curry paste is cooked and served in a banana leaf. A true Cambodian specialty.
- Fish Amok - A variation using freshwater fish like snakehead fish in the curry. Often just called "amok."
- Lok lak - Marinated stir-fried beef with black pepper and vinegar. Usually served with a fried egg on top.
- Fresh spring rolls - Rice papers wrapped around veggies, herbs and noodles. Can be fried or fresh. Flavorful dipping sauce.
- Bai sach chrouk - Marinated pork and rice cooked in coconut milk and served in a hollowed pineapple.
- Num banh chok - Rice noodles served with a hot Khmer curry made with fish and vegetables.
- Lap Khmer - A tangy diced beef or fish salad with onions, chilies and lime.
- Fried spiders - Part of Cambodian street food, they are eaten as tasty, crunchy snacks.
- Sticky rice - Steamed glutinous rice, eaten by hand, is a staple side dish.
- Tropical fruit - Try juicy mangoes, rambutan, dragonfruit, jackfruit and more.
Don't be afraid to try new and exotic dishes! There are also great options for Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese and French-influenced cuisine.
Suggested Cambodia itineraries
Here are some suggested travel itineraries to Cambodia based on your time budget when visiting Cambodia. Note that this is just a suggested itinerary, if you want to plan a detailed trip to Cambodia, please contact us for specific advice or use our online travel planning tool to get a custom tour designed specifically for you.
3 Days in Cambodia
Here are some brief itineraries for a 3-day Cambodia tour, without images:
Itinerary 1: Exploring the Angkor Archaeological Park
- Day 1: Arrive in Siem Reap and check into your hotel. Visit Angkor Wat and watch the sunset from Phnom Bakheng.
- Day 2: Visit Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Srei.
- Day 3: Visit Kbal Spean and return to Siem Reap for a farewell dinner.
Itinerary 2: Experiencing Cambodian Culture
- Day 1: Arrive in Siem Reap and check into your hotel. Visit the Angkor National Museum and take a cooking class.
- Day 2: Visit the Phare Circus and the Angkor Children's Hospital. Enjoy a traditional Khmer massage.
- Day 3: Visit the Tonle Sap Floating Village and return to Siem Reap for a farewell dinner.
Itinerary 3: Relaxing in Sihanoukville
- Day 1: Arrive in Sihanoukville and check into your hotel. Relax on the beach and enjoy a sunset dinner.
- Day 2: Take a boat trip to Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem and enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. Have a seafood dinner on the island.
- Day 3: Return to Sihanoukville and relax on the beach or by the pool at your hotel. Have a farewell dinner.
Itinerary 4: Phnom Penh Cultural Itinerary
- Day 1: Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Khmer dinner
- Day 2: Tuol Sleng, Killing Fields, National Museum
- Day 3: Wat Phnom, Russian Market, farewell dinner
5 Days in Cambodia
Here are some itineraries for a 5-day tour to Cambodia:
5 days in Siem Reap
- Day 1: Arrive in Siem Reap and check into your hotel. Visit Angkor Wat and watch the sunset from Phnom Bakheng.
- Day 2: Visit Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Srei.
- Day 3: Visit Kbal Spean and the Beng Mealea Temple.
- Day 4: Visit the Angkor National Museum and take a cooking class.
- Day 5: Visit the Tonle Sap Floating Village and return to Siem Reap for a farewell dinner.
5 days in Phnom Penh
- Day 1: Arrive in Phnom Penh and check into your hotel. Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda.
- Day 2: Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Killing Fields.
- Day 3: Visit the National Museum of Cambodia and the Russian Market.
- Day 4: Take a boat trip to Koh Dach, a silk weaving island.
- Day 5: Visit Wat Phnom and enjoy a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant.
Siem Reap + Sihanoukville (5 days)
- Day 1: Arrive in Siem Reap and check into your hotel. Visit Angkor Wat and watch the sunset from Phnom Bakheng.
- Day 2: Visit Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Srei.
- Day 3: Travel to Sihanoukville and check into your hotel. Relax on the beach.
- Day 4: Take a boat trip to Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem and enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
- Day 5: Return to Siem Reap and depart for home.
Phnom Penh + Sihanoukville (5 days)
- Day 1: Arrive in Phnom Penh and check into your hotel. Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda.
- Day 2: Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Killing Fields.
- Day 3: Travel to Sihanoukville and check into your hotel. Relax on the beach.
- Day 4: Take a boat trip to Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem and enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
- Day 5: Return to Phnom Penh and depart for home.
Siem Reap + Phnom Penh (5 days)
- Day 1: Arrive in Siem Reap and check into your hotel. Visit Angkor Wat and watch the sunset from Phnom Bakheng.
- Day 2: Visit Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Srei.
- Day 3: Travel to Phnom Penh and check into your hotel. Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda.
- Day 4: Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Killing Fields.
- Day 5: Depart from Phnom Penh.
You can customize these itineraries to fit your interests and budget. For example, if you are interested in history, you could spend more time visiting temples in Siem Reap or visiting museums in Phnom Penh. If you are interested in beaches, you could spend more time in Sihanoukville or on one of the islands off the coast. And if you are interested in culture, you could visit more markets and restaurants, or take a cooking class.
Please note that these itineraries are just suggestions, and you can adjust them to fit your own interests and preferences.
7 Days in Cambodia
Here are some brief itineraries for a 7-day trip to Cambodia:
Itinerary 1:
- Day 1: Arrive in Siem Reap and check into your hotel. Visit Angkor Wat.
- Day 2: Visit Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Srei.
- Day 3: Visit Kbal Spean and return to Siem Reap.
- Day 4: Travel to Phnom Penh and check into your hotel. Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda.
- Day 5: Visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Killing Fields. Visit the National Museum of Cambodia.
- Day 6: Visit Wat Phnom and the Russian Market.
- Day 7: Depart from Phnom Penh.
This itinerary focuses on the two most popular tourist destinations in Cambodia: Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. You can customize it to fit your interests and budget by adding or removing activities. For example, if you are interested in history, you could spend more time visiting temples in Siem Reap or museums in Phnom Penh. If you are interested in culture, you could visit markets or take cooking classes. And if you are interested in beaches, you could add a few days to your trip to visit Sihanoukville or one of the islands off the coast.
Itinerary 2:
- Day 1: Arrive in Siem Reap and check into your hotel. Visit Angkor Wat.
- Day 2: Visit Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Srei.
- Day 3: Travel to Battambang and check into your hotel. Take a bamboo train ride and visit the Killing Cave.
- Day 4: Visit Phnom Banan and the Battambang Museum.
- Day 5: Travel to Kampot and check into your hotel. Take a boat trip to Bokor Mountain and visit the abandoned French hill station.
- Day 6: Visit the Kep Caves and enjoy the fresh seafood in Kep.
- Day 7: Depart from Kampot.
This itinerary focuses on some of the lesser-known but beautiful destinations in Cambodia, such as Battambang, Kampot, and Kep. You can customize it to fit your interests and budget by adding or removing activities. For example, if you are interested in history, you could spend more time visiting temples in Battambang or the abandoned French hill station in Bokor Mountain. If you are interested in nature, you could visit the Battambang Provincial Park or the Kep Caves. And if you are interested in food, you could take a cooking class in Battambang or enjoy the fresh seafood in Kep.
Itinerary 3: Experiencing Cambodia's Culture and Nature
- Day 1: Arrive in Siem Reap and check into your hotel.
- Day 2: Visit Angkor Wat.
- Day 3: Visit the Angkor National Museum to learn about the history and culture of the Khmer Empire.
- Day 4: Take a boat trip to the Tonle Sap Floating Village, the largest freshwater lake village in the world.
- Day 5: Travel to Battambang, a town known for its colonial architecture and bamboo railway.
- Day 6: Visit the Killing Caves of Battambang and the Phnom Banan Temple.
- Day 7: Depart from Battambang.
Itinerary 4: Relaxing on Cambodia's Beaches
- Day 1: Arrive in Sihanoukville and check into your hotel.
- Day 2: Relax on the beach.
- Day 3: Take a boat trip to Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem, two beautiful islands off the coast of Sihanoukville.
- Day 4: Spend the day swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
- Day 5: Return to Sihanoukville and enjoy a seafood dinner.
- Day 6: Visit the Kbal Chhay Waterfalls, a series of waterfalls located in the jungle outside of Sihanoukville.
- Day 7: Depart from Sihanoukville.
Itinerary 5: History and Nature
- Day 1: Arrive in Phnom Penh and check into your hotel. Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda.
- Day 2: Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Killing Fields.
- Day 3: Travel to Kampot and check into your hotel. Visit the Bokor Mountain Station and the Kep National Park.
- Day 4: Take a boat trip on the Prek Tuek Chhou River and visit the floating villages.
- Day 5: Travel to Kratie and check into your hotel. Visit the Irrawaddy dolphin conservation area.
- Day 6: Travel back to Phnom Penh and depart.
Itinerary 6: Best of Cambodia
- Day 1: Siem Reap
- Day 2: Cambodian Village Stay
- Day 3: Travel to Sihanoukville
- Day 4: Koh Rong Samloem
- Day 5: Koh Rong Samloem, return to Sihanoukville
- Day 6: Kampot
- Day 7: Phnom Penh and depart.
10 Days in Cambodia
Below are a few suggestions for 10-day itinerary in Cambodia that you can refer to, some itineraries cover famous tourist destinations, and are designed to suit different travel styles. like adventure, family, beach break...
Itinerary 1: Cambodia Adventure from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
- Day 1: Siem Reap Arrival
- Day 2: Siem Reap – Angkor Temples
- Day 3: Siem Reap – Banteay Srei – Butterfly Center – Bong Thom Homestay
- Day 4: Siem Reap – Eco Tour
- Day 5: Siem Reap – Free at leisure
- Day 6: Siem Reap – Sambor Prei Kuk – Kampong Thom
- Day 7: Kampong Thom – Kratie – Mekong Dolphin
- Day 8: Kratie – Kampong Cham – Phnom Penh
- Day 9: Phnom Penh City Tour
- Day 10: Phnom Penh Departure
Itinerary 2: Cambodia Family Holiday 10 Days
- Day 1: Fly into Siem Reap, Cambodia.
- Day 2: Visit Angkor Wat.
- Day 3: Explore Siem Reap.
- Day 4: Travel to Battambang.
- Day 5: Explore Battambang & depart to Phnom Penh.
- Day 6-7: Explore Phnom Penh.
- Day 8-10: Visit Sihanoukville.
Itinerary 3: Cambodia Thailand tour
- Day 1: Siem Reap Arrival
- Day 2: Siem Reap – Ta Prohm - Banteay Srei - Angkor Thom
- Day 3: Siem Reap - Angkor Wat - Silk Farm - Fly to Phnom Penh
- Day 4: Phnom Penh City Tour
- Day 5: Phnom Penh - Koh Kong (by Limousine)
- Day 6: Koh Kong - Free at your leisure
- Day 7: Koh Kong - Drive to Trat - Fly to Bangkok.
- Day 8: Bangkok City Tour - Dinner Cruise
- Day 9: Bangkok - Ayutthaya Day Trip
- Day 10: Bangkok Departure
Itinerary 4: Amazing Thailand & Cambodia Tour Package
- Day 1 - Arrive in Bangkok
- Day 2 - Bangkok City Tour
- Day 3 - Bangkok - Ayutthaya Historical Park - Fly to Chiang Rai
- Day 4 - Chiang Rai - Golden Triangle
- Day 5 - Chiang Rai - Drive to Chiang Mai - Wat Doi Suthep
- Day 6 - Chiang Mai - Cooking Class & City Tour
- Day 7 - Chiang Mai - Fly to Siem Reap (via Bangkok) - Phare Show
- Day 8 - Siem Reap - Angkor Complex Tour
- Day 9 - Ox Cart Ride - Angkor Silk Farm - Tonle Sap Lake
- Day 10 - Siem Reap Departure
Itinerary 5: Highlights of Cambodia 10 days
- Day 1: Siem Reap Arrival - Siem Reap Arrival - Enjoy Welcome Dinner With Apsara Show
- Day 2: Ta Prohm - Banteay Kdei - Srah Srong - Angkor Thom - Angkor Wat
- Day 3: Siem Reap - Battambang - Ek Phnom Temple - Phnom Sampov
- Day 4: Battambang - Phnom Banon - Bamboo Train
- Day 5 : Battambang - Road Transfer to Phnom Penh
- Day 6: Phnom Penh - Royal Palace - National Museum - Central Market - Wat Phnom
- Day 7: Phnom Penh - Road Transfer to Sihanoukville
- Day 8: Sihanoukville - Free Day To Relax On The Beach
- Day 9: Sihanoukville - Free Day To Unwind On White Sand Beach
- Day 10: Sihanoukville - Phnom Penh Departure
Itinerary 6: Cambodia Exploration 10 days
- Day 1: Siem Reap Arrival
- Day 2: Angkor Wat - Sunset Cocktail Cruise By The Moat Of Angkor Thom
- Day 3: Banteay Srey - Kampong Phluk & Sunset dinner
- Day 4: Siem Reap free day
- Day 5: Siem Reap - Sihanoukville - Alila Villas Koh Russey
- Day 6 + 7: Alila Villas Koh Russey Free Day
- Day 8: Sihanouk Ville - Phnom Penh
- Day 9: Phnom Penh city tour
- Day 10: Phnom Penh departure
Explore our curated selection of Cambodia tour packages for inspiration for your unforgettable Cambodian vacation.
What is the currency in Cambodia?
The currency in Cambodia is the riel (KHR). However, US dollars are widely accepted throughout the country. You can exchange money at banks, currency exchange bureaus, and most hotels.
Is Cambodia safe to travel to?
Cambodia is generally a safe country to travel to. However, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft, especially in crowded areas. It is also important to avoid walking around at night alone.
What are some travel tips for Cambodia?
Here are some handy travel tips for having a smooth and enjoyable trip to Cambodia:
- The local currency is the Cambodian riel but US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas. Have some smaller USD bills handy.
- Visas can be obtained online or on arrival. Validate it and keep with you at all times.
- Tuk tuks and motodops are convenient but agree on a fare beforehand to avoid conflicts.
- Pack lightweight, breathable clothing. Temples and some pagodas may require knees/shoulders covered.
- Leave expensive jewelry at home and keep valuables secure. Petty theft does occur.
- Drink only bottled water and be cautious with street food. Opt for cooked dishes.
- Learn a few useful Khmer phrases like hello, thank you, how much, etc. Locals appreciate effort.
- Avoid mosquitos to prevent malaria. Use repellent and nets if sleeping without AC.
- Visit ancient sites early to beat crowds and heat. The temples can get very hot midday.
- Smile, maintain your cool, and be patient and respectful. Cambodians value a calm demeanor.
Following these tips will allow you to make the most of your Cambodian adventure! It's a safe, friendly country that rewards cultural sensitivity.
