Cambodia Travel Tips: Everything you need to know

Cambodia at A Glance

If you are planning that amazing trip to Cambodia, check this guide for travel tips about everything you should know before you go!

The Kingdom of Cambodia is a popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia, but still not as popular as some other countries like Thailand and Vietnam.

The most popular attraction in Cambodia is the ancient archaeological park of Angkor Wat located in the city of Siem Reap. Angkor Wat is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is the largest religious monument on the planet with the site measuring 162 hectares (402 acres). It was built by the Khmer King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century. Watching and photographing the sunrise in Angkor Wat was on my bucket list.

But Cambodia is much more than the temples of Angkor Wat. There are so many fascinating things to do in Cambodia, including the amazing ruins, ancient temples, jaw-dropping landscapes. Because Cambodia is a small country, it is easy to travel around and it is a suitable trip for the whole family.

• Official Name: Kingdom of Cambodia
• Other Names: Kampuchea (Cambodge in French)
• 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

You may also want to read:

• Cambodia – The Best 1 week Itinerary
• Cambodia – 10 Lessons on Ethical Travel 
• Cambodia – 25 Pictures to Inspire you

How to get a Visa for Cambodia

A visa is required and is easy and cheap to obtain. You can purchase your 30-day visa upon your arrival in one of the three international airports –  Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Preah Sihnouk.

You will need to be in a long line along with many other tourists arriving, so make sure to have your passport and cash in hand to make it smoother (they only accepted American Dollars at Siem Reap – US$30). Or you can apply online in advance and request your e-visa. For more detailed information you can check here 

Prices

As many countries in Southeast Asia are, Cambodia is inexpensive to visit.

Depending on your travel style, you can spend as little as US$15 a day if you make choices to stay at a Hostel and eat (delicious) street food. Or if you prefer to stay at a hotel and eat at restaurants, the average per person per day is US$30 to US$50. These estimates include accommodation, food, and transportation.

If you are visiting the temples in Seam Riep, the passes provide access to all temples and you can find more details here the average price for the tickets is:

• 1-day pass – US$ 37;
• 3-day pass – US$ 62;
• 7-day pass – US$ 72;

Tour & Getting Around

There are many temples to visit, from the largest and most touristy such as Angkor Wat to the ruins of small jungle-covered temples. It will depend on how much time you have and what your priorities are.

You don’t need to arrange your tour in advance, as the hotels offer this service and can help you with all the arrangements suitable for you. But if you have the chance to plan your trip in advance like I did, and want to see as much as possible and to avoid the crowds you can see my daily plan here.

The drivers will want to take you on the same route everyone else takes. In my experience, that is not the best or most efficient way to maximize your time. You will want to hit some temples at certain times to minimize the crowds, avoid the heat, or optimize the lighting for pictures.

For my trip from Seam Riep to Phnom Pehn, I made arrangements while I was there and hired a private driver. It is easy and also a cheap option to travel around Cambodia. Traffic is crazy, but just sit back and try to relax.

How to get 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.

If your primary plan is to see Angkor Wat, flying into Siem Reap is easiest or Phnom Penh is connected to Siem Reap via bus (5–6 hours) and speedboat.

Transportation in Cambodia

Upon my arrival in Seam Riep, the hotel scheduled a tuk-tuk driver, Mr. Kree, and I used his services during my whole stay. It was the best option, as he would be early in the morning ready to pick me up at the hotel and take me to the itinerary I chose.

If you don’t want to work on your own itinerary, they will have a standard itinerary ready for you also. Keep in mind that some temples are located very far from each other, and it is too hot to just rent a bicycle and try to do it by yourself, therefore a tuk-tuk is the best option.

Accommodation

Accommodations in Cambodia and prices vary from US$5- 300, it will depend on your travel style and what you are looking for.

If you opt for a hostel, you will pay around US$5 – check here for options

There are many options for hotel, and the average price is around US$40 per day – Check here

I stayed in the La Residence Blanc d’Angkor hotel, it is very well located, close to Pub Street, Angkor night market, Angkor Wat, and the International airport and they offer complimentary two-way airport transfers. But what I really like about this hotel, is that they focus on ethical tourism and 70% of their staff are Khmer students and they support the local community.

What to Pack

Pack light and in case you forget or need anything else while in Cambodia, you have many options to buy at the markets and prices are very affordable.

Keep in mind that Cambodia is very warm and humid. Make sure to pack and wear appropriate attire when visiting temples and historical sites. Although busy with tourism, Angkor Wat is still a religious monument used by worshippers. You will encounter many monks there. Dress appropriately

DO WEAR:

• Long pants or skirts
• T-Shirts or blouses covering the shoulders
• Hat
• Sunblock
• Scarf to cover your shoulders
• Rain Jacket
• Comfortable shoes – sandals, tennis shoes, hiking shoes…you will walk a lot!

DO NOT WEAR:

• Short skirts and dresses,
• Small shorts,
• Tank tops
• Any items of revealing clothing are not allowed within temples grounds.

If you are visiting other parts of the country, you can pack all the “DON’T” list above.

Weather

Cambodia is warm year-round with temperatures rarely dipping below 68°F (20°C), wherever you go.

Seasons are broken into the wet and dry seasons. The wettest month is September with an average of 60mm of rain.

April is the hottest month with an average temperature of 87°F (31°C) and the coldest is January at 79°F (26°C) with the most daily sunshine hours at 8 in December.

Tropical mid-day heat can be ferocious, and mornings and late afternoons tend to be more tolerable.

When to Go

Most travelers visit Cambodia from November to March.

If you prefer to dodge the crowds and go when prices are even lower, the best time to visit is from May to early October.

Safety

Cambodia is a very safe country to visit, the only exception to this rule is remote areas of Phnom Penh at night. Violent crime in the country is rare. Cambodia is the 59^th safest country in the world, based on the safest and most dangerous countries ranking.

Just like any other place we travel, we should follow the same rule: do not wear jewelry (I never travel with my wedding ring), dress modestly, pay attention to your bag(s) especially in big cities as pickpocketing can occur. When carrying your camera, wear a shoulder strap across your body and the same for your bag or backpack.

Health Tips

The water in Cambodia is unsafe to drink. Bottled water can be purchased everywhere; always check the seal before drinking and don’t forget to sip on your water all day, it is very hot and you will be spending long hours outdoor.

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.

The mosquito of Dengue is a serious problem in Cambodia. You can have the vaccine, and always remember how to avoid mosquito bites using repellent on at least your legs and feet.

Food in Cambodia

I found the food in Cambodia to be very similar to the food in Vietnam – fresh ingredients and unique spices! And just like everywhere in Southeast Asia, you will find a large variety of yummy street food. The most common dishes you will find in Cambodia are:

• Fish Amok. Amok is the most well known traditional food of Cambodia and I ate it pretty much everyday.
• Beef Lok Lak
• Bugs. Fried crickets and silkworms …no thanks!
• Khmer curries
• Fresh spring rolls
• Khmer mango salad
• Khmer Pizza….is very popular to find pizza.

Fish Amok

Fitness Level

Is there any better way to explore a new place than on foot? Be prepared, you will walk a lot in Cambodia! Bring comfortable shoes and plenty of sunblock. Remember to drink plenty of water to keep hydrated because it is very hot outside.

I only had 4 days to visit the temples of Seam Riep and I visited an average of 6-8 temples per day – I would get up around 5 AM and just get back to the hotel around 5 PM for a shower, and then head to the Pub Street and the Night Market for dinner and more walking.

Of course, you don’t need to visit 6-8 temples per day, but at least you know you have the option in case you decide to.

After dinner and strolling the Night Market, the last thing in my day, was to stop and get a very nice and well-deserved massage.

 

Traveling to Cambodia? Check out my complete Travel Guide to Cambodia

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