Cambodia

Cambodia

Asia · Ancient temple wonders, vibrant river towns, and warm hospitality await.

Plan my Cambodia trip Hotels
Best timeNovember–February
Mid-range budget$95 / day
City guides1
RegionAsia

Why visit Cambodia

Cambodia enchants visitors with its awe-inspiring ancient Khmer architecture and rich cultural history. From the bustling riverfront of Phnom Penh to quiet southern islands, the country offers rewarding adventures at a relaxed pace. History enthusiasts, nature lovers, and budget-conscious travelers will immediately fall for its resilient spirit and genuine warmth.

CurrencyCambodian Riel and US Dollars; small change is returned in riel.
LanguageKhmer is official; English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
VisaE-visas and 30-day tourist visas on arrival are widely available.
PlugsTypes A, C, and G; standard voltage is 230V.
TippingTipping is optional but greatly appreciated in restaurants and for guides.
SafetyGenerally safe; watch for bag-snatching by passing motorbikes in cities.

When to go

November to February is the best time to visit because the weather is dry and relatively cool. This makes walking through expansive outdoor temple complexes far more comfortable.

Cool Dry (Nov-Feb)22-30°C, sunny and breezy

Peak travel season brings larger crowds to Angkor Wat and higher accommodation prices.

Hot Dry (Mar-May)30-38°C, very hot and dry

Fewer tourists and lower hotel rates, though midday sightseeing can be intensely hot.

Early Monsoon (Jun-Aug)26-33°C, humid with afternoon rains

Lush green countryside, lower prices, and photogenic water-filled moats around ancient temples.

Late Monsoon (Sep-Oct)25-31°C, frequent heavy rain

Rural roads may experience flooding, but Tonle Sap lake and waterfalls are at their most dramatic.

City guides for Cambodia

Siem Reap Siem ReapCambodia

Best places to visit in Cambodia

1

Angkor Archaeological Park

The magnificent epicenter of the ancient Khmer Empire, featuring Angkor Wat, the stone faces of Bayon, and tree-tangled Ta Prohm.

2

Phnom Penh

The bustling capital city set along the Tonle Sap river, home to the Royal Palace and the evocative Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.

3

Koh Rong

A tropical paradise island offering powdery white sand beaches, coral reefs, and a laid-back coastal atmosphere.

4

Battambang

A relaxed western city celebrated for French colonial architecture, a thriving local art scene, and the famous bamboo railway.

5

Kampot

A tranquil riverside enclave known for world-famous pepper plantations, French shophouses, and easy access to Bokor National Park.

6

Tonle Sap Lake

Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake, renowned for its distinctive floating villages and diverse bird sanctuaries.

Classic Cambodia routes

Classic Highlights

7 days
  1. Siem Reap
  2. Phnom Penh

Explore the temples of Angkor before taking a short domestic flight or comfortable express bus south to explore the capital city.

Plan this route

Temples to Coast

12 days
  1. Siem Reap
  2. Phnom Penh
  3. Kampot
  4. Koh Rong

Journey south across the country via VIP minivan and catch a fast passenger ferry from Sihanoukville out to the islands.

Plan this route

Cultural Loop

10 days
  1. Phnom Penh
  2. Battambang
  3. Siem Reap

Travel overland by train or private car through scenic western farmland before arriving at the world-famous ruins of Angkor.

Plan this route

How much does Cambodia cost?

Budget$35per person / day
Mid-range$95per person / day
Luxury$260per person / day

Always ensure US dollar banknotes are pristine, as vendors often reject torn or stained cash.

What to eat in Cambodia

Fish Amok

A fragrant, silky steamed fish curry prepared with coconut milk, lemongrass, kaffir lime, and turmeric.

Beef Lok Lak

Stir-fried marinated beef tossed on a bed of fresh salad and served with a tangy lime-pepper dipping sauce.

Nom Banh Chok

Traditional fermented rice noodles topped with an aromatic green herbal fish gravy and fresh seasonal greens.

Bai Sach Chrouk

Tender grilled pork marinated in sweet soy and garlic, served over warm broken rice for breakfast.

Khmer Iced Coffee

Strong dark-roast coffee sweetened with rich condensed milk and poured over crushed ice.

Getting around

Reliable express minivans and comfortable sleeper buses connect all major travel destinations along improved national highways. Within cities, ride-hailing apps like Grab and PassApp make booking three-wheeled auto-rickshaws simple and transparent. Short domestic flights link Siem Reap and Phnom Penh for those wishing to avoid overland travel.

Travel tips

  • Dress modestly when visiting holy sites by keeping both your shoulders and knees covered.
  • Download Grab or PassApp to bypass price negotiations with street tuk-tuk drivers.
  • Inspect your US dollar bills carefully to ensure there are no tears or heavy creases.
  • Purchase your multi-day Angkor Pass exclusively through the official government portal or ticket counter.
  • Stay hydrated and avoid tap water by carrying a refillable bottle for filtered water stations.
  • Carry small riel notes for street food purchases, convenience stores, and public restrooms.

Cambodia travel FAQ

Is Cambodia safe for solo travelers?

Yes, Cambodia is generally welcoming and easy to navigate alone. Violent crime against visitors is very rare, though travelers should keep an eye on belongings to prevent phone and bag snatching in crowded city streets.

Do I need cash or can I rely on credit cards?

Cash is essential for daily purchases, tuk-tuks, and night markets across the country. Major hotels, international restaurants, and upscale boutiques in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap will accept credit cards.

How many days are recommended for Angkor Wat?

A three-day pass provides the ideal balance to tour the major stone monuments without suffering temple fatigue. A single-day pass only allows you to see the three most crowded highlights in a rush.

What is the dress code for religious temples?

Visitors must wear clothes that cover shoulders and reach below the knee. Loose, breathable linen or cotton garments are strongly recommended to stay cool under the tropical sun.

Is it safe to drink the tap water?

Tap water is not potable for visitors in Cambodia. Always consume bottled water, or bring a reusable bottle and use purified water refill stations provided by reputable hotels.

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AI-written guide, last updated 2026-10-08. Check visa rules, prices and opening times before you go. Photos: ahmetyuksek, dMz on Pixabay.