Cambodia travel tips and advice – A complete guide

Cambodia is a beautiful country to travel. 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 trip and enjoy your Cambodian adventure.

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For more information on a particular part of Cambodia, don’t forget to check out our Cambodia blog posts page

Is Cambodia worth visiting?

Despite being one of the poorest countries compared to others in South East Asia, there is nothing like Cambodian hospitality and kindness. I fell in love with the country on my first trip here. Cambodia is absolutely worth visiting.

The Lonely Planet Cambodia (Country Guide) guide will give you a great overview of the country and is a great aid while travelling. We always have one with us.

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.

Travel tips for Cambodia – Be careful when using ATM’s as there have been reported cases of card skimming. Try and use an ATM that is in a public, open space 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. You may also be able to fly into Sihanoukville airport 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. As mentioned above, tour (tourist) bus companies will often help guide you and facilitate your border crossing for an additional fee.

Here is a great 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.

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. 

Siem Reap

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. 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

Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s busy capital city and economic, industrial and cultural centre. 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 museums and monuments.

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, 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

Battambang

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

Mondulkiri

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

Kampot

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

Kratie

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 (Kayak is definitely better) 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 also advisable not to walk alone late at night.

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

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 to reality in their own time.

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.

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.

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.

Great books to read about Cambodia’s recent history

First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers (P.S.)By Luong Ung who survived forced labour camps. Her story has been made into a movie

Survival in the Killing Fields Haing Ngor is a survivor of the Khmer Rouge and tells his story

Beautiful Hero: How We Survived the Khmer Rouge by Jennifer H Lau. Lau tells her story as a child living through genocide.

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.

Travel tips for Cambodia – Make sure you agree on a price for a services such as a transport before you get in.

Etiquette

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

Fish Amok

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.

Lok Lak

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.

Why not try a Cambodian cooking class where you can learn how to make some of Cambodia’s most popular dishes

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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

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