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Overview
Cambodia is a Southeast Asian country bordered by Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, with a coastline on the Gulf of Thailand. It is home to roughly 17 million people and carries one of the region's most layered histories — from the heights of the Khmer Empire between the 9th and 15th centuries to the devastating Khmer Rouge period of the 1970s and the country's subsequent recovery.
The country's most internationally recognised attraction is Angkor, a vast archaeological landscape near Siem Reap that served as the capital of the Khmer Empire. Beyond Angkor, travelers find a capital city with dynamic street life and sobering historical sites, a southern coast with beaches and islands, the flood-pulse ecosystem of Tonlé Sap lake, and hill regions in the north and northeast with distinct ethnic minority communities.
Cambodia remains one of the more affordable destinations in Southeast Asia, and its infrastructure for tourism is reasonably well developed along the main circuits. Away from those circuits, roads, medical facilities, and connectivity can be limited, so some preparation is worthwhile.
Before You Go
Visas
Cambodia requires a visa for most nationalities. Options have historically included an e-visa obtained online before arrival, a visa-on-arrival at major entry points, and visas issued through Cambodian embassies. Requirements, fees, and accepted entry points change periodically. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and verify current requirements directly with the official Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation or the General Department of Immigration before you book.
Health
Consult a travel medicine clinic or your GP at least four to six weeks before departure. Mosquito-borne illnesses including dengue fever and malaria are present in some parts of the country, particularly forested and rural areas. Standard travel vaccinations recommended for the region often include hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus; your doctor may recommend others depending on your itinerary. Tap water is not safe to drink; bottled or purified water is the standard choice. Food safety standards vary widely — eating at busy, well-regarded establishments reduces risk.
Money
The US dollar functions alongside the Cambodian riel in most of the country; change for small amounts is often given in riel. ATMs dispensing US dollars are available in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, and other larger towns. Credit card acceptance is growing in hotels, larger restaurants, and some shops, but smaller guesthouses, markets, and rural areas are predominantly cash-based. Carry sufficient small bills.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation is strongly recommended. Serious medical cases are often evacuated to Bangkok, Thailand, for treatment, which can be extremely costly without coverage.
Getting There
By Air
Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) and Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (SAI, which opened in 2023 replacing the older airport) are the main international gateways. Sihanoukville also has an airport. Direct regional connections exist to Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hong Kong, Seoul, and Beijing, among others. Intercontinental travelers from Europe, the Americas, and Australasia typically connect through a major Asian hub. Verify current routes and airline availability, as regional aviation connections shift.
By Land
Cambodia shares land border crossings with Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. Several crossings are open to foreigners, and bus services operate between Phnom Penh or Siem Reap and cities such as Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and Vientiane. Crossing conditions, bus quality, and scam risk at some border areas vary — research your specific crossing before travel and book buses through reputable operators.
By Boat
A popular river route links Phnom Penh and Siem Reap by fast boat along the Mekong and Tonlé Sap. Journey times and conditions depend heavily on the season and water levels; during dry season the route can be uncomfortable or unavailable. Verify availability and conditions locally.
Getting Around
Within Cities
Tuk-tuks (a motorcycle pulling a covered cart) are the classic short-distance option in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. App-based ride-hailing services, most notably Grab, operate in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap and offer a more transparent fare structure. Motodops (motorcycle taxis) are another option but offer less protection in an accident.
Between Cities and Regions
Airconitioned bus services connect the main cities and are the most common long-distance option for budget and mid-range travelers. Journey times can be long due to road conditions, particularly in the rainy season. Domestic flights connect Phnom Penh and Siem Reap and are worth considering for those with limited time. Private car hire with a driver is a comfortable and flexible option available through guesthouses, hotels, and tour operators — negotiate and agree on the full price, including fuel and any entrance fees, before departure.
Road Conditions
National highways between major cities have improved substantially, but secondary roads, especially in the northeast (Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri), can be rough and impassable in heavy rain. If you intend to ride a motorbike, carry an international driving permit, wear a helmet, and have appropriate insurance; traffic standards differ markedly from Western norms.
Things to See & Do
Angkor Archaeological Park (Siem Reap Province)
The Angkor complex encompasses hundreds of temples and hydraulic structures spread across a large area. Angkor Wat itself is the world's largest religious monument, and its scale and detail reward multiple visits at different times of day. Other highlights include the walled city of Angkor Thom with the Bayon temple's carved faces, Ta Prohm (where tree roots intertwine with stone ruins), and Banteay Srei, known for its fine sandstone carvings. Multi-day passes are available; admission revenue is managed by APSARA Authority. Verify current pass prices and entry rules on the official APSARA or Angkor Enterprise site before arrival.
Phnom Penh
The capital offers a sharp but essential counterpoint to temple exploration. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21 Prison) and the Choeung Ek Memorial (the Killing Fields) are sobering, carefully curated sites that document the Khmer Rouge period — difficult but widely considered important visits. The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda complex, the National Museum of Cambodia (Khmer art and sculpture), and the riverfront promenade along the Tonlé Sap and Mekong confluence are also significant draws.
Tonlé Sap Lake
Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake expands dramatically during the monsoon and supports large floating villages and a rich ecosystem. Boat tours visit communities that live almost entirely on the water. Be selective about tour operators; some tours have attracted criticism for exploitative practices — research and choose responsible operators.
Southern Coast
Kep is a small, atmospheric coastal town known for crab dishes and proximity to Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay). Kampot, on the Kampot River nearby, has a well-preserved colonial-era town center and is a base for Bokor National Park. Sihanoukville serves as the main embarkation point for the southern islands; the town itself has changed significantly in recent years due to rapid development, so research current conditions before planning a stay there. Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem remain popular island destinations with beaches and snorkeling.
Northeast Highlands
Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri provinces offer a different face of Cambodia — highland landscapes, waterfalls, trekking, and the chance to visit communities of indigenous Khmer Loeu peoples through responsible cultural tourism programs. The Cardamom Mountains in the southwest are one of Southeast Asia's largest remaining rainforest blocks and offer wildlife-focused ecotourism.
Food & Drink
Cambodian cuisine shares some family resemblance with Thai and Vietnamese food but has its own distinct character, often relying on prahok (fermented fish paste) as a base flavour, and using fresh herbs, green papaya, and palm sugar. Rice is the staple, and fish — particularly freshwater fish from the Tonlé Sap — features prominently.
Dishes Worth Trying
- Amok — fish (or chicken) steamed in a coconut-lemongrass curry, often served in a banana-leaf cup; considered a national dish
- Lok Lak — stir-fried beef or chicken with a lime-pepper dipping sauce and fried egg
- Num Banh Chok — thin rice noodles served with fish-based green curry sauce and fresh vegetables; a common breakfast
- Bai Sach Chrouk — grilled pork over rice with pickled vegetables, another popular breakfast
- Kep Crab — blue swimmer crab cooked with Kampot pepper; a regional specialty worth going out of your way for
Eating Out
Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have a wide range of restaurants from inexpensive local eateries to internationally recognised fine-dining establishments. Markets are excellent for cheap, fresh food — Phsar Thmey (Central Market) and local morning markets are good starting points. Outside major cities, options narrow, so carry snacks for longer journeys.
Drinks
Angkor and Cambodia Beer are ubiquitous local lagers. Fresh sugar cane juice, coconut water, and fruit shakes are refreshing non-alcoholic options widely available from street vendors. Coffee is grown in the Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri highlands; Cambodian iced coffee with condensed milk is popular. As noted, drink only bottled or reliably purified water.
Shopping
Cambodia produces quality silk, and hand-woven silk products — scarves, kramas (traditional checked scarves), and garments — are among the most meaningful purchases. Look for items produced by social enterprises that support artisans, weavers, or survivors of trauma; several such organisations operate shops in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
Handicrafts including stone and wood carvings (reproductions of Angkorian motifs), lacquerware, and silver jewellery are widely available. The Russian Market (Psar Toul Tom Poung) in Phnom Penh and the Old Market (Psar Chas) in Siem Reap are established shopping areas. Bargaining is customary in markets but not in fixed-price shops.
Be aware that genuine antiques, particularly Khmer stone artefacts, cannot legally be exported and their sale may contribute to the looting of historical sites. Reproductions are widely sold and legal, but if a seller claims an item is a genuine antique, treat the claim with scepticism and be aware of the legal and ethical implications.
Practical Information
Electricity
Cambodia uses 230V/50Hz. Plug types vary; Type A (two flat pins), Type C (two round pins), and Type G (three rectangular pins) are all encountered. A universal adapter is advisable.
SIM Cards and Connectivity
Local SIM cards are inexpensive and widely available at the airports and in towns. Major providers include Metfone, Smart, and Cellcard. Data connectivity is good in urban areas and along tourist circuits; more remote areas have limited or no coverage. Wi-Fi is available in most guesthouses, hotels, cafes, and restaurants in tourist centres.
Emergency Contacts
Local emergency numbers in Cambodia include 117 for police and 119 for ambulance and fire. However, emergency response capacity outside Phnom Penh varies significantly. Your accommodation and your travel insurer's emergency line are often your most reliable first points of contact.
Tipping
Tipping is not a formal tradition but is appreciated and has become customary in tourist contexts. Tipping at restaurants, for guides, and for drivers is common practice among international visitors. There is no fixed standard — tip according to service quality and your means.
Photography
Ask permission before photographing individuals, particularly monks, rural communities, and people at memorial sites. At Angkor and other temples, be respectful — climbing on structures damages monuments and is increasingly restricted or banned.
Safety
Cambodia is generally safe for travelers along established tourist routes, but some precautions are standard. Bag snatching from motorbikes is reported in Phnom Penh; keep bags on the building side of the pavement rather than the road side, and avoid displaying expensive items. Use app-based transport where possible for more transparent, safer rides after dark.
Land mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) remain a serious hazard in certain rural areas, particularly in former conflict zones near the Thai border (Pailin, parts of Kampong Thom, and others). Never walk off marked paths in these regions, and heed local warnings and signage.
Scams targeting tourists exist, particularly around border crossings and some Phnom Penh attractions. Common ones involve fake travel agents, overpriced transportation arranged at arrival points, and, at some border crossings, unofficial 'fees' requested by officials. Research your intended crossings and book reputable transport in advance.
The standard of medical care outside Phnom Penh is limited. Phnom Penh has better-equipped private hospitals, but serious injuries or illnesses often require medical evacuation to Thailand. This underlines the importance of comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation coverage.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Cambodia is a predominantly Theravada Buddhist country, and Buddhist temples (wats) are central to community life throughout the country. When visiting a wat, dress modestly — covering shoulders and knees is standard — remove shoes before entering temple buildings, and behave respectfully. Monks observe precepts that include not touching women; be mindful of this if interacting with monks.
The krama — a multipurpose checked cotton scarf — is a practical and culturally significant item worn by Cambodians in countless ways. Carrying one is useful for temple visits and as a general courtesy covering.
The legacy of the Khmer Rouge period (1975–1979) and the civil conflict that preceded and followed it profoundly shaped contemporary Cambodian society. A significant proportion of the population has lived experience of this period or carries its direct impact. Sensitivity and humility are appropriate when these topics arise.
Major festivals include Khmer New Year (mid-April), Pchum Ben (a Buddhist festival honouring ancestors, falling in September or October), and the Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) in November, which marks the reversal of the Tonlé Sap River's flow. These are important national events during which domestic travel surges and some businesses may close — plan accordingly.
