EXPLORE

CAMBODIA

Your Comprehensive Destination Guide

At a Glance

Total area: 181,035 sq km (roughly the size of Oklahoma)

Capital: Phnom Penh

Religion: Theravada Buddhism (97% of the population)

Population: Approx. 17 million

Language: Khmer

Other Languages Spoken: English (widely in tourist areas), French, Chinese

Currency: Cambodian Riel (KHR); USD accepted almost everywhere

Banking Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 am–4 pm; some banks open Saturdays

Telephone/Communication: The country code is +855. Reliable 4G networks and Wi-Fi are available in most cities. SIM cards are inexpensive and easy to purchase (Smart, Metfone).

Climate: Tropical monsoon climate. Dry Season: November to April (best time to visit). Wet Season: May to October (lush landscapes, fewer tourists). Temperatures range from 77°F (25°C) to 95°F (35°C)

Travel Requirements

Visa: Required. E-visas are available online before travel or visas-on-arrival at major entry points for 30-day stays.

Passport Validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months from the entry date.

Vaccinations: Routine immunizations (MMR, tetanus) are recommended. Precautions against Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Malaria are also advised, especially in rural areas.

Customs & Etiquette:

Dress modestly at temples (covered shoulders and knees)
Remove shoes before entering homes and sacred places
Avoid public displays of affection
Use both hands when giving or receiving something

Getting there from the US

No direct flights from the U.S.
Most travelers fly into Cambodia via
- Bangkok (BKK)
- Singapore (SIN)
- Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)
- Seoul (ICN)
- Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
Main International Airports:
- Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH)
- Siem Reap International Airport (SAI) (new airport opened in 2023)

Travel Safety Tips

Before You Go:

Check Entry Requirements: The U.S. and most travelers need a visa (e-visas are available online). A passport valid for at least 6 months is required.
Vaccinations: Recommended vaccines include Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, and Japanese Encephalitis (for rural or extended stays).
Travel Insurance: Strongly advised to cover health, theft, and trip disruptions.

City & Street Safety

Stay Alert in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville:
- Avoid carrying flashy items or large amounts of cash.
- Petty theft (bag snatching, pickpocketing) can occur, especially in tourist-heavy areas and on tuk-tuks.
Avoid Political Gatherings or Protests: It’s essential to steer clear of these unexpected events for your safety.
Download Grab: Use Grab (Southeast Asia’s version of Uber) instead of negotiating with random tuk-tuk drivers.

Rural and Historical Sites

Stay on Marked Paths: In rural areas (especially near old temples or jungles), unexploded ordnance (UXO) can still be a danger in remote zones.
Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly when visiting temples. Cover shoulders and knees.

Health & Hygiene

Drink Bottled Water Only: Avoid tap water, even when brushing your teeth. Always check the seal.
Be Cautious with Street Food: Cambodia has incredible street food, so eat at busy stalls with high turnover to minimize risk.
Heat & Mosquitoes:
- Wear sunscreen and light, breathable clothing.
- Use mosquito repellent (dengue fever and malaria are present in some areas).

Emergency Tips

Local Emergency Numbers:
- Police: 117
- Fire: 118
- Ambulance: 119
Know Your Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is in Phnom Penh.

Bonus Tips

Cash is King: U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Bring crisp, unmarked bills (they often reject torn or old ones).
Scams: Be wary of common tourist scams, such as fake monks, overcharging tuk-tuk drivers, or charity scams involving milk or rice for “orphans.”

Fun Facts!

Home to the World’s Largest Religious Monument. Angkor Wat is the biggest religious structure on Earth. Originally built as a Hindu temple in the 12th century, it later transformed into a Buddhist temple. It’s iconic, appearing on the Cambodian flag—one of the few national flags to feature a building.
Apsara dancing is centuries old. This traditional Khmer dance features elegant hand gestures and draws inspiration from celestial dancers in Hindu and Buddhist mythology. Performances are available in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
Unusual Street Food. Cambodians consume fried tarantulas, crickets, silkworms, and even snakes. This food represents a blend of tradition, survival (from the Khmer Rouge era), and culinary curiosity.
They celebrate the New Year in April. Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey) takes place in mid-April. It’s a three-day celebration with water fights, rituals, and dancing.
Floating Villages on Tonlé Sap Lake. Entire communities reside in floating houses that rise and fall with the water levels of Tonlé Sap, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake.
The Tonlé Sap River reverses direction. This rare natural phenomenon occurs during the rainy season when the Mekong River forces the Tonlé Sap River to flow backward, expanding the lake.
Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy with a king and a democracy. King Norodom Sihamoni is highly respected but holds mainly ceremonial powers.
French colonial influence is still visible in Cambodia. This legacy is evident in French Indochina, as seen in the architecture, baguettes, and coffee culture.
They use two currencies. Both the Cambodian Riel (KHR) and U.S. Dollars are used interchangeably. ATMs often dispense dollars and change for amounts under $1, which is given in riel.
Dark History, Resilient People. The country endured the brutal Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s, during which nearly 2 million people died. Despite this, Cambodia is celebrated for its warm hospitality and resilience.
Khmer is one of the oldest written languages in Southeast Asia. It’s over 1,000 years old and features one of the longest alphabets in the world, consisting of 74 letters!

Useful Facts!

Money Tips: U.S. dollars are used for most transactions; Riel is used for change under $1. ATMs dispense both currencies.
Bargaining: Expected at markets; smile and keep it friendly.
Shopping Highlights:
- Handwoven silk scarves and sarongs
- Silver jewelry and handicrafts
- Artisanal products at Artisans Angkor (Siem Reap)
- Spices (Kampot pepper, dried lemongrass)
Cuisine to Try:
- Fish Amok (steamed curry in banana leaf)
- Lok Lak (stir-fried beef)
- Fresh spring rolls, mango salad, Khmer noodle soup
Cultural Note: Cambodia is rebuilding from a painful past. Support social enterprises and local businesses that invest in education, fair wages, and community empowerment.

Angkor Wat (Siem Reap)

Overview & History

Angkor Wat is not just a temple—it’s the largest religious monument in the world. Built in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II, it was initially dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu but later transformed into a Buddhist temple. Located just outside Siem Reap, it’s the centerpiece of the Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that spans over 400 square kilometers.

The name “Angkor Wat” means “City of Temples”; its design is a classic example of Khmer architecture—symbolizing Mount Meru, the home of the gods in Hindu mythology. The temple complex features intricate bas-reliefs, towering lotus-like spires, and an expansive moat that adds to its ethereal beauty.

Where it is & How to Get There

Nearest City: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Distance: ~5 km (3 mi) north of downtown Siem Reap

Getting to Siem Reap:

By Air: Fly into Siem Reap International Airport (REP) from Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or other regional hubs.
By Land: From Phnom Penh or Thailand via bus or private taxi

Getting to Angkor Wat:

Hire a tuk-tuk, bicycle, scooter, or private driver for the day.
Many travelers book a guided tour for historical context and efficient temple routes.

Entrance Fees & Passes

You must purchase an Angkor Pass at the official ticket office (not at the temple entrance).

Duration	Price (USD)
1-Day Pass	$37
3-Day Pass	$62 (valid over 10 days)
7-Day Pass	$72 (valid over 30 days)

Hours: 5:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Pro Tip: Arrive at 4:45 AM for the legendary sunrise over the temple spires.

Things to Do and See at Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat Main Temple
Walk across the causeway and enter through the west gate (unusual, as most Hindu temples face east). See the five iconic towers, symbolizing Mount Meru. Don't miss the bas-reliefs: epic scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Watch the Sunrise
The most famous activity is to view the temple silhouetted against a golden sky. Arrive early (before 5:00 AM) for the best viewing spots by the north-reflecting pool.
Angkor Thom & Bayon Temple
Located just north of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom is a walled city. Bayon Temple features 216 giant stone faces—each with a mysterious smile.
Ta Prohm
Known as the “Tomb Raider Temple,” where trees grow out of ruins. It is a haunting and atmospheric favorite with photographers.
Preah Khan, Banteay Kdei, Neak Pean
It is less crowded but rich in carvings and jungle mystique. Banteay Srei, further out, features pink sandstone and detailed carvings.

Best Time to Visit

Season	Months	What to Expect
Dry Season (Best)	Nov–Mar	Cool mornings, less humidity, best for walking and sunrise photography
Shoulder Season	Apr–Jun	Hot and humid, fewer crowds
Wet Season	Jul–Oct	Rain in the afternoons, lush green scenery, fewer tourists

Good to know

Dress modestly: Covered shoulders and knees are required for entering temple sanctuaries.
Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat—the complex is vast and shade is limited.
Hire a local guide for $15–$25/day to understand the mythology, symbolism, and hidden meanings.
Don’t skip sunrise—but consider returning for a late afternoon golden hour, when crowds thin and the light is magical.
Stagger your visits—alternate temple visits with rest or activities in Siem Reap.

Culture & Etiquette

Show respect: the temples are still considered sacred sites.
Don’t touch carvings or climb on fragile structures.
Greet locals with a gentle sampeah (palms together, slight bow).
Cambodia’s people are kind and gracious—learning a few words of Khmer goes a long way.

Things to Do and See at Battambang

Why go? The heart of Cambodia’s creative scene and beautiful countryside.

Things to Do and See at Phnom Penh

Why go? A city of contrasts, with glimmering palaces and sobering reminders of Cambodia’s past.

Things to Do and See at Koh Rong & Koh Rong Samloem

Why go? Pristine beaches, swaying palms, and turquoise waters just off Cambodia’s southern coast.

Things to Do and See at Kampot & Kep

Why go? Tranquil rivers, colonial charm, and incredible food.

Cambodia offers more than ancient temples and tropical beaches—it’s a story of resilience, creativity, and quiet beauty. Let yourself be guided by the rhythm of the Mekong, the wisdom of saffron-robed monks, and the generosity of a people rising from hardship with strength and grace.