Cambodia

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