South-Eastern Asia
South-Eastern AsiaCambodiaTravel guide
- Phnom Penh
- Banlung
- Battambang
- Kampot
- Koh Kong
- Kampong Thom
Cambodia is in Southeast Asia. Its capital is Phnom Penh, and visitors come for ancient temples, beaches and river journeys. The source warns of fighting along the Thai border and air strikes reaching parts of Siem Reap province.
Why go
Explore Angkor's ancient temples near Siem Reap.
Learn about Cambodia's recent history at memorials in and near Phnom Penh.
Visit beaches in the southwest and on the islands.
See river dolphins in Kratie.
Take a river trip past villages and farms.
Best time to go: November to March is relatively cool and windy, and is the most popular time to visit. April and May can reach 40°C; June to September is wet and green.
Getting there
By air
- Cambodia has international airports at Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville.
- Siem Reap is the main starting point for visits to Angkor and other northwestern ruins.
- Phnom Penh has more domestic bus connections for the southwest beaches and less-visited places.
By land
- The source says the land border with Thailand is closed indefinitely. It also warns against travel within 50 km of the Cambodian-Thai border.
- Use a reputable company for cross-border buses. Some companies advertise a premium service but leave passengers at the border without onward transport.
- Most bus companies charge a US$5–10 border-processing fee on top of the fare and entry-document costs. Staff may collect passports while passengers wait.
By sea
- From Vietnam, you can travel between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh using a combined road and boat tour.
- Fast boats from Chau Doc in Vietnam take about five hours to reach Phnom Penh. Chau Doc is about four hours by road from Ho Chi Minh City.
Getting around
Bus
Giant Ibis and Mekong Express have the strongest reputations for comfort, safety and reliability, but charge more. Guesthouses and travel agents can arrange tickets for a US$1–2 commission. Road crashes are a serious problem, and night buses are particularly risky. Travel by road during daylight. Bring a warm layer for strong air conditioning and earplugs for loud music. Most buses have no toilet. They usually stop halfway or every 1½–2 hours.
Train
Passenger trains link Phnom Penh with Sihanoukville and Battambang. Carriages have fans, opening windows and toilets, but no air conditioning. Buy tickets at the station; the source says the official ticket website is not encrypted. Some return trains reach Phnom Penh late, when taxis and tuk-tuks can be difficult to find.
Boat
Seasonal river routes include Phnom Penh–Siem Reap and Siem Reap–Battambang. Boats are slower than road transport, and some are overcrowded or unsafe. Foreign passengers are charged more. Avoid the Siem Reap–Battambang boat in April and May, when low water may require transfers to smaller boats in mid-river.
Car
Major cities, the coast and border areas have good road connections, but many smaller roads are in poor condition. Unpredictable driving, poorly maintained cars and overloaded vehicles make crashes common. Travel during daylight. Foreign drivers need a Cambodian driving licence. An international driving licence alone is not officially enough, and insurance may not cover an accident without a local licence. Vehicles drive on the right.
What to see and do
Angkor Archaeological Park
Cambodia's best-known attraction has large, richly symbolic temples, including Angkor Wat.
Ta Prohm
Huge jungle trees grow over these atmospheric ruins. Arrive early to avoid the crowds.
Choeung Ek Memorial
This memorial near Phnom Penh, also called the Killing Fields, explains atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
Visit to learn more about the Khmer Rouge period.
Kratie river dolphins
Kratie offers a chance to see endangered river dolphins.
Floating village near Siem Reap
Travel by boat and have lunch at a floating restaurant.
Food and drink
Amok
A steamed curry served in banana leaves or a hollowed coconut. Fish is traditional, but versions with chicken, beef or tofu also exist.
Kuytheav
A breakfast noodle soup with pork, beef or seafood. Add lime, chilli, sugar and fish sauce to taste.
Somlah Machou Khmae
A sweet and sour soup with pineapple, tomatoes and fish.
Bai Sarch Ch'rouk
A breakfast dish of rice and usually barbecued pork, served with pickled vegetables.
Lok lak
Quickly cooked chopped beef with a lime and black pepper dipping sauce, lettuce and onion.
Mi Chaa or Bai Chaa
Fried noodles or fried rice.
Money
Cambodian riel (KHR) and United States dollars (USD).
- Riel is widely used for everyday payments. Dollars are often preferred for larger purchases.
- Everyday transactions commonly use 4,000 riel to one US dollar. Mixed payments in riel and dollars are common.
- US dollar coins are not accepted. The source says notes below US$10 are no longer legal tender, although US$1 and US$5 notes remain widely used.
- Check foreign banknotes before accepting them. Torn, old or damaged notes may be refused, and Cambodian banks refuse US$2 notes and notes without the security strip.
Typical costs
- Allow at least US$15 a day for a basic budget trip.
- Basic countryside guesthouses can cost US$5 a night; basic city rooms are usually US$5–10.
- Rooms with air conditioning, hot water and cable television are around US$10–20.
- Dormitory beds usually cost US$2–5.
- Buses between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap or Sihanoukville cost at least US$10.
- A guesthouse or travel agent usually charges US$1–2 to arrange a bus ticket.
- Western meals often cost twice as much as Khmer meals.
Language
- Khmer is the official language.
- English is the most useful foreign language for visitors, especially with tourism staff and market sellers.
- French is spoken by some older educated people and university-educated professionals.
- Some people speak Chinese languages, Thai, Vietnamese or Korean.
- Lok
- A respectful title for a man, used before his given name.
- Lok srey
- A respectful title for a woman, used before her given name.
- Chou 'ayme
- Sweet and sour.
Staying safe
- Avoid travel within 50 km of the Cambodian-Thai border. The source reports renewed fighting, air strikes reaching parts of Siem Reap province and an indefinite land-border closure.
- Travel by road during daylight. Road crashes are frequent, and night buses are particularly risky.
- Take normal precautions against petty theft and scams. Violent crime is described as fairly low.
- Police investigations may involve demands for bribes. The source says law enforcement and courts are inconsistent and affected by corruption.
Local customs
Do
- Ask permission before photographing people. Some people may ask for payment.
- Wear knee-length shorts or trousers outside Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Beachwear is generally conservative.
- Address people using a title followed by their given name.
- Handle business cards with your right hand, palm up, while your left hand supports your right elbow.
- Approach discussion of the Khmer Rouge period politely and sensitively.
Don't
- Do not use someone's surname alone as the usual form of address.
- Do not handle business cards with your left hand, which is considered unclean.
- Do not assume women in revealing nightclub clothes are sex workers.
- Do not mistake swastikas at Buddhist temples for Nazi symbols; they have a religious meaning here.
Staying healthy
- Medical care is limited, especially in rural areas. Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation.
- The source identifies Royal Phnom Penh Hospital and Royal Angkor International Hospital as hospitals meeting Western standards, with high private fees. Naga Clinic in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap is described as useful for minor conditions.
- Use treated, boiled or bottled water outside Phnom Penh. The source gives mixed advice about Phnom Penh tap water, describing it as drinkable in one section but advising caution elsewhere.
- Ice can become contaminated during transport, even if made with treated water. Avoid raw fruit and vegetables washed in untreated water.
Where to stay
- Western-style hotels and guesthouses are available in most major towns, including less-visited places.
- Basic guesthouses can cost US$5 in the countryside and around US$5–10 in cities.
- Rooms with air conditioning, hot water and cable television cost around US$10–20.
- Backpacker dormitory beds cost about US$2–5 in most places.
Trips to Cambodia
Day-by-day itineraries by snuck, shaped around you.
Outdoor adventures in Cambodia
Cambodia offers jungle treks, river kayaking, wildlife watching and beaches on its southwest coast and islands. November to March is cooler and the most popular time to visit; June to September is wet and green. The border warning dated 20 April 2026 says to avoid travel within 50 km of the Thai border and reports air strikes affecting parts of Siem Reap province.
Koh Rong and Koh Rung Sanloem
BeacheSouthwest coastnear Sihanoukville
These islands lie offshore from Sihanoukville. Transport details are not given.
Bokor National Park
HikeElephant Mountainsnear Kampot
Wet season for the waterfall.Join a mountain tour from Kampot, 1–2 hours away. Forest tracks start behind the old tea plantation and near the waterfalls.
- Cost: Mountain tours cost about US$10, including lunch.
Kratie river dolphins
WildlifeEastern Cambodianear Kratie
Visit Kratie to see endangered river dolphins. Booking and access details are not given.
Tonle Sap Lake
WildlifeNorth-western Cambodianear Siem Reap
Take a boat trip to a floating village near Siem Reap. The lake also has a bird sanctuary, but sanctuary access details are not given.
Virachey National Park jungle treks
TrekRatanakirinear Banlung
Arrange a trek through the Ministry of Environment office near central Banlung. A park ranger and a community guide lead the trips. The park is 37 km northeast of town.
- Some areas cannot be reached in the wet season.
Yeak Laom Volcanic Lake
HikeRatanakirinear Banlung
Visit the lake in the Yeak Laom Commune Protected Area. Follow the walking trail around the lake, or use the docks for swimming.
- Cost: 8,000 riel (US$2), listed in 2019.
Banlung waterfalls
More to doRatanakirinear Banlung
Rainy season, when water levels are highest.Visit waterfalls around Banlung. Local guided trips can include a seven-tier waterfall; individual transport details are not given.
- Cost: The waterfall listings give an entry fee of 2,000 riel each, plus transport.
Banlung guided rafting and jungle trips
RaftingRatanakirinear Banlung
Arrange a rafting trip or jungle trek with a local guide. Trips can be tailored to include waterfalls and nearby villages.
- Use a knowledgeable guide when entering villages if you do not understand local customs.
Phnom Sampeu hill and caves
HikeBattambangnear Battambang
About 1 hour for the uphill circuit.Follow the circuit up the hill to the monastery. A shortcut leads back down to the shops and restaurants on the approach road.
- Cost: US$3; admission also includes Wat Banan.
Wat Baydamram fruit bats
WildlifeBattambangnear Battambang
Visit Wat Baydamram to see the fruit bats living in its trees. Transport details are not given.
Soksabike countryside tours
CyclingBattambangnear Battambang
Half day or full day.Book with Soksabike on Street 1.5 near Psar Nat. Hotel pickup is included.
- A helmet is provided.
Stung Sangker River with Green Orange Kayak
KayakingBattambangnear Battambang
Half day; 11 km.Arrange the trip with Green Orange Kayak. The route runs from Ksach Poy village to Battambang.
- Cost: US$12.
Kampot River kayaking, paddleboarding and boat trips
KayakingKampotnear Kampot
Daily kayak rental is available.Compare local operators for kayak tours, rentals and morning or evening boat trips. Captain Chim's Guesthouse is one option. SUP Asia, 4.5 km upriver at Kompang Kreang, offers stand-up paddleboarding lessons, tours and kayak rentals.
- Cost: Boat tours US$5; kayak tours US$9; daily kayak rental US$7.
Kampot Mangroves boat trip
More to doKampotnear Kampot
Take a traditional Khmer longtail boat from the Kampot area, travelling up the river towards Bokor National Park.
Phnom Chhnork and Phnom Sera caves
CaveKampotnear Kampot
From Kampot, follow Highway 33 towards Kep for about 8 km. Turn left after the rhino statue and cross the railway. Phnom Sera is ahead. For Phnom Chhnork, follow the road left for about 2 km to Wat Ang Sdok, pay the monks and walk to the mountain.
- Cost: US$1 for Phnom Chhnork.
- Bring a torch.
Kep beaches and Koh Tonsay
BeacheSouthwest coastnear Kep
Kampot to Kep: 25–45 minutes. Mainland to Koh Tonsay: about 45 minutes. Weekdays for quieter beaches in Kep.Travel about 25 km east from Kampot to Kep by motorbike or shared taxi. Fishing boats can take visitors to Koh Tonsay, also called Rabbit Island.
Sihanoukville beaches
BeacheSouthwest coastnear Sihanoukville
Use Sihanoukville as a beach destination. Individual beaches and local transport details are not given.
Teuk Chhou rapids
More to doKampotnear Kampot
Go about 8 km upriver from Kampot to the west bank.
Tada Waterfall swimming hole
More to doKampotnear Kampot
Visit the waterfall about 14 km northwest of Kampot.
- Cost: US$1 entry per person.
Kampot Province dirt biking
More to doElephant Mountainsnear Kampot
Explore Kampot Province by dirt bike through the Elephant Mountains or on the hill climb up Bokor. Operator details are not given.
Peam Krasop mangroves and Koh Kong estuaries
WildlifeKoh Kongnear Koh Kong
Day trips are available. Winter for migratory shorebirds.Arrange a dolphin and wildlife boat tour at Lin's Restaurant. Trips visit waters around the mangroves and estuary mouth.
Cardamom Mountains trekking
TrekCardamom Mountainsnear Koh Kong
Overnight stays are available.Arrange a trekking trip from Koh Kong. Specific operators and routes are not given.
Koh Kong Island day trip
More to doKoh Kongnear Koh Kong
Day trip.Arrange a day trip from Koh Kong. Transport and operator details are not given.
Kampong Thom grassland birds and fruit bats
WildlifeCentral Cambodianear Kampong Thom
March for Oriental plovers; around sunset for fruit bats.For the grasslands near Rolous village, about 5 km towards Phnom Penh, ask a motorbike-taxi driver outside Arunras Guesthouse. For bats, watch from the road beside the Old Governor's residence, 600 m west of the main bridge on the south bank.
Mekong River evening cruises
More to doMekong Lowlandsnear Phnom Penh
Evening and sunset.Take an evening river cruise from Phnom Penh. Boats leave every evening.
- Cost: US$8.
Airports, metros and trains in Cambodia
Airports with scheduled flights
- DSYDara Sakor International AirportTa NounMain international airport
- SAISiem Reap-Angkor International AirportSiem ReapMain international airport
- KOSSihanouk International AirportPreah SihanoukMain international airport
- KTITecho International AirportPhnom Penh (Boeng Khyang)Main international airport
Trains
- Rail network
- 650 km
People and safety in Cambodia
Religion
Most people are Buddhist. Mostly one faith.
- Buddhist97%
- Muslim2%
- Folk religions<1%
LGBT+ travellers
Legal in law, risky in places
- Same-sex marriage is not recognised.
- Legal gender change is not recognised.
Check your own government's travel advice before you go, and be careful with public displays of affection and dating apps.
Women travellers
Ranked #104 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.
54% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Who can visit without a visa
Travellers from 198 of 198 countries can visit Cambodia easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Visa not required12
- Visa on arrival186
Who can visit easily, by part of the world
For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Africa54 of 54 countries
- Asia49 of 49 countries
- Europe46 of 46 countries
- Americas35 of 35 countries
- Oceania14 of 14 countries
Questions
When is the best time to visit Cambodia?
November to March is relatively cool and windy. April and May are hot and dry, while June to September is wet and green.
Which airport should I use for Angkor?
Siem Reap is the main starting point for Angkor and other ruins in northwestern Cambodia.
Can someone arrange bus tickets for me?
Yes. Guesthouses and travel agents can arrange tickets for a US$1–2 commission.
Should I pay in riel or US dollars?
Riel is widely used for everyday spending, while dollars are often preferred for large purchases. Mixed payments are common.
Can I manage with English?
English is your best option if you do not speak Khmer. Tourism staff and market sellers often know enough for basic conversations and purchases.
Is Cambodian food very spicy?
Hot chilli is less central than in Thai or Lao food. Black pepper is common, and chillies are usually served on the side.
Can I drink tap water?
Assume tap water outside Phnom Penh is unsafe. The source gives mixed advice for Phnom Penh; treated, boiled or bottled water is also available.
What should I check before choosing a cheap room?
Check whether it has hot showers and whether you need your own towel. Air conditioning and hot water usually increase the price.
What should I wear?
Knee-length shorts or trousers are more respectful outside Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Beachwear is generally conservative.
Can I cross into Cambodia from Thailand by land?
The source says the land border is closed indefinitely. It also warns against travel within 50 km of the Cambodian-Thai border because of fighting.
Reviewed by @snuck