Cambodia is an enchanting vacation spot with historic landmarks, pleasant tradition, and great sights. However a visit to Cambodia requires some ahead planning. This information covers our suggestions to assist make your journey each straightforward and memorable.
By: Paul Healy |
Revealed: 7 Apr 2024
Cambodia has a profitable mixture of world-class vacationer sights and low cost value of dwelling.
Quick-term holidaymakers can dive into the historical past of the Angkor Temples, catch a political lesson in Phnom Penh and calm down on unspoilt seashores. Longer-term travellers can throw in additional distant locations, cease in colonial cities and scale back the tempo.
In case you wish to journey independently, like us, a well-planned journey is vital for getting probably the most out of this numerous nation. However even in case you’re visiting Cambodia on a brief keep, we may also help you with cash suggestions, reserving recommendations and what to pack.
Our information covers the most effective time to go to Cambodia, the right way to get round, what to see plus vital info for staying secure.
To see how we put our journey collectively, learn our 2-week Cambodia Itinerary.
WHERE TO GO
Cambodia has rather a lot to supply each vacationers searching for a mini-break and long-term travellers on a wider journey. Listed here are a few of the fundamental locations you’ll need to think about when planning a visit to Cambodia.
You’ll be able to see how we put most of those locations collectively on our Cambodian itinerary.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Cambodia is sizzling all year long with temperatures starting from 25°C to 35°C (77°F – 95°F). Nonetheless, the 12 months is cut up into two seasons.
WET SEASON
The moist season runs from Could to October. Throughout these months there will be appreciable rain and plenty of cloud. Blue skies are rare and in case you are visiting the islands within the south, crossings will be tough.
DRY SEASON
The dry season runs from November to April. There’s little rain throughout these months and a very good likelihood of blue skies. Throughout the dry season December & January provide the most effective temperatures (25°C to 30°C) nevertheless it’s busy.
March & April are the most popular months of the 12 months peaking at round 35°C (95°F). February generally is a good compromise, with fewer crowds however nonetheless good climate.
HOW TO GET TO CAMBODIA
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
There are three worldwide airports in Cambodia – Siem Reap (SAI), Phnom Penh (PNH) and Sihanoukville (KOS). Most journeys to Cambodia contain at the very least 1 stopover, normally in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Taipei, or Singapore.
Google Flights is a wonderful technique to discover the most effective routes when planning your journey to Cambodia.
SIEM REAP INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Opened in 2023, the brand new Siem Reap Worldwide Airport is 45 kilometres from the centre of town. Taxis value $30 and will be organized by your guesthouse or resort. A bus runs 8 occasions a day from simply exterior the terminal and prices $8. There aren’t any tuk-tuks on the airport.
PHNOM PENH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Phnom Penh Worldwide Airport is 12 kilometres from the centre of town. The perfect methods to get to the centre of city are:
- Bus No 3 stops on the Central Market and the Night time Market and prices about 50 cents.
- The Shuttle Prepare runs to Cambodia Railway Station and prices $2.50.
- Hiring a tuk tuk from the airport will value about $5-$10.
- A taxi will value round $10 – $15.
SIHANOUKVILLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
There will not be many flights into Sihanoukville, nevertheless it’s attainable to fly right here from Kuala Lumpur and Ho Chi Minh Metropolis.
LAND CROSSINGS
In case you’re visiting Cambodia on a multi-country journey round Southeast Asia you is likely to be a land crossing by bus. It’s considerably cheaper than flying because it avoids each the price of the flight and the transfers.
Frequent routes are from:
- Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam) to Phnom Penh – 7 hours half-hour.
- Bangkok (Thailand) to Siem Reap – 8 hours half-hour.
These bus journeys will be lengthy and painful with tedious stops on the border. Typically bus and minivan corporations dump you at one aspect, go away you to make your personal manner by immigration (the place bribes is likely to be sought), after which decide you up on the opposite aspect.
It’s value spending a bit further to go along with a good bus firm.
Bus Tip – Everybody we spoke to – expats and vacationers alike – really helpful Big Ibis. The bus comes with an on-board service attendant who offers lunch, water and chilly towels. They’ll additionally help with the immigration course of, making it as straightforward and stress-free as attainable.
CAMBODIA ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
When planning your journey to Cambodia, ensure you verify the entry necessities from the nation of your passport. Listed here are some normal arrival necessities as set by the Cambodian Authorities.
Passport – Your passport should be legitimate for at the very least 6 months past your entry date into Cambodia.
Visa – 30-day vacationer visas (Visa T) can be found on arrival. Nonetheless, it’s simpler and fewer time consuming to use on-line. Visas value $36 and take about 3 enterprise days to be processed. In case you overstay the 30 days, you may be charged $10 a day for the primary 30 days.
IMPORTANT – NEW E-ARRIVAL CARD
From 1 Jan 2024, Cambodia is trialling a brand new e-Arrival Card. This card will turn into obligatory from 1 July 2024. As a part of the applying course of, you must present your size of keep, a contact tackle within the nation (use a resort), and well being info.
Most significantly it requires Proof of Onward Journey (POOT) the place you will need to present a ticket for journey out of Cambodia. Most airways are already checking for this while you board. If you wish to keep versatile, both purchase a cancellable exit ticket or an inexpensive one which you’ll be able to write off.
VACCINATIONS
We aren’t well being consultants, so please verify the most recent necessities together with your physician. Nonetheless, listed below are some broad pointers to think about when planning a visit to Cambodia:
- Advisable vaccinations for all travellers – Tetanus & Hep A.
- Doable vaccinations for longer, distant stays – Hep B, Rabies & Typhoid.
- Malaria – Malaria is low danger throughout most of Cambodia however turns into a better danger within the northeast provinces of Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri. If visiting the northeast some medical doctors could advocate anti-malarial tables, whereas others recommend simply taking smart precautions with DEET and long-sleeved shirts and trousers. Once more, verify together with your physician.
HEALTH INSURANCE
Cambodia’s well being amenities have improved over current years. Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have respectable amenities, however many different areas are nonetheless fairly fundamental.
Ensure you journey with up-to-date and complete medical health insurance.
Journey tip – Hiring scooters is a standard technique to journey round Cambodia independently, however many insurance coverage insurance policies don’t cowl you when driving them. Verify together with your insurance coverage prematurely in case you plan to rent a scooter.
WHAT TO PACK
It’s all the time good to be ready, and there are a number of issues when packing for Cambodia.
Cambodia is a sizzling nation any time of 12 months, so plan accordingly:
- Mild colored layers.
- Huge brimmed hat.
- Excessive issue sun-tan lotion.
Cambodia is a conservative nation, and a costume code is required in lots of temples:
- Light-weight full-length trousers.
- Shirts with sleeves.
- Mild scarves.
Bugs are a menace, particularly at daybreak and nightfall:
- Lengthy trousers and long-sleeved shirts to assist keep away from bites.
- Insect repellent with excessive stage of DEET.
- Anti-bite cream.
Don’t add to the large quantity of plastic in Cambodia:
- Refillable water bottle.
- Reusable cutlery.
- Reusable espresso mug.
Pharmacies are plentiful nevertheless it’s value having some necessities with you:
- First Support Package.
- Imodium & Rehydration salts.
Journey Tip – Low cost laundry amenities can be found virtually in every single place. It prices about $2 per kilogram and your freshly laundered garments can be prepared the following day. So, there’s no excuse for overpacking.
MONEY
Cambodia’s official foreign money is the Cambodian riel. Nonetheless, the nation successfully operates a twin foreign money system, and you may pay in Cambodian riel or US {dollars}.
Guesthouses and motels, tour operators, and smarter eating places and outlets will settle for credit score and debit playing cards the place you get to decide on the foreign money.
The remainder of the economic system (tuk-tuks, taxis, road meals, native eating places, official museums) take money solely.
Vital: Utilizing US {Dollars} – In case you pay in US {dollars} the notes must be excellent. The Nationwide Financial institution of Cambodia won’t settle for a observe with any kind of rip or mark on it – so neither will the seller. When you’ve got US {dollars}, verify to makes certain there aren’t any marks or rips and hold them effectively protected.
Money Machines – Money in each US {dollars} and Cambodian riels can simply be obtained from ATMs, that are current in all the principle vacationer centres. There’s an virtually common price of $5-$6 for every transaction, so take out as a lot as you suppose you’ll want in a single go. The Cathay United Financial institution was the one one which didn’t cost us a price.
GETTING AROUND CAMBODIA
Getting round Cambodia is surprisingly straightforward. Buses run between the large cities, tuk-tuk drivers are readily available in every single place, and scooters are straightforward to rent for unbiased journey. The one factor that’s not straightforward is strolling! It’s typically highly regarded and there may be little by means of pavements.
BUSES
Buses are an inexpensive, straightforward, and fairly comfy technique to journey lengthy distances in Cambodia. A number of bus corporations run various kinds of automobiles between the main cities. Transport ranges from a mixture of minivans, minibuses, luxurious buses and evening buses.
For a straightforward technique to see which bus corporations serve which routes verify the aggregator CamboTicket.
The standard of service with every firm varies however we extremely advocate Big Ibis and Vireak Buntham – our expertise of each have been wonderful.
It’s value spending an additional $2-$3 for the consolation of the bigger luxurious buses, some include on-board service and the value consists of espresso and lunch.
There are totally different costs for Cambodians and non-Cambodians. Frequent routes and costs for non-Cambodians are:
| JOURNEY | COST | TIME |
|---|---|---|
| Phnom Penh – Siem Reap | $12-$17 | 6 hr |
| Phnom Penh – Sihanoukville | $12-$15 | 3.5 hr |
| Phnom Penh – Kampot | $8-$10 | 3 hr |
| Phnom Penh – Mondulkiri | $12-$16 | 6 hr |
| Kampot – Sihanoukville | $8-$10 | 2.5 hr |
INTERNAL FLIGHTS
Buses are normally a greater choice than inner flights. Nonetheless, the bus from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville takes about 10 hours, and the newly launched Cambodia Angkor Air flight takes only one hour 10 minutes.
TUK-TUKS
Tuk-tuks will not be designed for stability or pace, as an alternative, they’re a enjoyable technique to discover a metropolis. They function at about 12-24mph (20-40kph) and are nice for journeys as much as about 15-20 miles away (taking about 1 hour). Quick journeys of round 10 minutes inside cities and cities are about $2-$4. Each day rent is about $20.
In case you ever have hassle speaking together with your tuk tuk driver they’ll hand you their telephone and get you to kind your vacation spot into Google maps. In case you are going someplace notably obscure, it is likely to be a good suggestion to have the tackle in Khmer in your telephone.
TAXIS
Taxis are nice for longer distances. They’re extra comfy and include air con. You’ll be able to rent them for a single journey or for a haIf or full day. In case you are 4 individuals, they are often comparable in value and extra handy than long-distance buses.
Journey Tip: PassApp – Guesthouses may also help prepare tuk-tuks and taxis, or you’ll be able to discount on the road. Alternatively, obtain the PassApp, an Uber-like service for taxis and tut tuks with a normal value typically cheaper than what you may negotiate your self. When registering you must enter a Cambodian phone quantity, so both purchase a Cambodian sim or ask your guesthouse proprietor to register with their quantity.
SCOOTERS
Scooters or mopeds will be rented virtually wherever. They value about $8-$10 per day for limitless mileage. They’re nice in additional distant locations, however the streets within the cities will be chaotic. Verify that your insurance coverage coverage covers scooter use.
HEALTH & HYGIENE
Nothing can spoil a vacation faster than getting sick. Right here’s a number of well being and hygiene tricks to think about when planning a visit to Cambodia.
Water – The faucet water in Cambodia is just not secure to drink. Carry a refillable water bottle which most guesthouses will allow you to refill without spending a dime or for a small cost. Ice is usually high quality because it’s produced from filtered water.
Bogs – It’s possible you’ll come throughout the odd squat bathroom in Cambodia, however most are western type bogs and usually the usual of cleanliness is excessive. As with many Asian nations, bathroom paper goes within the bin beside the bathroom. In public restrooms, bathroom paper and cleaning soap frequently run out, so carry your personal with you.
Pharmacies – There are numerous pharmacies in the principle cities, and they’re comparatively effectively stocked. Nonetheless, if you will extra distant areas, particularly the islands, it’s a good suggestion to plan forward.
Traveller’s Diarrhoea – Circumstances of Traveller’s Diarrhoea is just not unusual in Cambodia so take the same old precautions together with washing your palms frequently, avoiding all faucet water and contemplating what you eat. The meals markets in Cambodia are nice however assess which of them seem to have good hygiene requirements earlier than you attempt their meals.
ELECTRICITY & DATA
Electrical energy Sockets – Cambodia is the one nation we’ve ever been to with electrical energy sockets designed to take all main plugs. Most motels can have at the very least a number of of those ingenious sockets that can take US, European, UK and Australian plugs. If one other nation exists with this characteristic, please tell us.
Wi-Fi – Until you might be in a really distant location, virtually all guesthouses and motels have wi-fi.
Cell Knowledge – We advocate getting an e-SIM earlier than you journey which lets you retain your cell phone quantity, plus use information in Cambodia. We used Nomad which had good service all through the nation and Asia-wide plans so we might use it in different nations. You could possibly additionally buy a Cambodian Sim while you arrive which can be cheaper, however you could have the trouble of going right into a retailer to purchase one.
CRIME & SAFETY
We felt very secure travelling round Cambodia and the Buddhist tradition is pleasant and welcoming. Nonetheless, there are a few issues to pay attention to.
Bag snatching – Lately bag snatching in Phnom Penh has turn into extra prevalent. Put on backpacks or hold single strapped backs tight to your particular person.
Intercourse tourism – There’s normally one or two streets within the main cities geared in direction of intercourse tourism. Prostitution, though extraordinarily widespread, is illegitimate.
Land Mines – Land mines are a horrible a part of Cambodian historical past. They’re most prevalent within the rural northwest, close to the Thai border. De-mining actions proceed, however in case you’re mountaineering, don’t stray from the principle trails.
LANGUAGE
The principle language in Cambodia is Khmer, however English is usually spoken in most vacationer areas and most excursions function in English.
Journey Tip – Obtain Khmer on Google Translate earlier than you journey. It could possibly assist in extra distant areas and with tuk-tuk drivers.
