CAMBODIA

Cambodia is a country of ancient wonders, beautiful landscapes, and a cultural thread that runs through everything, from food to festivals.

Most people come for the temples — and Angkor is genuinely fascinating, for the temples themselves as well as the history they carry. Siem Reap is the base for exploring Angkor Wat and the wider temple complex, but there’s also a lot to see beyond the temples so it’s worth spending a few days here.

Phnom Penh is a city of contrasts: lively and full of colour, but also marked by its complex history. The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda are just a short distance from the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng, reminders of Cambodia’s more recent, painful past.

Down south, Cambodia’s coastline has its own rhythm, with quiet beaches and islands like Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem — clear water, soft sand, and a slow pace that’s easy to sink into.

Inland, the Cardamom Mountains are great for jungle treks and spotting wildlife, while the northeast gives a glimpse into life in more remote, indigenous communities.

Cambodia has a tropical climate with two main seasons: dry and wet. Temperatures are consistently warm year-round.

• Dry Season (November - May): This is generally considered the best time to visit.

  • Cool Dry Season (November - February): Temperatures are pleasant (averaging 25°-30°C / 77°-86°F), humidity is lower, and rainfall is minimal. This is the peak tourist season, especially around Angkor.

  • Hot Dry Season (March - May): Temperatures rise significantly, often reaching 35°-40°C (95°-104°F) or even higher, particularly in April and May. Humidity can also be very high, making extended outdoor activities challenging.

• Wet Season (June - October): Also known as the green season or monsoon season.

  • Characterized by higher humidity and regular rainfall, typically in the form of heavy, short downpours that usually occur in the afternoon or evening. It rarely rains all day.

  • The landscape becomes incredibly lush and vibrant, temples are reflected beautifully in flooded moats, and waterfalls are at their fullest.

  • Fewer tourists means better deals on accommodation and tours. Roads in very remote areas might become challenging, but major tourist routes remain accessible.

Important Tip: Visiting during the shoulder months (late October/early November, or late May/early June) can offer a good balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Early mornings are always best for visiting temples like Angkor Wat to avoid the heat and crowds.

UK, EU & US passport holders:

Most nationalities, including UK, EU, and US passport holders, need a visa to enter Cambodia. The most common options are:

• Visa on Arrival (VOA): Available at international airports (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville) and major land border crossings.

  • Requirements for VOA:

    • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.

    • At least one blank page in your passport.

    • One recent passport-sized photograph.

    • VOA fee (typically US$30 for a tourist visa; exact cash in USD is highly recommended).

    • Completion of an arrival/departure card.

  • Validity: The VOA is typically valid for 30 days.

• E-Visa: You can apply for an eVisa online (www.evisa.gov.kh) before your trip. This can save time at the airport and avoids needing a physical photo.

  • Requirements for E-Visa: Digital passport-sized photo, digital copy of your passport bio page, payment by credit/debit card (typically US$36 including processing fees).

  • Validity: The eVisa is typically valid for 30 days from your date of entry (must be used within 3 months of issue).

• Tourist Visa (T): Can also be obtained in advance from a Cambodian embassy or consulate in your home country.

Extension: Both the 30-day VOA and eVisa can usually be extended once for an additional 30 days at the Department of Immigration in Phnom Penh. Fees apply (approx. US$45-US$50 for a 30-day extension).

Important Notes:

• Passport Validity: Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.

• Onward Travel: While not always strictly enforced, having proof of onward travel (e.g., a return or exit ticket) is technically required.

• Currency for Visa: It is crucial to have the exact amount in clean US Dollars for the Visa on Arrival fee.

• Overstay Fines: Overstays are fined daily (US$10 per day) and can lead to detention or deportation.

Currency: Cambodian Riel (KHR) and US Dollar (USD)

Cambodia uses a dual currency system. The US Dollar is widely accepted and often preferred for larger transactions, accommodation, tours, and higher-end restaurants. Cambodian Riel is primarily used for smaller purchases, local markets, street food, and as change for USD transactions (e.g., if something costs $2.50, you might pay $2 and receive 2,000 KHR as change).

Best way to access money:

• ATMs: Widely available in major cities and tourist areas (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Kampot, Battambang).

  • Fees: ATMs generally charge a per-transaction fee (typically US$4-US$5).

  • Withdrawal Limits: Limits can vary but are often around US$500-US$1,000 per transaction.

  • Use a fee-free travel card (such as Revolut, Wise, or Monzo) to minimize your bank's charges.

• Money Exchange: You can exchange major currencies (EUR, GBP, THB) at banks and licensed money changers in larger towns. Rates are usually competitive.

• Bring USD: It is highly advisable to arrive in Cambodia with a supply of clean, newer US Dollar bills (especially small denominations for immediate use like VOA or first taxi).

Typical daily backpacker budget: US$20 – US$35 USD/day

This budget should cover hostel dorms, local street food or cheap restaurants, local transport (tuk-tuks, buses), and entry to some attractions (excluding the multi-day Angkor pass).

• Angkor Pass: A significant expense. A 1-day pass is US$37, 3-day pass is US$62, and 7-day pass is US$72. Factor this into your budget.

Tips:

• Tuk-Tuks & PassApp/Grab: Tuk-tuks are common for short distances. In Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, ride-hailing apps such as PassApp and Grab work well and offer transparent pricing.

• Bargain Politely: You can bargain for prices in markets and for tuk-tuk rides (unless using an app) - but be polite.

• Water Refills: Many guesthouses and cafes offer water refill stations for a small fee, helping you to save money and reduce plastic waste.

• Learn a Few Khmer Phrases: Locals appreciate it if you try a few words like Suorsdey (hello) and Arkoun (thank you).

• Small USD Bills: Always carry plenty of US$1, $5 and $10 bills, as getting change for larger denominations can be difficult for small purchases.