Summary:
Traveling to Cambodia is easy, but knowing a few essentials before arrival will help you navigate the tangles and traps that often snare tourists on their first visits.
Tourism in Cambodia is on the rise. With double-digit growth in recent years, over 6 million tourists visited Cambodia in 2018. This figure is impressive, especially considering Cambodia’s population was estimated to be 16.2 million in 2018. Many of those international visitors head directly to Angkor Wat near Siem Reap.
Moreover, it is crucial to understand Cambodia’s struggle to recover after decades of war and bloodshed. The book First They Killed My Father by Loung Ung provides a powerful, firsthand account of the atrocities Cambodia faced not long ago. Instead of comparing the infrastructure to that of a larger, never-colonized neighbor like Thailand, visitors should appreciate what Cambodia has accomplished.
Cambodia Travel Essentials to Know
- Official Name: Kingdom of Cambodia
- Other Names: Kampuchea (Cambodge in French)
- Population: 16.2 million (per 2018 census)
- Time: UTC + 7 (12 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time)
- Country Phone Code: +855
- Capital City: Phnom Penh (also the largest city)
- Primary Religion: Theravada Buddhism
Cambodia’s Difficult Past
Cambodia, the once-powerful home of the Khmer Empire, has faced significant challenges over the past 500 years. Despite being a dominant power for centuries, it fell to Ayutthaya (modern-day Thailand) in the 15th century. Since then, numerous conflicts have ravaged the nation, leaving behind countless orphans and a legacy of landmines and unexploded ordnance.
Moreover, from 1863 to 1953, Cambodia was a protectorate of France. Further suffering stemmed from the Vietnam War. It was under Pol Pot and the brutal Khmer Rouge that over two million lives were lost between 1975 and 1979.
Simultaneously, a fragile economy and extreme poverty have fostered widespread corruption. Travelers who begin their Southeast Asia journey in Thailand often mistakenly compare various aspects of Cambodian life to Thailand, overlooking the unique experiences Cambodia offers.
Angkor Wat in Cambodia
Although there is much more to explore in Cambodia, the ancient ruins of Angkor temples, dating back to the 12th century, represent the crown jewel of Cambodian tourism. Angkor Wat is recognized as the largest religious monument in the world and features prominently on Cambodia’s flag.
Located near Siem Reap, Angkor was once the seat of the mighty Khmer Empire, which peaked between the 9th and 15th centuries before the city was sacked in 1431. Today, Angkor Wat stands protected as one of Southeast Asia’s most outstanding UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The site features both Hindu and Buddhist temples scattered across many miles of jungle, with bas-reliefs and statues depicting scenes from mythology, offering a glimpse into the ancient Khmer civilization. While the main site can become extremely crowded, especially during peak season from November to April, adventurous travelers can also explore unrestored temples located away from the main attractions.
Getting to Cambodia
Cambodia boasts around a dozen overland border crossings with neighboring Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. However, the simplest and least stressful way to reach Cambodia is via budget flights to Siem Reap or the capital, Phnom Penh. Numerous affordable flights are available from Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur.
If your primary goal is to see Angkor Wat, flying into Siem Reap is the best option, although ticket prices may be higher relative to the duration of the flight. An affordable bus (5–6 hours) and speedboat service connects Phnom Penh to Siem Reap.
Cambodia Visa and Entry Requirements
A visa for Cambodia can be arranged online prior to travel through the Cambodian e-visa website. Travelers from many approved nations may also obtain a 30-day visa on arrival at the airports in Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. Visas on arrival are available at some major land border crossings, but not all.
Two passport-sized photos are required alongside the application fee, which is approximately US $30–35. Officials prefer payment in U.S. dollars, as paying in Thai baht may result in additional charges.
Tip: Travelers should be cautious of common scams at Cambodian borders. Border officials may whimsically alter visa application fees, and payments in U.S. dollars are preferred. If using Thai baht, ensure clarity on the exchange rate to avoid being overcharged. It’s advisable to provide the exact fee when possible.
Money in Cambodia
The official currency in Cambodia is the Cambodian riel (KHR), but U.S. dollars are widely accepted and circulated. Both currencies can be used interchangeably; however, U.S. dollars are preferred in most situations. Prices in urban and tourist-focused areas are typically quoted in dollars, while Thai baht may be accepted in some places, particularly near the borders.
Travelers are encouraged to carry smaller denominations of both Cambodian riel and U.S. dollars. It’s crucial to maintain smaller change for various transactions. U.S. dollars should be in good condition, as torn or excessively damaged bills may not be accepted. Instead of receiving U.S. coins, change is usually dispensed in riel, so it’s vital to monitor the exchange rates during each sale.
Western-networked ATMs are widely available in Cambodia, including networks like Cirrus, Maestro, and Plus. Expect an additional fee of up to $5 per transaction, along with standard bank charges. While credit cards are accepted at many large hotels and select tour agencies, using cash is often safer due to potential skimming incidents. It’s best to utilize ATMs located in public areas, ideally those connected to bank branches.
Additionally, Cambodia has a haggling culture, where prices for various items can be negotiated. It’s advisable to spend all Cambodian riel before leaving since the currency cannot be exchanged outside of Cambodia.
Vaccinations for Cambodia
Although there are no officially required vaccinations to enter Cambodia, travelers should consider the typical recommended vaccinations for Asia. Vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, typhoid, and tetanus (often combined into a Tdap vaccination) are generally advised.
Mosquito-borne dengue fever poses a serious risk in Cambodia. Currently, the dengue fever vaccine is only recommended for individuals who have previously contracted the illness. Travelers should equip themselves with knowledge on how to avoid mosquito bites.
When to Visit Cambodia
Cambodia primarily experiences two main seasons: wet and dry. Temperatures rarely drop below a comfortable level, unless air conditioning is in use. The dry season, which sees the highest number of visitors, typically spans from November to April. During this period, April temperatures can exceed 103 degrees Fahrenheit! Rainfall generally begins in May or June following the hottest months, resulting in significant muddy conditions, road closures, and increased mosquito populations.
The best months for visiting Angkor Wat coincide with the busiest tourist season, due to the abundance of sunny days, with January typically experiencing fewer rainy days.
Cambodia Travel Tips
- Avoid discussing topics that may make locals uncomfortable, such as war, politics, and the Khmer Rouge, as these can trigger painful memories.
- Avoid supporting unsustainable practices such as child begging or children selling souvenirs to tourists. Refrain from purchasing souvenirs made from insects or wildlife, as these harm the environment. Practicing sustainable travel is critical in Cambodia.
- The water in Cambodia is unsafe to drink; therefore, bottled water can be purchased readily. Always verify the seal before consuming.
- While marijuana is relatively easy to find (even appearing on pizza menus in Siem Reap), all drugs are illegal in Cambodia, similar to the laws in Thailand.
- Petty theft, often manifesting as motorbike-based bag snatching, can be a concern in Cambodia. Keep your smartphone concealed and remain vigilant with your purse or daybag while riding tuk-tuks.
- Despite the heavy tourist traffic at Angkor Wat, it remains a religious site frequented by many monks. Visitors are encouraged to dress respectfully and adhere to the standard rules of temple etiquette.
- The entrance fees for Angkor Wat increased significantly in 2017. Passes can now be purchased via credit card at the ticketing counter (operating hours: 05:30–5 p.m.). A single passport photo is required at the time of purchase.
