Travel Tips for Cambodia: Essential Guide to Your Visit

Cambodia is considered one of the friendliest countries in Southeast Asia. Thanks to an unbreakable spirit and infectious optimism, the Khmers have prevailed. No visitor comes away without a measure of admiration and affection for the inhabitants of this enigmatic kingdom.

General health is more of an issue here than in many other parts of Southeast Asia, due to a lack of international-standard medical-treatment facilities, a prevalence of tropical diseases, and poor sanitation. Once you venture into rural areas, you are on your own, although most provinces have a reasonable clinic for minor health problems.

Cambodia is generally a very safe country to visit; however, occasional crimes and scams do happen, so it is best to minimize the risks where possible. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning once again, this guide can help you plan the essentials for your trip.

Cambodia’s Confusing Currency

Cambodia’s official currency is the riel (4000r = US$1). The US dollar is used as a parallel currency and accepted everywhere, although small change may arrive in riel. Just to complicate matters, in towns bordering Thailand, the Thai baht (B) is also accepted.

Get Yourself a Krama Upon Arrival

Purchase a krama, a traditional Cambodian checked scarf, as soon as you arrive – it’s a multipurpose travel towel that the locals use in various ways. The primary use is protection from the sun, dust, and wind, but you can also use it as a quick cover-up sarong-style, to towel yourself down after a dip in the pool, and as a makeshift pillow. Essentially, the list is as long as your imagination, and it takes up virtually no space in your backpack compared to multiple equivalent products.

A temple appears golden in the sunlight. Several tourists are milling around the manicured grounds — Pack casual and comfortable clothes, and be prepared to cover knees and shoulders when entering temples and other sacred sites © Cristian Mircea Balate / Shutterstock

Lightweight Gear and Casual Clothing for Cambodia

Lightweight and loose-fitting clothes are ideal in Cambodia, including cottons and linens to combat the humidity. Cambodia is not particularly dressy unless you’re spending time at high-end bars and clubs in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, so smart clothes are rarely a necessity. If heading to the upland northeast from November to March, pack a warm top for the cool nights.

What to Pack

Lightweight, light-colored clothing to reflect the sun
Comfortable sandals or shoes
Refillable water bottle
Powerful sunscreen and long-lasting deodorant
Earplugs to block out noise
Unlocked mobile phone for use with a Cambodian SIM card (roaming charges can be expensive, so it’s worth buying a cheap SIM upon arrival)
A light raincoat if traveling during the wet season

Important Etiquette to Keep in Mind

The people of Cambodia are very gracious hosts, but there are some important spiritual and social conventions to observe.

Always Be Respectful at Buddhist Sites

When visiting temples, cover up to the knees and elbows, and remove shoes and any head covering when entering temple buildings. Sit with your feet tucked behind you to avoid pointing them at Buddha images. It’s also good to leave a small donation. Women should never touch a monk or his offering bowl – the Buddhist faith believes it is contrary to a monk’s sacred vows to be in close proximity to a woman that isn’t a relative.

Use the Local Greeting When Meeting New People

Known as the sompiah, the local greeting involves putting your hands together in a prayer-like manner. Use this greeting when introduced to new Khmer friends. When beckoning someone over, always wave towards yourself with the palm down.

A woman is looking at a bracelet that's for sale on a market stall table — Haggling over the price of goods in the market is expected © Andrew TB Tan / Getty Images

Bargaining is Expected in Markets

It’s important to haggle in markets in Cambodia; otherwise, stallholders may “shave your head,” local vernacular for “rip you off.” Negotiation is also the norm when arranging share taxis, pickups, and local transportation like tuk-tuks if ordering in person. The Khmers are not ruthless hagglers; therefore, a persuasive smile and a little friendly quibbling are usually sufficient to reach an agreeable price with the seller.

Dress Modestly

Avoid wearing swimsuits or scant clothing around towns in Cambodia, even in beach destinations. Wearing a sarong or krama is advisable.

Tipping is Appreciated

While tipping is not essential, it is commonplace in establishments catering to tourists, such as hotels and restaurants. It is also standard practice to tip tour guides and drivers on organized tours.

Local Health Care in Cambodia

Do not visit Cambodia without medical insurance. Hospitals are very basic in the provinces, and anyone who has a serious injury or illness may require emergency evacuation to Bangkok. If you fall seriously ill, you should head to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, as these are the only places in the country with decent emergency treatment available.

Pharmacies in larger towns are well-stocked, and you don’t need a prescription to access essentials like antibiotics or antimalarials.

When it comes to tap water, it’s wise to avoid it where possible. Bottled water is widely available in Cambodia, and many hotels and guesthouses offer refill tanks. Ice is generally safe, as it is produced in bottled water factories across the country, a remnant of the French colonial period.

An empty sandy beach at night, lit by the lights from beachside bars. — As with many destinations, it is best to avoid isolated areas at night © Anders Blomqvist / Getty Images

Animal Welfare Concerns

Though not yet illegal in Cambodia, elephant rides have been repeatedly criticized by animal welfare groups as cruel and harmful to these majestic creatures. Conduct thorough research to ensure any animal sanctuary you’d like to visit is ethical and prioritizes the welfare of the animals.

Stay Safe in Cambodia with These Top Tips

The most common crime is bag or mobile phone snatching, usually perpetrated by thieves on motorcycles. Consequently, it’s advisable to avoid using your phone on the street, especially at night. Walking or riding alone late at night is not ideal, as there have been several reports of assaults in isolated areas after dark.

Most scams are relatively harmless, involving minor commissions for local drivers. While rare, there have been occasional reports of police set-ups in Phnom Penh, typically involving planted drugs, usually affecting business owners. Be cautious of gambling scams often associated with seemingly friendly individuals, as these can lead to significant financial loss.

Be wary of fake medications; it’s crucial to purchase prescription drugs only from reputable pharmacies or clinics. Exercise caution if offered chemical drugs on the street, as these are not only illegal but may also be dangerous.

Due to the presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) in some rural areas, it is essential to stick to marked paths. Additionally, supervise small children in rural areas and do not stray off designated cycling routes.

While road conditions have improved recently, they can vary widely between the dry and wet seasons. Although motorcycles are a popular mode of transport in Cambodia, refrain from attempting to ride one if you’re not an experienced driver. The tangled traffic in large towns and cities is not suited for novices.

Pre-Departure Checklist Before You Go

Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months before entering Cambodia
Arrange any recommended inoculations at a travel health clinic
Purchase travel insurance with strong health coverage
Double-check if you need to arrange a visa prior to arrival