Cambodia Travel Guide
Cambodia Facts
- Location: Cambodia also Kampuchea, officially the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochinese Peninsula in Southeast Asia.
- Official Language: The Khmer language is a member of the Mon–Khmer subfamily of the Austroasiatic language group. French, once the language of government in Indochina, is still spoken by many older Cambodians, and is also the language of instruction in some schools and universities that are funded by the government of France. English is widely taught in several universities and there is also a significant press in that language, while street signs are now bilingual in Khmer and English.
- Capital: Phnom Penh
- Population: More than 16 million
- Currency: The local currency is Riel. However, in Phnom Penh and most major tourist destinations, almost all goods and services are calculated and paid in US dollars. We suggest that carry a small denomination of US dollars. The ATM accepts all major credit cards and can be found in different locations in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang, and Sihanoukville.
- Time Zone: UTC +7
Why you should visit Cambodia
History
History buffs will be in their element in Cambodia learning about the great Khmer Empire, a period of national pride even today. From wandering around the ancient temples of Angkor Wat and discovering more about the kings who created them, to the switch from Hinduism to Buddhism and even looking at its recent violent past, the kingdom holds a strong and fascinating appeal.
Authentic Travel
Here you can enjoy a community homestay, then spend a few days trekking through the jungle, soak up the rare flora and fauna and cycle through unspoilt countryside.
The Angkor Wat Temples
A breathtaking, magical and majestic place, including Angkor Wat, the largest religious building in the world and undoubtedly one of the highlights of your trip.
People
Cambodians are renowned for their hospitality, and when you first arrive in the kingdom, you’ll be overwhelmed by the warm welcomes and smiles.
Remote Islands
Those islands off the southwest coast of Cambodia, also in the Gulf of Thailand, are often overlooked. But that means they’re unspoiled, and for the large part more authentic. Koh Rong holds the crown as a party island, while nearby Koh Rong Samloem has pristine beaches blessed with tropical flora. Check out Koh Rong, Koh Thmei, or if you are really intrepid Koh Totang! The pictures are stunning, the reality even better.
The Best Time to Travel in Cambodia
Cambodia has a tropical climate and is distinguished by three major seasons. The most pleasant season is the dry season from November to March, during which the temperature is relatively low (average 20-28°C/68-82°F). The hot season lasts from April to May (average 30-35°C/86-95°F), and the rainy season which is also called the Green Season is from June to October, during which the temperature is relatively cool (average 25-30°C/77-86°F).
The best time to visit Cambodia is between November and January, as the temperatures are lower, there's little rain and spending long days outdoors exploring is more comfortable.
Top Things to do in Cambodia
Sunrise/ Sunset at Angkor Wat
Angkor was the capital of the Khmer empire from the ninth to the fifteenth century, and you can explore the empire’s temples and ruins within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor Archaeological Park. The Sunrise/ Sunset view at Angkor Wat will be a special experience.
Trek through the Jungle
For the adventurous traveller who wants to explore this rugged terrain, several treks take place in the Cardamoms. These vary in length, difficulty and location, depending on what you’re after. It bodes well to remember this is the jungle, a real tropical jungle. There are no hospitals nearby, there are scary insects, snakes and spiders, and you will get eaten by mosquitoes so go prepared.
Go into the Wild
Animal lovers are in for a treat because a variety of endangered and rare wildlife call Cambodia home. Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre, about 30km from Phnom Penh, is run by Wildlife Alliance. This organization cares for over 1,400 rescued animals across more than 100 species. The full-day guided tour includes behind-the-scenes action, such as an elephant with a prosthetic leg allowing staff to change his stump liner. You’ll also meet rescued clouded leopards, tigers, gibbons, bears, and otters.
Sail along the Mighty Mekong
A sunset cruise along the Mekong is a must while in Phnom Penh. At dusk, the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers light up with boats of varying sizes hitting the water for an evening of cruising.
Visa to Cambodia
A passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry and one passport-sized photo are required for visa application.
Tourist Visa on Arrival
By providing a scan of passport with validity of more than six months balance at the time of entry, a recent passport-sized photo in digital formation, and a payment of visa cost and processing fee, travelers can obtain a 30-day tourist visa on arrival at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports or at the border crossings with Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos.
E-Visa
Submitting an online application and a scanned copy of the passport with a validity of more than six months from the date of entry, a recent passport-sized photo, and a payment of visa cost and processing fee will provide you with an email visa, which you must print and bring with you. All ports are equipped with the latest version of the terminal system, and each port has a special e-Visa channel. For more information and to apply for an e-Visa, please visit www.mfaic.gov.kh. (Be aware of the fake visa websites).
Cambodia COVID-19 Travel Restrictions
The Royal Government of Cambodia has officially decided to reopen the Visa On Arrival service, waiving the requirement for the Negative 72-hour certificate of COVID-19 PCR Test Result prior to arrival in Cambodia and waiving the requirement for Antigen Rapid Test upon arrival for all fully vaccinated national and international travelers entering Cambodia by air, land and sea started from 17th March 2022. The removal of unnecessary barriers and good management have resulted in an increasing number of domestic and international tourists in the first two months of 2022 and the direct flights to Cambodia has also increased significantly.
