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Cambodia

Best time: Nov – Mar
Safety Level 2
Big CitiesHistoric

OVERVIEW

Angkor Wat temples and Mekong river life. As part of Southeast Asia in Asia, Cambodia suits travelers drawn to big cities and historic. Use this guide to plan where to go, when to visit, and how to structure your days.

WHEN TO GO

Recommended window: Nov – Mar

November through March is cool dry season in Cambodia, ideal for Angkor Wat sunrise tours, Phnom Penh riverfront, and Koh Rong beaches without monsoon flooding. December-January is peak; February still dry with rising heat.

Typical weather

  • Siem Reap/Phnom Penh

    Nov-Mar
    • highs 30-32°C (86-90°F)
    • lows 22-24°C (72-75°F)
    • 10-30 mm rain
    • humidity 60-70%

  • Angkor dawn can feel cool at 20°C (68°F)

  • Dec-Jan peak at Angkor; buy temple pass online when possible.
  • Apr-May hottest before monsoon; still visitable with early starts.
  • Jun-Oct monsoon: fewer crowds, lush moats, afternoon downpours.
  • Khmer New Year (Apr) closes many businesses; domestic travel surges.

SEASONAL TRAVEL COSTS

Flight, hotel, and tour prices in Cambodia shift with demand, holidays, and weather. These windows usually mark the biggest savings and the steepest premiums.

Most affordable

May – Oct

Monsoon green season offers Cambodia's lowest Angkor and beach rates when afternoon rains suppress tourism and Siem Reap hotels discount heavily. May and September-October shoulder within wet season provide best value.

  • Siem Reap hotels discount 40-50% in Sep-Oct monsoon.
  • Angkor guided tours cheaper with fewer group bookings.
  • Koh Rong island bungalows cut rates in wet season.
  • Phnom Penh boutique hotels offer monsoon promotions.

Most expensive

Dec – Jan

Cool dry-season peak fills Siem Reap and Phnom Penh when Angkor sunrise crowds and international holiday travelers compete for limited boutique hotel capacity. Christmas and New Year weeks see highest temple pass and guide rates.

  • Siem Reap hotels sell out at peak Dec-Jan rates.
  • Angkor sunrise tour operators charge premium in dry peak.
  • Khmer New Year (Apr) also spikes domestic travel and hotel rates.
  • Flights from Bangkok and regional hubs cost most Dec-Jan.

BEST KNOWN FOR

Siem Reap

Most popular city

Every visitor passes through this town to reach Angkor's temples, night markets, and circus performances before heading to Phnom Penh.

  • Angkor Wat temple complex at sunrise
  • Khmer Rouge history at Tuol Sleng and Killing Fields
  • Floating villages on Tonlé Sap lake
  • Amok fish steamed in banana leaf
  • Silk weaving and silver craft in Siem Reap workshops

TOURIST HOT SPOTS

The regions and landmarks travelers visit most in Cambodia, with typical visit times, booking windows, and links to official tickets.

Siem Reap

4 highlights

  • Angkor Wat

    Typical visit: Full day

    Book ahead: Buy Angkor Pass before entry; start at sunrise for fewer crowds.

    Angkor Park passes

  • Angkor Thom

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.

    Find official tickets

  • Ta Prohm

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.

    Find official tickets

  • Bayon Temple

    Typical visit: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours

    Book ahead: Usually walk-in; modest dress required. Donations welcome at active worship sites.

    Find official tickets

Phnom Penh

4 highlights

  • Royal Palace

    Typical visit: 2-3 hours

    Book ahead: Book timed entry 2-4 weeks ahead for popular palaces in peak season.

    Find official tickets

  • Silver Pagoda

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.

    Find official tickets

  • Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

    Typical visit: 1.5-3 hours

    Book ahead: Book timed entry 1-2 weeks ahead for major museums; same-day often fine off-season.

    Find official tickets

  • Wat Phnom

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.

    Find official tickets

Tonlé Sap

4 highlights

  • Kompong Phluk Floating Village

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.

    Find official tickets

  • Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary

    Typical visit: 4-8 hours

    Book ahead: Book park permits or safari slots 1-7 days ahead in peak season.

    Find official tickets

  • Chong Kneas

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.

    Find official tickets

  • Tonlé Sap Lake

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.

    Find official tickets

Koh Rong

4 highlights

  • Long Set Beach

    Typical visit: 2-4 hours

    Book ahead: No ticket required; arrive early in peak season for parking and space.

    Find official tickets

  • Police Beach

    Typical visit: 2-4 hours

    Book ahead: No ticket required; arrive early in peak season for parking and space.

    Find official tickets

  • Koh Rong Sanloem

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.

    Find official tickets

  • Bioluminescent Plankton Bay

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.

    Find official tickets

PHRASES TO GET AROUND

Ten useful Khmer phrases with pronunciation guides and English translations. Save or screenshot this list before you go.

Khmer

  • Please

    សូម

    Pronunciation: Som

  • Thank you

    អរគុណ

    Pronunciation: Orkun

  • Yes

    បាទ/ចាស

    Pronunciation: Ba/Cha

  • No

    ទេ

    Pronunciation: Te

  • How much?

    តម្លៃប៉ុន្មាន?

    Pronunciation: Tamlay ponman?

  • Where is the nearest restaurant or bar?

    ភោជនីយដ្ឋាន ឬបារដែលនៅជិតបំផុតនៅឯណា?

    Pronunciation: Pochoniyathan rue bar del neu chit bamphot now aena?

  • Where is the airport?

    អាកាសយានដ្ឋាននៅឯណា?

    Pronunciation: Akasayondthan now aena?

  • I need help

    ខ្ញុំត្រូវការជំនួយ

    Pronunciation: Khnhom trau kar chomnuoy

  • I need a hospital

    ខ្ញុំត្រូវការមន្ទីរពេទ្យ

    Pronunciation: Khnhom trau kar montir pet

  • Call the police

    ហៅប៉ូលីស

    Pronunciation: Hau polis

LOCAL CUSTOMS & ETIQUETTE

Cambodia is Buddhist, gentle in public manner, and sensitive about the Khmer Rouge era. Angkor temples require modest dress and quiet respect. The head is sacred; feet are low and should not point at people or Buddha images.

Local customs

  • Sampeah palm greeting is appreciated, especially with elders.
  • Monks receive priority seating and should not be touched by women.
  • Temple visits require covered shoulders and knees.

Do

  • Remove shoes and hats before entering temple buildings.
  • Ask before photographing monks and rural families.
  • Use tuk-tuks from reputable stands attached to hotels when possible.
  • Carry small USD or riel for temples, tips, and rural purchases.
  • Dress modestly in Phnom Penh palaces and pagodas.

Do not

  • Do not touch anyone's head, including children.
  • Do not point feet at Buddha statues or monks.
  • Do not fly drones at Angkor without a permit; fines apply.
  • Do not give money to child beggars; it can fuel exploitation.
  • Do not make jokes about the Khmer Rouge or genocide memorials.

AIRPORTS

Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports serve the capital and Angkor temples.

  • Phnom Penh International Airport

    PNH

    Phnom Penh

    From city center: 10 km (6 mi) west of central Phnom Penh

    Getting in: Taxis and tuk-tuks reach riverside hotels

  • Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport

    SAI

    Siem Reap

    From city center: 40 km (25 mi) east of Angkor Wat

    Getting in: Taxis and hotel pickups serve temple visitors

GETTING AROUND

Cambodia combines rail, urban transit, and buses; ride-hailing apps operate in major cities where available.

Trains

Royal Railway

National or regional rail serving Cambodia.

Tickets & use: Buy tickets at station counters, rail websites, or apps.

Visit Royal Railway

Buses & public transit

Phnom Penh City Bus

Public transit

Capital bus routes on numbered lines.

Tickets & use: Use transit cards or mobile tickets at gates.

Visit Phnom Penh City Bus

Giant Ibis

Public transit

Intercity coaches to Siem Reap and coast.

Tickets & use: Pay cash or use transit cards when boarding.

Visit Giant Ibis

Ride share & taxi apps

PassApp

Taxi app

Taxi and tuk-tuk booking in Phnom Penh.

Tickets & use: Book via PassApp.

Visit PassApp

Grab

Ride share

Ride-hailing in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Tickets & use: Book via Grab app.

Visit Grab

PRACTICAL TIPS

Before you book, read our Safety travel tips. That guide explains how to read U.S. State Department advisories (including Level 2 for Cambodia), register for STEP alerts, get embassy help abroad, and what to do if family at home cannot reach you.

  • Buy an Angkor pass at the official booth outside the park gate and keep it with you for daily temple checks.
  • Use tuk-tuks with agreed fares in riel or U.S. dollars before starting trips around Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
  • Avoid tap water and use bottled water even for brushing teeth in provincial towns.

MOVING OR STAYING LONGER

Visa rules and money basics for U.S. citizens thinking about a longer stay in Cambodia. Confirm current requirements with official immigration and consular sources before you move.

Visa & residence

U.S. citizens may obtain a visa on arrival or an e-visa for tourism stays of 30 days, extendable in country for an additional fee. Business visas and ordinary visas can lead to long-term residence when tied to employment, marriage, or retirement with recurring extensions. Cambodia adjusts visa fees and extension policies regularly, so confirm current rules with immigration offices or official e-visa portals.

Official sources

Currency

Cambodian riel (KHR · ៛)

Carry some cambodian riel in cash for taxis and markets; card acceptance is strongest in major cities and tourist areas.

Convert USD to KHR

POPULAR ITINERARIES

Five ready-made day-by-day routes through Cambodia: classic highlights, beaches, countryside, and top monuments. Mix and match segments to fit your schedule.

5 daysBest for: Weekend warriors and short trips

Cambodia Highlights Express

Siem Reap · Phnom Penh · Tonlé Sap

  • Day 1: Arrive in Siem Reap

    Land in Siem Reap, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Cambodia trip.

  • Day 2: Explore Phnom Penh

    Dedicate the day to Phnom Penh: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.

  • Day 3: Tonlé Sap and farewell

    Spend your final day in Tonlé Sap visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.

Full day discovering Siem ReapFull day discovering Phnom PenhFull day discovering Tonlé Sap

Sample route for Cambodia. Adjust pacing to match your travel style and season.

7 daysBest for: Urban explorers and culture fans

Classic Cambodia

Siem Reap · Phnom Penh · Tonlé Sap · Koh Rong

  • Day 1: Arrive in Siem Reap

    Land in Siem Reap, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Cambodia trip.

  • Day 2: Explore Phnom Penh

    Dedicate the day to Phnom Penh: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.

  • Day 3: Explore Tonlé Sap

    Dedicate the day to Tonlé Sap: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.

  • Day 4: Koh Rong and farewell

    Spend your final day in Koh Rong visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.

Cover Siem Reap and Phnom PenhExplore Tonlé SapExplore Koh Rong

Sample route for Cambodia. Adjust pacing to match your travel style and season.

5 daysBest for: Sun seekers, swimmers, and coastal road trips

Cambodia Beaches & Coast

Siem Reap · Phnom Penh · Tonlé Sap

  • Day 1: Arrive in Siem Reap

    Check in near the shore and take a relaxed walk along the waterfront. Swim or sunbathe if conditions allow, then settle into a seaside dinner in Siem Reap.

  • Day 2: Phnom Penh coast

    Spend the day on Phnom Penh's shoreline: Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, with time for cafés, boat trips, or sunset views.

  • Day 3: Tonlé Sap and farewell

    Enjoy a final beach morning in Tonlé Sap, visiting Kompong Phluk Floating Village, Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary, Chong Kneas before you depart Cambodia.

Coastal day in Siem ReapCoastal day in Phnom PenhCoastal day in Tonlé Sap

Sample route for Cambodia. Adjust pacing to match your travel style and season.

7 daysBest for: Nature lovers, hikers, and slow travel

Cambodia Countryside

Siem Reap · Phnom Penh · Tonlé Sap · Koh Rong

  • Day 1: Arrive in Siem Reap

    Reach Siem Reap, drop bags at a rural stay, and take a short walk through nearby villages or trails to get oriented.

  • Day 2: Phnom Penh countryside

    Explore Phnom Penh at an easy pace: Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.

  • Day 3: Tonlé Sap countryside

    Explore Tonlé Sap at an easy pace: Kompong Phluk Floating Village, Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary, Chong Kneas with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.

  • Day 4: Koh Rong and farewell

    Wrap up with a slow morning in Koh Rong, stopping at Long Set Beach, Police Beach, Koh Rong Sanloem before heading home.

Rural stop: Siem ReapRural stop: Phnom PenhRural stop: Tonlé Sap

Sample route for Cambodia. Adjust pacing to match your travel style and season.

5 daysBest for: Sightseeing, history buffs, and first-time landmark hunters

Cambodia Monuments & Hot Spots

Phnom Penh · Siem Reap · Tonlé Sap

  • Day 1: Icons of Phnom Penh

    Start in Phnom Penh with Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, buying timed tickets ahead when possible and finishing with a walk through the historic center.

  • Day 2: Siem Reap monuments

    Focus on Siem Reap's tourist favorites: Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm with breaks for local food between sights.

  • Day 3: Tonlé Sap landmarks and farewell

    Catch any remaining must-sees in Tonlé Sap, including Kompong Phluk Floating Village, Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary, Chong Kneas, before your departure.

Must-see: Royal PalaceMust-see: Silver PagodaMust-see: Angkor Wat

Sample route for Cambodia. Adjust pacing to match your travel style and season.