Cambodia is a kingdom in Southeast Asia, a member of ASEAN since 1999, with Phnom Penh as its capital. A good first trip combines three areas: Phnom Penh, the temples of Angkor near Siem Reap and the south coast around Sihanoukville and Koh Rong. Most visitors need a visa, which you can get online as an e-visa, and everyone flying in fills in a free e-Arrival card first. Below you get where to go, the best time to travel, entry rules, getting around, money tips and how to stay online.
Cambodia at a Glance
- Where it is: Southeast Asia, on the Asian continent. Cambodia joined ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, on 30 April 1999.
- Capital: Phnom Penh.
- Language: Khmer.
- Currency: the Cambodian riel. Many tourist prices, such as the visa on arrival and temple passes, are in US dollars.
- Main international airports: Phnom Penh Techo International Airport (KTI), Siem Reap (SAI) and Sihanouk International Airport (KOS).
- Entry: a visa for most visitors, a passport valid for at least 6 months and an e-Arrival card for arrivals by air.
Where to Go in Cambodia
Phnom Penh
Many trips start in the capital, where flights arrive at Techo International Airport. Plan two or three days for the riverside, the markets and the city's history.
The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is the memorial site of the S-21 interrogation and detention center of the Khmer Rouge regime, in the heart of the city. According to the museum's official visitor information, it opens every day from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, adults pay $5, children aged 10 to 17 pay $3, and tickets are sold only at the entrance, in cash (riel or US dollars). The museum says some exhibits may not be suitable for visitors aged 14 and younger.
Siem Reap and the Temples of Angkor
Siem Reap is the base for the Angkor Archaeological Park, the highlight of most trips. The official ticket seller, Angkor Enterprise, describes some of the main temples like this:
- Angkor Wat: the largest religious monument in the world, on a site of 162.6 hectares. Sunrise here is a classic, so start early.
- Bayon: a richly decorated temple built in the late 12th or early 13th century as the state temple of King Jayavarman VII, inside Angkor Thom.
- Banteay Srei: a 10th century temple dedicated to Shiva, about 25 km north-east of the main group of temples.
- Preah Khan: a 12th century temple built for King Jayavarman VII to honor his father, northeast of Angkor Thom.
You need a pass to enter. On the official ticket page, the Angkor passes cost:
- 1 day pass: $37, valid for 1 day
- 3 day pass: $62, to use within 7 days
- 7 day pass: $72, to use within 30 days
The Angkor park opens at 5:00 am and closes at 6:30 pm. Separate tickets exist for Koh Ker ($15), Beng Mealea ($10) and Kbal Spean ($5), which are good day trips once you have seen the main temples. Buy only on the official site or at official counters. Three days at Angkor is a comfortable pace for a first visit.
One safety rule matters here: the UK government warns that Cambodia is still heavily affected by landmines and unexploded weapons, so do not stray off main routes in rural areas, including around temple complexes.
The South Coast and Koh Rong
For beach time, head to the coast around Sihanoukville and the islands offshore, such as Koh Rong. Sihanouk International Airport calls itself Cambodia's seaside and islands airport, and its flight board lists flights to Siem Reap, so you can link the temples and the beach without a long road trip.
Island trips are by boat. The UK government's travel advice says accidents have happened on overloaded or poorly maintained boats, and that tourist boats sometimes run despite weather warnings, particularly between Sihanoukville and the nearby islands. Take extra care in the water in the rainy season, as currents can be strong, and watch for jellyfish close to the shore.
Areas to Avoid Right Now
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to within 20 km of the land border with Thailand, after heavy fighting in 2025. Land borders and crossings between Cambodia and Thailand are suspended, and some border temples, such as Preah Vihear, are closed. If you want to combine Cambodia and Thailand, plan to fly between the two and check the latest advice before you book. Our 14 day Thailand itinerary helps you plan the Thai part of the trip.
Best Time to Visit Cambodia
Cambodia has a rainy season and a dry season. The UK government's travel advice places the rainy season from May to October, with heavy monsoon storms from June to October that can damage roads, cause landslides in some provinces and flood streets in Phnom Penh, including the route to the airport.
That makes November to April the easiest time for most trips, especially for road travel, temple days and the beach. One exception: river boat trips get harder from March to May, when low water exposes sandbars. If you travel in the rainy season, keep some slack in your plans for delays. Planning another trip in Asia? Our Japan holiday guide helps you plan it.
Visa and Entry Rules
Entry rules depend on your passport, so always check the official sources for your nationality. For British passport holders, the FCDO entry requirements page says:
- Visa: you need a visa to visit. Tourist visas are valid for 30 days from the date of entry.
- E-visa: apply at least 4 days before you travel on the official Cambodia e-Visa website, run by Cambodia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, or in the official e-visa app.
- Visa on arrival: available at airports and land border crossings if you have no e-visa. You need a photo and you pay in US dollars.
- Passport: valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive, undamaged and with no missing pages.
- e-Arrival card: if you fly into Phnom Penh, Siem Reap or Sihanoukville, fill in the free e-Arrival card within 7 days before you arrive.
- Overstaying: you can be fined, detained and deported, and there is no limit to the fine.
- Yellow fever: you need a vaccination certificate if you arrive from a country with a yellow fever risk.
Use only the official e-visa website or app to apply, and check the fees there. Our guide to understanding visa requirements explains the basics if this is your first visa.
Getting Around Cambodia
For long distances, domestic flights from Phnom Penh and from Sihanoukville to Siem Reap save time. In and around towns, most travelers use tuk-tuks. Keep these points from the FCDO safety advice in mind:
- Bag snatching: most thefts are bag snatchings by thieves on motorbikes, including from people in tuk-tuks. Carry your bag on the side away from the road, and choose tuk-tuks with metal grills on the back and sides when you can.
- Road safety: Cambodia has one of the highest rates of road accidents in Southeast Asia, and travel after dark makes it riskier. Plan long road trips for daytime.
- Driving: to rent a car or a motorcycle over 125cc, you may need the 1949 international driving permit with your home licence. Police can fine you on the spot for riding without a helmet.
- Your passport: do not hand it over as a guarantee when you rent a scooter or motorbike.
Maps and ride apps on your phone make it much easier to agree on a destination with drivers, which is one more reason to have mobile data from the moment you land. Thinking about Europe next? Our Switzerland holiday guide helps you plan the trip.
Money and Practical Tips
- Cash: carry some US dollars and riel. Temple passes are priced in dollars, the visa on arrival is paid in dollars, and some sights, such as the Tuol Sleng museum, take cash only.
- Check your notes: the FCDO says travelers have been given fake dollar bills as change, so check that the notes you get are genuine and not damaged or torn. To keep cash costs down, read our tips to avoid international ATM fees.
- Health: the FCDO health page lists risks such as malaria and dengue. See a travel health professional well before your trip and take insect repellent.
- Temple manners: Cambodia's temples are religious sites, so dress modestly and stay respectful. Our travel etiquette tips cover the basics.
- Sample itinerary: for a first trip of 8 to 10 days, try 2 to 3 days in Phnom Penh, 3 days in Siem Reap and 3 to 4 days on the coast.
Staying Connected in Cambodia
You will use your phone for maps, tuk-tuk rides, Angkor tickets, e-visa and e-Arrival confirmations and messages home. Roaming on your home plan can be expensive, and Wi-Fi only works at the hotel or café. A Cambodia eSIM gives you mobile data as soon as you land in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap or Sihanoukville.
Install it at home before you fly, following our eSIM installation guide. Your phone needs to support eSIM and be unlocked, which you can check in our list of eSIM compatible devices. For a one or two week trip with maps, photos and video calls, choose a plan that lasts as long as your stay.
These plans are data-only and work across Cambodia. Compare more options on our Cambodia eSIM page, read our guide to the best eSIM for Cambodia, or see how local networks compare in our guide to eSIM providers in Cambodia. Visiting several countries in the region? Look at our Southeast Asia eSIMs or browse all destinations.
Cambodia Trip FAQ
Which continent is Cambodia in?
Cambodia is in Asia, in the Southeast Asia region. It has been a member of ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, since 30 April 1999.
Do I need a visa for Cambodia?
Most visitors do. You can apply for an e-visa online at least 4 days before you travel or get a visa on arrival, paid in US dollars. Check the rules for your passport on the official e-visa website, and fill in the free e-Arrival card if you fly in.
How many days do I need in Cambodia?
Plan at least a week. That gives you time for Phnom Penh and three days at Angkor, and 8 to 10 days lets you add the coast or the islands.
Is Cambodia safe to travel?
Follow the official advice: avoid the area within 20 km of the Thai border, watch out for bag snatching, avoid road travel after dark and never leave marked paths in rural areas because of landmines.
Can I pay with US dollars in Cambodia?
Yes, in many places. The official currency is the Cambodian riel, but many tourist prices are in US dollars and the visa on arrival is paid in dollars. Bring notes in good condition, as damaged or torn notes can be a problem.
How do I get mobile data in Cambodia?
The easiest way is a Cambodia eSIM that you install before you fly, so you are online as soon as you land and do not pay roaming charges.
