Cambodia is home to numerous historical sites, the most famous of which is Angkor Wat, the former capital of the Angkorian Kingdom. Known as the largest religious structure in the world, Angkor Wat was the centre of the Angkorian Kingdom and contains the remains of ancient temples and cities. A trip to Cambodia’s historical sites is a great experience for travellers interested in history and culture, and you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the beauty of Cambodia while admiring its rich heritage and beautiful temples.
1. Cambodia Quick Facts
Language Khmer
Religion Buddhism
Currency Cambodian Riel (KHR)
Visa A travel visa is required. You can get a visa on arrival at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap international airports. Submit a visa application form available at the airport. The fee is 30 USD, and each visa is valid for a 30-day stay. An e-visa, which can be applied for online, is more expensive at 36 USD, but has the advantage of faster entry.
Power Plugs 230 V 50 Hz GType)
Capital Phnom Penh
ATM
Most ATM are available 24 hours a day and use the Cirrus, Plus, Maestro, Visa, and MasterCard systems. All ATM dispense U.S. dollars.
Use card
Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are accepted at most upscale hotels, shops, restaurants, and some mid-range stores, with a 2-4% surcharge. Hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions are generally based on U.S. dollars, while traditional markets, public transportation, and small transactions are conducted in Cambodian riel. The red 500 Riel bill is the most common denomination.
Useful APP
Google Maps
Grab
Pass : This taxi app is almost as popular as Grab. While Grab is a scouting system, Pass is a real-time pricing system.
Stop Near Me : This app shows you the location and route of Phnom Penh city bus stops. It’s very helpful if you’re planning to take the bus.
2. Packing for your trip
Air plain Ticket
Dollar Flight Club has made it easier and cheaper to buy flights to the Airport.
SIM card
Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving you access to 200+ eSIMs (digital SIM cards) globally at affordable prices.
New member one-time use 15% discount coupon
10% discount coupon for multiple use by all members.
Pacsafe Pro safe 800 Luggage Lock
Good protection against snatchers or impulse thieves.
Universal Power Adapter
One of the most essential but most forgotten items in your travel gear? A power adapter!
Travel insurance
Prepare for risky situations Travel insurance can be a big help in the event of an emergency
GoPro HERO11
If you want to capture your own memories of your travels, GoPro is the way to go. It’s small, has great image quality, and is easy to carry around
Bug spray
Laos has a tropical climate and lots of bugs like mosquitoes. Pack bug spray and use it.
3. Transportation
Taxi : 1USD per kilometre It is convenient to use the Pass and Grab app.
Tuk Tuk : Download the Pass,Grab app, register your local number, set your current location and destination, and the price will be quoted, and you can choose whether to pay by card or cash.
Bus : City buses operate on 13 routes and cost 1500 riel. You’ll need to have change on hand as you can’t get change.
4. Safety
Although the security situation in Cambodia is considered to be good, there are a number of areas where you should be cautious when travelling.
In Phnom Penh and Siem Reap city centres, it’s easy to get caught out late at night, and there are many forms of crime aimed at tourists, including extortion, muggings where people approach you on a motorbike while you’re travelling on foot or by tuk-tuk and snatch valuables from your hands, tour guide scams, and pickpockets. You should always negotiate before doing anything.
Useful phone numbers for tourists
Crime Report : 117
Fire : 118
Emergency : 119
5. Climate
The dry season runs from November to April, with temperatures ranging from 23°C (73°F) to 30°C (86°F), with slightly cooler mornings and evenings.
It’s hottest from April onwards, towards the end of the dry season, with monthly averages of 25°C (77°F) – 36°C (97°F).
The rainy season is May to October, with frequent squall-like downpours, especially in the afternoons from July to September.
It’s humid and very hot, but after the rain, the temperature drops a bit.
6. price
Prices for tourists in Cambodia are notoriously low. There is a significant difference between local consumption prices.
McDonald’s Combo Meal: 6USD
Water (500ml): $0.25
Coke (330ml)$0.5
7. Travel precautions
The Cambodian Riel has a low value and is not trusted even by its own citizens, so the US dollar is universally accepted and the Riel is used as a secondary unit (change).
You will need to purchase and drink bottled water.
8. Etiquette & Service Tip
Cambodians consider the head sacred and do not touch it. Calling someone by their surname when addressing them may offend them. When sharing a meal, it is customary for the invitee to pay.
When entering a temple, avoid wearing short clothes and remove your hat and shoes. When going to a funeral, avoid wearing black and wear white.
Tip
Tips are not traditionally enforced. If you feel grateful for the service provided, offer$ 1-$ 2 or 10 per cent of the total amount.
9. Holidays
The public holidays in Cambodia in 2024
1 Jan Mon New Year’s Day
7 Jan Sun Victory Day
8 Jan Mon Victory Day Holiday
8 Mar Fri International Women’s Day
13 Apr to 16 Apr Sat to Tue Khmer New Year
1 May Wed Labour Day
14 May Tue King Norodom Sihamoni’s Birthday
22 May Wed Visak Bochea Day
26 May Sun Royal Ploughing Ceremony
27 May Mon Royal Ploughing Ceremony Holiday
18 Jun Tue Queen Mother’s Birthday
24 Sep Tue Constitution Day
1 Oct to 3 Oct Tue to Thu Pchum Ben
15 Oct Tue Commemoration of Late King Father
29 Oct Tue King Norodom Sihamoni’s Coronation Day
9 Nov Sat Independence Day
14 Nov to 16 Nov Thu to Sat Bon Om Touk
2025 National Public Holidays:
Wednesday, 1 January : New Year’s Day
Tuesday, 7 January : Victory Day
Saturday, 8 March : International Women’s Day
Sunday to Tuesday, 13 April to 15April : Khmer New Year
Thursday, 1 May : Labour Day
Monday, 5 May : Visak Bochea Day
Wednesday, 14 May : King Norodom Sihamoni’s Birthday
Thursday, 15 May : Royal Ploughing Ceremony
Wednesday, 18 June : Queen Mother’s Birthday
Sunday to Tuesday, 21 September to 23 September : Pchum Ben
Wednesday, 24 September : Constitution Day
Wednesday, 15 September : Commemoration of Late King Father
Wednesday, 29 October : King Norodom Sihamoni’s Coronation Day
Tuesday to Thursday, 4 November to 6 November : Bon Om Touk
Sunday, 9 November : Independence Day
Monday, 29 December: Peace Day