Travel Guide to Cambodia

Cambodia is a country of profound contrasts – magnificent ancient temples alongside sobering recent history, rapid development beside rural tradition, and incredible cultural richness emerging from decades of tragedy. While smaller than neighboring Thailand and Vietnam, Cambodia offers some of Southeast Asia's most iconic sights and authentic experiences at remarkably affordable prices.

Most travelers focus on three main areas: Angkor temple complex and Siem Reap, Phnom Penh's history and culture, and southern beaches and islands. Additional highlights include charming riverside towns like Kampot and Battambang, jungle adventures, and encounters with traditional Khmer culture.

• IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNINGS:** Cambodia requires heightened awareness due to prevalent scams, harassment (particularly of women), petty theft, and aggressive touts. Women travelers face Level 3 HIGH RISK for harassment and unwanted attention. Stay vigilant, dress modestly, be firm with boundaries, and avoid isolated areas and nighttime travel alone. See the Solo Female Travel section below for detailed safety guidance.

• Angkor Wat** and the surrounding temple complex are Cambodia's crown jewel and one of the world's most magnificent archaeological sites. Built by Khmer kings between the 9th-15th centuries, these temples represent the pinnacle of classical Southeast Asian architecture.

• Must-See Temples:
• Angkor Wat** – the world's largest religious monument, best at sunrise (though very crowded)
• Angkor Thom** – massive walled city with the Bayon temple's 216 enigmatic stone faces
• Ta Prohm** – the "jungle temple" where massive tree roots engulf ancient stones (Tomb Raider fame)
• Banteay Srei** – exquisitely carved pink sandstone "Citadel of Women"
• Beng Mealea** – atmospheric ruins largely unrestored and overtaken by jungle
• Preah Khan** – sprawling temple complex with less crowds

• Temple Visit Practicalities:
• Passes:** 1-day ($37), 3-day ($62), or 7-day ($72) – buy at official ticket office, photo required
• Timing:** Sunrise (5:30am) and late afternoon (3-5pm) offer best light and slightly fewer crowds
• Transport:** Tuk-tuk ($15-25/day), bicycle ($2-5/day), or car with driver ($40-60/day)
• Dress code:** Shoulders and knees must be covered (strictly enforced at Angkor Wat and Bayon)
• Duration:** Minimum 2 days recommended, 3-4 days for thorough exploration

• Siem Reap Town** has transformed from sleepy village to tourism hub while maintaining charm:
• Pub Street** – restaurants, bars, night market (can be rowdy and touristy but fun)
• Old Market (Psar Chas)** – local market for food, crafts, souvenirs
• Tonle Sap Lake** – floating villages tours (avoid exploitative tours, choose ethical operators)
• Apsara dance shows** – classical Khmer dance performances over dinner
• Food scene** – from street food to fine dining, including cooking classes
• Spa and massage** – very affordable traditional Khmer massage

• WARNING:** Siem Reap has aggressive touts, scammers, and overcharging. Common scams include tuk-tuk drivers taking you to shops for commissions, fake charity appeals, overpriced tours, and the "broken taxi meter" scam. Agree on prices firmly beforehand, use reputable companies, and be wary of anyone offering unsolicited help or sob stories.

Cambodia's capital offers French colonial architecture, royal palaces, tragic Khmer Rouge history, and an emerging cosmopolitan food and arts scene.

• Historical & Cultural Sites:
• Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda** – stunning complex with golden spires (4-5 hours, modest dress required)
• National Museum** – world's best collection of Khmer sculpture and art
• Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21)** – former high school turned Khmer Rouge torture prison, deeply disturbing but essential for understanding Cambodia
• Killing Fields of Choeung Ek** – memorial and mass grave site 15km outside city (combine with Tuol Sleng for full historical context)
• Wat Phnom** – hilltop temple at city's founding site
• Independence Monument** – iconic landmark celebrating independence from France

• Modern Phnom Penh:
• Riverside & Sisowath Quay** – promenade with cafes, restaurants, sunset views
• Russian Market (Toul Tom Poung)** – local market for textiles, crafts, knock-offs
• Central Market (Psar Thmei)** – beautiful Art Deco building with all goods
• BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang 1)** – expat neighborhood with cafes, boutiques, restaurants
• Street food tours** – explore Phnom Penh's incredible food scene
• Riverside nightlife** – rooftop bars, clubs, live music

• Understanding Cambodia's Recent History:

The Khmer Rouge regime (1975-1979) under Pol Pot killed approximately 1.7-2 million Cambodians through execution, forced labor, starvation, and disease – nearly 25% of the population. Visiting Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields is emotionally difficult but provides essential context for understanding modern Cambodia. These sites are memorials and educational, treated with appropriate solemnity.

• SAFETY NOTE:** Phnom Penh has significant petty crime including bag snatching (especially from motorbikes), pickpocketing, and phone theft. Keep bags secure, don't display expensive items, avoid walking alone at night, and be cautious in crowded areas. Women should be particularly alert for harassment and unwanted attention, especially in nightlife areas.

Cambodia's southern coast offers a different experience from the temples – pristine islands, French colonial charm, and emerging beach destinations.

• Kampot & Kep:
• Kampot** – charming riverside town known for world-famous Kampot pepper plantations, French colonial architecture, and relaxed backpacker vibe
• Bokor Mountain National Park** – abandoned French hill station and eerie casino
• Kep** – quiet beach town famous for fresh crab market, abandoned French villas, and Rabbit Island day trips
• River cruises and countryside cycling

• Islands:
• Koh Rong** – backpacker party island with beautiful beaches, bioluminescent plankton, and budget bungalows
• Koh Rong Sanloem** – quieter, more relaxed alternative with beautiful Saracen Bay
• Koh Ta Kiev** – developing island with eco-resort vibe
• Activities:** Beach relaxation, snorkeling, diving, jungle treks, island hopping

• Sihanoukville** has undergone massive Chinese casino development, transforming from backpacker beach town to construction zone. Most travelers now skip Sihanoukville except to catch island ferries.

• SAFETY WARNING:** Island areas have less safety infrastructure. Drink spiking has been reported at beach parties. Solo female travelers should be especially cautious at night, avoid excessive alcohol, never leave drinks unattended, and stay in reputable accommodations. Theft from beach bungalows is common – use lockers.

• Battambang:
• Colonial architecture and French-era charm
• Famous bamboo train (Norry) – unique rail experience
• Phare Ponleu Selpak circus – excellent traditional circus performances
• Bat caves at Phnom Sampeau – millions of bats at sunset
• Countryside tours and ancient temples

• Kratie & Kampong Cham:
• Mekong River towns with colonial architecture
• Rare Irrawaddy dolphins (endangered freshwater dolphins)
• Traditional Cambodian life and river cruises
• Off-the-beaten-path atmosphere

• Mondulkiri & Ratanakiri (Northeast):
• Remote jungle provinces with ethnic minority villages
• Elephant sanctuaries (choose ethical sanctuaries that don't allow riding)
• Waterfalls, crater lakes, and jungle trekking
• Very basic infrastructure, adventure travel only

• Cambodian cuisine** blends influences from Thailand, Vietnam, China, and France:
• Amok** – coconut curry steamed in banana leaf (fish, chicken, or tofu)
• Lok lak** – stir-fried beef with lime and pepper dipping sauce
• Nom banh chok** – Khmer noodles with fish-based green curry
• Bai sach chrouk** – pork and rice breakfast dish
• Kuy teav** – noodle soup (breakfast staple)
• Kampot pepper crab** – fresh crab with famous Kampot pepper
• Street snacks** – fried insects, fresh fruit, rice cakes
• Angkor beer** – local lager, very popular

• Cultural Experiences:
• Apsara dance** – classical Khmer dance performances
• Buddhist temples** – visit active temples respectfully (remove shoes, dress modestly)
• Traditional markets** – see daily Cambodian life
• Cooking classes** – learn to make Khmer dishes
• Homestays** – stay with local families in countryside

Cambodia has a tropical climate with two main seasons:

This is the best time to visit Cambodia with pleasant weather and minimal rain: - November–February – coolest and driest, peak tourist season (especially December-January) - March–April – very hot (35-40°C/95-104°F), fewer crowds, still dry - Pros: Reliable weather, accessible roads, best for temples and islands - Cons: Higher prices, crowded temples (especially Angkor), need to book ahead

• Best months:** November, December, January, February – ideal weather

The monsoon brings afternoon rains and high humidity: - May–June – transition period, increasing rain - July–September – heaviest rainfall, usually afternoon downpours - October – transition back to dry season - Pros: Fewer tourists, much lower prices (30-60% discounts), temples less crowded, countryside lush and green - Cons: Afternoon rains, some dirt roads impassable, higher humidity, Tonle Sap Lake very high

The rainy season isn't as limiting as you might think – rain usually comes in heavy afternoon bursts (1-3 hours), then clears. Morning temple visits work perfectly. Islands are still accessible but check weather.

• Khmer New Year (mid-April) – biggest Cambodian holiday, expect closures and higher prices
• Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) (November) – celebrates end of rainy season with boat races in Phnom Penh
• Pchum Ben (September/October) – 15-day Buddhist festival honoring ancestors

Cambodia offers convenient e-visas for most nationalities: - Application: Apply online at https://www.evisa.gov.kh at least 3 days before travel - Cost: $36 USD (plus $6 processing fee = $42 total) - Duration: 30 days, single entry - Processing: 3 business days - Entry points: Most airports and land borders (check list when applying) - Requirements: Passport valid 6+ months, digital passport photo, credit card payment

• Advantages:** Faster entry process, no waiting in visa-on-arrival lines, avoid potential corruption

Available at all airports and most land borders: - Cost: $30 USD (cash only, pristine US bills preferred) - Requirements: Passport valid 6+ months, passport photo - Processing: 15-60 minutes depending on crowds - Warning: Unofficial "fees" sometimes demanded by corrupt officials (legally, it's only $30)

• Can extend 30-day visa once for additional 30 days ($45-75 depending on visa type)
• Apply at immigration office in Phnom Penh or through guesthouse services (extra fee)
• For longer stays, some travelers do visa runs to Vietnam or Thailand

• Passport validity: Must have 6 months remaining validity and blank pages
• Cambodia-Thailand/Vietnam overland: E-visa or visa-on-arrival work at most crossings (verify your specific crossing)
• Border corruption: Some land borders (especially Thai border) have officials demanding extra fees – be polite but firm, official cost is $30
• Overstay penalty: $10 per day, but can lead to detention if excessive

Cambodia's healthcare system is very limited outside Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, with significant quality concerns even in major cities. Medical evacuation to Thailand or Vietnam is often necessary for serious conditions.

• Private clinics in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap offer reasonable care for minor issues with some English-speaking doctors
• International hospitals (SOS, Raffles) in Phnom Penh meet international standards but are expensive
• Public hospitals should be avoided – very poor conditions, no English, outdated equipment
• Pharmacies widely available with many drugs over-the-counter (quality variable, counterfeits exist)
• Medical evacuation to Bangkok is standard for serious conditions
• Payment: Cash upfront required, insurance reimbursement later

• Routine Care:
• General practitioner visit: $25–$80
• Specialist consultation: $50–$150
• Prescription medications: $5–$50 (highly variable)
• Dental cleaning: $30–$80

• Emergency Care:
• Emergency room visit (international clinic): $100–$400
• Overnight hospital stay (private): $200–$800 per day
• ICU care: $600–$2,000 per day
• Ambulance: $50–$200

• Specialized Procedures:
• MRI scan: $300–$600 (limited availability)
• CT scan: $150–$400
• Appendectomy: $2,000–$6,000
• Fracture treatment with surgery: $1,500–$5,000

• Medical Evacuation (Critical):
• Air ambulance to Bangkok: $15,000–$40,000
• Air ambulance to Singapore: $30,000–$70,000
• Commercial flight with medical escort: $5,000–$15,000
• Ground ambulance to Vietnam border: $500–$2,000

Travelers to Cambodia commonly face: - Traveler's diarrhea – extremely common from food and water - Dengue fever – mosquito-borne, risk year-round (especially rainy season) - Malaria – risk in rural/jungle areas (not tourist areas), prophylaxis recommended for remote regions - Heat exhaustion – tropical heat and humidity - Respiratory infections – dust, pollution, air quality issues - Skin infections – from cuts in humid environment - Parasites – from food and water - Traffic accident injuries – roads are dangerous, motorbike accidents common

Consult travel doctor 6-8 weeks before: - Routine vaccines – ensure up to date (MMR, tetanus, etc.) - Hepatitis A – recommended for all travelers - Typhoid – recommended, especially for street food - Hepatitis B – for longer stays or potential medical treatment - Japanese Encephalitis – for extended rural stays during wet season - Rabies – if significant animal contact or remote areas - Malaria prophylaxis – if visiting remote jungle areas

• Phnom Penh:
• SOS International Clinic** – best international standard, expensive
• Raffles Medical Phnom Penh** – international quality
• Royal Phnom Penh Hospital** – decent private hospital
• Calmette Hospital** – best public hospital but still limited

• Siem Reap:
• Royal Angkor International Hospital** – best in Siem Reap
• Angkor Hospital for Children** – excellent pediatric care (donations supported)
• Various international clinics** – for minor issues

• Elsewhere:** Very limited options, stabilize and evacuate to Phnom Penh or Thailand

For any serious medical condition, evacuation to Bangkok (Thailand), Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), or Singapore is standard practice. Cambodia's medical capabilities are very limited even in the best facilities. Comprehensive travel insurance with high medical evacuation limits ($250,000+ minimum) is absolutely essential.

Comprehensive travel insurance is absolutely critical for Cambodia due to limited healthcare, high evacuation costs, safety concerns, and common travel disruptions. This is not optional.

• Medical Coverage
• Minimum recommended:** $100,000
• Better:** $250,000+ especially for longer trips
• Cambodia's limited medical facilities mean even minor issues can become expensive
• Covers hospital stays, doctor visits, medications, emergency treatment
• Ensure coverage at international clinics (SOS, Raffles) not just public hospitals

• Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
• Absolutely essential minimum:** $250,000
• Recommended:** $500,000–$1,000,000
• Evacuation to Bangkok for serious conditions costs $15,000-40,000
• Air ambulance, medical escorts, repatriation of remains
• This is where Cambodia insurance costs explode – don't skimp

• Trip Cancellation & Interruption
• Protects prepaid, non-refundable costs if you must cancel/cut trip short
• Important for Cambodia due to health risks, safety concerns, family emergencies
• Consider "Cancel For Any Reason" (CFAR) for maximum flexibility (costs 40-50% more)
• Covers flight changes, hotel cancellations, lost tour deposits

• Theft & Personal Property
• Essential** – petty theft is very common in Cambodia
• Pickpocketing, bag snatching (especially from motorbikes), hotel theft
• Cover cameras, phones, laptops, valuables
• Keep itemized receipts and photos of expensive items
• Note: Leave very expensive jewelry/watches at home

• Adventure Activity Coverage
• Verify coverage for activities you plan:
• - **Motorbike/scooter rental** – often excluded or requires proper license
• - **Diving** – check depth limits, decompression chamber coverage
• - **Jungle trekking** – generally covered
• - **Elephant sanctuaries** – usually covered if ethical (no riding)
• Add riders for excluded activities if needed

• Personal Liability
• Coverage for accidents you cause or legal issues
• Traffic accidents, property damage, disputes
• Cambodia's legal system is challenging for foreigners

• Food poisoning and waterborne illness – extremely common
• Dengue fever – especially during rainy season
• Traffic accidents – motorbike crashes, pedestrian accidents
• Medical evacuation – to Bangkok or Vietnam for serious conditions
• Theft and pickpocketing – very common in tourist areas
• Trip interruption – leaving early due to illness or safety concerns
• Flight delays/cancellations – especially domestic flights
• Scam-related losses – though hard to claim, some policies cover

When comparing policies, prioritize:

• High medical evacuation limits – $250,000+ minimum, this is critical
• Comprehensive medical coverage – $100,000+ for Cambodia's limited healthcare
• 24/7 emergency assistance – with experience in Southeast Asia and Cambodia specifically
• Clear adventure activity coverage – know what's included/excluded
• Theft protection – Cambodia has high petty crime rates
• Pre-existing condition coverage – if applicable, buy within 14-21 days of first trip payment
• Reputable claims processing – read reviews, understand the process

• Motorbike rental: Many policies exclude or severely limit coverage. If renting, verify coverage and carry proper license (international driving permit)
• Remote areas: Ensure coverage extends to provinces outside Phnom Penh/Siem Reap
• Rainy season travel: Trip interruption coverage for weather disruptions
• Female solo travelers: Consider policies with strong emergency assistance given higher harassment risks
• Long-term travel: If staying 60+ days, need specialized long-term or nomad insurance
• Cambodia-Thailand-Vietnam circuits: Ensure multi-country coverage

• Standard Temple/City Trip (7-14 days):
• Medical: $100,000
• Evacuation: $250,000
• Trip cancellation: value of prepaid expenses
• Theft: $2,000-5,000

• Adventure/Remote Travel:
• Medical: $250,000
• Evacuation: $500,000-1,000,000
• Adventure sports rider if needed
• Trip cancellation: full trip value

• Long-term Stay (60+ days):
• Specialized long-term policy
• Medical: $250,000+
• Evacuation: $500,000+
• Consider international health insurance instead

Look for insurers with: - Strong Southeast Asia experience and network - High medical evacuation coverage - 24/7 assistance with local knowledge - Good reputation for claims processing - Cambodia-specific experience

Popular options: World Nomads, Geo Blue, IMG Global, SafetyWing (for digital nomads), specialized adventure travel insurers.

• Do NOT travel to Cambodia without comprehensive insurance.** The combination of limited healthcare, high evacuation costs, common theft, frequent illness, traffic dangers, and safety concerns makes insurance absolutely essential. The cost of evacuation alone ($15,000-40,000) far exceeds most trip costs. Budget for quality insurance as a non-negotiable expense.

Cambodia is an extraordinary destination that offers some of Southeast Asia's most magnificent sights, authentic cultural experiences, and incredible value. From the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor to the tragic history of the Khmer Rouge, from pristine islands to charming riverside towns, Cambodia rewards travelers with unforgettable experiences.

However, Cambodia also requires careful preparation and awareness. The country presents real challenges: limited healthcare infrastructure, prevalent scams and harassment (especially targeting women), petty crime, and safety concerns that demand constant vigilance. Women travelers in particular should carefully review the safety warnings above and take precautions seriously.

• Essential preparation includes:
• Comprehensive travel insurance with high medical evacuation coverage ($250,000+ minimum)
• Understanding common scams and being firm with boundaries
• Dressing modestly and respectfully, especially at temples
• Staying alert to theft and harassment, particularly in tourist areas
• Accepting the need for extra caution compared to more developed destinations
• Learning basic Khmer phrases and having local emergency contacts
• Respecting Cambodia's tragic recent history with appropriate solemnity

Cambodia's warmth comes from its incredibly resilient and friendly people, its rich Khmer culture, its spectacular ancient heritage, and its affordable accessibility. With realistic expectations, proper precautions, and comprehensive insurance, you can safely experience this fascinating country's unique blend of ancient grandeur and modern emergence.

Whether watching sunrise over Angkor Wat, learning about Cambodia's painful history, relaxing on pristine islands, or exploring charming riverside towns, Cambodia offers experiences found nowhere else. Approach it with respect, awareness, and preparation – and you'll be rewarded with one of Southeast Asia's most memorable journeys.