The map of Cambodia, made in Cambodia.

Capital

Phnom Penh

Languages

Khmer (official); English and French common in tourism

Currency

Riel (KHR); US dollars widely used for larger amounts

Time zone

UTC+7 (Indochina Time)

Power

230 V, types A, C, G plugs, bring an adapter

Religion

Theravāda Buddhism (majority)

• Getting here

  No long-haul directs: everyone connects through an Asian hub into Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. Overland, the buses from Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok both work — one is easy, one is an adventure.

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• Month by month

  Twelve monthly guides built on ten-year weather normals and tourism-ministry crowd data: what each month is really like, and where it shines.

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• Rainy days

  The wet-season survival guide: how the rain actually behaves, and the museums, workshops and spas that turn a downpour into the best hours of the day.

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• Visa

  Many nationalities can obtain an e-visa before arrival or a visa on arrival at major airports and land borders. Passport usually needs six months’ validity; confirm rules for your nationality on official sites.

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• How many days

  Three days covers Angkor; a week adds Phnom Penh and the river towns; two weeks reaches the islands or the hills. Distances look short on the map but are slow on the road: budget half a travel day per change of city.

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• Money

  US dollars are standard for hotels, tours, and many restaurants; riel is used for small change and local stalls. ATMs exist in cities; carry cash in rural areas.

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• Connectivity

  Local SIM cards are inexpensive and widely sold (passport may be required). Wi-Fi is common in cafés and hotels; 4G coverage is good in urban centres.

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• Health

  Use bottled or filtered water; protect against sun and dehydration. Consult a travel clinic for vaccines and malaria advice if you visit remote forested areas.

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• Getting around

  Tuk-tuks and ride-hailing apps (e.g. Grab) are convenient in cities. Buses and domestic flights link Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and the coast; allow buffer time on festival dates.

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• Temple etiquette

  Cover shoulders and knees; remove shoes where indicated; speak softly; don’t touch monks without permission; avoid posing with your back to Buddha images. Sunrise at Angkor is crowded, patience and respect go far.

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Source: Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia. Monthly statistical reports (2023–2026). Phnom Penh: foreign arrivals only (the domestic series changed methodology in 2026).

Meal at our verified restaurants

5–15 $Battambang 5–10 $ · Kampot 5–10 $ · Kep 10–15 $ · Koh Rong 5–10 $ · Mondulkiri 5–10 $ · Phnom Penh 10–15 $ · Siem Reap 5–12 $

Specialty coffee

1–4 $

Drinks & cocktails

5–15 $Phnom Penh 10–15 $ · Siem Reap 5–10 $

Tuk-tuk ride in town

2–3 $

Laundry (per kg)

1–2 $

Angkor pass (official)

37 $ / 62 $ / 72 $1 day(s) / 3 day(s) / 7 day(s)

Source: Google Places price data across 99 of our verified places (medians, refreshed with our places pipeline) + official Angkor Enterprise pricing.

• Heritage & temples

  Angkor Archaeological Park is the headline, but lesser-known ruins, living monasteries, and Phnom Penh’s Silver Pagoda and National Museum add layers to Khmer history and art.

  Explore

• Rivers & lakes

  The Tonlé Sap’s rhythm (expanding and shrinking with the seasons) shapes life around Siem Reap. In Phnom Penh, sunset along the Mekong and Bassac rivers is a daily ritual.

• Nature & slow travel

  Cardamom forests, pepper plantations near Kampot, islands off Sihanoukville’s coast, and countryside around Battambang reward those who rent a bike or take an extra day by the water.

  Explore

• Contemporary Cambodia

  Galleries, rooftop bars, specialty coffee, Khmer-fusion kitchens, and social enterprises show a country looking forward while honouring craft and family.

  Explore

1. 1 January

   International New Year

   A public holiday; cities celebrate with fireworks and gatherings.

2. Usually mid-April (3 days)

   Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey)

   The country’s biggest family reunion: water blessings, games, and travel peaks as people visit home provinces. A joyful, noisy time, plan transport early.

3. April or May (full moon)

   Visak Bochea

   Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and parinirvāṇa, processions to temples, candles, and quiet devotion.

4. Usually May

   Royal Ploughing Ceremony (Pithi Chrat Preah Neangkol)

   An ancient royal ritual marking the start of the rice-growing season; auspicious forecasts for the harvest draw crowds in Phnom Penh.

5. 14 May

   King Sihamoni's Birthday

   Public holiday honouring the King; patriotic and ceremonial displays.

6. September or October (15 days, peak 3 days)

   Pchum Ben (“Ancestors’ Day”)

   Families bring offerings to pagodas for deceased relatives. Deeply spiritual; respect quiet around temples.

7. Usually November (3 days; lunar)

   Water Festival (Bon Om Touk)

   Boat races on the Tonlé Sap reversal, concerts, and huge crowds in Phnom Penh. Electric atmosphere, book accommodation well ahead.

8. 9 November

   Independence Day

   Marks independence from France (1953); ceremonies and fireworks, especially in Phnom Penh.

• The monarchy & history

  The King is widely respected. Conversations about recent history are best approached with sensitivity; many families carry memories of difficult decades.

• Buddhism in daily life

  Monks collect alms in the morning; offering food is meritorious. Women traditionally do not touch monks. Enter pagodas with humility, you’re a guest in sacred space.

• Dress & photos

  Modest clothing suits temples and rural villages. Ask before photographing people, especially monks and children; some sites restrict drones.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cambodia safe for first-time travelers?

Yes. Cambodia is generally safe for backpackers, couples, and families. The main cities (Siem Reap, Phnom Penh) are well-trodden by tourists. Common sense applies: use Grab for taxis rather than unmarked vehicles, keep valuables out of sight, and avoid deserted areas late at night. Health-wise, drink bottled or filtered water and use sunscreen.

How many days do you need in Cambodia?

A classic first trip is 7–10 days: 3–4 nights in Siem Reap to cover Angkor Wat and other temples, then 2–3 nights in Phnom Penh for the Royal Palace, riverside, and food scene. Add a few days more if you want to visit the south coast (Kampot, Kep, or the islands near Sihanoukville) or the slower colonial charm of Battambang.

What is the best month to visit Cambodia?

November to February is the peak, and for good reason: temperatures are milder (25–30 °C), humidity is lower, and skies are mostly clear, ideal for long days at Angkor. December and January are busiest. Book hotels and restaurants ahead. March to May is hotter but quieter. The rainy season (June–October) brings lush landscapes, spectacular Angkor moats, and lower prices.

Do I need US dollars or Cambodian riel?

Both. US dollars are the de facto currency for hotels, tour operators, most restaurants, and supermarkets. Riel fills the gap for small change (anything under $1 is often returned in riel) and tiny local stalls. ATMs in cities dispense dollars. A mix of small bills ($1, $5, $10) and some riel coins/notes keeps daily spending smooth.

Is Cambodia cash or card friendly?

Increasingly both, but cash is still king in most situations. Major hotels, upscale restaurants, and larger shops in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap accept Visa/Mastercard. Smaller guesthouses, local eateries, tuk-tuks, and market stalls are cash only. The KHQR mobile payment system (Bakong) is growing among locals. Keep cash on hand, especially outside cities.

When is the best time to visit Cambodia?

The dry season (November–February) is the classic window. For actual crowds, Ministry of Tourism data (2023–2026) shows the Siem Reap region peaks in April (~990,000 visitors) and is quietest in May (~89,000); the coast peaks in April around Khmer New Year. Our three crowd-forecast tools break it down week by week.

How much do meals and daily basics cost?

Based on Google price data across our verified places: a meal runs 5–15 $ per person depending on the city, specialty coffee and drinks a few dollars, a tuk-tuk ride in town 2–3 $. Full breakdown in the “Real prices” section above. Sourced, not guessed.