About Cambodia
Cambodia captivates visitors with the magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex, French colonial architecture, and pristine tropical beaches. From the bustling capital of Phnom Penh to the serene countryside, Cambodia offers an unforgettable blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality.
Quick Overview
Capital: Phnom Penh
Largest City: Phnom Penh
Population: 17,000,000
Languages: Khmer (official), English (widely spoken in tourist areas), French (spoken by older generation)
Currency: Cambodian Riel (KHR)
Time Zone: UTC+7 (Indochina Time)
Explore Cambodia by Topic
Best Places to Visit in Cambodia
Discover the top 26 must-see destinations in Cambodia, from iconic landmarks to off-the-beaten-path treasures.
Angkor Wat
The world's largest religious monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II, this iconic temple complex showcases the...
Bayon Temple
Famous for its 216 serene stone faces adorning 54 towers, Bayon stands at the center of Angkor Thom. Built in the late 12th century by...
Ta Prohm
The 'Tomb Raider Temple' where massive tree roots engulf ancient stone structures, creating a mystical atmosphere. Built in the late 12th century as a Buddhist...
Royal Palace Phnom Penh
The official residence of the King of Cambodia, featuring stunning traditional Khmer architecture with gilded roofs and ornate decorations. Built in 1866, the palace complex...
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21)
A former high school converted into a security prison by the Khmer Rouge regime in 1975. This haunting museum documents the atrocities committed during the...
Tonlé Sap Lake
Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The lake expands dramatically during monsoon season and is home to floating villages where communities...
Banteay Srei
A 10th-century temple dedicated to Shiva, renowned for its pink sandstone construction and extraordinarily intricate carvings. Often called the 'Jewel of Khmer Art,' Banteay Srei...
Phnom Kulen National Park
A sacred mountain featuring spectacular waterfalls, ancient temples, and the River of a Thousand Lingas with carvings in the riverbed. This site holds deep spiritual...
Recommended Itineraries for Cambodia
Plan your perfect Cambodia trip with our expertly crafted itineraries for every travel style and duration.
5-Day Cambodia Explorer
- Day 1: Arrive in Cambodia, explore city center
- Day 2: Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3: Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4: Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5: Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Cambodia
- Days 1-2: Cambodia city highlights
- Days 3-4: Regional exploration
- Days 5-6: Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7: Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Cambodia
- Days 1-3: Cambodia comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6: Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9: Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12: Southern attractions
- Days 13-14: Return to Cambodia, departure
Where to Stay in Cambodia
From luxury resorts to budget-friendly options, Cambodia offers accommodations for every traveler.
Budget Options ($20-35)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-Range ($50-100)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury ($200-400+)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Park Hyatt Siem Reap
A luxurious 5-star hotel perfectly situated near Angkor Archaeological Park, featuring contemporary Khmer-inspired design, world-class spa, and exceptional dining. The...
Jaya House River Park
A stylish boutique hotel near the Royal Independence Gardens featuring contemporary design, rooftop pool, and excellent restaurant. The property offers...
The Happy Elephant Hostel
A social backpacker hostel in the heart of Siem Reap near Pub Street. Clean dorms and private rooms, rooftop bar...
Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor
A legendary colonial-era hotel dating back to 1932, offering timeless elegance and sophistication. Located steps from the Royal Gardens, this...
Where to Eat in Cambodia
Discover the culinary delights of Cambodia, from local street food to fine dining experiences.
Malis Restaurant Siem Reap
Renowned chef Luu Meng's flagship restaurant celebrating 'Living Cambodian Cuisine' with contemporary presentations of traditional dishes. The elegant space features...
Haven Training Restaurant
A social enterprise training disadvantaged youth in hospitality skills. Excellent Khmer and international dishes served by enthusiastic trainees in a...
Pub Street Food Stalls
The bustling heart of Siem Reap's dining scene with numerous stalls and casual restaurants offering everything from local street food...
Old Market (Phsar Chas) Food Stalls
Traditional market with numerous food stalls serving authentic local breakfast and lunch. Experience genuine Khmer street food in a bustling...
Brown Coffee Siem Reap
Cambodia's premier coffee chain serving high-quality locally-grown coffee in modern air-conditioned spaces. Excellent pastries, sandwiches, and free wifi make it...
Cuisine Wat Damnak
A Michelin-worthy restaurant combining authentic Cambodian flavors with French culinary technique. Chef Joannès Rivière creates innovative set menus that change...
Getting Around Cambodia
Budget Breakdown for Cambodia
Plan your spending with our comprehensive cost guide. Currency: USD.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $6-12 (dorm bed or budget guesthouse) | $25-50 (comfortable hotel or boutique guesthouse) | $100-250+ (5-star hotels, luxury resorts) |
| Food (per day) | $5-10 (street food, local restaurants, occasional mid-range meal) | $15-25 (mix of local and international restaurants) | $50-100 (fine dining, hotel restaurants, premium experiences) |
| Transportation | $3-5 (tuk-tuks, shared taxis, local buses) | $10-15 (private tuk-tuks, Grab, occasional taxi) | $20-30 (private car with driver, premium services) |
| Activities | $6-8 (some paid attractions, mostly free activities) | $15-25 (entrance fees, tours, experiences) | $50-80+ (private tours, spa treatments, exclusive experiences) |
| Daily Total | $20-35 | $50-100 | $200-400+ |
Best Time to Visit Cambodia
Best Season: November to February (cool and dry season)
Peak Season: November to February (cool and dry season)
Avoid: June to October (monsoon season with lower prices)
Essential Travel Tips for Cambodia
- Research visa requirements before your trip
- Learn a few basic phrases in the local language
- Carry cash as cards may not be accepted everywhere
- Respect local customs and dress codes
- Purchase travel insurance before departure
Safety Information
Travel Advisory
Exercise normal precautions in Siem Reap and main tourist areas. Exercise increased caution in Phnom Penh at night and near the Cambodia-Thailand border regions.
Avoid isolated areas at night, especially in Phnom Penh
Keep valuables secure and be aware of phone snatching
Only visit marked paths in rural areas due to landmines
Stay away from Cambodia-Thailand border region
Use registered taxis and tuk-tuks
Drink bottled water only
Get travel insurance that covers medical evacuation
Beware of unexploded ordnance (UXO): Cambodia still has landmines in rural areas near the Thai border, particularly around Battambang and Pailin. Always stick to marked paths and never pick up unidentified metal objects.
Register with your embassy upon arrival and keep a copy of your passport, visa, and travel insurance in a separate bag from the originals. The nearest embassy for your country may be in Phnom Penh only.
Tuk-tuk and taxi scams are common: agree on a price before boarding, use reputable apps like Grab or PassApp in Phnom Penh, and avoid unmarked vehicles especially at night.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Cambodia?
The best time to visit Cambodia is November to February (cool and dry season). June to October (monsoon season with lower prices) may have less favorable conditions.
Do I need a visa for Cambodia?
Visa requirements vary by nationality. Check with your nearest embassy or consulate for Cambodia for current requirements before travel.
How many days do I need in Cambodia?
For a comprehensive Cambodia experience, we recommend 7-10 days. However, you can have a great trip in 5 days focusing on highlights.
Is Cambodia expensive to visit?
Budget travelers can expect $20-35 per day, mid-range $50-100, and luxury $200-400+.