Visa and Entry Requirements
Most nations require a visa. You can get a visa on arrival ($30 for visitors, $35 for business, valid for one month) or apply for a valid tourist e-visa online for $30. A few nationalities—mainly from Southeast and East Asia—have visa-free access. To find the most current information and qualified nations, visit the official e-visa website.
Health and Safety
Routine vaccines are advised. For Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Rabies (for high-risk activities), Japanese Encephalitis (for rural stays), Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), Polio, and Tetanus-diphtheria the CDC and WHO advise immunizations. In some places, especially rural locations with lots of forests, malaria is a risk, so see your doctor about antimalarial drugs. There also are dengue fever and zika. Pack insect repellent and give some thought to wearing permethrin-treated clothes.
Best Time to Visit
Comfortable sightseeing is most common between November and April (the dry season). Though there are fewer people and beautiful scenery from May to October (the rainy/green season), be ready for any inconveniences caused by rain, particularly in September and October.
Costs
For budget travellers (hostels, street food, local transportation), daily budgets range from 30 to 50; for mid-range (pleasant hotels, regional and Western restaurants, mix of transportation), they range from 50 to 100; and for luxury (boutique hotels/resorts, fine dining, private cars/drivers), they range from $100+. One-month backpacking trips in 2024 averaged $24/day (cheap guesthouses, street meals, transportation). A two-week luxury hotel stay averaged $145 daily (a combination of food and some flights). A mid-range daily travel expense came at $69.
Accommodation
For a dorm bed, hostels run from $5–10/night; for a single room, they run from $15. For $15–$80/night, budget for mid-range hotels and guesthouses. Respected hotels and resorts begin at 100/night. Concrete examples are Aquarius Hotel in Phnom Penh (60/per night), RikiTikiTavi in Kampot (75/per night), Q Bungalows in Kep (25/per night), and The Urban in Siem Reap ($30/per night). For luxury, Koh Kong's Canvas and Orchids presents floating bungalows ranging from $150 to 260/night.
Transportation
About $10 for each ride; buses and minivans are the most often used and reasonably priced means of getting between cities. Reputable bus business Giant Ibis Booking travel is easy using 12Go Asia. Though usually more expensive (between 50 and 100 per flight), flights are accessible between big cities. Shorter distances are easily covered with taxis and tuk-tuks. One relatively well-known ride-hailing service is PassApp. Each time, a ferry to an island runs about $12.
Food
At ($1–3 per meal), street food is quite reasonably priced. Local eateries run from $3 to $6 a dinner. Western eateries run between $5 and 10. Experiences in fine dining can run $20–$100+. Local beer runs between $1 to 3. Backyard Cafe in Phnom Penh (avocado toast $8), Idli Dosa (dosas $1,25), David's Restaurant (dumplings $2 for 6, Sophath (nom banh chok $1.25), Malis (tasting menu $150 for two, main meals $10-20). You can get bottled water quickly for less than $1.
Things to Do
Angkor Wat: A one-day pass costs $37, a three-day pass costs $62, and a seven-day pass costs $74. Hiring a tuk-tuk driver for a day to explore Angkor costs around 25. Phnom Penh: Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda (10), National Museum of Cambodia ($10), Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre (Killing Fields, 6), Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (5 + 3 for audio guide), and Wat Phnom (1).
Siem Reap: Phare, the Cambodian Circus (18). Day trips to Beng Mealea and Koh Ker (80), cooking classes (29), street food tours (69 per group), Phnom Kulen waterfall (59), and Kompong Phluk floating village (45).
Battambang: Bamboo railway (5 return trips), Phnom Banan (1), Phnom Sampov (2), Ek Phnom temple (1).
Other Expenses
With 1GB of data, eSIM costs about $4.50. Travel insurance, roughly $4/day, is highly advised. One finds great use for copies of passports and other crucial papers. Tell close friends about your schedule.
| Feature | Description | Cost/Budget | Safety/Security | Cultural Aspects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Travel Experience | Rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, temples (Angkor Wat), beaches, islands, vibrant cities (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap), delicious food, friendly locals. Opportunities for budget to luxury travel, adventure tourism, and cultural immersion. | Backpacker: $24-50/dayMid-range: $50-100/dayLuxury: $100-300+/day | Generally safe, exercise normal precautions. Petty theft common, violent crime less so. Scams exist, be aware. Landmines in remote areas. Road safety a concern. Medical facilities limited outside major cities. Political situation stable but restrictions on freedoms. | Predominantly Buddhist, conservative culture. Respectful dress essential, especially at temples. Krama scarf a cultural symbol. Sampeah greeting. US dollars widely accepted, riel for smaller transactions. Bargaining common. |
| Visa Requirements | Visa required for most nationalities. Visa on arrival or e-visa available. Check specific requirements based on nationality. | Tourist visa: $30-36 Business visa: $35 | Overstaying your visa can result in fines and deportation. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. | Be polite and respectful when interacting with immigration officials. Dress modestly when visiting government offices. |
| Accommodation | Hostels, guesthouses, boutique hotels, luxury resorts. Wide range of options available. | Hostel dorm: $5-10/nightPrivate room: $15-20+/nightBudget hotel: $15-35/nightLuxury hotel: $75+/night | Varying levels of security depending on the type of accommodation. | Homestays offer cultural immersion. |
| Food and Drink | Khmer cuisine, mix of Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese influences. Street food, local restaurants, and Western options. Amok, Lok Lak, Nom banh chok popular dishes. Bread and tropical fruits widely available. Angkor beer, iced coffee. | Street food: $1-3/mealLocal restaurant: $3-6/mealWestern restaurant: $6-15+/mealBeer: $1-3 | Food safety can be a concern at street food stalls. Opt for busy stalls and reputable restaurants. Bottled water recommended. | Khmer cuisine emphasizes balance of flavors (salty, sweet, sour, spicy). Rice a staple food. |
| Transportation | Buses, minivans, taxis, tuk-tuks, motorcycle taxis, boats, domestic flights. PassApp ride-hailing app available. | Bus/minivan: $5-20/tripTuk-tuk: $1-5+/rideBoat: $5-35/tripDomestic flight: $30-95+/trip | Road safety a concern. Traffic accidents common. Boat safety standards variable. | Negotiating fares common for tuk-tuks and taxis. |
| Activities and Attractions | Angkor Wat, other temples, beaches, islands, national parks, museums, cultural shows, cooking classes, trekking, markets. | Angkor Pass: $37-72Other attractions: $1-20+Tours/activities: $20-100+ | Safety standards variable for adventure activities. Landmines a risk in some areas. | Dress respectfully when visiting temples. Learn basic Khmer phrases. Be mindful of local customs. |
| Health | Routine vaccinations recommended. Malaria risk in some areas. Travelers' diarrhea common. Medical facilities limited. Counterfeit medications a risk. | Travel insurance: $4-10/dayVaccinations: variable | Consult a doctor or travel clinic regarding vaccinations and necessary precautions. Bring necessary medications, including for pre-existing conditions. | Traditional medicine practiced, but seek professional medical care for serious illnesses. |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi available in most hotels and tourist areas. SIM cards readily available. eSIMs convenient option. | SIM card with data: $5-20 eSIM with data: $4.50+ | Be aware of cybersecurity risks when using public Wi-Fi. | Cambodians are generally friendly and welcoming to foreigners. |
| Best Time to Visit | Dry season (November-April): best weather, peak season, higher prices.Wet season (May-October): lush landscapes, fewer crowds, lower prices, risk of heavy rain. | Prices vary by season. | Increased risk of vector-borne diseases during wet season. | Water Festival in November. Khmer New Year in April. |
