You’re in for something special.
From the ancient temples of Angkor Wat to vibrant cities and rich culture, Cambodia offers an unforgettable travel experience. But first‑time visitors often make simple mistakes that can turn a dream trip into a stressful one. This guide gives you the practical, up‑to‑date advice you need to travel smarter, safer, and with confidence.
⚡ Quick Tips
Top Cambodia travel tips:
- Carry USD cash (small bills)
- Start your days early to avoid the heat
- Dress modestly at temples (shoulders and knees covered)
- Use tuk‑tuks booked via PassApp or Grab for safe, fixed‑price rides
- Drink only bottled or filtered water
- Learn a few Khmer words – locals appreciate it!
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
Getting into Cambodia is straightforward, but you have two main options:
- E‑visa (recommended): Apply online at the official e‑visa website at least 3–5 days before travel. Cost: $36 (including processing). You’ll receive a PDF to print or save on your phone. At the airport, simply present it with your passport and skip the visa‑on‑arrival line. Valid for 30 days.
- Visa on Arrival (VoA): Available at Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville airports, as well as major land borders. Cost: $30 (cash only, USD). You’ll need a passport‑sized photo (bring a few spares) and a passport valid for at least 6 months. The queue can take 15–45 minutes depending on how many flights land at once.
Requirements:
- Passport (6+ months validity)
- Passport photo
Tip: Carry two passport photos and a pen. Many travelers find the e‑visa saves time and reduces stress.
💰 Money & Payments
Cambodia is a dual‑currency country. You’ll use both US dollars and Cambodian riel every day.
What to carry: Bring crisp, undamaged $1, $5, $10, and $20 bills. Larger bills ($50, $100) are often refused or given poor exchange rates. ATMs dispense both USD and riel; fees are typically $4–5 per withdrawal.
Typical costs (2026):
- Street food meal: $1.50–$3
- Mid‑range restaurant dinner: $5–$12
- Local beer (0.5L): $1–$2
- 1‑hour tuk‑tuk ride within city: $2–$4
- 3‑star hotel room: $25–$40 per night
- Private car from Siem Reap airport to town: $7–$10
Using riel: You’ll often receive change in riel (roughly 4,000 riel = $1). It’s fine to use riel for small purchases; you can exchange leftover notes at the airport or use them for final meals.
Cards & ATMs: Major hotels and upscale restaurants accept credit cards. However, for markets, tuk‑tuks, and small eateries, cash is king.
Avoid damaged or torn bills—they may not be accepted.
🌡️ Weather & When to Visit
- Best time: November – February
Cool, dry, and sunny. Temperatures are comfortable (25–30°C / 77–86°F). Ideal for temple tours and outdoor exploration. This is peak tourist season, so book accommodation early. - Hot season: March – May
Temperatures soar to 35–40°C (95–104°F). Early mornings and late afternoons are still manageable. You’ll find fewer crowds and lower prices. - Rainy season: June – October
Afternoon showers are common, but mornings often stay sunny. The countryside turns lush green, and temple crowds thin out. It’s a good time for budget travelers.
👉 See: Best Time to Visit Angkor Wat
🚗 Getting Around
Tuk‑tuks are the backbone of Cambodian transport, but how you book them matters.
Use ride‑hailing apps – PassApp and Grab are the safest, most transparent options. You’ll see the fixed price before booking, and the driver’s details are tracked. A typical 10‑minute trip costs $1–$2.50. Both apps allow you to pay by cash or linked card.
Agree on price before flagging a tuk‑tuk – If you can’t use the app, negotiate a price first. Example: Siem Reap Pub Street to Angkor Wat ticket booth is about $4–5 one way; a full day temple tour by tuk‑tuk is $15–20. Avoid drivers who insist on taking you to “souvenir shops” – they often earn commissions.
Long‑distance travel: For intercity trips, consider night buses (Giant Ibis, Virak Buntham, Larryta) between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, or Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. Sleeper buses cost $15–25 and save a night’s accommodation. Always book through your guesthouse or the official counters.
Scooter rental: Only recommended if you have a valid motorcycle license and experience. Rental costs $6–10 per day. Always wear a helmet – police fines are common, and unlicensed riders may face impoundment.
Most common transport:
- 🛺 Tuk-tuk (cheap + flexible)
- 🚐 Private car (comfort)
- 🚴 Bicycle (budget option)
👉 In Siem Reap, tuk-tuks are the easiest way to explore.
🏛️ Must-Visit Places
🌅 Angkor Wat (Phnom Penh)
The crown jewel of Cambodia. Buy your pass (1‑day: $37, 3‑day: $62, 7‑day: $72) at the official ticket booths – they now use facial recognition, so you don’t need to carry the pass. Arrive at least 30 minutes before sunrise for the best spot. Dress code applies: covered shoulders and knees.
The highlight of Cambodia.
- Don’t miss sunrise
- Follow a 3-day itinerary
🌆 Phnom Penh
The capital blends history and modern energy. Visit the Royal Palace, the sobering Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, and the lively riverside. Use the PassApp/Grab apps for safe transport. See our Phnom Penh Travel Guide for a detailed itinerary.
🏝️ Koh Rong & Koh Rong Samloem
White‑sand beaches, bioluminescent plankton, and laid‑back vibes. Ferries depart from Sihanoukville (cost $20–25 return). Accommodation ranges from rustic bungalows ($15/night) to eco‑resorts ($80+).
Other Gems
- Kampot: riverside town known for pepper farms and nearby Bokor Mountain
- Battambang: colonial architecture and the famous bamboo train
👕 What to Wear
At temples (including Angkor Wat): Cover shoulders and knees. A lightweight scarf or sarong is perfect. Long, quick‑dry pants or a skirt below the knee are fine. Remove hats when entering shrines.
Elsewhere: Casual wear is acceptable. In cities, you’ll see locals dressed modestly – avoid overly revealing clothes in rural areas to show respect.
Footwear: Flip‑flops are fine, but bring sturdy shoes for temple ruins (uneven stone paths).
Required:
- Covered shoulders
- Long pants or skirts
Casual clothes are fine elsewhere.
🍜 Food & Eating Tips
Cambodian food is a highlight. Don’t be afraid to explore.
Must‑try dishes:
- Fish Amok – steamed coconut curry in banana leaf
- Lok Lak – stir‑fried beef with lime‑pepper sauce
- Nom Banh Chok – Khmer noodles with green fish curry (a breakfast staple)
- Fresh spring rolls – available everywhere
Street food safety: Choose stalls with a high turnover of locals. If the food is being cooked fresh and the stall is clean, it’s almost always safe. Avoid pre‑cut fruit that’s been sitting out.
Water & ice: Drink only bottled or filtered water. In restaurants, ice is usually made from purified water – but if you’re unsure, ask “daek koh” (ice with a hole) is often safe. Carry a reusable bottle with a filter.
Costs: A street meal costs $1.50–$3; a sit‑down local restaurant $4–$8. For a special treat, try a cooking class (around $25–35).
Cambodian food is:
- Affordable
- Flavorful
- Diverse
Try:
👉 Read: Best Street Food in Siem Reap
⚠️ Safety Tips
Cambodia is generally safe, but petty crime and scams exist. Stay aware.
Bag snatching: Especially in Phnom Penh, motorbike snatchers target phones and bags worn on the street side. Keep your bag across your body, away from the road. Don’t use your phone while walking near traffic.
Common scams:
- “Temple is closed” trick: A tuk‑tuk driver may say your destination is closed and offer to take you to a “friend’s” shop or another temple. Politely insist on going to your original destination.
- Free ride offers: Never accept a free ride or tour – you’ll be pressured into buying overpriced goods.
- Monk donation scam: Real monks never ask for money on the street. Ignore anyone claiming to collect temple donations.
Emergency numbers:
- Tourist Police: 012 942 484
- National Police: 117
- Ambulance: 119
Health: Mosquitoes can carry dengue. Use repellent, especially during the rainy season. If you feel very unwell, seek medical care at an international clinic (e.g., Royal Phnom Penh Hospital or Siem Reap’s Angkor Hospital for Children). Travel insurance is highly recommended.
Just be aware:
- Watch your belongings
- Avoid scams
- Use trusted transport
Use common sense—like any destination.
💡 Cultural Etiquette
Small gestures show respect and open doors.
Greetings: A slight bow with hands pressed together (sampeah) is the traditional greeting. A simple “suos’dey” (hello) with a smile goes a long way.
Key Khmer words:
- Hello – suos’dey
- Thank you – aw kun
- Yes – baht (male) / jah (female)
- How much? – thlai ponman?
Temples & homes: Remove shoes before entering temple buildings or private homes. Don’t point your feet at people or Buddha images – it’s considered disrespectful.
Personal space: Avoid touching anyone’s head, even children. The head is considered the most sacred part of the body.
Photography: Ask before taking photos of locals, especially monks. Never photograph people at the killing fields memorials – it’s a place of mourning.
Respect goes a long way.
Do:
- Smile 😊
- Be polite
- Respect temples
Avoid:
- Touching someone’s head
- Pointing feet at people
📶 Internet & SIM Cards
Staying connected is cheap and easy.
SIM cards: Buy at the airport or in town. Smart, Metfone, and Cellcard offer tourist SIMs with data. A 30‑day, 50GB plan costs around $5–8. You’ll need your passport to register.
Wi‑Fi: Most hotels, cafés, and restaurants have free Wi‑Fi, though speeds vary. Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me) for areas with weak signal.
Easy to stay connected:
- Cheap SIM cards available
- Good 4G coverage
🎒 Packing Essentials
Keep it light – Cambodia is hot and humid.
- Clothing: Quick‑dry shirts, shorts, a lightweight long‑sleeve shirt (for temples and sun protection), sarong, comfortable walking shoes, flip‑flops.
- Health: Sunscreen (high SPF), insect repellent, hand sanitizer, basic first‑aid kit, oral rehydration salts.
- Tech: Power bank, universal adapter (type A, C, G), phone with data.
- Other: Reusable water bottle with filter, passport copies, small padlock for hostel lockers, daypack for temple tours.
Cambodia is hot—pack light
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Visiting temples at midday – go early morning or late afternoon.
- Not carrying enough small USD bills – large notes are often refused.
- Ignoring the dress code – you may be denied entry to temples.
- Overpacking – light luggage makes moving between cities easier.
- Skipping travel insurance – medical evacuations can cost thousands.
🔗 Plan Your Cambodia Trip
Use these guides to build your perfect itinerary:
- Best Street Food in Siem Reap – what and where to eat safely
- Cambodia Travel Cost (2026) – budget breakdown for first‑timers
- Siem Reap Travel Guide – everything you need for the temple town
- Phnom Penh Travel Guide – Cambodia’s capital from a local perspective
- 3‑Day Angkor Wat Itinerary – plan your temple visits wisely
❓ FAQ
Is Cambodia safe for first-time travelers?
Yes—it’s one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia.
Do I need cash in Cambodia?
Yes—USD cash is widely used.
How many days do I need?
5–7 days is ideal for a first trip.
Can I travel Cambodia on a budget?
Yes—it’s very affordable.
📢 Disclaimer
The information in this guide is based on personal experience and research up to April 2026. Travel conditions, visa fees, and local regulations may change without notice. Always verify official sources (such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Cambodia e‑Visa website) before your trip. This site is not liable for any errors, omissions, or changes in policy. Travel safely and responsibly.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Traveling to Cambodia for the first time can feel overwhelming, but with the right tips and planning, it becomes an easy, enriching adventure.
Embrace the pace, smile often, and trust your instincts. The kindness of the people and the beauty of the landscapes will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.
Ready to go? Start with our Siem Reap Travel Guide to begin your journey.
About the Author: Chhem Dina is a Phnom Penh‑based travel writer and Cambodia travel expert. She has helped hundreds of first‑time visitors navigate the country’s culture and logistics.