15 Essential Things to Know Before Visiting Cambodia

I have lost count of the number of friends who have asked me whether Cambodia is hard to travel. It is not. It is, however, a country where a little advance knowledge turns a decent trip into a really good one, and where a few avoidable mistakes, like arriving at Angkor Wat in shorts or buying a temple pass from the wrong counter, can cost you a morning. This guide is the long version of what I tell people over coffee before they fly: the paperwork, the money, the weather, the temples, the food, the health basics, the scams that actually happen, and a few plans that hold up when real life interferes.

The page you may have seen here before was a short list of fifteen quick points. I have kept the spirit of that list, since a lot of it was sound, but expanded every point into something you can actually plan with. It is written mainly with Singapore-based travellers in mind, because that is who we serve, though most of it applies to anyone flying in from anywhere in the region. Where I quote a price, it is either a rough guide that moves with the season, or a live starting price from our own product pages, marked with the S$ sign. Check the page for your exact date before you commit, because rates change with the day and the calendar.

Cambodia is a country of sharp contrasts. The serene scale of Angkor sits a short tuk-tuk ride from a town of night markets and cocktail bars. Phnom Penh carries a heavy modern history alongside its riverside cafes and glittering palace roofs. The countryside is rice paddy, palm and slow water. If you come with an open mind, a flexible plan and a sense of humour about the heat, it is one of the most rewarding places in Southeast Asia, and one of the kindest on a budget.

Visas and paperwork before you fly

Start here, because it is the one part of the trip that cannot be fixed at the airport. Rules depend on your passport, so I will not pretend one answer fits everyone. Singapore passport holders, and citizens of several other ASEAN countries, are generally visa-exempt for short tourist stays. Most other nationalities, including Indian passport holders, need a Tourist visa (Type T). Our own verified notes, last checked in August 2026, list the Tourist e-Visa at around USD 30 for a single entry, valid for use within three months of issue and good for a stay of up to 30 days. Processing is normally about three business days, though allow up to a week if your dates are tight.

The e-Visa is applied for on the official government portal, and it is the route I recommend for most people because you arrive with the decision already made. A visa on arrival is also available at major airports and many land borders at a similar fee, but it adds a queue, a photo and a need for exact change in US dollars. If you are coming by land from Vietnam or Thailand, confirm in advance that your chosen crossing accepts the e-Visa, because not every small border post does. Your passport should have at least six months of validity left from the day you arrive and a couple of blank pages.

Not sure what applies to your passport? Our visa requirements pages let you check entry rules by nationality, with the official source and the date we last verified it. If you need help applying, the visa team can walk you through it, and everything is submitted on your behalf only with your documents and consent.

One more practical point. Some visa applications, and some onward-travel checks, ask for proof of a flight in or out of the country. Buying a full fare before your visa is approved is a gamble you do not need to take. A genuine flight reservation held for a short period can serve as an itinerary document while you wait. Our flight reservation service is a manual service for exactly this situation. It is a reservation, not an issued ticket, so do not treat it as one, and it does not promise approval of any visa.

Money: the dollar economy and how to carry it

The first surprise for most visitors is that Cambodia runs largely on United States dollars. Hotels, tours, restaurants, taxis and even many market stalls quote in dollars. The local currency, the riel, shows up as small change: roughly four thousand riel to a dollar, which means anything under a dollar tends to come back to you as a thick little stack of local notes. Do not be put off by this. It is a perfectly workable dual system once you understand it, and it means you rarely need to exchange much money at all.

ATMs in the cities dispense dollars, usually with a fee per withdrawal on top of whatever your own bank charges, so take out larger amounts less often rather than small amounts daily. Bring a stock of small bills, ones, fives and tens, for tuk-tuks, snacks and tips, since a driver will often struggle to break a twenty. Crisp, undamaged notes matter here; a torn or heavily creased dollar bill may be politely refused. I keep two or three bills in a separate pocket so I am not pulling out my whole wallet at a roadside stall.

Cards work in hotels, upmarket restaurants and larger shops, often with a surcharge of a few percent. For online bookings on holidaysg.com you pay in Singapore dollars where the page says so, and what you see at checkout is what is charged. In a market, cash wins. Before you leave, tell your bank you will be using your card abroad so a routine purchase does not freeze it.

When to go: dry season, green season and the shoulder months

The usual advice is November to April, and it is good advice. Skies are clear, the air is drier, mornings are pleasantly cool and temple walking is at its most comfortable. It is also the busiest and most expensive stretch, particularly around Christmas, New Year and the Khmer New Year holiday in mid-April, when much of the country travels and some shops close. If you want that classic Angkor sunrise with a bit of elbow room, aim for November or early December, or the first weeks of January.

The wet season, roughly May to October, is much better than its reputation. Rain usually arrives as a heavy afternoon burst rather than all-day grey, the rice fields turn a startling green, the temples are quieter, and hotels drop their prices. The trade-off is humidity, mud on some of the less-visited sites and the occasional road washed out. Roads to remote temples such as Koh Ker and Beng Mealea can be slow in a downpour. If you travel in the green season, start early, plan indoor activities for the afternoon and keep a light rain jacket in your day bag.

Heat deserves its own warning. Even in the so-called cool months, midday at Angkor is punishing. Do the big temples at sunrise and in the late afternoon, and use the middle of the day for lunch, a swim or a massage. Singaporeans may assume they are used to heat, but standing on stone in direct sun for hours is a different thing. A hat, sunscreen and plenty of water are part of the plan, not afterthoughts.

Getting there and getting around

Siem Reap has its own airport serving the temples, and Phnom Penh has the main international gateway. There are regular flights from Singapore to both, and many people fly into one city and out of the other to avoid backtracking. If you arrive in Siem Reap, a pre-booked car saves you the haggling at arrivals after a long day. We list a Siem Reap airport private transfer starting from S$33.55, and it is the easiest way to start a trip calmly.

Inside the cities, the tuk-tuk is king. It is cheap, breezy and a good way to see the street life, and for the temples it is the standard choice. For fixed fares and no haggling, ride-hailing apps such as Grab and the local PassApp work in the main cities and show the price up front. Scooters are rented everywhere, and I would only recommend one if you are an experienced rider with the right licence and insurance. Traffic rules are loosely followed, helmets are not always supplied properly and a small accident can become a big bill.

For longer legs, buses and minivans link Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Battambang and the coast. They are inexpensive and generally fine, though schedules are flexible and a journey quoted at six hours can take seven or eight. Domestic flights are quicker but cost more. If you are going to a temple like Beng Mealea or Koh Ker, or a spot in the hills, a private car charter is far more comfortable than trying to string together local transport. We offer a private car charter to Kulen Mountain from S$63.13 and a charter to Koh Ker and Beng Mealea from S$127.02 for that reason.

If you would rather have the wheels sorted for you, our full-day car rental within Siem Reap city starts from S$38.40 and a half-day rental from S$26.06. For two or three days of temple hopping, the multi-day charters, such as the two-day small and big circle charter, take away the daily negotiation.

Angkor: passes, etiquette and a plan that works

Angkor Archaeological Park is the reason most people come, and it deserves a plan. The park is enormous, around four hundred square kilometres, and its monuments are spread across many miles. The official pass is sold at the ticket centre on the road out of Siem Reap, not at the temples, and passes are available as one-day, three-day and seven-day options. As a rough guide, the one-day pass has been around USD 37, with the longer ones costing more. The pass is checked at the temples, carries your photo, and is not transferable, so keep it with you. Some of our tours say plainly whether the pass is included or must be bought separately, so read the product page.

One day is enough for the headline sights, but it is a long, hot, tiring day. Three days is the sweet spot for most people: the main circuit, the grand circuit and a morning for the further-out temples. If you want to save time at the ticket centre, our express service for the Angkor temple pass, from S$57.22, is there for exactly that. It is a convenience, not a discount, so decide whether queue time or money matters more to you.

Dress rules are real and enforced. Shoulders and knees must be covered at Angkor Wat and other active religious sites. Light, loose trousers and a shirt with sleeves, or a scarf you can drape, solve it, and they are also better for the sun and the insects. Sturdy, comfortable shoes matter because the stone steps are steep, uneven and sometimes slippery. Some of the upper towers at Angkor Wat have limited access and queues for the top level; check opening times when you are there, as these change. Behave quietly. Monks and local worshippers use these places, and a loud group posing for photographs on a shrine is poor form.

For a first visit I would suggest this order. Begin before dawn at Angkor Wat for the sunrise, then leave the crowd behind and have breakfast. Move on to Angkor Thom and the faces of the Bayon in the soft morning light. Rest through the worst of the heat. Return in the afternoon to Ta Prohm, where the roots of enormous trees wrap the stone, and finish at a quieter hill temple or the sunset spot of your choice. If that sounds like a lot, it is, which is why a driver or a guide who knows the order and the shortcuts is worth the money. Our Classic Angkor Wat Sunrise or Sunset Full Day Tour covers this kind of day, starting from S$19.24. The longer sunrise at Angkor Wat transfer from S$25.78 suits those who want the car and driver only.

If you prefer to move under your own steam, our full-day 30km bike tour of the Angkor temples starts from S$76.56 and gets you off the main roads and into the forest paths. It suits reasonably fit riders who like to feel the place rather than watch it through a windscreen.

Siem Reap beyond the ruins

Siem Reap is a base for temples, but it is also a place with its own character, and the people who enjoy it most spend at least a couple of evenings away from the monuments. Pub Street is the loud centre of the night scene, fun for a drink and a look, though I find the side streets and the riverfront more pleasant for dinner. The old market area is good for souvenirs, silk scarves, spices and carved wood, and bargaining is expected but should stay friendly.

A half-day trip on Tonle Sap Lake is the best contrast to the stone monuments. The lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and it swells and shrinks with the seasons, so floating villages, stilt houses and fishing boats follow the water. Go in the late afternoon for softer light. Our Tonle Sap half-day tour with Hi-Tea at Shitamini hotel starts from S$94.04. A variant with a buffet dinner and dance show begins at S$81.67.

If you see only one show, make it Phare, the Cambodian Circus. It is a social enterprise that trains young artists, and the performances use acrobatics, music and theatre to tell stories rooted in Khmer history and daily life. It is not a clown-and-lion-tamer circus; the quality is genuinely high, and it is a good pick for families, couples and anyone who needs a seat after a day of walking. Look at the family dinner and show package from S$83.24 or the adult option from S$109.19.

For something different, the Kulen Mountain area is a pilgrimage site with a river carved with ancient lingas and a pleasant waterfall, a cool break from the plain. Hot-air ballooning at Bakong Village lifts you over the countryside for a different view of the landscape; the balloon experience is from S$169.90. For families, the Angkor wildlife and aquarium from S$25.59 is an easy half-day, and the quad bike adventure from S$43.88 suits older kids and adults who want a muddy afternoon.

Slower pleasures are plentiful too. A traditional massage after three hours of temple stairs is one of the great small joys of the country. The Bodia range of treatments, for example the traditional massage from S$36.50, gives you an hour of quiet, and a visit to the Cambodian Bokator Academy from S$37.02 introduces an ancient Khmer martial art. Whichever you choose, keep one afternoon with nothing planned.

Phnom Penh and the south

Phnom Penh is a very different city, bigger, louder and more complex. The riverfront promenade at sunset is the easy introduction. The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda are worth a morning, again with covered shoulders and knees. The Central Market, with its domed art-deco hall, is a place to browse rather than buy anything serious. Many visitors also choose to visit the sites that remember the Khmer Rouge years, among them Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek. These are sobering, and they are meant to be. Go with time and without a tight schedule afterwards, and treat them with the quiet seriousness they deserve.

To balance the weight of that history, spend an afternoon on the lighter side of the city: cafes, rooftop bars, art galleries and the street food that comes alive after dark. If you want a driver for the day, the full-day car charter in Phnom Penh starts from S$51.77, and if you like cycling, the countryside bike tour on the Silk Islands from S$89.00 takes you across the river to villages, weaving and quiet lanes within sight of the skyline.

South of the capital lies a gentler Cambodia. Kep is known for its crab market and a slow seaside atmosphere, and the nearby pepper farms of Kampot are well worth a stop. Our private transfer from Phnom Penh to Kep is from S$107.00. Further out, the islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem offer white sand and clear water, a natural second chapter for anyone who wants beach time after temples. Remember that boats to the islands can be cancelled in rough weather, so leave a day of buffer before any flight home.

Khmer food and how to eat well

Cambodian cooking is one of Asia's quiet pleasures, less famous than its neighbours and less aggressive in its spicing. The flavours are fragrant and balanced: lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, kaffir lime, fermented fish, palm sugar, fresh herbs. The national dish is fish amok, freshwater fish in a coconut-and-kroeung paste, steamed in a banana-leaf cup until it has the texture of a soft custard. Lok lak, stir-fried beef with a peppery lime dipping sauce, is the crowd pleaser. Num banh chok is the breakfast noodle, rice noodles with a green fish gravy and a heap of raw herbs. Try the sour soups, the grilled river fish and, if you are brave, the fried tarantulas that tourists photograph more often than they eat.

A food tour on your first or second night is the quickest way to learn what you are looking at. Our Khmer Discovery Food Tour starts from S$96.00. Vegetarians are well served in Siem Reap, and the Taste Vegan Discovery from S$65.95 proves plant-based Cambodian food can be rich. Families with younger eaters may like the Family Food Tour Adventure from S$65.95, which keeps the pace gentle.

A cooking class is another good use of a morning. You visit a market, learn what the unfamiliar vegetables are, and cook a full meal. The cooking class at Shinta Mani is from S$76.55, and for something more rural, the village life and farm-to-table cooking experience starts from S$81.32. If you prefer a tea-time treat, the Hi-Tea at Shinta Mani is from S$37.02.

On the safety side: pick busy stalls, eat food that is cooked in front of you and served hot, and avoid ice of uncertain origin in small roadside places. In restaurants that cater to visitors ice is typically made from purified water and is fine. Drink bottled or filtered water, and use it for brushing your teeth. A few anti-diarrhoea tablets and oral rehydration salts in your pack are cheap insurance.

Health, safety and the scams that actually happen

Cambodia is generally a safe place for visitors, and violent crime against tourists is uncommon. The usual city problems are petty ones: bag snatching from motorbikes, phone grabbing at a pavement table, pickpocketing in crowded markets. Carry your bag on the side away from the road, do not walk with your phone held out near traffic, and leave your passport in the hotel safe with a copy on you. Emergency numbers worth saving: police 117, fire 118 and ambulance 119, with a tourist hotline at +855 12 942 484. For serious medical care in Phnom Penh, Royal Phnom Penh Hospital is the sort of international-standard facility to look for, and in Siem Reap there are comparable clinics.

The scams are mostly small and predictable. A tuk-tuk driver quotes one price and then insists on another at the end, so agree the price first. A friendly stranger offers to show you a special temple, shop or gem dealer, and takes a commission. A child sells postcards, or a woman with a baby asks for milk powder to be bought at an inflated price in a nearby shop. Be kind, but think before you hand over money; many of these arrangements keep children out of school. Never invest in gems or take an offer of easy profit from a stranger.

Health basics are straightforward. Mosquitoes carry dengue, so use repellent, cover up at dusk and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms. Check with a doctor or travel clinic about routine vaccinations and whether Hepatitis A or typhoid cover makes sense for you. Rabies is present, so keep your distance from street dogs and monkeys at temples, which can bite. If anything bites or scratches you, wash it thoroughly and see a clinic the same day. And please do not ride an elephant; there are better ways to spend your money.

Finally, insurance. Medical care for a serious problem can mean evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore, and that is expensive. Buy a policy that covers medical evacuation, motorbike use if you plan to ride, and any adventure activities. Read the exclusions; a policy that does not cover scooters is no use if you rent one.

Staying connected without a nasty bill

English is widely spoken in the places where visitors go, and the staff at hotels, restaurants and tour offices are usually quick to help. A few words of Khmer earn a smile far out of proportion to the effort. Say suosdey for hello, arkoun for thank you and sorry when you have bumped into someone. The traditional greeting is the sampeah, palms pressed together near the chest, with the height of your hands showing the respect due; a small nod and a smile back is enough for visitors.

For data, a local SIM is cheap, but an eSIM saves you queueing at the airport and means you can check your ride app and map the moment you land. If your phone supports it, install the profile before you leave Singapore. The Commbitz Cambodia eSIM Daily plan starts from S$3.00 and the unlimited 4G/5G data eSIM from S$12.45 suits heavy users. Check that your phone is unlocked and compatible, and keep your home SIM active for bank texts if you need them. Download offline maps as a backup.

Budget, tipping and bargaining

Cambodia can be done on almost any budget, and the gap between the cheapest and most comfortable trip is wide. Backpackers can manage on USD 30 to 50 a day with dorm beds, street food and shared transport. Mid-range travellers who want a comfortable hotel with a pool, a private driver for some days and good restaurants should plan on roughly USD 80 to 150 a day each. Luxury is easy to find too, with five-star resorts and private temple experiences from USD 200 a day and up. The big spends are accommodation and the Angkor pass, so choose carefully there and save on the rest.

Tipping is not obligatory but is appreciated. A dollar or two for a good guide's morning, a few dollars at the end of a driver's day, rounding up the bill at a restaurant, or leaving a dollar for hotel staff are all gestures that go a long way relative to local wages. At markets, bargaining is normal and should be cheerful. Start at around half the asking price, meet in the middle and walk away politely if it does not work. In shops with fixed prices, restaurants and anywhere with a menu, do not haggle.

Three ways to put it together

People often ask for a ready-made route. These three are not rigid, but they show how the pieces fit, and each can be adjusted for kids, older parents or a tight budget.

My own favourite shape is the seven-day one. Land in Siem Reap, spend a day settling in with the food tour and the market, give the next two days to the temples with a rest afternoon between, and keep a fourth day for Tonle Sap, Phare or a countryside ride. Fly or ride to Phnom Penh for the last two nights. You leave with a feel for the country rather than a checklist.

A tip on timing: Angkor is tiring, so put the big days early in your trip while your energy is high, and keep the lighter, indulgent things, such as a spa, a cooking class or a long lunch, for the days after. And book your timed or limited-availability activities ahead. Our team confirms each booking before tickets are emailed to you, so leave a little time between booking and travelling rather than ordering the night before.

What to pack

Light, breathable clothing in cotton or linen works best, with at least one outfit that covers shoulders and knees for the temples. Bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle. Comfortable walking shoes with grip are non-negotiable; sandals with a good strap are handy for the evening and wet days. A power bank, a universal adapter and a small day bag with a zip are useful. If you travel in the wet season, add a light rain jacket and a dry bag for your phone. A scarf does triple duty as sun cover, temple cover and a layer in air-conditioned buses.

Do not forget copies of your passport, your visa approval and your insurance details, stored both in print and on your phone. Pack a few dollars in small bills in an easy pocket, a small first-aid kit with plasters, rehydration salts and your usual medicines, and a pen for any forms on arrival.

Frequently asked questions

Do Singapore passport holders need a visa for Cambodia?

Singapore citizens are generally visa-exempt for short tourist stays, but rules change, so check the current position on our visa requirements page before you travel. Citizens of many other countries need a Tourist visa, and the e-Visa route is usually the smoothest.

Is the e-Visa better than the visa on arrival?

For most travellers, yes. The fees are similar, but the e-Visa is settled before you leave home, so you avoid the arrival queue and the need for exact cash and a photo. Check that your chosen border crossing accepts the e-Visa if you travel overland.

How many days do I need for Angkor?

One day shows you the headline temples, but three days is much more comfortable and lets you add quieter sites and a rest day. If you are short of time, start at sunrise, rest at midday and return in the afternoon.

Should I carry US dollars or riel?

Mostly dollars. Prices are quoted in dollars, ATMs give dollars and the riel is used for small change. Carry a stock of small, clean bills and keep a few riel notes as souvenirs and for tiny purchases.

Is Cambodia safe for families and solo women?

It is generally friendly and safe, with the usual precautions. Dress modestly, avoid walking alone late at night in unlit areas, use ride apps after dark and keep valuables out of sight. Family travellers often find that locals are very warm toward children.

Can I drink the tap water?

No. Use bottled or purified water for drinking and brushing your teeth. Most hotels provide a free bottle or refill station, and restaurants aimed at visitors use purified ice.

What if I need a flight reservation for my visa application?

Some applications ask for a flight itinerary. A held reservation is not an issued ticket, but it can serve as an itinerary document while you wait for approval. See our flight reservation page for how the manual service works and what it does and does not do.

How far ahead should I book tours and transfers?

For peak months, a couple of weeks is sensible, especially for sunrise tours, balloon flights and anything with limited seats. Our team confirms each booking before e-tickets are emailed, so allow a little time rather than booking on the day.

Featured experiences in this guide

Private Car Charter to Kulen MountainFrom S$63.13 Book →Private Car Charter Pyramit Temple (Koh Ker) and Beng Mealea ToursFrom S$127.02 Book →SIEM REAP FULL DAY CAR RENTAL IN CITY (WITHIN 20KM)From S$38.40 Book →SIEM REAP HALF DAY CAR RENTAL IN CITY (WITHIN 20KM)From S$26.06 Book →Two Day car charter Small Circle and Big Circle with Sunset viewing (C...From S$79.54 Book →Skip the line: Express service for Angkor Temple PassFrom S$57.22 Book →(Free e-SIM) Classic Angkor Wat Sunrise or Sunset Full DayTourFrom S$19.24 Book →SIEM REAP SURISE AT ANGKOR WAT TEMPLE (WITHIN (7KM)From S$25.78 Book →Siem Reap: Bike the Angkor Temples - Full-Day 30km Tour with LunchFrom S$76.56 Book →Tonle Sap half-day tour & free buffet dinner and dance show at Angkor...From S$81.67 Book →Phare Circus Dinner (Adults)From S$109.19 Book →Hot Air Balloon at Bakong VillageFrom S$169.90 Book →Angkor Wildlife & AquariumFrom S$25.59 Book →Siem Reap Quad Bike AdventureFrom S$43.88 Book →Bodia Tradisional MassageFrom S$36.50 Book →Cambodian Bokator AcademyFrom S$37.02 Book →Full day Car Charter in Phnom Penh CapitalFrom S$51.77 Book →Phnom Penh: Countryside Bike Tour on the Silk IslandsFrom S$89.00 Book →PRIVATE TRANSFER PHNOM PENH-KEP OR BACK (WITHIN 173KM)From S$107.00 Book →Taste Vegan DiscoveryFrom S$65.95 Book →Family Food Tour AdventureFrom S$65.95 Book →Siem Reap: Village Life & Khmer Farm-to-Table CookingFrom S$81.32 Book →Hi-Tea at Shinta ManiFrom S$37.02 Book →Cambodia - Unlimited 4G/5G Data eSIMFrom S$12.45 Book →