I have lost count of the friends who have told me they were going to Cambodia for the weekend, and then came back a week later talking about it for a month. It is that kind of country. On paper it looks like a short hop from Singapore, a flight of a little over two hours to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, a couple of temples, a few cheap dinners. In practice it gets under your skin. The stone faces at Bayon, the quiet of a village road at six in the morning, the sound of a tuk-tuk engine in Phnom Penh traffic, the sweetness of fresh palm sugar in a market, all of it lingers. This is the guide I would give to a friend, updated for 2026, with the practical business of visas, money, timing and transport sorted out so that you can spend your energy on the fun part.
A word on how this page is organised. I start with the planning basics, because most mistakes in Cambodia are made before the plane leaves: the wrong month, the wrong temple pass, a visa form filled in on a lookalike website. Then I walk through the places worth your time, region by region, with realistic notes on how long to stay. After that comes the day-to-day stuff, including food, getting around, staying healthy and what to pack, and finally a sample itinerary and the questions I get asked most often. Prices are indicative and change, so treat every figure as a guide and confirm before you pay.
Planning your trip: the honest essentials
Cambodia is small enough that you can see its headline sights in a week, but big enough that trying to cover everything in that week will leave you tired and irritable. Most first-time visitors from Singapore do one of three things. They fly into Siem Reap for four or five days built around the Angkor temples. Or they combine Siem Reap with Phnom Penh for a week, linking the two by bus or a short flight. Or they stretch to ten days or more and add a stretch of coast or the quieter provinces. My advice is to decide which of those you are before you book anything, because it determines your flights, your hotels and how much you will spend on the road.
The country has a tropical climate, a young and friendly population, and a tourism industry that has been rebuilt with energy since the quiet years. You will find English spoken in most places visitors go, especially by guides, hotel staff and younger drivers. Learning a few words of Khmer is not essential, but it earns smiles. A simple hello, sua s'dei, and a thank you, akun, go a long way. The currency situation, which I explain below, is unusual and worth understanding before you land.
| Trip length | Suggested focus | Pace | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 to 4 days | Siem Reap and Angkor only | Relaxed, one big temple day plus a half day | Long weekends from Singapore |
| 5 to 7 days | Siem Reap plus Phnom Penh | Moderate, one transfer day | First-time visitors |
| 8 to 10 days | Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Kampot or the coast | Comfortable, with beach time | Couples and small groups |
| 11 to 14 days | Add Battambang and the northeast or islands | Slow, with rest days | Return visitors and slow travellers |
When to go: dry days, green days and the months in between
The seasons decide a lot here. The dry season runs roughly from November to April, and within it the cooler stretch from November to February is the most comfortable for walking around ruins. Days are warm and bright, evenings are pleasant, and the roads are in good shape. The catch is that this is also the busiest and most expensive time, particularly around the Christmas and New Year break and during Chinese New Year. If you want the classic postcard version of Angkor, this is when to come, but book your hotel and your key tours early.
March, April and May are hot. Really hot. Temperatures climb well into the mid thirties and the humidity makes the afternoon feel heavier than the thermometer suggests. I have done Angkor in April and it can be done, but you must start before dawn, finish by late morning, and spend the middle of the day in a swimming pool. Khmer New Year falls in mid April and is a lovely time to see local celebrations, though some businesses close and domestic travel makes buses and rooms tight.
From May to October the monsoon rains arrive. This is the green season, and I will say a good word for it. The rice fields turn a startling emerald, the moats around the temples fill, the crowds thin out, and room rates drop. Rain usually comes as a heavy shower in the afternoon rather than all-day drizzle, so mornings are often clear. The downside is that some roads and boat routes become difficult, and the Tonle Sap lake swells to many times its dry season size, which changes what you can see on a boat trip.
| Months | Weather | Crowds | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| November to February | Cooler, dry, sunny | High | Best for temples; book early |
| March to May | Hot and humid | Medium | Start at dawn; Khmer New Year in April |
| June to October | Rainy, green, showers | Low | Lush scenery; flexible plans needed |
| Late October to early November | Transition, can be unsettled | Low to medium | Water Festival in Phnom Penh around this time |
Visas and entry for 2026
This is the section where I ask you to slow down, because it is the one that costs people money. Singapore passport holders are visa-exempt for tourism in Cambodia under the arrangements that apply to ASEAN citizens, so for many readers of this site the question is simple. Even so, always check the current permitted length of stay before you travel, and make sure your passport has at least six months of validity left and blank pages for the stamp.
If you hold a different passport, or you are travelling with relatives who do, the position is different. According to the embassy and government information we track, most nationalities, including Indian passport holders, need a tourist visa, usually called the Type T visa. It costs about USD 30 for a single entry, allows a stay of up to 30 days, and must be used within three months of issue. There are two practical routes. You can apply online for the official e-visa, which takes around three business days and sometimes up to a week, or you can buy a visa on arrival at the major airports and eligible land borders. Embassy applications take longer, often seven to ten working days.
Here is my firm advice. Use only the official government e-visa portal, and make sure the fee you are quoted is the government fee. Search results are crowded with lookalike sites that charge several times the real price for exactly the same document. If you would rather not do the paperwork yourself, you can check requirements for your own passport on our visa requirements pages, which show the fee, validity and processing time and the date each fact was last verified, and you can apply with our help if you want a person to check your form before it goes in.
A related tip for anyone who needs to show onward travel or a confirmed itinerary for a visa application elsewhere, for example if Cambodia is one stop on a longer Asian trip, is that many applicants need a proper reservation document. Our flight reservation service provides a genuine reservation for visa applications. It is a reservation, not an issued ticket, and it does not guarantee that any embassy will approve you, so please read the description before you order.
| Passport | Usual requirement | Typical cost | Typical processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore and other ASEAN passports | Visa-exempt for tourism (confirm length of stay) | None | None |
| Most other nationalities | Type T tourist e-visa or visa on arrival | About USD 30 | E-visa around 3 business days |
| Embassy application | Sticker visa from a Cambodian embassy | About USD 30 plus any service charge | 7 to 10 working days |
Budget, currency and money matters
Cambodia runs on two currencies at once, and visitors are always a little baffled for the first day. The national currency is the riel, but US dollars are used for almost every purchase a tourist makes, from hotel bills and tour fees to restaurant meals. Small change under a dollar is given back in riel. As a rule of thumb, 4,000 riel is treated as one dollar. Carry a stack of clean, undamaged one and five dollar notes, because torn or heavily marked notes are often refused, and keep a small amount of riel for tuk-tuk rides, roadside snacks and market stalls where the prices are quoted in the local currency.
ATMs are common in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap and many dispense US dollars. Check the fee before you confirm, because some machines charge a flat amount on top of what your own bank adds. Cards are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants and tour operators, sometimes with a surcharge. Outside the main towns, cash is king. If you are paying for tours before you travel, booking through a site such as ours means you pay in advance and arrive with fewer dollars to count out.
As for spending, our country data suggests a range of roughly USD 30 to USD 100 per person per day, and that matches my own experience. At the lower end you are in a simple guesthouse, eating local food, and using shared tuk-tuks and buses. At the upper end you have a boutique hotel with a pool, a private driver and a good dinner with a drink. Angkor is the main fixed cost, and a one-day pass was roughly USD 37 at the time our product details were written, with multi-day passes costing more. Confirm the current fee at the ticket office before you queue.
| Style | Per person per day | Typical stay | Typical day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | USD 30 to 45 | Hostel or simple guesthouse | Local food, shared tuk-tuk, one paid sight |
| Mid-range | USD 60 to 90 | Comfortable hotel with pool | Private driver for the day, a nice dinner |
| Comfortable | USD 100 and up | Boutique or resort stay | Guided tours, spa time, set dinners |
Getting there: the new Siem Reap gateway
The big change for recent visitors is the new airport serving Siem Reap, Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport, which is located well outside town, noticeably further than the old one. Journey times to the hotels in the centre are longer than many people expect, usually somewhere around 45 minutes by road, so factor that into your arrival day. If you land late at night or with small children, it makes sense to have a driver waiting. We list shared and private options, including a private Siem Reap airport transfer to or from your hotel from about S$33.61, which is priced per vehicle and takes the haggling out of arrival.
From Singapore there are direct flights to Siem Reap and to Phnom Penh, and the flight time is a little over two hours either way. Direct service depends on the airline and the season, so check the timetable for your dates. Many travellers fly into one city and out of the other, which saves you a long overland backtrack. Phnom Penh airport is also some distance from the city, and a pre-arranged pickup is again simplest, such as the private hotel pickup or drop-off at Phnom Penh airport, from about S$34.94.
One small convenience worth mentioning: if you want to be connected from the moment you land, a data eSIM is easier than hunting for a SIM shop at the arrivals hall. We list several for Cambodia, including an unlimited 4G and 5G data eSIM from about S$12.43, and shorter plans for those who only need a few days of maps and messages. Install it before you fly, switch it on when you land, and you can message your driver straight away.
The Angkor Archaeological Park: more than one famous silhouette
Everyone knows the picture: five lotus-bud towers rising out of the dawn mist behind a reflecting pond. It is a famous picture because it is a beautiful one, and standing there as the sky changes colour is worth the early alarm. But Angkor is not one temple. It is a sprawling landscape of capitals, temples, reservoirs and roads built across several centuries, spread over an area larger than many cities. You cannot sensibly see it in an afternoon.
To get in you need a pass, bought at the official ticket centre in Siem Reap, not at the temple gates. Passes are available for one, three or seven days, and the photo taken at the counter is printed on your ticket. A one-day pass was roughly USD 37 when we wrote our tour details. Passes are checked at every major temple, so keep yours somewhere handy. If you want the queueing and the paperwork handled, our express service for the Angkor temple pass from about S$57.15 helps you get through the process more smoothly. As with all our bookings, e-tickets are emailed after our team confirms your booking.
The classic circuits
Most visitors use two loops. The Small Circuit takes in Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom with the Bayon and its smiling stone faces, Ta Prohm with its enormous tree roots, and a few smaller temples en route. The Big Circuit adds Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Ta Som and East Mebon. Together they make a rewarding two-day plan. If you only have one day, take the Small Circuit and be strict about starting early.
| Temple | Known for | Best time of day | Time to allow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angkor Wat | Scale, bas-reliefs, the iconic towers | Sunrise or late afternoon | 2 to 3 hours |
| Bayon (Angkor Thom) | Hundreds of carved stone faces | Morning, soft side light | 1.5 hours |
| Ta Prohm | Trees growing through the ruins | Early, before the tour buses | 1 hour |
| Banteay Srei | Tiny, delicate pink sandstone carving | Mid morning | 1 hour |
| Preah Khan | Long corridors, fewer crowds | Late morning | 1 hour |
| Pre Rup | Quiet temple mountain for sunset | Late afternoon | 45 minutes |
For a first visit, our classic Angkor Wat sunrise or sunset full-day tour, from about S$19.21, is a good starting point. It runs for roughly eight to ten hours, includes a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, round-trip shared transfers and a free eSIM, and visits the big hitters in a sensible order. The Angkor pass itself is bought separately. If you prefer your own pace, you can hire a car and driver, with options such as the Siem Reap car charter, small or big circle with sunset view from about S$26.26, or add a second day with the two-day small and big circle charter from about S$79.44.
Dress code and etiquette at the temples
The temples are active religious sites as well as heritage monuments, and the rules are enforced. Shoulders and knees must be covered when you enter the Angkor temple complex, which means a light shirt with sleeves and trousers or a long skirt. Carry a thin scarf if you are in a vest top, because staff at the higher towers do check. Do not climb on carvings, do not touch monks if you are a woman, and ask before photographing people. Wear shoes with grip, since the stone steps at Angkor Wat are steep and uneven, and the surfaces can be slippery after rain.
Beyond the headline temples
If you have a third day, spend it away from the crowds. Banteay Srei is small but beautiful, with carvings that look as though they were made last year. Beng Mealea is a collapsed jungle temple you can scramble around. Further out, Koh Ker and its pyramid-like Prasat Thom make a long day trip, and our private car charter to Koh Ker and Beng Mealea from about S$126.81 is sensible for a group that wants to go out and back without worrying about transport. For nature rather than stone, the cool waterfalls and river carvings of Kulen Mountain are a popular day out, and a private car charter to Kulen Mountain from about S$63.01 makes it easy.
Siem Reap beyond the temples
Siem Reap is the base for Angkor, and it has become a lively town in its own right. Pub Street is the loud centre of the evening scene, but the quieter lanes around the river, the art galleries, the cafes and the night markets are where I spend my time. Hotels range from simple guesthouses to elegant resorts with pools hidden behind tall walls. If you plan to be here for three or more nights, I recommend choosing somewhere with a pool for the afternoon heat.
Culture and performance
Do not miss a circus night. It is not the circus you might imagine. The local social-enterprise troupe tells Cambodian stories through acrobatics, music and dance, and the performances are polished and moving. We offer Phare Circus dinner tickets for adults from about S$109.01 and a family version from about S$83.13. Book before you go, as popular evenings sell out in the dry season.
Food, cooking and markets
Khmer food is gentler than Thai and less fiery than Vietnamese, built around fresh herbs, lemongrass, kroeung spice paste, fermented fish and palm sugar. The national dish is fish amok, a steamed fish curry in coconut milk served in banana leaf. Beef lok lak with a lime and pepper dip, green mango salad and num banh chok, a rice noodle dish with fish gravy eaten at breakfast, are other things to try. If you want to learn how it is done, a cooking class is a pleasant half day. Look at the cooking class at Shinta Mani from about S$76.42 for a polished hotel setting, or the village life and farm-to-table cooking experience from about S$81.20 if you prefer a countryside setting.
For guided eating, the evening street-food tours give you confidence to try stalls you might otherwise walk past. Options such as the Khmer discovery food tour from about S$96.00 and the family food tour adventure from about S$65.85 are well suited to first-timers.
Active and slow-paced days out
Siem Reap rewards those who leave the town centre. A day on two wheels is among the nicest ways to see the villages and rice fields, and the full-day 30 km bike tour of the Angkor temples with lunch from about S$76.43 balances temples and countryside well. For something gentler, a half-day boat trip on the Tonle Sap lake, such as the Tonle Sap half-day tour with hi-tea from about S$93.88, shows life in the stilted floating villages. Adventurous travellers may prefer the quad bike adventure from about S$43.81 or a dawn hot air balloon at Bakong village from about S$169.62, which is a splurge but an unforgettable view of the sunrise over the plains.
Tired legs after the temples call for a massage. Siem Reap has plenty of spas, and options like the traditional massage at Bodia from about S$36.43 are a pleasant way to finish a hot day. Families may enjoy the Angkor wildlife and aquarium from about S$25.55, which is a good rainy-hour alternative for children who are all templed out.
| Activity | Good for | Typical length | Best season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angkor sunrise tour | First-timers, photographers | Full day | Nov to Feb |
| Phare circus show | Couples, families | About 2 hours | All year |
| Cooking class | Food lovers | 3 to 4 hours | All year |
| Tonle Sap boat trip | Culture, photography | Half day | Wet season for water level |
| Bike tour | Active travellers | Full day | Nov to Feb |
| Spa afternoon | Tired legs | 1 to 2 hours | All year |
Phnom Penh: the vibrant capital
Phnom Penh gets a mixed press, and I understand why. The traffic is heavy, the heat is real and the city does not try to charm you. But give it two nights and it rewards you. The riverfront promenade where the Tonle Sap meets the Mekong is lively in the early evening, the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda are genuinely beautiful, and the National Museum holds the finest collection of Khmer sculpture in the country. The central market, built in an Art Deco dome, is good for people-watching and silver jewellery.
Phnom Penh is also where you confront the recent past. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields are sobering and necessary places. They are not entertainment, and you should go in a quiet frame of mind, dressed modestly, without a camera pointed at everything. Plan a calm afternoon afterwards, and do not schedule a late dinner reservation on the same evening if you can avoid it. Many visitors find a riverside walk the best way to decompress.
To see the city with a local perspective, the four-hour Phnom Penh capital tour by cyclo from about S$102.12 is slow and charming, with a rider pedalling you past landmarks at a gentle speed. For something more flexible, a car and driver is easier in the heat, and the full-day car charter in Phnom Penh from about S$51.69 lets you set your own pace. If you like art, the Champey Academy of Arts from about S$17.12 is a thoughtful stop, though it is closed on Sundays.
| Sight | Why go | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda | Court architecture and treasures | 2 hours | Strict dress code |
| National Museum | Khmer sculpture | 1.5 hours | Quiet in the morning |
| Tuol Sleng Museum | History and remembrance | 2 hours | Emotionally heavy |
| Choeung Ek | Memorial and audio guide | 2 hours | Best before the midday heat |
| Riverside and night market | Evening atmosphere | 2 hours | Good for dinner |
Coasts, islands and the south
After the temples and the capital, many visitors want sand and sea. The southern coast has a string of beaches and islands, with Sihanoukville the largest gateway and quieter, prettier options such as Kep and Koh Rong a short boat ride away. The development around Sihanoukville has changed it a lot, so I usually suggest going straight through to the islands or to the smaller seaside towns. The water is warm and clear on the islands in the dry season, snorkelling is easy, and nights can be gloriously dark with the stars close overhead.
Kampot, a relaxed riverside town in the south, is my favourite stop between Phnom Penh and the coast. It is known for its pepper plantations, which supply chefs around the world, and for lazy evenings on the river and trips up to the Bokor hill area. Nearby Kep is known for its crab market, where you can eat very fresh crab with Kampot pepper. A day of cycling, a boat ride at sunset and a plate of crab is all the agenda you need.
Rainy season does affect the coast, with heavier seas and some island services cut back, so check boat schedules if you travel between May and October. Keep a flexible day in your plan in case the weather has other ideas.
The northwest: Battambang's rural charm
Battambang is Cambodia's second city in feel if not in size, and it is a delight for anyone who enjoys wandering. The town has French colonial architecture, small galleries, cafes run by social enterprises and a gentle pace. Outside the centre you can ride the bamboo train, a bare platform on rails that rattles along at surprising speed, and visit a hilltop temple, then watch millions of bats stream out of a cave at dusk. It is a favourite of travellers who want to see ordinary Cambodian life rather than only the monuments.
Battambang sits between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh in a rough arc, so it can be fitted into a one-way journey in either direction. A night or two is enough. Buses and shared minivans connect it with both cities, and roads are in decent condition in the dry season.
Getting around the kingdom
Cambodia is easier to navigate than it looks. In towns the standard transport is the tuk-tuk, a motorbike pulling a covered carriage, and in recent years ride-hailing apps have arrived in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, which gives you fixed prices and removes the guesswork. For temples, most visitors hire a driver for the day. A tuk-tuk is cheaper, atmospheric and open to the breeze, but a car is far more comfortable in the heat or rain and is often not much dearer when shared among a group. We list several options by the hour or the day, including a full-day car rental in Siem Reap, within 20 km from about S$38.33 and a half-day car rental from about S$26.02.
Between cities, comfortable coaches link Siem Reap and Phnom Penh in around six hours, and there are daily domestic flights if your time is short. Minivans are quicker but can feel cramped. Trains exist on limited routes and are more of a curiosity than an efficient option. On a short trip, I would take one flight or one bus for the long leg and stay put otherwise.
| Route | Typical mode | Approximate time | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Siem Reap to Phnom Penh | Coach, minivan or flight | About 6 hours by road, under 1 hour by air | Flights save a day on tight itineraries |
| Phnom Penh to Kampot | Bus or minivan | About 3 to 4 hours | Pleasant countryside |
| Siem Reap to Battambang | Bus or minivan | About 3 to 4 hours | Good stop-off |
| Within Siem Reap | Tuk-tuk, car or app | 10 to 20 minutes | Agree the fare first |
Health, safety and common sense
Cambodia is a welcoming country, and most visitors have an uneventful trip. The usual traveller care applies. Drink bottled or filtered water, wash your hands before eating, and use mosquito repellent, particularly at dawn and dusk, because dengue is a risk in the wet months. Sunburn and dehydration are the real problems at Angkor, so carry a refillable bottle, wear a hat and apply sunscreen every couple of hours. Take a power bank, as a day of photography and navigation drains a phone quickly.
Bag snatching from motorbikes does happen in the larger cities, so keep your phone away from the kerb side and carry your bag across your body. Do not carry your passport everywhere; a photocopy and a photo on your phone are enough for most purposes. Keep both digital and paper copies of your documents. Buy travel insurance that includes medical evacuation, and know your embassy's contact details. Local emergency numbers include police on 117, fire on 118 and an ambulance on 119, and the tourist hotline appears in our notes as +855 12 942 484. Check these before you travel, as numbers can change.
Be thoughtful about how you spend your money. Avoid visiting orphanages as a tourist attraction, however well meant. Be wary of children selling souvenirs at temples, because buying keeps them out of school. Spend instead with family-run restaurants, cooperatives and social enterprises, which put money straight into the community.
What to pack
Pack light, breathable clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, because you will need to wear it at the temples. A wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, insect repellent and a reusable water bottle are essentials. Sturdy walking shoes with a good grip beat flimsy sandals, and a pair of sandals for the evening is a useful addition. Add a small day pack, a light rain jacket for the wet season, a power bank and swimwear. A small packet of tissues and hand sanitiser is useful, as not every restroom provides them.
| Item | Why you need it | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Modest, light clothing | Temple dress code | All year |
| Hat and sunscreen | Strong sun at Angkor | All year |
| Rain jacket | Afternoon showers | May to October |
| Insect repellent | Mosquitoes, dengue risk | All year, worse in the wet |
| Walking shoes | Steep, uneven stone | All year |
| Power bank and eSIM | Maps, photos, messaging | All year |
A sample seven-day itinerary
If you want a plan to start from, here is the one I give most friends. It uses Siem Reap as the base for four nights, Phnom Penh for two and leaves time to breathe. Swap the order if your flights dictate, and drop a night in Siem Reap if you are short of time.
Day 1, arrive in Siem Reap. Land, transfer to the hotel, swim, and take an easy evening walk along the river. Dinner at a local Khmer restaurant. Day 2, the Small Circuit. Up before dawn for Angkor Wat, breakfast, then Angkor Thom, the Bayon and Ta Prohm. Back to the hotel by early afternoon for a rest, and a massage in the evening. Day 3, the Big Circuit or the countryside. Choose between more temples with fewer people and a bike or boat day. A circus night rounds it off.
Day 4, free day. Banteay Srei in the morning, a cooking class in the afternoon, an unhurried dinner. Day 5, to Phnom Penh. Fly or take a morning coach, then the riverfront and an early night. Day 6, the capital. Royal Palace and National Museum in the morning, a quiet afternoon at the memorial sites, and a sunset drink by the river. Day 7, depart. Last-minute shopping at the market, then to the airport with your pickup booked in advance.
| Day | Where | Main activity | Pace |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Siem Reap | Arrival, river walk | Easy |
| 2 | Siem Reap | Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm | Full |
| 3 | Siem Reap | Big circuit or bike and boat | Moderate |
| 4 | Siem Reap | Banteay Srei, cooking class | Easy |
| 5 | Phnom Penh | Transfer and riverfront | Easy |
| 6 | Phnom Penh | Palace, museum, memorials | Moderate |
| 7 | Departure | Market and airport | Easy |
Booking smart: how we suggest you plan
I will not pretend there is a secret formula. The simplest way to enjoy Cambodia is to decide your anchors early and leave the rest loose. Book your flights and first and last hotels first, then pre-book the things that sell out in the dry season, such as the circus, a popular cooking class or a balloon flight, and leave the rest until you arrive and see how you feel. If a day goes slowly or the weather turns, you can swap an activity.
When you book through us, remember that every attraction and tour booking is checked by our team before the ticket is issued, so leave a little room between booking and travel for that confirmation, and do not assume a same-day ticket. Plan your key tours at least a few days ahead. Where a tour has a set pickup time, read the details so you know the meeting point and what is included. Refund terms are set out on our refund policy page, so check them before you pay.
Frequently asked questions
Do Singapore citizens need a visa for Cambodia?
Singapore passport holders are visa-exempt for tourism under ASEAN arrangements, but the permitted length of stay can change, so check before you fly. Other nationalities usually need a Type T visa, about USD 30, through the official e-visa portal or on arrival. See our visa requirements pages for the details for your passport.
How many days do I need for Angkor?
One day gets you the headline temples if you start at dawn. Two days is the comfortable minimum, and three days lets you add the further temples without rushing. Heat is the limiting factor, not the distance.
What is the best time to visit Cambodia?
November to February is the most comfortable, being cooler and dry. March to May is hot, and June to October is the green rainy season with fewer visitors and lower room rates. Pick based on what matters most to you: weather, crowds or cost.
Should I use US dollars or riel?
Both. Dollars are used for most tourist purchases and riel for small change and local markets, with 4,000 riel treated as roughly one dollar. Carry clean, undamaged notes, as torn ones may be refused.
Is Cambodia safe for families and solo women?
Most visitors, including families and solo women, travel without trouble. Take normal city precautions, avoid carrying valuables in view, use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps at night and dress modestly at religious sites. Keep your accommodation address and emergency numbers saved.
What should I wear to the temples?
Cover your shoulders and knees. A light long-sleeved shirt and trousers or a long skirt work well, and a thin scarf is useful. Wear comfortable shoes with grip for the steep stone steps.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel?
Pre-booked private cars are the simplest option, especially at the new Siem Reap airport, which is some way from the centre. Tuk-tuks and ride-hailing apps are alternatives. Arrange your pickup before you land if you arrive late or travel with children.
Can I buy a SIM or eSIM easily?
Yes. Physical SIMs are cheap at the airport and in town, but an eSIM installed before departure lets you connect the moment you land, which helps with ride apps and with messaging your driver.
Featured experiences in this guide
Ready to plan your Cambodia trip?
Browse Angkor tours, airport transfers, cooking classes and data eSIMs in one place, and build a trip that suits your pace. Need to check entry rules first? Our visa requirements pages show the fee and processing time for your passport.
One last thought. Cambodia is a country that rewards curiosity and punishes hurry. Leave a little slack in the plan, say yes to the unexpected invitation to a village wedding or a roadside meal, and remember that the people who make a trip memorable are rarely the ones in the brochure. Go with an open mind and a full water bottle, and you will understand why so many travellers come back.