Every few weeks someone in our office announces they are off to Cambodia, and every few weeks the same questions come back: do I need a visa, should I carry dollars or riel, is it safe to eat from the street stalls, how many days do I really need at Angkor? After enough of those conversations we wrote the answers down. What follows is the numbered list we wish we had been handed before our first trip, twenty-three things in all, grouped by the order in which you will run into them: paperwork first, then money, weather, health, getting around, the temples, the capital, food, manners and finally the small scams worth knowing about.
It is written for travellers flying out of Singapore, though most of it holds for anyone arriving by air from the region. Where a price appears with the S$ sign it is a current starting price from our own product pages and will move with the date you choose. Other figures, such as visa fees and temple passes, are rough guides that were correct when we last checked, so confirm them close to departure. Treat this as a planning companion rather than gospel, because Cambodia changes fast and a rule that applied last year may have been quietly updated.
If you only have a minute, here is the short version. Sort your visa two weeks early. Carry small US dollar notes in good condition. Go between November and March if you can. Dress for temples with shoulders and knees covered. Book a driver for the Angkor circuits instead of haggling on the day. Drink bottled water, eat where the locals queue, and keep your phone connected from the moment you land. Everything else is detail, and the detail is where the good trips are made.
Part one: paperwork before you fly
1. Work out your visa before you book anything else
The visa decides whether your trip is a calm affair or a stressful one, and it depends entirely on your passport. Singapore passport holders and citizens of several other ASEAN countries are generally visa-exempt for short tourist visits. Most other nationalities, including Indian passport holders, need a Tourist visa, known as Type T. Our own verified notes, last checked in August 2026, put the Tourist e-Visa at about USD 30 for a single entry, valid for use within three months of issue, with a maximum stay of 30 days. Processing is normally around three business days, although allowing up to a week is wise when your dates are fixed.
The e-Visa is applied for on the official Cambodian government portal, and it is the route we suggest for most people because you step off the plane with the decision already made. A visa on arrival exists at the main airports and many land crossings at a similar fee, but it adds a queue, a photo and a need for exact dollars. If you plan to arrive overland from Vietnam or Thailand, confirm in advance that your chosen border post accepts the e-Visa, because the smaller ones sometimes do not. Rules change, so our visa requirements pages are a good place to check what applies to your passport and destination before you commit to dates.
2. Check passport validity and carry proof of onward travel
Make sure your passport has at least six months of validity left on the day you arrive and a couple of blank pages for stamps. Airlines can refuse boarding when this is wrong, and no amount of charm at the check-in desk will fix it. Immigration officers and airline staff may also ask where you are going next, particularly if you are entering on a one-way ticket or crossing a land border. Having a return or onward flight on your phone makes those conversations short.
3. Use a flight reservation if a visa file asks for an itinerary
Some travellers are applying for several visas in one trip, say Cambodia followed by Vietnam, and the other embassy wants a flight itinerary before it will process anything. Buying a fully paid ticket you might have to change is a poor use of money at that stage. Our flight reservation service is a manual service built for exactly this situation. It provides a reservation rather than an issued ticket, so do not treat it as one, and it does not promise that any visa will be approved. Use it to meet a documentation requirement, then book your real flights once the visa is in hand.
| Item | What to know | Our advice |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | Six months of validity from arrival, with blank pages | Check before booking flights, not after |
| Tourist e-Visa | About USD 30, single entry, up to 30 days, roughly 3 business days | Apply about two weeks ahead and keep a printed copy plus a phone copy |
| Visa on arrival | Similar fee at major airports and many land borders | Carry exact US dollars and a passport photo |
| Singapore passport | Generally visa-exempt for short visits | Still confirm the current stay limit on the day you book |
| Onward ticket | May be asked for at check-in or the border | Keep a booking or reservation on your phone |
| Travel insurance | Not a legal requirement but strongly advised | Make sure medical evacuation is included |
Part two: money without the confusion
4. Think in US dollars, and carry riel for the change
Cambodia runs on a dollar economy with a riel sidecar. Hotels, tour operators, temple passes and most restaurants quote prices in US dollars, and ATMs dispense dollars. The riel, at roughly four thousand to the dollar, is used for anything below a dollar, so you will get riel back as small change. Do not be alarmed by the arithmetic: a bottle of water might be 2,000 riel, which is about fifty cents. Keep the riel for tuk-tuk tips, market snacks and roadside coffee, and spend it before you leave because it is worth nothing outside the country.
5. Bring clean, crisp small notes
This is the tip that surprises first-timers most. Shops and drivers regularly refuse US notes that are torn, heavily creased, stained or taped. Check the notes you bring, ask your bank for fresh ones, and politely hand back anything you are given in poor condition. Carry plenty of one, five and ten dollar notes, because a driver rarely has change for a fifty. Cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants, often with a surcharge, so treat them as a backup rather than your main plan.
6. Know what things cost, then budget with some slack
Cambodia is gentle on a budget, but the arithmetic shifts depending on how you travel. Street food and local restaurants are cheap, a private driver for a day costs more than a shared tuk-tuk, and the big-ticket items are usually the temple pass and any guided experiences. The table below gives a realistic feel for a day in each style. These are planning ranges rather than quotes, and they exclude flights and visa fees.
| Style | Typical daily spend (USD) | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | 30 to 45 | Hostel or guesthouse, street food, shared tuk-tuks, one paid sight |
| Comfortable | 60 to 100 | Three-star hotel with pool, restaurant meals, a driver for half a day |
| Treat yourself | 130 and up | Boutique hotel, private guide, cooking class, spa session |
| Family of four | 120 to 200 | Two rooms or a family room, a driver, tickets for the kids' favourites |
Tipping is appreciated but not expected. Rounding up a taxi or tuk-tuk fare, leaving a dollar or two for a guide who has looked after you well, and a few dollars for a driver at the end of a long day are all gracious. Keep a few ones aside each morning so you are never fumbling at the moment of thanks.
Part three: when to go and what the weather does
7. Aim for November to March, but do not write off the green season
The dry, cooler months from November to March are the classic window. Skies are blue, humidity is bearable by Cambodian standards, and the temple circuits are comfortable in the morning. The catch is that everyone else knows this too, so December and January bring the largest crowds and the highest hotel rates. April is the hottest month, with afternoon temperatures that can push past thirty-five degrees, and the long days of heat make mid-day sightseeing an endurance test.
From May to October the rains arrive. They usually come as heavy afternoon downpours rather than all-day gloom, the landscape turns vivid green, the moats around Angkor fill and reflect the towers, and the crowds thin out noticeably. Prices drop as well. If you can plan your days around a mid-afternoon break, the wet season is a rewarding, quieter way to see the country. Roads outside the towns can be slower and some rural trips are disrupted, so build in a little slack.
| Months | Weather | Crowds | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| November to February | Dry and cooler, mornings pleasant | Highest | Angkor circuits, long walks, photography |
| March to April | Hot and dry, strong sun | Moderate | Early starts, pools, coast |
| May to June | Hot with building showers | Lower | Quiet temples, lower hotel rates |
| July to October | Rain most afternoons, lush green | Lowest | Reflections at the moats, calm sightseeing |
8. Plan around the festivals, for better and worse
Khmer New Year falls in mid-April and is the biggest holiday of the year. Phnom Penh empties as families head home, many shops and restaurants close for several days, and buses and boats sell out well in advance, but the celebrations in the provinces are joyful and generous. Pchum Ben, the Festival of the Ancestors, comes in September or October and is a quieter, more devotional affair when families visit pagodas to make offerings. The Water Festival in November draws huge crowds to Phnom Penh. If a festival is part of why you are going, book transport and rooms early. If it is not, check the dates so you are not caught short.
Part four: health, safety and common sense
9. See your doctor early and pack a small medical kit
Speak to a doctor or travel clinic four to six weeks before departure about routine vaccinations and anything extra they recommend for your itinerary. Dengue is present, so insect repellent and long sleeves in the evening are not optional, and rural trips may call for extra precautions. Pack oral rehydration salts, plasters, antiseptic, anti-diarrhoea tablets, any regular medication in its original packaging and a basic painkiller. Pharmacies in the main towns are well stocked, but finding a specific brand in a village is hit and miss.
10. Drink bottled water and be sensible with ice and street food
Stick to sealed bottled water, and use it to brush your teeth if you have a sensitive stomach. Ice in restaurants is usually factory-made and fine. For street food, follow the simplest rule there is: eat where it is busy, where the food is cooked in front of you and where the turnover is high. A hot grill with a queue of locals is a better bet than a quiet stall with dishes sitting out. Take a day to ease in if your stomach is not used to chilli, fish sauce and fermented flavours.
11. Save the emergency numbers and buy proper insurance
Police are on 117, ambulance on 119 and fire on 118, and the tourist hotline is +855 12 942 484. In Phnom Penh, Royal Phnom Penh Hospital on +855 23 991 000 is a common first choice for travellers, and the larger Siem Reap clinics handle everyday problems well. Serious cases are often evacuated to Bangkok or Singapore, which is why insurance with medical evacuation is worth paying for. Keep digital and paper copies of your passport and policy, and store valuables in the hotel safe rather than carrying everything with you.
| Number or item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Police | 117 |
| Ambulance | 119 |
| Fire | 118 |
| Tourist hotline | +855 12 942 484 |
| Royal Phnom Penh Hospital | +855 23 991 000 |
| Insurance | Medical evacuation, motorbike cover if you plan to ride |
Part five: staying connected and getting around
12. Land with data already working
A phone that works from the arrival hall makes the first hour easier, whether you are messaging your driver, calling a ride or translating a menu. Physical SIM cards are cheap in Cambodia and sold at the airports, but they need passport registration and a queue. An eSIM sidesteps all of that: you install it before you fly and switch it on when you land. We list several, including a daily-plan option from S$3.00 and a larger package at around S$9.00, while the popular unlimited plan sits near S$12.44. Check that your phone supports eSIM before you buy.
13. Use ride apps and agree fares before you climb in
In cities, tuk-tuks and app-based rides are the everyday transport. Ride apps such as PassApp and Grab show a fixed fare up front, which removes the haggling, and they are particularly handy at night or when you do not know the area. If you flag down a tuk-tuk on the street, agree the price before you get on, and agree whether it is per person or for the vehicle. Fares are modest, but the starting offer to a visitor is usually generous, so a friendly counter-offer is normal. Never be shy about walking away politely.
14. Pick the right way to cover the long distances
Between cities, buses are the backbone: modern coaches run between Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Kampot and the coast, and the better operators have reserved seats, air conditioning and a toilet on board. Minibuses are quicker but cosier. Domestic flights between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap save a long day on the road. For a short hop with luggage, such as an airport run, a pre-booked car is simply easier, and our Siem Reap airport private transfer starts at S$33.55. In Phnom Penh, the airport pickup begins around S$35.09.
| Route | Typical option | Rough time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Siem Reap airport to town | Tuk-tuk, taxi or pre-booked car | 20 to 30 minutes | A pre-booked car avoids the arrival-hall scramble |
| Phnom Penh to Siem Reap | Coach or flight | 6 hours by road, under an hour by air | Book coaches the day before in busy months |
| Phnom Penh to Kampot or Kep | Coach, minibus or private car | 3 to 4 hours | Private transfers suit families with luggage |
| Around Angkor | Tuk-tuk, car or bicycle | Full day | See the Angkor section below |
| Siem Reap to the border | Taxi or bus | Varies | Check your visa suits the crossing first |
If you ride a motorbike, be honest about your experience. Traffic is relaxed in the provinces and chaotic in the capital, helmets are expected, and many insurance policies exclude riders without the correct licence. For most visitors a driver or a tuk-tuk is both safer and more enjoyable.
Part six: Angkor, the part everyone comes for
15. Decide your pass length and buy it at the official counter
The Angkor Archaeological Park is entered with a ticket that you must keep with you all day, as it is checked at many temples. A one-day pass costs approximately USD 37, and longer passes are available for three-day and seven-day visits that can be used across a stretch of days rather than consecutively. Only buy from the official ticket centre, never from touts or someone offering a shortcut. If you do not want to deal with queues and logistics, our express service for the Angkor Temple Pass starts at S$57.21 and handles the process for you.
A pass bought after late afternoon is often valid for the next day's sunrise as well, which is a quiet way to start a visit. Photographs are taken on the pass, so keep it safe, and check current prices and opening hours when you plan, because they are occasionally revised. The park opens around five in the morning and closes at the end of the day, with the most popular temples shutting off crowds soon after sunset.
16. Dress for the temples and start early
Angkor is a living religious site, and the dress rule is simple: shoulders and knees covered. Light long trousers or a long skirt, a loose shirt with sleeves and a scarf you can throw over your shoulders all work. Guards at the busiest temples do turn visitors away, and it is annoying to lose time at the entrance. Wear sturdy shoes with grip because the steps are steep and worn, and bring a hat, sunscreen and water. The best light and the lightest crowds are before eight, and the hottest hours are best spent resting in town.
17. Choose your circuit, then choose how to travel it
Most visitors do the Small Circuit, which covers Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom with the Bayon, Ta Prohm and a few neighbours. The Big Circuit adds temples such as Preah Khan and Banteay Kdei. Further out, Banteay Srei is renowned for its fine pink sandstone carving, and Beng Mealea, Koh Ker and Kulen Mountain reward people with an extra day or two. You can ride a tuk-tuk, hire a car with a driver or cycle, and each gives a different feel. A guided option helps you understand what you are seeing, such as our Angkor temple full-day tour from S$54.89.
| Way to see Angkor | Starting price (S$) | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guided full-day tour | 54.89 | First-timers who want context | Fixed pace and group timings |
| Bike the temples, 30km with lunch | 61.92 | Active travellers | Heat and distance, start early |
| Private car charter, small circle | 26.29 | Flexible families | Less commentary than a guide |
| Sunrise at Angkor Wat, within 7km | 25.78 | Photographers | Very early start and a crowd at the pond |
| Kulen Mountain private charter | 63.11 | Waterfalls and a second day | Longer road and extra park fees |
For a change of pace, the bike tour of the temples lets you reach quieter corners on the forest tracks, and a private countryside ride leaves the temple crowds behind altogether and winds through rice fields and villages. Wherever you go, treat the monuments gently: do not climb on restricted stones, do not touch the carvings, and ask before flying a drone because rules are strict.
Part seven: Phnom Penh and the rest of the country
18. Give the capital a proper day, and handle its history with care
Phnom Penh rewards one to two days. The Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda glitter beside the river, the National Museum holds the finest collection of Khmer sculpture you will see, and the riverside promenade comes alive in the evening with families, joggers and food carts. A cyclo ride is a slow, gentle way to take in the old quarter, and we offer a four-hour cyclo tour of the capital from S$102.26. The riverfront and Central Market are easy to cover on foot in the cooler hours.
The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek memorial are sobering reminders of the Khmer Rouge years. They are not light visits, and you may want to plan something calmer afterwards. Dress respectfully, keep your voice low, do not take photographs where signs forbid it, and allow enough time to move through at your own pace. Many visitors find an audio guide helpful and a quiet coffee afterwards essential.
19. Add one place off the main loop
Once Siem Reap and Phnom Penh are done, the country opens up. Kampot and Kep offer riverside guesthouses, pepper plantations, salt flats and crab at the market. Battambang has colonial streets, a bamboo train ride and an active arts scene. Sihanoukville is the gateway to the islands, and Koh Rong has beaches that still feel remote, though conditions on the mainland coast vary and development is rapid. The north-east holds Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri for jungle, waterfalls and elephant sanctuaries that focus on observation rather than riding. Choose one extra stop rather than three, because road time eats a holiday faster than you expect.
Part eight: food and everyday culture
20. Eat your way through Khmer cooking
Khmer food is gentler than Thai and less fiery than Vietnamese, and it is built on freshness, herbs and a fermented depth that takes a day or two to love. Start with fish amok, a coconut-and-kroeung curry steamed in banana leaf, then try lok lak, beef stir-fried with a peppery lime dipping sauce, and kuy teav, the noodle soup you will see at every breakfast stall. Num banh chok, rice noodles with a green fish gravy, is the early-morning dish locals brag about. Sugar cane juice, iced coffee with condensed milk and fresh coconuts are everywhere.
If you want to understand the dishes rather than just eat them, join a guide for an evening. Our Khmer discovery food tour and family food tour take you to places you would not find alone, and a cooking class such as the class at Shinta Mani or the village-and-farm session at a Khmer farm lets you cook it all again at home. Vegetarians are catered for far better than people expect, especially with a specialist such as the vegan discovery tour.
| Dish | What it is | Where to try it |
|---|---|---|
| Fish amok | Steamed coconut fish curry in banana leaf | Restaurants and cooking classes |
| Lok lak | Stir-fried beef with lime and pepper dip | Almost every Khmer menu |
| Kuy teav | Pork or beef noodle soup, a breakfast staple | Morning street stalls |
| Num banh chok | Rice noodles with green fish gravy and herbs | Markets, early morning |
| Bai sach chrouk | Grilled pork over rice with pickles | Roadside breakfast stands |
| Nom pang | Baguette sandwich with pate and pickles | Street carts |
21. Make time for the performing arts and local craft
Cambodia has a strong tradition of dance, shadow puppetry and circus, and a night out is often more memorable than another temple. A show by Phare, the Cambodian Circus, blends acrobatics, live music and storytelling by artists trained locally. Tickets for the family dinner option start at S$19.20, and seats sell out in busy months. Markets, silk workshops and artisan studios in Siem Reap are worth an afternoon too. Buy from places that train and employ local craftspeople, and bargain gently rather than hard.
Part nine: manners, scams and little rules
22. Learn the small courtesies
Cambodians are warm and quick to smile, and a few habits go a long way. Greet people with the sampeah, palms together at chest height, and a nod; younger people bow to elders first. Keep your voice calm, because raised voices cause embarrassment on both sides. The head is considered sacred and the feet are not, so avoid touching anyone's head and do not point your feet at people or statues. Remove your shoes before entering homes and temple halls. Monks are highly respected: women should not touch them or hand things directly, and everyone should offer a seat on public transport.
Ask before photographing people, especially monks and children, and be thoughtful about giving money or sweets to children on the street because it can keep them out of school. Public displays of affection are frowned on, and so is stripping down to swimwear away from the beach or pool. Learning a few phrases, such as sua s'dei for hello and aw kun for thank you, earns a warm smile.
23. Know the scams that actually happen
The country is welcoming, but a handful of tricks are worth recognising. Bag snatching from motorbikes does happen in Phnom Penh, so carry your phone and bag on the side away from the road and do not leave them in a tuk-tuk. Some drivers steer to a shop where they earn commission, so say clearly where you want to go. Fake or inflated tickets for Angkor are a problem, hence the advice to use the official counter. A friendly child selling postcards may be the start of a long negotiation. Fixed-price markets, ride-app fares and licensed operators remove most of it.
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Driver takes you to a shop you did not ask for | Politely insist on your original destination |
| Torn US notes handed back as change | Refuse them kindly and ask for another note |
| Offer of a cheaper temple pass | Buy only at the official ticket centre |
| Phone snatched from a moving bike | Keep it away from the roadside, use a cross-body bag |
| Pushy sellers at temples | A smile and a firm no thank you works |
| Unclear tour price | Confirm what is included before you pay |
Three sample itineraries to borrow
If you need a skeleton to hang your own plans on, these three have worked for travellers we know. Adjust the pace to suit you, and remember that the best days are usually the ones with one big plan and a long lunch.
| Trip length | Plan | Good to book ahead |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days, Siem Reap only | Day 1 sunrise at Angkor Wat and the small circuit, afternoon rest, Day 2 Ta Prohm and a cooking class, Day 3 Tonle Sap and an evening show | Airport transfer, guided temple day, show tickets |
| 5 days, Siem Reap and Phnom Penh | Three days in Siem Reap as above, then a coach or flight to the capital for the Royal Palace, museum and riverfront | Angkor pass, transport between cities, Phnom Penh cyclo tour |
| 8 days, with the coast | Add Kampot and Kep for pepper, crab and slow river evenings | Private transfers, riverside lodging in peak months |
Add a half-day on the Tonle Sap lake to any plan. Our Tonle Sap half-day tour starts at S$94.01 and shows how the floating communities live with the seasonal rise and fall of the water, which is the real engine behind Cambodia.
For something once-in-a-trip, the hot air balloon over Bakong village starts at S$81.43, and the smaller Angkor wildlife and aquarium visit from S$15.36 is a useful rainy-day backup with kids.
What to pack for Cambodia
Pack light, breathable clothing that covers you at temples, and leave room for souvenirs. A good hat, sunscreen at SPF 30 or higher, comfortable walking shoes, a reusable water bottle, a power bank and insect repellent are the essentials. Add swimwear for hotel pools and the coast, a thin rain jacket in the green season and a small day bag with a zip. A scarf is the most useful single item, doubling as a shoulder cover at temples and a sun shield on a tuk-tuk.
| Pack this | Why |
|---|---|
| Light long trousers and sleeved tops | Temple dress rules and sun protection |
| Sturdy walking shoes with grip | Steep, worn stone steps |
| Scarf or sarong | Shoulders, knees, sun, dust |
| Reusable bottle and electrolytes | Hot days, bottled water refills |
| Power bank | Long days with maps and photos |
| Insect repellent | Dengue and evening mosquitoes |
| Small US dollar notes | Change is scarce |
| Copies of passport and insurance | Quick replacements if something goes missing |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Cambodia?
It depends on your passport. Singapore citizens are generally visa-exempt for short tourist stays, while many other travellers need a Tourist visa, which is around USD 30 for a single entry of up to 30 days. Always confirm with the official source or our visa requirements pages close to departure.
Is US dollar or riel better?
Carry US dollars for almost everything and keep a small amount of riel for change and tiny purchases. Bring clean, crisp notes because damaged ones are often refused.
How many days do I need at Angkor?
One full day covers the highlights, two days is comfortable, and three lets you reach the outlying temples at a relaxed pace without rushing in the midday heat.
Is Cambodia safe for solo and family travellers?
Yes, with ordinary city sense. Watch your bag in busy areas, use ride apps or agreed fares, drink bottled water and follow temple dress rules. Families find the country friendly and easy once the logistics are sorted.
What is the best month to visit?
November to February is the most comfortable and the busiest. The green season from May to October is quieter and cheaper, with showers mostly in the afternoon.
How do I stay connected?
Install an eSIM before you fly, or buy a local SIM at the airport with your passport. Hotels and many cafes also offer wifi, but a data plan is far more reliable for maps and rides.
Can I book attractions and tours before I arrive?
Yes. You can reserve transfers, temple tours, food experiences and shows in advance on our Cambodia pages. Our team reviews each booking, and e-tickets are emailed once it is confirmed, so book a little ahead rather than on the day.
That is the whole list. None of it is complicated, and almost all of it comes down to preparing a few things in advance so that the days on the ground are free for the best parts: the first sight of Angkor Wat in the early light, a bowl of noodles at a market stall, a boat gliding across the Tonle Sap at dusk. Go slowly, carry small change and a smile, and Cambodia will do the rest.
Plan your Cambodia trip with HolidaySG
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