First Time in Cambodia?
Everything you need to know — from visas and budgets to hidden gems and common mistakes. Your complete guide to making your first Cambodia trip unforgettable.
Free Cambodia Travel Downloads
Printable PDFs — no signup required
🇰🇭 Cambodia at a Glance
Currency
USD + Khmer Riel (KHR)
Visa
$30 on arrival or e-Visa
Daily Budget
$25–80/day
Best Season
November–February
Time Zone
UTC+7 (ICT)
Safety
Generally safe for tourists
Current Weather
Live conditions in Phnom Penh, updated every 30 minutes.
🛠️ Plan Your Trip
Interactive tools to plan every detail of your Cambodia adventure.
Visa Checker
Check requirements for your nationality
Trip Generator
Build a custom itinerary in seconds
Packing List Generator
Personalised list based on your trip
Budget Calculator
Estimate your total trip cost
Ready-Made Itineraries
3-day to 2-week sample plans
Cost Simulator
Interactive daily spending explorer
📋 What You Need to Know
Visa on Arrival
Most nationalities get a 30-day tourist visa on arrival for $30. Bring a passport photo and USD cash. E-Visa ($36) available online for faster processing.
Full visa guide →Money & ATMs
Cambodia uses USD for most transactions. ATMs dispense USD ($4–5 fee). Khmer riel is used for small change (4,000 KHR = $1). Credit cards accepted at hotels and restaurants in cities.
Money guide →Getting Around
Tuk-tuks ($2–5 in cities), motorbike taxis ($1–3), and ride-hailing apps (PassApp, Grab). Intercity buses are comfortable and cheap ($10–18). Domestic flights connect Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville.
Transport guide →Safety
Cambodia is generally safe. Petty theft (bag snatching) is the main concern in Phnom Penh. Use common sense, avoid displaying valuables, and use hotel safes. Roads require extra caution.
Safety guide →Health
No mandatory vaccinations, but Hepatitis A/B and Typhoid recommended. Drink bottled water only. Pharmacies are widely available. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Health guide →SIM Cards & Internet
Tourist SIM cards cost $2–5 with data. Cellcard and Smart are the best providers. WiFi is available at most hotels and cafes. Speeds are 20–80 Mbps in cities.
SIM card guide →🗺️ Suggested Itineraries
Not sure where to go? Here are the most popular first-timer routes.
Angkor Wat Express
Siem Reap only
Perfect if you're short on time. See the major temples and floating villages.
Classic Cambodia
Siem Reap → Phnom Penh → Kampot
The most popular route covering temples, the capital, and the coast.
Temples to Beaches
Siem Reap → Battambang → PP → Koh Rong
Add colonial charm and island paradise to the classic route.
The Full Loop
SR → BB → PP → Kampot → Kep → SHV → Islands
See everything Cambodia has to offer at a relaxed pace.
Common First-Timer Mistakes
- ✗Skipping Angkor Wat sunrise — it's worth the 4:30am alarm
- ✗Only visiting Siem Reap — Cambodia has incredible beaches, riverside towns, and mountains
- ✗Not carrying small USD bills — $1 and $5 notes are essential for tuk-tuks and markets
- ✗Forgetting temple dress code — cover knees and shoulders at all religious sites
- ✗Overpacking — laundry is $1–2/kg and available everywhere
- ✗Drinking tap water — stick to bottled or filtered water
Insider Tips from Locals
- Download PassApp — it's Cambodia's Uber and much cheaper than negotiating with tuk-tuk drivers
- Eat where locals eat — if a restaurant is full of Cambodians, the food is good and safe
- Learn "aw kohn" (thank you) — Cambodians genuinely appreciate the effort
- Visit Angkor Wat at sunset instead of sunrise to avoid the massive crowds
- Carry toilet paper — many public restrooms don't provide it
- The $1 street food is often better than $10 restaurant food
- Kampot is Cambodia's best-kept secret — don't skip it for just Siem Reap and Phnom Penh
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambodia safe for solo travelers?
Yes! Cambodia is one of Southeast Asia's safest countries for solo travelers. Siem Reap is especially beginner-friendly with a large backpacker community, safe streets, and easy navigation.
How much money do I need per day in Cambodia?
Budget travelers: $20–35/day. Mid-range: $50–80/day. Luxury: $100+/day. Cambodia is one of the cheapest countries in Southeast Asia.
What is the best time to visit Cambodia?
November to February offers cool, dry weather (25–30°C). This is peak season with higher prices. March–May is hot (35°C+). June–October is rainy season — cheaper, greener, and fewer crowds.
Do I need vaccinations for Cambodia?
No mandatory vaccinations, but Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, and Tetanus are recommended. Consult your doctor 6–8 weeks before travel.
Can I use credit cards in Cambodia?
In cities (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap), most hotels and restaurants accept Visa/Mastercard. Outside cities, cash (USD) is king. Always carry small bills.
Is Angkor Wat worth visiting?
Absolutely — it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's largest religious monument. Most visitors consider it a life-changing experience. Buy a 3-day pass ($62) for the best experience.
What should I wear in Cambodia?
Light, breathable clothing. Cover knees and shoulders for temple visits. A light rain jacket in wet season. Comfortable walking shoes for temple exploring.
Do I need to speak Khmer?
English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Learning a few Khmer phrases (hello = "sua s'dei", thank you = "aw kohn") goes a long way and locals love it.
Top Tours & Activities in Cambodia
Powered by GetYourGuide — we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
🔗 Explore More
Get Cambodia Travel Updates
Visa changes, travel tips, and destination guides delivered to your inbox.
No spam, unsubscribe anytime. We respect your privacy.