Highlights
The Angkor Archaeological Park near Siem Reap is one of humanity's greatest achievements: sunrise over the five towers of Angkor Wat, the enigmatic stone faces of the Bayon, and Ta Prohm, where strangler figs swallow the ruins. Allow at least two or three days and consider the quieter outlying temples like Banteay Srei.
Phnom Penh, the riverfront capital, pairs the golden Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda with the sobering but essential Tuol Sleng and Choeung Ek memorials to the Khmer Rouge era — moving, and central to understanding the country.
For coast and calm, Kampot and Kep offer pepper plantations, seafood and sleepy river sunsets, while the islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem deliver white sand and bioluminescent seas. Battambang adds colonial streets, the bamboo railway and rural bike rides through rice fields.
When to go
November to March is the prime season — dry, cooler and comfortable for temple-hopping, with clear skies for Angkor sunrises. This is peak time, so book Siem Reap accommodation early.
April and May are fiercely hot, testing at the ruins but quiet. The wet season (June to October) brings short, heavy downpours that green the countryside and fill the moats, giving Angkor its most photogenic reflections; the far temples can get muddy, but crowds thin and prices drop.
Visa & entry
Most travellers can obtain a tourist visa via the official Cambodian eVisa portal before travel, or a visa on arrival at the main airports and land crossings, typically for a 30-day stay that can be extended. A passport valid at least six months with a blank page and a passport photo (or small fee in lieu) is standard.
Beware of unofficial 'visa' websites that overcharge — use only the government eVisa site. Requirements vary by nationality and change, so confirm current rules and approved entry points before you travel.
Health & safety
Cambodia is broadly safe and friendly, but exercise normal caution: bag-snatching by passing motorbikes occurs in Phnom Penh (keep bags on the inside of the pavement and off scooter handlebars), and road-traffic accidents are the biggest real risk given chaotic driving.
Never venture off marked trails in remote former-conflict zones, where landmines may remain. Petty scams around transport and border crossings are common — agree prices first. Medical care is limited outside the capital, so carry solid insurance, and check your government's latest advisory before departure.
Getting around
Buses and minivans link the main towns, with a faster expressway now connecting Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville and good coaches to Siem Reap. Boats run in the wet season between Siem Reap, Battambang and along the Tonlé Sap.
In cities, ride-hailing apps (Grab and the local PassApp) make tuk-tuks and cars cheap and hassle-free — far easier than haggling on the street. Domestic flights connect Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and the coast quickly. Renting a bicycle or scooter is popular for exploring temples and countryside.
Money
Cambodia effectively runs on the US dollar: prices are quoted in dollars, ATMs dispense them, and you'll receive Riel only as change for amounts under a dollar (roughly 4,000 Riel to US$1). Carry clean, unripped, newer dollar notes — torn or heavily marked bills are often refused.
Keep a stock of small denominations for tuk-tuks, markets and tips. Cards are accepted in hotels, tour agencies and larger restaurants in tourist areas, but cash is king everywhere else. Tipping a dollar or two is welcomed by guides and drivers.
Cambodia