Cambodia Travel FAQ


Please see our FAQ list below to assist you in planning the trip to Cambodia

Cambodia Tourist Map


Activities           What are the best things to do in Cambodia ?…………….

Flights               ▸  Where should I book my return flight from Cambodia ?……

Visa                    ▸  What is the current Covid-19/Visa policy?

Children                 What are the best tips when traveling with children in Cambodia?

Lodging                 What type of lodging should I book & stay in Cambodia? 

Airports                 What are the major international airports in Cambodia?

Time                    What are the best months to visit Cambodia?

Food                     What are some Cambodian foods to try?

Destinations         What are the top destinations/highlights in Cambodia? 

Souvenirs              Are there any suggestions for Cambodian souvenirs?

Laundry               Are laundry services available in hotels or in the town?

Clothes                What should I wear to visit Cambodia’s Buddhist temples/pagodas?

Tips                     What are the standard tips for a tour guide & driver?

Pack                    What should I pack for my trip?

Passport              How long must my passport be valid for international travel?

Physical                What are the physical demands of the tour?

Tours                    What are some suggested itineraries for traveling in Cambodia?

Southeast Asia      What are some suggested itineraries for Southeast Asia?


Where should I book my return flight from Cambodia?
You can book directly from your country yourself or through a local travel agent. Always double-check the allowable luggage weight with your airline because being overweight at the airport usually comes at a high cost.
Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) in Phnom Penh City, the capital of Cambodia, and Siem Reap International Airport (REP) in Siem Reap province, are the two busiest international airports in Cambodia, where the majority of international flights land and depart.

What type of lodging should I book and stay in Cambodia?
With average temperatures in Thailand’s major regions ranging from 25-35 degrees C, you might want a hotel with a pool. If you book your room in advance online or with a travel agent, double-check everything that’s included in your room rates, such as breakfast, a daily service charge, and tax.
Also, location is important. Staying in a hotel in the heart of tourist areas will allow you to explore the area’s highlights easier and not pay as much for transportation such as taxis, buses, and subways. 

What are special Cambodian foods to try?
Cambodia’s traditional cuisine is still well-known, particularly Khmer local cuisine, which is prepared differently than other cuisines. It may be challenging to taste at first, but once you do, you will realize how different it is from any other local food around the world.
You’ll see a lot of insects being fried and grilled for sale along the walking streets throughout tourist cities in Cambodia. For some tourists, this is a one-of-a-kind dinner available only in Cambodia, and they are eager to try it, but it is a source of concern for others.

What are the best tips when traveling with children in Cambodia?
1. Take an umbrella and suitable clothing with you
Cambodia has two seasons: dry, and rainy (wet) season, with the temperature ranging from 25 to 35 degrees C. Since temperatures can vary from very hot to a sudden rainstorm, bring an umbrella and layer your clothing, ready for any weather changes.

2. Keep water handy
Cambodia’s wet season ranges from May to October, with the temperature ranging from 30 to 35 degrees C. your car should have air conditioning. Bottled water is also useful to have on excursions because you will be walking a lot and there aren’t many places to buy water near the sites, temples, and pagodas.

3. A stroller and some familiar items are helpful for travel with children
Bring their favorite snacks and toys. Also, remember to pack some medical supplies like medicine and bandages. A stroller is highly useful for transporting children and other items, like drinks or packages. 

4. Limit transfer as much as possible
If you’re traveling with children, try not to do too much in one day.

5. Combine entertainment complexes into your itinerary
At entertainment venues such as parks, zoos, and game complexes, children can play on their own … Plan to take your children to these incredible locations so they can share these memorable adventures with you.

Are there any suggestions for Cambodian souvenirs?
The Russian market in Phnom Penh is where you can find whatever souvenir you want to preserve for your vacation to Cambodia, from the smallest to the most precious, such as gold, silver, various types of stones, local masks, garments, shoes, sandals, towels, caps…The Russian market must be included for clients who prefer shopping, so if you enjoy shopping or want to buy authentic Cambodian souvenirs, don’t miss this fascinating place.

If you visit Siem Reap, don’t forget to buy some local souvenirs, such as wooden marks in the town or toys and brocade clothing in the surrounding area of the Angkor Temple Complex where you visit.
Advice: Please make sure you have enough space in your luggage for your shopping (souvenirs) and the allowed weight of your flight tickets.

What are the standard tips for a tour guide and driver in Cambodia?
Regardless of the tip, a tour guide generally gives it his or her all. Because almost all tour guides are sensitive to the subject, tipping is rarely suggested and not required, but very much appreciated for doing a good job. As a result, visitors should consider tipping each of their tour guides and drivers $5 to $20 or more per person each day.

Are laundry services available in hotels or in the town?
It is becoming more common for hotels to offer laundry service because more tourists are learning to pack light, but if they don’t, they can usually direct you to a reasonably-priced laundry service nearby. 

What are the physical demands of the tour?
Regardless of your age, our tours are moderately active. Always wear comfortable walking shoes. 

What should I pack for my trip?
1. Personal items
Cambodia is not cold even in the dry season, as temperatures range from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. Bring lightweight clothing as well as shirts with sleeves, a lightweight sweater or jacket, and long pants or skirts, to be able to enter Cambodian temples or pagodas, per their restrictions at historical landmarks.

2. Update the current state of politics and security
To avoid unexpected complications upon arrival and throughout your stay, check the latest Visa information, mosquito vaccine, and so on.

3. Learn some basic daily habits and local customs before you arrive
To ensure that you adhere to the customs of the country you are visiting, your tour guide will review some basic daily habits and local customs. Simple greetings of hello are welcomed, as well as a thank you or goodbye. When you speak with the locals directly, they will appreciate it.

4. Bring any necessary medicine
Bring your prescriptions in their regular containers, as well as sunscreen or insect repellent, depending on your location. Medicine is available in Cambodia but it’s convenient if you come prepared.
(Always remember to pack LIGHT – one carry-on and one purse/backpack only, whether it is a 1-week or 4-week trip.)  

How long must my passport be valid for international travel?
A passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the end of a journey in most countries. If your passport expires sooner, you will need to apply for a renewal before you leave. 

What should I wear to Buddhist temples and pagodas in Cambodia?
Cambodia is a Buddhist country, so avoid wearing short skirts and pants when visiting temples and pagodas. Otherwise, you can be denied entry. 

What are Cambodia’s major international airports?
Cambodia has two major international airports:   Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) in Phnom Penh
                                                                    •  Siem Reap International Airport (REP) in Siem Reap

These flight times are from/to Siem Reap, Cambodia:  •  Bangkok, Thailand                    1hr 10min
                                                                                 Hanoi, Vietnam                        1hr 45min
                                                                                  Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam         1hrs 20min
                                                                                 Luang Prabang, Laos                2hrs 10min
                                                                                  Singapore                                2hrs 15min
                                                                                 Phnom Penh (domestic flight)    50min
The flight time between domestic flights within Cambodia is approximately 45 minutes to one hour.

What are the best months to visit Cambodia?
•  Cambodia has two seasons: The dry and wet (rainy) seasons, with the temperature ranging from 25 to 35 degrees C all year.
•  The dry season lasts from January to April and from November to December, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 30 degrees C.
•  The wet (raining) season runs from May to October, with temperatures ranging from 30 to 35 degrees C.
•  The best time to visit Cambodia is in January, February, March, April, November, and December during the dry season when temperatures range from 25 to 30 degrees C.

Cambodia Climate

What are the current Covid-19 and Visa policies in Cambodia?
The Current Covid-19 Updates
•  All travelers no longer need to provide proof of negative Covid-19 PCR test results, or Covid-19 vaccination, or provide a passenger’s health declaration upon arrival in Cambodia. 

•  Visitors will be allowed to explore the different regions of Cambodia restriction-free.

Travel Visa Policy
To begin, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Cambodia and you must have at least one blank visa page.

Cambodia Visa Exemption
•  With an ordinary passport of the below countries, you can travel to Cambodia without a visa up to:
30 days for Malaysia, Laos, Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia
14 days for Thailand
21 days for The Philippines
•  For all visitors from other countries, the visa has remained valid for 30 days, tourist visa fees are about $30
•  The international airports of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, as well as the international border inspection station, handle visas.
•  Cambodian visas are accepted at any embassy or consulate in the country.
•  At the immigration office in Phnom Penh, the visa is extended.
•  Cambodians living abroad are eligible for a free visa (visa k).

Cambodia E-Visa
With a few exceptions, nationals of any country can obtain an e-visa.
E-visa is also not available for
  Those who hold diplomatic passports
  Those who hold official passports
  Those who hold spouse or parent-endorsed passports
  Those who hold international travel documents

To obtain an E-visa, you will only need two additional documents:
The biodata page of your passport
A photograph of the applicant
  Cambodia’s E-visa is a government-issued electronic authorization in PDF format
  The E-visa is required to enter Cambodia and travel within the country for tourist purposes.
  The e-visa must be printed and presented at the port of entry.
  When entering Cambodia, an e-visa can only be used once, and you will need to apply again on your next visit.
  You can apply for an e-visa a few days before your trip, so you do not be concerned as long as your flight departs in more than 72 hours.

If you are flying to Cambodia, E-Visas are accepted at the following entry points:
  Phnom Penh International Airport
  Siem Reap International Airport
  Sihanouk International Airport

If you are traveling overland, you can gain entry through
  Cham Yeam (Koh Kong Province) (from Thailand) FAQ Cambodia Travel FAQ Cambodia Travel FAQ Cambodia Travel FAQ
  Poi Pet (Banteay Meanchey Province) (from Thailand) Cambodia Travel FAQ Cambodia Travel FAQ Cambodia Travel FAQ
  Bavet (Svay Rieng Province) (from Vietnam) Cambodia Travel FAQ Cambodia Travel FAQ Cambodia Travel FAQ
  Tropaeng Kreal Border Post (Stung Treang) (from Laos) Cambodia Travel FAQ Cambodia Travel FAQ Cambodia Travel FAQ 

E-visa is not yet issued for certain countries
•  Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and Sri Lanka. Cambodia Travel FAQ Cambodia Travel 

Click here to apply online for Cambodia E-Visa, Valid for 30 days.

What are the best things to do in Cambodia?

1. Angkor Wat Temple, a must-see UNESCO World Heritage site

Angkor Wat Temple, Cambodia

Angkor Wat Temple, Cambodia

It takes about 15 minutes to drive from Siem Reap town to Angkor Wat Temple, you can also cycle or take a tuk-tuk, which is a popular mode of transportation among the locals. Cambodia’s Angkor Wat Temple was the center of the Khmer Empire from the ninth to the fifteenth centuries.

Visiting Angkor Wat, where you can contemplate the various structures made of hard stones, you completely feel cool while walking around and sitting in these stone structures, surrounding the walls in Angkor Wat it is decorated by skillful carvings about the different dances among which the Apsara dance the art soul of Cambodians is available.

If you’re not afraid of heights, you can also climb to the tops of the structures here for a bird’s-eye view of Siem Reap. It is never enough to write about everything that Angkor Wat has to offer and how valuable it is for you to see; come here to learn why so many tourists are aware of and want to visit Angkor Wat.

2. Angkor Thom Temple, amazing stone human faces and elephant statues

Angkor Thom Temple, Cambodia

Angkor Thom Temple, Cambodia

It is not far from Angkor Wat Temple to Angkor Thom Temple where you can see the large human faces, these statues are not only stone statues but also very soulful, this is a beautiful skill of those who created them in the past.

At Angkor Thom Temple, you can also see the large yards where many of the large elephant statuses were made and carved in stone,

3. Explore Ta Prohm Temple, magnificent trees, and octopus roots on the walls

Ta Prohm Temple, Cambodia

Ta Prohm Temple, Cambodia

Ta Prohm Temple, which is also part of the Angkor Temple Complex, has hundreds of years old trees. During the dry season, the weather in Cambodia is harsh and hot, and this area is almost entirely covered by stones, but the trees here have grown year after year, and they are now the oldest and largest trees in the Angkor Temple Complex’s forest.

You must be astounded by the fierce vitality of the trees in this area; there are even some large trees that appear to have grown from the stone walls and appear to be very healthy.

4. Experience the Tuk-Tuk, a popular mode of transportation for Cambodians

Tuk Tuks for the local transportation in Cambodiam

Tuk Tuks for the local transportation in Cambodian

When you arrive in Cambodia, you can easily choose between a tuk-tuk, taxi, motorbike, or bike to get around the city. And, among almost all vehicles in Cambodia, the tuk-tuk is one of the most popular for locals to use because it is convenient to transport a large number of people as well as goods at the same time, and it is safe and fun for you to try this vehicle once you travel to Cambodia.

Tuk-tuks can be found everywhere in Cambodia, from the nook and canny to the bustling points in the real center. This vehicle is the most convenient and cheapest for locals to transfer in a short distance, as Cambodian roads are still narrow and crowded, so moving by tuk-tuk is much faster than moving by taxi.

5. Stay in a hotel with a swimming pool in Cambodia 

best hotel in Cambodia

A hotel with a swimming pool in Cambodia

When visiting Cambodia, choose a hotel with a swimming pool because the weather is hot all year, especially during the dry season.

Almost all three-star hotels in this area have a swimming pool, and rates range from $20 to $60 per room/night (including tax, service charge, and breakfast). The cost of a hotel room varies depending on the type of room you prefer to stay in. It’s also a good idea to get a room with a window and air conditioning.

6. Try the local foods

Cambodian cuisine includes a wide range of cuisines.

Cambodian cuisine includes a wide range of cuisines

Cambodia is still well-known for its traditional cuisine, particularly Khmer local cuisine, which is prepared differently than other cuisines. It may be difficult to try at first, but you will enjoy it because it is different from other local foods around the world.

When you arrive in Cambodia, you will notice that there are a lot of insects being cooked and grilled for sale on the streets, for some tourists, this is a unique food available only in Cambodia, and they are eager to try it, but for others, it is a source of fear.

7. Take a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake “the lake sea” of Cambodia.

Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia

Tonle Sap Lake is only 15 kilometers from Siem Reap town, so tourists can easily take a bus, taxi, or even a motorbike or bike from the center of Siem Reap town to this lake to take a boat trip and explore the daily life of the local floating villages as well as their habits and customs.

Tonle Sap Lake is too large to row a boat by hand this is the most popular mode of transportation for the locals here because they frequently have to move a lot to different and narrow places in the lake every day to earn their living. Tonle Sap Lake is home to many people from countries other than Cambodia, such as Vietnam and China, these locals collaborate and help together.

In addition, there are adequate basic infrastructures such as hospitals, schools, churches, markets, shops, and restaurants in the area, although these structures are still small and located on the water’s edge, they are also very good and steady, and you will be surprised by these architectures once you see it directly on a large water area.

Children row a boat by themselves to go to school

Children row a boat by themselves to go to school

When you visit Tonle Sap Lake, you will see children who are very good at swimming, many small children who can swim and rowboats very skillfully, and many children who must rowboats to go to school by themselves because their parents are very busy earning a living.

Even though there is electricity, poor families must use oil instead of electricity because it is expensive to pay for the electricity in the lake, and the locals cannot find enough of what is offered on the land, because children do not have access to entertainment venues, they only know how to go to school and return home so that locals also sometimes take their children to the center of Siem Reap town to play in their summers or holidays.

Even a small child can row a boat in Tonle Sap Lake

Even a small child can row a boat by himself in Tonle Sap Lake

Women in Tonle Sap Lake typically stay at home to care for their children, while men work and earn a living. Almost all of the men who live on the lake make a living by fishing and selling their catch to local markets, tourists, and restaurants, as well as to their neighbors around the lake on occasion.

Locals’ daily lives are very simple, and while many families only need enough money to get by each day, some families want to become wealthy by doing business right on this lake. While exploring Tonle Sap Lake, you will have the opportunity to see all of the locals’ unique lives firsthand.

A floating house in Tonle Sap Lake

A floating house in Tonle Sap Lake

Tourists can also buy souvenirs made by locals here, such as hand-made towels, necklaces made of pearls or different materials, clothes, and hats….all of these products are very unique to both locals and Cambodians. They are very cheap, so don’t pass up the opportunity to buy them as souvenirs after a boat ride on Tonle Sap Lake, one of the world’s largest fresh lakes.

Tourists exploring Tonle Sap Lake have the opportunity to participate in a charitable activity that helps the poor people here, such as buying rice to give to them or giving to the poor children at the schools where many students do not have parents….. you can buy anything to give to the poor families in the lake, or you can bring old clothes to give to the poor locals at here…

So, when you visit Tonle Sap Lake, you not only get to see Cambodia’s most beautiful and largest lake, but you also get to help the locals.

The local floating villages in Tonle Sap Lake

The local floating villages in Tonle Sap Lake

Tonle Sap Lake has two distinct images due to the dry and wet seasons; however, you can visit Tonle Sap Lake at any time because each season has its beauty. The wet season lasts from October to April, and the dry season lasts from May to September.

The water level around Tonle Sap Lake is very high during the wet season, but it is also very beautiful for tourists who prefer to sit long on a boat and cruise along the lake to see a large water area as well as explore local life.

8. Explore the Royal Palace – Cambodia’s pride

Royal Palce in Cambodia

Royal Palace in Cambodia

If Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia, Royal Place, where their king lives and works, is its heart, and if your hotel is also in Phnom Penh’s heart, you can easily walk to this unique site to explore.

Allow at least an hour to visit all of the sites, and go early in the morning to avoid Cambodia’s hot weather afternoon. To enter this site, you must also follow some strict rules, such as wearing long clothes and leaving your shoes (sandals) outside the site to allow entry, not speaking loudly, not touching objects, and not stealing anything…

The Royal Palace is the most well-known attraction in Phnom Penh, and all locals respect and obey their king’s orders.

9. Shopping in the Russian market in Phnom Penh

Russian market in Phnom Penh

Russian market in Phnom Penh

Traveling through the Russian market in Phnom Penh, you can find anything you want, from the smallest to the most valuable, such as gold, silver, various types of stones, clothes, shoes, sandals, towels, hats….everything is available at very reasonable prices.

The Russian market is also a famous attraction on the Phnom Penh city tour; it must be included for customers who enjoy shopping, so if you enjoy shopping or want to buy authentic Cambodian souvenirs, do not miss this interesting site.

After shopping in this central market, walk to the nearby street food to try the special dishes made from insects and animals such as locusts, frogs, toads, mice, and cats.

10. Must see Khmer’s traditional Apsara dance show

Apsara dances of Cambodians

Apsara Dances of Cambodians

When visiting Siem Reap, one of the most popular activities is to see the Apsara dances of Cambodians, which is a truly unique and authentic Cambodian traditional dance.

There are many restaurants right on the local streets that offer these dances while serving their meals, making it easy for you to enjoy the famous Apsara dances that are only available in Cambodia.

11. Visit the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, home to the Khmer Rouge’s crimes

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum now displays photographs of victims, torture instruments, and human skulls from the Khmer Rouge’s killing of over 7000 people between 1975 and 1978. While looking at the objects here, you may feel your blood freeze.

This special site is not far from the city center; you can take a taxi, cycle, or rent a tuk-tuk (a local vehicle) from your hotel in the city center to get there.

Also:


 Thailand Travel FAQ


 Vietnam Travel FAQ


 Laos Travel FAQ


 Myanmar Travel FAQ   


 Southeast Asia Travel FAQ


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