Travel to Cambodia: insider guide & wonders of the Kingdom

Obtaining a visa in advance or on arrival is mandatory for every French, European, or international national entering Cambodia.

Digital Arrival Card (Cambodia e-Arrival Card) — MANDATORY

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  Registration Window: Must be completed within 7 days prior to arrival.
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  Procedure Nature: A 100% free online formality combining immigration card, customs declaration, and health screening at https://www.arrival.gov.kh/ or via the official Cambodia e-Arrival mobile app.
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  Airport Kiosks: Touchscreen assistance kiosks are available at Phnom Penh (KTI), Siem Reap (SAI), and Sihanoukville (KOS) international airports for passengers unable to complete their online declaration prior to boarding.

Electronic Tourist Visa (Tourist e-Visa - Type T)

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  Official Cost: 30 USD (government visa fee) + 6 USD (electronic processing fee).
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  Official Government Portal: Online application exclusively via the state portal: https://www.evisa.gov.kh/ (beware of unofficial third-party lookalike sites).
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  Processing Time & Validity: Issued electronically within 3 business days. Valid for a single entry within 90 days of issuance, granting a continuous stay of 30 days.
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  Border Checkpoints Accepting e-Visa (7 Entry Points): 1. Siem Reap–Angkor New International Airport (SAI)
  2. Techo Phnom Penh New International Airport (KTI)
  3. Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS)
  4. Poipet Land Border (Thai border)
  5. Cham Yeam / Koh Kong Land Border (Thai border)
  6. Bavet Land Border (Vietnamese border)
  7. Trapeang Kreal / Stung Treng Land Border (Laotian border).

Visa on Arrival (VoA)

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  Consular Fee: 30 USD net in cash (must provide exact change in clean, undamaged US banknotes) + 1 recent passport photo (4x6 cm against a light background).
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  Issuing Counters: Issued directly at immigration counters in international airports (KTI, SAI, KOS) and at most major land and river border crossings.
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  Mandatory Passport Requirements: Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the planned date of departure from Cambodia, with at least 2 consecutive blank pages.

Last updated: August 2026

For international flights to Cambodia as well as domestic services operated by Cambodia Angkor Air, standard baggage allowance policies are as follows:

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  Checked Baggage: The standard economy-class allowance on domestic (notably Cambodia Angkor Air) and regional connections is generally 20 kg per passenger.
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  Cabin Baggage: 7 kg (standard dimensions following international IATA criteria).
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  Private Transfers: For specific internal air connections or chartered flights, verify specific conditions with your travel designer to prevent airport excess charges.

Last updated: August 2026

Cambodia enjoys a warm tropical climate shaped by Asian monsoon regimes, defined by two contrasting seasons (the Dry Season and the Emerald Season). Here is the monthly overview to guide your journey planning:

ANNUAL WEATHER CALENDAR

Legend: ☀️ Sunny and dry | 🌤️ Changeable weather | 🌧️ Rainy season (Emerald Season) | ❄️ Highland cool

DETAILS BY REGION:

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  North & Angkor (Siem Reap, Battambang, Preah Vihear): November to February is the finest window for exploring the temples of Angkor: clear azure skies, crisp dry air, and pleasant temperatures (22°C to 30°C). March to May brings building heat (35°C–38°C). June to October, the 'Emerald Season', brings radiant mornings, lotus-filled moats, and peaceful sanctuaries uncrowded by tour groups.
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  Central & River Plains (Phnom Penh, Tonle Sap, Kampong Cham): Consistent tropical climate along the Mekong corridor. The dry season (November to April) ensures bright sunshine, ideal for river voyages and cultural sightseeing. The rainy season (May to October) features brief late-afternoon downpours that nourish crops and swell water levels leading to the dramatic Tonle Sap reversal in November.
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  South & Tropical Coast (Koh Rong, Sihanoukville, Kampot, Kep): From November to May, Gulf of Thailand islands and shores enjoy pristine conditions: calm, crystal-clear waters and sunny skies ideal for beach relaxation, diving, and fresh green pepper seafood feasts. From June to October, occasional tropical showers refresh the landscape while keeping seaside life deeply relaxing.
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  Eastern Highlands (Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri, Cardamom Mountains): Invigorating mid-mountain climate. From November to February, the altitude brings very cool nights and mornings (14°C to 19°C), ideal for hiking and elephant observation. During the green season, the rainforest and waterfalls reveal unparalleled power and natural splendor.

THE TWO MAIN SEASONS:

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  The Dry Season (November to April): November to January: The most temperate period of the year (22°C to 30°C), characterized by cool breezes and golden sunshine. Ideal for wandering Angkor without fatigue.
  February to April: Temperatures rise gradually up to 35°C–38°C in April, coinciding with vibrant Khmer New Year celebrations.
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  The 'Green Season' or Emerald Season (May to October): Far from non-stop rain, the monsoon primarily manifests as brief, refreshing late-afternoon showers. Mornings remain luminous with extraordinary photographic clarity.
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  Photographers' & Serenity Lovers' Paradise: During the Emerald Season, temple moats overflow with blooming lotus blossoms, rice fields radiate vibrant greens, and ancient monuments offer peaceful, solitary exploration.

Last updated: August 2026

International Airports & Flight Connections

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  Phnom Penh — Techo International Airport (KTI): Brand-new 4F-class aviation hub replacing Pochentong. Located 35 km south of the capital (45 to 60 minutes private transfer to the center), with direct links to major Asian gateways.
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  Siem Reap — Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (SAI): Built to protect UNESCO-listed monuments from acoustic vibrations, situated 45 km east of Siem Reap (50-minute smooth transfer via dedicated expressway).
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  Sihanoukville — Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS): Located 20 km from the shoreline, serving the southern coast and providing swift access to private speedboat jetties for the Koh Rong archipelago.

Road, Rail Network & Urban Mobility

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  Phnom Penh – Sihanoukville E1 Expressway: A breakthrough in modern highway infrastructure, linking the capital to the Gulf of Thailand in just 2 hours (compared to 5 hours previously).
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  Premium Coach Operators (Giant Ibis, Larryta): High-comfort air-conditioned vehicles equipped with Wi-Fi, power sockets, and reclining seats connecting Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Kampot daily.
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  Scenic Royal Railway: Refurbished heritage train lines linking Phnom Penh with Kampot and Kep at the foot of the Elephant Mountains, perfect for slow-paced rural discovery.
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  Urban Taxis, Tuk-Tuks & Grab Mobility: Traditional open-sided remorque-tuk-tuks and enclosed autorickshaws are ubiquitous. Using Grab or PassApp ensures GPS tracking and guaranteed official fares.

Last updated: August 2026

Khmer culture, deeply anchored in Theravada Buddhist philosophy, places gentleness, modesty, and mutual goodwill at the heart of every interaction.

Golden Rules of Cambodian Etiquette:

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  The Traditional Greeting (The Sampeah): Press both palms together in front of your chest with a gentle bow of the head. The higher your hands are positioned, the greater the deference displayed (chin-height for elders, forehead-height for monks).
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  Absolute Respect for Royalty: His Majesty the King embodies the sacred symbol of national unity and Khmer heritage. Disrespectful remarks or public criticisms concerning the monarchy are strictly prohibited.
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  Sacred Head & Impure Feet: The head is viewed as the spiritual home of the soul: never touch a Cambodian person's head, including a child's. As the feet are regarded as spiritually lowest, never point the soles of your feet toward people or Buddha statues.
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  Etiquette Around Monks: Monks are deeply revered. A woman must never touch a monk or hand an object directly to him (place it on a cloth or table).

Angkor Visitor Code of Conduct (APSARA National Authority):

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  Modest Dress Code: Shoulders and knees must be fully covered. Entry to the upper Bakan sanctuary at Angkor Wat is strictly prohibited in a tank top, short shorts, or with only a scarf draped over the shoulders.
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  Preservation of Heritage: Never touch ancient stone bas-reliefs, sit on fallen architectural blocks, or lean on fragile lintels. Hard-frame backpacks and sharp umbrella tips are forbidden inside galleries.
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  Sanctuary Serenity: Maintain quiet dignity in temple enclosures: shouting, loud laughter, and disruptive antics are offensive in these living places of worship.
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  Smoke-Free & Zero-Waste: The entirety of Angkor Archaeological Park is a designated non-smoking zone. Littering degrades ancient monuments and damages local biodiversity.
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  Child Protection (ChildSafe Policy): Do not purchase souvenirs from children or distribute money and sweets, which encourages truancy. Direct contributions to certified community educational NGOs.

Last updated: August 2026

Currency, Banking & Cash Customs in Cambodia:

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  National Currency & Dual Circulation: The Cambodian Riel (KHR) is the sovereign currency. Cambodia operates a smooth dual economy where US Dollars (USD) and Riels are accepted interchangeably. Transactions under one dollar are routinely returned in Riels.
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  Mobile QR Payments & Bakong: Modern digital payments: virtually all dining venues and stores now accept instant contactless QR code payments (Bakong KHQR).
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  Credit Cards & ATMs: International cards (Visa, MasterCard) are widely accepted in upscale establishments. ATMs dispense both USD and KHR, with withdrawal caps of up to 2,000 USD per transaction.
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  Tipping Customs: Greatly appreciated for excellent personal service: budget approximately 10 to 15 USD per day for a private French-speaking guide, 5 to 8 USD for a private driver, and 1 to 2 USD for luggage porters.

Last updated: August 2026

Khmer cuisine is an underrated treasure of fresh herbal vibrancy, aromatic subtlety, and refined balance. Milder than neighboring Thai culinary styles, it highlights fresh wild herbs, the quintessential seven-ingredient kroeung paste (lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, kaffir lime leaf, garlic, shallot), and citrus notes.

6 Emblematic Specialties of the Kingdom:

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  1. Amok Trey: The crown jewel of Khmer gastronomy: tender freshwater fish steamed in a banana-leaf cup with velvety coconut cream and aromatic kroeung curry paste.
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  2. Bai Sach Chrouk: The classic morning breakfast staple: thinly sliced pork marinated in coconut milk and garlic, slowly char-grilled over embers and served on steaming fragrant rice.
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  3. Lap Khmer: A refreshing, spicy salad of thinly sliced beef marinated in lime juice, sprinkled with fresh mint, coriander, lemongrass, and shallots.
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  4. Nom Banh Chok: Fresh fermented rice noodles served with an aromatic broth of pounded fish and turmeric, topped with finely sliced banana blossom, crisp cucumber, and fresh herbs.
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  5. Kuy Teav: Comforting breakfast noodle soup in a clear, slow-simmered pork or beef bone broth, garnished with crispy fried garlic and fresh bean sprouts.
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  6. Beef Lok Lak: Tender beef cubes seared over high heat in a wok, served with tomato fried rice and Cambodia's signature dipping sauce of fresh lime juice and crushed Kampot black pepper.

Last updated: August 2026

Customs Regulations & Import/Export Controls:

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  Duty-Free Inbound Allowances: For travelers over 17 years old: up to 200 cigarettes (or 50 cigars, or 250 g of tobacco); 2 liters of wine or 1.5 liters of spirits; perfume and personal effects in reasonable amounts.
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  Currency Controls: Entry and departure with foreign currency are unhindered. However, any amount equal to or exceeding 10,000 USD (or equivalent) must be formally declared to customs officers.
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  Strict Ban on Antiquities Export: It is strictly forbidden to export genuine antiquities, archaeological temple stones, or antique Buddha figures from Cambodia without official authorization issued by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts.
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  Electronic Cigarettes & Vaping: The import, possession, and use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco are entirely banned under Cambodian law, punishable by confiscation and fines.
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  Wildlife & Protected Species: Absolute zero tolerance for the purchase, possession, or transit of ivory, pangolin scales, coral, or endangered wildlife derivatives.

Last updated: August 2026

Medical Recommendations & Health Guidance:

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  Recommended Vaccinations: No vaccinations are legally mandatory (except yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from an endemic nation). It is strongly advised to be up to date on routine vaccines (DTP, MMR), as well as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Typhoid.
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  Mosquito Bite Prevention (Dengue & Malaria): Dengue fever is present in both urban and rural zones; apply tropical-strength skin insect repellent regularly (DEET 30–50%) and wear loose, light-colored clothing in the evenings. Malaria is generally absent from major tourist cities (Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Kampot).
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  Drinking Water & Food Hygiene: Never drink tap water. Drink exclusively verified bottled water or purified water provided in our private vehicles. Favor thoroughly cooked meals served steaming hot.
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  International Travel Insurance: Take out comprehensive travel insurance covering emergency medical expenses and medical repatriation to Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City in the event of serious illness.

Last updated: August 2026

To prepare for your journey across Cambodia with complete peace of mind, here is our specialist checklist:

1. Recommended Apparel & Textiles

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  Lightweight, Breathable Fabrics: Prioritize natural linen, loose cotton, and moisture-wicking technical fabrics to stay comfortable in tropical warmth.
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  Temple-Appropriate Attire: Lightweight long trousers or maxi skirts covering knees, and shirts or tees covering shoulders (mandatory for Angkor temples and pagodas).
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  All-Terrain Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or sturdy strap sandals with non-slip tread to navigate steep ancient sandstone steps safely.
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  Sun & Rain Defense: Wide-brimmed sun hat, UV Category 3 sunglasses, high-SPF sweat-resistant sunscreen, and a lightweight waterproof rain cape.

2. Personal Pharmacy Kit

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  Essential Medications: Paracetamol (strongly preferred over aspirin), anti-diarrheal medication, oral rehydration salts, antiseptic wipes, and adhesive bandages.
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  Tropical Repellent: High-efficacy mosquito spray based on DEET or Icaridin, plus soothing post-bite lotion.
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  Prescription Medicines: Carry routine medications in their original packaging accompanied by prescriptions in your carry-on luggage.

Last updated: August 2026