VISA

Most nationalities can obtain a one-month visa on arrival at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports, as well as at land border crossings with neighboring countries. The fee is $30 USD for a tourist visa and $35 USD for a business visa. Please ensure you bring cash in US dollars for the payment. Keep in mind that there may occasionally be queues at the airport when applying for a visa on arrival. Usually, the process moves fairly quickly and typically takes between 30 to 45 minutes. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entry into Cambodia. Additionally, your passport should have at least two blank pages available for the visa stamp.

Cambodia e-visa can be applied for online through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation’s official website: http://www.mfaic.gov.kh/evisa/ContactInformation.aspx. Please note that some land border crossings do not accept e-visas, so it is advisable to check this website in advance if you plan to arrive via land.

We recommend applying at least 7 days prior to your planned arrival, as the processing time typically takes about 3 working days.

Furthermore, travelers are required to complete the e-Arrival Card online before entering Cambodia. This mandatory form must be submitted within 72 hours of arrival and can be completed at https://arrival.gov.kh/. Please ensure you bring the QR code or confirmation receipt with you when you arrive.

LANDSCAPE

Cambodia borders Laos and Thailand to the north, Vietnam to the east, and the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest. Its scenery features rice paddies, sugar palm plantations, and dense jungles. While Angkor Wat draws most visitors, the country’s natural beauty extends well beyond, inviting exploration.

The southwest coastline along the Gulf of Thailand boasts beautiful beaches, while the northern and northeastern regions are mountainous. Central to Cambodia’s lifestyle are the Mekong River and Tonle Sap Lake—Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake and a UNESCO biosphere reserve, vital to the country’s ecology and culture.

CLIMATE

Cambodia has a tropical climate with two main seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. From June to August, it’s the peak of the rainy season, with high humidity and temperatures reaching the upper 30°C (86°F). September to early November remains wet and slightly cooler.
Flooding often occurs in Phnom Penh and other areas in late July and early August, which can disrupt travel. The dry season, from November to May, is generally pleasant—cooler from November to February, and hotter from March to May, with temperatures rising up to 38°C (100°F).

PEOPLEE

With a population of around 17 million, Cambodia has the highest level of ethnic homogeneity in Southeast Asia. The majority, over 95%, are Khmer, and roughly 80% of the people live in rural areas engaged in farming and fishing. The largest minority groups include Vietnamese, Chinese Cambodians, and Cham. In the mountainous regions, smaller ethnic communities reside. The primary religion practiced throughout the country is Theravada Buddhism.

HISTORY

Cambodia’s history is marked by periods of glory and tragedy. From the 9th to the 12th centuries, it was the dominant power in Southeast Asia, but in the 20th century, it faced devastating turmoil, especially during the brutal genocide of the 1970s under Pol Pot. The early history traces back to the Kingdom of Funan, which covered much of present-day Cambodia between the 1st and 6th centuries, followed by the rise of the mighty Kingdom of Angkor in the 8th century.

This era’s legacy remains Cambodia’s main attraction—between the 9th and 13th centuries, Angkor’s rulers built what is regarded as one of the world’s most extraordinary architectural feats. Although over 100 temples survive, these remnants only hint at the grandeur of the ancient religious capital that once thrived here, with many wooden palaces and public buildings long gone. In 1864, the French incorporated Cambodia into their colony of Indochina, and independence was declared in 1953.

The country’s recent history is marred by conflict, beginning with the spillover of the Vietnam War into Cambodia in 1969, when U.S. and South Vietnamese forces attacked northern Vietnamese forces operating within Cambodian borders. A dark chapter began on April 17th, 1975, when the Khmer Rouge, a communist resistance group, seized control of Phnom Penh and initiated a catastrophic social upheaval. Their aim was to create an agrarian society, which led to the forced evacuation of cities and the establishment of rural labor camps. Those with foreign ties or higher education were often executed. When Vietnam invaded and ousted the Khmer Rouge in 1978, it is estimated that between one in four and one in six Cambodians had been killed.

By mid-1993, international efforts led by the United Nations organized elections, paving the way for a new political era. Pol Pot, the Khmer Rouge leader, died of natural causes in 1998. Today, Cambodia is a member of WTO, ASEAN, the IMF, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank, with rapidly rising per capita income driven mainly by tourism and textiles.

Time Zone

Cambodia operates on GMT+7. The country does not observe daylight saving time.

Country Code

The international dialing code for Cambodia is +855.

Mobile Phones

Many mobile shops offer the option to buy a local SIM card and/or handset. Top-up vouchers are widely available at shops displaying the network logo. While most hotels can facilitate international calls and fax services, these often come with additional charges.

Internet

Wi-Fi is accessible in most hotels across Cambodia, and free Wi-Fi can often be found in many restaurants, cafes, and bars. Be cautious about saving passwords or sensitive information on public computers.

Electricity

Electricity supply in Cambodia is generally 220V, 50Hz. Power outlets mainly accept two round-pin plugs. High-end hotels typically provide adapters for three-pin plugs. To protect devices such as laptops from power fluctuations, it’s advisable to use a surge protector.

Eating & Drinking

Khmer cuisine shares similarities with nearby Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand but tends to be less spicy. Staples include curries, stir-fried vegetables, rice, noodles, and soups. Coconut milk is a key ingredient in many Khmer dishes. One popular specialty is amok—a flavorful fish curry cooked with coconut and spices.

Shopping

Cambodia is still developing, and vendors can be quite persistent, especially around tourists they perceive as wealthy. Expect some overcharging, but bargaining with a friendly smile is part of the experience. It’s wise to compare prices for more expensive items in local shops before committing.
If street vendors follow you and you’re not interested in buying, simply say “no” firmly and politely, then walk away to avoid encouraging further engagement. If you plan to ship goods home, consider purchasing shipping insurance, as shops aren’t responsible for damages during transit. Please note that our guides do not accept responsibility for misrepresented or faulty goods, nor for follow-up on shipped merchandise—our role is to make recommendations, not guarantees.

Cultural Etiquette

• Touching someone on the head is considered disrespectful. It’s also impolite to gesture with your feet or prop them up on furniture, as this can be seen as looking down on others.
• Revealing clothing is inappropriate off the beach. Shorts are generally acceptable as long as they are not very short.
  When visiting pagodas and temples, knees and shoulders must be covered; shorts and tank-tops are not allowed. Shoes and socks must be removed before entering these sites, as is customary in private homes.
• Public displays of affection between men and women might embarrass locals, but it’s normal for men or women to hold hands or link arms.
  To greet someone, use the sampeah: place palms together at chest level and bow slightly.
• Instead of beckoning with a crooked finger, extend your hand with the palm down and wave your fingers towards your wrist. To ask for the bill, raise your hand with the palm up and pretend to write on your palm.

Packing Essentials

What you pack depends on your destination, but the following checklist covers essential items to consider:

• Passport: Valid, in good condition, with blank pages. Make a photocopy.
• Travel Insurance: Valid for the entire trip.
• Passport Photos: Needed for identification and certain visas.
• Emergency Contacts: Cambodia Biking, your insurance provider, family, and friends.
• Cancellation Numbers: Debit or credit card contact details.
• Tickets & Itinerary: Keep copies handy or soft copy in phone
• Money Belt: Discreet and comfortable.
• First Aid Kit: Basic supplies for minor mishaps.
• Medications: With prescriptions and international doctor’s notes for border crossings.
• Sun Protection: High SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and sunhat.
• Clothing: Lightweight, breathable cotton clothes; long sleeves for sun and mosquito
• protection. During rainy season, bring an umbrella and open-toe sandals.
• Footwear: Comfortable shoes with good traction for walking on rough surfaces.
• Insect Repellent: Mosquito spray and lotion.
• Additional Items: Camera with extra batteries, security lock, and some USD in small notes.

Clothing

Given the warm climate, pack light, loose-fitting cotton clothes. Long sleeves and pants are useful for mosquito and sun protection. A jacket may be needed in air-conditioned spaces. For temple visits, wear modest attire—long trousers or skirts—and remove shoes at pagoda entrances. At Angkor Wat, sturdy, non-slip shoes are recommended due to uneven surfaces.

Toiletries & Medications

Bring essentials like sunscreen, contact lens solution, tampons, and insect repellent. Keep prescription medications in their original packaging with labels and prescriptions. While many medicines are available locally, buy from reputable sources and check expiration dates.

Travel Documents

Use a money-belt to keep passports and cash safe, and ensure luggage has a lock. Carry photocopies of your passport and visas. When arriving at the airport, baggage claim tags are necessary for departure, so keep them handy.