Why Cambodia, Why Now
Cambodia doesn't look like anywhere else. Angkor Wat alone would justify the trip, but it's what comes after that hooks you. Phnom Penh is chaotic and beautiful and heartbreaking all at once. Siem Reap is a backpacker rite of passage that somehow still feels genuine. And then there's the south coast, Koh Rong, Kep, the Cardamom Mountains, where the beaches are empty and the seafood costs almost nothing.
This is a country that's been through horrors most of us can barely comprehend, and came out the other side with a warmth and openness that'll genuinely catch you off guard. Cambodia will teach you things. It'll also feed you some of the best food in Southeast Asia for pocket change. This guide covers all of it, budgets included.
Best Time To Visit
Cambodia runs on two seasons, wet and dry, and it's hot and humid pretty much all year round. Here's how each stretch actually feels.
Cool Dry Season (Nov to Feb)
The sweet spotThe coolest and most comfortable stretch, still hot by most standards, but noticeably kinder than the rest of the year. Peak tourist season, so book Angkor Wat sunrise tickets and hotels ahead.
Hot Dry Season (Mar to May)
Properly hotTemperatures climb into the high 30s, and it can feel relentless by midday. Fewer tourists though, and temple visits at sunrise or late afternoon are still magic.
Early Wet Season (Jun to Aug)
Green and quietAfternoon downpours, usually short and heavy, followed by clear skies. Landscapes turn lush green, crowds thin out, and prices drop across the board.
Late Wet Season (Sep to Oct)
Most photogenicThe wettest stretch, but also when Angkor Wat's moat is fullest and most photogenic. Tonle Sap swells dramatically too, brilliant timing for the floating villages.
See Cambodia in 60 Seconds
Sixty seconds of temple silhouettes, floating villages, and Phnom Penh's riverside chaos. Then read on for the full story.
Cambodia is a country where ancient temples, vibrant cities, tropical islands, and a resilient culture come together to create an unforgettable travel experience. In just 60 seconds, we’ll explore the breathtaking temples of Angkor, the bustling streets of Phnom Penh, the peaceful countryside, the crystal-clear waters of Koh Rong, and the fascinating history that has shaped this remarkable nation. Whether you’re travelling for history, adventure, food, or hidden beaches, Cambodia is a destination that will stay with you long after your journey ends.
Book The Essentials
The exact booking sites we use ourselves. Nothing here we wouldn't personally recommend.
What To Expect
The practical stuff, minus the waffle.
Capital
Phnom Penh is chaotic, beautiful, and heartbreaking all at once, a riverside capital with real depth beneath the noise.
Language
Khmer is the official language. English is common in tourist areas, Siem Reap and Phnom Penh especially, but a "Suasdei" (hello) and "Aw kohn" (thank you) go a long way.
Currency
The Cambodian Riel (KHR), but the US Dollar is accepted everywhere and used for most transactions. Rough ballpark: $1 is about 4,040 KHR, and £1 is about 5,250 KHR. Riel usually comes back as small change. Check XE before you go.
Cards & ATMs
Cards work at high-end restaurants and hotels in tourist areas, but most mid-range spots and hostels are cash only. Withdraw US dollars at Canadia Bank or ANZ Royal Bank ATMs. Cash is king here.
Plugs
Types A, C, and G all show up, 230V and 50Hz. Grab a universal adapter before you go, it covers all three.
Safety
Generally very safe for all types of traveller. Avoid walking home alone at night, and watch for petty theft and pickpocketing, especially at the beach. Keep your wits about you and you'll be fine.
Random Useful Tip
Get up early and explore before the hottest part of the day, wear sunscreen constantly, dress in relaxed, breathable clothing, and drink plenty of bottled water.
Never Ever
Don't ever pay a tuk-tuk driver before you depart. Pay when you arrive, every time.
Live Weather in Phnom Penh
Straight from the source, updated as you read this.
29°C
- Temperature
Cambodia Travel Guides
From the temples of Angkor to the beaches of Koh Rong. The essentials, all in one place.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Cambodia: Land of the Khmers
The places that actually earn their spot on a Cambodia itinerary, from Angkor to the coast.
Read the guideAngkor Wat Guide: Plan the Perfect Sunrise Visit
Everything you need for the temple that justifies the whole trip on its own, tickets, timing, and how to beat the crowds.
Read the guideHow Many Days in Siem Reap? Ideal Itinerary
How long to spend in Siem Reap and how to structure your days between temples and downtime.
Read the guide11 Best Things To Do In Phnom Penh, Cambodia!
What actually makes Phnom Penh worth two or three days, beyond just passing through.
Read the guideCambodia Road Trip + Map: 4 Days From Angkor to the Cardamom Mountains
A four-day route from the temples of Angkor to the wild Cardamom Mountains, mapped stop by stop.
Get the routeYour Ultimate Guide: Unforgettable Cambodia Travel Tips for a First-Time Adventure
Everything we wish we'd known before our first visit, the practical stuff that makes a real difference.
Get the tipsLatest Cambodia Articles
Every Cambodia guide we publish lands here automatically.
City Guides
Itineraries + Maps
Best Places to Visit & Things to Do
Best Time to Visit
Travel Tips
Everything Else
How Much Does Cambodia Cost?
Cambodia is one of the cheapest countries in Southeast Asia. Here's exactly what you'll spend, in US dollars since that's what you'll actually be paying with, with pounds and euros alongside.
Backpacker
- Hostel dorms from $4-10 a night
- Street food meals, $1-3 a plate
- Tuk-tuks and local buses
- Free temples, markets, and beaches
Mid-Range
- Private guesthouse rooms, $10-25 a night
- Local restaurants and cafes
- Private tuk-tuks and motorbike rental
- Angkor Wat pass, boat trips, guided tours
Upscale
- Boutique hotels and luxury resorts
- Fine dining and rooftop cocktails
- Private drivers and domestic flights
- VIP temple tours, spa retreats
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Real prices in US dollars, with pounds and euros alongside. Pick a category.
Budget
Mid to Luxury
City Travel
Long Distance
Eat Cheap
Eating Out
Budget Fun
Big Experiences
Tips for Saving Money in Cambodia
Ten easy ways to keep a Cambodia trip cheap without missing the good stuff.
Tap water isn't safe here, and buying bottled water all day adds up fast.
Tasty meals are much cheaper than tourist cafes, and usually better too.
Agree the price before you get in, or use a ride app like PassApp or Grab in the bigger cities.
Shops a few streets away are usually cheaper for the exact same souvenirs.
You'll get solid value and often better service in most cities.
Lower prices on stays and tours, with fewer crowds too, especially June to August.
Bargaining is normal and expected here, but keep it friendly throughout.
Riverside areas, markets, and local neighbourhoods cost nothing to explore.
Handy for exact change and avoiding awkward rounding when you're given riel back.
Hotel desks often charge more than agencies just a short walk away.
Getting Around Cambodia
Cambodia's not huge, but the roads are interesting. Here's how to get between places without losing your mind or your luggage.
Domestic Flights
Best for saving time. Only a handful of domestic routes exist, mainly Phnom Penh to Siem Reap.
- 45 minutes versus 6+ hours by bus
- Cambodia Angkor Air and Lanmei Airlines both fly it
- More expensive and limited schedules
Car & Bike Rental
Best for exploring at your own pace. Siem Reap countryside, coastal roads, temple loops, total freedom.
- From $8-15/day
- Access to remote temples and villages
- Roads can be rough and traffic is chaotic
Public Transport
Best for budget travel between cities. Giant Ibis and Virak Buntham run comfortable routes between all the major stops.
- Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from $10
- Air-conditioned, some with WiFi
- 6+ hours for main routes, bring snacks
Private Taxi / Car
Best for families, groups, or anyone who wants door-to-door comfort without the chaos.
- Hire drivers for full-day temple tours, $25-40
- Air-conditioned and private
- Self-driving isn't recommended for most visitors
Tuk-Tuk
The classic Cambodia ride. Best for getting around cities and short hops between nearby sites.
- Cheap and everywhere
- Negotiate, or use PassApp / Grab for fixed pricing
- Not suitable for long distances
Boats & Ferries
Best for Tonle Sap lake trips and island hopping to Koh Rong and the southern islands.
- Scenic and memorable
- Fast ferries to Koh Rong from Sihanoukville, $10-25
- Limited scheduled routes
Which Is Right For You?
Tuk-tuk plus walking. Use Grab or PassApp.
Hire a tuk-tuk driver for the day.
Giant Ibis bus or a quick domestic flight.
Bus to Sihanoukville, then fast ferry.
Quick Tips
Way cheaper than negotiating. Metered pricing, no arguments.
Carry small bills, $1 and $5. Change in riel is completely normal.
Full-day tuk-tuk drivers cost $15-25 and know all the routes.
Traffic rules are more like suggestions. Let a local do the driving.
Related Resources
Because good trips still hit bumps. Here's the backup plan.
Travel Problems
Missed flights, lost luggage, dodgy hotels. It happens. Here's how to handle all of it without losing your mind.
Read the GuidesTheft & Scams
Pickpockets, tourist traps, and cons you won't see coming. We break down the most common ones and how to dodge them.
Protect YourselfTravel Insurance
Don't skip this one, especially travelling solo. We compare the best policies and explain what you actually need.
Find the Right PolicyCambodia Travel FAQs
The questions we get asked most, answered honestly.
Do I need a visa to visit Cambodia?
Is Cambodia safe for tourists?
How long do I need in Cambodia?
What's the best way to get around Cambodia?
Is Cambodia expensive to visit?
When is the best time to visit Cambodia?
Do I need travel insurance for Cambodia?
Can I drink the tap water in Cambodia?
What currency should I bring, USD or riel?
What food should I try in Cambodia?
Travel Hubs Worth A Look
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