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Cambodia Travel Cheat Sheet 2025: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting

The ultimate 2025 Cambodia travel cheat sheet with insider tips on costs, transportation, accommodation, attractions, food, cultural etiquette, and safety from a seasoned traveler who's experienced it all.

Introduction: My Cambodia Love Affair

The first time I stepped off the plane in Phnom Penh back in 2014, I was hit by that distinct wave of humid, fragrant air that anyone who’s visited Southeast Asia knows well. Little did I know that first visit would turn into a decade-long love affair with Cambodia. After eight trips spanning nearly every province, I’ve learned through trial and error (sometimes painfully!) what makes this incredible country tick. Once, after confidently thinking I knew it all, I found myself stranded during monsoon season in Kampot with nothing but flip-flops and a quickly disintegrating paper map—lesson learned! This cheat sheet compiles everything I wish someone had told me before my first visit, updated for 2025 with all the post-pandemic changes that have transformed travel in the Kingdom of Wonder.

Visa and Entry Requirements for Cambodia in 2025

Cambodia has simplified its visa process considerably since the pandemic. As of 2025, most travelers can choose between these options:

  • E-visa: Apply online through the official government portal ($36, processing time 3-5 business days)
  • Visa on arrival: Available at international airports and major land crossings ($30 + one passport photo)
  • T-visa (tourist): Single-entry, valid for 30 days
  • E-visa (business): For longer stays, extendable

Money-Saving Insider Tip #1: Skip the overpriced “fast-track” visa services at airports. The regular visa-on-arrival line rarely takes more than 20 minutes at Phnom Penh or Siem Reap airports in 2025, despite what touts might tell you!

A critical 2025 update: Cambodia now requires proof of travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage of at least $50,000. They do spot checks, so don’t risk it. I use World Nomads for comprehensive coverage that’s affordable.

Currency and Money Matters in Cambodia

Cambodia operates on a unique dual-currency system that initially confused me to no end:

  • US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted and often preferred for larger purchases
  • Cambodian Riel (KHR) is typically used for small transactions and change (1 USD ≈ 4,100 KHR in 2025)

ATMs and Banking

ATMs are plentiful in tourist areas but be aware:

  • Most dispense USD and charge $5-8 per withdrawal
  • ABA Bank and Acleda have the most reliable machines with lower fees (~$4)
  • Wing transfer outlets offer good exchange rates for USD/KHR conversion

Money-Saving Insider Tip #2: Bring crisp, new USD bills (dated 2009 or newer). Cambodians often reject torn, marked, or old bills. I once couldn’t pay for my hotel because my $50 bills had tiny pen marks!

Typical 2025 Costs in Cambodia

Expense Budget Mid-range Luxury
Accommodation $5-15/night $20-45/night $50-300+/night
Meals $1-3 $5-10 $15-30+
Local transport (tuk-tuk) $1-3 $4-8 $10-15
Angkor Wat pass $37 (1-day) $62 (3-day) $72 (7-day)

The most shocking thing for first-time visitors is often how affordable Cambodia remains in 2025, even as neighboring Thailand and Vietnam have seen significant price increases. I typically budget $40-50/day for comfortable travel including private rooms, good meals, and attractions.

Transportation Guide for Cambodia

Getting Around Cities

Cities offer several transportation options:

  • PassApp: Cambodia’s answer to Uber/Grab. Download the app for metered tuk-tuks and cars.
  • Traditional tuk-tuks: Always negotiate before getting in. In Phnom Penh, short rides should cost $2-3.
  • Motodops (motorbike taxis): Cheapest option at $1-2 per ride but bring your own helmet!
  • Bicycle rentals: $2-5/day in most tourist areas and a great eco-friendly option.

One of my embarrassing rookie mistakes was overpaying for tuk-tuks my first week. Learn the Khmer phrase “tlai na?” (how much?) and “tlai tlay!” (too expensive!) to help with negotiations.

Inter-City Travel

For traveling between cities:

  • Buses: Most economical option. Giant Ibis ($10-15) offers the safest, most reliable service with onboard WiFi.
  • Minivans: Faster than buses but more cramped. Cambodia Post VIP Van has improved dramatically in 2025.
  • Domestic flights: Cambodia Angkor Air and Bangkok Airways connect Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville.
  • Shared taxis: Fast but squished (they often pack 7 people in a sedan).

Money-Saving Insider Tip #3: Book overnight buses for longer journeys to save on accommodation. But choose quality companies—I learned the hard way that the cheapest overnight buses often have no functioning toilets and make surprise 3 AM stops at their “cousin’s” guesthouse.

Don’t expect perfect infrastructure. Roads have improved dramatically, but during monsoon season (May-October), travel times can double due to flooding and mud. Build in buffer days if traveling during this period.

Top Destinations in Cambodia for 2025

Siem Reap and Temples of Angkor

Siem Reap has transformed since the pandemic, with the new international airport terminal opening in 2023 making arrivals smoother than ever.

For the temples:

  • Purchase passes the evening before to catch sunrise without waiting in line
  • Hire a certified guide ($35-45/day) for deeper historical context
  • New for 2025: Temple access has been restricted further to prevent damage—some areas of Bayon and Ta Prohm that were accessible in previous years are now off-limits

The smell of incense and jasmine in the early morning mist at Angkor is something I’ll never forget. Arrive at Angkor Wat by 5:00 AM for sunrise, but then immediately head to Ta Prohm or Bayon while everyone else stays for photos—you’ll have these majestic sites nearly to yourself!

Phnom Penh

Cambodia’s capital has gentrified considerably but retains its chaotic charm:

  • Must-visit historical sites: The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek and S-21 Genocide Museum (difficult but essential)
  • Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda for traditional architecture
  • Russian Market (Psar Toul Tom Poung) for souvenirs and local handicrafts
  • BKK1 and Tonle Bassac neighborhoods for trendy cafes and restaurants

Phnom Penh’s new riverside promenade (completed in 2024) is now my favorite place to watch sunset while enjoying a $0.75 draft beer from one of the many mobile carts.

Coastal Cambodia

Cambodia’s coast has seen dramatic changes in recent years:

  • Sihanoukville: Once a backpacker haven, now dominated by Chinese investment and casinos
  • Koh Rong & Koh Rong Samloem: Still offering pristine beaches and laid-back vibes
  • Kampot: Charming riverside town known for pepper plantations and colonial architecture
  • Kep: Famous for fresh crab market and national park hiking

Kampot remains my personal favorite coastal town. The sound of cicadas and geckos while swinging in a riverside hammock with a cold Angkor beer in hand is pure bliss.

Emerging Destinations for 2025

Get off the beaten track with these up-and-coming spots:

  • Battambang: Colonial architecture, countryside bike tours, and the famous bamboo train
  • Preah Vihear: Spectacular cliff-edge temple on the Thai border with stunning views
  • Mondulkiri: Ethical elephant sanctuaries and indigenous communities
  • Cardamom Mountains: Eco-tourism and wildlife watching opportunities

During my most recent trip, I visited the new Chi Phat Community-Based Ecotourism project in the Cardamoms—the firefly-filled evenings and gibbon calls at dawn were magical experiences few travelers get to enjoy.

Food and Dining in Cambodia

Cambodian cuisine deserves more recognition than it gets, often overshadowed by Thai and Vietnamese food.

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Amok trei: Fish curry steamed in banana leaf ($4-6)
  2. Lok lak: Stir-fried beef with lime-pepper dipping sauce ($3-5)
  3. Kuy teav: Noodle soup often eaten for breakfast ($1.50-3)
  4. Kampot pepper crab: The coastal specialty ($8-12)
  5. Num banh chok: Cold rice noodles with green fish curry ($1-2)

The most surprising dish for me was “prahok ktiss”—a dip made from fermented fish paste that sounds questionable but is addictively delicious with crisp vegetables.

Eating Safely

Some practical food safety tips:

  • Look for busy streetfood stalls with high turnover
  • Avoid raw vegetables and pre-cut fruits unless at established restaurants
  • Bottled water is essential—never drink tap water
  • Bring reusable utensils to reduce plastic waste (sustainability win!)

Sustainability Tip That Saves Money: Carry a refillable water bottle and use water refill stations at hotels and cafes. Many places now offer this service for free or a small fee (much cheaper than constantly buying plastic bottles).

Vegetarian & Special Diets

Good news for non-meat eaters: Cambodia has embraced vegetarian options, especially in tourist areas. The phrase “ot sach” (no meat) is useful, though be aware that fish sauce is considered a seasoning, not meat. For vegans, Siem Reap and Phnom Penh now have excellent dedicated restaurants like Vibe Cafe and Annam.

Cultural Etiquette and Customs

Cambodians are incredibly forgiving of foreign faux pas, but making an effort with cultural norms goes a long way:

Religious Etiquette

  • Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples
  • Remove shoes and hats before entering religious buildings
  • Never touch a monk’s robes if you’re female
  • Sit with feet tucked away, not pointing at Buddha images or people

Social Customs

  • Greet people with “som pas” and hands pressed together in a prayer-like gesture
  • Use both hands when giving or receiving items from elders
  • Ask permission before photographing people
  • Public displays of affection are frowned upon

One mistake I made that still makes me cringe was patting a young boy on the head—I later learned the head is considered sacred in Cambodian culture and should never be touched. The family was gracious about my error, but I’ll never forget the lesson.

Key Khmer Phrases for Travelers

Khmer Pronunciation English
សូម្បីអរគុណ Sohm aw-koon Thank you
ជំរាបសួរ Chum reap suo Hello (formal)
បាទ/ចាស Baat (male)/Chaas (female) Yes
ទេ Teh No
តម្លៃប៉ុន្មាន? Tlai ponmaan? How much?

Learning just these few phrases earned me tremendous goodwill and often better prices at markets!

Health and Safety in Cambodia

Health Precautions

Cambodia-specific health issues to prepare for:

  • Dengue fever is endemic—use mosquito repellent, especially at dawn/dusk
  • Bring prescription medications; counterfeit drugs can be an issue
  • Quality healthcare is limited—consider medical evacuation insurance
  • Recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis

Pharmacies are everywhere, but for serious issues, head to Royal Phnom Penh Hospital or Bangkok Hospital in the capital.

Safety Concerns

Cambodia is generally safe for tourists, but be aware of:

  • Bag snatching in cities, especially from tuk-tuks—wear cross-body bags
  • Credit card skimming—use ATMs attached to banks
  • Traffic dangers—chaotic driving means road crossing requires caution
  • Unmarked landmines in remote rural areas—stick to marked paths

My scariest moment was having my phone grabbed from my hand while in a tuk-tuk in Phnom Penh. Now I keep valuables tucked away and out of sight when in moving vehicles.

Accommodation Guide

Cambodia offers incredible value across all accommodation levels:

Budget Options ($5-15/night)

  • Hostels with dorm beds from $5
  • Guesthouses with basic private rooms from $10
  • Fan rooms are significantly cheaper than AC

Mid-Range Options ($20-50/night)

  • Boutique hotels with pools from $30
  • Airbnb apartments with kitchens from $25
  • Newer hotels with modern amenities from $40

Luxury Options ($60+/night)

  • International brand hotels from $100
  • Luxury boutique resorts from $150
  • Heritage properties and spa retreats from $200

Money-Saving Accommodation Tip: Book directly with hotels after finding them on comparison sites. Many Cambodian properties offer 10-20% discounts for direct bookings and may throw in airport pickup or breakfast. I saved $135 on a week-long stay in Siem Reap using this method!

Responsible Tourism in Cambodia

Cambodia has a complex history, and traveling responsibly matters:

Ethical Concerns

  • Avoid orphanage tourism completely—many “orphanages” are businesses using children to extract donations
  • Research wildlife experiences thoroughly—avoid elephant riding and other exploitative animal attractions
  • Be thoughtful when photographing at genocide memorials and killing fields
  • Support NGO restaurants like Friends and Haven that provide vocational training

Environmental Sustainability

Cambodia faces serious environmental challenges. Help by:

  • Refusing single-use plastics (bring a reusable straw—plastic straws come with everything!)
  • Choosing accommodations with environmental policies
  • Using reef-safe sunscreen at beaches and islands
  • Supporting businesses that participate in the Refill Not Landfill initiative

Sustainability Tip That Saves Money: Many tours now offer discounts (around 10%) if you bring your own water bottle. The Cambodia-based Soksabike tours in Battambang pioneered this trend.

Connectivity and Tech Tips

Mobile Data and SIM Cards

Getting connected in Cambodia is cheap and easy:

  • Purchase a tourist SIM card at the airport (Cellcard or Smart are reliable)
  • 7-day tourist packages cost around $5-7 for 10-20GB of data
  • 4G/LTE coverage is excellent in cities, spotty in rural areas
  • 5G service began rolling out in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in 2024

Useful Apps for Cambodia Travel

  1. PassApp: Cambodia’s ride-hailing app for tuk-tuks and taxis
  2. Grab: Also available in major cities
  3. Maps.me: Offline maps that work even in rural areas
  4. Google Translate: Download Khmer language pack before arriving
  5. XE Currency: For quick USD/KHR conversions

Wi-Fi is widely available in accommodation and cafes but can be frustratingly slow outside major cities. During one memorable rainstorm in Kampot, I watched the download progress bar for an important email attachment creep along for 45 minutes!

Shopping and Souvenirs

Cambodia offers distinctive souvenirs beyond the typical Angkor Wat fridge magnets:

Authentic Cambodian Crafts

  • Krama: Traditional checked cotton scarves ($3-10)
  • Silver jewelry: Often with temple-inspired designs ($20-100+)
  • Shadow puppets: Traditional art form, choose leather over plastic ($15-40)
  • Kampot pepper: World-renowned spice, perfect culinary souvenir ($5-10)

Where to Shop

Ethical shopping venues that support local communities:

Bargaining Etiquette

Bargaining is expected at markets, but remember:

  • Start at 50-60% of the asking price
  • Bargain with a smile and good humor
  • Be prepared to walk away (they’ll often call you back with a better offer)
  • Don’t bargain hard for small amounts—haggling over $1 isn’t worth it

The most unusual souvenir I’ve brought home? Kampot pepper ice cream mix from La Plantation pepper farm. It makes for surprisingly delicious dinner party desserts and great conversation!

Conclusion: Your 5-Step Action Plan for Cambodia

After nearly a decade of Cambodia travels, I’ve distilled what I’ve learned into these five essential steps:

  1. Prepare Practically: Secure your e-visa two weeks before departure, arrange airport pickup through your first hotel, get USD from your home bank, and download essential apps.
  2. Start Slowly: Allow 2-3 days to acclimate to the climate and time zone before attempting ambitious temple treks or packed itineraries.
  3. Connect Locally: Book at least one experience with a local guide who can share personal perspectives on Cambodia’s complex history and vibrant present.
  4. Balance Your Itinerary: For every intense historical site (like S-21), plan a joyful cultural experience (like a cooking class or dance performance).
  5. Travel Deeper: Venture beyond the Siem Reap-Phnom Penh circuit to discover the soul of Cambodia in smaller towns and rural communities.

Cambodia has taught me more about resilience, kindness, and finding joy despite hardship than any other place I’ve visited. Its contradictions—ancient and modern, tragic and hopeful, chaotic and peaceful—create a travel experience that goes beyond sightseeing to true connection. The country has changed tremendously since my first visit, but its warmth remains constant. When you go, travel slowly, listen deeply, and allow Cambodia to surprise you. I promise it will.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cambodia Travel

Is Cambodia safe for solo female travelers?

Yes, Cambodia is generally safe for solo female travelers. Exercise standard precautions: avoid walking alone at night in deserted areas, be careful with drinks in party areas like Pub Street, and dress conservatively when visiting temples or rural areas. I’ve traveled solo through Cambodia multiple times as a woman and found people respectful and helpful, though occasional catcalling occurs in tourist areas.

When is the best time to visit Cambodia?

November to February offers the most comfortable weather (dry season with temperatures 75-85°F/24-30°C). March to May brings intense heat (95-105°F/35-40°C) but fewer crowds at temples. The wet season (June-October) has its charms: lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and dramatic afternoon storms that clear quickly. I personally prefer shoulder seasons (October or March) for balance between good weather and fewer crowds.

How many days do you need for Angkor Wat?

At minimum, two full days to see the major temples without exhaustion. Ideally, purchase a 3-day pass and spread visits over 4-5 calendar days, visiting during early mornings and late afternoons with midday breaks to avoid heat and crowds. The archaeological zone contains over 50 temples—rushing through only the famous ones misses the magic of discovering quieter ruins.

Is Cambodia expensive to visit?

Cambodia remains one of Southeast Asia’s most affordable destinations. Budget travelers can manage on $25-30/day including accommodation, food, and transportation. Mid-range travelers should budget $50-80/day for comfortable hotels, restaurant meals, and guided experiences. Luxury experiences are available but still cost less than equivalent services in Thailand or Vietnam.

Do I need malaria medication for Cambodia?

For most tourist routes (Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Kampot), malaria prophylaxis is not necessary. If venturing to remote areas in the northeast (Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri) or deep into the Cardamom Mountains, consult a travel doctor. Dengue fever is actually a greater concern throughout Cambodia; use mosquito repellent with DEET, particularly during dawn and dusk hours.

Can you drink alcohol in Cambodia?

Yes, alcohol is legal and widely available. Local beers (Angkor, Cambodia) cost $0.50-1 during happy hours and $1-2 otherwise. Imported beers and spirits are available but more expensive. Wine is costly and often of questionable quality due to storage issues. The local rice wine/whiskey (sra) is potent and sometimes offered in villages—approach with caution as homemade versions can be extremely strong or occasionally unsafe.

What should I absolutely not do in Cambodia?

Never disrespect images of the King or Buddha. Don’t discuss Cambodian politics publicly or critically. Avoid public displays of anger (maintaining calm is highly valued). Never visit orphanages as a tourist attraction. Don’t take photos at the Killing Fields or S-21 that could be considered disrespectful. And finally, don’t ride elephants or support wildlife tourism without thoroughly researching the operation’s ethical practices.

References and Additional Resources