Departure hall interior at Techo International Airport, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Before You Go

Plan Your Trip
to Cambodia

Visa, timing, transport, budget and more — everything in one place.

Complete Beginner's Guide Browse Itineraries
Visa: E-visa $30 · On arrival $30
Currency: USD accepted everywhere
Best Time: November – March
Language: Khmer · English in tourist areas

New to Cambodia?

Start Here

Most visitors need an e-visa ($30) applied online before travel, or a visa on arrival ($30) at the airport. The best time to visit is November to March. Budget $35–60/day for comfortable mid-range travel. There's almost no train network — you'll get around by bus, tuk-tuk, or domestic flight, with one rail route between Phnom Penh and Kampot.

Complete Beginner's Guide Get Your Visa

Essential Planning Guides

First-Time Guide

New to Cambodia? Start here — visa, timing, budget and what to expect.

Visa & Entry

E-visa, visa on arrival, and requirements by nationality.

Best Time to Visit

Dry season, green season, month-by-month weather guide.

Getting Around

Buses, tuk-tuks, flights, boats and renting a scooter.

Budget & Money

How much Cambodia costs, currency, ATMs and tipping.

Health & Safety

Vaccinations, travel insurance, hospitals and safety tips.

What to Pack

Packing list for Cambodia's climate, temples and beaches.

Responsible Travel

Temple etiquette, community tourism and eco-friendly travel.

Common Questions

Quick answers before you go.

Do I need a visa to visit Cambodia?
Most nationalities need a visa. You can apply online for a tourist e-visa ($30, takes 1–3 business days) at evisa.gov.kh, or get a visa on arrival ($30 tourist / $35 business) at any international airport or major land border crossing.
Is Cambodia safe to visit?
Cambodia is generally safe for tourists. Petty theft and scams exist in tourist areas, but violent crime targeting foreigners is rare. Take standard precautions: keep valuables secure, use Grab or PassApp in cities, and avoid displaying large amounts of cash.
What currency should I bring to Cambodia?
US Dollars are the de facto currency and accepted everywhere. ATMs dispense USD. Riel (KHR) is used for small purchases and change. Bring crisp, recent bills — old or damaged notes may be refused at markets and guesthouses.
Do I need vaccinations for Cambodia?
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, typhoid, and tetanus are recommended for all travelers. Rabies vaccination is worth considering for longer stays or rural travel. Malaria risk exists in jungle areas (Cardamom Mountains, Mondulkiri) — consult a travel clinic at least 6 weeks before departure.
How much does Cambodia cost per day?
Cambodia is very affordable. Budget travelers spend $25–45/day (guesthouses, markets, buses). Mid-range comfort runs $60–130/day. Luxury (Amansara, Song Saa) is $200–500+. The Angkor pass is $37 for 1 day, $62 for 3 days.
When is the best time to visit Cambodia?
November to February is ideal — the cool dry season brings comfortable temperatures (21–30°C), blue skies, and perfect conditions for both temples and beaches. December and January are peak. March and April are hotter but still dry. The green season (May–October) offers 30–50% lower prices and far fewer crowds.

When to Go

November to February is the best time — but every season has its case.

Full month-by-month guide →

Cool Dry Season

Nov – Feb · 21–30°C

Best weather, busiest crowds, highest prices. Ideal for temples and beaches.

Hot Dry Season

Mar – Apr · 25–36°C

Getting hot. Khmer New Year (Apr 13–16) — festive but extremely busy.

Green Season

May – Oct · 24–33°C

30–50% cheaper hotels, spectacular waterfalls, lush scenery. Short afternoon showers, not all-day rain.

Getting Around Cambodia

Almost no train network — here's how everyone gets around.

Full transport guide →

Tuk-tuk / Grab

Within cities

$1.50–10

Bus / Minivan

City to city

$5–15

Domestic flight

Long haul fast

$50–100

Speedboat

Islands

$15–25
Key route — Phnom Penh → Siem Reap: bus ($8–12, 5–6h) or domestic flight ($50–80, 45 min). See all routes →

Travel Better

Responsible Travel in Cambodia

Cambodia's temples and natural habitats need protecting. From dress codes at Angkor to avoiding exploitative orphanage visits, here's how to travel with a positive impact.

Read the Guide
  • Cover shoulders and knees at all temples
  • Avoid orphanage visits — most are exploitative
  • Choose eco-certified guesthouses in nature areas
  • Buy crafts directly from artisans, not middlemen

Make Your Trip Happen

Tools and services to book your Cambodia journey.

Get Your Visa

Apply for the Cambodia e-visa online — official government portal.

Official site ↗

Plan a Route

Pre-built itineraries with day-by-day transport and accommodation tips.

Find Accommodation

Hotels, guesthouses and boutique resorts for every budget.

Travel Insurance

Medical evacuation from Cambodia to Bangkok can cost $10,000+ — don't skip it.

Ready to Plan a Route?

Pre-built itineraries with day-by-day transport and hotel tips included.

All itineraries →
7 Days

7-Day Cambodia Classic

Phnom Penh → Siem Reap → Angkor temples. The essential first-timer loop.

 10 Days

10-Day Temples & Islands

Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, and Koh Rong island. History and beach in one trip.

 14 Days

14-Day Full Country

Siem Reap, Battambang, Phnom Penh, Kampot, Sihanoukville, and the islands.