Plan Your Trip
First Time in Cambodia?
Your complete beginner's guide — visa, timing, where to go and what to expect.
Cambodia at a Glance
Before You Go — The Checklist
Three things to do before you arrive in Cambodia:
Apply for your e-visa
Apply at evisa.gov.kh at least 1 week before departure. It costs $36 and takes 3 business days. Alternatively, get a visa on arrival ($35) at any international airport — but the e-visa skips the queue.
Full visa guide →Get travel insurance
Medical evacuation from Cambodia to Bangkok can cost $8,000–15,000. Insurance is essential, not optional. Ensure your policy covers Cambodia, medical evacuation, and any adventure activities (scooter, trekking, diving).
Health & Safety guide →Book your first night
Arrive into Siem Reap (REP) or Phnom Penh (PNH). Have your first night pre-booked — even just one night — so you have a clear destination on arrival. Everything else can be arranged in-country.
Browse destinations →Where to Go on Your First Trip
Most first-timers do a Siem Reap + Phnom Penh loop, then add a beach or a slower town depending on time.
Gateway to Angkor Wat — the single greatest archaeological site in Southeast Asia. Well-touristed, easy to navigate, great food scene.
Cambodia's chaotic, compelling capital. Essential for understanding the country's history — and surprisingly great for food, nightlife and riverside walks.
Cambodia's island escape. Sihanoukville is the ferry hub for Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem — pristine beaches with bioluminescent plankton at night.
How Many Days Do You Need?
The Classic
Siem Reap + Phnom Penh
Angkor, the Killing Fields, the Royal Palace. The essential Cambodia. Tight but very doable.
See itinerary →Temples & Beach
Siem Reap + Phnom Penh + Koh Rong
The classic loop plus a beach escape on Koh Rong Samloem. History, culture and sun.
See itinerary →Full Country
Siem Reap + Battambang + PP + Kampot + Coast
Add Battambang (Cambodia's most charming city), Kampot (riverside colonial town) and the islands.
See itinerary →6 Things to Know Before You Arrive
USD is the currency
Cambodia uses US Dollars for almost everything. Bring USD in clean, unripped bills — Riel is used only for small change (4,000 Riel ≈ $1).
Almost no trains
Cambodia's only passenger rail route is Phnom Penh to Kampot. Everywhere else, you travel by bus, minivan, tuk-tuk, taxi or domestic flight. Buses are cheap and reliable between major cities.
Temple dress code is enforced
Covered shoulders and knees are required at all temples. This is actively enforced at Angkor — you will be turned away without appropriate clothing.
Get a SIM card at the airport
Buy a Smart, Cellcard or Metfone SIM on arrival. Unlimited data for 7 days costs $5–8. Download Grab and PassApp before you need them.
It is extremely hot
Cambodia is hot year-round. Pack light, breathable clothing. Carry water constantly. The coolest period is December–February (21–25°C at night).
Go to Angkor early
Visit Angkor Wat at sunrise (arrive by 5:15am) and then move to other temples before 9am. By 10am the heat and crowds are significant.
All Planning Guides
Visa & Entry
E-visa ($36) or on arrival ($35)
Best Time to Visit
Nov–Feb, cool & dry
Getting Around
Bus, tuk-tuk, flight, boat
Budget & Money
$25–45/day budget, USD everywhere
Health & Safety
Vaccines, insurance, hospitals
What to Pack
Dress code, heat, temples
Responsible Travel
Etiquette, wildlife, community
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I need in Cambodia?
Is Cambodia good for first-time Southeast Asia visitors?
Do I need to arrange anything before arriving in Cambodia?
Is it safe to eat street food in Cambodia?
Can I get by with English in Cambodia?
What should I do on my first day in Siem Reap?
Ready to Build Your Route?
Browse our pre-built Cambodia itineraries — day-by-day plans with transport and hotel tips included.