Cambodia

Cambodia

Since Cambodia reopened its borders to tourists in the early 1990s, visitors from around the world have flocked to this intriguing Southeast Asian country to experience its fascinating cultural heritage, to engage with the wonderfully welcoming locals, and to marvel at the numerous spectacular natural wonders Cambodia has to offer. Phnom Penh, the nation’s bustling capital, is home to a slew of excellent restaurants, lively outdoor markets and a boisterous nightlife. However, most of Cambodia’s most popular attractions are located beyond the capital. Tourist favourites include: the sleepy French-influenced town of Kampot with its lovely promenade dotted with gorgeous French villas and charming riverside cafes; the breathtaking waterfalls of the lush jungle-clad Cardamon Mountains; and, of course, the awe-inspiring ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat – the world’s largest and arguably most impressive religious structure. Cambodia serves travellers of all sensitivities, whether they're seeking adventurous jungle excursions, exquisite golden-sand beaches, luxury resorts or sumptuous exotic cuisine, Cambodia truly does have it all.

Read More: Cambodia

Fast Facts

Regions:

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Regions


  • Siem Reap

Travel Information


General

Language:Khmer is the official language and spoken by 95% of the population. Chinese and Vietnamese are also spoken. French was widely spoken until the…

Electricity

Plug Type: Type A, Type C Voltage (V): 230 Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50 *A travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary…

Banking

Currency Local currency: Cambodian Riel Symbol: ៛ ISO code: KHR Subunit: Sen Banknotes: ៛50, ៛100, ៛500, ៛1,000, ៛2,000,…

Cuisine

Food and water safety: Can you drink the tap water: No Fresh fruit and veg: Yes Ice: No Meat: Yes Street food: Yes Local…

Climate

Annual rainfall: 1,400-3,000 mm Average temperature: 25-35°C Summer: Average highs: 30-35°C Average lows: 25-28°C Winter: Average…

Transport

Air: Main airlines: Cambodia Angkor Air, Cambodia Airways, Bassaka Air International Airports: Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), Siem Reap…

Dress

Spring and Summer Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes Lightweight warm clothes: No Winter and Autumn Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters,…

Health

Please consult your health-care provider 4-6 weeks prior to travel to ensure you are receiving all required vaccinations, and that the medication has enough…

Safety

Cambodia is safe in general. We recommend normal precautions be taken as you would for any city in the world. Be aware of your surroundings and stay in…

Visa

U.S. citizens are required to obtain a visa for entry into Cambodia. Non U.S. citizens should consult with your local embassy.


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General

Language:Khmer is the official language and spoken by 95% of the population. Chinese and Vietnamese are also spoken. French was widely spoken until the arrival of the Pol Pot regime and is still taught in schools. English is commonly spoken in Cambodia. It's estimated that over 50% of the population are conversational in English, but travelers in rural areas may find it hard to communicate in smaller villages. Learning a few basic Khmer words will get you far, and earn you respects from the locals.National Emergency Numbers:Emergency Police, Fire, Ambulance 117Public Holidays:The dates of certain public holidays change from year to year – refer below. If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, then the Monday is also declared a public holiday.Jan 01 - New Year’s DayJan 07 - Victory DayFeb 22 - Meak Bochea DayMar 08 - International Women’s DayApr 13 - Cambodian New YearMay 01 - Labor DayMay 13 - King Sihamoni’s BirthdayMay 14 - Visak Bochea Day (Buddha’s Birthday)May 24 - Royal Ploughing Day CeremonyJune 18 - Former Quenn’s BirthdaySept 24 - Constitution DayOct 11 - Pchum Ben DayOct 29 - Coronation DayOct 31 - Former King Sihanouk’s BirthdayNov 09 - Independence DayNov 13 - Water FestivalDec 10 - International Human Rights DayTime Zone:Cambodia is on ICT or Indochina Time and is 12 hours ahead of USA Eastern Time Zone.In general, tipping in Cambodia is not customary, but due to the low wages of the workers, gratuities go a long way and are highly appreciated. Remember that Cambodian workers do not make much money and rely on gratuities. A one US dollar tip may not seem like much, but it may be more than half of a typical worker’s daily income.RestaurantsIn Cambodia, there is no standard amount for restaurant tipping. 10% of the total bill is where the average falls, but if the service was excellent, it is at your liberty to leave more.TippingHotelsIn Cambodia, the bellman is generally tipped $1 per bag he carries to your room. Maids generally get around $1 a day. There is no obligation to tip the hotel staff unless you feel the need to do so.TaxisTaxi drivers do not expect tips in Cambodia, but keep in mind that taxis drivers do not make much money and tips will be greatly appreciated. Leave a tip if you feel inclined to do so.Tour GuidesIt is good etiquette to leave your tour guide with a 10% tip for their services. A gratuity for your driver should be left as well, around $1-2 per day.US EMBASSYMailing Address: 1 Christopher Howes (96), Phnom Penh, CambodiaTel: +855 23 728 000Website: https://kh.usembassy.gov/

Electricity

Plug Type: Type A, Type C 

Voltage (V): 230 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50 

*A travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

Banking

Currency 

Local currency: Cambodian Riel 
Symbol: ៛ 
ISO code: KHR 
Subunit: Sen 
Banknotes: ៛50, ៛100, ៛500, ៛1,000, ៛2,000, ៛5,000, ៛10,000, ៛20,000, ៛50,000 
Coins: ៛50, ៛100, ៛200, ៛500, ៛1,000 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Limited acceptance 
Diner’s club: Limited acceptance 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM 
Weekends: Limited hours 
Public Holidays: Limited hours 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Cuisine

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: Cambodian cuisine is a blend of flavors influenced by Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese cooking. Highlights include dishes like Fish Amok, a coconut milk-based curry, and Beef Lok Lak, a stir-fried beef dish. Rice is a staple, and tropical fruits like mangoes and bananas are abundant. 

Drinks: Notable local drinks include coconut water, sugar cane juice, and palm wine. 

Tipping: Tipping is not customary, but appreciated, especially in tourist areas. 5-10% is acceptable. 

Climate

Annual rainfall: 1,400-3,000 mm 
Average temperature: 25-35°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 30-35°C 
Average lows: 25-28°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 25-30°C 
Average lows: 20-25°C 

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Cambodia is during the dry season from November to April when temperatures are cooler and rainfall is minimal. This is ideal for exploring the temples of Angkor and enjoying outdoor activities. 

Transport

Air: 
Main airlines: Cambodia Angkor Air, Cambodia Airways, Bassaka Air 
International Airports: Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), Siem Reap International Airport (REP) 
Domestic Airports: Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS), Battambang Airport (BBM) 

Road: 
Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 
Railway system: No 
Subway System: No 

Water: 
Ferries: Limited 
Water taxis: Limited 
Leisure cruises: No 

Dress

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Health

Please consult your health-care provider 4-6 weeks prior to travel to ensure you are receiving all required vaccinations, and that the medication has enough time to take effect. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance with medical benefits, and that you bring any personal medication with you. Please also check with your health department prior to departure for any changes in health regulations.

Health insurance, including emergency evacuation, is essential. Doctors and hospitals expect cash payments for any medical treatment. The cost of medical evacuation is high. The hospital in Phnom Penh is reliable. You should bring adequate supplies of any essential personal medication, since medications may not be available in Cambodia.

All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Boil or sterilize water for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice. Bottled water is widely available. Milk is also unpasteurized and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is an advisable alternative to fresh produce. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from un-boiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Required Immunizations/Vaccinations:

Yellow Fever - all travelers coming from a yellow fever infected country will be required to show a valid Yellow Fever certificate on arrival. It is otherwise not required or recommended. You should be vaccinated at least 10 days before you travel, as this will allow enough time for your body to develop protection against the yellow fever infection. Your proof of vaccination certificate will only become valid after this time.

Recommended Immunizations/Vaccinations:

Malaria prophylaxis - highly recommended for all travelers

Malaria

Expert opinion differs regarding the best approach to malaria prophylaxis. It is important to bear in mind that malaria may be contracted despite chemoprophylaxis, especially in areas where chloroquine resistance has been reported. 

We strongly recommend you take the following preventative measures:

Use plenty of mosquito repellent. Some camps provide a locally made repellent but please bring your own as there may be skin sensitivity.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers/slacks in the evenings.
Please use the mosquito net over your bed where supplied/available.
If staying in a bungalow or tent, spray with a suitable insecticide to kill any mosquitoes that may have flown into your room.
Mosquito coils are also effective.

There is a six to seven day minimum incubation period before symptoms present themselves. If you become ill on your return, while still on prophylaxis or even once you have stopped taking them, ensure that your doctor does everything to establish that your illness is not malaria. Please remember the best precaution is the preventative kind. 

It is inadvisable for pregnant women to visit malarial areas as malaria infection during pregnancy can be detrimental to both mother and child.

Safety

Cambodia is safe in general. We recommend normal precautions be taken as you would for any city in the world. Be aware of your surroundings and stay in well-lit areas. Don’t flash wealth. If you have items of sentimental value, leave it at home. Visitors should avoid all political gatherings and demonstrations.When travelling on the wild side go with a reliable and experienced guide. Though tens of thousands have been removed, there are still landmines left over from years of war. There are still an estimated 4m undetonated mines in the country.Drugs such as marijuana, ecstasy, opium, cocaine and heroin are readily available in Cambodia, but drugs penalties are harsh, and being a foreigner will not give you any protection.

Visa

U.S. citizens are required to obtain a visa for entry into Cambodia. Non U.S. citizens should consult with your local embassy.