Traveling Guide to Cambodia: Things to Do, Where to Go and Traveling Tips

Home to Angkor Wat, a laid-back riverside capital and a quiet coastline, Cambodia is one of the most rewarding countries to visit in Southeast Asia. If it is your first time in Cambodia, here are the basics: when to go, what to expect, how to get in and where to head first.

Tips on traveling to Cambodia: Best season to visit and what to expect.

What to expect

At its height, the ancient Khmer Empire ruled over not only today’s Cambodia but also large parts of present-day Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. The remains of the Khmer Empire can be seen in temples of Angkor Wat and are the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Yet, Cambodia is much more than just the temples and ancient Khmer Empire to be discovered.

The vibrant and lively capital, Phnom Penh, is a city of life along with a gorgeous French culture and architecture. If you are looking for the coast or a more rural setting, Koh Kong, Kampot and Kep, or the islands off Sihanoukville are good options. Cambodia is a destination of diversity as well as history. So, it deserves its reputation as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia.

When to go

The popular season to visit Cambodia is from November to April. It is when temperatures are mild, less humid, and not raining much. The winter starts roughly from November till February. Yet, as winter it is, the temperatures during this season are still high, but with less humidity. Temperatures during summer can reach to 38°C, especially in April and May.

Visas and temple passes

Most visitors need a visa: you can apply for a tourist e-visa on the official site (evisa.gov.kh) before you go, or get a visa on arrival at the main international airports and many land borders. Cambodia also asks travelers to fill in a free online e-Arrival card (arrival.gov.kh) within a few days before arriving. To visit the Angkor temples you need an Angkor Pass; a one-day pass costs US$37 (3-day and 7-day passes are also available), and it is sold only at the official ticket centre or online. Fees and rules change, so check the official sites before you travel.

What to do and where to see

Angkor wat

Whether or not you have visited Cambodia before, you must have heard of Angkor Wat, the symbol of the country (it is even on the national flag). Angkor Wat is without a doubt one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Cambodia. With a size measuring 162.6 hectares, it’s a massive Hindu temple complex and is the largest religious monument in the world.

Constructed originally as a Hindu temple in memorial of the god Vishnu for the Khmer Empire, it later was transformed into a Buddhist temple around end of the 12th century. Carrying significant religious meaning for the Cambodians, it’s not only a breath-taking site but a fine classical piece of architecture you shouldn’t miss. Want a guide to explain the carvings? See our Siem Reap and Angkor tours.

Sihanoukville

Located on the eastern part of the Gulf of Thailand, Sihanoukville is Cambodia’s main port city and the gateway to small, offbeat islands such as Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem. Be aware that the city itself has changed a lot since the late 2010s: a wave of casino and high-rise construction replaced much of its old laid-back beach scene, and it has been linked in news reports to online scam operations. Most travelers now just pass through on their way to the islands, which still offer white-sand beaches, snorkelling and diving. Check your government’s latest travel advice before you go, and be wary of any too-good-to-be-true job offers.

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Phnom Penh

As the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh is full of fun activities going on around the clock. To get to know this lovely city, start with its history. Once known as the “Pearl of Asia”, it was considered one of the most charming French built cities in Indochina in the 1920s. Founded in 1372, Phnom Penh is famous for its historical architecture and popular attractions. From fancy bars, cultural centers and galleries to museums, the city simply has it all. A local guide can take you through it on a classic Phnom Penh tour.

Koh Kong

If you are a nature lover, don’t miss out on Koh Kong, a less explored region on Cambodia’s west coast. Considered one of the greenest provinces in the country, there are many popular activities to do such as trekking and water activities. Another thing worth mentioning is that this untouched coast is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Cambodia.

Kampong Cham

A town worth exploring, Kampong Cham sits on the Mekong and keeps a lot of its old French colonial color. When visit Kampong Cham, spend a few hours in the city center to admire its unique beauty of the architecture: which is a mix of French, Chinese, and Khmer. Also, stroll along the river front. Its riverside park is one of the town’s highlights: a breezy walk or a bike ride gives you a relaxing afternoon with the best view of the Mekong. The famous seasonal bamboo bridge to Koh Paen island in the photo was dismantled for the last time in 2017 and replaced by a concrete bridge, but the island and its villages are still a pleasant bike ride away. 

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