5 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Cambodia

The Kingdom of Cambodia is a Southeast Asian country that borders Vietnam to the east, Laos to the north, and Thailand to the west. The country has had a volatile and unpredictable history, and it continues to suffer from extreme poverty. Overall, security has improved significantly, allowing more visitors to safely visit and explore Cambodia’s spectacular temples and beaches. If you’re planning a vacation to Cambodia, make sure you go in with an open mind and an adventurous attitude. Things don’t always go as planned in Cambodia, and the more you can relax and go with the flow, the better your trip will be.

It’s a place full of opportunities for discovery and unforgettable encounters. This post has collated 5 vital Cambodia travel ideas to help you plan an unforgettable holiday.

About Cambodia

Cambodia is located in the center of Southeast Asia. This diverse country captivates with its ancient history and spectacular natural beauty, making it an enticing destination for everyone looking for an unforgettable vacation experience. It is internationally recognized for iconic structures such as the grand temples of Angkor Wat, which give testament to a long and fascinating history.

But Cambodia has more to offer than just ancient sites and magnificent temple complexes. The country welcomes you to enjoy its rich culture, which includes genuine local hospitality, delicious Khmer cuisine, and traditional music. While it is also a popular backpacking location and a regularly frequented stop on a Southeast Asia tour, it also has its allure. Cambodia is evolving as a versatile country that appeals to all types of travelers as tourism grows and luxury facilities, boutique hotels, and contemporary hotspots are developed.

Cambodia’s distinct combination of natural beauty, rich history, and authentic experiences make it a must-see vacation destination. Whether you’re looking for culture, nature, adventure, or a combination of the three, Cambodia is the place to be. Given the abundance of attractions, my first advice is to plan your trip thoroughly. That does not mean arranging every detail, but rather focusing on the basics. Here are ten Cambodia travel recommendations for a great vacation.

5 things you should know before visiting Cambodia

1. How to travel to Cambodia

A commonly used way to travel from anywhere in the world to Cambodia is by plane. Fortunately, there are direct flights available from Vietnam to Cambodia, but the schedule and duration might change depending on various factors, so you will always have to check the information with the airline. Be prepared for a long travel time and factor this in when planning your Cambodia itinerary.

In Cambodia, there are two international airports: Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Since we arranged our flights from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you can choose airlines like Vietnam Airlines, Thai Airways, or Cambodia Angkor. Fly into Siem Reap for the outbound journey and depart from Phnom Penh for the return journey. This significantly reduces overland travel time during your Cambodia trip.

An alternative option is to fly to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City and then take a bus to Cambodia (Phnom Penh or Siem Reap). While bus tickets are considerably cheaper than plane tickets, keep in mind that the bus travel time is approximately 12 hours or more.

2. Passport, Visa, and Vaccinations

To travel to Cambodia, you will need many travel documents in addition to your plane ticket.

Make sure you have a foreign passport that is valid for at least six months after your scheduled departure date.
A visa is required for travel to Cambodia, and you may apply for one online in advance.

In terms of health measures, fundamental immunizations such as DTP and hepatitis A and B should be kept up to date. Malaria protection may also be required in the areas you intend to visit. For guidance on appropriate drugs and immunizations, speak with your medical practitioner or a specialized travel clinic.

3. How to get around in Cambodia?

My favorite way to travel is by car, but I do not recommend renting a car in Cambodia. The traffic is chaotic, and the roads are not consistently well-maintained.

But no worries, bus transportation in Cambodia is well-organized. Various bus companies provide transportation at regular times. You can use transport applications to book your travel. The app provides an overview of all possible ways to travel from one destination to another. This way, we could always book our trip, choose our seats, and pay online a few days in advance. This process was always smooth and saved us a lot of time since we didn’t have to figure this information out on-site.

You can use the Grab application for city journeys. Within a city, we relied on Grab, the Asian counterpart of Uber. The Grab app is easy to install on your smartphone and links to your credit card. With this app, we could indicate our pick-up and drop-off locations, choose the type of transportation, and see the price immediately.

4. The greatest time to visit Cambodia

The best time to visit Cambodia depends on the type of experience you seek, as the country has varied climatic seasons throughout the year.

In general, the best time to visit Cambodia is between November and February. During these months, the weather is cool and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. This is the dry season, which makes attractions more accessible and decreases the risk of rain.

Spring, from March to May, is characterized by rising temperatures, with peaks reaching 35 degrees Celsius. This is the hottest season, and it can be rather humid. However, during this time, many of Angkor Wat’s lovely flowers blossom, providing a vibrant and stunning landscape.

Cambodia’s rainy season lasts from June to October, with peak precipitation in July and September. While the rain showers might be strong at times, the rainy season provides a lush green environment that is great for nature lovers. However, be warned that some roads can be difficult to maneuver, and access to some outlying sights may be limited.

In short, the optimal time to travel is determined by your unique interests and the experiences you want to have. If you want to explore the sights and have nice weather, the months of November to February are perfect, while the rainy season provides unique natural vistas for daring travelers.

5. Book accommodation in Cambodia

Whether you prefer luxurious resorts, an intimate boutique hotel, or the comfortable environment of a guesthouse, Cambodia offers a broad range of lodgings that will undoubtedly fit your demands.

In dynamic cities like Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, you’ll find a diverse assortment of lodgings at various pricing points. Unique resorts in regions like as Koh Rong, famed for its gorgeous beaches, and Kampot, surrounded by lush Cambodian countryside, offer a relaxing ambiance. There are also traditional guesthouses and homestays throughout the nation with friendly local hosts who will immerse you in Cambodian culture.

Despite its dark history, Cambodia is now a secure and friendly destination for travelers from all over the world. In recent years, the tourism industry has thrived, and the Cambodian government has made concerted efforts to reduce crime and enhance safety conditions. As a result, tourist hubs such as Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, and Phnom Penh are now heavily guarded, and violent attacks against tourists are uncommon. Of course, no country is fully risk-free, but Cambodia is a relatively safe place to visit, particularly for women and solitary backpackers.