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Asia / Southeast Asia

Cambodia

Angkor Wat temples and Mekong river life. As part of Southeast Asia in Asia, Cambodia suits travelers drawn to big cities and historic. Use this guide to plan where to go, when to visit, and how to structure your days.

Cambodia

Start exploring.

Best time to visit: Nov – Mar

Siem Reap

Siem Reap is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Cambodia, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

Phnom Penh

Plan at least a full day in Phnom Penh to enjoy its main sights, local food, and surrounding scenery.

Tonlé Sap

Tonlé Sap is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Cambodia, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

Koh Rong

Koh Rong pairs well with nearby highlights on a Southeast Asia route through Cambodia.

What it is known for
facts
  • Angkor Wat temple complex at sunrise
  • Khmer Rouge history at Tuol Sleng and Killing Fields
  • Floating villages on Tonlé Sap lake
  • Amok fish steamed in banana leaf
  • Silk weaving and silver craft in Siem Reap workshops
key City
name
Siem Reap
label
Most popular city
why
Every visitor passes through this town to reach Angkor's temples, night markets, and circus performances before heading to Phnom Penh.
Places to visit
  • area
    Siem Reap
    attractions
    • name
      Angkor Wat
      duration
      Full day
      book Ahead
      Buy Angkor Pass before entry; start at sunrise for fewer crowds.
    • name
      Angkor Thom
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Ta Prohm
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Bayon Temple
      duration
      45 minutes to 1.5 hours
      book Ahead
      Usually walk-in; modest dress required. Donations welcome at active worship sites.
  • area
    Phnom Penh
    attractions
    • name
      Royal Palace
      duration
      2-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Book timed entry 2-4 weeks ahead for popular palaces in peak season.
    • name
      Silver Pagoda
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
      duration
      1.5-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Book timed entry 1-2 weeks ahead for major museums; same-day often fine off-season.
    • name
      Wat Phnom
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
  • area
    Tonlé Sap
    attractions
    • name
      Kompong Phluk Floating Village
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary
      duration
      4-8 hours
      book Ahead
      Book park permits or safari slots 1-7 days ahead in peak season.
    • name
      Chong Kneas
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Tonlé Sap Lake
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
  • area
    Koh Rong
    attractions
    • name
      Long Set Beach
      duration
      2-4 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; arrive early in peak season for parking and space.
    • name
      Police Beach
      duration
      2-4 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; arrive early in peak season for parking and space.
    • name
      Koh Rong Sanloem
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Bioluminescent Plankton Bay
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
Itineraries
  • title
    Cambodia Highlights Express
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Siem Reap
    • Phnom Penh
    • Tonlé Sap
    highlights
    • Full day discovering Siem Reap
    • Full day discovering Phnom Penh
    • Full day discovering Tonlé Sap
    best For
    Weekend warriors and short trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Siem Reap
      description
      Land in Siem Reap, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Cambodia trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Phnom Penh
      description
      Dedicate the day to Phnom Penh: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Tonlé Sap and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Tonlé Sap visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Classic Cambodia
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Siem Reap
    • Phnom Penh
    • Tonlé Sap
    • Koh Rong
    highlights
    • Cover Siem Reap and Phnom Penh
    • Explore Tonlé Sap
    • Explore Koh Rong
    best For
    Urban explorers and culture fans
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Siem Reap
      description
      Land in Siem Reap, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Cambodia trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Phnom Penh
      description
      Dedicate the day to Phnom Penh: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Explore Tonlé Sap
      description
      Dedicate the day to Tonlé Sap: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      4
      title
      Koh Rong and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Koh Rong visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Cambodia Beaches & Coast
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Siem Reap
    • Phnom Penh
    • Tonlé Sap
    highlights
    • Coastal day in Siem Reap
    • Coastal day in Phnom Penh
    • Coastal day in Tonlé Sap
    best For
    Sun seekers, swimmers, and coastal road trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Siem Reap
      description
      Check in near the shore and take a relaxed walk along the waterfront. Swim or sunbathe if conditions allow, then settle into a seaside dinner in Siem Reap.
    • day
      2
      title
      Phnom Penh coast
      description
      Spend the day on Phnom Penh's shoreline: Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, with time for cafés, boat trips, or sunset views.
    • day
      3
      title
      Tonlé Sap and farewell
      description
      Enjoy a final beach morning in Tonlé Sap, visiting Kompong Phluk Floating Village, Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary, Chong Kneas before you depart Cambodia.
  • title
    Cambodia Countryside
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Siem Reap
    • Phnom Penh
    • Tonlé Sap
    • Koh Rong
    highlights
    • Rural stop: Siem Reap
    • Rural stop: Phnom Penh
    • Rural stop: Tonlé Sap
    • Rural stop: Koh Rong
    best For
    Nature lovers, hikers, and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Siem Reap
      description
      Reach Siem Reap, drop bags at a rural stay, and take a short walk through nearby villages or trails to get oriented.
    • day
      2
      title
      Phnom Penh countryside
      description
      Explore Phnom Penh at an easy pace: Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      3
      title
      Tonlé Sap countryside
      description
      Explore Tonlé Sap at an easy pace: Kompong Phluk Floating Village, Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary, Chong Kneas with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      4
      title
      Koh Rong and farewell
      description
      Wrap up with a slow morning in Koh Rong, stopping at Long Set Beach, Police Beach, Koh Rong Sanloem before heading home.
  • title
    Cambodia Monuments & Hot Spots
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Phnom Penh
    • Siem Reap
    • Tonlé Sap
    highlights
    • Must-see: Royal Palace
    • Must-see: Silver Pagoda
    • Must-see: Angkor Wat
    • Must-see: Angkor Thom
    best For
    Sightseeing, history buffs, and first-time landmark hunters
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Icons of Phnom Penh
      description
      Start in Phnom Penh with Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, buying timed tickets ahead when possible and finishing with a walk through the historic center.
    • day
      2
      title
      Siem Reap monuments
      description
      Focus on Siem Reap's tourist favorites: Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      3
      title
      Tonlé Sap landmarks and farewell
      description
      Catch any remaining must-sees in Tonlé Sap, including Kompong Phluk Floating Village, Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary, Chong Kneas, before your departure.
When to go & typical weather
summary
November through March is cool dry season in Cambodia, ideal for Angkor Wat sunrise tours, Phnom Penh riverfront, and Koh Rong beaches without monsoon flooding. December-January is peak; February still dry with rising heat.
typical Weather
Siem Reap/Phnom Penh Nov-Mar: highs 30-32°C (86-90°F), lows 22-24°C (72-75°F), 10-30 mm rain, humidity 60-70%. Angkor dawn can feel cool at 20°C (68°F).
details
  • Dec-Jan peak at Angkor; buy temple pass online when possible.
  • Apr-May hottest before monsoon; still visitable with early starts.
  • Jun-Oct monsoon: fewer crowds, lush moats, afternoon downpours.
  • Khmer New Year (Apr) closes many businesses; domestic travel surges.
most Affordable
period
May – Oct
summary
Monsoon green season offers Cambodia's lowest Angkor and beach rates when afternoon rains suppress tourism and Siem Reap hotels discount heavily. May and September-October shoulder within wet season provide best value.
details
  • Siem Reap hotels discount 40-50% in Sep-Oct monsoon.
  • Angkor guided tours cheaper with fewer group bookings.
  • Koh Rong island bungalows cut rates in wet season.
  • Phnom Penh boutique hotels offer monsoon promotions.
most Expensive
period
Dec – Jan
summary
Cool dry-season peak fills Siem Reap and Phnom Penh when Angkor sunrise crowds and international holiday travelers compete for limited boutique hotel capacity. Christmas and New Year weeks see highest temple pass and guide rates.
details
  • Siem Reap hotels sell out at peak Dec-Jan rates.
  • Angkor sunrise tour operators charge premium in dry peak.
  • Khmer New Year (Apr) also spikes domestic travel and hotel rates.
  • Flights from Bangkok and regional hubs cost most Dec-Jan.
Airports & arrivals
summary
Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports serve the capital and Angkor temples.
airports
  • name
    Phnom Penh International Airport
    code
    PNH
    location
    Phnom Penh
    distance From Center
    10 km (6 mi) west of central Phnom Penh
    transfer Note
    Taxis and tuk-tuks reach riverside hotels
  • name
    Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport
    code
    SAI
    location
    Siem Reap
    distance From Center
    40 km (25 mi) east of Angkor Wat
    transfer Note
    Taxis and hotel pickups serve temple visitors
Getting around
overview
Cambodia combines rail, urban transit, and buses; ride-hailing apps operate in major cities where available.
trains
  • name
    Royal Railway
    description
    National or regional rail serving Cambodia.
    ticketing
    Buy tickets at station counters, rail websites, or apps.
ferries
    subways
      public Transit
      • name
        Phnom Penh City Bus
        kind
        public
        description
        Capital bus routes on numbered lines.
        ticketing
        Use transit cards or mobile tickets at gates.
      • name
        Giant Ibis
        kind
        public
        description
        Intercity coaches to Siem Reap and coast.
        ticketing
        Pay cash or use transit cards when boarding.
      ride Share
      • name
        PassApp
        kind
        taxi-app
        description
        Taxi and tuk-tuk booking in Phnom Penh.
        ticketing
        Book via PassApp.
      • name
        Grab
        kind
        rideshare
        description
        Ride-hailing in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
        ticketing
        Book via Grab app.
      Currency
      code
      KHR
      name
      Cambodian riel
      symbol
      ៛
      note
      Carry some cambodian riel in cash for taxis and markets; card acceptance is strongest in major cities and tourist areas.

      Convert your travel budget ↗

      Visas & official entry links
      Local customs
      summary
      Cambodia is Buddhist, gentle in public manner, and sensitive about the Khmer Rouge era. Angkor temples require modest dress and quiet respect. The head is sacred; feet are low and should not point at people or Buddha images.
      customs
      • Sampeah palm greeting is appreciated, especially with elders.
      • Monks receive priority seating and should not be touched by women.
      • Temple visits require covered shoulders and knees.
      dos
      • Remove shoes and hats before entering temple buildings.
      • Ask before photographing monks and rural families.
      • Use tuk-tuks from reputable stands attached to hotels when possible.
      • Carry small USD or riel for temples, tips, and rural purchases.
      • Dress modestly in Phnom Penh palaces and pagodas.
      donts
      • Do not touch anyone's head, including children.
      • Do not point feet at Buddha statues or monks.
      • Do not fly drones at Angkor without a permit; fines apply.
      • Do not give money to child beggars; it can fuel exploitation.
      • Do not make jokes about the Khmer Rouge or genocide memorials.
      Useful travel phrases
      language
      Khmer
      phrases
      • english
        Please
        local
        សូម
        pronunciation
        Som
      • english
        Thank you
        local
        អរគុណ
        pronunciation
        Orkun
      • english
        Yes
        local
        បាទ/ចាស
        pronunciation
        Ba/Cha
      • english
        No
        local
        ទេ
        pronunciation
        Te
      • english
        How much?
        local
        តម្លៃប៉ុន្មាន?
        pronunciation
        Tamlay ponman?
      • english
        Where is the nearest restaurant or bar?
        local
        ភោជនីយដ្ឋាន ឬបារដែលនៅជិតបំផុតនៅឯណា?
        pronunciation
        Pochoniyathan rue bar del neu chit bamphot now aena?
      • english
        Where is the airport?
        local
        អាកាសយានដ្ឋាននៅឯណា?
        pronunciation
        Akasayondthan now aena?
      • english
        I need help
        local
        ខ្ញុំត្រូវការជំនួយ
        pronunciation
        Khnhom trau kar chomnuoy
      • english
        I need a hospital
        local
        ខ្ញុំត្រូវការមន្ទីរពេទ្យ
        pronunciation
        Khnhom trau kar montir pet
      • english
        Call the police
        local
        ហៅប៉ូលីស
        pronunciation
        Hau polis
      Longer stays
      visa Summary
      U.S. citizens may obtain a visa on arrival or an e-visa for tourism stays of 30 days, extendable in country for an additional fee. Business visas and ordinary visas can lead to long-term residence when tied to employment, marriage, or retirement with recurring extensions. Cambodia adjusts visa fees and extension policies regularly, so confirm current rules with immigration offices or official e-visa portals.

      Practical tips.

      • Buy an Angkor pass at the official booth outside the park gate and keep it with you for daily temple checks.
      • Use tuk-tuks with agreed fares in riel or U.S. dollars before starting trips around Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
      • Avoid tap water and use bottled water even for brushing teeth in provincial towns.
      More travel tips ↗

      Locate Cambodia.

      Location map of Cambodia

      Before you go.

      Check current entry requirements and travel conditions with official sources before booking. Read the current U.S. State Department advisory for Cambodia ↗