Visa, vaccinations, budget, climate and transport: verified information from our team in Phnom Penh.

Practical information Cambodia

This section brings together the practical information we provide every week to travelers who contact us from Phnom Penh. You'll find details on obtaining a Cambodian visa (e-visa online or visa on arrival at Phnom Penh or Siem Reap airport, around 30 to 36 USD), recommended vaccinations from the Pasteur Institute (hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies depending on itinerary) and an overview of malaria, present only in certain forested border areas. Budget-wise, plan for 80 to 150 USD per day and per person excluding international flights for a trip in mid-range rooms with English-speaking driver-guide, knowing that the riel coexists with the US dollar, used everywhere. We also detail the climate, with the dry season from November to April, the rainy season from May to October, and variations between the coast, the plain and the highlands of the northeast. On transportation, Cyrille and our team based in Phnom Penh explain the actual state of roads (main highways are paved, some Mondulkiri trails require a 4x4 in wet season), domestic flights to Siem Reap, boats on the Mekong and Tonlé Sap. Finally, you'll find our advice on Khmer etiquette (sampeah to greet, covered clothing in temples), daily safety, bottled water being essential, electricity at 230V and reliable 4G connectivity in most regions.

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histoire rois angkor
Practical info

The History of the Kings of Angkor

Before Angkorian civilization spread across Southeast Asia, the region functioned more as a commercial crossroads extending from the Mediterranean to China. Indian and Chinese merchants began arriving in greater numbers, exposing indigenous peoples to their cultures—though it was Indian culture that truly took root.

PalacesBuddhism
khmers rouges
Practical info

The History of the Khmer Rouge: The Beginnings (Part 1)

Vietnamese troops led by several dissident former Khmer Rouge entered Phnom Penh 40 years ago, on January 7, 1979, to end an extremely violent dictatorship that

HistoryCulture
pol pot mao
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The History of the Khmer Rouge: A Measured Rise (Part 2)

From 1964 onwards, two years after taking control of the Cambodian Communist Party then named the Kampuchean Workers' Party, Saloth Sâr and his associates, many former members of the Paris Marxist Circle, were keenly aware of how weak the party's political influence was, largely due to its clandestine status and illegality in Cambodia.

HistoryCulture
FAQ
Practical info

FAQ: Questions About Cambodia

If you have little knowledge of Cambodia and/or wish to prepare your Cambodian journey under the best conditions, discover below our FAQ with a wealth of frequently asked questions about the land of smiles!

Useful TipsEthnic Minorities
femmes jeu eau
Practical info

Planning Your Trip to Cambodia: A Guide to Public Holidays

With a total of 27 public holidays compared to just 11 in France, Cambodia is among the countries with the most public holidays in the world.

PalacesRivers
cambodia flag
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Cambodian Embassies and Consulates

Need a long-stay visa for Cambodia, or are you a national requiring a visa for Cambodia? Looking for additional information about Cambodia? Get in touch with the nearest Cambodian consulate to you.

Before You Go
evisa cambodge
Practical info

Obtaining an e-visa to Travel to Cambodia

Cambodia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has authorized the use of electronic visas for over 4 years now. A practice that is increasingly common worldwide.

Before You Go
application cambodia e arrival
Practical info

Cambodia E-Arrival Registration

Since July 1st, 2024, new arrival procedures for Cambodge have been implemented by the authorities. This new electronic procedure, free but mandatory, aims to replace the paper documents that cabin crew distributed on planes: arrival card, health form, and customs declaration. Note that paper documents are still being distributed in parallel on flights.

Before You Go
creer compte cambodia e arrival 66c453c292d5160ee08c3852
Practical info

How to Register on the Cambodia E-Arrival Application

Since July 1st, 2024, Cambodian authorities have implemented a new procedure for arrivals in Cambodge. This new process aims to streamline and facilitate entry into the country for travelers.

Before You Go
PREPARER SA VALISE2
Practical info

Packing Your Suitcase

Before You Go
SANTE ET VACCINS2
Practical info

Health and Vaccinations in Cambodia

No vaccination is officially mandatory or essential in Cambodia, however the Pasteur Institute recommends the following vaccines:

Before You Go
enfants angkor wat cover
Practical info

Traveling with Children to Cambodia

Cambodia is a perfectly suited destination for family travel. Like anywhere, certain demanding activities are strongly discouraged for children under 14-16 years old. The country offers

CyclingUseful Tips
LIVRES SUR LE CAMBODGE2
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Books on Cambodge

Culture
VENIR AU CAMBODGE2
Practical info

Getting to Cambodia

To reach Cambodia, more than a dozen airlines operate flights to the country's international airports—notably Phnom Penh (Pochentong) and Siem Reap. However, none of them offer direct flights to Cambodia, so you'll typically need one or two stopovers depending on your chosen airline.

Transport
PHOTOGRAPHIE VIDEO
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Photography and Video in Cambodia

Useful Tips
photo avantages basse haute saison
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The Advantages of Low and High Season

Traveling to Cambodia can raise many questions about choosing the right time. High or low season. Sunshine and heat, or rain and flooding? It's not quite that simple, and many preconceptions can influence your choice. Let's clarify and challenge some hasty judgments by focusing on the advantages of traveling during both seasons.

Climate & SeasonsIslands
BackyardCafé PP
Practical info

Eating Vegetarian in Cambodia

Whether driven by personal conviction, preference, or medical necessity, eating vegetarian in Cambodia can be challenging. Khmer cuisine typically includes fish or meat in most dishes. Here are our favorite addresses in Phnom Penh, Kampot, Siem Reap, and Battambang—Cambodia's most important cities—to satisfy your appetite while eating vegetarian.

Culture
ARGENT AU CAMBODGE
Practical info

Money in Cambodia

Money in Cambodia, or the national currency, is the Riel. Banknotes come in denominations of 100, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000 and 50,000 riels. The 2,000 and 20,000 riel notes are much more recent than

Budget & Money

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Frequently asked questions

The answers to the most frequently asked questions from our travellers.

Yes, a visa is required. You have two options: **E-visa:** Apply online approximately three days before departure. The e-visa is valid for 30 days and can be used at major international airports and land border crossings. **Visa on arrival:** Available at international airports and main land border crossings. You will need a valid passport, one blank page, and a passport-sized photograph. Payment is in cash. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry and must have at least one blank page. For stays exceeding 30 days, an extension may be possible through local agencies. Please verify current visa requirements, fees, and procedures with the embassy or consulate of your destination country and with your own country's authorities before travelling.

No vaccines are mandatory upon entry, except yellow fever if you are coming from a country where it is circulating. Our team recommends updating your DTP-pertussis vaccination, and planning for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and rabies if you intend to visit rural areas or stay for an extended period. Japanese encephalitis should be discussed for prolonged trips during the rainy season in rice paddies. Malaria remains present in forested border areas (Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri, Preah Vihear), but not in Angkor, Phnom Penh, or coastal regions. Dengue circulates year-round, making insect repellents and long sleeves at dusk essential. A consultation at an international vaccination center 4 to 6 weeks before departure allows for protocol adjustment.

Excluding international flights, budget between USD 80 and 150 per day per person for comfortable travel with mid-range accommodations, private driver and guides at major sites. For simpler, independent travel, expect around USD 40 to 60 per day. As an indication: a meal in a local restaurant costs USD 4 to 8, a city tuk-tuk ride USD 2 to 5, entry to Angkor Park USD 37 for one day or USD 62 for three days, a flight Phnom Penh–Siem Reap approximately USD 90. Charming hotels range from USD 50 to 120 per night for a double room. The US dollar is accepted widely; the riel is used for change.

The dry season, from November to April, remains the most comfortable period, with peak visitor numbers between December and February, when temperatures reach a maximum of 30°C and nights are cooler. March and April become very hot, up to 38°C in Angkor. The rainy season, from May to October, should not be ruled out: showers fall mainly in the late afternoon, vegetation is lush, rice paddies are flooded, and sites are less crowded. September and October offer the highest water levels on the Tonlé Sap, ideal for floating villages. We simply avoid the roads in Mondulkiri in July and August, which can be difficult. For Angkor, a sunrise in January remains a privileged moment.

The main routes between Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang, Kampot and Sihanoukville are paved and accessible year-round, by private minivan or car with driver. Allow 5 to 6 hours of driving between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, 4 hours to Kampot. The domestic flight Phnom Penh-Siem Reap (45 minutes) with Cambodia Angkor Air or Sky Angkor saves time on short stays. Boats connect Siem Reap to Battambang via the Tonlé Sap during the rainy season, and serve the islands from Sihanoukville. For Mondulkiri or Ratanakiri, a 4x4 is useful in the wet season. In the cities, tuk-tuks and PassApp (local equivalent of Uber) cover most journeys.

Yes, Cambodia is generally safe for travellers, including families. The main precautions concern bag snatching in Phnom Penh (keep bags on the inside away from the street, store phones safely in tuk-tuks) and road traffic, which is heavy and chaotic in cities. Tourist areas are well-managed. Some remote border areas carry a risk of landmines off the beaten path: stay on marked trails, which our guides systematically remind travellers about. In case of any issues, our team is available 24/7 during your stay. We provide a local emergency number upon arrival and a situation briefing before visiting rural areas.

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