Southeast Asia
Cambodia
Cheap, easygoing and dollar-friendly: Angkor, Phnom Penh, Kampot and the islands. Easy for solo travelers, but roads are dangerous and land crossings to Thailand remain closed.
- US travel advisoryLevel 2Exercise increased cautionDetails
- Visa8 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyKHRUS$1 ≈ ៛4,053.39Details
- Price level34%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English2/5LimitedDetails
- PlugsType A, C, G230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency117Police 117 · Ambulance 119 · Fire 118
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water; many hotels and cafés have refill stations.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalGenerally tolerant, with small gay scenes in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.Details
- Internet55 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 112 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightBring a 1949 IDP plus your licence for cars and bikes over 125cc; long stays need a Cambodian licence.
Where to go in Cambodia
8 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Siem ReapCity | 4/5 | $1,000–1,700 | Nov–Feb | 53/100 |
| Phnom PenhCapital city | 3/5 | $1,200–2,000 | Nov–Feb | 33/100 |
| Koh RongIsland | 4/5 | $900–1,500 | Nov–Mar | 74/100 |
| KampotTown | 4/5 | $900–1,500 | Nov–Feb | 74/100 |
| SihanoukvilleCity | 3/5 | $1,000–1,600 | Nov–Feb | 55/100 |
| Koh Rong SamloemIsland | 4/5 | $900–1,500 | Nov–Mar | 74/100 |
| BattambangCity | 4/5 | $800–1,300 | Nov–Feb | 73/100 |
| KepTown | 4/5 | $900–1,400 | Nov–Feb | 78/100 |
When to visit Cambodia
November–February is dry and coolest. March–May is very hot; the June–October rains bring green landscapes, fewer crowds and some flooded roads.
Good to know
Entry
- Flying in: submit the free Cambodia e-Arrival card at arrival.gov.kh within 7 days before arrival.
- Tourist e-Visa (30 days) at evisa.gov.kh at least 4 days ahead; visa on arrival also exists, paid in US dollars.
- Land crossings with Thailand have been suspended since the 2025 border fighting; Vietnam and Laos crossings work.
- Long stays: ordinary (E) visa, extendable in-country as an EB visa. Hosts must register guests in the FPCS app.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Zero tolerance on drugs, including cannabis; police raid bars and run urine tests.
- Cover shoulders and knees at Angkor and other temples or you can be refused entry.
- Don't photograph military sites; ask before photographing monks.
Etiquette
- Greet with the sampeah (palms together); don't touch anyone's head.
- Remove shoes before entering homes and temple buildings.
- Women should not touch monks or hand things to them directly.
- Keep calm in disputes; raising your voice loses respect.
Tipping
Not expected but appreciated: round up, $1–2 for tuk-tuk drivers and hotel staff, more for guides.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Cambodia e-Visa (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
- Cambodia e-Arrival
- Bakong Tourists (National Bank of Cambodia)
- UK FCDO travel advice: Cambodia
- Speedtest Global Index: Cambodia
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.