Kingdom of Cambodia

While the awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Angkor Wat temples might be Cambodia’s claim to fame, the country also boasts a treasure trove of other experiences to be had. Lush jungles hide cascading waterfalls, white sandy beaches beckon relaxation, and warm smiles greet you from the locals. Cambodia offers a captivating blend of cultural richness and breathtaking natural beauty.

Steeped in the legacy of the Khmer Empire, Cambodia is a nation on the rise. Re-emerging from a period of hardship, Cambodia is now experiencing a welcome era of stability and while the scars of the Khmer Rouge regime (1970’s) remain a part of Cambodia’s history, the country is resolutely focused on the future.

Flag of Cambodia

Cambodia fast facts:

  • Capital: Phnom Penh
  • Language: Khmer
  • Currency: Riel or USD. $1 USD = 4100 Riel. See current exchange rates.
  • Cambodian weddings can last for 3 days.
  • Dialing code: +855
  • Population: 16.7 Million
  • Flag: Cambodia’s flag is the only one with a building on it.
  • Religion: Buddhist

Visas

A Cambodian tourist visa is easy enough to obtain. You can apply online or if arriving at a land border crossing, at the arrival point. Tourist visas cost in the range of $30-40 USD for a 30-day visit. This can be renewed for another 30 days but be mindful that you tourist visa can only be renewed from Phnom Penh. A lot of travel/tour agencies will assist you with this for a fee. For the most up-to-date information please visit the Smart Travellers website.

Please note: The information above is to be used as a guide only.

When to go? November – May

The best time to visit Cambodia would be during the dry season between November – May. It’ll be hot don’t get me wrong (30-38C) but at least you’ll have nice sunny days and will be able to get out and see the sites, and besides, cold beers always taste better in hot sunny weather. Coming in the wet season you’ll also experience a different side to Cambodia.. Rice fields and jungles are at their most vibrant and thundering waterfalls are plentiful. Please be mindful that Cambodia is hot and humid all year round.

Getting around Cambodia

Depending on the style of traveller you are and the length of time spent in certain locations. I would recommend hiring a scooter/motorbike to get around. They are easy to drive and offer lots of flexibility when exploring new areas. For shorter trips whereby you don’t want to hire a motorbike or don’t feel comfortable doing that – I would recommend using the Grab app. This is the Cambodian equivalent of UBER, whereby you can select a tuk-tuk or car and be given the price upfront (it also has food delivery). Tuk-tuk drivers will often try their luck and give you a made-up price. When in doubt either book through the app or use the app as a bargaining tool.

For longer trips between cities, you can book buses or mini-vans. They are usually cheap BUT the quality can vary hugely. I found the best website for this is Book Away.

As of writing this, these are approximate prices when going from Phnom Penh to other cities of Cambodia.

Within Cambodia Buses from Phnom Penh

  • Phnom Penh – Battambang – Tickets start at $10 USD and upward. Travel time is about 5-7 hours depending on the service chosen. You can also take a train for $9 USD with a travel time of 9-10 hours.
  • Phnom Penh – Kampot – Tickets start at $8 USD and upward. Travel time is about 3 hours.
  • Phnom Penh – Kep – Tickets start at $9 USD with a travel time of 3-5 hours (depending on service chosen).
  • Phnom Penh – Koh Rong – Tickets start at $43 USD and upwards, this includes the ferry from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong. Travel time is 4.5-7 hours (depending on which service you choose and ferry times).
  • Phnom Penh – Siem Reap – Tickets start at $10 USD and upward. Travel time is 6-8 hours depending on the service you choose.
  • Phnom Penh – Sihanoukville – Tickets start at $11 USD and upward. Travel time is about 3-5 hours depending on the service you choose.

Outbound Cambodia Buses from Phnom Penh

  • Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam – Prices start at $25 USD. Travel time is 6-8 hours (varies largely due to the border crossing) and toilet stops are included. Border crossing at Moc Bai Border Station.
  • Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Bangkok, Thailand – Prices start at $26 USD. Travel time varies on service and boarder crossing, you should allow 10-16 hours for your journey. Boarder crossing at Krong Poi Pet.