Cambodia offers a fascinating journey, but there are important things to know before traveling to Cambodia to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. This vibrant Southeast Asian country offers a wealth of cultural, historical, and natural attractions, from the ancient temples of Angkor Wat to the bustling streets of Phnom Penh and the serene beaches of Koh Rong. However, understanding local customs and etiquette can help you avoid cultural misunderstandings and show proper respect. Whether it’s your first visit or a return adventure, this Cambodia travel guide will provide everything you need to know for a well-prepared and enjoyable trip to this country.
Best time to visit
The best time to travel to Cambodia is during the dry season, from November to February. The temperature is very cool and pleasant from 24 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius, there is almost no rain with light sunshine all day, very suitable for outdoor activities and sightseeing. However, this is also the peak season so prices will be high and you should book accommodation and transportation in advance.
From March to May is the hot season in Cambodia with higher average temperatures and some days will be quite hot. This is the ideal time for those who love to explore beaches and islands such as Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem,… you can also visit temples in the early morning to avoid the heat.
Cambodia weather
Communication and language
The official language of Cambodia is Khmer. However, in famous tourist destinations or big cities, you can still communicate with people in English. Besides, you can learn some common phrases to communicate with local people such as: Chom reap sour – Hello (formal), Susadei – Hello (informal), Arkun – Thank you, Bo man – How much,…
Cambodia is a country with its own customs and culture, so you need to pay attention to some issues in daily communication such as:
- When greeting someone of higher or equal status: Put your hands together in front of your chest as if worshiping, and bow your head slightly. (This is the Sompiah greeting). If a Cambodian greets you this way, you should respond in the same way.
- You can lightly kiss a woman on both cheeks to greet her when in Cambodia.
- You should not touch a child’s head, because in Cambodia the head is an important part, only the father, mother, and gods are allowed to touch it.
- You should not give objects with your left hand because this is considered unclean, so you should give them with your right hand.
- Avoid mentioning sensitive topics, especially the genocide and the Khmer Rouge to avoid offending the locals
Sompiah greeting
Cultural etiquette
Greeting
In Cambodia, the traditional greeting is Som Pas, where people press their palms together, lift their hands to chest level, and bow slightly. The height of the hands and the depth of the bow reflect the level of respect. Cambodians say Choum Reap Sur (Hello) when meeting and Choum Reap Lir (Goodbye) when leaving. Not returning a Som Pas is considered impolite, similar to rejecting a handshake in Western culture. Although Western customs like handshaking are becoming more common among men, Cambodian women often stick to traditional greetings and are reluctant to shake hands, especially with the opposite sex.
In formal settings, people are called Lok (Mr.) or Lok Srey (Mrs.) followed by their given or full name, because using the family name alone is considered impolite. Informally, Cambodians use family-like terms such as Ta (grandfather) or Ming (aunt) to address older people, or Bang (brother/sister) for peers, especially when unsure of the other person’s age.
Cambodia people in the traditional way of greeting
Entering temples
In particular, if you plan to visit temples or religious sites, you need to wear clothes that cover your shoulders and legs, avoid wearing colorful clothing or too much perfume. When entering a temple, you should leave your shoes and sandals outside the door.
In solemn places such as temples, when sitting down, you should put two needles on one side, and not cross your legs. When praying, you should also take off your hat and cap and sit in a lower position than the monks.
Women are not allowed to touch monks. If a woman wants to give something to a monk, it must be placed within the monk’s reach, not given directly to the monk. Never stand when talking to seated monks. It shows grave disrespect. Do not touch a Buddha statue or stand on the altar because it is considered as a sacred object.
Remember to sit lower than the monks
Entering a Cambodian house
Before entering the house, put your shoes aside and take off your hat because Cambodians only wear hats to protect from the sun and rain, not for fashion. Therefore, this is considered impolite.
If you are invited to a family meal, follow their eating habits and do not step over the food. If possible, bring a gift to show your appreciation but avoid giving knives under any circumstances.
put your shoes aside before entering a house
Visa requirements
To get to Cambodia, you will need a visa, but the process is quite simple with a number of options available. Visas on arrival (VOA) are available to citizens of most countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia and EU countries. It costs US$30 and requires a passport valid for at least 6 months and a fee paid in cash. The VOA is valid for 30 days and can be extended once for a further 30 days.
Moreover, visitors can apply for an e-visa online through Cambodia’s official portal, which costs around US$36. E-visas typically take 3 business days to process and are valid for 30 days, single entry, with a 90-day entry requirement from the date of issue. This visa is accepted at major international airports and some land borders with Thailand and Vietnam.
Visitors should avoid overstaying as fines are US$10 per day. You should carry US dollars to pay for visa fees, especially at land borders where credit cards are rarely accepted, and use reputable agents to extend your visa. Understanding these visa options will ensure a smooth entry and the best experience in Cambodia.
Cambodia tourist visa
Currency and payment in Cambodia
While the riel is the official currency, the US dollar is accepted throughout Cambodia, especially in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants and shopping malls. You can usually pay for goods and services in USD and change will be given in riel. However, some smaller local shops and markets only accept riel.
Cash is the most common form of payment in Cambodia, widely used in shops, markets, hotels, restaurants, etc. You can exchange money at ATMs, banks, airports, hotels for a small fee. You can also pay by bank transfer or visa card at restaurants, hotels and major shopping malls.
Cambodia currency
How to travel around Cambodia
There are not many types of transportation in Cambodia, but they are quite convenient and cheap. Some popular means of transportation are:
Tuk tuk
Tuk tuk is one of the most popular means of transportation in Cambodia. This is a three-wheeled vehicle with a cabin attached to the back, which is quite famous in Asian countries. The vehicle travels at a speed that is not too fast, making it easy to weave through crowded streets and alleys in the city. In particular, the cost of traveling by tuk tuk is very cheap. However, you should still negotiate the price with the driver before starting.
Taxi
If you need to go somewhere urgently, you can choose to travel by taxi. However, taxis in Cambodia do not have a meter to calculate the fare, so you need to negotiate the price in advance or ask the hotel receptionist to book a car.
Rent a car or motorbike
If you want a more private and comfortable trip, you can rent a car or motorbike to travel according to your preferences. You need to learn about traffic laws in Cambodia in advance and have an international driving license to have a safe trip.
Bus
Traveling around Cambodia by bus is an affordable and convenient way to explore the country, with reliable routes connecting major cities like Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville.
Buses range from express services with air conditioning and Wi-Fi to minivans and night buses offering sleeper seats for long-distance travel. You can buy tickets at bus terminals, company offices, or websites. Journeys vary in length, with Phnom Penh to Siem Reap taking 5-6 hours, while longer routes, such as Siem Reap to Sihanoukville, may take up to 12 hours. Although buses are generally reliable, travelers should be prepared for occasional delays, especially during the rainy season, and keep valuables close when storing luggage. With scenic views and low cost, buses offer an excellent way to experience Cambodia.
tuk tuk
Budget for traveling through Cambodia
Below are some estimated costs for a trip to Cambodia:
1. Accommodation Costs
Budget hotels/hostels: $10 – $20 USD per night
Mid-range hotels: $30 – $60 USD per night
Luxury hotels/resorts: $100 – $300+ USD per night
2. Transportation Costs
Tuk-tuks (within cities): $2 – $5 USD per ride
Buses/Minivans (between cities): $10 – $20 USD per trip
Domestic flights: $50 – $100 USD (one-way)
Rental bikes/scooters: $5 – $10 USD per day
3. Meal Costs
Street food and local restaurants: $2 – $5 USD per meal
Mid-range restaurants: $8 – $15 USD per meal
High-end restaurants: $30+ USD per meal
4. Entrance Fees and Activities
Angkor Wat pass: $37 USD (1 day) or $62 USD (3 days)
Museums and attractions: $5 – $15 USD per site
Boat tours and excursions: $20 – $50 USD per activity
5. Other Costs
SIM card with data: $5 – $10 USD
Souvenirs and shopping: $30 – $50 USD
Tips and small expenses: $20 – $30 USD
By understanding key things to know before traveling to Cambodia, such as visa requirements, cultural etiquette, and transportation options, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy everything this beautiful country offers. With careful preparation and respect for local customs, your trip will be both enriching and smooth. Contact us now to create the perfect itinerary in Cambodia, leaving you with unforgettable memories and a desire to return!
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