Cambodia

Cambodia rewards a thoughtfully paced itinerary. Begin in Siem Reap for Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Prohm, then continue to Phnom Penh for the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and riverside food stalls. If time allows, add Kampot for pepper farms and relaxed riverside evenings, or travel to Koh Rong for beaches and clear water.

For air arrivals, complete Cambodia’s free e-Arrival form through the official government system within seven days before arrival; this applies even if you already hold a visa. Tourist e-Visas are also available online, while requirements can vary by nationality and border crossing, so check official information before departure.

Use Hello’s trip planning tools to map travel days, accommodation and temple visits in one place. Cambodia’s distances can look short on a map but take longer by road, especially during rainy-season downpours. Leave buffer time between destinations rather than trying to fit every highlight into a tight schedule.

Inside cities, tuk-tuks are the classic way to move around, while taxis and ride-hailing services are useful for airport transfers and longer journeys. Agree on a fare before boarding, or book through a recognised app where available. Keep phones and bags away from the open side of a tuk-tuk, particularly in busy Phnom Penh traffic.

Between major destinations, buses and minibuses connect Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang, Kampot and Sihanoukville. Private cars are more comfortable for families or groups, especially when stopping at countryside attractions. Ferries and boats serve some island routes, but schedules can change with weather, so avoid planning an immediate onward connection.

For temple days, hire a tuk-tuk driver for several hours rather than arranging a new ride at every gate. Start early to beat heat and crowds, carry water, and wear shoes suitable for uneven stone steps. Hello budget tracking can help record transport costs in Cambodian riel, while expense splitting keeps shared rides simple.

Cambodian food is fragrant, fresh and far more varied than many visitors expect. Try fish amok, a gently spiced coconut curry steamed in banana leaf; nom banh chok, rice noodles with a herb-rich fish gravy; and lok lak, tender beef served with salad and a sharp lime-pepper dip. In Phnom Penh, explore morning markets for kuy teav noodle soup, grilled meats and tropical fruit. In Kampot, look for dishes featuring the region’s famous pepper.

Street food is part of the experience, but choose busy stalls where ingredients move quickly and cooking is done in front of you. Drink sealed bottled water, carry hand sanitiser and introduce unfamiliar dishes gradually if you have a sensitive stomach. Iced drinks at established cafés are generally an easy refreshment in the heat.

Carry small riel notes for markets, snacks and short tuk-tuk rides. US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, but change may be given in riel, and worn or damaged notes can be refused. Record meals in Hello’s spending tracker to see how your daily food budget is holding up.

Cambodia’s temples are active spiritual places, not simply photographic backdrops. Dress with shoulders and knees covered when visiting Angkor Wat, pagodas and the Royal Palace, and remove shoes where requested. Speak quietly, never climb restricted monuments, and ask before photographing monks or local people. A small greeting in Khmer—“sous-dey”—is warmly received, while a calm smile goes a long way.

The strongest sun arrives around midday, so schedule major temple circuits for early morning and late afternoon. Bring a reusable bottle, sunscreen and a light scarf for dust or sun. In rural areas, stay on established paths and never touch unfamiliar metal objects; Cambodia still has areas affected by unexploded ordnance.

Arrange Hello eSIM connectivity before you land so maps, translation, ride bookings and family messages work without roaming charges. Download essential confirmations offline as well, since signal can weaken on islands and in remote countryside. Keep valuables secure, use authorised ATMs in reputable locations, and avoid quiet streets late at night.