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Destination
Cambodia

Why Cambodia?

For a seriously off-the-beaten-path experience with world-class service, look no further than Cambodia, the “Kingdom of Wonders.” That name certainly isn’t unearned; from the world-renowned (and 8th Wonder of the World), Angkor Wat, to the bustling cities of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, your travelers will be in awe of the land of contrasts, its easy pace of life and constantly-smiling locals.

Cambodia PHNOM PENH KAMPONG CHAM KAMPONG CHHNANG KAMPONG THOM BATTAMBANG SIEM REAP PREAH VIHEAR RATANAKIRI MONDULKIRI CARDAMOM MOUNTAINS KOH RONG SIHANOUKVILLE KAMPOT KEP

Cardamom Mountains

The Cardamom Mountains of Koh Kong and Pursat provinces are said to be the most pristine wilderness area remaining in Southeast Asia. The western edge of the Cardamom region abuts the Thai border, while the easternmost part ends about sixty miles northwest of the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh. The highest point in the range (and in Cambodia) is Mount Aural, at 1,813 meters (5,946 feet). There are five main rivers that run through the Cardamoms, creating dozens of waterfalls. The Cardamoms are considered to represent Southeast Asia’s greatest natural resources in terms of virgin forest and wildlife habitats that have never been fully explored and/or cataloged

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Best time to visit
December to April
Travel Types
Active, Sustainable
Transportation
By car
Suggest activities
Trekking, kayaking, wildlife watching

Koh Rong

Koh Rong as known as Monkey Island is situated about twenty-two kilometers due west of Sihanoukville in the Gulf of Thailand. The island is the second largest island of Cambodia with 43 km of beaches, white sand, coral reefs and many fishes. Koh Rong is 15km long from north to south and is mostly covered by jungle. Its balmy, tropical climate provides a year round temperature of between 27 and 30C and a consistently sublime water temperature that hovers around, where white sands, turquoise waters and uninhabited beaches await your guests.

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Best time to visit
December to May
Travel Types
Beach stay, Family
Transportation
By boat
Suggest activities
Enjoy the beach

Tonle Sap

The Tonle Sap Lake, located in the center-west of the country and a dozen or so kilometers from Siem Reap, is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. It is unique because of its hydraulic flow system, which empties and fills naturally, but at the mercy of the rainy season. The Tonle Sap River, which has the same name as the lake, reverses its flow twice a year. Its surface area increases from 3000 square kilometers during the dry season to a staggering 13,000 square kilometers during the rainy season. This aquatic phenomenon is celebrated every year in the capital during the Bonn Om Tuk, the Water Boat Festival, during which many boat races take place.

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Best time to visit
January to June
Travel Types
Classic, Art & Culture
Transportation
By Boat
Suggest activities

A Cambodian Bliss

Journey through the Khmer civilization

Ratanakiri

Ratanakiri is a northeastern province of Cambodia. Hilly and green, it is the homeland of some ethnic minorities and outstanding biodiversity, as well as many ‘genies’ in the forests, according to the legends. Ratanakiri is also the homeland of many remarkable natural sites: volcanic lakes, waterfalls, and the vast Virachey National Park, which is located in the northern part of the province and is host to an astonishing range of biodiversity – wild elephants and tigers still roam in this protected area!

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Best time to visit
November to February
Travel Types
Classic, Art & Culture, Different Abled
Transportation
By car, boat
Suggest activities
Hiking, biking

Koh Kong

Located in the southwest of Cambodia, at the border with Thailand, Koh Kong province is well-known for several stunning natural sites: the Cardamom Mountains, waterfalls, mangroves, beaches, and the island of Koh Kong. The province of Koh Kong lies between the jungle and the coast, giving it a truly unique biosphere.
The Cardamom Mountains are located in the second largest rain forest on the mainland of Southeast Asia, with exceptional flora and fauna, which makes the area the perfect location for jungle trekking and sightseeing.

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Best time to visit
All year round
Travel Types
Classic, Beach Stay, Differently Abled
Easia Companions

Shinta Mani Wild Tented Camp

Suggest activities
Boat touring, snorkeling

Battambang

Located in the northwest of Cambodia, Battambang is the second largest city in the country.
It is well known for fine examples of colonial architecture, and is perfectly located along the Sangker River. Over the years, the city has developed an artistic quarter; many art galleries, shops, and funky bars will help you discover the modern, artistic side of Cambodia. In fact, the most famous circus of Cambodia, the Phare Ponleu Selpak, was started in Battambang and still has a school located there.

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Best time to visit
July to December
Travel Types
Classic, Art & Culture
Transportation
By car, motobike
Suggest itineraries

Discover the countryside by tuktuk 

Sunset and bat caves at Phnom Sampov 

Ride the Bamboo train 

Kratie

Located in the eastern-central part of the country, and 250 kilometers northeast of Phnom Penh, the province of Kratie boasts a luxuriant, countryside landscape, consisting of orchards of fruit and vegetables, along with countless farm animals. All these scenes of rustic life take place around the famous Mekong River, the lifeblood of the province. A small town of around 100,000 people, Kratie possesses an old-fashioned charm, with its slightly-faded colonial buildings, its market, and its ancient pagodas, one of which is made out of wood and dates to the late 18th century.

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Best time to visit
November to March
Travel Types
Classic, Art & Culture, Sustainable
Transportation
By car, motobike
Suggest activities
Sightseeing, kayaking, biking

Kampong Cham

Kampong Cham is a quiet provincial capital, in the northeast of Cambodia. This city is known as a gateway to the northeastern part of the country and is, particularly, a hub for buses. However, Kampong Cham is also well-known for several pre-Angkorian and Angkorian temples in the province, as well as many fishing communities on the riverbanks of the Mekong, pagodas, and beautiful landscapes dotted with picturesque villages.

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Best time to visit
November to June
Travel Types
Classic, Art & Culture
Nearest Airport
Kampong Cham Airport
Suggest activities
Explore the landmarks

Kampong Chhnang

Located in the northwestern part of Cambodia, Kampong Chhnang is a border province with Phnom Penh.
Kampong Chhnang (“Port of Pottery”) is renowned throughout the entire country for its ceramics. Moreover, rice fields as far as the eye can see, fruit plantations, stilt houses on the banks of the lake, fishermen pulling up their nets at the end of the day – these are all wonderful things that can also be discovered in this truly authentic part of Cambodia. We recommend a visit to the pottery villages, located a few kilometers from the center of Kampong Chhnang. The town, located on the road from Phnom Penh to Battambang on the banks of the Tonle Sap, deserves a visit, if only to admire the few buildings of the colonial era of its old quarter, as well as its incredible floating village.

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Best time to visit
October to December
Travel Types
Classic, Art & Culture
Nearest Airport
Phnom Penh Airport
Suggest activities

Visit floating villages, cycling

Kampot

Located around 140 kilometers southeast of Phnom Penh, the region of Kampot is characterized by its hills and plains covered in lush rice fields, salt marshes, and fruit plantations. As for the township of Kampot, it has been renowned throughout the entire world for its pepper since the early 20th century. This quality product was first famous in France, and then, as the years went by, it has acquired a global reputation, and is nowadays used by many Michelin-star chefs. The charming and peaceful town of Kampot, located on the banks of the River Preaek Tuek Chhu, will seduce you from the start with its colonial architecture, its peaceful streets and its charming hotels.

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Best time to visit
December to March
Travel Types
Classic, Art & Culture, Gastronomy
Transportation
By Car, motobike
Suggest activities
Countryside discovery tuktuk tour ; visit a pepper plantation

Siem Reap

Siem Reap is located in the northwest of the country, in the province of the same name. Siem Reap is known for its proximity to the most important archaeological site in Cambodia: the Angkor Complex. Thus, since the 90s, when the Angkor Complex was designated as the 8th Wonder of the World, Siem Reap, which was hardly reachable back then, has undergone rapid development and become the tourist hub of the country, welcoming an amazing several million visitors each year.

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Best time to visit
December to February
Easia Companions

Jaya House

Navutu Dreams

Suggest activities
Visit the temples by tuktuk; Boat trip to the Tonle Sap Lake, Cycling in the countryside
Travel Types
Classic, Honeymoon, Art & Culture, Gastronomy, Sustainable

Kep

Situated in the southwest of Cambodia and surrounded by Kampot Province and the sea, Kep is the smallest province in Cambodia. Famous and well-known during the French protectorate, “Kep sur Mer” was the most popular beach town in Cambodia at the time.
Unfortunately, the Khmer Rouge period destroyed many of the prestigious colonial villas. However, one can still witness some of the town’s former splendor through its architecture and charm. Kep also has some remarkable natural wonders: Kep National Park, Rabbit Island and its secluded beaches, rice and salt fields, as well as a coastline rich in fish and crabs. The best places to savor the various seafood delights and the excellent crab with Kampot pepper are the restaurants located close to the crab market!

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Best time to visit
July to December
Travel Types
Art & Culture, Gastronomy, Beach Stay
Transportation
By car, motobike
Suggest activities
Koh Tonsay Island / Crab market / Kep National park

Mondulkiri

Mondulkiri province is in the wild East of the country, sharing a border with Vietnam. This is the most sparsely-populated province in the whole country, despite being the largest one. The capital of the province is Sen Monorom, a small city, partly adapted to western tourism, but still very authentic. Other attractions include encounters with elephants and visiting hidden waterfalls, including the very famous Bousra Waterfall. More and more associations have been created to promote and preserve this natural environment and local cultures of the different minorities that are living in Mondulkiri.

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Best time to visit
November to February
Travel Types
Art & Culture, Differently Abled
Nearest Airport
Phnom Penh Airport
Transportation
By car, motobike

Capital: Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, is located in the center of the country, at the confluence of the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers – a strategic place chosen after the decline of Angkor as a capital. Phnom Penh has survived through the ages, and in fact developed throughout all periods that had an impact on Cambodia, whether positive or negative. During the French protectorate, many colonial buildings were erected, such as the National Library, the Central Market, the Royal Palace, and the National Museum. During the Khmer Rouge period, many buildings were deserted, and others, such as the S21 and the Killing Fields, were converted into Khmer Rouge quarters.

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Best time to visit
November to February
Travel Types
Classic, Art & Culture, Gastronomy, Sustainable
Suggest activities
Sunset cruises , architecture tours
Nearest Transportation
Phnom Penh International Airport

Pursat

Pursat is the fourth largest province in Cambodia, located between Tonle Sap and the Cardamom Mountain range. It is renowned throughout Cambodia for its sculpture artists, who work on marble, soapstone, and wood. As it’s also an agricultural region, we can see, depending on the season, lush green and yellow expanses made up of many sugar palms growing amongst the plantations or on the road side.
Located on the road between Phnom Penh and Battambang, and built by the French during the French protectorate, the city of Pursat, with its colonial architecture, hosts some of the workshops of the region’s best sculpture artists.

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Best time to visit
November to March
Travel Types
Art & Culture
Suggest activities
Explore the landmarks and local visit
Nearest Transportation
Phnom Penh International Airport

Sihanoukville

Located on the Southern coast of Cambodia, Sihanoukville is the first beach destination in the country, due to its white sandy beaches and the tropical islands that face the city. Sihanoukville, named after the King Norodom Sihanouk, was built in 1955 to allow Cambodia to have its first deep-water port. Since then, the city has become the most popular place to relax, on its idyllic beaches and islands. Indeed, tourists, Khmer people, and expats alike enjoy their leisure time side by side on one of the seven beaches of Sihanoukville to relax and enjoy the sun. Furthermore, the city has developed as the jumping-off point to Cambodia’s southern islands, and so the city itself offers a wide choice of accommodation options and restaurants and in the downtown area, as well as shopping facilities and nightlife.

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Best time to visit
December to March
Travel Types
Gastronomy, Beach Stay
Suggest activities
Go to the islands
Transportation
By car

Preah Vihear

Preah Vihear Province borders Thailand and Laos to the North – a vast province known as the “mother of mountain temples”, with three of the most remarkable Angkorian legacies of Cambodia, and many other temples dispersed around the province. Prasat Preah Vihear is the most famous in the province, with a breathtaking view of the Cambodian countryside and Phnom Kulen, a famous mountain, north of Siem Reap on the horizon. Preah Kan, which covers almost 5 square kilometers, is the largest temple enclosure built during the Angkorian era, in the 9th century. Moreover, Koh Ker was the former capital of the Angkorian Empire.

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Best time to visit
January to April
Travel Types
Art & Culture
What to do
Explore the landmarks, visit wildlife sanctuary
Transportation
By car

Kampong Thom

Kampong Thom is a province located near the Tonle Sap Lake, to the northeast of Phnom Penh and to the southeast of Siem Reap. This province is, first of all, known for its provincial capital of the same name, located on the road between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, which is a good stopover during a long journey. The city is recognized for the several Angkorian and pre-Angkorian sites which surround the city. Indeed, the province of Kampong Thom is one in which contains the most scattered temples, after Siem Reap’s province and Preah Vihear. The most famous temple here is Sambor Prei Kuk, a beautiful structure now captured in trees’ roots

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Best time to visit
November to June
Travel Types
Classic, Art & Culture
Suggest activities
Visit Sambor Prei Kuk
Nearest Airport
Phnom Penh airport & Siem Reap airport

Quick facts

Neighbouring countries: Bordered to the east by Vietnam, to the north by Laos and to the west and northwest by Thailand.
Area: 181 035 km2
Population: 16,480,916  inhabitants (2019, World Bank)
Religion: Buddhism (official religion, more than 90%), Islam (2.5%), Christianity
Currency: Riel and US Dollar. $1= 4,052.73 KHR (Jan 2020)
Capital: Phnom Penh
National Day: Cambodia doesn’t have one national day like countries in Europe; however the Independence of Cambodia is celebrated on the 9th of November.
Electric Plug Used: 230V and 50Hz,there are three associated plug types, A, C and G. Plug type A is the plug which has two flat parallel pins, plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type G is the plug with three rectangular pins, in a triangular pattern

Visa & travel permissions

Having a visa is compulsory for any traveler entering Cambodia. The visa can be obtained directly upon arrival at Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap international airports.
Caution: Travelers with a passport from Afghanistan, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, and Nigeria are not allowed to apply for a visa on arrival. Therefore, holders of these passports must apply for a Cambodian visa before arriving in the country.
Holders of these passports are also required to present the following travel documents:

  • The booking confirmations of all the services booked in the host country (for example, hotel, flight tickets, guides, cars, etc.).
  • A certificate explaining that the traveler is in Cambodia for travel purposes and,
  • A certificate that proves that the traveler is living in a country other than Cambodia (ID card of the country, for example)
  • In any case, all travelers must arrive prepared with an identity photo and check their passport validity. It must be valid for at least 6 months after their intended date of departure from Cambodia.

Direct from Cambodia Embassy Abroad Before Departure
The client must fill in the form provided by the embassy and pay the requested fee. The visa delivery time may vary according to the time of year. We urge you to plan for a minimum turnaround of 7 working days.

E-visa
Tourists can obtain a visa online (E-Visa) via the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website at www.evisa.gov.kh.
Note: The e-visa is only accepted at seven entry points, which are:

  • Siem Reap Airport
  • Phnom Penh Airport
  • Poipet (Thai border)
  • Cham Yeam – Koh Kong / Had Lek (Thai border)
  • Bavet / MocBai (Vietnam border)
  • Tropaeng Kreal Border Post (Stung Treng)
  • Preah Sihanouk International Airport

Visa On Arrival
The visa can be obtained directly at the international airports of Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. (Apart from travelers coming from the specific countries listed above).

Visa at the border
The client may obtain the visa directly on arrival in Cambodia at the following land borders:

  • From Vietnam: PrekChak – Phnom Den – KaamSamnor (Mekong river) – Bavet – TrapeangPhlong – Trapeang Are – O’Yadav
  • From Laos: TrapaingKreal – Dong Krolar
  • From Thailand: Poipet – O’Smach– Cham Yeam – ChoamSanguam – Prum – Doung – Preah Vihear

Documents to provide:

  • 2 recent passport photographs
  • 1 visa form (available at the customs offices)

Note: Be aware that it may take between 10 and 30 minutes and that a few US dollars (unofficial facilitation fee) can be asked for by the police on the spot. Obtaining a visa prior to coming to Cambodia is then the preferred option. Please be aware that some sites in China have been known to deliver false visas.
The visa fees are published as follows:

  • 30 USD

Visa With Easia Travel
Visa Express service (VIP):

  • Travelers do not have to pay the visa fee at the airport. The agency pays for clients.
  • Our staff or the immigration police will help travelers fill in the form.
  • Travelers have to prepare 2 passport photos.
  • If the client chooses this particular service, no unique documents are needed, as only the information on the passport is required.
  • Sometimes, the guide won’t be allowed to enter the visa area. In this case, a person from immigration will take care of the travelers. Our guide will give all the documents to immigration, pay for the visa and wait for the travelers in the reception hall. Once the process is finished, the immigration staff will accompany the travelers to our guide in the reception hall.

Express Visa fees available (surcharge applies)
Special cases:

  • Tourist visas are for single entry only and valid for a 30-day period (no multiple entry visas are available apart from the 6 month and 1 year visas).
  • Tourist visas can be extended for one month through our services.
  • Passport validity: for Cambodia, 6 months beyond returning to the country of origin.
  • Business visas can be extended for one month (single entry), 3 months (single entry), and 6 months (multiple entry visa) or one year (multiple entry visa).

Note: The visa is valid for 30 days. Each overstay day costs 10 USD/day for the first 30 days, and after 30 days of overstay, the non-immigrant foreigner has to pay 10 USD/day and needs to leave Cambodia within 7 days. The tourist must pay the overstay fees at the airport or land border when she/he leaves the country. (From the 1st of September, 2016)
A non-immigrant foreigner who uses a visa for a purpose not permitted under the terms of the visa will be fined 100 USD and ordered to leave Cambodia within 7 days. (From the 1st of September, 2016)
For children:
Children from 0 to 12 years old who travel using their own passport or on their parent’s passport shall pay a visa fee of 30 USD. (From the 1st of September, 2016)

Best time to visit

Access & Transportation

Airport Baggage Regulations
Baggage allowances vary depending on which domestic or international airlines you use. For more information about baggage allowances and extra fees please refer to your airline’s website or to the Cambodia airports company: http://www.cambodia-airports.aero/#anchor

Airport Taxes
The domestic airport tax of 6 USD and the international airport tax of $25 are included in the air ticket price and do not need to be paid at the airport when checking in.

Domestic Airlines
Domestic flights enable you to travel quickly from one city to another one, but lately it seems airlines just keep appearing as quickly as they disappear.
For the moment, the most established domestic airline of Cambodia is Cambodia Angkor Air (www.cambodiaangkorair.com), which essentially works as a branch of Vietnam Airlines. The company has flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap using Airbus ATRs. Flights between Sihanoukville and Siem Reap are operated once a week.
Checked Luggage is limited to 20 kilograms per passenger on domestic flights and 7 kilograms for hand baggage.

Dos & Don’ts

Cultural 
The Cambodian culture was founded over a long history and is an original synthesis of both Buddhism and Brahmanism. Nowadays, Cambodians are raised in accordance with these traditions which hold an important place in their daily life. As required by the teachings of Buddhism, hospitality is a very important quality to demonstrate in Cambodia. However, as in any Asian country, it is important to respect the local cultures and manners, which are sometimes totally different than the ones practiced in Europe. Here is a list of the principal DO’s and DON’Ts to respect in Cambodia.

  • Wear appropriate clothes: Shirtless tourists in public places are poorly looked upon by locals and naturism on the beach is even worse. When visiting temples, you have to dress neatly with clothes covering your shoulders and your knees (for men and women), or you may not be allowed to enter the temple.
  • Manners are important. In public, you may have to call a person by his/her name preceded with “sir” or “madam”. Calling someone directly is rude.
  • It is unacceptable to criticize the royal family and the King. More than a politician, he is the symbol of the Khmer unity and traditions.
  • In Cambodia, a broke “white person” is an anachronism. Visitors to Cambodia who dress in a casual beach style in places other than the beach will appear as a homeless person and will cause the locals to lose all interest in them. Khmers want and expect westerners to be as they imagine wealthy people to be. Do not attempt to challenge or change this point of view and bear in mind that a clean and well-kept person is better respected than an unkempt backpacker and therefore will be more welcomed and better treated… it is not intolerance, but a tradition based on elementary good manners.
  • Never touch the head of a person (even the one of a child), this gesture is considered as an offense. However, Cambodians can walk together by holding each other’s little fingers.
  • Do not point at people. It’s considered rude and inappropriate.
  • In temples, you must bypass the Buddha in an anticlockwise direction. You mustn’t sit with your back to the Buddha and point you feet in its direction. A woman can never touch a monk; this would cause him to lose all his merit.
  • Always ask for permission before taking a picture of someone.

Angkor Visitor Code Of Conduct, By APSARA The National Authority
APSARA (Authority for the Protection of the Site and Management of the Region of Angkor) National Authority was created in 1995 to ensure the conservation and the sustainable development of Angkor Complex. The organization is thus in charge of research, protection, conservation as well as urban and touristic development of the Archaeological sites. Thus, to raise awareness among tourists on Angkor’s preservation and to harmonize tourists’ experiences with public safety and respect towards the local community they created a code of conduct that need to be respected by each visitor.

  • Dress Code: Revealing clothes such as shorts and skirts above the knees and showing bare shoulders is prohibited in sacred places. Respectful dress should be strongly encouraged in Angkor.
  • Monuments: Touching carvings, sitting on fragile structures, leaning on temple structures, moving or taking archaeological artifacts and graffiti are strictly prohibited. Backpacks, umbrellas with sharp tips, tripods and high heels are discouraged from being brought into, or worn inside the temples.
  • Sacred Sites: As Angkor is a sacred site, loud conversation and noise and other inappropriate behaviur in Cambodian culture is considered to be offensive and may disturb other visitors. Please keep calm and respectful.
  • Restricted Areas: For your own safety and for the conservation of Angkor, please comply with all signs on the site and be mindful of where you step at all times. Do not climb on loose stones.
  • Smoking and Littering: As a member of the World Health Organization, Angkor has been smoke free since 2012. Smoking cigarettes disturbs others and can start bush fires. To protect the environment please do not smoke and litter.
  • Candy and money to children: Buying items, giving candy or money to children encourages them not to attend school and to beg instead. If you wish to help children, please consider donating to a recognized charity.
  • Monks: Monks are revered and respected. If you want to take pictures, please ask for permission first. Women should not touch nor stand or sit too close to monks.
  • Follow Childsafe Policy here

Money & budget

National Currency
The RIEL: bills of: 100.000, 50.000, 20.000, 10.000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 500, 200, 100.
However, the US Dollar is commonly used throughout the whole country. If you have enough cash, you won’t have to go to any banks as you will be able to exchange small amounts of dollars into Riels at hotels, restaurants and markets. We recommend you to always have the equivalent of 10 dollars in Riel in order to pay for moto-taxis, tuk-tuks or for small purchases in markets. If you buy a low priced item in dollars, they will give some change in Riels. Local inhabitants from remote areas in the north or northeast of the country only accept Riels or small bills of dollars.
The only foreign currency that is accepted in addition to the USD is the Thai Baht, mainly used in the west of the country. Prices are often written in Baht in certain cities like Koh Kong, Poipet and Sisopon.
To simplify your travels, take some dollars with you before coming to Cambodia. You will also be able to exchange currencies such as Euros in banks and at the markets of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Most banks do not have an advantageous exchange rate for currencies other than the dollar, so it is better to exchange your currency at foreign exchange counters located near markets.
Western Union, represented by the SBC and Acleda Bank, and Moneygram represented by the Canadian Bank, do fast money transfers, but this service is expensive.
We recommend you to have plenty of small bills (1 USD and 5 USD). Be careful with damaged bills, which most often will not be accepted or large bills of 50 USD and 100 USD which may not be easily exchanged.

Credit Cards
Superior hotels, airlines, luxury boutiques, high-end restaurants or supermarkets are and more likely to accept the main credit cards such as: Visa, MasterCard, JCB, Cirrus and sometimes American Express). As in every Asian country, a fee will be charged on top of the purchase fee when using your card (around 3%).

ATMS
ATMs are available in most cities. You can even find ATMs at the Cham Yeam, Poipet and Bayet land borders when arriving from Thailand and Vietnam. All ATMs give out US Dollars and the maximum amount you can withdraw at once is 2 000 USD.
Like anywhere in the world, be careful when using ATMs at night. Just up from the Canadian Bank, the ANZ Royal Bank is the one that offers the best ATM network, with ATMs in gas-stations, hotels, restaurants and famous shops.
The Acleda Bank (the national bank) is the bank that has the most agencies in the country, including in provincial cities. This bank has also improved its ATM services, so they now accept international cards, which makes traveling in remote areas much easier.

Tips
Even though tips are not part of the tradition in Cambodia, they are well appreciated.
1 USD tip can represent the equivalent salary of half a day’s work. Many luxury hotels charge 10% service tax, but the money is not always given to the staff. If you stay 2 or 3 nights in the same hotel, think about tipping the staff that cleans your room.
Drivers, guides and service staff will always be happy to accept your tip. In a different way, if a local helps you in the street or finds someone to help you, he would be looking for you to provide a small amount of money for their help. It is advisable to have some small change in Riel for these kinds of occasions.
In temples, it is common to put some money in the donation boxes strategically located at the end of the visit, particularly if a monk is living in the place.

Import & Export Restrictions

Import regulations:

Free import for passengers aged over 17:

  • 2 liters of wine;
  • 400 cigarettes, or 100 cigars, or 400 grams of tobacco;

free import for all passengers:

  • 350 milliliters of perfume.
  • medicines for personal use

Goods worth more than USD 100.- are subject to customs duty and taxes. Goods with a value of more than USD 300.- must be declared on a Customs Declaration Form.

Arms and Ammunition regulations:

A valid license from Ministry of Interior or Ministry of National Defense and import permit from General Department of Customs and Excise is required.

Pets:

Cats and dogs must be accompanied by Veterinarian Good Health and Rabies Inoculation Certificate issued at the port of origin.

Baggage Clearance regulations:

Baggage is cleared at the first airport of entry in Cambodia.

Exempt: baggage of transit passengers with a destination outside Cambodia.

Currency Import regulations:

Foreign currencies: up to a max. of USD 10,000.- or equivalent is allowed. Exceeding amounts must be declared on arrival.

Currency Export regulations:

Foreign currencies: up to a max. of USD 10,000.- or equivalent is allowed, or up to the amount imported and declared.

Health

Before going to Cambodia, consult a doctor and make sure that all your vaccinations are current and that you are vaccinated for Tetanus, Polio and Diphtheria. Other vaccines recommended include Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, Typhus and Tuberculosis, vaccinations against rabies and Japanese encephalitis are also advised. However, officially, there are no vaccinations required to enter Cambodia.
In case of emergency: you can find the vaccinations against rabies and Japanese encephalitis in the Pasteur Institute in Cambodia.
In some regions, you may come across venomous animals (snakes, spiders): if bitten, you should be able to readily find antivenins in Cambodia.

Prevention Against Insect T-Borne Diseases
Dengue Fever: precautions must be taken in the whole country. This viral disease is transmitted by mosquitoes so we recommend travelers to protect themselves with the usual means of protection (long sleeves shirts, mosquito repellent for skin and clothes, electric diffuses). As coming down with Dengue fever is potentially serious, it is recommended to see a doctor in case of fever (the use of aspirin is not recommended). Other viral diseases can also be transmitted by mosquitoes.
Malaria: This parasitic disease, transmitted by mosquitoes requires individual protection measures (repellent, creams, mosquito nets etc) but also a preventative medical treatment has been adapted. Do not forget to wear long sleeves shirts and long trousers (if possible with some repellent on them) from sunset to sunrise and to use a repellent impregnated mosquito net when sleeping. Use a lot of efficient repellent (DEET 50%). It is recommended to use it on the whole body and to renew application every 4 hours.
In case of fever during or after your journey, you are urged to see a specialist.
Cholera:
It is recommended to check carefully the quality of the food and the cooking environment. We recommend avoiding eating any raw vegetables, shells or unpeeled and unwashed vegetables and fruits. Never drink tap water and wash your hands frequently.
Rabies:
Rabies can be transmitted by cats, dogs, pigs and monkeys. Any bite, even small, or just licking on a wound must be carefully considered as potentially life-threatening and should be followed up with a rabies vaccination as soon as possible. In this case, we recommend travellers to go to the Pasteur Institute in Phnom Penh where they will be able to be vaccinated with a quality vaccine.
Avian flu:
Cambodia is one the countries that has been touched by the epizootic avian flu. This disease is viral and is transmitted by poultry. The virus is transmitted by in-air particles and by direct contact, particularly with secretions and faecal matters of the infected animals or with other infected matters (food, water, clothes etc). Confined spaces increase the risk of contamination.
In the endemic period, it may be recommended to wear a mask (medical mask).
Recommendations in Cambodia:

  • Avoid raw meat and fish
  • Prefer boiled or cooked vegetables instead of raw vegetables, except if you are sure that it was washed with purified water or peeled.
  • Drink a lot of water to keep your body hydrated, and avoid strong physical exercise before you get used to the heat.
  • Use insect repellent several times a day if you are in a humid region of Cambodia, and at night time in the whole country. Wear long sleeved/legged clothes to avoid mosquito bites, mostly at night time also.
  • Do not drink tap water and request bottled water. Otherwise drink well-boiled water.

Emergency contacts

Your home embassy may be able to assist with advice during emergencies or serious problems. You might want to register if possible before you arrive so that the embassy staff will know where to reach you in case of emergency at home. If calling a Cambodian emergency number you may have to ask the aid of a Khmer speaker because there might not be an English-speaking operator on the line:
Ambulance: 119
Fire department: 118
Police: 117 or 118
Calmette Hospital (Phnom Penh):
3, boulevard Monivong SC Phnom Penh
Tel : 855 (0) 23 42 69 48
Pasteur Institute in Cambodia:
No. 5, Boulevard Monivong, 12201 Phnom Penh
Tel: 855 (0) 23 42 60 09
Royal Angkor Hospital, (Siem Reap)
Phum Kasekam, Khum Sra Ngea, National Route 6 (Airport Road), Krong Siem Reap 17000,
Tel. 063 761 888
Ambulance of the provincial hospital in Siem Reap: 855 (0) 63 76 11 19

What to prepare?

Pre-departure Tasks

  • Make sure your passport is valid with at least 6 months before the expiry date
  • Consider medical, baggage and trip cancellation insurance.
  • Check with your doctor regarding vaccinations and medicines needed.

Clothes

  • Light clothes (the weather can be hot and humid)
  • Long t-shirts and trousers to protect yourself against mosquitoes (mostly during the evening, and in remote areas like the jungle)
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Clothes with covered shoulders and knees for sacred buildings and temples
  • Good shoes for trekking and for walks around temples

Pharmacy

  • Insect repellent
  • Antiseptic wipes for hand washing and emergency toilet paper
  • Personal First Aid Kit (bring in small amounts and in small containers)
  • Aspirin/ibuprofen, etc. (paracetamol is recommended – aspirin can be dangerous in case of dengue fever)
  • Cold-symptom relief tablets, antihistamine, cough drops
  • Adequate quantity of sweat-resistant sun screen with at least an SPF 15 rating or higher, and lip balm with sunscreen
  • Antibiotics
  • Prescription medicines in their original bottles. Acidophilus enzyme (available in capsules in health-food stores). This often helps your digestive system get in shape for “new” flora.
  • Immodium, Lomotil, or similar anti-diarrhea medicine. Pepto-Bismol tablets and/or liquid (in leak-proof bottle).
  • Medical prescriptions if you travel with prescription drugs.

Others

  • ID pictures for visa
  • At least 30 USD in cash for the visa fee
  • Passport and important documents’ photocopies in case of loss

Victory over Genocide Day

7 January

Nationwide, Cambodia

Victory Day is a national holiday in Cambodia, celebrated every 7 January to commemorate the fall of the bloody Khmer Rouge regime that committed genocide on millions of Cambodians.

Victory over Genocide Day

Khmer New Year

13-16 April 2024

Nationwide, Cambodia

Khmer New Year, also known as Cambodian New Year, is a three-day public holiday. The celebration is based on the traditional solar New Year and falls on April 13th or 14th. In Cambodia, the celebration also marks the end of the harvest before the beginning of the rainy season.

Like most New Year holidays, Khmer New Year is full of traditions and rituals. The three days of celebration each have their name and traditions: Maha Songkran, Vanabot and Leang Saka

Khmer New Year

Visak Bochea Day

23 May 2024

Nationwide, Cambodia

The Cambodian public holiday called “Visak Bochea Day” is held on the full moon of the sixth month of the Buddhist lunar calendar – normally sometime in May in the Gregorian Calendar. Visak Bochea celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death (nirvana) of Buddha.

Other traditions for celebrating Visak Bochea Day include giving statues of Buddha “a bath,” cleaning up homes and city streets, decorating public and private places with flowers, along with “the Buddhist flag,” and circling Buddha statues at night while holding candles.

Visak Bochea Day

King Norodom Sihamoni's Birthday

14 May

Nationwide, Cambodia

The King’s Birthday is a major Cambodian holiday that allows the people of Cambodia to express their patriotism and appreciation for their progressive government.

King Norodom Sihamoni's Birthday

Nation Day Of Remembrance

20 May

Nationwide, Cambodia

The 20th of May was chosen as the date of remembrance of the year 1976, that of the first mass killings during the genocide period. In Phnom Penh, people go to the nearby Choeung Ek Fields, a mass grave for the victims of the Khmer Rouge genocide, to perform Buddhist religious ceremonies. It is a somber time of remembrance of past atrocities, but by remembering those dark days, the people of Cambodia hope to be vigilant to prevent them from ever happening again.

Nation Day Of Remembrance

King's Mother Birthday Norodom Monineath Sihanouk

18 June

Nationwide, Cambodia

King’s Mother’s Birthday in Cambodia celebrates the birth of Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, which occurred on June 18th, 1936.

King's Mother Birthday Norodom Monineath Sihanouk

Constitution Day

24 September

Cambodia

Constitution Day is a Cambodian public holiday celebrating the Cambodian government’s transformation into a constitutional monarchy in 1993.

Constitution Day

Pchum Ben Ancestors Days

1-3 October 2024

Cambodia

Pchum Ben is for remembrance, veneration, and food offerings for deceased relatives. Ancestors are honored as far as seven generations. Offerings are brought for those without living descendants or in place of those who could not attend the ceremonies. Some Khmer people give the food to the priests, while others leave it at pagodas for deceased relatives to eat, or even cast it into a field for them to find.

Pchum Ben Ancestors Days

Commemoration Of Late King Father, Norodom Sihanouk

15 October

Cambodia

The late king father of Cambodia, Norodom Sihanouk, was born in 1922 and took the throne of his native country in 1941. However, his reign ended in 1955, and he was exiled from Cambodia in 1978. But in 1993, he again became king and continued to reign until 2004.

Every year, on the 15th of October, Cambodians remember and pay their respects to their late king. Many may also visit the statue of Norodom Sihanouk in Phnom Penh on Late King Father Day.

Commemoration Of Late King Father, Norodom Sihanouk

Paris Peace Agreements Day

23 October

Cambodia

October 23rd is a public holiday in Cambodia, commemorating the 1991 Paris Peace Agreements that ended the country’s decades of conflict.

Paris Peace Agreements Day

King Norodom Sihamoni's Coronation Day

29 October

Cambodia

Every year, Cambodians come out to celebrate the anniversary of King Norodom Sihamoni’s Coronation with great fanfare. There are parades, fireworks, entertainment events, and incredible cultural displays. The monarchy in Cambodia is deeply ingrained in the national history and culture, and the people show great love and adoration for the king.

King Norodom Sihamoni's Coronation Day

Independence Day

09 November

Nationwide, Cambodia

Independence Day in Cambodia falls on November 9th, 1953, when its independence from France was finally recognized. Cambodians celebrate their independence every year with various parades, events, and fireworks displays all across the nation. The biggest celebrations occur in the capital city of Phnom Penh, but smaller celebrations occur across the country.

Independence Day

Bon Om Touk (Water Festival)

14-16 November 2024

Cambodia

Bon Om Touk is a celebration of the end of the rainy season on the full moon of the Buddhist month of Kadeuk. The full moon brings good luck that can lead to an abundant harvest. Bon Om Touk falls either in October or early November.

Bon Om Touk (Water Festival)

Thi Phuong Hoa Bui

Sales Manager Cum Sales Team Leader – GIT French Speaking Market

Thiri Htet

Sales Executive - French FIT Market

I’m from Yangon. In my original city, I like the Shwedagon Pagoda the most. I joined Easia Travel on 6th June 2017. The most memorable trip for me was to Bagan in November 2016 with my beloved colleagues because this was my first trip and my first traveling experience. The top of my travel wish list is to go and trek to Mount Victoria, and I would like to see the view from the top of the mountain. Apart from work and travel, I love going to the cinema, shopping with friends, and making handicrafts.

Sichan Orm

Production Executive

Born in Kampong Thom Province, I moved to Siem Reap in 2006 to attend Sala Bai School from which I got graduated in 2007. After working in the hospitality industry for several years, I joined Easia travel’s production team in 2017. It is a real pleasure for me to create new products and share my tips with our travelers.
What I love to do and would advise any visitors in Cambodia? Hiking in the jungle and finding beautiful waterfalls, and more especially Phnom Kulen’s waterfall, my favorite one!