Highlights
Angkor
The vast UNESCO-listed temple complex near Siem Reap. Watch the sun rise behind Angkor Wat, see the carved faces of the Bayon in Angkor Thom, and explore Ta Prohm, where tree roots grow over the stones.
Phnom Penh
The capital on the Mekong has the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, the National Museum's Khmer sculpture, and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek memorial, which document the Khmer Rouge period.
Battambang
A relaxed riverside town with French colonial buildings, a growing arts scene and nearby hilltop temples. The countryside is best explored by bicycle or tuk-tuk.
Kampot and Kep
Kampot is a riverside town known for its pepper, and Kep is a small seaside town famous for its crab market. Bokor Mountain rises above both, with old colonial ruins on top.
Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem
Islands off the southern coast with white sand beaches and clear water, reached by ferry from Sihanoukville. They are good for swimming, snorkelling and simply slowing down.
The Tonlé Sap
South-East Asia's largest freshwater lake, with floating and stilt villages where life follows the rise and fall of the water. Trips run from Siem Reap and Battambang.
Kratie and the Mekong
A quiet river town in the north-east, the place to see rare Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong from small boats.
Preah Vihear
A Khmer temple built on a cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains on the northern border, with views far across the Cambodian plains.
Interesting facts about Cambodia
- Angkor Wat appears on Cambodia's national flag.
- The Tonlé Sap river reverses its flow each year: in the wet season, the Mekong's floodwater pushes it back into the lake, which grows several times in size.
- At its height, Angkor was one of the largest pre-industrial urban areas in the world.
- The US dollar is widely used alongside the Cambodian riel, and change is often given in a mix of both.
- Kampot pepper has protected geographical indication status, like Champagne or Parma ham.
Best time to visit
The cool, dry season from November to February is the most pleasant and popular time to visit. March to May is very hot. The wet season from May to October brings afternoon downpours, green landscapes and fewer visitors; the Tonlé Sap is at its fullest from about September to October. Khmer New Year in mid-April is a major celebration.
Practical information
| Capital | Phnom Penh |
|---|---|
| Currency | Cambodian riel (KHR); US dollars widely used |
| Languages | Khmer |
| Plugs | Type A, C, G |
| Voltage | 230 V, 50 Hz |
| Emergency | 117 police, 119 ambulance, 118 fire |
| Driving | On the right |
| Tipping | Not traditionally expected, but tips for guides, drivers and good restaurant service are appreciated and increasingly common in tourist areas. |
Getting around
Tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis are the main way to get around towns; ride-hailing apps help avoid haggling. Buses and minibuses link the main cities, and some routes have overnight sleeper buses. Domestic flights connect Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. At Angkor, many visitors hire a tuk-tuk driver for the day, or cycle between the temples.
Staying connected in Cambodia
Mobile coverage with 4G is good in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang and other towns, and generally along main roads. Coverage is patchier in remote rural areas, the north-east and on some islands. Wi-Fi is common in hotels, guesthouses, cafés and restaurants. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land so ride-hailing and maps work from the airport.
See Cambodia eSIM plans · How to install an eSIM
Useful apps for Cambodia
- Grab: Ride-hailing for cars and tuk-tuks in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and other cities.
- PassApp: A Cambodian ride-hailing app popular for booking tuk-tuks with fixed fares.
- Google Maps: Directions and offline maps, including the Angkor temple complex.
- Google Translate: Khmer translation, including camera mode for Khmer script.