Cooler dry season
November – February
The most popular window: milder mornings, lower humidity, and busy temples, especially December and January. Book popular tables and hotels a bit ahead. Perfect for long walking days at Angkor.
Cambodia
Kingdom of temples, rivers, and living tradition.
From Angkor’s stone silhouettes to Phnom Penh’s boulevards and the quiet rhythm of the countryside, Cambodia rewards travellers who stay a little longer. Here’s what to expect, when to come, and how to move with respect, before you open our city maps.
Cambodia
Cambodia at a glance
A compact Southeast Asian nation between Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, shaped by the Mekong and Tonlé Sap. Most visitors combine Siem Reap (Angkor) with the capital Phnom Penh; the south coast and Battambang add depth on longer trips.
- Capital
- Phnom Penh
- Languages
- Khmer (official); English and French common in tourism
- Currency
- Riel (KHR); US dollars widely used for larger amounts
- Time zone
- UTC+7 (Indochina Time)
- Power
- 230 V, types A, C, G plugs, bring an adapter
- Religion
- Theravāda Buddhism (majority)
When to go
There is no bad season, only different light, heat, and crowds. Match your dates to how much rain and heat you’re happy with, and whether you want peak festival energy or quieter sites.
Hot dry season
March – May
Temperatures climb before the rains return. Fewer visitors than peak season; sunrise at Angkor is still magical. Stay hydrated, plan shade, and favour early starts.
Green season
June – October
Short, heavy showers; landscapes turn lush. Angkor’s moats and jungle feel cinematic. Occasional downpours rarely last all day, many travellers love the mood and softer prices outside the busiest weeks.
What you’ll find
Cambodia is more than a temple checklist. Cities mix French-colonial bones with new design; markets hum from dawn; and community projects, crafts, and cooking classes offer real encounters beyond the postcard.
Heritage & temples
Angkor Archaeological Park is the headline, but lesser-known ruins, living monasteries, and Phnom Penh’s Silver Pagoda and National Museum add layers to Khmer history and art.
Rivers & lakes
The Tonlé Sap’s rhythm (expanding and shrinking with the seasons) shapes life around Siem Reap. In Phnom Penh, sunset along the Mekong and Bassac rivers is a daily ritual.
Nature & slow travel
Cardamom forests, pepper plantations near Kampot, islands off Sihanoukville’s coast, and countryside around Battambang reward those who rent a bike or take an extra day by the water.
Contemporary Cambodia
Galleries, rooftop bars, specialty coffee, Khmer-fusion kitchens, and social enterprises show a country looking forward while honouring craft and family.
Festivals & public holidays
Dates follow the Buddhist lunar calendar for some events, so they shift slightly year to year. Check a current calendar before you book; during major festivals, transport and hotels fill up fast.
International New Year
1 January
A public holiday; cities celebrate with fireworks and gatherings.
Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey)
Usually mid-April (3 days)
The country’s biggest family reunion: water blessings, games, and travel peaks as people visit home provinces. A joyful, noisy time, plan transport early.
Visak Bochea
April or May (full moon)
Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and parinirvāṇa, processions to temples, candles, and quiet devotion.
Royal Ploughing Ceremony (Pithi Chrat Preah Neangkol)
Usually May
An ancient royal ritual marking the start of the rice-growing season; auspicious forecasts for the harvest draw crowds in Phnom Penh.
King Sihamoni's Birthday
14 May
Public holiday honouring the King; patriotic and ceremonial displays.
Pchum Ben (“Ancestors’ Day”)
September or October (15 days, peak 3 days)
Families bring offerings to pagodas for deceased relatives. Deeply spiritual; respect quiet around temples.
Water Festival (Bon Om Touk)
Usually November (3 days; lunar)
Boat races on the Tonlé Sap reversal, concerts, and huge crowds in Phnom Penh. Electric atmosphere, book accommodation well ahead.
Independence Day
9 November
Marks independence from France (1953); ceremonies and fireworks, especially in Phnom Penh.
Practical information
A few habits make travel smoother: carry small-dollar notes, dress modestly at religious sites, and download offline maps for temple days.
Visa
Many nationalities can obtain an e-visa before arrival or a visa on arrival at major airports and land borders. Passport usually needs six months’ validity; confirm rules for your nationality on official sites.
Money
US dollars are standard for hotels, tours, and many restaurants; riel is used for small change and local stalls. ATMs exist in cities; carry cash in rural areas.
Connectivity
Local SIM cards are inexpensive and widely sold (passport may be required). Wi-Fi is common in cafés and hotels; 4G coverage is good in urban centres.
Health
Use bottled or filtered water; protect against sun and dehydration. Consult a travel clinic for vaccines and malaria advice if you visit remote forested areas.
Getting around
Tuk-tuks and ride-hailing apps (e.g. Grab) are convenient in cities. Buses and domestic flights link Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and the coast; allow buffer time on festival dates.
Temple etiquette
Cover shoulders and knees; remove shoes where indicated; speak softly; don’t touch monks without permission; avoid posing with your back to Buddha images. Sunrise at Angkor is crowded, patience and respect go far.
Culture & etiquette
The Khmer concept of “saving face” favours calm, polite interaction. A smile opens many doors; public anger is rare and uncomfortable. Learn a few Khmer phrases, “sous-dey” (hello) and “aw kohn” (thank you) are appreciated.
The monarchy & history
The King is widely respected. Conversations about recent history are best approached with sensitivity; many families carry memories of difficult decades.
Buddhism in daily life
Monks collect alms in the morning; offering food is meritorious. Women traditionally do not touch monks. Enter pagodas with humility, you’re a guest in sacred space.
Dress & photos
Modest clothing suits temples and rural villages. Ask before photographing people, especially monks and children; some sites restrict drones.
Food & drink
Khmer cuisine is herb-forward, less fiery than neighbouring Thailand, with soups, grilled fish, and fermented flavours. Markets are the best classroom, follow the smoke and the morning crowds.
Fish amok
Steamed coconut curry with fish and kroeung spice paste, often called Cambodia’s national dish.
Nom banh chok
Rice noodles with green fish gravy, fresh herbs, and vegetables, classic breakfast fare.
Kampot pepper
World-renowned peppercorns; try crab with green peppercorns on the coast or in specialist restaurants.
Bai sach chrouk
Grilled pork with pickled vegetables over rice, a satisfying start to any day.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Cambodia safe for first-time travelers?
- Yes. Cambodia is generally safe for backpackers, couples, and families. The main cities (Siem Reap, Phnom Penh) are well-trodden by tourists. Common sense applies: use Grab for taxis rather than unmarked vehicles, keep valuables out of sight, and avoid deserted areas late at night. Health-wise, drink bottled or filtered water and use sunscreen.
- How many days do you need in Cambodia?
- A classic first trip is 7–10 days: 3–4 nights in Siem Reap to cover Angkor Wat and other temples, then 2–3 nights in Phnom Penh for the Royal Palace, riverside, and food scene. Add a few days more if you want to visit the south coast (Kampot, Kep, or the islands near Sihanoukville) or the slower colonial charm of Battambang.
- What is the best month to visit Cambodia?
- November to February is the peak, and for good reason: temperatures are milder (25–30 °C), humidity is lower, and skies are mostly clear, ideal for long days at Angkor. December and January are busiest — book hotels and restaurants ahead. March to May is hotter but quieter. The rainy season (June–October) brings lush landscapes, spectacular Angkor moats, and lower prices.
- Do I need US dollars or Cambodian riel?
- Both. US dollars are the de facto currency for hotels, tour operators, most restaurants, and supermarkets. Riel fills the gap for small change (anything under $1 is often returned in riel) and tiny local stalls. ATMs in cities dispense dollars. A mix of small bills ($1, $5, $10) and some riel coins/notes keeps daily spending smooth.
- Is Cambodia cash or card friendly?
- Increasingly both, but cash is still king in most situations. Major hotels, upscale restaurants, and larger shops in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap accept Visa/Mastercard. Smaller guesthouses, local eateries, tuk-tuks, and market stalls are cash only. The KHQR mobile payment system (Bakong) is growing among locals. Keep cash on hand, especially outside cities.
Why we went all-in on Cambodia
We live here. We update listings when a place closes, when a chef changes the menu, or when a new neighbourhood becomes the right spot for dinner after a long temple day.
Our print map reaches 220+ hotels and guesthouses; the digital guide lives in your pocket with the same editorial bar, local, current, and honest.
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