Angkor temples, Mekong culture and tropical coastlines
Cambodia Travel Guide
Explore Cambodia from the temples of Angkor near Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, Battambang and the southern coast. Combine Khmer history, river landscapes, markets, cuisine and beach extensions in one customizable Southeast Asian itinerary.
- Angkor Wat and Siem Reap
- Phnom Penh and the Mekong
- Battambang and rural Cambodia
- Southern beaches and islands
Essential travel information
All About Cambodia
Find practical information about Cambodia’s regions, seasons, transport, riel currency, language and tipping customs before planning your vacation.
Cambodia FAQLearn what Cambodia is known for, where to visit, how long to stay and what currency and languages travelers can expect.
What is Cambodia known for?
Cambodia is best known for the monumental Angkor temple complex, Khmer culture, the Mekong and Tonle Sap waterways, and a history that stretches from the Angkorian empire to modern Phnom Penh.
Travel experiences range from archaeology and museums to countryside cycling, markets, river trips and southern beach destinations.
What are the best places to visit in Cambodia?
A first visit commonly combines Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, with Battambang or the coast added when time allows.
How many days should I spend in Cambodia?
Approximately 7-10 days works well for Siem Reap and Phnom Penh plus one additional destination. Add time for a relaxed coastal stay.
Tripmasters vacation packages are customizable, allowing travelers to select nights, hotels, transportation and activities in each destination.
What currency is used in Cambodia?
The Cambodian riel (KHR) is the official currency. U.S. dollars are also widely used in many tourism businesses, while riel is common for smaller transactions and change.
Which languages are spoken in Cambodia?
Khmer is the official language. English is widely used in hotels, tours and tourism businesses in the principal visitor destinations.
Best Time to Visit CambodiaCompare Cambodia’s dry, hot and monsoon periods before choosing temple, city and coastal dates.
When is the best time to visit Cambodia?
November through February is generally the most comfortable time for temple and city sightseeing. The hot season follows, then the southwest monsoon brings higher humidity and heavier rain.
December – February
Drier / Cooler Period
Many destinations experience lower humidity and more comfortable touring conditions, although regional climates can differ.
Best for: Cities, cultural touring and outdoor sightseeing.
March – May
Hot Season
Temperatures and humidity rise, making midday sightseeing more demanding in lowland areas.
Best for: Early-morning touring, resorts and flexible schedules.
June – September
Wet / Monsoon Period
Rainfall increases in many regions, often in heavy bursts, while landscapes become greener.
Best for: Value travel, indoor attractions and flexible itineraries.
October – November
Transition Period
Conditions shift toward the drier season in many areas, but local weather patterns should still be checked.
Best for: Fewer crowds and mixed city-and-nature itineraries.
Tipping in CambodiaUnderstand gratuities in restaurants, hotels, taxis and guided tours while traveling in Cambodia.
Is tipping customary in Cambodia?
Tipping is not traditionally mandatory, but small gratuities are increasingly common in tourism-oriented restaurants, hotels and tours.
Which currency should I use?
Use Cambodian riel or small U.S.-dollar amounts where dollars are accepted; avoid relying on large notes for small gratuities.
Restaurants, cafes and bars
Check the bill for a service charge first; a modest gratuity is appropriate when local practice supports it and service has been good.
Hotel staff
Small cash gratuities may be offered for luggage, housekeeping or particularly helpful service.
Taxi drivers
Rounding up or leaving a small amount is appropriate where customary; large percentages are not normally necessary.
Tour guides
Guides and private drivers may receive a discretionary gratuity after a well-run excursion.
Check whether a service charge has already been added and keep small denominations available.
Getting Around CambodiaCompare private drivers, buses, domestic flights, boats and Cambodia’s limited passenger rail services.
What is the best way to travel around Cambodia?
Private transfers and intercity buses are the most practical options for many visitor routes. Domestic flights shorten selected long journeys, boats operate on specific waterways and Royal Railway services cover only selected corridors.
What should I verify before traveling?
- Do not rely on the old Honduras transport text from the legacy guide
- Confirm road travel times rather than judging distance alone
- Check boat and island transfer schedules seasonally
- Carry small riel notes for minor purchases
- Use reputable transport providers
- Allow extra time during heavy monsoon rain
The legacy page contained transportation text copied from Honduras; this version uses Cambodia-specific road, bus, flight, rail and boat information.
Cities and regional gateways
Top Cities in Cambodia
Explore Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville, then continue to Battambang and Kep.
Gateway to Angkor
Siem Reap
Siem Reap is the base for Angkor Wat and the wider Angkor Archaeological Park, with markets, restaurants and cultural experiences supporting multi-day temple exploration.
- Angkor Wat
- Angkor Thom
- Ta Prohm
- Old Market
Central Cambodia
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh combines the Royal Palace, Mekong and Tonle Sap riverfronts, markets and museums documenting both royal and modern Cambodian history.
Explore Phnom PenhSouthern Coast
Sihanoukville
Sihanoukville is Cambodia’s main southern coastal gateway for beaches, resorts and boat connections to offshore islands.
Explore SihanoukvilleMore Destinations in Cambodia
Continue to the additional Cambodia destinations currently linked from Tripmasters.
Prepare for your vacation
What to Expect While Traveling
Review Tripmasters guides covering flights, accommodations, transportation and sightseeing so you can understand each component of your Cambodia vacation.
Before departure
Air Travel
Review check-in, baggage, airline schedules, connections and other preparations for international and regional flights.
Accommodations
Hotels
Understand hotel categories, room arrangements, check-in procedures and services commonly encountered during a vacation.
Independent travel
Rental Cars
Review rental requirements, vehicle collection, insurance and practical considerations for road travel.
Local connections
Transfers
Learn how airport, hotel and station transfers work and what to verify before meeting a transportation provider.
Rail transportation
Train Travel
Learn about rail tickets, stations, luggage, schedules and connections where train travel forms part of your itinerary.
Activities and experiences
Sightseeing Tours
Review meeting points, vouchers, schedules and practical details associated with booked excursions and activities.
Continue exploring destinations, regions and practical travel information across Asia with Tripmasters.
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