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Cambodia attracts tourists with ancient temples, warm sea, and low prices. The country is small, but packed — in two weeks you can cover almost everything important. I've compiled a practical guide for you without unnecessary fluff.
Best time to visit
The optimal season to visit Cambodia is from November to March. During this time it's dry, temperatures stay around +27–30 °C, and rain is rare. April and May are the hottest months, with temperatures rising to +38 °C, which is difficult even for experienced travelers.
From June to October is the rainy season. You can go: prices are lower, there are fewer tourists, and nature is lush and green. But be prepared for daily downpours in the afternoon and possible road flooding in the northern part of the country.
Visa and entry
Tourists need a visa to enter Cambodia. For Russian citizens and most CIS countries, two convenient options are available:
- E-Visa — issued online through the official website of Cambodia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, costs $36, valid for 30 days.
- Visa on Arrival — issued at Phnom Penh or Siem Reap airport, costs $30 for a tourist visa plus a small fee for a photo.
It's better to arrive with cash dollars: they are accepted everywhere on par with local riel. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 more months from the date of entry.
Transport and accommodation
Within the country, it's most convenient to travel by bus — there are comfortable overnight routes between Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville. For short trips around the city, use tuk-tuk or the Grab and PassApp apps — you can fix the price in advance.
There are no problems with accommodation. Vacation in Cambodia is affordable at any budget: hostels from $5–8 per night, decent guesthouses from $15–20, boutique hotels from $40. In high season, book in advance — especially in Siem Reap, where demand is high due to Angkor.
Food and attractions
Khmer cuisine is underestimated by tourists. Be sure to try amok (fish in coconut curry steamed in banana leaf), kreung kor soup, and fried rice with crab in Kep. Street food costs $1–2, a full meal at a café is $4–6.
The main reason tourists come to Cambodia is the Angkor Wat temple complex. Plan at least two days: one day for Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, the second for more remote temples like Ta Prohm and Banteay Srei. Besides this, you should visit:
- Phnom Penh — Royal Palace and the difficult but important Tuol Sleng Museum
- Tonlé Sap Lake — the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia
- Sihanoukville and Koh Rong islands — for beach relaxation
- Kampot — a quiet riverside town with French architecture
Money, communication, and safety
The official currency is riel, but the US dollar is used everywhere. Withdraw cash from ATMs: most charge a $5 fee per withdrawal, so it's better to withdraw larger amounts. Cards are accepted at hotels and major restaurants; at markets — cash only.
For communication, buy a local SIM card upon arrival — $2–3 with an internet package for a week. A convenient alternative is an eSIM for Cambodia: connects before you leave, rates start from 53 ₽.
In terms of safety, Cambodia is a calm country for tourism. Main risks: pickpockets at markets, minor scams with tuk-tuk drivers, and "closed" attractions. Don't display valuables, keep an eye on your bag in crowds, and double-check the price before getting in transport. Be sure to get travel medical insurance — local clinics require payment upfront.