Cambodia

Fast Facts

E-visa	Most visitors to Cambodia require a visa to enter the country. E-visas can be obtained prior to travel through the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Please allow for processing time of three business days. E-visas are valid for entry only via selected border crossings and immigration points; please check the details prior to arrival.
Visa-on-arrival	Alternatively, travellers from most countries can apply for a visa-on-arrival at the international airports in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. The visa-on-arrival is valid for 30 days. Travellers are advised to check eligibility prior to travel.
E-arrival card	All travellers are required to complete an e-arrival card up to seven days prior to arrival. The form is available online via the Cambodia e-arrival website or via a mobile app (on Google Play or the AppStore). After completing the form, the traveller should save, print or take a screenshot of the QR code and present it to immigration on arrival in Cambodia. For travellers who are not able to complete the e-arrival card in advance, paper forms will still be available on arrival until the end of 2024.
Required documents	Passport valid for at least six months with two or more blank pages; E-arrival card QR code; For visa-on-arrival, the visa fee is payable in cash at the airport; For e-visa, a printed copy of the visa certificate is required on arrival.

All the above information may change without prior notice. It remains the traveller’s responsibility to check visa requirements before travelling.

Essentials

Time zone	GMT+7
Language	Official language: Khmer Many people in the major tourist destinations speak some level of English and can engage in basic communication with tourists.
What to pack	Light cotton clothing is recommended for Cambodia’s tropical climate; Smart evening wear may be required for dining at hotels and high-end restaurants (please check the dress code for specific venues with your Asian Trails guide); Clothing that covers the arms and legs are recommended to protect against mosquitos; A lightweight raincoat may be useful if travelling during rainy season; Please note the following items of clothing are prohibited when visiting temples: sleeveless shirts; sportswear; tights/leggings; shorts; short skirts; flip flops/sandals without a heel strap; swimwear/beachwear; and shirts with offensive text or images; Sandals are recommended as it is customary to remove shoes when entering a temple or private home; An umbrella can offer shade from the strong sun and/or rain; Reusable water bottle; Sun hat and sunscreen; Insect repellent; Universal plug adaptor.
Electricity	The standard voltage in Cambodia is 230V (50Hz).
Phone & internet	A local sim card is easily available at the airport or from a local service provider. An extensive 3G/4G network is in place and covers most urban areas.

Dos & Don'ts

Do	Support local businesses and shop at fair-trade stores or social enterprises (ask Asian Trails for recommendations); Choose to dine at locally-owned restaurants serving local cuisine; Switch off the air-conditioning and lights when you leave your hotel room; Donate to local charities and NGOs if you would like to support local people and nature (ask Asian Trails for recommendations); Ask permission before taking photographs of people; It is customary to remove shoes when entering a religious place or private home; A respectful way of greeting is to bow the head slightly with hands pressed together at the chest (known as the sampeah).
Don’t	Avoid using single-use plastic bags or cups to minimise the problem of plastic waste; Don’t buy from children selling souvenirs on the streets, and don’t give them money or sweets, as this encourages them to stay out of school; Don’t take home religious objects such as Buddha images or other sacred items; Don’t buy wildlife products or items made from animal skins; Don’t point your feet at others and avoid touching people on the head as this is considered bad manners; Women should avoid touching male monks as this goes against their religious beliefs; Don’t bring e-cigarettes or vapours into the country as these items have been banned; Avoid wearing sleeveless shirts and short skirts or clothing that is too revealing as Cambodia is a conservative Buddhist country; make sure shoulders and knees are covered, especially when visiting temples; Avoid overt public displays of affection.

Do

Support local businesses and shop at fair-trade stores or social enterprises (ask Asian Trails for recommendations);
Choose to dine at locally-owned restaurants serving local cuisine;
Switch off the air-conditioning and lights when you leave your hotel room;
Donate to local charities and NGOs if you would like to support local people and nature (ask Asian Trails for recommendations);
Ask permission before taking photographs of people;
It is customary to remove shoes when entering a religious place or private home;
A respectful way of greeting is to bow the head slightly with hands pressed together at the chest (known as the sampeah).

Don’t

Avoid using single-use plastic bags or cups to minimise the problem of plastic waste;
Don’t buy from children selling souvenirs on the streets, and don’t give them money or sweets, as this encourages them to stay out of school;
Don’t take home religious objects such as Buddha images or other sacred items;
Don’t buy wildlife products or items made from animal skins;
Don’t point your feet at others and avoid touching people on the head as this is considered bad manners;
Women should avoid touching male monks as this goes against their religious beliefs;
Don’t bring e-cigarettes or vapours into the country as these items have been banned;
Avoid wearing sleeveless shirts and short skirts or clothing that is too revealing as Cambodia is a conservative Buddhist country; make sure shoulders and knees are covered, especially when visiting temples;
Avoid overt public displays of affection.

Money Matters

Currency

Official currency of Cambodia: Cambodian riel (KHR)

US dollars are commonly accepted at shops, restaurants and hotels throughout the country. It is advisable to carry small denominations of cash to pay drivers and vendors who may not carry large amounts of change.

ATMs that accept foreign cards are widely available. Several ATMs also dispense US dollars. Cash can be exchanged at banks and exchange bureaus. Please note that ripped, torn, or old US dollar bills will not be accepted.

Banking hours

Usual banking hours are:

Monday to Friday: 8 am to 3 pm;
Saturday: 8 am to noon.

Credit cards

Visa and Mastercard are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Tipping

While not compulsory, gratuities are expected in Cambodia. Tipping is not part of the local culture, but many in the travel and service industry are accustomed to receiving a small amount for good service. Please consider the following as a guide to common practice, although tipping and the amount to tip is always at the discretion of the individual.

Guides and drivers	Tipping is entirely up to the individual and depends on the level of satisfaction with the service.
Hotel porters	It is typical to tip hotel porters for carrying bags to the room.
Restaurants	Some restaurants add a service charge of 7-10% to the bill. In cases where service charge is not included, a tip of up to 10% is appreciated.
Taxi drivers	Tipping taxi drivers is not expected, but it is customary to round up the fare.

Getting Around

Domestic flights	Local and regional airlines offer convenient and fast connections between Cambodia’s major cities.
Taxis	Taxis can be hired in Phnom Penh only. They are not all metered so the price may have to be fixed in advance. Various transportation apps are available in Cambodia to pre-book taxi services
Motodops	These motorcycle taxis are an efficient and inexpensive way to get around; travellers should ensure that their insurance policies provide coverage for this mode of transport.
Tuk-tuks	Also known as remorks, these motorised vehicles have a cabin for passengers attached to the rear, making this a fun and popular way to get around. This traditional form of transportation can also be pre-booked via mobile apps.
Bajaj	These unibody three wheelers slowly make their way through various Cambodian streets and can be booked via various mobile apps.

Food & Culture

Religion	Buddhism is the dominant religion in Cambodia with nearly 95 per cent of the population followers of this faith. Islam is practiced by a small percentage of the population, mainly the Cham people resident in the province situated north-east of Phnom Penh. Christianity and Hinduism account for less than one per cent.
Food	Generally, the food in Cambodia is not as spicy as the cuisines of Thailand or Laos but it is flavoured heavily with herbs. Fish and rice are the mainstays of Cambodian cuisine. Meals in Cambodia usually consist of three or four different dishes, reflecting the tastes of sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. Southern Cambodia is known for producing Kampot pepper, considered among the finest peppers in the world. Common local dishes: Amok – Fish and coconut milk steamed in a banana leaf; Prahok – A fermented fish paste that nourishes the nation; Beef lok-lak – A local dish served with a Kampot pepper sauce.
Shopping	Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have an abundance of local markets that offer great souvenirs. Most shops are open seven days a week, opening early and closing any time between 6 pm and 10 pm. Street stalls occupy the main streets of the major tourism destinations, selling everything from food, drinks to t-shirts and souvenirs for sale. It is common to bargain when buying items from a market stall. Remember to keep the conversation light-hearted and fun (a smile really does help!) What to buy: Krama, the traditional Cambodian scarf; Silks and hand-crafted textiles; Woodcarvings; Lacquerware; Rattan weavings.

Religion

Buddhism is the dominant religion in Cambodia with nearly 95 per cent of the population followers of this faith. Islam is practiced by a small percentage of the population, mainly the Cham people resident in the province situated north-east of Phnom Penh. Christianity and Hinduism account for less than one per cent.

Food

Generally, the food in Cambodia is not as spicy as the cuisines of Thailand or Laos but it is flavoured heavily with herbs. Fish and rice are the mainstays of Cambodian cuisine. Meals in Cambodia usually consist of three or four different dishes, reflecting the tastes of sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. Southern Cambodia is known for producing Kampot pepper, considered among the finest peppers in the world.

Common local dishes:

Amok – Fish and coconut milk steamed in a banana leaf;
Prahok – A fermented fish paste that nourishes the nation;
Beef lok-lak – A local dish served with a Kampot pepper sauce.

Shopping

Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have an abundance of local markets that offer great souvenirs. Most shops are open seven days a week, opening early and closing any time between 6 pm and 10 pm.

Street stalls occupy the main streets of the major tourism destinations, selling everything from food, drinks to t-shirts and souvenirs for sale. It is common to bargain when buying items from a market stall. Remember to keep the conversation light-hearted and fun (a smile really does help!)

What to buy:

Krama, the traditional Cambodian scarf;
Silks and hand-crafted textiles;
Woodcarvings;
Lacquerware;
Rattan weavings.

Health & Safety

Vaccinations	Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you have recently travelled to a country where the disease is present. There are currently no other vaccine requirements, although it is advisable to be up-to-date with standard inoculations, such as: Typhoid; Cholera; Hepatitis A and B; Polio, diphtheria and tetanus; Malaria and dengue (especially if travelling to remote areas). Consult your doctor for the most appropriate medical advice. If you require a particular medication, ensure that you pack an adequate supply, as it may not be available locally.
Drinking water	Avoid drinking tap water in Cambodia. Bottled mineral water is easy to find at convenience stores around the country. To minimise plastic waste, refill stations for filling up reusable water bottles can be found in the main tourist areas. Ice cubes are typically safe if served at a hotel or restaurant, but best avoided at street stalls and in remote parts of the country.
Safety	Cambodia is a safe country to visit. However, it is advisable to take some precautions to safeguard your belongings: Never leave items unattended; Maintain a firm grip on bags and wallets, especially in crowded places and on busy streets; Leave expensive jewellery at home and store valuables in the hotel safety deposit box or in-room safe; Avoid engaging with touts who approach you in the street.
Insurance	Travellers are advised to obtain appropriate insurance to cover any accidents or medical emergencies while travelling. In some cases, treatment will not be administered without proof of travel insurance. Ensure that your plan covers motor vehicle accidents if you plan to hire a car or motorbike. Emergency evacuation cover is highly recommended as you may have to fly out of the country for treatment.
Emergency numbers	Phnom Penh Police +855-97-778-0002 Phnom Penh Emergency Medical Services +855-23-724-891 Phnom Penh Fire service +855-12-786-693 Phnom Penh International Airport +855-23-862-800 Siem Reap Police +855-12-402-424 Siem Reap Emergency Medical Services +855-17-928-655 Siem Reap Fire service +855-12-784-464 Siem Reap Airport +855-63-761-261 Sihanoukville Airport +855-12-333-524

Disclaimer

This information was valid at the time of publication and it is subject to change at any time. We cannot be held responsible for any external links. You acknowledge, by your use of this site, that you use it at your own risk and that Asian Trails shall not be liable for any damages of any kind related to your use of this site, or the information contained within. We reserve the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions and to change or update information at any time without prior notice.

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INCLUSIONS

A full day tour with a professional English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request and may be subject to supplementary charges
Transportation by car / mini-van with professional driver.
All entrance and donation fees for visits as mentioned in the description.
All applicable taxes and service charges
Lunch at a local restaurant is included (food only)

EXCLUSIONS

Tours, inclusions of any kind and other services that are not outlined in the tour description
Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours, unless otherwise stated
Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement.
Compulsory Christmas, country-specific festival and/or New Year dinner at included hotels
Single supplement charges for single travelers, where applicable
Any airline tickets, visa fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general meeting point
Supplements for transfers for customers arriving or departing from any airport or resorts located outside the general pick-up and drop-off locations
Hotel expenses of a personal nature, should an overnight be included: this includes mini-bar consumption, laundry, room service, any telephone or other communication cost not mentioned in the program
Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)

GOOD TO KNOW

This tour is operated on full private basis with English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request / subject to availability and supplementary charges may apply.
Transfers are only operated within the downtown Chiang Mai areas and restricted to main hotels only.
Regions outside the central business district such as Mae Rim, Hang Dong, Doi Saket, Mae Taeng and Chiang Mai International Airport are excluded and supplementary charges apply.
We regret that are unable to provide pick-up and drop-off transfer services from and to apartment complexes, local guest houses or private apartments. We advise you kindly to head on your own arrangement to the nearest hotel inside the downtown Chiang Mai area.
We will do all possible to comply with any dietary requirements during this excursion; it may not always be possible to confirm your wishes in advance based on the choice of local restaurant.
Due to the nature of this tour, we regret to inform you that this excursion is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Guests are advised that some walking is required during this excursion; we always ensure that we take the most comfortable ways from the entrance of the sight to the sight itself.
The road up and down Doi Angkhang is not suitable for large coaches; for group travel, note that the group needs to be split up into mini-vans. We always will make efforts to confirm the exact pick-up time upon reservation.
For any operational issues in which are not able to confirm the exact pick-up time in advance, we reserve the right to inform you the day before the departure of the tour.
Due to the absence of ATM machines and credit cards payment portals, we highly recommend to bring sufficient cash with you. Please ensure that you bring sunglasses, a hat /cap and sunblock with a high SPF factor when traveling with us on this tour – even when it is cloudy, the sunrays still have an immense power.
We reserve the right to make necessary changes to the excursion in case of unfavourable weather conditions or situations where we are forced to make alterations to guarantee the safety of our guests.
It is recommendable to bring a jacket / sweater with you as temperatures on Doi Angkhang are often much cooler than around Chiang Mai.
It is the responsibility of the customer to provide us with the correct hotel information, should pick-up and drop-off services be included in the package.
Any changes in accommodation outside 48 hours will be handled accordingly: changes within 48 hours may be on request.

Cambodia

Fast Facts

E-visa

Visa-on-arrival

E-arrival card

Required documents

Time zone

Language

What to pack

Electricity

Phone & internet

Do

Don’t

Currency

Banking hours

Credit cards

Tipping

Domestic flights

Taxis

Motodops

Tuk-tuks

Bajaj

Religion

Food

Shopping

Vaccinations

Drinking water

Safety

Insurance

Emergency numbers