12 Essential Cambodia Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

From the iconic temples of Angkor Wat to bustling Phnom Penh and the laid-back beaches of the south, Cambodia is a diverse destination that captivates travellers with its rich history, warm hospitality, and natural beauty. It captivated us – we loved it! 

However, if it’s your first time visiting, we think there are a few essential things to know that will help you make the most of your trip and avoid common pitfalls.

Here are our tried and tested 12 essential travel tips for first-time visitors to Cambodia.

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12 Essential Cambodia Travel Tips

1. You’ll Need a Visa to Enter Cambodia 🛂

Most travellers will need a visa to enter Cambodia but fortunately getting one is straightforward. Our visa was quick and easy to organise. 

Tips:

• Apply for an e-visa online at www.evisa.gov.kh. Single entry visas are valid for up to 3 months with a one month maximum stay. They currently cost between $30 – $35.
  
• Alternatively, you can get a visa on arrival at international airports and some land borders but it will take longer to get through immigration than if you had an e-visa.
  
• Make sure your passport has at least 6 months’ validity and one blank page.
  
• If applying on arrival, you’ll need to bring a passport photo and US dollars (around $30).
  

💡 Tip: Always carry a printed copy of your e-visa confirmation, even if it’s digital.

2. The US Dollar Is Widely Used 💵

While the official currency is the Cambodian Riel (KHR), US dollars are used for most everyday transactions, especially by tourists.

Tips:

• Prices under $1 are usually given in riel; everything else is quoted in US dollars.

• ATMs dispense US dollars so you can use a mix of both currencies.

• Avoid torn or old US bills as they will probably be refused. The first time this happened, I was a little confused (there was a small tear in the note), but I was told that banks would refuse the notes when deposited by the vendors.

• Change is often given in a mix of dollars and riel.

3. Respect the Culture and Religion 🛕🙏

Cambodia is a Buddhist country and cultural respect is important, especially when visiting temples or rural areas.

Do:

• Dress modestly when visiting temples. You’ll need to cover your shoulders and knees.
  
• Remove your shoes and hat before entering religious buildings.
  
• Speak quietly and behave respectfully at sacred sites.
  
• Keep your head lower than Buddha statues and monks.
  

Don’t:

• Touch someone on the head (heads are considered sacred).
  
• Point your feet at people or religious statues.
  

💡 Tip: Women should not touch monks or hand anything to them directly.

4. Visit Angkor Wat Early (and Stay for More Than a Day) 🌄

Angkor Wat in Siem Reap is, justifiably, the star attraction in Cambodia but many travellers don’t realise that it’s just one part of a massive ancient temple complex. To fully immerse yourself in Angkor Wat, we recommend staying for more than one day. However, if you only have one day then get there as early as you can to avoid the crowds. 

Tips:

• Buy a multi-day Angkor Pass (1, 3 or 7 days) to explore at your own pace. You can buy passes online, costing between $37 and $72, depending on the length of your visit.

• Visit at sunrise for iconic views. This is a popular time to visit so you should expect crowds.

• Don’t skip lesser-known temples like Ta Prohm, Bayon, or Banteay Srei.

• Hire a guide or download an app such as ‘Visit Angkor’ to better understand the history of the temple and local area.

💡 Tip: Dress modestly at all temples and bring water, sunscreen, and bug spray.

5. Be Prepared for the Heat and Humidity ☀️🌡️

Cambodia has a tropical climate with high humidity. Temperatures often exceed 30°C (86°F). Travellers need to be prepared for sightseeing in uncomfortably hot conditions. 

Tips:

• Stay hydrated! Always carry water with you.
  
• Wear lightweight, breathable clothing, a hat with good coverage, and sunglasses.
  
• Take regular breaks in the shade. Ideally, spend time indoors during the hottest parts of the day (12–3 pm).
  
• Use high-SPF sunscreen and insect repellent daily.
  

💡 Tip: Many hotels and cafes offer cool towels and water for free so take advantage of it!

6. Get Around Safely 🛺📱

Tuktuks are a fun and convenient way to get around cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. You should always agree on the price before the ride unless you’re using an app.

There are only a handful of rail lines in Cambodia (between Phnom Penh, Kampot, Sihanoukville and Battambang) so book ahead if you plan to travel by train. 

For long distance travel without flying, you’ll most likely need to take a bus. Bus travel is cheap with different companies offering different prices but like everything, you get what you pay for both in comfort and safety. 

Tips:

• Use apps like Grab or PassApp for safer, fixed-price rides.
  
• For short distances, tuk tuks are cheaper and more scenic than taxis.
  
• Avoid motorbike taxis unless you’re confident as helmets are often not provided.

• It is worth paying more money for a more comfortable long distance bus. Mekong Express has the best safety record of all Cambodia’s bus companies.

💡 Tip: In rural areas, transport options may be limited so if possible arrange transfers in advance.

7. Learn a Few Words of Khmer 🗣️

We found that most Cambodians working in tourism speak basic English, but we always think that learning a few local phrases goes a long way.

Essential Khmer phrases:

• Chom reap sour: Hello
  
• Orkun: Thank you
  
• Baat (for men) / Chaa (for women) :Yes
  
• Ot te: No
  

💡 Tip: Smiling is a big part of Cambodian culture — a smile is always a good place to start!

8. Tipping Isn’t Required, But Appreciated 💰

Tipping is not compulsory in Cambodia, but it’s a welcome gesture, especially given the relatively low wages in service industries.

Tipping Guidelines:

• In restaurants, round up to the nearest dollar or leave $1–$2.
  
• Tip hotel staff around $1 per bag or for housekeeping.
  
• For tour guides and drivers tip $3 to $10 per day depending on length and quality of service.
  

💡 Tip: Keep small US bills on hand for tips.

9. Be Cautious with Street Food and Water 🚱🍢

Cambodian street food is very tasty, but first-time visitors should be cautious to avoid getting a stomach upset.

Tips:

• Stick to food that is freshly cooked and hot.
  
• Avoid ice in drinks or drinks made with added water unless you’re sure it’s made from filtered or bottled water.
  
• Tap water is not safe to drink – always choose bottled or filtered water. Remember to brush your teeth using bottled water. 

• Dine at street food stalls that are busy. Being busy is a sign of a good reputation but it also means there is a high turnover of food so food is likely to be freshly cooked and piping hot.
  

💡 Tip: Bring rehydration salts or Imodium just in case of stomach trouble.

10. Be Mindful at Historical Sites (Especially the Killing Fields) 🕊️

Cambodia has a heartbreaking modern history related to the Khmer Rouge regime of the late 1970’s.

Sites like the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Killing Fields are powerful and moving. Visitors should be mindful of respectful behaviour when visiting these important and emotive locations. 

Tips:

• Dress respectfully and maintain a quiet, reflective tone.
  
• Read or listen to the stories with sensitivity. Photography is allowed but use discretion and please, don’t take selfies.
  
• Don’t treat these sites as photo ops; they are memorials to tortured and murdered people and not attractions.
  

💡 Tip: Many visitors find these visits emotionally upsetting so give yourself time afterwards to decompress.

11. Travel Insurance Is a Must 🏥

Cambodia’s healthcare system is limited, especially in rural areas. While you may never need it, travel insurance is essential in case of accidents or illness. We never travel without a comprehensive travel policy. 

Tips:

• Make sure your policy includes medical evacuation, especially if you’re visiting islands or remote areas.
  
• Carry a small first-aid kit with plasters, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary medications.

• Always declare pre-existing conditions, no matter how minor, and always read the small print so you know exactly what you are covered for and what you are not.

💡 Tip: Check if your policy includes coverage for activities like zip-lining, motorbiking, or diving if you plan to do them.

12. Respect the Local Way of Life 🧘‍♂️

Cambodia is changing fast, but we found that many areas still hold to traditional values and a slower pace of life. Being patient, friendly, and respectful will go a long way.

Tips:

• Don’t raise your voice as it’s considered very rude in Cambodian society.
  
• Ask permission before taking photos of people, especially monks or children.
  
• Avoid public displays of affection.
  
• Don’t give money to begging children. Instead, support NGOs or buy from social enterprises which support the local community.
  

💡 Tip: Responsible tourism is growing. Look for local-led experiences, homestays, and ethical tour operators. We had a wonderful experience with LikeLocal and it made our visit to Cambodia very special.

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