Cambodia
Temples, rivers and islands
Balance the scale of Angkor with thoughtful history, lively cities, riverside towns and time to slow down on the coast.
Vladimir Pankratov / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0 · Image licence
The honest overview
Get to know Cambodia before fixing the route.
Cambodia is famed for Angkor Wat and the wider temple complexes around it, its stretch of laid-back Gulf coast islands and a food scene that's often overshadowed by its neighbours, attracting first-timers, budget backpackers and people doing a wider Southeast Asia loop alike. Cambodia is known for being one of the cheapest countries on that loop, thanks to low accommodation and food costs, a well-worn Siem Reap–Phnom Penh–coast route and an increasing number of backpackers coming over from Thailand or Vietnam once those routes start to feel crowded, making it an easy add-on rather than a standalone trip for most.
Part of the joy of backpacking in Cambodia is deciding what deserves more time. Keep space for weather changes, longer travel days and recommendations from people you meet on the road.
US Dollars are accepted everywhere alongside Riel, and most prices – hostels, tours, tuk-tuks – are quoted in USD by default. It's worth carrying small dollar bills, as change is often given in a mix of both currencies.
There's no single fixed route through Cambodia, though most backpackers end up following a similar shape given the geography. It's a common add-on to a wider Southeast Asia trip: plenty arrive overland from Bangkok via Poipet or from Ho Chi Minh City via the Mekong border crossing, and leave via the other. The core loop runs Siem Reap (Angkor Wat) down to Phnom Penh, then out to the coast for Sihanoukville, Koh Rong or Koh Rong Sanloem, with Battambang as a common detour between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh for those with extra time. FCDO currently advises against all but essential travel within 20km of the Thailand land border due to historical landmines and lingering border tensions – this sits well outside the standard route and shouldn't affect a normal Cambodia trip, but it's worth knowing if Poipet or the far northwest is part of your plan.
Season by season
What each season means for your trip
Cambodia's weather can change sharply by region and elevation. These are planning patterns, not guarantees.
Drier travel window
The best weather of the year, dry and cooler with temperatures of 22–30°C. Peak tourist season, especially around Angkor Wat, so book ahead in Siem Reap over Christmas and New Year.
Drier travel window
Hot and dry with temperatures climbing to 35–40°C, the hottest stretch of the year. Khmer New Year (mid-April) sees much of the country pause for a few days, with transport booking up early.
Wetter travel conditions
The rains build, with temperatures of 28–33°C and increasingly frequent afternoon downpours. Still workable for travel, just pack for sudden heavy showers.
Wetter travel conditions
The wettest period, with temperatures of 26–31°C, high humidity and the heaviest rain of the year, particularly across the Tonlé Sap basin. Flooding can affect rural roads and some temple access; the islands see rougher seas and fewer boat crossings.
Check the forecast for the exact region and elevation on your route, then leave room to change outdoor plans when conditions move.
Cost of day to day travel
Build a budget around the route
Cambodia is one of the cheapest countries in Southeast Asia to travel day to day. On the mainland (Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Battambang), £15–20 a day covers a dorm bed, food, local transport and a temple pass comfortably.
Cambodia is one of the cheapest countries in Southeast Asia to travel day to day.
Long transfers, specialist tours and headline activities can change the daily total quickly.
US Dollars are accepted everywhere alongside Riel, and most prices – hostels, tours, tuk-tuks – are quoted in USD by default.
Average the full trip rather than forcing every day into the same number. Keep emergency funds separate from daily spending.
Key backpacker routes
Find the route that feels right for you
There is no single route you need to follow. Let your timeframe, interests and season shape the journey through Cambodia.
Start with the natural route Core journey
There's no single fixed route through Cambodia, though most backpackers end up following a similar shape given the geography. It's a common add-on to a wider Southeast Asia trip: plenty arrive overland from Bangkok via Poipet or from Ho Chi Minh City via the Mekong border crossing, and leave via the other.
Add the region that earns your time Build depth
The core loop runs Siem Reap (Angkor Wat) down to Phnom Penh, then out to the coast for Sihanoukville, Koh Rong or Koh Rong Sanloem, with Battambang as a common detour between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh for those with extra time. FCDO currently advises against all but essential travel within 20km of the Thailand land border due to historical landmines and lingering border tensions – this sits well outside the standard route and shouldn't affect a normal Cambodia trip, but it's worth knowing if Poipet or the far northwest is part of your plan.
Main destinations and attractions
Where to spend your days
Pick a connected group and leave room for hostel friendships and changing plans. Cambodia rewards depth more than a checklist of stops.
Siem Reap and Angkor Wat. Photo: A_E_P / flickr, BY-NC-ND 2.0.Siem Reap and Angkor Wat
The main draw for most visitors, and rightly so. The Angkor Archaeological Park covers hundreds of temples across 400km², with Angkor Wat itself, Bayon's carved stone faces and the jungle-swallowed ruins of Ta Prohm the three not to miss.
Phnom Penh. Photo: wingilote / flickr, BY-NC-SA 2.0.Phnom Penh
Cambodia's capital sits at the meeting point of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers, and mixes riverside cafes with a heavier, essential piece of the country's recent history.
Battambang. Photo: wingilote / flickr, BY-NC-SA 2.0.Battambang
Cambodia's second city and a common stop between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, known for French colonial architecture, a laid-back pace and the Bamboo Train – a rebuilt bamboo-platform railcar that runs along old rail lines, now firmly a tourist activity rather than functioning transport.
Koh Rong. Photo: Travolution360 / flickr, BY-ND 2.0.Koh Rong
The more developed and social of the two main Gulf islands, with Koh Touch as the main village hub for beach bars, hostels and boat trips.
Koh Rong Sanloem. Photo: WanderingtheWorld (www.ChrisFord.com) / flickr, BY-NC 2.0.Koh Rong Sanloem
Quieter and more spread out than Koh Rong, with Saracen Bay as the more developed beach and M'Pai Bay as the sleepier fishing-village side of the island.
Sihanoukville. Photo: WanderingtheWorld (www.ChrisFord.com) / flickr, BY-NC 2.0.Sihanoukville
The mainland gateway to the islands, and worth knowing it's changed significantly in recent years with large-scale casino development altering much of the town.
To get a feel for the cities you're exploring, we'd highly recommend booking a 'free walking tour' via Guruwalk. You sign up for the tour and pay via a tip based system. Our Outpacker chatbot is available to help you plan and build out your itinerary to make the most of your trip.
Getting around
Compare time, comfort and cost
Bus and shared minivan are the main ways to cover distance in Cambodia. 12Go is the site most backpackers use to compare and book buses, vans and ferries in one place.
Tuk-tuk
The default way to get around any city or town, and to reach temples from Siem Reap.
Bus
Giant Ibis and Mekong Express are the two backpacker-favoured operators, running comfortable coaches between the main cities – Giant Ibis in particular is well reviewed for the Siem Reap–Phnom Penh and Phnom Penh–Sihanoukville routes.
Shared minivan
Faster than the bus for shorter hops but more cramped and driven harder, and the main option for reaching smaller towns like Kampot or Battambang directly.
Plane
Domestic flights between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap exist but rarely make sense for backpackers given how short the bus journey is and how cheap it is by comparison.
Download offline maps, keep key booking details available without data and avoid placing an international departure immediately after a fragile overland transfer.
Culture and events
Events worth knowing about
Cambodia's festival calendar is smaller than some of its neighbours', but a few are worth building a trip around.
A national holiday marking the traditional new year, with three days of temple visits, water and powder throwing in the streets, and family gatherings.
A religious festival honouring deceased ancestors, with families visiting pagodas to make offerings over 15 days.
Water Festival (November, date shifts) – A three-day festival marking the reversal of the Tonlé Sap's flow, with boat races on the river in Phnom Penh, fireworks and huge crowds.
Koh Rong's Saturday sports-day gathering is a useful social event for backpackers. Confirm the current programme, venue and timings before planning around it.
Confirm the official programme, accommodation pressure and transport changes before committing non-refundable plans.
Cambodian food
Discover the flavours that make Cambodia memorable
Cambodian food gets overshadowed by Thailand and Vietnam on either side, but it's worth taking seriously in its own right – milder, less oily, and built around fresh herbs and fish.
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Amokthe national dish, a steamed fish curry in coconut milk, usually served in a banana leaf.Photo: SodanieChea / flickr, BY 2.0 -
Num Banh Chokrice noodles with a green fish-based curry sauce, typically eaten as breakfast.Photo: Rambo2100 / flickr, BY-NC-ND 2.0 -
Lok Lakstir-fried beef with a lime-pepper dipping sauce, served over rice or salad.Photo: Paul Mannix / flickr, BY 2.0 -
Bai Sach Chroukgrilled pork over rice, a popular street breakfast.Photo: PiktourUK / flickr, BY 2.0 -
Kuy Teava pork or beef noodle soup, similar in spirit to Vietnamese pho but distinctly Khmer.Photo: PiktourUK / flickr, BY 2.0 -
Nom Kroksmall coconut rice cakes cooked on a griddle, sold as a street snack.Photo: A.Davey / flickr, BY 2.0 -
Prahokfermented fish paste used across Khmer cooking – an acquired taste, but worth knowing about since it turns up in a lot of dishes.Photo: joaquinuy / flickr, BY 2.0
Visible turnover is a useful guide. Explain allergies carefully and carry a translated note when an ingredient could cause a serious reaction.
Hostels
Choose the atmosphere, not just the bed
Cambodia has a solid backpacker hostel scene, concentrated in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and the islands. Check for lockers, aircon rather than just fans, and a quiet floor or building if you're not there purely for the party.
Onederz Hostel Siem Reap
Siem Reap, CambodiaProperty image from Hostelworld's official HOSCAR record.View photos and details →Onederz Koh Rong
Koh Rong Island, CambodiaProperty image from Hostelworld's official HOSCAR record.View photos and details →Onederz Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh, CambodiaProperty image from Hostelworld's official HOSCAR record.View photos and details →Yellow Sun Hostel
Kampot, CambodiaProperty image from Hostelworld's official HOSCAR record.View photos and details →Mad Monkey Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh, CambodiaProperty image from Hostelworld's official HOSCAR record.View photos and details →Lub d Siem Reap
Siem Reap, CambodiaProperty image from Hostelworld's official HOSCAR record.View photos and details →What you need to pack
Pack for the route, not every possibility
The gear you need depends on the time of year and wider countries you plan to visit, so check out our trip planner for anything specific to your dates and countries – it'll build you a kit list based on exactly where and when you're going.
Climate and clothing
The weather you'll encounter most is heat and humidity, so pack clothes that are breathable and don't hold onto smell.
- A sarong or light scarf – doubles as a beach towel, a modesty cover for temples (shoulders and knees must be covered at Angkor Wat) and an extra layer on an aircon bus.
- A universal travel adapter and a power bank – Cambodia runs on Type A/C/G sockets at 230V.
- Run all of this through the trip planner to build your full kit based on your specific route and dates.
Rain and terrain
Most people get away fine with regular sports or gym-style shirts from home – breathable, cheap, and they do the job.
- DEET mosquito spray – essential here, particularly around Siem Reap and rural areas where malaria risk is higher.
- Padlocks – for securing your bags and using hostel lockers.
- One more to keep in mind: Angkor Wat and other temples enforce a dress code, so pack at least one modest outfit even if the rest of your kit is vest tops and shorts.
Hostels and travel days
You can pack light either way, as hostels typically offer laundry services at a very affordable price, and there are plenty of local laundrettes offering cheap, quick turnarounds too.
- A dry bag – for boat trips to the islands, keeps your phone and passport safe from an unexpected soaking.
- A basic first aid kit – plasters, rehydration sachets, and something for an upset stomach.
Activities and health
Add specialist equipment only for booked activities and current health guidance.
- Flip-flops or slides – for hostel showers and beach days, alongside a proper pair of trail shoes for temple days, which involve a lot of walking on uneven stone.
- A reusable water bottle with a filter – tap water isn't drinkable here, and this cuts down on buying plastic bottles every day.
Language
A few Khmer phrases go a long way
English is spoken to a reasonable level in the main tourist areas (Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, the islands), though less so once you're off that route.
| English | Say it in Khmer | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Suosdey | soo-os-day |
| Goodbye | Lea Heuy | lee-a-hoy |
| Yes / No | Baat (male) / Chaa (female) – Ott te | ott-tay |
| How much? | Nih t'lai ponman? | nih tuh-lai pohn-mahn |
| How are you? | Sohk sabai te? | sok sa-bye tay |
| Please | Suom | soo-om |
| Do you speak English? | Nak jeh ph'sa Angkles te? | nak jeh pa-sa ang-lees tay |
| Help, please | Suom chuoy phong! | soo-om chuoy pong |
| Where are you from? | Nak maork pi na? | nak mao pee na |
| What is your name? / My name is... | Nak chmuah ei? / Knhom chmuah... | nak chuh-mua eye / kh-nyom chuh-mua... |
| Thank you | Aw kun | aw-koon |
| Use the phrases respectfully: Men use "Baat" and women use "Chaa" for a polite yes – worth using the right one for your own gender, the same way Thailand's krap/ka works. | ||
Visa requirements
Check the rule for your passport
Entry rules depend on nationality, journey and length of stay. Confirm the current rule before booking, then check it again shortly before departure.
Check your exact requirements
Use Sherpa to review entry requirements for your passport and journey. Also confirm passport validity, permitted stay, proof of onward travel and any current arrival-form requirements.
Vaccinations
Make the advice fit your route
Vaccination and health advice depends on your route, duration, medical history and activities.
Review current CDC guidance
Read the current CDC Cambodia traveller guidance, then discuss personal recommendations with a qualified clinician.
Arrange appropriate travel insurance and keep policy details available offline. Consider the practical risks created by climate, altitude, insects, animals, water activities and road travel on your specific route.
Safety and common scams
Standard caution, specific habits
Cambodia is a welcoming, easy-going country for solo travellers, and the well-trodden Siem Reap–Phnom Penh–coast route sees a huge number of backpackers passing through safely every year.
Tuk-tuk overcharging
Drivers may quote a high price to tourists by default, especially near hotels and the airport. Agree the fare before getting in, or ask your hostel what a fair local rate looks like.
Bag snatching
Phone and bag snatching from moving motorbikes happens occasionally in Phnom Penh, particularly along the riverside at night. Keep bags on the side away from the road and phones out of sight while walking.
Fake monks or blessing scams
Occasionally people in monk-style robes approach tourists near temples asking for donations or offering blessings for a fee. Real monks don't solicit money like this.
Currency confusion
Prices flip between USD and Riel constantly, and it's an easy spot for a vendor to round up "by mistake" in their favour when giving change. Keep a rough mental exchange rate and count change before walking off.
Landmine and UXO risk off marked paths
Rural areas, particularly near the Thai border, still carry unexploded ordnance from past conflicts. Stick to marked paths and established trails, especially anywhere off the standard tourist route.
None of this should put you off the trip – it's one of the more relaxed, low-hassle countries on the Southeast Asia route, provided you keep half an eye on where you're wandering off to.
Sources and feedback
Help us keep this guide useful
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