Cambodia Travel Guide

By Alex Robinson, our Cambodia specialist · Updated October 2026

Cambodia Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Cambodia is a small, friendly country with a long and remarkable history. It is home to Angkor, the capital of the Khmer Empire and the largest religious monument in the world, as well as a lively capital, French colonial towns, rice-field countryside, rainforests and quiet islands. The people are warm and welcoming, and the food is one of South-East Asia’s great undiscovered cuisines.

This guide covers the practical side of a trip: when to go, entry requirements, health, money, safety and local customs. It is written by our Cambodia specialist Alex Robinson, who travelled across Cambodia with Earth Trip for The Independent. For ideas and itineraries, see our Cambodia bespoke holidays.

Getting There and Around

There are no direct flights from the UK. Most routes connect in Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Doha or Dubai, flying into Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Phnom Penh’s new Techo International Airport opened in September 2025, south of the city, and Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport is about an hour’s drive from town.

Within Cambodia we use private cars with a driver, domestic flights between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, and boats on the rivers and to the islands. Cambodia combines well with Vietnam, Laos and Thailand.

Preparing For A Trip To Cambodia?

Money

US dollars are used for almost everything in Cambodia, from hotels to tuk-tuks, with Cambodian riel given as small change. Bring clean, untorn dollar notes, as damaged ones are often refused. ATMs in towns give out dollars, and cards are accepted in most hotels and larger restaurants, but carry cash for markets and the countryside.

Tipping is not compulsory but is much appreciated. Around 10% in restaurants, if service isn’t included, and a tip for your guide and driver at the end of the trip is customary.

Staying Safe

Most visits to Cambodia are trouble-free, and the main tourist areas are safe. Watch your phone and bag in Phnom Penh, where thieves on motorbikes sometimes snatch them, and stay on marked paths in the countryside, as there are still landmines in some rural areas. Roads can be dangerous, which is one reason we use experienced private drivers and avoid travelling after dark.

The UK government currently advises against all but essential travel within 20 kilometres of the land border with Thailand. Our itineraries avoid this area, and we fly between Thailand and Cambodia. Check the latest UK travel advice for Cambodia before you go.

Local Customs and Etiquette

• Dress modestly at temples and the Royal Palace: cover your shoulders and knees, and take off your shoes and hat before entering a temple building.
• Respect monks: women should not touch a monk or hand things to him directly.
• Heads and feet: don’t touch anyone on the head, and don’t point your feet at people or Buddha images.
• Ask before taking photographs of people, especially monks.
• Greet people with the sampeah: palms together and a small bow.

Food and Drink

Khmer food is fresher and less fiery than Thai, built on rice, fish, herbs and the fermented fish paste prahok. Try fish amok, steamed in banana leaf with coconut and spices, beef lok lak, and crab with green Kampot pepper in Kep. Siem Reap and Phnom Penh have an exciting new restaurant scene, much of it run by young Cambodian chefs. Don’t drink the tap water. Most of our hotels provide filtered water to refill your bottle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cambodia safe for tourists?

Yes. Most visits are trouble-free, and Cambodians are famously friendly. Take normal care with your phone and bag in Phnom Penh, stay on marked paths in the countryside because of old landmines, and avoid travelling by road at night. The UK government advises against all but essential travel within 20 kilometres of the Thai border, which our itineraries avoid.

What currency should I take to Cambodia?

US dollars. They are used for almost everything, with Cambodian riel given as small change. Bring clean, untorn notes, as damaged ones are often refused, and some smaller notes for tips and markets. ATMs in towns give out dollars.

Can you drink the tap water in Cambodia?

No. Drink filtered or bottled water, and use it for brushing your teeth. Most of our hotels provide filtered water to refill your bottle, which saves plastic.

Do I need malaria tablets for Cambodia?

It depends on your route. Malaria is mainly a risk in rural and forested areas rather than in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Angkor. Speak to your GP or a travel clinic at least eight weeks before you go, and check the advice on TravelHealthPro.

What language do they speak in Cambodia?

Khmer. English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and tourist areas, and all our guides speak good English. Learning to say “hello” (sua s’dei) and “thank you” (aw kohn) is always appreciated.

What plug sockets are used in Cambodia?

The voltage is 230V, and most sockets take two-pin plugs, either flat or round, so bring a universal travel adaptor.

How do I fly to Cambodia from the UK?

There are no direct flights. Most routes connect in Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Doha or Dubai, with a total journey time of around 15 to 17 hours. You can fly into Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, and out of the other, to save time.

Plan Your Cambodia Holiday

Ready to start? Explore our Cambodia bespoke holidays, the best things to do in Cambodia, our guide to Cambodia’s regions and our hand-picked Cambodia hotels, or see the 18-day Cambodia In-Depth Holiday. To start planning, request a video call with Alex.