If you're looking for a budget-friendly adventure with lots of authentic charm, Cambodia is the place to go! Affordable accommodation, inexpensive transportation, not overly touristic, friendly locals, great food and of course historic monuments are the reason to plan your next trip now. Enjoy authentic experiences and really immerse yourself in the local culture.

1. How to Get to Cambodia

Traveling to Cambodia is relatively easy, with several transportation options available. For those coming from Europe, there are direct flights to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap from major cities like London, Paris, and Frankfurt. Alternatively, travelers can opt for flights with stopovers in nearby cities such as Bangkok, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur, which may offer more affordable fares. Another option is to enter Cambodia by land via bus from neighboring countries like Thailand, Vietnam, or Laos. Many bus companies operate cross-border services, making it convenient for travelers exploring Southeast Asia to enter Cambodia overland. You can pre-book your bus transfers between the neighboring countries here. Read about our travel itinerary in our guide, Malaysia and Cambodia: a 10 day trip across 2 countries.

2. Is it Safe to Travel to Cambodia?

Cambodia is generally a safe destination for tourists, with low crime rates in most areas. However, it's essential to exercise caution, especially in crowded tourist areas where pick pocketing and petty theft can occur. Overall, by taking common-sense precautions and staying vigilant, you can enjoy a safe and memorable trip to Cambodia.

3. Documents You Need to Enter Cambodia

Before traveling to Cambodia, ensure you have a valid passport with at least six months validity remaining. Most visitors also require a tourist visa, which can be obtained upon arrival at the airport or land borders, or in advance through the Cambodian e-Visa system. It's recommended to check the latest visa requirements and regulations before your trip to ensure a smooth entry into the country. 

Additionally with the visa you will need to fill out the e-Arrival declaration form. The process is easy, you just need to download the Cambodia e-Arrival app on your phone and complete all the forms. The app will provide you with a QR code which you will present with your Visa at the immigration desk. Please note that you need to have the e-Arrival form complete before your flight boarding even if you don’t have a Visa yet and you are planning to get one upon arrival. Airport officials will not allow you to board the plane otherwise.

4. How to obtain a Cambodian visa holding an EU passport.

EU passport holders can obtain a single entry Cambodian visa which permits a stay of up to 30 days and has validity up to 3 months since its approval. The application can be made entirely online and the cost of a Cambodian e-Visa is $30 USD, plus a $6 USD processing fee. The passport provided should be valid with at least 6 months validity remaining. For your application visit the official website of the Kingdom of Cambodia here https://www.evisa.gov.kh/ .

The process is easy and straightforward but you have to provide a scanned copy of your passport, a recent passport-sized photo, all your personal information and your travel itinerary. This means that you have to plan everything in advance including your arrival and departure flights or bus tickets, your hotel’s voucher along with your intended date of entry and the port of entry (airport or land border). If you are travelling with companion, you can add all applicants in the same application just by adding the details of the people traveling together. At the end of the process, pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card. After the process is complete, you will receive an email stating that your application is submitted and inform you regarding the ways you can get in touch with them the case a problem with the application or payment is occurred. Once your application is approved, you will receive an e-Visa certificate via email within a few business days. In our case, I filled for the e-Visas on a Friday and I received the approval on Tuesday, so it took less than 3 working days. Make sure to check your spam folder as well, as most of emails were forward there.

Upon arrival at the airport or land border crossing, present your e-Visa and passport to immigration officials. You need to print out the e-visa certificate you will receive by email in 2 copies. You will pass the first one for the entry at the Immigration counter and the second one upon departure. Your passport will be stamped, and you will be granted entry into Cambodia. Make sure to keep your departure card, as you will need it when leaving the country. After the process of the e-Visa is complete and approved, you may make changes only to your travel information like the date of entrance, the port of entry etc.

Alternatively, EU passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at major entry points such as Phnom Penh International Airport, Siem Reap International Airport, and major land border crossings. To apply for a visa on arrival, you will need to fill out an application form, submit a passport-sized photo, and pay the visa fee in cash (USD). The visa on arrival allows for a stay of up to 30 days and costs $30 USD.

Obtaining an e-Visa over opting for a visa on arrival is highly recommended. The e-Visa process is quick, easy and hassle-free allowing you to breeze through immigration and start enjoying your Cambodia adventure soon. Plus, e-Visa offers peace of mind, knowing that your travel documents are in order before you set foot in the country.

5. How to Get Around

Getting around Cambodia is relatively easy, with options including buses, tuk-tuks, and ride-hailing apps like Grab. The bus network connects major cities and towns, offering affordable and convenient transportation for travelers. Tuk-tuks are a popular mode of transport for short distances within cities, while Grab provides a convenient and reliable option for booking rides using a smartphone app. Additionally, renting a bicycle or motorbike is a popular choice for exploring local areas independently. You can pre-book your transfers between major cities here with 12go. 

We travelled between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh using Vet Air Bus Express service, which we book through 12Go. What a surreal experience it was! The day started with a fun tuk-tuk ride to the Vet Air Bus Express station, just across Phsar Samaki Vegetable & Fruit Market. The service felt more like boarding a flight than a bus. We checked in at a counter with our pre-booked tickets, and an employee collected and stored our luggage with an efficiency reminiscent of an airline. Onboard, we were greeted by a stewardess who offered us drinks and took our food orders. Yes, food orders! We could choose between burgers, pasta, and rice, which were picked up and served during a stop two hours into the trip. The best part? The drivers—yes, there were two—alternated shifts and were dressed in suits. The five-hour journey flew by with such luxury.

6. Currency and Payment Methods

The official currency of Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel (KHR-Khmer), although US dollars and Euros are widely accepted and often preferred for larger transactions. The exchange rate is approximately 4,000 KHR to 1 USD. Euros can be exchanged at banks and exchange counters in major cities, and ATMs are available for withdrawing cash using international debit or credit cards. Using cards like Revolut can be a convenient and cost-effective way to make payments and withdraw cash while traveling in Cambodia, as they often offer favorable exchange rates and lower fees. Beware though as many shops does not accept cards at all but you can also pay in euros or dollars as well, as they are widely accepted. We found ourselves in many occasions that we paid with a mix of Khmer and Euros. 

7. Renting a Car

While it's possible to rent a car in Cambodia, it's not as common or straightforward as in other countries. Rental agencies are available in major cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, but driving conditions can be challenging, with congested traffic and erratic driving behavior. Additionally, road signage and infrastructure may be lacking in rural areas. If you choose to rent a car, ensure you have a valid international driving permit and familiarize yourself with local traffic laws and customs.

8. How to Have Internet in Cambodia

Staying connected while traveling in Cambodia is essential for navigation, communication, and accessing travel information. One option is to purchase a local SIM card, which is widely available at airports, convenience stores, and mobile phone shops throughout the country. The cost of a SIM card varies depending on the provider and data package, but it is generally affordable, with prices starting at around $5 USD. Popular mobile operators in Cambodia include Cellcard, Smart, and Metfone, offering prepaid SIM cards with data plans that can be easily topped up as needed.

Alternatively, you can opt for an eSIM for internet-only access, such as NOMAD. NOMAD offers convenient eSIM options specifically designed for travelers, allowing you to stay connected with high-speed internet without the need for a physical SIM card. Simply purchase a NOMAD eSIM online before your trip, download the eSIM profile to your device, and activate it upon arrival in Cambodia.

We purchased the Nomad eSim and selected the APAC Plan which included 20 countries in Asia for $ 29 USD. We were very satisfied as we didn't encountered any problems through our trip!

9. Accommodation Options in Cambodia

Cambodia offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every traveler's preferences and budget. From luxury resorts and boutique hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels, there is something to cater to every taste and style. In popular tourist destinations like Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville, visitors can find a plethora of accommodation choices ranging from five-star properties with lavish amenities to cozy guesthouses with local charm. Additionally, homestays and eco-lodges provide unique opportunities for travelers to immerse themselves in local culture and support sustainable tourism initiatives.

Our choices for our trip through Cambodia were: Hari Residence and Spa in Siem Reap and The Plantation Urban Resort & Spa in Phnom Penh. Both hotels were conveniently located in the center of the cities and offered amazing pools and breakfast! Both hotels were booked through Agoda.

10.When is the best time to visit Cambodia?

The best time to visit Cambodia is during the dry season, which runs from November to early April. This period offers the most pleasant weather, with lower humidity and temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), making it ideal for exploring Cambodia's stunning temples, pristine beaches, and vibrant cities. November through February are particularly favorable, as the cool, breezy conditions are perfect for sightseeing at iconic locations like Angkor Wat without the discomfort of extreme heat. Additionally, this season coincides with several cultural festivals, providing travelers with a rich and immersive experience of Cambodian traditions and celebrations.

Check our other posts for Cambodia