Cambodia Travel Guide: Highlights, Itinerary & Travel Tips
Welcome to the Kingdom of Wonder! In this Cambodia travel guide, you’ll discover how to navigate a land of ancient empires, resilient history, and some of the most beautiful islands in Southeast Asia. We're talking Angkor Wat, the hidden gems of Tonlé Sap, and the turquoise waters of Koh Rong.
Cambodia is a country that hits you right in the heart. It has a heavy history, but the spirit of the people is incredibly uplifting. Whether you're a history buff wanting to climb 1,000-year-old temples or a backpacker looking for an island escape, Cambodia is a must-visit in 2026.
I’ve visited Cambodia during my world travel in 2023. The energy in Siem Reap and the pure "Robinson Crusoe" feel of the islands make it one of my top recommendations for anyone traveling through Asia!
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| Travelling Cambodia |
Best Time to Visit Cambodia
The best time to visit Cambodia is during the dry season, from November to April.
- November – February: The "cool" season (25–30°C). Perfect for walking around temples without melting!
- March – May: Things get hot! Temperatures often soar above 35°C. Great for the islands, but tough for midday temple tours.
- June – October: The rainy season. Expect short, intense bursts of rain. The upside? The temples are surrounded by lush green jungle and the crowds are thin.
Entry Requirements for Cambodia (2026)
Most travelers need a visa to enter Cambodia:
- E-Visa: You can apply online before you arrive (approx. $30 + processing fee).
- Visa on Arrival: Available at major airports (Phnom Penh and Siem Reap) for $30 (bring a passport photo and crisp USD bills!).
- e-Arrival Card: As of 2025/2026, you must submit a digital arrival card within 7 days before entry.
Language & Currency
The official language is Khmer, but English is widely spoken in all tourist areas.
- Currency: Cambodia uses a dual-currency system. The US Dollar ($) is used for most transactions, while the Cambodian Riel (KHR) is used for small change.
- Tip: Make sure your US dollar bills are perfect—banks and vendors often reject notes with even the tiniest tear or mark!
Getting Around Cambodia
- Tuk-Tuks: The iconic way to get around cities and temples. Use the PassApp or Grab app to get fair prices.
- Giant Ibis Buses: The most reliable and comfortable bus company for travel between Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and the coast.
- Speed Ferries: These take you from Sihanoukville to the islands (Koh Rong/Koh Rong Sanloem) in about 45 minutes.
My Cambodia Travel Route
This route covers the cultural soul and the tropical paradise of Cambodia:
- Siem Reap – The gateway to Angkor Wat
- Chong Khneas – The famous floating village on Tonlé Sap
- Phnom Penh – The busy, historic capital
- Koh Rong – The vibrant "party and adventure" island
- Koh Rong Sanloem – The quiet, "go slow" island paradise
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| Angkor Wat |
Cambodia Highlights & Experiences
Siem Reap – The Magic of Angkor Wat
You can’t visit Cambodia without seeing the largest religious monument in the world.
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| Angkor Wat |
- Angkor Wat Sunrise: Yes, you have to wake up at 4:30 AM. Yes, it is worth it. Watching the sun rise behind the five towers is a core memory.
- Bayon Temple: Famous for the hundreds of giant stone faces smiling at you.
- Ta Prohm: The "Tomb Raider" temple where giant tree roots have swallowed the ruins.
- Get your own TukTuk driver: The day before you visit Angkor Wat you can just go to the city of Siem Reap and talk to some TukTuk drivers and get a driver for like $5 per person for the day. The TukTuk driver will pick you up in the morning and drive you all around the whole day.
- Pub Street: After a day of temples, head here for $0.50 beers and a lively night scene.
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| Angkor Wat |
Chong Khneas – Life on the Water
Located on the Tonlé Sap lake, this is one of the most accessible floating villages from Siem Reap. You can rent a scooter in Siem Reap and then go there.
- Take a boat tour to see schools, markets, and even pig farms all floating on the water.
- Note: It can be quite touristy, so consider visiting at sunset for the best views over the "Great Lake."
Phnom Penh – Beauty & Remembrance
The capital is a mix of beautiful palaces and sobering history.
- Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda: Stunning Khmer architecture and a floor made of 5,000 silver tiles.
- S-21 (Tuol Sleng) & Killing Fields: These are heavy sites to visit, but essential to understanding Cambodia’s history under the Khmer Rouge.
- Riverside: Walk the promenade at sunset for great people-watching and street food.
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| Killing Fields |
Koh Rong & Koh Rong Sanloem – Island Paradise
Forget the mainland beaches; the islands are where the crystal-clear water is. Koh Rong was my favourite place in Cambodia!
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| Koh Rong |
- Koh Rong: Stay at Koh Touch for the social vibe or Long Set Beach (4K Beach) for white sand and turquoise water. At night, look for the bioluminescent plankton! I can recommend the Nest Beach Hostel there. They have a lot of partys and during the day a great place to hang out and to get to know people.
- Koh Rong Sanloem (Saracen Bay): This is the place to truly disconnect. No cars, limited Wi-Fi, and shallow, calm water that looks like a swimming pool.
- M’Pay Bay: A cool, local village on Sanloem with a great backpacker community and cheap seafood.
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| Koh Rong |
Cost of Traveling in Cambodia
Cambodia is very affordable, especially for food and transport:
- Hostel Dorm: $7–$12 / Private Room: $20–$40
- Local Meal (Amok Curry): $4–$7
- Angkor Wat 3-Day Pass: $62 (USD)
Tip: Renting a bicycle in Siem Reap is a fun and cheap way to explore some of the smaller, "hidden" temples!
Final Thoughts on Cambodia Travel
Cambodia is a place that will surprise you. You come for the temples, but you stay for the people and the islands. It’s a country that feels both ancient and brand new at the same time.
You will get a really authentic experience travelling cambodia and be amazed by this beautiful country and their warm hearted people. Cambodia doesn't have that many highlights, but I loved the country for the couple highlights and the people!
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