Anytime between mid-October to mid-May would be the best months to go yet even in the rainy season one can expect only a few hours of rain a day.
Climate: Current 5 day weather forecast
The average daily highs in Cambodia are 90 F and 75F at night. Two monsoons seasons set the rhythm of life: wet and dry.
Dry: November – April (high season peaks in Nov/Feb):
Wet: May (end) – Oct : You can expect higher humidity and heavy rains during this season. with the heaviest rains in August.
There are no direct flights from the United States to Cambodia. Most guests fly to Bangkok or Hanoi with connecting flights to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh or Bangkok depending on their preference of itinerary. We are happy to help you make the best travel arrangements for your trip.
Cambodia's currency, the Riel. The de facto currency is the U.S. dollar with the Euro also commonly used, so don't bother exchanging a lot of money.
Riels come in the following forms:
Common bank notes: 50; 100; 200; 500; 1,000; 2,000; 5,000; 10,000.
Rare bank notes: 20.000; 50,000; 100,000.
For tuk tuks, local food stalls and small purchases, it’s best to use Riel.
Current local Time
Cambodia does not recognize daylight savings time. Standard time in Cambodia is 11 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST) during spring and summer and 12 hours ahead during fall and winter, 7 hours ahead of GMT, 2 hours behind of Tokyo and in the same time zone as Bangkok.
Cambodia's national language is Khmer, which is also referred to as Cambodian. English is the first language among young students, while French is spoken by the older generations.
Cambodia's official religion is Theravada Buddhism and their faith has a formative influence on everyday life. Historically the religions of Cambodia have been strongly influenced by the early Indian and Chinese cultures. Buddhism was introduced in Cambodia in the 12th century and has been the national religion since 1989. There are also 500,000 Muslims, mostly of Cham origins.
International phone calls can be made from most hotels and post offices. Call charges are quite high. Email and internet connections are widely available in Cambodia. International (tri-band) cell phones can be used in Cambodia. Internet cafes in Phnom Penh are quite cheap.
The country code for Cambodia is +855, the city code for Phnom Penh is (0)23, and the city code for Siem Reap is (0)63.
No vaccinations are required for entry into Cambodia. It is recommended that all visitors be vaccinated against typhoid, tetanus, and hepatitis A and B. Prescription drugs are easily obtainable in urban areas. Precautions against malaria, such as doxycycline or larium, are not necessary for Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, but are recommended when visiting more remote provinces. We strongly recommend bug repellent and a good first aid kit.
Prior to leaving we will provide you with a list of local emergency contact phone numbers should anything unexpected arise during your voyage.
There are two methods of applying for a visa from Cambodia: applying through a Cambodian Embassy and applying for visa on arrival. Most travelers find getting the visa on arrival to be the most convenient option. Requirements for the visa upon arrival
A tourist visa to Cambodia is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance.
Who Needs a Visa? Most nationalities require a visa to enter Cambodia. Exceptions are listed below:
You are required to pay an airport tax when leaving Cambodia.
Adult: | 25 USD |
Child (under 12): | 13 USD |
Infant (under 2 ): | Free |
Water: Drink only sealed bottle water. It is not wise to drink tap water and it is advised to avoid ice. Avoid eating uncooked vegetables or peeled fruit in food stands or from street vendors.
Rice and fish are the basic food items among the Khmer people. Famous classical Khmer specialty widely enjoyed up to now are: Nhaom (a popular cuisine comprises of vinegar, dried fish and herb and vegetable); Kor Kor ( normally cooked with fish and a mix of vegetables ); Amok (fish - or chicken - curry, cooked in a banana leaf); Samlor Machu (vinegar soup cooked with fish and mixed with a variety of vegetables). Other dishes cooked with pork, chicken, beef are also the main diets. Chinese and Western menus are commonly available in the capita of Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville.
There is still a strong French colonial influence, with lots of bread shops selling filled baguettes for breakfast.
The usual Asian rules of conduct apply. It is unseemly to show too much emotion. Losing your temper over problems or delays gets you nowhere; it is better to stay calm at all times.Always take off your shoes when entering a temple (this is not necessary when touring ruins) or when visiting private houses. It is advisable to cover your shoulders and wear long shorts or skirts. Bathing suits and tank tops should be worn at the beach or hotel pool only.
Sensitivity to political subjects in conversation is advised.
As always it is polite to ask permission before taking photographs, particularly monks.
Clothing: Light cotton clothing is advised with good walking shoes or comfortable sandals. See above for manners relating to clothing. A light sweater or jacket is handy for cool evenings or morning visits to the temples. Other: medical kit with bug repellant and anti-diarrhea medicine.
Plugs/Electricity Cambodia’s electricity is 220 Volts and 50 hertz. Electrical appliances will require an adaptor that can change the shape of the plug prongs, but verify that each appliance is dual voltage (110-220 volts). [Adapter Information]
Gadgets Many of the hotels provide hairdryers, but if you bring your own, make sure it is able to accept up to 240 volts. Don’t bother to bring your 110 volt hairdryer.
For any other dual voltage (110-240 volts) electric items you will need a Cambodia plug adaptor only—not a voltage converter. Tri-band cell phones, digital cameras, I-pods, razors and laptop computers are almost universally dual voltage, but check to be sure. Buying voltage converters for 110 volt electronics is not advised.
New Year’s Day - Jan 1st
International Women’s Day - Mar 8th
Cambodian New Year - Apr 13-15th
Royal Ploughing Day Ceremony - Apr/May
Labour Day - May 1st
Visaka Buja Day (Birth of Buddha) - May 16th
International Children’s Day - Jun 1st
Constitution and Coronation Day - Sep 24th
Phchum Ben Day (Feast of the Ancestors) - Sep/Oct (two days)
Paris Peace Agreement - Oct 23rd
King’s Birthday - Oct 30 - Nov 1st
Independence Day - Nov 9th
Water Festival - Nov (three days)
UN Human Rights Day - Dec 10th
Tipping is not obligatory but widely practiced in hotels and restaurants in addition to the service charges shown on bills. On tours with private sightseeing, gratuities of $5-$10 for travel guides, $2-$3 for drivers per person per day is customary.