Cambodia

My Recommendation

Why a trip to Cambodia is worth it

In April 2023 my partner and I checked another country off our bucket list: Cambodia, a country with a turbulent history, awe-inspiring temple complexes and paradise-like beaches that had drawn me in for a long time.

My trip started in Frankfurt, flying Qatar Airways via Doha and Bangkok to Siem Reap, for around €1,000 per person including luggage. From there we spent 1.5 weeks traveling through some of the country's most beautiful and fascinating places: the temples of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, the vibrant capital Phnom Penh, the dreamy beaches of Koh Rong and the laid-back river town of Kampot, before my trip continued overland into Vietnam.

Cambodia deeply impressed me with its colors, its warmth and its diversity, and that's exactly what I want to tell you about in this guide: my honest experiences, favorite spots and the tips I wish I'd had before the trip myself.

Good to know
Angkor Wat and the surrounding temple complexes near Siem Reap rank among Asia's most significant cultural sites
Tonle Sap Lake with its floating villages dramatically changes size depending on the season
The capital Phnom Penh blends colonial architecture with a turbulent, openly confronted history
Island beaches near Sihanoukville and Koh Rong are still noticeably quieter than comparable destinations in Thailand
One of the more affordable countries to travel in Southeast Asia, especially away from the main attractions

Interactive Map

Our Stops on the Map

Practical Info

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Getting there & transport

No direct flights from Germany, I flew Qatar Airways via Doha and Bangkok to Siem Reap, around 15 hours of pure flight time for about €1,000 per person including luggage. Within the country I traveled by minibus, booked through 12go.asia, affordable and mostly reliable.

Since 2024, the online registration "Cambodia e-arrival" is mandatory, at least seven days before entry. Visiting Angkor Wat in Siem Reap also requires an overnight stay, a same-day trip from a neighboring country isn't allowed. At the bus company you have to show your digital ticket on your phone to get the physical ticket.

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Accommodation

Ranges from simple guesthouses from €8–15 to boutique hotels and resorts from €50–150. I personally paid between €56 (Kampot) and €140 (beachfront resort on Koh Rong) per night, usually including breakfast. Siem Reap and Phnom Penh have an especially wide selection across all price ranges.

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Food & drink

Khmer cuisine is milder than Thai food, with dishes like amok (a curry dish) or Khmer soup. Don't drink the tap water, bottled water is available everywhere.

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SIM & internet

Right in the arrivals area of the airports you'll find counters for Smart Axiata, Metfone and Cellcard, buying a SIM is straightforward and you're online right away.

Smart Axiata offers around 30 GB for 15 days from about $5, Cellcard offers around 60 GB for $6 (or 100 GB for $10), and Metfone, at around $6 for 60 GB, often has the best coverage even in more rural regions.

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Packing list

Light, breathable clothing, a rain jacket for the rainy season and sturdy shoes for temple visits belong in your bag. Covered shoulders and knees are required for Angkor Wat, a light scarf is easy to throw on.

Sunscreen, insect repellent and a refillable water bottle are essential in the heat. An adapter (Type A/C/G, 230V) and a power bank come in handy for long bus rides, since the power grid isn't always reliable outside the cities.

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Drone rules

You generally don't need to register for private drone flights in Cambodia, but flying over the Angkor temple complex is only allowed with an official permit applied for in advance, without it you risk confiscation and fines.

For Siem Reap/Angkor Wat, several permits are needed at once, including from the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and the Apsara Authority, and the combined costs can run up to $1,000. Flying is also banned over the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh and near government buildings, military facilities and airports. Outside these sensitive areas, drone flying is usually fine, but it's still worth getting drone insurance and checking the current rules before your trip, since regulations can change.

Full drone guide for Cambodia →

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Health & safety

Recommended vaccinations: hepatitis A+B, typhoid, tetanus – at least 6 weeks before departure. Travel insurance including repatriation is strongly recommended.

Year-round malaria risk exists mainly in border regions with Thailand and Laos as well as in rainforest areas, while Phnom Penh, Angkor Wat and the major cities are considered malaria-free, prophylaxis may make sense depending on your route – best clarified individually with a travel medicine doctor. Vaccinations against Japanese encephalitis and rabies (stray dogs and monkeys aren't uncommon) can also be worthwhile depending on the length and route of your trip. Insect repellent additionally helps against dengue fever. Medical care in tourist areas is usually adequate, but more serious cases are often transferred to Bangkok.

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Culture & etiquette

Cover shoulders and knees in temples, take off your shoes. The head is considered sacred and shouldn't be touched, and don't point your feet at people or Buddha statues.

The history of the Khmer Rouge era (1975–1979) is still very present in the country, a respectful approach to the topic is appreciated, for instance when visiting memorials like the Tuol Sleng Museum or the Killing Fields. The king and royal family are held in high esteem. The right hand or both hands are typically used for paying and handing over objects, and a smile and calm demeanor go over better than loud behavior in conflict situations.

Where's your next trip?

Why a trip to Cambodia is worth it

Our Stops on the Map

Our stops in Cambodia

Practical Info