Cambodia travel tips

1.Best time to visit Cambodia

The best months to take a Tour in Cambodia are from November to April, when it seldom rains. This is the best time to discover the Angkor complex in Siem Reap, learn about Cambodian history in Phnom Penh, relax at the country’s countryside landscapes such as Battambang, Kratie, etc. It is also the best time to enjoy beaches like Koh Rong island or Sihanoukville, as the weather does not have rain & storms. Apart from this period and from May – October, the humidity rises and the rains arrive but the landscape is green and the temples are tranquil because they are frequently vacant.

2.Cambodia Visa

Visa Exemption

Passport holders from the following countries are not required to obtain a visa (Visa Exemption) when entering Cambodia for tourism purposes: Brunei, Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste and Vietnam.

Unlike other countries, Cambodia visa can be applied for and issued upon arrival at airports for entering by air, whether in the capital city Phnom Penh, or at Siem Reap–a home province of Angkor Wat or by land at the borders (Poit Pet, Chau Doc, Moc Bai). Travelers must bring along one passport–size photograph and their passport. Application form is distributed by the Government Immigration upon arrival. The fee is around US$30 for a one-month visa payable in USD cash upon issuance on arrival.

Beside that, you can also apply the Cambodia E-Visa before flying/entering this country by the below link:

https://www.evisa.gov.kh/

In our experience, you should apply and receive Cambodia E-Visa before flying to the country instead of getting a VOA. The reason is that applying and receiving Cambodia E-Visa by yourself is quick and simple. Moreover, with E-Visa available, when you arrive at the airport in Cambodia, you will be able to enter the country quickly and you don’t need to wait too much time at the airport to apply for a Cambodia VOA.

When you start to apply or after receiving your E-Visa, kindly take time to double check and make sure all the information in the E-Visa are exactly with the information in your passport and in your international flight (Ex: full names, number of passport, date of expiry, date of birth, gender, period of entry Cambodia, name of airport/Land Port when entering Cambodia, etc.)

3.Do’s and Don’ts in Cambodia

A little Khmer goes a long way

Here are a few that are super easy to learn and you can use them every day: Hello => Sou Sdey ; Thank you => Ah Kun ; Sorry => Sohm Tou

Clothes

You must dress properly before entering any temple, pants or skirts long enough to go below the knees and t-shirts will work. However, deep necklines and t-shirts with religious prints are to be avoided.

Don’t drink homemade or unlabeled alcohol

It may contain harmful substances, particularly methanol. Get medical help if you have symptoms of methanol poisoning, including fatigue, headaches, nausea and vision problems.

Do take permission before photos

Don’t photograph people, including monks, without permission. Don’t take photos near sensitive sites, such as military areas, transport hubs or government buildings.

Bargain hard

Haggling prices is an uncomfortable and seemingly disrespectful activity for many westerners, but it’s expected here and especially when you are shopping on the streets. When negotiating prices, allow the other party to save face by giving just a little on the final price. Alternatively, you can return to buy from them again later.

Avoid drinking tap water

Drinking tap water is not advised due to its lack of infrastructure and the addition of chlorine. Many locals use tap water for bathing and laundry but not drinking water because it is not totally hygienic and safe for the human body. The purchase of bottled water in local groceries and stores will be the best solution.

Transport by Tuk-tuk

They are cheap and convenient, but make sure to negotiate the price before getting in. Another option is to rent a motorbike, which is a great way to explore the countryside. However, be aware of the traffic and road conditions, and always wear a good helmet.

Take care of your belongings when walking on the streets

Always keep your luggage/belongings close to you and your smartphones in your hand or pocket. There could be some street criminals who are quick to snatch a phone or bag that is carelessly put.

Currency

Cambodia uses USD. There’s no real need to carry the local currency, Cambodian Riels (KHR), unless you’re paying for small things on the street. In a growing number of places, especially in the countryside, you might start getting riels back when paying in USD but you can essentially get by using mostly USD here.

Avoid feeding or giving money to the beggars

Don’t buy food or anything else for someone who comes to you asking for help, especially someone that comes to you holding a baby and asking to be fed or to feed the baby. The things they ask you to buy usually cost quite a lot. So, be careful and don’t fall prey to such scams. Also, don’t give money to kids as it will promote such deeds and devalue education as an alternative in the form of begging will be provided.

4.Popular local foods in Cambodia

Steamed fish Amok – Traditional Cambodian specialty

Fish Amok is a traditional Cambodian dish made by steaming fish, coconut milk, and spices in banana leaf baskets. The plate is typically seasoned with lemongrass, turmeric, garlic, and other fragrant ingredients to create a rich and flavorful taste.

Nom Banh Chok – Fish curry rice noodle soup

Nom Banh Chok is known as the “National Soul” of Cambodia. Set a layer of herbs at the bottom of the bowl, followed by lotus root and cowpea, shredded papaya, and rice noodles. Carefully spoon the golden fish curry sauce with a rich lemongrass flavor over the rice noodles, sprinkle it with yellow turmeric, and then top with banana flowers.

Stir – Fried red ants with beef

You will undoubtedly come across Cambodian cuisine made entirely of insects when visiting the nation. The meal made with red ants, meat, and basil is the most unique, though. Red ants, which range in size from around 2-3 cm, will be stir-fried with ginger, lemongrass, garlic, shallots, and thinly sliced beef. The meal has a distinct flavor as a result of the beef absorbing the mild sourness that was released by ants.

Khmer Red curry

The soup contains the majority of Khmer curries. Typically, chicken is used to prepare this meal. Green beans, potatoes, eggplant, coconut milk, and lemongrass were used as cooking ingredients. Red curry prepared with kroeung chili, in particular, should be hot and sour.

Kdam Chaa – Black pepper fried crab

You must unquestionably sample the Cambodian delicacy of fried crab when travelling here. The combination between fried crab with Kampot black pepper has made this dish famous. Besides that, a very exquisite taste of this dish will be produced when the fresh crab cooks with fresh pepper branches.

Pork Rice

Pork that has been thinly sliced and marinated in coconut milk and garlic before being carefully grilled over charcoal to preserve its natural sweetness is served on top of a bed of hot, aromatic sticky rice. This dish should consist of cucumber, radish, ginger, and a bowl of chicken soup which contains both fresh and fried onions.