If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. This guide will provide you with essential Cambodia travel advice, including practical tips, to help you make the most of your visit. We’ll cover everything from the ideal months to travel to the country’s must-see destinations, along with valuable insights on Cambodia travel requirements, the local currency, and the nuances of the Cambodian language. Whether you’re a well-seasoned adventurer embarking on our Classic Vietnam & Cambodia Tour or travelling through Southeast Asia for the very first time, our guide has everything you need to know ahead of planning your dream holiday.
Pinpointing the Kingdom: Where Is Cambodia?
Cambodia is nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, bordered by Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. It’s home to some of the most iconic landmarks and landscapes in the region, from jungle-entwined temples and floating villages to serene riverbanks and historic colonial cities.
On our expertly curated 23-day The Very Best of Vietnam & Cambodia Tour, you’ll explore both countries with immersive experiences, cultural encounters, and stunning scenery along the way, from the mighty Mekong River to the monumental temple complexes. For those travelling from the UK, flight times are around 15 to 16 hours with one stopover, and the country operates 7 hours ahead of GMT on Indochina Time.
Practical Cambodia Travel Advice From Our Experts
Travelling to a new country is incredibly exciting, but a little expert advice from our Product Manager for Vietnam & Cambodia, Sara Harris, goes a long way. Booking an escorted tour is a fantastic way to see the region without the stress of logistics. With Distant Journeys, your flights, accommodation, and transport are meticulously arranged for you, leaving you entirely free to enjoy the incredible sights, sounds, and culture with total peace of mind.
Sara Harris
Prospective holidaymakers frequently wonder whether Cambodia is safe for international travellers. You’ll be pleased to hear that Cambodia is widely considered a safe and highly tourist-friendly destination. The local people are celebrated for their genuine warmth, hospitality, and friendliness, meaning many visitors are struck by just how welcoming the country feels from the moment they arrive.
As with any international trip, we recommend keeping your valuables secure and staying aware of your surroundings, particularly in busy markets or crowded tourist hubs. Respecting local customs is also key, especially when entering temples or religious sites, and your Distant Journeys tour manager will ensure you’re well-informed about appropriate etiquette and dress codes throughout your journey.
Navigating Entry Rules: Essential Cambodia Travel Requirements
Understanding your documentation needs before you fly guarantees an effortless transition into the country. Visitors from the UK will require a tourist Cambodia visa to enter, which you can easily apply for online ahead of time or obtain on arrival at major airports for approximately £30. If you’re joining a multi-country itinerary like our escorted tours, we’ll ensure you’re supported with all the details for necessary visas and travel documents, guaranteeing a completely seamless journey across borders.
Bridging the Communication Gap: The Cambodian Language
The official language of Cambodia is Khmer, which is proudly spoken by over 90 per cent of the population. While English is not universally spoken in quiet rural outposts, it is widely used in hotels, restaurants, and main tourist hotspots, especially across Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Taking the time to learn a few local phrases can truly transform your cultural encounters, and your guide will always be on hand to assist with translation. To help you get started, our experts have pulled together a handful of common phrases.
- Hello – Chum reap suor (pronounced “chuhm ree-ep soo-ah”)
- Thank you – Aw kohn (pronounced “aw-koon”)
- How much does it cost? – Bany tae-a-nai? (pronounced “bah-knee tai-ah-nigh”)
- I don’t understand – Khnyom man mi khnyom t’ei (pronounced “k’nyom man me k’nyom tay”)
- Good Morning – Arun sok sabay (pronounced “ah-roon sohk sah-bai)
- Good Evening – Tiveah suor sdei (pronounced “tee-vee-ah soo-ah sdai”)
Managing Your Holiday Finances: The Cambodian Currency
When preparing your spending money, understanding the unique nature of the Cambodian currency is highly beneficial. The official money is the Cambodian riel (KHR), though US dollars (USD) are also widely accepted, particularly for larger purchases and within tourist areas. In fact, you’ll often see items priced in both currencies simultaneously. While major credit cards are accepted in established hotels and larger shops, cash remains a popular option in rural areas and local markets. We recommend carrying small denominations of US dollars, which are incredibly useful for tipping or purchasing small keepsakes.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Cambodia?
When deciding when to visit Cambodia, looking at seasonal weather patterns is essential. The dry season, which spans from November to April, is widely considered the absolute optimum period to travel. This is when humidity is lower, and skies are clear, making it perfect for capturing photographs and exploring iconic monuments. Because we want you to experience the country in the most pleasant conditions possible, this is the season when our Distant Journeys tours take place. We purposely avoid scheduling tours during the wet season, when heavy downpours and high humidity can disrupt outdoor sightseeing.
Unmissable Highlights: Captivating Things to See in Cambodia
There’s an abundance of historical and natural things to see in Cambodia, seamlessly blending ancient heritage with breathtaking natural landscapes. On your trip, you’ll discover the endless tapestry of enriching things to do in Cambodia, making it a dream destination for culture lovers and adventurous spirits alike.
Ancient Stone Wonders: Things to Do in Siem Reap, Cambodia
When exploring the many things to do in Siem Reap, the world-famous Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, naturally takes centre stage. Unquestionably, one of the best things to do in Cambodia is to witness the spectacular golden sunrise illuminate the stone spires of Angkor Wat. As the absolute crown jewel of ancient Khmer architecture and a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site, this vast religious monument offers an unforgettable, deeply moving experience.
Beyond the architectural grandeur of the temples, Siem Reap itself is a buzzing town filled with vibrant night markets and rich cultural traditions. Here, visitors can join an immersive local cooking class at a welcoming organic farm to prepare authentic Khmer dishes from scratch. For guests embarking on our Discover Vietnam & Cambodia Tour, enjoying a spellbinding evening performance at the renowned Phare Circus stands out as a magnificent cultural highlight.
Capital Culture: Things to Do in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
The bustling capital city brings an entirely different perspective on Southeast Asian life, offering a wealth of captivating things to do in Phnom Penh. Featured prominently across our itineraries, the city is home to the grand royal palace, glittering pagodas, and deeply moving museums that offer vital insights into Cambodia’s historical past and its resilient, dynamic present. Strolling along the scenic riverside promenade at sunset provides a wonderful opportunity to observe local life unfolding against a backdrop of beautiful architecture.
Serene Waterways: The Best Things to Do in Cambodia
Away from the urban hubs, exploring the country's spectacular water systems reveals some of the most memorable scenery in the region. Taking a tranquil cruise along the iconic Mekong River on The Very Best of Vietnam and Cambodia tour allows travellers to discover traditional riverside villages and floating homes, providing a relaxing way to witness a vital lifeline of Southeast Asia on a serene multi-night cruise.
Another magnificent natural wonder is Tonlé Sap Lake, which is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. This biosphere is exceptionally rich with unique wildlife and features fascinating stilted communities, offering an authentic glimpse into timeless rural lifestyles that have remained unchanged for generations.
Designing Your Dream Escorted Holiday with Distant Journeys
Cambodia, alongside its enchanting neighbour Vietnam, embodies the very essence of Indochina. These two beautiful countries offer picturesque scenery, delicious food, friendly locals, and an abundance of rich character and tradition just waiting to be explored.
Our meticulously designed itineraries have been crafted to include a plethora of once in a lifetime experiences, from an overnight cruise on the awe-inspiring waters of Lan Ha Bay in Vietnam to a delightful multi-night cruise along the mighty Mekong, providing a relaxing and unique way to explore the region while travelling between Vietnam and Cambodia.
Like many of our award-winning holidays, these mesmerising journeys are also available as a private tour option, offering the same carefully planned itinerary combined with the exclusivity and convenience of your own private vehicle and knowledgeable local guides. Let our expert team guide you through the highlights and hidden gems, giving you total peace of mind for an unforgettable holiday.
First published 10/09/2026
