Cambodia
"Uncover ancient Khmer mysteries at Angkor"
Cambodia at a glance
- Best time to go
- Roughly November to March is the drier, more comfortable season, and also the busiest. The wet season runs roughly May to October, with short heavy showers, greener scenery and fewer crowds. It gets very hot in the run-up to the rains, around April.
- How long to stay
- We'd suggest about a week: two to three days for Angkor, then Phnom Penh and one more stop. One-day, three-day and seven-day Angkor passes exist, so you can match the pass to your plan.
- Who it's for
- Temple lovers and culture-curious travellers who don't mind heat and very early starts for sunrise.
- Might not be for you if
- You dislike heat, crowds at sunrise temples or long days on your feet. It's also not the trip for you if you plan to cross overland between Thailand and Cambodia, because those land crossings are currently closed.
Cambodia is home to Angkor, one of the world's greatest archaeological wonders. Beyond the temples, this Southeast Asian nation offers floating villages, pristine beaches, and a culture shaped by both ancient glory and modern resilience.
Best Time to Visit
November to March (dry season)
November to March (dry season)
The recommended period for the most pleasant weather and best overall experience.
Shoulder Season
Fewer crowds and better prices, with generally acceptable weather conditions.
Off-Peak
Lowest prices and emptiest attractions, though weather may be less predictable.
Getting Around
Cambodia is easy and cheap — tuk-tuks in town, buses or flights between Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and the coast.
🛺 Tuk-tuk (PassApp / Grab)
The default in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh — book via app for metered fares.
🚌 Giant Ibis Bus
Comfortable buses between Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville.
✈️ Cambodia Angkor Air
Siem Reap to Phnom Penh in 45 min — saves 6 hours on the road.
🚲 Bicycle
The classic way to explore the Angkor temple complex at your own pace.
💡 Rent an e-bike or bicycle at Angkor and start at 5am — you'll beat the tour buses to Ta Prohm and Bayon.
Suggested Itineraries
Siem Reap Arrival
Settle in, night market.
Angkor Small Circuit
Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm.
Angkor Big Circuit
Preah Khan, Neak Pean.
Banteay Srei & Kbal Spean
Pink temple, jungle carvings.
Fly to Phnom Penh
Royal Palace, riverfront.
Killing Fields
S-21 and Choeung Ek — sobering half-day.
Depart
Fly out.
✨ Feeling dizzy already? Breathe. This is a menu, not a to-do list — skip a stop, nap by a fountain, leave a couple of sparks for next time.
Highlights
Must See
- Angkor Wat
- Ta Prohm
- Tonle Sap Lake
- Phnom Penh
Local Cuisine
Insider Tip
Visit Angkor Wat for sunrise but explore Ta Prohm and Bayon in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Cambodia travel questions, answered
When is the best time to visit Cambodia?
Roughly November to March is the best time for most travellers, with lower humidity and dry weather, though it's also the busiest season and Angkor Wat can get crowded. The wet season, roughly May to October, brings short heavy showers, mostly in the afternoon or at night, and lush green landscapes.
Where do you buy the Angkor Pass?
Only from official channels: online through the official Angkor Enterprise ticket site, at the ticket office on Road 60 about 4 km from central Siem Reap, or at the official kiosks in town. Tickets are not sold at the temples, and lookalike websites resell passes at a markup, so use only the official site. Online multi-day passes need a photo, and your face may be checked against it at the gates. The pass covers the whole Angkor Archaeological Park, not just Angkor Wat. The three-day pass is valid on any three days within a ten-day window, and the seven-day pass on any seven days within thirty days, so your days don't need to be consecutive.
Do you need a visa for Cambodia?
Most nationalities need a tourist visa, which you can get on arrival at the main airports or online through the official Cambodian e-visa site. A tourist visa is usually valid for 30 days and can be extended once. Your passport should be valid for at least six months. Fees change, so check the official site for your passport. Land crossings between Cambodia and Thailand are currently closed, so if you're combining the two countries, plan to fly between them.
Is Cambodia safe to visit, and what about the Thai border?
Most travellers visit without problems, but governments advise care. Petty crime, such as phone and bag snatching, is reported in areas where foreigners gather, especially in Phnom Penh. Landmines and unexploded ordnance remain in remote areas and border regions, so stay on marked paths and use a local guide in remote countryside. There have been armed clashes along the Thai border, and a ceasefire was agreed in December 2025. The UK, US and Canadian governments all advise against travel to areas near that border, with different distances, and some border temples are closed. Advice changes quickly, so read your own government's current advice, for example from the UK, US or Canadian governments, before booking and again before you fly.
Details last checked 20 September 2026.