What awaits travellers in Cambodia?
Cambodia is best known for Angkor, the largest temple complex in the world near Siem Reap, alongside the more recent history in Phnom Penh, the Tonle Sap lake, and the south coast with Kampot and the islands off Sihanoukville. Since 2023 and 2025, two new airports have welcomed international visitors: Siem Reap Angkor International (SAI) and Phnom Penh Techo International (KTI).
The classic route begins in Siem Reap with two to three days for Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom with the Bayon, and Ta Prohm, then continues to Phnom Penh with the Royal Palace, the National Museum, and the memorial sites of the Khmer Rouge era, and often ends on the south coast in Kampot, Kep, or on one of the islands off Sihanoukville.
This page summarises regions, best time to visit, the new airports, the Angkor pass and entry requirements (as of September 2026). It also includes guidance from the FDFA, the Federal Foreign Office and the BMEIA.
Sources: UNESCO World Heritage Centre · Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia
What kind of travel destination is Cambodia?
Cambodia is a flat country centred on the Tonle Sap lake and the Mekong, shaped by the Khmer Empire, which ruled large parts of Southeast Asia from Angkor between the 9th and 15th centuries, and by the reign of terror of the Khmer Rouge from 1975 to 1979. Both continue to shape what travellers see today: monumental temples and a young population that speaks openly about its own history.
The Tonle Sap lake grows to many times its dry-season size during the rainy season, because the river of the same name then flows backward from the Mekong into the lake; floating villages and fishing shape life on its shores.
Khmer is the official language; English is widely spoken in tourism. According to the Federal Foreign Office, the population is predominantly Buddhist, and pagodas define every village.
For travellers this means: Angkor is the undisputed highlight, but Phnom Penh, the Tonle Sap lake and the south coast show a more varied country than the temples alone.
Sources: Federal Foreign Office, Germany
Which regions of Cambodia are worth visiting?
Most trips combine Siem Reap with the temples of Angkor, Phnom Penh as the capital on the Tonle Sap and Mekong, and the south coast with Kampot, Kep and the islands off Sihanoukville. Those with time add Battambang in the northwest, with colonial architecture and bat caves.
Siem Reap and Angkor
Siem Reap is the base for the roughly 400 km² Angkor Archaeological Park, with the remains of the Khmer capitals from the 9th to 15th centuries, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since December 1992. Angkor Wat, built between 1113 and 1150 under King Suryavarman II, is the largest religious structure in the world, with a footprint of about 162.6 hectares; the central tower is about 65 m high, the surrounding moat about 200 m wide.
Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm
In Angkor Thom, the Bayon features dozens of stone towers with huge, smiling faces. Ta Prohm was deliberately left as the jungle has overgrown it: fig and silk-cotton trees grow over and through the temple walls.
Other temples around Siem Reap
Outside the main ring, Banteay Srei, with its pink sandstone reliefs about 25 km northeast of Angkor, and Beng Mealea, a largely unrestored temple about 40 km away that the jungle has almost completely reclaimed, are both worthwhile.
Phnom Penh
The capital, at the confluence of the Mekong, Bassac and Tonle Sap rivers, features the Royal Palace with the Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, balanced by the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in the former S-21 torture prison and the Killing Fields Memorial at Choeung Ek.
Tonle Sap lake
Cambodia's great inland lake lies between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh; floating villages such as Kampong Phluk or Kampong Khleang show life adapted to the strongly fluctuating water level.
South coast: Kampot, Kep and the islands
Kampot is known for its green pepper and sunset river cruises, neighbouring Kep for crab seasoned with that same pepper. From Sihanoukville, the islands Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem, with sandy beaches, are within reach.
Battambang and the northwest
Battambang shows French colonial architecture from the early 20th century, the Phare circus, and, near the city, bat caves from which millions of bats swarm out in the evening. The country's second-largest city pairs well with a boat trip on the Sangkae river or a ride on the "bamboo train", improvised platform carts running on old rail tracks. From Battambang it's about three hours by car back to Siem Reap, making it a good side trip within a larger tour.
Sources: UNESCO World Heritage Centre · Federal Foreign Office, Germany · Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia
What is the best time to visit Cambodia?
The dry season from November to April is the best time to visit, with the coolest and most pleasant weeks between December and January. From May to October, the southwest monsoon brings high humidity and strong, usually brief afternoon downpours, but the Tonle Sap lake is then at its fullest and the landscape green.
Cambodia lies in the tropics near the equator; temperature differences between seasons are small, while rainfall and humidity vary more. Tourism Cambodia names November to February as high season and March to May as the hottest months, with values reaching close to 40 °C.
Siem Reap and Phnom Penh across the year
| Siem Reap | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 31 | 33 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 34 | 33 | 32 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 |
| Low °C | 21 | 23 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 22 |
| Rainfall mm | 12 | 16 | 46 | 75 | 140 | 168 | 197 | 195 | 231 | 138 | 37 | 7 |
| Phnom Penh | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 32 | 33 | 35 | 36 | 36 | 35 | 34 | 34 | 33 | 32 | 32 | 31 |
| Low °C | 23 | 23 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 23 |
| Rainfall mm | 16 | 11 | 30 | 62 | 129 | 190 | 163 | 167 | 190 | 167 | 89 | 28 |
Average daily highs and lows, and monthly rainfall. Temperaturen: Mittel der täglichen Höchst- und Tiefstwerte 2010–2024 der Station SIEM REAP (7 km, 18 m). Niederschlag: NASA POWER, Monatsmittel 2001–2020. Temperaturen: Mittel der täglichen Höchst- und Tiefstwerte 2010–2024 der Station PHNOM PENH INTL (9 km, 12 m). Niederschlag: NASA POWER, Monatsmittel 2001–2020.
In Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, daytime highs sit between about 31 and 36 °C year-round; the rainy season from May to October brings over 190 mm of rainfall per month in Siem Reap between July and September, compared to under 20 mm from December to February.
For Angkor, the dry season means less muddy paths and clearer skies, but also more visitors and higher prices; the rainy season cools the afternoon heat and turns the rice fields and the Tonle Sap lake lush green.
The Federal Foreign Office notes flood and landslide risk during the rainy season; individual country roads may be briefly blocked after heavy downpours.
Sources: Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia · Federal Foreign Office, Germany
What do you need to enter Cambodia?
For tourist stays of up to 30 days, Swiss, German and Austrian nationals need a visa: an e-visa for around 36 US dollars online, or a Visa on Arrival for 30 US dollars at entry, plus registration via the "Cambodia e-Arrival" app at least seven days before arrival (as of September 2026). The passport must remain valid for at least six months at entry.
- Switzerland: e-visa online or Visa on Arrival at the international airports and major border crossings; the FDFA refers to the Cambodian representation for details.
- Germany: passport with six months of remaining validity; e-visa or visa on arrival, plus mandatory "Cambodia e-Arrival" registration before the trip.
- Austria: the same basic rules as for Germany; the BMEIA additionally notes the declaration requirement for currency amounts from the equivalent of 10,000 US dollars.
- Other nationalities: subject to their own rules. Cambodian embassies and consulates provide information.
According to the Federal Foreign Office, the tourist visa (category T) can be extended once by one month, and a business visa (category E) for up to twelve months. Overstaying incurs a fee of around 10 US dollars per day.
Anyone visiting Siem Reap and Angkor must, according to the Federal Foreign Office, stay at least one night in Cambodia; a pure day trip is not sufficient. Drones are banned over Angkor Wat and in Phnom Penh, among other places, and violations are punished severely.
Decisive are the details from the FDFA, Federal Foreign Office, BMEIA and Cambodian authorities at the time of travel.
Sources: Federal Foreign Office, Germany · Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA), Austria · Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA, Switzerland
What vaccinations and health precautions are needed for Cambodia?
No vaccination is required for entry, except when arriving from a yellow fever risk country. healthytravel.ch recommends hepatitis A for everyone and, depending on the travel route, typhoid and rabies. Malaria occurs only in rural border areas, not in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap or the Angkor temple complex.
The CDC recommends the usual routine vaccinations as basic protection, plus hepatitis A and B for most travellers; healthytravel.ch additionally recommends typhoid and, for longer stays in rural areas, Japanese encephalitis and rabies.
According to the Federal Foreign Office, there is a malaria risk in parts of the east and south-west, with low risk in the rest of the country including Siem Reap and Angkor Wat; Phnom Penh is considered malaria-free. Mosquito protection against dengue fever is important year-round; dengue is widespread across the country and increases in the rainy season.
Medical care is, according to the BMEIA, limited especially outside Phnom Penh and Siem Reap; more serious cases are often transferred to Bangkok. Travel health insurance with repatriation cover is therefore explicitly recommended.
Sources: healthytravel.ch, Swiss Expert Committee for Travel Medicine · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) · Federal Foreign Office, Germany · Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA), Austria
How safe is Cambodia for travellers?
Structurally relevant are the border strip with Thailand in the north-west, landmines and unexploded ordnance outside the urban centres, and pickpocketing and fraud in the cities. The Federal Foreign Office advises against travel in the 20 km border strip with Thailand, among other things because of landmines. Check the current situation and security levels with the FDFA, the Federal Foreign Office and the BMEIA before travelling.
The border area mainly concerns the provinces of Banteay Meanchey and Oddar Meanchey in the north-west; border crossings with Thailand can be closed to tourists, and air traffic is not affected. Photography should generally be avoided in the border area.
Landmines and other remnants of war remain, according to the Federal Foreign Office, in some parts of the country outside the major population centres, particularly near the borders with Thailand and Vietnam; the main tourist areas including Angkor are considered cleared.
In Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville and Kampot, the Federal Foreign Office reports robberies and "bag snatching" by motorcyclists; scams originating from so-called scam compounds are also widespread. Criticism of the king has been a punishable offence since 2018, including on social media.
Sources: Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA), Austria · Federal Foreign Office, Germany
How do you travel to Cambodia and get around the country?
International flights have landed since 9 September 2025 at the new Phnom Penh Techo International Airport (KTI), about 25 km, or 40 to 50 minutes, south of downtown, and since 16 October 2023 at Siem Reap Angkor International (SAI), about 50 km, or 45 to 90 minutes, from the city. There are no direct flights from Europe to either airport; travellers connect via hubs in Asia or the Gulf.
There is no nonstop connection from Cambodia to Europe; travellers from Europe connect via hubs such as Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Doha or Abu Dhabi. According to FlightConnections, the longest nonstop route to Phnom Penh is from Abu Dhabi, at around 5,480 km and about 7 h 20 min.
From Ho Chi Minh City there are multiple daily nonstop flights to both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap; Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Guangzhou are also among the busiest routes to Phnom Penh. From Luang Prabang in Laos, there are nonstop flights to Siem Reap.
| Route | Mode of transport | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| KTI airport – Phnom Penh centre | Car, bus | about 40–50 min |
| SAI airport – Siem Reap centre | Car, bus | about 45–90 min |
| Phnom Penh – Siem Reap | Bus | about 6–7 h |
| Phnom Penh – Kampot | Bus | about 4 h |
| Siem Reap – Angkor Wat | Tuk-tuk, bicycle | about 15–20 min |
For overland buses between cities, a passport is sufficient. The old airport codes PNH (Phnom Penh) and REP (Siem Reap) no longer apply, since the new, more outlying airports KTI and SAI replaced the earlier, city-close airports.
Sources: Wikipedia · Wikipedia · FlightConnections · FlightConnections
What money do you need in Cambodia, and how do you pay?
The national currency is the riel (KHR), but the US dollar is equally common in everyday use: prices are often quoted in both currencies, and change under one dollar is given in riel. Cash machines in cities mostly dispense US dollars, and credit cards are accepted at hotels and larger restaurants.
According to the Federal Foreign Office, damaged or older 100-dollar bills without a security thread are often not accepted; it's worth making sure your notes are clean and newer. Currency amounts from the equivalent of 10,000 US dollars must be declared on entry.
The Angkor pass (37 US dollars for one day, 62 US dollars for three days) is paid in US dollars; smaller expenses such as tuk-tuk rides or street food are usually settled in riel. Tipping is not mandatory, but customary and welcome in restaurants and for guides.
Sources: Federal Foreign Office, Germany · Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia
Where is the best place to stay in Cambodia?
In Siem Reap, most people stay in the centre near Pub Street or slightly outside towards Angkor; in Phnom Penh, along Sisowath Quay on the river or around Wat Phnom. On the south coast, Kampot, Kep and the islands off Sihanoukville differ considerably in pace and infrastructure.
Boutique hotels in restored colonial villas define Phnom Penh and Battambang, while Siem Reap's range spans from simple guesthouses to resorts with pools. On Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem there are simple bungalows up to upscale beach resorts, some without round-the-clock electricity.
Sources: Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia
What do you eat in Cambodia?
Cambodian cuisine centres on rice, freshwater fish from the Tonle Sap, and herbs; the best-known dish is amok, fish steamed in coconut milk inside a banana leaf. In Kampot, green pepper defines the cuisine; in Kep, crab is eaten seasoned directly with it.
Prahok, a fermented fish paste, is the base seasoning for many dishes; those who prefer something milder choose kuy teav, a rice noodle soup for breakfast. In Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, street food markets are lively in the evenings.
Kampot pepper has carried a protected designation of origin since 2016; sold fresh green, dried black, or red, directly at the plantations around the city.
Sources: Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia
What culture and festivals shape Cambodia?
Theravada Buddhism shapes daily life and the calendar: pagodas stand in every village, and Cambodian New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey) in April and the Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) in October or November are among the biggest celebrations. The Khmer Rouge era from 1975 to 1979 remains present in museums and memorial sites.
Apsara dance, a classical Khmer dance rooted in the reliefs of Angkor, is often performed as an evening show in Siem Reap. The Phare circus in Battambang and Siem Reap combines contemporary circus arts with stories from the country's more recent history.
In temples, shoulders and knees are covered, and shoes are removed before entering; the head is considered sacred and should not be touched, and the soles of the feet should never be deliberately pointed at anyone.
Sources: Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia
What experiences are worthwhile in Cambodia?
The highlight is sunrise over Angkor Wat, followed by a day for Angkor Thom with the Bayon and for Ta Prohm; the Angkor pass (37 US dollars for one day, 62 US dollars for three days) covers the main temples. Other experiences include a boat trip on the Tonle Sap lake, the history at the Tuol Sleng Museum in Phnom Penh, and the bat caves near Battambang.
Angkor: sunrise and day planning
Sunrise over Angkor Wat is the country's most photographed sight; arriving early, the pond to the left of the main entrance tends to be quieter. The usual circuits cover the small circle (Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm), the large circle with more distant temples like Preah Khan, and excursions to Banteay Srei or Beng Mealea.
Tonle Sap lake
Boat tours from Siem Reap show floating villages such as Kampong Phluk; it's best to book an operator that supports local communities rather than pure souvenir sales.
Phnom Penh: history
Tuol Sleng (admission 5 US dollars, 8 US dollars with audio guide, daily 8am to 5pm) and the Killing Fields Memorial at Choeung Ek (6 US dollars with audio guide, daily 7.30am to 5.30pm) document the Khmer Rouge era; visiting both sites in one day is emotionally intense.
Other highlights
- Kampot and Kep: sunset boat trip, pepper plantations, fresh crab right by the water.
- Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem: sandy beaches and bioluminescent plankton at night off Sihanoukville.
- Battambang: bamboo train, bat caves at sunset, colonial architecture.
- Phare, The Cambodian Circus: contemporary circus with live music in Siem Reap and Battambang.
Sources: UNESCO World Heritage Centre · Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia
How do you travel responsibly in Cambodia?
Angkor bears the weight of millions of visitors a year; buying official tickets, staying on designated paths, and not touching stones or fragments helps protect buildings that are in some cases 900 years old. On the Tonle Sap lake and along the south coast, excursions with local, community-based operators help keep income in the area.
- Do not take cultural fragments or temple stones; export is prohibited and strictly enforced.
- Book boat tours on the Tonle Sap with community-based operators where possible, rather than pure mass-tour operators.
- Avoid orphanage visits; Tourism Cambodia instead recommends community-based offerings that don't present children as an attraction.
Sources: Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia · UNESCO World Heritage Centre
Which countries can Cambodia be combined with?
Thailand to the west is the most obvious choice, with Bangkok as a major flight hub, along with Vietnam to the east, often linked via Ho Chi Minh City. Laos to the north can be added by flight via Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City; overland travel is less common because of the long distances and sometimes poor roads.
The land route between Cambodia and Thailand leads through the border area in the north-west, where the Federal Foreign Office advises against travel; anyone wanting to combine both countries is usually better off flying, for example via Bangkok.
There are multiple daily nonstop flights from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam; from there, Hanoi, Hoi An or Da Nang can be added.
Sources: Federal Foreign Office, Germany · FlightConnections
Who is Cambodia suited for, and who is it less suited for?
Cambodia suits travellers who want to combine history and architecture with beaches, and who won't treat Angkor as just a quick stopover. It is less suited to anyone expecting consistent comfort and reliable infrastructure, especially outside Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
The country suits culture enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone not shying away from difficult recent history. Families manage well, but should plan the heat, long journeys and the Tuol Sleng visit age-appropriately.
Cambodia is less suitable for trips into the border area with Thailand; anyone looking for a pure beach holiday will find more developed infrastructure in Thailand or the Philippines.
Sources: Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA), Austria