Welcome to Cambodia

When you think Cambodia, you likely think exotic culture, ancient temples and mist-shrouded rice paddies. And while the country has a firm grip on modern society, the spell-binding allure of the past still holds true.

You’ll be smitten with the fabled 12th-century temples of Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument, which is particularly mesmerizing at sunrise. You’ll be satiated with sublime seafood in the sleepy colonial town of Kep on the south coast. (Head next door to Kampot for the best pepper in the world.)

Cruise along the Mekong River in search of the rare Irrawaddy dolphins, taking the time to visit out-of-the-way fishing villages. In the Ratanakiri Province, encounter elephants and northern yellow-cheeked gibbons in a pristine natural setting. Don’t miss the capital city of Phnom Penh for its world-class foodie scene, or Siem Reap for its café culture and happening nightlife.

Looking for a quieter atmosphere? Check out Battambang, a city in the midst of a renaissance and boasting a great contemporary art scene. Ancient meets modern, resulting in charismatic Cambodia.

Unique Facts

• The Cambodia flag is the only flag in the world that has a building on it. In a nod to the world’s largest religious monument, the government put Angkor Wat on the flag design.
• Weddings are a big deal in Cambodia – some lasting as long as three days. The average age for a man to marry in Cambodia is 25 and for women, 22.
• Tonle Sap Lake is an ecological marvel. Twice a year, the flow of water changes direction and the lake either fills up or drains.
• Khmer New Year (or Buddhist New Year) is celebrated in April. During the festivities, partygoers throw water and talcum powder all over the place!
• Try a new kind of snack – in Cambodia, you might see spiders, scorpions, snacks, cockroaches and crickets cooked up and eaten.

Language

Cambodia’s official language is Cambodian.

When To Go

Cambodia’s wet season is from May to October. It doesn’t typically rain all day. This can be a lovely time to visit many of the tourist attractions, like Angkor Way, with fewer crowds. Cambodia’s dry season is from November to April. December to February is considered the peak season. November to January is considered the best time to visit the beaches.

Airports

Phnom Penh International Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

Yes

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Cambodia: Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B, Malaria, Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis and Yellow Fever vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types A, C and G. Standard voltage: 230V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Riel

Getting Around

Do not drive at night in Cambodia outside city limits. Road conditions are poor in rural areas. During the wet season, the road conditions worsen. During this season, on the National Route highways can be traveled. Be advised that Cambodian drivers regularly ignore traffic laws.

Inter-city buses are available, including some routes to tourist destinations. Be vigilant of your personal belongings if riding on a tuk-tuk within the city.

Consider a private car with driver for getting about the country.

The Royal Railway runs to Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Takeo and Kampot, with air-conditioned cars and bathrooms.

Battambang also offers the Norry trains, which are bamboo platform that run along tracks.

Driver’s License

A Cambodian driver’s license is required, as well as your US driver’s license and an international driving permit.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh
#1, St. 96 (entrance on St. 51 between St. 96 and 102), Phnom Penh
Telephone: 855-23-728-402, 051, or 234
Emergency after-hours telephone: 855-23-728-000
Fax: 855-23-728-700
ACSPhnompenh@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Tourist Information Center in Phnom Penh
Preah Sisowath Quay, in front of Court of Appeal Phnom Penh
12207, Cambodia
Tel: 855 097 2473 773

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Ambulance: 119
Police: 117
Fire: 118

Safety and Security

The crime rate is high in Cambodia, including street crime. The most common thefts are “snatch and grab” robberies of personal belongings, including purses, backpacks, cameras and phones. Be on the lookout for pickpockets, who masquerade as beggars, at the markets and major tourist sites.