Find out what to see and do when travelling or backpacking around Cambodia.
Cambodia highlights
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Phnom PenhPhnom Penh is a city that never fails to captivate. You can find out more about the ancient past of this fascinating country at the National Museum or struggle to make sense of the more recent trauma at Tuol Sleng Museum. |
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Siem ReapSiem Reap is a charming town to visit, with old French shop-houses, shady tree-lined boulevards and a slow-flowing river. This is probably one of the most relaxed towns in Cambodia. |
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AngkorThe beautiful temples at Angkor are a must-see on any visit to Cambodia. Scrabble over the ruins and watch the sun rise over the impressive Angkor Wat. |
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SihanoukvilleSihanoukville offers long sandy beaches with snorkelling and diving opportunities. While here you can also visit Ream National Park, known for its untainted nature, tropical beaches, mangrove forests and dense jungle. |
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KepKep is a great base if you like the sound of visiting deserted islands, fresh crab specialties and spectacular sunsets. If you want to see some of most beautiful Cambodia beaches, don't miss the islands Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island) or Koh Poh (Coral Island) accessible from Kep. |
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BattambangBattambang is a rural town with lively market that people from all around come to visit to stock up on food. There are also various temples in the area. |
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KratieKratie is known for being the home of the rare fresh water dolphin, the Irrawaddy. Since Kratie was spared during the war, it's also a good place to see historic Khmer houses situated on the edge of the Mekong. |
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Stung TrengThis is a sleepy small town on the Mekong River in the Rattanakhiri province. Tourism here is still relatively underdeveloped, so although you may find it difficult to communicate in English, it's well worth it for that untainted feel. |
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Main travellers routes
- As Cambodia is such a small country most travellers combine it with one of it's south-east Asian neighbours and enter overland at one of the borders with Thailand or Vietnam.
- Many prefer to start in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap before heading west and onto Thailand or east and into Vietnam.
- Transport across Cambodia is not particularly well developed. The trains are in very poor conditions so the larger distances tend to be covered by buses. Shorter routes are almost always covered by bus and the roads are pretty bumpy, meaning that a route that doesn't look too far on a map may take a full day. Internal flights to some areas (e.g. between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh) are sometimes possible but not that common.
- Rural areas can be more difficult to get to, and take a lot of time, so most travellers prefer to stay around the main towns of Siem Reap, and Phnom Penh. However, if you're feeling adventurous your explorations will be well rewarded.
- Cambodia has land borders with Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.
Capital and main cities
- Phnom Penh
- Other main populated areas: Siem Reap
Languages
- Khmer
- Some English
- Some French
Currency
- Riel
- US Dollars are also accepted in the cities.
- Currency converter
Visas (always check with your embassy)
- Visa required for UK Tourists.
- Can be obtained at the borders with Thailand and Vietnam or at the airport on arrival.
- Valid for 30 days or 90 days.
- Visas are around US$30 and you must have at least one passport photo to obtain your visa. Your passport must be valid for an additional 6 months after return date.
Foreign Office Advice
Flights and accommodation
Tours and day trips in Cambodia
- Cambodia Travel Plan - Design your own Cambodia Trip
- Responsible Travel in Cambodia - Trips and accommodation from the main backpacking routes to off-the-beaten track places.
This guide to travelling in Cambodia was contributed by Cambodia Travel Plan