Cambodia Handbook

Start Here

A welcoming path from your first idea to a journey that feels right for you.

You do not need to know every place before you begin. Start with the kind of Cambodia you hope to experience, then shape a journey that leaves room to enjoy it.

This page brings together the most useful starting points for a first visit—from choosing destinations to preparing for arrival. Looking for country facts instead? Read Cambodia at a Glance →

Quick start

How much time do you have?

2 daysA taste of the capitalTwo days in Phnom Penh → 3 daysAngkor, explored wellThree days in Siem Reap → 7–10 daysCambodia essentialsThe first-trip itinerary → 14 daysA broader journeyTwo weeks in Cambodia →

Not sure it fits? Check your journey with the Journey Reality Checker →

Your next step

What are you planning today?

Choose the stage that sounds most like you. We will point you to a useful place to continue.

A gentle introduction

Meet Cambodia through the experiences that call to you

Begin with temples and living heritage, the coast, food, cities, countryside, or nature. There is no need to decide the whole journey yet.

Ways in

Where could you picture yourself?

Angkor Wat reflected in water at golden hour

Siem Reap · Angkor · Banteay SreiTemples and heritage

Phnom Penh skyline with the Royal Palace beside the river

Phnom PenhCapital life

Boats on the Kampot River at dusk with mountains in the distance

Kampot · Kep · Koh RongCoast and islands

Battambang Independence Monument beside the Sangkae River

BattambangArt and countryside

The Mekong River in Kratie Province with a tree-lined bank

Kratie · Mondulkiri · RatanakiriMekong and wildlife

First visit

A simple path from idea to arrival

You can follow these in order, or enter wherever your planning already is.

01 · ImagineFind the part of Cambodia that fits youCompare cities, temples, coast, countryside and nature. 02 · ShapeBuild a route around your timeTurn your interests and available nights into a starting route. 03 · CheckMake sure the journey can breatheSee whether transfers leave enough time for the places themselves. 04 · PrepareGet ready for the practical detailsContinue to arrivals, transport, etiquette and travel essentials.

Plan with our tools

Try, tick and compare

Small tools that turn the guides into a plan. They are general guides, so confirm details before you book.

WhenBest month selectorSee seasons, crowds and festivals for any month. CostTrip budget calculatorA planning range for your nights, style and Angkor Pass. RouteJourney Reality CheckerCheck that transfers leave time for the places. SaveMy Cambodia TripKeep a shortlist, then share, email or print it. PackPacking list builderA checklist for your month and plans. DatesFestival calendarThe next 12 months, with add-to-calendar buttons. EatDish finderSearch dishes and see their Khmer names. SpeakKhmer phrase cardsShow a phrase large, or practise with flashcards.

Useful before you go

Four answers first-time visitors often need

Keep these nearby while your plans become more definite.

Before you fly

Four practical things to sort out

EntryVisa and entrye-Visa, e-Arrival and what to carry. MoneyDollars, riel and cardsHow payments work, including KHQR. ConnectSIM and internetStaying connected from day one. CoverHealth and insurancePreparing well and reading your policy.