Important Things to Note When Traveling to Cambodia
To have a complete trip to Cambodia, you need to be aware of important notes regarding entry procedures, weather, culture, costs, and safety. This article will provide information on important things to note when traveling to Cambodia, helping you prepare the best for your journey to explore the land of temples.
Preparing entry procedures for Cambodia
Visa: Vietnamese citizens are exempt from visa requirements when traveling to Cambodia for up to 30 days. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
All travelers need to prepare the entry procedures for Cambodia
Documents to bring:
Original passport and a copy.
Round-trip bus/plane tickets and hotel booking confirmation (may be required at the border).
If traveling by land through Moc Bai or Xa Xia border gates, prepare additional 4x6 photos for procedures if needed.
Note:
Carefully check the information on your passport before departure to avoid errors.
Save the phone number of the Vietnamese Embassy in Phnom Penh (+855-23-726-274) for emergencies.
Cambodia has a tropical monsoon climate, divided into two main seasons:
Dry season (November - April): Temperature 25-32°C, cool weather, little rain, ideal for visiting Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, or outdoor spots like Sihanoukville Beach. November to February is peak season, with service prices higher by 15-20%.
Rainy season (May - October): Temperature 27-35°C, heavy rain in the evenings, but lush landscapes, lower hotel and tour prices. Suitable for indoor activities like visiting the National Museum in Phnom Penh.
Suggestion: December to January is the best time, with pleasant weather and festivals like Bon Om Touk (Water Festival, November).
Important things to note when traveling to Cambodia cannot miss choosing the right time
Prepare finances and exchange money
Currency: Cambodia uses riel (KHR), but USD is widely accepted. Exchange rate in June 2025: 1 USD ≈ 4,100 KHR, 1 USD ≈ 25,000 VND.
Currency exchange:
In Vietnam: Exchange USD at banks (Vietcombank, BIDV) or gold shops in Le Thanh Ton area (HCMC) or Ha Trung (Hanoi) for better rates.
In Cambodia: Exchange money at counters in Phnom Penh (Sisowath Quay area) or Siem Reap (Pub Street night market). Avoid exchanging at the airport due to low rates.
Estimated costs (for a 3-4 day trip):
Bus tickets from HCMC to Phnom Penh/Siem Reap: 500,000-800,000 VND/round trip.
Dress modestly (long pants, sleeves) when visiting temples or sacred sites like Angkor Wat, Royal Palace. Avoid wearing short skirts or sleeveless tops.
Wear comfortable shoes that are easy to remove when entering temples, and bring hats and sunscreen if visiting in the dry season.
Behavior:
Do not touch other people's heads (even children), as this is considered rude in Khmer culture.
Remove shoes when entering local homes or temples. Always ask for permission before taking photos of local people.
Avoid discussing sensitive topics such as the Khmer Rouge history or politics.
Festivals:
If visiting during Bon Om Touk (November) or Khmer New Year (April), participate in traditional activities like boat racing or lantern festivals, but be mindful of crowds and personal safety.
Important things to note when traveling to Cambodia when moving
From Vietnam to Cambodia:
By road: Buses from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh (6-7 hours, price 500,000-700,000 VND) or Siem Reap (12-14 hours, price 700,000-900,000 VND). Reputable companies: Kumho Samco, Mekong Express.
By air: Round-trip tickets Ho Chi Minh City - Phnom Penh/Siem Reap: 2,500,000-5,000,000 VND (Cambodia Angkor Air, Vietnam Airlines). Book early through NVK Travel for better prices.
Within Cambodia:
Tuk-tuk: A popular means of transport, price 1-3 USD/short trip in Siem Reap or Phnom Penh.
Note: Negotiate the price before taking a tuk-tuk or taxi. Download the PassApp app (similar to Grab) to call for cheap rides.
Safety and health when traveling to Cambodia
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry. Use anti-theft bags and keep your passport in the hotel safe.
Be careful of scams such as low-quality cheap tours or self-proclaimed guides.
Crowded areas like Psar Chas night market (Siem Reap) or Sisowath Quay (Phnom Penh) may have pickpockets.
Drink bottled water, avoid ice water at roadside stalls to ensure hygiene.
Bring personal medications (for stomach aches, fever, allergies) and mosquito repellent as some areas have mosquitoes during the rainy season.
Purchase travel insurance to cover medical risks (price around 100,000-200,000 VND for 3-4 days).
Pay attention to safety and health when traveling to Cambodia
Cuisine and shopping in Cambodia
Try local specialties such as amok fish (fish steamed in banana leaves), Lok Lak beef, Khmer spring rolls at restaurants on Pub Street (Siem Reap) or Riverside (Phnom Penh). Price 1-5 USD/dish.
Eat at night markets or local food areas to save money (1-2 USD/dish).
Souvenirs: Khmer silk, mini Angkor statues, handicrafts. Buy at Phsar Thmei market (Phnom Penh) or Angkor night market (Siem Reap).
Negotiate prices when shopping at markets, you can reduce by 20-30% if skillful.
Note: Check the quality of goods carefully and keep the receipt for tax refund procedures if shopping over 100 USD.
NVK Travel is a reputable travel agency with over 12 years of experience organizing tours to Cambodia. We offer diverse all-inclusive tours exploring Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, including entrance tickets, hotels, and professional guides. Let NVK Travel accompany you on your journey to explore the land of temples!
