Cambodia
Phone Code
+855
Capital
Phnom Penh
Population
17.3 Million
Native Name
Kâmpŭchéa
Region
Asia
South-Eastern Asia
Timezone
Indochina Time
UTC+07:00
On This Page
Cambodia is the land of Angkor Wat — the world's largest religious monument and one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites on earth — but it offers far more than its temples. Over 1,000 temples spread across 400 km² were built by the Khmer Empire between the 9th and 15th centuries; sunrise over Angkor Wat reflected in its moat is a moment that stays forever. The Bayon temple with its 216 mysteriously smiling stone faces, Ta Prohm where giant silk-cotton trees have engulfed the temple walls (the Tomb Raider filming location), and the exquisite pink sandstone carvings of Banteay Srei are just the beginning. Siem Reap at the foot of the temples has become a traveller magnet: night markets, street food, Pub Street bars and a growing arts scene. Phnom Penh, the capital, impresses with the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda on the riverside, the Art Deco Central Market, and major twentieth-century memorial museums (Tuol Sleng, Choeung Ek). The Tonle Sap Lake with its floating villages is Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake. And the southern islands — Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem — offer Caribbean-quality beaches and bioluminescent plankton at night. Visa on arrival or e-visa is available for most nationalities: 30 days for USD 30-36, with extensions possible. Cambodia uses both the Cambodian Riel and US Dollar — ATMs dispense dollars.
Cambodia Visa & Entry Options
Cambodia offers convenient visa options for most travellers. The e-visa for tourism is available online at evisa.gov.kh, processed within 3 business days, costing USD 36 including service charge. Visa on arrival is available at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports and most land borders for USD 30 (bring a passport photo and exact change in dollars). A business visa on arrival costs USD 35 and allows multiple extensions up to 1 year. ASEAN nationals from Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar and Brunei can enter visa-free for 14-30 days depending on nationality. Passport must be valid at least 6 months with at least one blank page. Tourist visas are extendable once for 30 additional days through immigration offices (USD 45-80 depending on agency). E-visa is valid only at specific entry points — check the official website for the current list.
Common Visa Types
E-Visa (Tourism)
For tourism, available to most nationalities through the online system at evisa.gov.kh. Apply online, receive approval by email within 3 business days, print and present on arrival. Valid at specific entry points only (Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports, some land borders).
Visa on Arrival (Tourist - T)
For tourism at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports and most land borders. Bring a passport photo and exact change in US dollars. Faster than e-visa but may involve queues at busy entry points.
Visa on Arrival (Business - E)
For business visitors, NGO workers or those planning extended stays. Allows multiple extensions up to 1 year and multiple re-entries with valid extension. The practical choice for longer-term stays.
ASEAN Visa-Free Entry
For citizens of ASEAN member states (Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Brunei) for tourism or business. No fee required.
Essential Information for Cambodia Travellers
Travel Guide
Cambodia rewards travellers with ancient grandeur, warm hospitality and prices that make Southeast Asia's neighbours look expensive. Angkor Archaeological Park is the centrepiece: over 1,000 temples across 400 km², built by the Khmer Empire between the 9th and 15th centuries. Angkor Wat at sunrise — the world's largest religious monument reflected in its moat as the sky turns gold — is one of travel's great moments. The Bayon's 216 enigmatic stone faces smile down from every angle. Ta Prohm's giant silk-cotton trees consuming the temple walls feel like a scene from another world. Banteay Srei's intricate pink sandstone carvings are the finest Khmer craftsmanship anywhere. Siem Reap, the gateway town, has evolved from a dusty temple base into a destination of its own: night markets, street food (insects included, if you dare), Pub Street for backpacker nightlife, and an increasingly sophisticated restaurant and gallery scene. Phnom Penh on the Mekong-Tonle Sap confluence combines the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda with major twentieth-century memorial museums — Tuol Sleng (S-21) and Choeung Ek — among the city's main cultural sites. The Tonle Sap floating villages show a way of life lived entirely on water. And the south coast delivers genuine tropical paradise: Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem have white sand, turquoise water and bioluminescent plankton glowing at night. Cambodia is also one of the cheapest countries in Southeast Asia — a full meal for USD 2-3, a guesthouse room for USD 10-15.
Ways to Experience This Destination
Angkor Wat (world's largest religious monument), Bayon with 216 smiling stone faces, Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider's jungle temple), Banteay Srei (exquisite pink sandstone carvings), Preah Vihear on the clifftop Thai border — Cambodia's temples are overwhelming in scale and beauty. The 1-day pass costs USD 37, 3-day USD 62, 7-day USD 72.
Siem Reap with night markets, street food and arts scene at the foot of Angkor. Phnom Penh with the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, vibrant riverside and rooftop bars. Battambang with its colonial architecture and the famous Bamboo Train. Cambodia's cities are full of contrasts between ancient and modern.
Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem with white sand beaches and bioluminescent plankton glowing at night. Otres Beach near Sihanoukville (quiet and beautiful). Cambodia's surprisingly gorgeous coastline remains one of Southeast Asia's best-kept secrets — far less developed than Thailand's islands.
Amok (the national dish: fish curry steamed in banana leaf with coconut milk and turmeric), lok lak (beef with pepper sauce and a fried egg), num pang (Cambodia's baguette sandwich — a cousin of Vietnamese banh mi), fresh mango and coconut, night market street food in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, and fried tarantulas in Skuon for the adventurous.
Tonle Sap Lake with floating villages (Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake), Cardamom Mountains rainforest, Mekong River dolphins near Kratie, Kulen Mountains (sacred rivers and waterfalls), and the wilderness of Koh Kong province. Cambodia has surprisingly rich biodiversity despite deforestation pressures.
Twentieth-century memorial museums in Phnom Penh: Tuol Sleng (S-21) and Choeung Ek. Among the city's most-visited cultural and historical sites; respectful visit expected. Allow at least half a day.
Money & Currency
Cambodian Riel (KHR), US Dollar (USD)
Currency code: KHR
Practical Money Tips
Dual Currency Economy — USD for Most Transactions, Riel for Small Change
Cambodia operates a unique dual-currency system. The US dollar (USD) is used for almost all transactions — hotel bills, tour costs, restaurant meals, and supermarkets. The Cambodian Riel (KHR) is the official currency but is primarily used for sub-dollar change (1 USD ≈ 4,000 KHR). You will receive riel as change when paying USD. Prices in tourist areas are typically quoted in USD. Bring USD cash — do not bring riel from outside Cambodia.
ATMs Widely Available — But Charge Fees of USD 4–6 Per Withdrawal
ATMs are readily available in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Kampot, and Battambang. ABA Bank, ACLEDA Bank, and Canadia Bank are the most reliable networks. Nearly all ATMs dispense USD. Most ATMs charge a fee of USD 4–6 per withdrawal — minimize withdrawals by taking out larger amounts. ACLEDA Bank sometimes waives fees. Khmer Riel ATMs are less common but exist at some branches.
Cards and Bakong Digital Payment — Mobile Wallets Growing Rapidly
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and travel agencies in major tourist centres. Cambodia's Bakong payment system (a blockchain-based mobile payment platform) is growing rapidly among locals, but requires a local bank account and is not easily accessible to short-term visitors. Apple Pay and Google Pay are not widely accepted. ABA Pay and ACLEDA mobile banking are popular locally. Cash (USD) remains king for everyday spending.
One of Southeast Asia's Most Affordable Destinations
Cambodia is one of the most affordable destinations in Southeast Asia. Street food (bai sach chrouk, num banh chok): USD 1–3. Local restaurant meal: USD 3–8. Budget guesthouse: USD 8–20/night. Mid-range hotel: USD 25–60/night. Tuk-tuk across town: USD 2–5. Angkor Wat passes are major costs: USD 37 (one day), USD 62 (3 days), USD 72 (7 days) — payable in USD by card or cash at the ticket office.
Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.
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Planning a trip to Cambodia? Whether you need an e-visa, a visa on arrival, or help checking your entry requirements — get step-by-step guidance for your visa application.
Apply for Cambodia Visa