Searching for Cambodia travel tips? Want to know what you should avoid? What you should definitely do? And how you can best prepare?  Our team here at Amber Kampot is mainly made up of lifelong Cambodian locals, who know and understand the nation, and its people, and its careful intricacies. 

So, in short, we know Cambodia better than most.

In this brief guide, we’ve used that expertise to assemble a collection of helpful Cambodia travel tips. We’ve included dos, don’t, things to consider, and pointers for planning and enjoying your vacation. Read o

Dos and Don’ts When Visiting Cambodia

Don’t #1: Don’t Show Affection in Public

Hand-holding is of course okay, but (unless you’re in a hotel or resort), you should avoid any public kissing or heavy petting. Any excessive displays of affection can be construed as disrespectful—in many ways, Cambodia is still quite a conservative place. 

Don’t #2: Don’t Keep Your Shoes On

An often-overlooked Cambodia travel tip. When you enter a temple, or a person’s home (or even some accommodations), you are expected to remove your shoes. In Cambodia, feet are considered to be the least sacred part of the body. Additionally, you shouldn’t display the soles of your feet, and you shouldn’t point your feet at anyone (or especially at images of Buddha).

Don’t #3: Don’t Touch Anyone’s Head

In contrast to feet, the head is thought to be the most sacred part of the body in Cambodia. Touching anyone on the head is therefore considered disrespectful—and you shouldn’t even touch the heads of children.  

Don’t #4: Don’t Wear Too-Few Clothes

If you’re at the beach, or at your resort, it’s of course okay to wear a swimsuit, or relatively revealing clothing, or whatever is comfortable and cool. But Cambodia is a little more religious than some people expect—and wearing too-few clothes can be interpreted as rude. While you’re on the streets, don’t wear just a swimsuit or swimming shorts. And when you visit any religious or sacred sites, ensure you cover both your shoulders and your knees. All of the above applies to both men and women.

Do #1: Do Be Respectful of Monks

You’ll see many monks during your time in Cambodia: in temples, on streets, and in towns, villages and cities. Although these monks might understandably be interesting to you, it’s important to remember they’re not tourist attractions. Don’t distract them or interrupt them if they’re busy, don’t ask them any disrespectful questions, and… most importantly… Don’t touch them. This is especially important for females: women absolutely shouldn’t touch monks or their robes (even mothers of monks can’t touch their own sons!).

Do #2: Do Be Respectful at Sacred Sites

Of course, many Cambodian temples (including iconic Angkor Wat) are popular tourist attractions—and you’re very welcome to visit them. But you should be respectful. Cover your knees and your shoulders, don’t touch anything you shouldn’t touch, and don’t be excessively loud. Also, remember some people are here to worship and pay respects, not just for sightseeing. 

Do #3: Do Be Mindful of Recent Events

One of our most important Cambodia travel tips.

In the 1970s, the barbaric Khmer Rouge killed around 25-30% of Cambodia’s entire population. These murders and massacres came to an end only in 1979, so memories are raw and recent for many people.Many current-day Cambodians were profoundly affected by the actions and atrocities of the Khmer Rouge—so talking about politics can be upsetting and insensitive. Don’t ask any personal questions, and remember anyone you meet could have been affected. And if you visit any Khmer Rouge sights (such as Toul Sleng Genocide Museum or Choeung Ek Killing Fields), be respectful and tactful.

Do #4: Do Ask for Permission When Taking Photos of People

Depending on where you’re from, Cambodia might seem like an exotic place—and you’re probably fascinated by how things look, how some people dress, and how some people behave. For the most part, Cambodian people understand this—and, in the appropriate context, they’re usually happy for you to take photos of them (or with them). But taking photos without permission can seem rude. So make sure you always ask in advance.

 Do #5: Do Have an Amazing Time

The most important of all our Cambodia travel tips! With some of our warnings and guidance here, we might have intimidated you a little. But don’t worry: Cambodia is very welcoming, it’s highly accommodating to tourists, and locals are exceedingly friendly. So you’ll have an incredible time—and if you follow our tips and tricks, your trip will be even better. 

Travel Tips for Your Cambodia Vacation

Check Which Visa You Need

A pretty obvious Cambodia travel tip, but an essential tip nonetheless. Residents of some nations can visit Cambodia visa-free, while residents of other nations can only visit with a visa. But don’t worry: even if you do need a visa, you’ll probably be able to obtain one on arrival. Whatever the case, you should always check well in advance of your departure date, so you know what you do (or don’t!) need to do. Here’s a very useful resource.

Enjoy Some Affordable Luxury

Because Cambodia is so affordable (and because it’s still a relatively-emerging destination), you can find many pockets of budget-friendly elegance and low-cost luxury. Expect beachside bungalows, swanky resorts, private pools, high-end villas, indulgent spas, excellent service and lots of comfort and class.  But to enjoy these perks, you of course need to visit the right places. Some of our favorite luxury accommodation options include Phnom Penh’s Raffles Le Royal, Koh Rong’s Golden Beach Resort, and our own Amber Kampot resort.

Consider When You Should Visit

Different Cambodian seasons of course offer different types of weather. Broadly speaking, Cambodia’s hottest period runs from March until June, while the rainy season runs from June until October. For the best weather, travel outside of those two periods. Important note: ensure you check the weather reports for your specific intended destination, because weather patterns can vary across different parts of the nation. WeatherSpark is an excellent resource for knowing what to expect.

Get Involved With Local-Led Experiences 

There are many excellent and ethical social initiatives and eco-tourism projects in Cambodia, where your money can directly contribute to the people and places of the nation. (and where you can get authentic insights into real people, and real local life) Good options include community-based projects at Chambok, village adventures in mountainous Chi Phat, and Mondulkiri’s remote Elephant Valley Project.You can also find experiences on both Viator and GetYourGuide, including the original Paper Tiger Cooking Class. Alternatively, some resorts and hotels also provide these immersive and authentic adventures. At Amber Kampot, for example, we offer market visits, pepper farm expeditions, gastronomic experiences with local chefs, and our DIY history and heritage tours.

Don’t Just Visit Angkor Wat and Siem Reap

Yes, those places are both top tourist options. But some of Cambodia’s real appeal lies a little under the radar. Places like Kampot and Kep offer a sleepier side to life (along with some affordable luxury)… while destinations such as Mondulkiri, Kratie and Koh Kong offer real insights into authentic rural life.

Understand How Currencies Work

Most nations have only one currency. But that’s not the case in Cambodia. Although the Cambodian riel is the nation’s official currency, US dollars are also widely used and accepted. Some prices in Cambodia are advertised in dollars, while some are advertised in riel. Some are advertised in both. Broadly speaking, you should expect to make large transactions in dollars, and small transactions in riel. But even if you pay in dollars, you might receive your change in riel—so be prepared to do some math. At the time of writing, 1 USD is equivalent to around 4,100 riel.

A pretty obvious Cambodia travel tip, but an essential tip nonetheless. Residents of some nations can visit Cambodia visa-free, while residents of other nations can only visit with a visa. But don’t worry: even if you do need a visa, you’ll probably be able to obtain one on arrival. Whatever the case, you should always check well in advance of your departure date, so you know what you do (or don’t!) need to do. Here’s a very useful resource.

Eat Lots of Variety 

Cambodian food might not be as famous as Thai or Vietnamese food. But it’s just as good (and it’s arguably even better). We recommend trying a range of treats: from low-cost street-food to high-end eats, and everything in between. You’ll find some surprisingly luxurious food in Cambodia, including the high-end fayre at Le Gourmet, Malis, and Amber Kampot. For more taste-based inspiration, here are some must-try Cambodian foods.

Be Wary of Bag Snatchers

Overall, Cambodia is a very safe place to visit. But there’s a slight risk of having your over-the-shoulder bag stolen, by opportunistic scooter drivers who grab bags from pedestrians as they pass them. You can avoid this by keeping your bag firmly between your arm and your body—and by keeping your bag as far from the roadside as possible. 

Final Quick Cambodia Travel Tips

• Take the correct plug adaptor: here are the types of sockets you’ll find in Cambodia.
• Carry a good mosquito spray: buying good mosquito spray can be a tricky challenge in Cambodia. So bring as much as you need. Speak to your doctor or travel clinic: before you come to Cambodia, you should check to see if you need any vaccinations or malaria medication. Contact your clinic three months (or more) before you come here. And, on a related note, make sure you invest in good-quality travel insurance, with a reliable provider.

• You can’t drink tap water in Cambodia: so ensure you only drink bottled water, or water from coolers and fountains. Bring a reusable bottle, so you can easily refill.

Cambodia Travel Tips: Final Thoughts

Okay, we’re all done here—and that’s all 21 Cambodia travel tips covered. For more insights and inspiration on traveling in the nation, here are 8 foods you should try in Kampot, and a guide to national parks near Kampot and Kep.  Thanks for reading, thanks for choosing Amber Kampot, and have an amazing time in Cambodia. Hopefully we’ll see you soon!