Overview of Cambodia

The Kingdom of Cambodia (also known as Căm Bốt in French: Cambodge or Cao Miên in Sino-Vietnamese) is a country located on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia, bordered by the Gulf of Thailand to the south, Thailand to the west, Laos to the north, and Vietnam to the east. Cambodia offers many fascinating attractions that you shouldn't miss.

• Capital: Phnom Penh

• Climate: Tropical with two distinct seasons (the rainy season from May to October and the dry season from November to April). Temperatures range from 21°C to 35°C.

• Ethnicity: The Khmer people make up the majority, about 90%. There are also other minority ethnic groups.

• Religion: Buddhism is considered the national religion (90% of Cambodia's population practices Buddhism), with other religions such as Christianity and Islam also present.

• Language: Khmer is the official language (95% of the population).

• Currency: Riel

What to Know About Traveling in Cambodia

General Notes

• The weather in Cambodia can be very hot, especially if you're visiting the beach. Therefore, bring lightweight, sweat-absorbent clothing and remember to pack sunscreen.

• Bargaining is common, and prices are often inflated by 2 to 3 times. This is not the ideal place for shopping, so only spend money on food or small souvenirs.

• Avoid patting children on the head, as locals believe that only parents are allowed to touch the top of a child's head.

• Do not pass items with your left hand, as Cambodians consider the left hand "unclean."

• When visiting temples, dress modestly to show respect for local customs. Avoid getting too close to or touching monks.

Tourist Seasons in Cambodia

Cambodia's climate is hot and humid year-round, with an average temperature of 26.7°C, but it often exceeds 30°C. The country experiences three main seasons: the rainy season, the dry season, and the summer. For the best travel experience, visit Cambodia from November to February when the weather is more temperate and suitable for exploring nature. If you're interested in cultural experiences, consider visiting in April to enjoy the traditional Khmer New Year and the lively water festival, Bom Chaul Chnam. Avoid visiting in July and August as it is the rainy season, which can be dangerous and limit travel options.

Transportation

To get to Cambodia, you can travel by air. If you are in neighboring countries, traveling overland can also be an option. Tuk-tuks are a common and characteristic mode of transportation in Cambodia, and most hotels will recommend reliable tuk-tuk companies. Some hotels also offer airport transfers by tuk-tuk. Taxis are not very common. You can hire a taxi by the day or for a specific period with a pre-negotiated price. Be cautious when booking to avoid overpaying.

Currency

The official currency in Cambodia is the riel, but US dollars are widely accepted. Generally, riel is used for small transactions under $1, while larger transactions are done in US dollars. Prepare small bills for daily activities as large denominations are less practical. For instance, you cannot use a $100 or $20 bill to pay for a tuk-tuk ride and expect change. Additionally, torn or old currency is often not accepted, particularly for larger denominations. Therefore, it's advisable to use new bills to avoid complications. Be aware of ATM withdrawals as they may dispense either US dollars or riel. Some ATMs allow you to choose your preferred currency. We recommend choosing US dollars as they are accepted everywhere and make transactions easier.

Culture and Lifestyle

• Avoid Elephant Riding: While elephant riding may seem like a fun activity, it supports the mistreatment of elephants. Many elephants are subjected to cruelty, such as being separated from their mothers early and being kept in cruel conditions. Instead of participating, share this information to help prevent the continuation of such practices.

• Bargaining Skills: Develop your bargaining skills before visiting Cambodia as vendors often inflate prices for tourists. Never accept the first price offered; negotiate to lower the cost, ideally to half or a third of the original price. If the vendor does not agree, walk away, and you might be called back. However, if your offer is too low, they may not accept it.

• Respect Buddhist Customs: Cambodians are friendly and accommodating, but modest dress is required at sacred sites such as temples, statues, and historical sites. Avoid wearing revealing or short clothing in these areas to show respect. For women, attire should cover the shoulders and be below the knee. Inappropriate dressing has led to incidents like foreign tourists being taken to court for nude photos at Angkor Wat. Consider your clothing carefully if visiting these sites.

• Do Not Give to Local Children: Cambodia faces significant poverty despite its developing economy. Tourist areas often see street vendors and beggars, including children selling souvenirs. Giving them money or items only perpetuates the problem. Instead, avoid engaging with these children to help break the cycle of exploitation.

• Avoid Drinking Tap Water: Tap water in Cambodia contains high levels of microorganisms and heavy metals. Always buy bottled water for drinking, and consider carrying a large bottle to reduce plastic waste.