Cambodia

Last checked: October 2026

Cambodia is a Southeast Asian country best known for Angkor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed in 1992, and for a capital, Phnom Penh, on the Mekong. Most first trips centre on Siem Reap and Angkor, with Phnom Penh and the southern coast as add-ons. Travel here is shaped by two things: a clear wet and dry season, and border conditions with Thailand that have changed during 2025 and 2026. This page gives the overview, and six detailed guides cover entry rules, places, seasons, itineraries, hotels and flights. Rules and advisories change, so confirm the important details with official sources before you book.

Official Safety Advice

The US State Department rates Cambodia at Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution, according to a news report on the advisory issued on 15 September 2026. That report says the advisory cites crime, civil unrest and unexploded ordnance, that areas along the Cambodia-Thailand border carry a Level 4 (Do Not Travel) designation, and that Phnom Penh needs extra caution because of street crime such as phone and bag snatching. It tells travellers not to resist a robbery, not to accept drinks from strangers, and notes zero tolerance for drugs. Seven provinces are flagged for unexploded ordnance: Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap, Pailin, Preah Vihear and Kampong Thom. We read this advisory through a secondary report, not the official page, so check the original before you go.

The UK Foreign Office (page updated 19 March 2026 and shown as current on 29 October 2026) advises against all but essential travel within 20 km of the Thailand land border. It says land crossings between Cambodia and Thailand remain suspended, that a ceasefire was signed on 27 December after heavy fighting along parts of the border in 2025, and that the situation remains tense. It lists border temples that are closed, including Preah Vihear, Ta Krabey and Tamone Thom, and warns that landmines and other unexploded ordnance are present in the border area. Travelling against this advice can invalidate your insurance, so read your own government advice before you go.

Main Places in Cambodia

• Siem Reap and Angkor: The base for the temple complex, with Angkor Wat, the Bayon and Ta Prohm among the best-known sights.
• Phnom Penh: The capital, with the Royal Palace, museums and the Cambodian Memorial Sites, which UNESCO inscribed in 2025.
• Sihanoukville and the coast: Beaches and islands, with diving and snorkelling in the cooler months.
• Koh Ker: A remote temple site inscribed by UNESCO in 2023.
• Sambor Prei Kuk: Pre-Angkorian temple zone inscribed in 2017.
• Battambang: A provincial city in a province flagged for unexploded ordnance, so stay on marked routes and use a local guide.

See the best places to visit in Cambodia for how to choose between regions, and the Cambodia itineraries for routes.

Heritage and Culture

Cambodia has five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, all cultural, according to Wikipedia: Angkor (1992), the Temple of Preah Vihear (2008), Sambor Prei Kuk (2017), Koh Ker (2023) and the Cambodian Memorial Sites (2025). Khmer is the official language, and the riel is the national currency. Festivals follow the lunar and agricultural calendar and include the Royal Ploughing Ceremony in May, Pchum Ben or Ancestors Day in September and the Water Festival in November, according to Intrepid Travel. Dress respectfully at temples and ask before photographing people.

When to Go

The dry season runs from November to May and the wet season from June to October, according to Intrepid Travel. April and May are very warm and humid, just before the rains. November to March is the peak season, with the best chance of dry weather and the biggest crowds at Angkor. June to October is quieter and cheaper, with short heavy downpours, usually in the afternoon or at night. Our guide to the best time to visit Cambodia goes month by month.

Visa and Entry Basics

The UK government says British visitors need a visa, that tourist visas are valid for 30 days, and that your passport must be valid for at least six months from the day you arrive. You can apply for an e-visa in advance or buy a visa on arrival at airports and land crossings, paying in US dollars. Wikipedia lists the tourist e-visa and visa on arrival at US$30. Air arrivals must also submit a free e-Arrival Card in the seven days before arrival. Rules depend on your passport, so read our Cambodia visa guide for details and where sources differ.

Getting Around Cambodia

The main international gateways are Siem Reap-Angkor International (SAI), Techo International (KTI) near Phnom Penh, which opened on 9 September 2025, and Sihanouk International (KOS). Domestic flights link Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, and Cambodia Airways reportedly started new routes on 26 June 2026. Land crossings with Thailand are suspended, so plan flights rather than an overland loop. See our guide to flights to Cambodia.

Food and Drink

Amok, a steamed fish curry, and noodle soups are widely associated with Khmer cooking, and rice is the staple. Menus and prices vary a lot between tourist streets and local markets, so ask your hotel for current recommendations and choose busy, clean-looking places.

Practical Basics

• Capital: Phnom Penh.
• Currency: The riel (KHR), with US dollars used for visa fees.
• Language: Khmer.
• Population: About 16.7 million in 2024, according to Britannica.
• Hotels: The UK says hotels register guests through the FPCS app. See where to stay in Cambodia.

Choosing Your First Route

Most first trips work best with two or three stops. Siem Reap and Angkor are the usual centre, because the temples take several days to see well, and a short flight links them with Phnom Penh. The southern coast suits travellers who want beach time in the dry season. Remote temple sites such as Koh Ker need extra planning and a local operator, and border temples are closed. Spending more nights in fewer places usually works better than a long list of short stops.

Staying Safe on the Ground

The official advisories point to street theft, drink spiking and unexploded ordnance as the main risks. Carry only what you need, keep your phone out of sight near the road, and do not accept drinks from strangers. Stay on marked paths at remote sites, use established guides, and never touch unfamiliar metal objects. Drug laws are strict, and even small amounts can lead to arrest.

Health and Insurance

The UK says a yellow fever certificate is required if you arrive from a country with a transmission risk, and refers travellers to TravelHealthPro for recommended vaccinations. Buy travel insurance that covers medical care, evacuation and your planned activities, and check that it is not invalidated by travel near the Thailand border.

Common Planning Mistakes

• Planning an overland Thailand crossing while land borders are suspended.
• Travelling to border temples that are closed or inside the advisory zone.
• Leaving marked paths at remote temple sites.
• Arriving by air without submitting the e-Arrival Card.
• Booking only for peak months without checking the weather you will get.

Plan Your Cambodia Trip

• Check entry rules in the Cambodia visa guide
• Choose regions in the best places guide
• Pick your month in the best time to visit guide
• Adapt a route from the Cambodia itineraries
• Read the where to stay guide
• Compare airports and airlines in the flights guide