CAMBODIA Travel Guide 2025 – Angkor Wat, Best Places, Costs & Essential Tips

CAMBODIA Travel Guide 2025 – Angkor Wat, Best Places, Costs & Essential Tips

What if I told you that Cambodia is the ultimate 
paradise? Well stay tuned to find out how to make the most of your trip to Cambodia, get essential 
travel tips for your stay and how to avoid common mistakes first-time travellers make, and of course, this video will be filled with price breakdowns, useful information 
and stunning scenery to prepare you for your trip. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed with planning 
your vacation, then you need to watch this. Hey guys, welcome back to the channel, 
or if you’re new here, I’m Jasmine, thank you so much for joining me, let’s go!
Cambodia is located in Southeast Asia and is known for its rich cultural heritage and ancient 
history. Bordered by Thailand to the northwest, Laos to the northeast, Vietnam to the east, 
and the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest, Cambodia has a diverse landscape that includes 
the Mekong River and the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat temple which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Despite its tumultuous past marked by the Khmer Rouge regime, Cambodia has become a popular 
destination for travellers seeking a mix of historical intrigue and natural beauty. The warm 
hospitality of its people, the vibrant markets, and the stunning coastline, which has 
amazing white-sand beaches and coral reefs, make Cambodia the perfect destination to visit.
So let’s get into the things you need to know before you go, firstly you will 
need a visa to visit Cambodia, it’s super simple and you can purchase a tourist 
visa on arrival for $30, or you can purchase one online in advance through the Cambodian Ministry 
of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the tourist visa is valid for 30 days 
however it can be extended easily, I prefer to do this in advance so I know it’s done.
Another thing you should know is the Cambodian Riel is the country’s official currency, however, 
the US dollar is used pretty much everywhere, riels are generally used for small transactions 
under a dollar and the dollars are more for hotels and restaurants, it’s typical to pay 
in US dollars and receive change in riels, and keep in mind that ATMs are not easily found 
and the withdrawal fees can be quite a lot, so it’s better to have the cash before you go.
You may have thought about what vaccinations you’ll need for visiting Cambodia, but 
there’s no mandatory vaccinations here, although it’s recommended to be immunized 
against hepatitis A, tetanus, and diphtheria. Cambodia’s medical care system is 
underdeveloped so it’s important to get travel insurance to protect yourself 
in case of illness or an accident. The official language is Khmer, however, most 
young people speak English and Cambodians speak far better English than Thai and 
Laos, so communication is pretty easy. You might be thinking, ‘ok so it’s cheap once I’m 
there, but how much will the flights be?’ There are so many websites to your flights and it can 
be scary to know which one is best, you can spend hours searching for the best deals, so to make it 
easier I would recommend using Skyscanner or Google Flights to find the best deals, the best time to book for the cheapest price is three to nine months 
before you fly, airlines usually increase prices as the departure date approaches, so waiting 
until the last minute may actually result in a more expensive flight, oh and usually, airfare 
prices are lower on Tuesdays and Wednesdays compared to the rest of the week so keep that 
in mind and try and be flexible if you can. Flights to Cambodia will vary a lot depending 
on where you are flying from, the time of year, day of the week and what airline you choose so 
it is hard to say how much exactly it costs but on average, a round-trip flight from the UK to 
Cambodia could range from £500 to £1,000 or more, depending on the factors mentioned. 
For flights from the USA to Cambodia, the average cost can range from $800 to 
$1,500 or more for a round-trip ticket. These are just a general estimate and prices 
may vary depending on the factors mentioned, so it’s essential to use flight comparison 
websites, consider different airlines, and be flexible with travel dates to find the best deals.
Figuring out when and where exactly you should visit can be the most difficult to figure out when 
booking your vacation, well the best time to visit Cambodia is anytime between November and April 
for the best weather where it’s not too sunny and not so gloomy, just beautiful blue skies everyday.
There are a few places which I would recommend you check out, firstly you have Siem Reap, the city 
nearest to Angkor Wat, so if you are planning to visit there then staying in this area is best, and 
the town itself has a vibrant atmosphere with cool markets, restaurants, and cultural experiences, 
it also has a wide range of accommodations from budget to luxury, and a variety of dining options.
Another great place to stay is Phnom Penh, as the capital city of Cambodia, this place offers 
a mix of historical and modern attractions, and it also has a dynamic culinary scene 
and a lively riverfront. It’s also a good central location for exploring other parts of 
the country. Here, accommodation prices vary, with budget options starting at around $20 per 
night and higher-end hotels reaching $150 or more. Food and transportation costs are moderate too.
Cambodia has many other amazing destinations, so consider your interests and preferences 
when choosing the best area for your vacation, for example Koh Rong is perfect for couples as 
it is quite the romantic setting with pristine beaches, scenic boat tours, and my favourite 
part of this area is that the waters here have bioluminescent plankton and at night, the waters 
light up with the glow of these tiny organisms, it’s a really cool and unforgettable experience 
to see. Alternatively you have Kampot which is one of the coolest places to stay and is 
better for those on a budget, it’s situated along the picturesque Kampot River, providing a 
tranquil and scenic setting, as well as having well-preserved French colonial architecture, 
adding a historical and charming element to its streets. Kampot has a very laid-back and relaxed 
atmosphere, which makes it an ideal place for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle 
of busier cities. The town’s slower pace allows for a more peaceful and enjoyable experience in my opinion.
One place you should avoid is Sihanoukville, it used to be beautiful 
and the go-to beach hot spot, but it’s now just an overly-developed mess of Chinese-built 
casinos and hotels, it’s honestly awful there now, it’s basically a huge construction site, full 
of half-finished sky scrapers, unfinished roads, forced out locals, and there’s a surge in violent crime 
so unless you want to visit one of the islands nearby I would avoid this area completely.
Now what is there to do? There is a ton of stuff to do here let me tell you, and 
there really is something for everybody, so let’s start with the most obvious, Siem Reap 
is home to one of the world’s most famous tourist attractions which you will probably have heard 
of already, Angkor Wat, it will be on just about everyone’s to-do list when they are in town 
and is what brings most people to Cambodia, so keep in mind that it will most likely be super 
busy, unless you visit the temples at sunrise, which sucks having to get up at like 6am but trust 
me it’s worth it as you see the sun emerge from behind its spires it’s so beautiful, expect some 
crowds at this time but once you have experienced the sunrise most of the other tourists won’t 
have arrived yet so you can wander the temples in relative peace. If you didn’t already know 
Angkor Wat is huge, the main temple that appears in most photos is just a tiny part of the 400 
square kilometer site, but thanks to its huge size there are loads of areas of Angkor Wat to 
check out and there are numerous ruins that are very peaceful and not so crowded during the day.
Just keep in mind that this isn’t a free activity and you will require a pass to enter which 
you can buy on the day or pre book online, it costs $37 for this Angkor Pass.
For those who love to hike then you should head to Bokor National Park, here you can 
wander among the atmospheric French ruins while hiking around the rainforest. Bokor was a big 
destination for the French aristocracy in the early 20th century and Bokor Hill Station has 
the remains of an abandoned luxury resort and casino that was later used as a hideout by the 
Khmer Rouge, which is pretty interesting to see, it’s also free to enter here and walk around.
Another thing you should do whilst in Cambodia is to visit a river village, there’s always 
boats filled with people selling trinkets, food, and hanging out, it’s a really nice 
experience to see the locals here who, by the way, are so friendly and welcoming.
If you do find yourself in Sihanoukville and want to leave because it’s so bad there, then 
head three hours east where you will find Kep, it’s a quaint beach town which is a 
quieter, nicer version of Sihanoukville, it’s famous for its pepper crab and empty beaches, 
there isn’t a lot to do here other than walk around Kep National Park which has incredible 
views over the water and surrounding jungle. Another place you should check out is Choeung Ek, 
known as the Killing Fields, which might not be the most cheery way to spend an afternoon but it 
makes for a harrowing and memorable experience and you can’t fully understand modern Cambodia 
without learning about Pol Pot and the violence of the Khmer Rouge, which was responsible for killing 
millions of people during their reign of terror. One last place I will mention is the Bayon Temple, 
it’s known for its carved faces on different towers, this is one of the temples that you 
shouldn’t miss during your trip, you can get there on a tuk-tuk from Siem Reap, tickets cost $37 
and visit in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. When visiting a new country for the 
first time it’s essential to know some basic tips and be prepared before you get there.
I mentioned earlier about the currency, but there are some other things to keep in mind and be aware 
of, most places want you to pay in US dollars but then give you change in riel, so then you end up 
with a pocket full of riel that is extremely hard to get rid of, and if you do happen to be given 
change in dollars then check the notes, if they are torn or damaged then hand it back as this is 
basically worthless, if you pay in dollars and the note is not pristine then it won’t be accepted and 
you can end up with cash that is essentially just paper at that point so always check your change.
Another thing to keep in mind is that if you do visit the temples make sure to fully cover your 
knees and shoulders, as Buddhism is the primary religion here its offensive to the culture 
if you try to walk into a temple with your knees and shoulders showing, especially if 
you’re a woman, make sure to either bring a cover up otherwise you might end up having to 
buy a sarong or you won’t be allowed to enter. The most common transport here is the tuk-tuks 
which are super useful and I urge you to use them, but like with everything else you do need to be 
aware that sometimes these drivers will try to get you to pay them before they’ve taken you 
anywhere, please don’t do this as you’re more likely to be scammed, only pay them once you have 
arrived at your destination, there have been times where the driver just leaves with your money, 
or kicks you out halfway there or demand more to take you all the way, so just find a driver 
that won’t hassle you into paying upfront. Another tip for you is that when you’re in a 
tourist area you will likely see some children hanging around and approaching people asking them 
to buy things like postcards or other trinkets they have to help them pay for school or something 
similar, this just isn’t true, they are used in scams and I know it can be hard to ignore a cute 
kid asking for help but seriously please don’t buy anything for or from the children on the streets.
Another thing, you will be offered elephant rides everywhere but please don’t do them, 
it’s really painful for the animals and the elephants are actually snatched from 
their mothers after birth and trained and tortured to be fit for riding so please don’t 
promote such inhumanity by being a part of it. Also, don’t drink the tap water it’s not 
safe to drink and if you do it can cause a severely upset stomach, so just buy a few big 
bottles from the store they aren’t expensive. When you visit anywhere in Cambodia, you will see 
monks pretty much everywhere but do not disrespect them, seriously you need to respect the local 
culture here and by this I mean don’t just start taking photos of them without permission first or 
if you’re female then you should avoid touching or sitting too close to them, and when talking 
to a seated monk sit first and then converse, it’s so important to know how to behave 
around them without offending anyone. One last thing I will mention is about safety, 
I know a lot of people think that Cambodia is unsafe and I understand why, unfortunately 
many people here live close to or below the poverty line which leads to petty theft and bag 
snatching being common, and honestly the scooter snatchers are a real problem here, so keep 
your bags close and hold on to them. Also if you are walking around rural areas watch out for 
snakes and other wildlife which can be dangerous, and don’t walk around at night if you’re alone.
Cambodia is such an amazing country to experience and knowing these tips before going can 
really improve your visit, I hope this video has helped with planning your trip, got 
you excited to visit or maybe even inspired you to book your next vacation here!
Thank you so much for watching and if you enjoyed this video please don’t forget 
to like and subscribe for more travel guides and insider tips and I’ll catch you in 
the next video, until then, stay safe guys!

Planning a trip to Cambodia? This complete Cambodia travel guide covers the best places to visit including Angkor Wat, where to stay, how much it costs, things to do, and essential tips for exploring one of Southeast Asia’s most incredible destinations.

Discover Cambodia’s ancient temples, beautiful beaches, rich culture, delicious food, and friendly people – all surprisingly affordable! From Siem Reap to Phnom Penh to island paradise, this guide has everything you need.

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Welcome to Cambodia
00:30 About Cambodia
01:14 Essential Info Before You Go
04:04 Where to Stay in Cambodia
04:18 Flights to Cambodia
06:15 Best Things to Do
08:57 Essential Cambodia Tips

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN CAMBODIA:

SIEM REAP – Angkor Wat Base
Ancient Angkor temple complex (UNESCO World Heritage), Pub Street nightlife, night markets, traditional Apsara dance shows, floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake
Stay: 3-4 days minimum for temples
Best for: History buffs, temple explorers, culture seekers

PHNOM PENH – The Capital
Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, Killing Fields and S-21 Museum (dark history but important), riverside promenade, Central Market, rooftop bars, street food scene
Stay: 2-3 days
Best for: History, city experience, culture

SIHANOUKVILLE & ISLANDS
Gateway to islands, Otres Beach (quieter), party town reputation
KOH RONG – Beautiful beaches, bioluminescent plankton, backpacker vibe
KOH RONG SAMLOEM – Quieter, pristine beaches, relaxation
Stay: 3-5 days island time
Best for: Beach lovers, diving, island hopping

KAMPOT – Riverside Charm
Laid-back riverside town, pepper plantations, Bokor National Park, kayaking, sunset cruises, French colonial architecture
Stay: 2-3 days
Best for: Relaxation, nature, foodies

GETTING TO CAMBODIA:
Fly into Phnom Penh or Siem Reap international airports
Overland from Thailand, Vietnam, Laos (buses available)
Visa on arrival: 30 USD (30 days) or e-visa online 36 USD
Passport must be valid 6+ months

GETTING AROUND CAMBODIA:
Tuk-tuks everywhere (negotiate prices, 1-3 USD short trips)
Buses between cities (Giant Ibis, Mekong Express recommended)
Domestic flights Phnom Penh to Siem Reap (saves time)
Rent motorbike 5-10 USD per day (international license required)
Boats to islands from Sihanoukville
Grab app available in cities

BEST TIME TO VISIT CAMBODIA:
November-March: Cool dry season, best weather (peak season)
April-May: Hot season, 35-40C, fewer tourists
June-October: Rainy season, afternoon showers, green landscapes, cheapest
December-February: Perfect weather but most crowded

ANGKOR WAT TEMPLES:
Buy passes: 1-day 37 USD, 3-day 62 USD, 7-day 72 USD
Sunrise at Angkor Wat iconic (arrive 5am, crowded!)
Must-see temples: Angkor Wat, Bayon (faces), Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider trees)
Hire tuk-tuk driver for full day 15-20 USD
Dress code: Cover shoulders and knees
Bring water, sunscreen, hat – gets very hot
3 days ideal to see main temples without rushing

CAMBODIA COSTS (VERY CHEAP!):
Accommodation: 5-15 USD budget, 25-50 USD mid-range, 80+ USD luxury
Meals: 2-5 USD local food, 8-15 USD restaurants
Beer: 0.50-2 USD, Street food: 1-3 USD
Tuk-tuk: 1-5 USD depending on distance
Temples: Angkor pass main expense
Budget 25-40 USD per day backpacker, 60-100 USD comfort

ESSENTIAL CAMBODIA TIPS:
US Dollars widely accepted (bring small bills, change given in riel)
ATMs charge 5-6 USD fee per withdrawal
Bargaining expected at markets (start 50% lower)
Dress modestly at temples (shoulders and knees covered)
Tap water NOT safe – bottled water only
Cambodian people extremely friendly and welcoming
Learn basic Khmer: Sua s’dai (hello), Orkun (thank you)
Tipping appreciated but not required (round up)
Be respectful of dark history (genocide memorials)
Watch for scams with tuk-tuk drivers (agree price first)
Cambodian SIM cards cheap (5 USD unlimited data)
Electricity: Type A, C, G plugs
Sun is intense – high SPF sunscreen essential

ANGKOR WAT TIPS:
Buy temple pass day before and watch sunset free
Avoid tour groups – go early or late afternoon
Small circuit vs Grand circuit routes
Hire knowledgeable guide 25-30 USD (worth it for history)
Respect sacred sites – no climbing restricted areas
Monkeys can be aggressive – watch belongings

KOH RONG ISLAND TIPS:
Boats from Sihanoukville pier (45-60 min, 20-25 USD return)
Book reliable boat company (Speed Ferry Cambodia)
Beaches: Long Beach, Sok San Beach, Coconut Beach
Bioluminescent plankton at night (magical!)
Limited ATMs – bring cash
Accommodation: Beach bungalows 15-50 USD

Whether visiting Cambodia for Angkor Wat temples, beautiful beaches, rich culture, or delicious food, this guide has everything you need for an unforgettable Southeast Asian adventure on a budget!

SUBSCRIBE for more Southeast Asia and Cambodia travel guides!

#CambodiaTravel #CambodiaTravelGuide #AngkorWat #SiemReap #VisitCambodia #KohRong #PhnomPenh #CambodiaThingsToDo #SoutheastAsia #CambodiaOnABudget