When to Go

The ideal months to be in Cambodia are December and January, when humidity is bearable, temperatures are cooler and it's unlikely to rain. The wet season (May-Oct), though very soggy, can be a good time to visit Angkor, as the moats will be full and the foliage lush - but steer clear of the northeast regions during those months, as the going gets pretty tough when the tracks are waterlogged.

The temperature averages around:

There are two distinct seasons: the Rainy Season and the Dry Season. However, the Dry Season is divided into two sub-seasons, cool and hot. These seasons are:

- The Rainy season: From June till October 27-35°C (80-95°F)
- The Dry season (cool): From November till February 17-27°C (80-95°F)
- The Dry season (Hot) : From March till May 29-38°C (84-100°F)

What to Pack

We have compiled a “what to pack” list specifically made for the needs of a traveler in Cambodia. Staying in resorts or in hotels in Cambodia minimizes the list as they provide most everything.

• Sunscreen with high SPF (Sun Protection Factor)

• Sunglasses

• Hat or Cap for shade from the sun

• Light cotton clothing

• Insect Repellent

• Bathing Suits

• Good walking/hiking shoes are a plus for a visit to the temples

• Credit Card (Visa, American Express, MasterCard, Diners Club, and Eurocard are accepted)

Clothing: Since Cambodia has a hot and humid tropical climate, casual and light-weight clothing is best. Clothing made from natural fibers is the best option. Lightweight, loose-fitting, cotton clothing is recommended and long-sleeved items should be included for protection from mosquitoes and the sun. During the rainy season an umbrella is more convenient than a rain coast. A jacket may be needed in hotels and restaurants using excessive air-conditioning.

Dress for women is more conservative in Cambodia. While shorts are now acceptable in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, it is more respectful to wear knee length shorts or trousers when outside of these areas.

Health Care

Drink lots of water. Never drink tap water. Purified, bottled water is available everywhere. Use an insect repellent against mosquitoes. It is the only way to be sure of protection against mosquito borne diseases.

Visitors are advised to check with their doctor or a travel immunization clinic regarding protection against malaria, typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and B. Any essential medications should be brought with you as there is no guarantee they will be available in Cambodia.

HIV/AIDS is widespread and on the increase in Cambodia, with some surveys showing as many as 40% of commercial sex workers being HIV positive.

"ADVISE: Essential medications should be brought with you as there is no guarantee that they will be available in Cambodia. "

Should you become seriously ill or injured while in Cambodia, evacuation to Thailand or Singapore will be the most likely result. Because this can be incredibly costly, adequate insurance coverage is an absolute must while in Cambodia.

Cambodia Shopping:

Handicraft and gemstones are among the most important items to buy in Cambodia, Cambodia's culture of handicrafts originates from the early years of the country's history. The ancient traditions were passed from generation to generation. Cambodia is widely renown for its beautiful religious carvings, featuring Indian Ramayana and Mahabharata motifs, and its bas-reliefs. Excellent quality replicas are available in both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Intricate wooden boxes and other carvings are also used for ornamentation and furniture in Cambodia and are readily available in souvenir shops. Cambodia has excellent silverware of both classical Khmer and Chinese design which can be bought in the main markets of the capital and hotel shops. Khmer silversmiths' craft intricate silver bowls in the shapes of fruits, elephants, deer, wild pigs, fish and goats. Dancer's anklets, decorated with tiny silver bells are also popular buys.

The renowned Central Market ( New Market) is one of the largest and busiest markets in Phnom Penh, which is most popular for locals and foreigners. Located in the heart of the capital, the renowned large building is designed by French architect. There are a varieties of items on sales such as souvenir gifts, artifacts dated back to French Indochina era, jewelry, household appliances and nearly every thing you can think of.

The Toul Tom Pong Market ( The Russian Market) is the city's best source of object dárt. Items for sales including miniature Buddha, various ritual objects and old Indochinese coins. There are also quite a few gold smiths and silversmiths inside the market.

Festivals of Cambodia:

Cambodia has a wealth of traditional and international festivals. Most of these are a time of great rejoicing for the predominantly rural populace, many of whom flock to the capital to join in the celebrations and witness the organized fireworks displays which accompany the festivals. All the traditional festivals are influenced by the concepts of Buddhism, Hinduism and royal cultures. The following are the most important of the celebrations organized throughout the year.

National Day (January 7): One of the more recent additions to the festival calendar, this day marks the end of the Khmer Rouge regime.

Chinese New Year (January or February): Due to the large number of people of Chinese descent who run much of Cambodia’s business enterprises and Vietnamese immigrant communities, the Chinese New Year is widely celebrated, especially in Phnom Penh.

Khmer New Year’s Day (Mid April): Celebrated at the same time as the Thai New Year all over the country this festival marks the turn of the year based on the ancient Khmer calendar and also marks the end of the harvest done during the year.

Royal Plowing Day (May): Cambodia has a deep connection with the Earth and farming, and there is a deep astrological belief that the Ox has an instrumental role in determining the fate of the agricultural harvest each year.

King Sihanouk’s birthday celebration (October 31st): This celebration revering the country’s influential king takes place in late October or early November.

Water Festival (October or November): This vast festival is probably the most extravagant festival in the calendar. Over three days starting with the last full moon day in October or the beginning of November up to a million people from all walks of life from all over the country flock to the banks of the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers in Phnom Penh to watch hundreds of brightly colored boats with over 50 paddlers battle it out for top honors.

Angkor Festival: This festival is held either in November or December and is a showcase of performing arts with Angkor Wat as a backdrop.

Pchum Ben (September): This is the most culturally and religiously significant event of the year and is celebrated in September. This festival of souls concentrates on blessing the souls of ancestors, relatives and friends who have passed away.

Entry Formalities and Cambodia Visa:

All visitors, except (as of May 2006) citizens of Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, and Laos, need a visa to enter Cambodia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has launched e-Visa which enables you to apply for a Cambodia travel visa online. Instead of applying through Cambodian Embassy, all you need is to complete the online application form and pay with your credit card. You will get your visa approved within 3 business days.

• Type of e-Visa : Tourist Visa (single entry only)

• Eligibility : All visitors need to apply visa, except from Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines and Laos

• Validity : 3 months (starts from the date of issue)

• Length of Stay : 30 days. Minimum length of stay is 24 hours

• Visa Fees : Tourist Visa - USD20 + USD5 (processing charge)

• Valid Port of Entry :

  • Phnom Penh International Airport

  • Siem Reap International Airport

  • Cham Yeam (Koh Kong) - Thai border

  • Poi Pet (Banteay Meanchey) - Thai border

  • Bavet (Svay Rieng) - Vietnam border

• Requirement : Passport valid for at least 6 months, a recent passport size photo (JPEG/PNG format), a valid credit card (Visa/Master)

• Visa Processing Time: 3 business days