Things To Do
in Cambodia

Dress modestly when visiting temples: cover shoulders and knees. Remove shoes before entering certain buildings and speak quietly, showing respect to monks and worshippers.

The royal family and Buddhism are held in high esteem; avoid negative comments about the monarchy, and be respectful when photographing religious ceremonies or monks—ask before taking close-up photos.

Avoid touching people's heads (a sacred area) and use your right hand (or both hands) when giving or receiving items. Public displays of affection are frowned upon in rural areas.

Khmer people are generally polite and indirect—stay calm, smile, and remain patient during negotiations or when resolving misunderstandings.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; leave small tips for tuk-tuk drivers ($1–3), guides (5–10% or $5+ for full-day), and restaurant staff in tourist spots. In local eateries or markets small change is fine; round up taxi fares when possible.

Cash is king—US dollars and Cambodian riel are both used (small change often given in riel). Bring small USD bills (no tears or heavy folds). Credit and debit cards work in larger hotels, restaurants, and shops in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap; ATMs are available in cities but can run out of cash in remote areas.

Sacred plateau near Siem Reap with waterfalls, archaeological sites, and shaded trails—suitable for day hikes and cultural visits.

Remote rainforest region offering multi-day treks, wildlife spotting, and community-based ecotourism programs—bring a guide and proper gear.

Hiking with misty hilltop vistas, colonial-era ruins, and cooler temperatures near Kampot—accessible via road or guided treks.

A smaller hill near Kampong Thom with trails, limestone formations, and panoramic viewpoints popular for a half-day outing.

Main international gateway with connections to regional hubs; 10–20 minutes to central Phnom Penh by taxi depending on traffic.

Primary airport for Angkor Wat and Siem Reap; short taxi or tuk-tuk rides to town and hotels, and many regional flights connect here.

Serves coastal Sihanoukville and nearby islands; flight options are more limited—many travelers reach beaches via road transfers from Phnom Penh.

Smaller regional airfields with limited or charter service; ground transfers are common from major airports for most travelers.

Ethnic Khmer make up the vast majority of the population and form the core cultural and linguistic group.

An ethnic and religious minority primarily concentrated in certain regions and towns; they practice Islam and have distinct cultural traditions.

Significant Vietnamese and Chinese-Cambodian populations contribute to commerce, cuisine, and urban life—especially in coastal and border areas.

Growing expat communities centered in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and coastal towns, including NGO workers, entrepreneurs, and retirees.

Vegetarian options are available but not always prominent; many dishes contain fish sauce or shrimp paste, so ask specifically for no fish products. Larger restaurants and tourist areas offer vegetarian and vegan menus.

Vegan choices increase in cities and tourist hubs—request tofu and vegetable-based dishes and be explicit about avoiding fish sauce and shrimp paste.

Halal food is available in areas with Cham or Muslim communities (e.g., parts of Phnom Penh and coastal towns), but always confirm certification if required.

Carry a translated note explaining your allergy (e.g., peanuts, shellfish) as cross-contamination is common in markets and street stalls.