Angkor Wat at sunrise, Ta Prohm temples swallowed by the jungle, Phnom Penh shaken by history, Koh Rong and its empty beaches. Our guide to plan 10 days to 3 weeks in Cambodia, solo or combined with Vietnam or Thailand.
Cambodia at a glance
Capital
Phnom Penh
Language
Khmer
Currency
Riel (KHR) + USD
Time diff
+5h / +6h
Flight from Paris
~13h (1 stop)
Average / day
€40-90
Visa
Best season
November-February (dry, cool)
In 30 seconds
Angkor, the world's largest archaeological site
400 km² of Khmer temples from 9th to 15th century. Allow 3 days minimum for Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei and the small/large circuits.
Simple and quick $30 e-visa
Since January 2025, the e-visa dropped back to $30 (from $36). 100% online application, 3 business days, 30-day validity.
Natural combo with Vietnam, Thailand or Laos
Direct bus Bangkok-Siem Reap or Ho Chi Minh-Phnom Penh. The Thailand + Cambodia + Vietnam triangular in 3 weeks is our most tested combo format.
Very accessible prices
Guesthouse $12, local meal $3-5, motorbike rental $8/day. Cambodia remains 30 to 40% cheaper than Thailand at equivalent comfort.
Pristine beaches and islands
Koh Rong, Koh Rong Sanloem, Koh Ta Kiev. Less developed than the Thai islands, turquoise water, low prices. Dry season October-April.
Calendar
Tropical climate with two seasons. The dry season (November-April) is the tourist window, with an optimal peak November-February (cool weather, 25-30 °C). To avoid: May-September (monsoon, flooded roads, stifling temperatures in Phnom Penh).
01
Jan
🌡 22-32 °C
02
Feb
🌡 23-33 °C
03
Mar
🌡 25-35 °C
04
Apr
🌡 26-36 °C
05
May
🌡 26-35 °C
06
Jun
🌡 25-34 °C
07
Jul
🌡 25-33 °C
08
Aug
🌡 25-33 °C
09
Sep
🌡 25-33 °C
10
Oct
🌡 24-32 °C
11
Nov
🌡 23-31 °C
12
Dec
🌡 22-31 °C
Detailed programs
Destinations
By traveler profile
Doable from age 7-8. Angkor in half-days (heat), fun tuk-tuks, safe Koh Rong beaches. Plan 12-14 days minimum.
Private sunrise at Angkor, Mekong dinner, beach resort on Koh Rong Sanloem (Song Saa Private Island = €1,500/night). Budget €5,000-9,000 for 12 days.
One of the cheapest destinations in Asia. Guesthouse $8-12, local meal $3-5, comfortable night bus $15. Possible at €1,200/14 days excluding flights.
Very solo-friendly: social hostels in Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, decent English on the tourist trail, low prices. Ideal for first Asia trip solo.
Angkor + S-21 Tuol Sleng + Choeung Ek + National Museum. Cambodia offers the densest historical experience in Southeast Asia. Local guide essential.
Mondulkiri (ethical elephants at Elephant Valley Project), Ratanakiri (volcanic lakes), Kratie (Irrawaddy dolphins). Budget for motorbike/4x4.
Must-do
5am, reflection pool
Silk-cotton tree roots
The 'norry' on rails
Phnom Penh, essential
Kep crab market
Mekong, Kratie
Bioluminescent plankton at night
Abandoned French hill station
Plan your trip
$30 e-visa since January 2025 (down from $36), 30 days. e-Arrival Card mandatory.
Read the guide →Hepatitis A and B recommended, antimalarial not systematic. Tap water unsafe.
See sheet →Very limited local healthcare system. Evacuation to Bangkok often needed.
Compare →Decent 4G in cities, weak in rural areas. eSIM from €7.
Compare →Backpacker
€1,200
Comfort
€2,400
Premium
€6,500
Our picks
Our tested and updated comparisons for a smooth trip to Cambodia.
Tailor-made agencies, organized tours, free quotes. Our selection for Cambodia.
See comparison →Medical coverage, repatriation, cancellation. The best insurance for Cambodia.
See comparison →Data plans, network coverage, pricing. The best eSIM to stay connected in Cambodia.
See comparison →FAQ
Marie Laurent ✓
·Southeast Asia specialist
Last updated: May 25, 2026.