Visiting the Angkor Wat temples: useful information and tips
April 25, 2023
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Cambodia is a very cool destination in Southeast Asia. A trip through this small country will leave an incredible impression on you. Behind the perfect picture of paradise islands and impressive temples lies a very sad history. Yet a trip through Cambodia will be experienced as insane, because despite the unpleasant events of the past, Cambodians are incredibly cheerful and very hospitable. The absolute highlight of a tour of this beautiful country is a visit to the Angkor temple complex, the world's largest religious structure. With these practical tips you will be well prepared to travel through Cambodia!
Travel to Cambodia
Often a trip through Cambodia is combined with a trip through Laos, Thailand or Vietnam. The ideal combination of countries when you go backpacking through Southeast Asia for a longer period of time. It is therefore not very common to fly to Cambodia from the Netherlands, but this is of course possible. Although there are no direct flights, with one or two transfers you can be in Cambodia within 15 hours. Nowadays, the prices of intercontinental flights have gone up considerably in price. Increase your chance of finding a cheap ticket by booking in time via SkyScanner.
Tip: also check the fares for a return Bangkok, this might be cheaper than flying to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. From Bangkok you can get to Cambodia in no time by bus or plane (AirAsia).
Traveling through Cambodia
When traveling through Cambodia, the most common way to travel is by bus. As such, this is very well regulated in the country. You can book tickets for the bus at many local travel agencies, in hotels and hostels and online at 12GOAsia. A well-regarded bus company is Giant Ibis.
In the larger cities like Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, you can rent a scooter to go sightseeing, but you can also choose to get around by tuktuk.
Arranging a visa to Cambodia
A visa is required to travel through Cambodia. There are two ways to obtain a visa to Cambodia. The first option is to apply for an e-visa prior to your trip (online), and the second option is a visa on arrival upon arrival in Cambodia.
An e-visa for Cambodia - can you apply online here - is valid for 3 months and it allows you to travel around the country for 30 days. The cost for this is $30. Print your e-visa 2 times and take it with you on your trip.
A visa on arrival can be obtained upon arrival at any of the airports in Cambodia and at the border crossing when you enter the country by bus. For a visa on arrival you pay $35 and often another $10 administration fee. So bring enough cash (USD) to pay for the visa on arrival.
Paying in Cambodia
You can pay in Cambodia with the local currency the Riel, but you can also pay with the U.S. dollar. It is quite common in Cambodia to pay with dollars and get back the local currency Riel as change. You will also find that entrance fees to attractions are often listed in USD. Are you planning to visit local markets? Then it is advisable to have Riel in your pocket.
You will find ATMs in the larger cities, but you cannot always assume that there is actual money in them. Therefore, withdraw as much money as possible at once so that you always have enough with you. Especially if you travel on to smaller cities and/or the islands where ATMs are not always available.
The best period to travel through Cambodia
Cambodia has a tropical climate that makes it warm all year round. It is therefore a wonderful tropical destination in Southeast Asia. But we all know that a tropical climate does not come without heavy rains. Therefore, the best time to travel through Cambodia is during the dry season. This is from November to May, with November to March being the most pleasant months. The average temperature then is around 25-30 degrees.
An organized tour of Cambodia
Are you not into backpacking and prefer to book an organized tour? Then it's best to look at the travel offerings of the tour operator Rickshaw Travel and From afar. You can choose from group tours, individual tours or building blocks. So you can customize your tour of Cambodia!
The ideal itinerary through Cambodia
Taking a tour of Cambodia will no doubt impress you greatly. You will not only make the most beautiful discoveries in the world's largest temple complex, but also face the consequences of its very sad past. How best to travel through Cambodia and which destinations you should absolutely not miss we share in our article on The ideal itinerary through Cambodia. Of course, with lots of helpful tips!
More Cambodia? Get inspired!
Lois Weeterings
A dreamer and adventure seeker, always on the lookout for new experiences. But also a hard worker with a thousand ideas racing through my mind. As a personal travel consultant and travel blogger, I share my passion for faraway destinations, thrilling adventures, and winter sports. With deep knowledge of places like Namibia, Colombia, the ABC Islands, and the Middle East, I’m here to help you craft a trip you’ll never forget. Through my personal stories and expert tips, I aim to inspire you to explore the world your way. Always with my camera in hand, I’m determined to capture every magical moment and share it with you.
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