FAQ

When is the best time to visit Cambodia?

Cambodia is a year-round destination, offering unique experiences depending on when you travel. The country generally has two main seasons:

• The Dry Season (November to April): November through February is the most popular period, featuring pleasant temperatures and lower humidity. As the dry season progresses into April, temperatures reach their peak alongside high humidity levels, making it the hottest month of the year.
• The Green Season (May to October): Often referred to as the rainy season, this is actually one of our favorite times to explore. Rainfall usually comes in short, refreshing afternoon showers rather than lasting all day. September experiences the heaviest rainfall, particularly along the coast and on the southern islands. However, during these months, the countryside turns lush and vibrant green, waterfalls are full, dust levels are low, and major sights are far less crowded, making it a fantastic time for authentic jeep tours and photography!

Is Cambodia safe to visit (including for families and solo travelers)?

Yes, Cambodia is generally a very safe, warm, and welcoming destination for all types of travelers, including solo adventurers and families traveling with children. Cambodians are world-renowned for their hospitality and friendly nature.

As with any travel destination, common-sense precautions apply, such as keeping an eye on your personal belongings in busy market areas or cities. When traveling with us, you are always in good hands: our local drivers, expert guides, and dedicated support team are with you every step of the way to ensure a seamless, secure, and worry-free journey.

Do I need a visa for Cambodia, and what are the entry requirements?

Yes, most international travelers require a visa to enter Cambodia. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date and contain at least one blank page. Obtaining your visa is simple and can be done in two ways:

• eVisa: You can apply online prior to your trip via the official Cambodian government portal (evisa.gov.kh). Processing usually takes around 3 business days. Please note: the eVisa is only valid if you are arriving at one of Cambodia’s international airports.
• Visa on Arrival: Required if you are entering the country overland via land border crossings, and also available at international airports (Siem Reap and Phnom Penh). You will need a valid passport, a passport-sized photo, and cash (US Dollars) for the visa fee.

Note: be sure to check your country’s specific entry regulations before departure. Our team is always happy to guide you through the process.

What are the main highlights of Cambodia, and how can I avoid the crowds?

While world-famous UNESCO World Heritage sites like Angkor Wat are absolute must-sees, Cambodia offers so much more beyond its ancient temples. Did you know Cambodia also boasts tropical islands with pristine white-sand beaches, peaceful cruises along the Mekong River to spot rare freshwater dolphins, ethical elephant sanctuaries, and hands-on community conservation projects like planting mangroves?

To experience the country’s true soul away from mass tourism, we combine these iconic regions with authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventures. By exploring backroads in our open-top vintage Jeeps, visiting remote ruins, and engaging directly with local villages, you get to see the real Cambodia. We also carefully structure your daily timing and routes so you can enjoy major landmarks like Angkor Wat during quieter hours.

How many days do I need to travel around Cambodia?

We strongly recommend visiting Cambodia as a standalone destination. There is so much to see and do throughout the country, from ancient temples and countryside adventures to wildlife projects and tropical islands, that you don’t need to combine it with neighboring countries. Focusing on Cambodia saves you valuable travel time and allows you to truly immerse yourself in its unique culture.

The ideal length of your trip depends on your pace and interests:

• 12 to 14+ days: Recommended for a complete, relaxed journey. This gives you enough time to explore Angkor, the vibrant capital, remote wildlife and elephant projects, Mekong River dolphin spots, and end your trip unwinding on Cambodia’s tropical southern islands.
• 7 to 10 days: Allows you to experience a well-rounded overview, combining Siem Reap with the capital, Phnom Penh, and the option to add another destination such as Kampong Thom or Battambang.
• 3 to 4 days: Ideal for a focused getaway centered on Siem Reap, exploring Angkor Wat, the surrounding countryside by vintage Jeep, and local cultural highlights.

What health precautions, vaccinations, and drinking water safety guidelines should I know about?

Staying healthy in Cambodia is straightforward with a few basic precautions:

• Vaccinations & medical advice: We recommend consulting your local health clinic, tropical institute, or travel doctor 4 to 6 weeks before departure for personalized advice on recommended routine vaccinations (such as Hepatitis A, Tetanus, and Typhoid).
• Drinking water: Tap water in Cambodia is not suitable for drinking. We advise using filtered or bottled water even for brushing your teeth. To help reduce single-use plastic waste, we provide safe drinking water refills during most of our tours!
• Sun & mosquito protection: The tropical sun can be strong, and mosquitoes are common, especially in rural areas. Be sure to bring high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. For insect protection, you can bring your own repellent or easily buy local natural/organic repellents in Cambodia, which are widely available, effective, and gentler on your skin and the environment.

What types of accommodation and transportation can I expect during my trip?

We believe that where you stay and how you travel are essential parts of your Cambodian adventure:

• Accommodations: We do not book budget hotels. Our accommodation portfolio starts at 3 stars and above, focusing on high-quality boutique hotels, charming eco-lodges, and characterful resorts with swimming pools and excellent service. We have personally visited and inspected every hotel we work with, allowing us to handpick the best property for your specific preferences.
• Transportation: For our signature day tours in Siem Reap, we can use our iconic vintage Jeeps, but we also offer traditional tuktuks, the choice is entirely yours! For longer transfers between cities and provinces, we use comfortable, modern, air-conditioned private minivans or cars with experienced drivers.

What currency is used in Cambodia, and how do payments work?

Cambodia operates on a dual-currency system: the US Dollar (USD) and the Cambodian Riel (KHR). Here is what you need to know about cash, cards, and digital payments:

• USD & Riel: US Dollars are widely accepted for larger transactions like hotels, tours, and dining, while Cambodian Riel is used for smaller purchases and change under $1. Important note: US Dollar bills must be clean, crisp, and free of tears or markings, as damaged notes are not accepted locally.
• ATMs & cash: ATMs are widely available in major cities and dispense both USD and KHR. It is always handy to keep small cash with you for local markets, street stalls, and tipping.
• Cards & digital payments: Visa and Mastercard are accepted in most hotels and major restaurants, usually with a small service surcharge. Please note: American Express is rarely accepted in Cambodia. Digital payments via KHQR codes are standard, and visitors can also use the Bakong Tourist App to scan and pay digitally during their stay.

Are your tours private, and can itineraries be customized to my preferences?

Yes, all our tours and travel packages are 100% private and fully customizable. We do not operate large, scheduled group tours, ensuring your journey is tailored specifically to your pace, interests, and budget. Upon request, we can design custom itineraries for private groups (such as families, friends, or associations), which are always treated and managed with the same personalized service as a private tour.

Whether you are traveling as a couple, a family, or a private group, we design your itinerary from scratch. Want to spend extra time at a remote temple, add a relaxing beach stay, incorporate a community mangrove planting project, or travel by vintage Jeep? We adjust every detail to your liking, both during the planning stage and with flexible on-the-ground support while you are on tour.

Please note: certain third-party activities, such as Apsara dance performances, Phare Cambodian Circus shows, or ethical elephant sanctuaries, are hosted in shared settings. However, all your transportation and guide services to and from these events remain entirely on a private basis.

What are the benefits of booking directly with a local expert in Cambodia?

Booking with an established local tour operator offers distinct advantages for your travel experience:

• True local expertise: We live and work here. Our deep, firsthand knowledge allows us to design itineraries with authentic local encounters, unique routes, and hidden gems away from the tourist crowds.
• Direct communication & personal service: You communicate directly with the team planning and executing your trip. We can quickly adjust details, tailor your itinerary to your exact wishes, and provide personal recommendations.
• Direct local impact: Your travel spending directly supports our local guides, drivers, family-run accommodations, and community conservation initiatives across Cambodia.
• 24/7 on-the-ground support: While you are traveling, our local team is just a phone call or message away. Whether you need a last-minute adjustment or immediate assistance, we are right here on the ground to support you every step of the way.