Update: August 2024

Due to technical difficulties, the mandatory e-arrival card has been postponed until January 1, 2025. The standard arrival/departure card will be provided on the plane or at the airport, which you can fill out manually.

Simplify Your Arrival in Cambodia with the e-Arrival Card

The Cambodian government has introduced a convenient e-Arrival Card to streamline the entry process for travelers. This all-in-one online portal replaces the paper immigration form, health form, and customs declaration, saving you time and hassle upon arrival.

• When can I submit my e-Arrival Card?

You can register and submit your e-Arrival Card anytime within 7 days before your arrival in Cambodia.

• Do I need the e-Arrival Card if I have a visa?

Yes, all travelers entering Cambodia must complete the e-Arrival Card, regardless of whether they hold a visa or not.

• What happens after I register for the e-Arrival Card?

Once you’ve completed the registration, be sure to take a screenshot or download your unique QR code before closing the e-Arrival Card website. If you use the mobile app, the QR code will be accessible even without an internet connection.

• Can I edit my information after registration?

Yes, you can edit your information and resubmit the e-Arrival Card as long as it hasn’t been processed by immigration officials.

• Is there a fee to register for the e-Arrival Card?

No, registering and submitting the e-Arrival Card through the official website or mobile app is completely free for all travelers.

• What is the official website for the e-Arrival Card?

The official website for the Cambodia e-Arrival Card is https://www.arrival.gov.kh/.

If you are unable to complete the E-Arrival Card within 7 days prior to your arrival in Cambodia, there are alternative options available:

• Airport Processing: You can still submit your E-Arrival Card upon arrival at the airport in Siem Reap or Phnom Penh.
• Tablet Access: Even if you don’t have a mobile phone, you can use a tablet provided at the airport to complete the E-Arrival Card process.

Please note: These alternative options may involve additional processing time and potential delays. It is highly recommended to submit your E-Arrival Card online within the 7-day window to ensure a smooth and efficient arrival experience.

Enjoy your stay in Cambodia

Watch here the  E-arrival card video

It is September 18, 2022. The borders between Cambodia and Vietnam have been open for a while. We wanted to experience what it is like now to travel by bus from Phnom Penh to Hoh Chi Minh. We bought the tickets through Camboticket. The price for this bus was $35, per person. Goes very quickly and easily and you can reserve your seat. Lily doesn’t need a visa for Vietnam but Andre had to order a visa online. You can do this on the official government website https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn . Within a few days, you can download the visa. Make sure you arrange it on time as it can take longer during holidays or festival days. Price is $20 plus credit card fees. Print out your visa as you will need it later.

Our choice was Kumho Samco bus. This bus has very comfortable seats and plenty of legroom. In their office at check-in, they ask for your passport and Vietnamese visa. This is the reason you need to carry a printed copy with you. The team at Kumho Samco bus take care of all the arrangements at the border. This saves a lot of hassle at the border. At 09.30am we left Phnom Penh. The first 30 km it is quite busy getting out of the city. After that, traffic calms down. Kumho Samco have experienced bus drivers and drive very well. No reckless behaviour. Near the border in the village of Bavet, you see casino after casino passing by. A few kilometres before the border, the bus stops at a restaurant. Here you get the opportunity to have lunch. In the meantime, the bus company staff is already heading to the border to take care of the formalities.

After lunch, it is only a few minutes’ drive before you reach the border. Everyone is expected to get off and after walking a few hundred metres you are allowed back on the bus and drive through no man’s land. At the Vietnamese side of the border, you have to get off again and this time go through the security check with all your travel luggage. You no longer have to wear face masks, nor do you have to show a vaccination card. At the counter, your name is read out and you get your passport back. Very efficient. Then back on the bus and off to Hoh Chi Minh. The whole procedure took less than 45 minutes.

Another couple of hours’ drive to Hoh Chi Minh. As we got closer to Hoh Chi Minh the busier it got in traffic. It also started to rain. Despite this, you could still see many scooters passing by. We reached the Kumho Samco bus station around 5pm. All in all, a smooth and relaxing journey by bus from Phnom Penh to Hoh Chi Minh.

Tip: if you haven’t arranged transport in Hoh Chi MInh beforehand, the Kumho Samco office can arrange transport for you, but their knowledge of the English language is very limited. You can download Uber or Grab on your phone beforehand and then it’s easy to arrange transport in Hoh Chi Minh.

Check also our vlog and subscribe to our Youtube channel.

Vietnam Visa: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/

Bus tickets: www.cambotickets.com

Bus company: Kumho Samco

Discovering a piece of Cambodian culture while experiencing the simple life in nature. These are the elements of a 2-days tour through Phnom Kulen with Cambodiajeep.com

I had no clue what to expect from this Phnom Koulen jeep tour. But I did realize that the mountain is often forgotten by visitors who only have an eye for Angkor Wat. Actually, the stones used to build the Angkor temple complex were taken from Phnom Kulen.

Early morning, Cambodiajeep’s team members pick me up with their sturdy jeeps. Robust and maneuverable machines, producing the roaring sound of adventure.

I immediately understand what it must have felt like for American soldiers to drive through this country during the Vietnam War. A cap on my head, as an imaginary helmet, my elbow loosely to the side of the vehicle and off we go!

The drivers take the group to the bottom of the steps, leading to Preah Ang Choub Pagoda: beautifully located on the flank of the mountain. Apprentice monks and dancing ladies await us there, next to two swimming pools in the middle of nature.

But the jeep drivers are impatient and want to take me further into the forest. They bring me to a stunning viewpoint on top of the mountain and to our picnic place, next to the famous waterfalls. Cold season or not, I couldn’t resist putting my head under the pouring water and enjoying a relaxing afternoon swim.

Two more cultural visits are on the agenda that first day. The famous Preah Ang Thom pagoda, to begin with.

The blue Cambodiajeeps-caps, which we received as a gift, are very trendy. We’re kindly asked to take them off while visiting the giant reclining Buddha statue inside.

Not that there’s an actual road leading to it, but the jeeps manage to take us to another pagoda: Preah Kral. Isolated stupas in a mystical environment are the ideal background for a sunset over the forest.

As the monks begin their peaceful evening prayers, we set out for a journey through the dark. The rocky landscape looks like the lunar surface to me. We have to find our way, avoiding bushes and trees, muddy patches, and hazardous potholes. Only lit by the glow of the jeep’s headlights.

But thanks to the drivers’ craftsmanship and a high tech navigation system, we make it to the final destination of this day: the campsite, where our tents are already set up and the barbecue is smoldering.

After dinner, we gather around the campfire, where local guide mister Pech tells us all about this ancient mountain and the rich history of this place, at a stone’s throw from Cambodia’s touristic highlight.

Only the lights of the ferris wheel, clearly visible in the night, reveal the presence of the city.

Nothing beats a simple yet cozy sleeping place for a good night’s rest. No city noises, no cars or bars. I only hear nature sounds, bringing me sweet dreams.

In the early morning light, I can have a closer look at the surroundings of this camping site. The moonscape hides a little pond, ideal for a cold but refreshing morning bath. After a nice breakfast, we visit another waterfall.

And then we’re ready for the biggest treasure of Phnom Kulen. Hidden in the heart of the forest, at a place where even the jeeps can’t take us. After a thirty minutes walk through the woods, we discover the ancient elephant statue.

There are several other sculpted animals in the middle of the jungle, such as lions, a tiger, Preah Koo and the baby elephant. Mister Pech, again, knows all about the origin and the meaning of these mysterious masterpieces.

Mister Pech then invites us for lunch in his house, before we start the dazzling descent on the other side of the mountain. On our way back, we stop at the Toek Chub forest for a walk into darkish and fairytalelike swamp woods with mangrove trees.

And as we pass by the idyllic country life at the outskirts of Siem Reap, we slowly enter the city again. A beer in Pub Street, anyone? Welcome back to reality. I have enjoyed this Phnom Koulen jeep tour very much.

Have you been getting more interested in this tour? Then click on the following link for more info.

Despite the difficult times that we all find ourselves in, Cambodian Travel Partner has something special to celebrate this year. On the 1^st of May 2020 we will commemorate our 10th anniversary and we don’t want to just let that pass by. Despite the fact that the current circumstances have left Cambodia, and its tourism industry a little flat. Below you can read our sincere anniversary letter.

This terrible Covid-19 has brought the whole world to a halt. Sadly, no one knows when it will start turning with the same joy and energy as it did before. However, here at CTP we have been through a lot in the past 10 years and we are confident that we will come back better and stronger as a result of this crisis.

At a special time like this, we believe it is worth looking back at the journey we have taken.  Since our inception in 2003 we have run many different types of tours for a wide range of guests and clients. In May 2010 we started from the humble beginnings of a living room, yet grew quickly and within a year. We had a small office on the outskirts of Phsar Kandal, Siem Reap. After moving a few more times, in 2017 we built our own office in the middle of the rice fields.  There are a lots of greenery, our own water and electricity supply through solar panels. A purpose-built office space, allowing us to further improve our operating capacity and service.

We have put together beautiful journeys for thousands of guests over the past few years. Very proud of our history of fulfilling specific projects for various organizations and companies. While we still maintaining our ethos that each tour must be tailored to the exact requirements of the customer. From film and tv producers needing help with scouting, film permits, and arranging logistics to students’ trips from universities requiring specific tours relating to their education field, our contacts, experience and attention to detail are always available to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Of course, none of this success could have happened without all of the fantastic guests we have had over the years. We have always viewed our guests as part of the CTP family, rather than merely a statistic. We feel really privileged that so many of our clients have become close friends. They still maintain regular contact with us, often coming back to experience more of what this wonderful country has to offer. Without such amazing guests over the last 17 years, we wouldn’t be where we are today.

We are also always conscious that without good personnel we would not be where we are today. That is why we would also like to thank everyone in our fantastic team. All of them contributed to this success over the years. From accountants to guides and from drivers to tour operators. Everyone in the team has been a valuable contributor to our success.

Unfortunately, we don’t have a crystal ball to see what the future will look like. We don’t know when things will return to normal. Despite this, we are not sitting still in this bizarre time, and strongly believe that we need to keep pushing forward to succeed. We are busy with building a new website, updating our tours and developing new experiences in Cambodia, so when the world returns to normal, and the tourist return to this magnificent country, CTP will be ready.

On behalf of the entire Cambodian Travel Partner team, we toast to our 10th anniversary. We are looking forward to the future, and wish all of our guests, past, present and future, all the best.

Andre and Lily

If you like this Anniversary letter blog and want to read more of our blogs then click here.

8 different ways to travel from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh.

320 kilometers separate the tourist hub of Siem reap from Phnom Penh, the bustling capital city of Cambodia. While many opt for the public bus or the 30-minute flight there are a number of more exciting options to choose from. For those looking for something a bit different. Here we explore some of the possibilities:

1-Bus

Hundreds of buses make this journey along national road 6 in both directions every day. With improvements to the road over the last few years, journey times are often down to 5 hours on a good day. If you are only visiting Siem Reap and Phnom Penh then the view from the window will give you a brief glimpse of rural Cambodian life along the way. You normally get a 15 minute stop midway through the journey at a service station where you can use the facilities. You can buy things like crisps and fruit at slightly inflated prices.

There is no central bus station in either Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. Each company will pick you up and drop you off at their own ticket office. If you book your tickets through your guesthouse they will often include pickup for an extra dollar.

Tickets start at just $5, it is recommended to spend a little more if you want a newer more comfortable bus though. Giant Ibis is among the best. They offer free Wi-Fi, seat belts, a snack and a drink and their fleet of buses are new and comfortable, prices are normally $12. Mekong Express is another good option, they also offer free Wi-Fi, seat belts, a snack and a drink but their buses are now a bit older.

Night buses are the popular choice for backpackers. You get to save shelling out for a night of accommodation and you will free up another day for exploring.

2-TAXIs

Taxis can be booked at all guesthouses and travel agents in town. Expect to pay around $60-$80 dollars each way. The driver will take you door to door meaning no need to arrange transport to and from the bus stations. The taxis are usually in Toyota Camrys, they can accommodate 3-4 people depending on luggage. You can now book your bus or taxi tickets in advance through the camboticket website.

3-Boats

Between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap is the Tonle Sap. South East Asia’s largest lake. Tara riverboat cruises offer perhaps the most relaxed journey to Phnom Penh on a cruise. This includes a bbq lunch and a chance to see rural life taking place on the banks of the lake.

Public ferries normally run in rainy season, July-March each year. The prices start at $35 each way for the 8 hour journey.

4-Flight

Those who are pushed for time might want to fly. The price has reduced as competition has increased of late. The trick is to book in advance when prices can be as low as $30 each way. Airlines include the national airline, Cambodia Angkor Airlines, Bassaka Air, and the newly formed JC Airlines, a new subsidiary of a Chinese conglomerate.

Getting to Siem Reap airport is relatively easy, normally a 20-minute tuk tuk or taxi journey from the city. In Phnom Penh, though it can be a different story, particularly if you arrive before rush hour. At best the journey will take 30 minutes and the worst experience we had was 2 hours from airport to hotel. On arrival at each airport there is a fixed price taxi desk to get into town. The current price is $8 in Siem Reap and $10 in Phnom Penh.

5-Via Kampong Thom

Why not break up the journey half way with a stop in Kampong Thom. Kompong Thom is home to one of Cambodia’s most beautiful temple complexes, Sambor Prei Kuk, Unlike at Angkor though you will not be sharing it with hundreds of other tour groups (for now.) at 1200 years old, the red brick temple predates Angkor and is set in a lovely tranquil setting. Sambor may soon be on the map as it has just been awarded Unesco world heritage site status. The town offers a laid back riverside park perfect for an evening stroll as well as an interesting market. Also on offer is a range of boat cruises on the peaceful and scenic Stung Sen River including a fantastic 1 hour sunset cruise.

6-Via Battambang

An alternative option is to take a side trip via Batambang province. The charming town of Battambang is only 3 hours’ drive from Siem reap and has a much more laid back vibe and the countryside around the town is some of the most beautiful in Cambodia.

For this option you will need to stay over at least one night (2 is recommended). Fortunately there is a range of accommodation available from basic $10 a night guesthouses to $100 boutique hotels.

7-Jeep

Another interesting idea is to charter a vintage army jeep for an adventurous 2 day journey between the 2 cities. We give you the chance to stop at floating villages, Angkorian temples and you will visit parts of the country that few tourists venture. Most of the time you will travel off the main roads on red dirt tracks through small villages. You can include a night in a homestay with a local family where you can amerce yourself in rural Cambodian village life.

Check out Cambodiajeep.com for more details.

8-Cycle

You can also make your way to Phnom Penh by pedal power on a 3 day organized cycle trip. You would break up the journey with a stop at the jungle temples of Sambor Prei Kuk and in the laid back Mekong riverside town of Kampong Cham. The cycling is about 60km per day on mainly flat terrain and there are plenty of shady and scenic spots for rest breaks along the way, where curious locals are sure to say “Hello.”

Contact us if you would like us to help design your perfect Cambodia tour itinerary.

So you’ve seen Angkor and are now wondering what else to do in Siem Reap. “Go visit the Floating village” is the most common answer you’ll get from fellow visitors, tuk-tuk drivers and travel agents alike. And we agree! Going through an authentic Siem Reap floating village is a real treat for those who have never seen similar things before. However, the quality of your experience will largely depend on which floating village you go to. In this post, we’ll review the three main floating villages around Siem Reap and explain why Kompong Khleang is our favorite.

Christmas is not an official holiday in Cambodia. Do will see Christmas trees, blinking colorful lights and kids dressed up in Santa costumes. Christmas celebration in Cambodia, how does that work?

The way you dress in Cambodia is very important in their culture. It’s different from what you are used to. You don’t want to unintentionally offend the locals and that’s why it’s good to read up into the cultural differences. This is not your home country and sometimes you just need to adapt. This way you show respect and will avoid difficult situations. We give you some advice about the dress code in Cambodia.

When you’re traveling in Cambodia in November, there is a chance you will experience the water festival. It is to celebrate the end of the rainy season and the water is flowing up north from the Tonlé Sap lake. Discover what the water festival (Bon Om Thook in Khmer) is and where you can join the festivities.

Unique in the world: the flow of the water

To understand the water festival, it’s good to know a bit more about Tonlé Sap lake. The lake covers approximately 7.5% of Cambodia. It means ‘Big Lake’ in Khmer. In the dry season the size of the lake can reach up to 2590 square kilometers and in the rainy season it can even get up to 24.605 square kilometers. During the dry season, the water flows through the Tonle Sap river back into the Mekong river. This is visible in the Capital, Phnom Penh. During the wet season, the water level in the Mekong rises and the water flows back into Tonle Sap lake and so it becomes the biggest freshwater lake in southeast Asia.

Dragonboats in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap

The change of the current is probably unique in the world and the water festival is here to celebrate. They will hold boat races on the Tonle Sap river in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The long dragon boats are beautiful and can sometimes hold 30 people. In the weeks before, they train a lot. Who doesn’t want to be the first to cross the finish?

Tip: accommodation will be booked faster than normal, so consider booking upfront.

Huge crowds, danger of oppression

Expect a big crowd in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap for the water festival Bon Om Thook. People will visit the city to see the boat races. In 2010, on the last day of the festival it all went wrong on a bridge in Phnom Penh. People got oppressed and panic started. 347 people died and hundreds of people got injured. In 2014 the festival was celebrated again, but in 2015 it got cancelled again because of the low water level. It seems like the water festival will be celebrated again this year and it’s scheduled for 13, 14 and 15 November.

Tip: Watch out for pickpockets. Be cautious and keep an eye on your personal belongings.

Festivities in the villages

The festival falls with full moon of the Buddhist calendar Kadeuk. Khmer believe the full moon is a sign for a good harvest. In the rural areas, villagers will gather and show their gratitude to the moon. Festive and traditional meals are prepared. Candles and incent are lit and sacrifices are being made. The priest drips the candle wax on banana leave, which is spread under de candles. The shape of the wax on the leaves are believed to be a forecast of the harvest of next year.

Festivities in Phnom Penh

It won’t come as a surprise Phnom Penh is transformed into a big festival area during Bon Om Thook. You will find concerts, stalls, carnival and loads of picnic areas. Official building will be decorated colorful and when the sun sets, the Royal Palace will be illuminated with colored lights. And the icing on the cake, fireworks to close the festival. It is amazing to experience the water festival in Cambodia in person.

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