Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $5–12 | $20–60 |
| Food | $5–10 | $15–30 |
| Transport | $3–10 | $15–25 |
| Activities | $12–20 | $25–40 |
| Drinks | $1–3 | $5–10 |
| Daily Total | $26–55 | $80–165 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Visa on arrival at Siem Reap airport: $30 for 30 days. Bring a passport photo or pay $2 extra. E-visa available online for $36 (processed in 3 days)
- Passport must be valid for 6+ months. Visa can be extended once in Phnom Penh for 30 more days ($45)
- Direct flights from Bangkok (1hr), Ho Chi Minh City (1.5hrs), Kuala Lumpur (2.5hrs), and Singapore (2.5hrs). Airport tuk-tuk to town: $7–10
Health & Safety
- No mandatory vaccinations. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus recommended. Tap water is not safe — bottled water $0.25 everywhere
- Siem Reap is generally safe. Watch for bag snatching on tuk-tuks and pickpockets in crowded markets. Avoid walking alone late at night
- Mosquitoes at temple sites (especially at dawn and dusk) — bring repellent. Pharmacies in town sell basic medications cheaply. Royal Angkor Hospital for emergencies
Getting Around
- Tuk-tuks are the primary transport to temples — negotiate a full-day rate ($15–25) and your driver waits at each stop
- Bicycles ($2–3/day) and e-bikes ($10–15/day) work for closer temples. The roads are flat but distances are longer than they look on the map
- Grab works in Siem Reap for in-town rides ($1–3). For Banteay Srei and distant temples, arrange your tuk-tuk driver in advance
Connectivity
- Tourist SIM at the airport: Smart or Cellcard from $3–5 for 30 days with data. Coverage is good in Siem Reap, patchy at remote temples
- WiFi in most hotels and cafes in town. No WiFi at the temple sites — download offline maps of the Angkor complex before heading out
- All apps work normally. Google Maps is essential for navigating the temple circuit. Maps.me has better offline detail for Angkor paths
Money
- ATMs dispense USD ($4–5 withdrawal fee). Canadia Bank and ABA Bank have the lowest fees. Withdraw $100+ at a time to minimize charges
- USD is the primary currency — everything is priced in dollars. Riel (៛4,000 = $1) is given as change for amounts under $1
- Cash is essential everywhere. Cards accepted at mid-range hotels and restaurants but not at temples, tuk-tuks, or markets
Packing Tips
- Temple dress code is strict — covered shoulders and knees at all sites. Angkor Wat upper level turns you away if not covered. Bring light, long clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip — temple stairs are steep, uneven, and slippery. Flip-flops are not safe on the temple structures
- Sunscreen, hat, and 2+ litres of water per temple day. Electrolyte sachets help in the heat. A headlamp for pre-dawn sunrise visits
Cultural tips
Sampeah Greeting
The sampeah (palms pressed together, slight bow) is the traditional Khmer greeting. Higher hands indicate more respect. Return a sampeah when received. A smile and slight nod is perfectly acceptable for casual encounters with locals.
Temple Sacred Sites
Many Angkor temples are still active places of worship. Remove shoes where indicated, dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees), and never climb on Buddha statues or touch carved faces. Monks are present at some temples — women must never touch a monk.
Photography Ethics
Do not pose disrespectfully at temples (sitting on Buddha statues, kissing at sacred sites). Ask permission before photographing monks or locals. At the floating villages, be sensitive — these are people's homes, not photo opportunities.
Poverty & Giving
Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in Asia. Do not give money or sweets to children at temples — it encourages begging over school. Instead, support social enterprise restaurants (Haven, Marum) and ethical shops (Artisans Angkor) that invest in communities.
Respect the King
The Cambodian monarchy is deeply respected. Never disrespect the King or royal family. Images of the King appear everywhere — treat them respectfully. Standing for the royal anthem before cinema screenings is expected.
Khmer Rouge Sensitivity
Nearly every Cambodian family was affected by the Khmer Rouge genocide (1975–1979). Approach the topic with extreme sensitivity. Visit the Angkor National Museum and Landmine Museum to understand the history. Never make jokes about the period.
