A photograph of Cambodia

Country guide

Cambodia

Cambodia spans about 181,035 km² of low-lying plain, and water sets its shape: the Mekong meets the Tonlé Sap, the largest lake in Southeast Asia, near the midd...

Photograph · Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 3.0

1,860 Places
1Cities

Reviewed by Elena Voss · Roavina Travel Editor

Cambodia spans about 181,035 km² of low-lying plain, and water sets its shape: the Mekong meets the Tonlé Sap, the largest lake in Southeast Asia, near the middle of the country. Around 17 million people live here, most of them Khmer.

Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city and Siem Reap the second, which matters, because Siem Reap is the town Angkor Wat is reached from — the most famous of the works the Khmer Empire began after Jayavarman II took the throne in 802. The coastline is short and faces the Gulf of Thailand.

Checked 2026-08-25

Cities

Every city catalogued in this country so far, ranked by how much there is to see.

Practical information

Language spoken
Khmer
National practical orientation; regional and minority languages may also be used
Dialling code
+855
International calling code; local area and mobile prefixes still apply
Currency
Cambodian riel (KHR)
Use the official local currency; card acceptance varies by place
Emergency number
117 police · 118 fire · 119 ambulance
Use only for an emergency; tourist assistance may use a separate number
Plug type
Type A, C and G · 230 V
Check that chargers support the recorded voltage before using an adapter
Tap water
Not recorded
No verified nationwide visitor drinking-water statement was recorded

Top things to see

Ranked by importance — sitelinks, pageviews and heritage status, not editor preference.

  1. Prasat Leak Neang Prasat Leak Neang
    32 45 min

    Prasat Leak Neang

    Prasat Leak Neang is a minor Khmer temple ruin within the Angkor archaeological zone near Siem Reap. It forms part of the UNESCO-listed cultural landscape associated with the Khmer Empire’s long period of temple building and urban development.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Siem Reap
  2. Prasat Trapeang Phong
    33 45 min

    Prasat Trapeang Phong

    Prasat Trapeang Phong is a small historical temple site in the Siem Reap region of Cambodia. Its name combines prasat, referring to a sanctuary tower, with trapeang, a Khmer term associated with a reservoir or pond.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Siem Reap
  3. Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity
    34 45 min

    Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity

    Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity is a wildlife rescue and conservation facility near Siem Reap. Its work centres on rehabilitating endangered and threatened native species while helping visitors understand Cambodia’s biodiversity.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Siem Reap
  4. Phare, The Cambodian Circus Phare, The Cambodian Circus
    35 45 min

    Phare, The Cambodian Circus

    Phare, The Cambodian Circus is a contemporary performing-arts venue in Siem Reap where circus, theatre, music, dance, and Cambodian storytelling meet.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Siem Reap
  5. Ta Prohm Kel Ta Prohm Kel
    36 45 min

    Ta Prohm Kel

    ប្រាសាទតាព្រហ្មកិល

    Ta Prohm Kel is a small Angkor-period temple ruin located within the Angkor Archaeological Park near Siem Reap, Cambodia.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Siem Reap

Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, Wikidata ·

Common questions

How long should a first trip to Cambodia be?

Seven to ten days can combine three full Angkor days from Siem Reap with two or three days in Phnom Penh. Battambang or the southern coast needs extra nights; Angkor is a landscape of sites, not one stop to squeeze between intercity transfers.

What entry documents are needed for Cambodia?

Cambodia’s official eVisa service states which passports and border points can use electronic permission. Check the intended crossing before applying, since acceptance at an airport does not prove acceptance at every land border, and match the dates to the actual itinerary.

What is the best way to travel around Cambodia?

Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are the principal air gateways for a first visit. Coaches and private transfers carry most intercity trips, rail serves limited routes, and some waterways are seasonal; arrange Angkor transport locally with a licensed driver or tour.

When is a practical time to visit Cambodia?

The drier months from November to March are practical for temple days, though midday heat still matters. Wet-season travel brings greener landscapes and possible road or boat changes, so confirm regional access rather than treating rain as a simple nationwide closure.

What money and payment basics apply in Cambodia?

Cambodian riel is the official currency, while some visitor transactions may also be quoted in US dollars. Check which currency a price uses and the condition of any notes offered in change; keep riel for small purchases instead of assuming every vendor accepts foreign cash.

What practical safety details should I save for Cambodia?

Cambodia records 117 for police, 118 for fire and 119 for ambulance, with Type A, C and G sockets at 230 V. Tap-water status is Not recorded; request local guidance, and carry the address of the accommodation for transport or emergency communication.