Phnom Penh Travel FAQ

Two nights is the honest sweet spot for the city itself. Day 1: Royal Palace + Silver Pagoda + National Museum + Mekong sunset cruise + colonial dinner at FCC or Raffles Le Royal. Day 2: Choeung Ek Killing Fields (17 km outside the city) + Tuol Sleng S-21 + Russian Market + Top Banana Sky Bar evening. The city has fewer single-destination attractions than Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, or Kampot — 4+ nights gets repetitive. The standard Cambodia loop is Phnom Penh 2 nights + Siem Reap 1h domestic flight + Siem Reap 3 nights = 5-7 nights total. Add Sihanoukville (6h bus or 30-min flight) or Kampot (5h bus, pepper farms) for 7-10 nights.

November to February dry season is the clear answer — 24-32°C / 75-90°F days, 21-25°C / 70-77°F nights, low humidity, clear blue skies. March-May is hot dry season pushing 35-40°C / 95-104°F with 70% humidity — outdoor activities drain you in an hour. June-October monsoon brings near-daily afternoon storms 1-2 hours long, occasional street flooding, and traffic chaos. November 9 (Independence Day) and November 18-21 (Bon Om Touk / Water Festival — Mekong boat races across the entire country gathering in Phnom Penh) is the year's most vibrant cultural week. Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam, April 13-16) is iconic water-festival energy but combines 40°C heat + 30-40% hotel premium. November dry season + Water Festival is the canonical value-and-quality combo.

Average for Southeast Asia or slightly below — busier and rougher around the edges than Siem Reap. The realistic risks: pickpocketing in markets and crowded areas, occasional reports of motorbike-snatch theft (phones, bags) on riverside roads, and petty scams. Use PassApp (Cambodia's ride-hailing app, the local Grab-equivalent) at night instead of street tuk-tuks — fixed price + ride history + safer drivers. Walk solo only in BKK1 + Royal Palace area after dark; use PassApp for anywhere outside that core zone. Daytime tourism is fine. Carry your phone and wallet in a front pocket or bag worn across your chest, away from the road side when walking along Sisowath Quay. Most Western governments rate Cambodia 'exercise normal precautions' — comparable to Vietnam. Buy travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage; Phnom Penh's medical infrastructure is below regional standard and serious cases evacuate to Bangkok.

English is widely used at hotels, BKK1 restaurants, tourist sites, and tuk-tuk drivers — slightly less developed than Siem Reap but solidly average for Southeast Asia. French still surfaces among Cambodians over 50 (colonial-era schooling). Outside markets and street stalls, English fades and pointing + Google Translate's Khmer pack (download offline before going) carries you through. Two phrases earn smiles: 'Suostei' (soo-ah s-day, hello) and 'Aw kohn' (ah-koon, thank you). Menu English is the norm at tourist restaurants; local-only places use Khmer script only — photo menus or pointing solve it.

e-Visa is the recommended option — $36 for a 30-day single-entry tourist visa at evisa.gov.kh, 3-5 business day processing, digital photo, passport valid 6+ months. Visa-on-arrival is also available ($30 + 1 passport photo at PNH airport) but the line runs 30-60 minutes. USD cash $300-500 for a 3-5 day trip — bring a mix of $1, $5, $10, $20 bills (small denominations are essential because Cambodia uses USD as the primary currency and KHR as the change currency). Khmer Riel cannot be exchanged outside Cambodia — get small change from purchases and spend the KHR you accumulate before departure. Credit cards work at BKK1 hotels, restaurants, 5-star hotels, and Aeon Mall, but tuk-tuks + street food + markets are USD cash only. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage non-negotiable. Install PassApp + Google Maps (offline Phnom Penh download) before arrival. DEET mosquito repellent + antibiotics + antidiarrheal medicine + SPF 30-50 sunscreen pack from home.

USD is the primary currency. Hotels, restaurants, tuk-tuks, attraction entries — all priced in USD. Khmer Riel (KHR) functions as the change currency: 1 USD ≈ 4,100 KHR. Example: a $4.50 meal — you pay $5 and get 2,000 KHR back. KHR cannot be exchanged outside Cambodia, so spend the change you accumulate (markets, street food, tipping) before flying home. USD bills should be in reasonable condition — torn or heavily marked notes get rejected at some restaurants and tuk-tuks; pristine isn't required (unlike Myanmar) but bring decent-condition bills. Bring smaller denominations ($1, $5, $10, $20, plus a few $50 and $100 for hotels). ATMs at ABA Bank, ACLEDA Bank, and Canadia Bank dispense USD with $4-5 fees per transaction. Cards work at BKK1 restaurants, 5-star hotels, and Aeon Mall; not at tuk-tuks, street food, or local markets.

Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) is 10 km west of downtown, 20-30 minutes by taxi depending on traffic. Direct flights from various Asian hubs: Bangkok (BKK 1h with Bangkok Airways, AirAsia, Thai Airways), Singapore (SIN 2h with Singapore Airlines, Cambodia Angkor Air), Kuala Lumpur (KUL 2h15 with AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines), Ho Chi Minh City (SGN 50min with Vietnam Airlines, Cambodia Angkor Air, Vietjet). Korean Air and Asiana operate direct from Seoul Incheon (ICN) 5h30 (round-trip $300-500 in shoulder seasons). No direct flights from North America or Europe — most travelers connect through Bangkok, Singapore, Seoul, or Hong Kong. Airport taxi counter (fixed price) $15-20 to downtown; PassApp $10-15; tuk-tuk $7-10; 4-5 star hotel pickup $25-40. After 22:00 the airport taxi counter closes — pre-arrange hotel pickup or PassApp.

Budget: $35/day (BKK1 guesthouse $15 + market food $6 + tuk-tuk $5 + attraction entries $9). Mid-range: $100/day (BKK1 boutique $50 + Khmer Surin or Romdeng $25 + PassApp $10 + entries + cafe $15). Luxury: $200+/day (Raffles Le Royal or Rosewood or Sofitel $150+ + Malis or Khema La Poste dinner $40 + private car + Mekong sunset cruise). Phnom Penh is one of the cheapest Southeast Asian capitals — about 50-60% of Bangkok pricing. The hidden cost across all budgets: foreigner entry fees at Royal Palace + National Museum + Killing Fields + S-21 + Wat Phnom add up to roughly $30-40 over a 2-day visit.

USD is the primary transaction currency. Hotels, restaurants, tuk-tuks, attraction entries — all priced and paid in USD. Khmer Riel (KHR) handles change under $1: 1 USD ≈ 4,100 KHR. So a $4.50 noodle bowl means you pay $5 and get 2,000 KHR back. KHR cannot be exchanged outside Cambodia — accumulate it during your trip and spend before departure on markets, tipping, snacks. USD notes should be reasonable condition; some restaurants and tuk-tuks reject torn or heavily marked bills (less strict than Myanmar but worth knowing). Bring small denominations: lots of $1, $5, $10, $20 bills plus a few $50 and $100 for hotels. ATMs at ABA Bank, ACLEDA Bank, and Canadia Bank dispense USD with $4-5 fees.

Exchange USD before arrival — your home country gives the best USD rates. Cambodia doesn't accept most foreign currencies for direct exchange except USD and Thai Baht. On arrival, KHR change happens automatically through transactions (you don't need to exchange to KHR upfront). If you want KHR in hand, use ABA Bank, BCEL, ACLEDA Bank, or Canadia Bank ATMs / branches — rates are virtually identical between banks. Avoid airport currency exchange (2-3% worse than city banks, fine for an initial $20-30 of KHR). Avoid street money-changers — counterfeit and short-change scams reported. Hotel exchange is convenient but 3-5% worse than bank rates.

Backpacker hostel (dorm or fan room): $15-30/night (Mad Monkey, Sun & Moon Urban, Onederz Hostel — BKK1 zone). Boutique hotel (A/C + private bath + breakfast): $40-80/night (Patio Hotel, Pavilion, Plantation Urban Resort). 4-star: $80-150/night (NagaWorld, Almond, Frangipani Royal Palace, Hotel Cara). 5-star luxury: $200-500/night (Raffles Hotel Le Royal 1929 heritage, Rosewood Phnom Penh, Sofitel Phokeethra, Park Hyatt). Among Southeast Asian capitals, Phnom Penh is one of the best value-for-quality — 60-70% of Bangkok or Hanoi pricing. BKK1 (expat-friendly + walkable + safe at night) is the canonical first-visit zone.

Foreigner attraction entries stack up: Royal Palace $10 + National Museum $10 + Killing Fields $6 + audio $3 + Tuol Sleng S-21 $5 + audio $3 + Wat Phnom $1 = $38 over 2 days. Tuk-tuk to Killing Fields with 2h waiting $15-25 or PassApp $10. Mekong sunset cruise $10-25. Top Banana Sky Bar cocktails $4-7 each, beer $2-3. Plan $20-30/day for entries alone. ATM fees $4-5 per withdrawal + 1-2% exchange margin. The most-forgotten cost: foreigner pricing at Royal Palace + National Museum + Killing Fields + S-21 + Wat Phnom (locals enter free or pay 10-20% of foreign rates — standard across Cambodia).

Mixed. Cards (Visa/Mastercard, rarely Amex) work at BKK1 boutique + 5-star hotels, mid-range and upscale restaurants, Aeon Mall, and chain cafes (Brown Coffee). Cash (USD primary, KHR change) is required for tuk-tuks, PassApp (cash option available), street food, local restaurants, markets, attraction entries, and small businesses. Carry $50-100 in mixed small denominations daily. Wise + Revolut + Charles Schwab debit cards work at ABA + ACLEDA + Canadia Bank ATMs with reimbursement of the $4-5 fee. The realistic mix: $300-500 in USD cash for a 3-5 day trip + a card backup for hotels and Aeon Mall purchases.

No. Grab does NOT operate in Cambodia. The local ride-hailing app is PassApp (90% market share, the de facto standard — fixed pricing, ride history, safer than street tuk-tuks). Secondary options: iTsumo (budget) and Tada (electric cars). Install PassApp before arrival and register with phone + payment card. Pricing: short downtown tuk-tuk $1-3, car $2-5; downtown to airport tuk-tuk $7-10, car $10-15. At night, always use PassApp instead of flagging street tuk-tuks — fixed price, no fare disputes, ride is recorded.

Phnom Penh International (PNH) is 10 km west of downtown, 20-30 minutes by taxi depending on traffic. Official airport taxi counter (fixed price): $15-20 to BKK1 or Daun Penh. PassApp car booked through app: $10-15. Tuk-tuk: $7-10 but harder to verify drivers. 4-5 star hotel pickup: $25-40 (often included with suite bookings). After 22:00 the official taxi counter closes — pre-arrange hotel pickup or order PassApp. ATM at the airport for an initial $200-300 USD withdrawal (change to KHR happens through transactions, not at airport). ABA Bank ATM is the safest brand for foreign cards.

PassApp is the right play — fixed pricing, ride history, no fare disputes, no language issues over destination. Street tuk-tuks still exist for casual short rides: downtown short $1-3, mid-distance $3-5, round-trip + wait roughly $2-5/hour additional. First quote from a street tuk-tuk is 1.5-2x fair — counter-offer at 50-70%. Hotel-arranged tuk-tuks ($3-5 for short trips) skip the haggle. After 21:00 fares climb 30-50%. Some drivers' English is limited — show destination in English + Khmer + Google Maps pin. Solo female travelers at night should default to PassApp only.

Generally no for foreign travelers. Phnom Penh City Bus (1,500 KHR / $0.40) is cheap but only 13 routes, all signage in Khmer script, no English route maps. The time cost outweighs the savings. Walking + PassApp / tuk-tuks is the realistic combination. BKK1 + Royal Palace + Sisowath Quay + Russian Market + Central Market all fit inside a 1-2 km walkable core. Outer destinations (Killing Fields, Aeon Mall) use PassApp $5-10.

Some BKK1 + riverside guesthouses rent bicycles for $3-5/day, but it's not recommended. Phnom Penh has heavy traffic congestion, few traffic signals, motorbike-heavy roads, no bicycle lanes, and serious air pollution. Walking + PassApp / tuk-tuks is the safer combination for sightseeing. The one exception: the Sisowath Quay riverside promenade (3 km along the Mekong) and Botum Park are pleasant for short bicycle loops in the cool early morning. Avoid cycling to Killing Fields (17 km outside the city, dangerous roads) — use PassApp.

Siem Reap (Angkor temples): 1-hour flight $80-200 (Cambodia Angkor Air, Sky Angkor — 5-7 daily) or Giant Ibis VIP sleeper bus 6 hours $15. Flying is the obvious value for short trips. Sihanoukville (beach): bus 5 hours $10-15 (Giant Ibis, Mekong Express) or flight 30 minutes $50-80. Kampot (pepper farms, riverside): bus 5 hours $10 or minibus 4 hours $12. Chau Doc (Vietnam border): Mekong River boat 6 hours $25 with 1 overnight, or bus 5 hours $20. The canonical Cambodia loop: Phnom Penh 2 nights + Siem Reap 3 nights = 5 nights minimum. Add Sihanoukville beach + Kampot pepper farms for 7-10 nights.

Fish Amok (coconut curry fish steamed in banana leaf — Cambodia's national dish, $5-12) is the must-eat. Malis, Romdeng, and Khmer Surin all do canonical versions. Lok Lak (stir-fried beef with black pepper-lime sauce, fried egg, jasmine rice, $4-8) — closest Cambodian dish to Western palates and a reliable first try. Bai Sach Chrouk (grilled pork over rice with pickled vegetables, $2-3) — the canonical Cambodian breakfast at sidewalk stalls 5:30-10:00 AM. Plea Sach Ko (beef salad with lime + chili + herbs, $4-7). Khmer curry (milder and creamier than Thai, coconut-based, $5-10) + Angkor Beer ($1-3) + Kuy Teav (rice noodle soup, breakfast standard $1.50-3) + Num Pang (French-Cambodian baguette sandwich, $1-3 — colonial-era legacy). Five signature dishes cost $15-25 per person over a trip.

Malis (BKK1, Norodom Blvd, $15-30 per person) is the canonical Cambodian fine dining — Chef Luu Meng, Asia's 50 Best nominee, Michelin recommended. Fish Amok + Lok Lak + Beef Salad + Khmer curry full set in 5-star atmosphere with garden seating. Cuisine Wat Damnak (BKK1, $30-50 tasting menu) is the chef-driven modern Cambodian alternative — formerly Siem Reap's most awarded restaurant, now with a Phnom Penh outpost. Romdeng ($15-25) is the Friends International social-enterprise pick — Cambodian classics with street-youth training and a famous edible-insect tasting menu. Khmer Surin (BKK1, $8-15) is the casual Cambodian home-cooking choice. Mok Mony (BKK1, $15-30) is modern Cambodian in a colonial villa with garden dining. The honest rotation: Khmer Surin lunch + Malis or Mok Mony dinner + Bai Sach Chrouk breakfast.

Average for Southeast Asia or slightly below. The smart play: first 1-2 days, stick to hotel breakfasts + BKK1 restaurants + bottled water only. Then expand to busy stalls (high turnover = fresh ingredients). Bai Sach Chrouk morning stalls (5:30-10:00 AM) at Street 51 BKK1 are fine — grilled-to-order, hot pork, hot rice. Num Pang baguette stands are safe — assembled to order with cooked ingredients. Cooked-to-order Russian Market and Central Market food stalls (Kuy Teav, fried rice, grilled skewers) are fine. Avoid: raw fish or shellfish anywhere, street ice in drinks, sliced fruit that's been sitting out, salads with raw vegetables that may have been washed in tap water. Bring antibiotics + antidiarrheal medicine — 30-50% of travelers report at least 1 day of stomach adjustment over a Cambodia loop. Bottled water only ($0.50-1 / 1,000-1,400 KHR per bottle).

Decent thanks to Cambodia's Buddhist majority. Romdeng, Friends, Malis, and Cuisine Wat Damnak all have clearly marked vegetarian options. Dedicated vegan cafes: Vibe Cafe (BKK1), ARTillery Cafe, Backyard Cafe — modern plant-based menus aimed at expats and digital nomads. At general restaurants, 'Ot mean sach' (no meat) gets you Cambodian curry sets with eggplant, beans, pumpkin, and tofu instead of meat. For strict vegans: ask about prahok (fermented fish paste, a base seasoning in many Cambodian dishes) — say 'No prahok' explicitly. Khmer vegetarian curry + sticky rice + mango or jackfruit dessert covers a full plant-based meal. Indian Quarter restaurants near Central Market also have strong vegetarian South Indian + Tamil options.

FCC (Foreign Correspondents' Club, 5-min walk along Sisowath Quay, 1900 colonial villa, Mekong River balcony, $10-25 per person) is the canonical Royal Palace lunch or dinner — Cambodian-Western fusion in the building that hosted foreign journalists during the Khmer Rouge era and through restoration. Khmer Surin (BKK1, 5-min PassApp, $8-15) is the casual Cambodian home-cooking pick. Khema La Poste (5-min PassApp, $20-40) is French-Cambodian fine dining inside the restored 1890 Phnom Penh General Post Office — colonial heritage atmosphere. Friends Restaurant (10-min walk, $7-15) is the NGO social-enterprise pick training at-risk youth. The full circuit: Royal Palace morning (8-11 AM) + FCC lunch + Sisowath Quay riverside stroll + Khmer Surin dinner is the smart pattern.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal Restaurant Le Royal (1929 colonial, where Jackie Kennedy stayed in 1967 and Charlie Chaplin and Jacques Chirac dined, $25-60 per person) is the canonical Phnom Penh colonial heritage dinner. The Elephant Bar inside Raffles (the 1929 mahogany counter and teak chairs essentially unchanged) is the historic cocktail companion — the Femme Fatale cocktail was created for Jackie Kennedy's visit. Khema La Poste (1890 General Post Office building, French-Cambodian, $20-40) is the second colonial-heritage pick. FCC (1900 colonial villa, Mekong balcony, $10-25) is the value colonial choice with riverside views. All three operated during the foreign press corps era depicted in the 1984 film 'The Killing Fields.' Smart casual dress code; cards accepted.

BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang 1) is the first-visit pick — expat restaurants + cafes + boutique hotels + walkable to Russian Market (15 min) + 5-min PassApp to Royal Palace; safe at night with active street life; $40-400/night. Royal Palace / Daun Penh is the colonial heritage zone — Raffles Le Royal + Sofitel + Park Hyatt + walking distance to Royal Palace + National Museum + Central Market + Wat Phnom; $50-700/night. Mekong Riverside (Sisowath Quay) is the sunset + heritage pick — FCC + riverside night market + colonial villas + Mekong views; $60-500/night. Russian Market area (Toul Tum Poung, 15 min south of BKK1) is budget + vintage + digital nomad — guesthouses + local restaurants + 30% cheaper than BKK1; $30-80/night. Airport area (Pochentong, 10 km from downtown) is transit-only for early flights; $50-100/night. Standard formula: 2 nights BKK1 first-visit, or Royal Palace area for colonial heritage, or Mekong Riverside for sunset honeymoon.

November-February dry season + Christmas / New Year week: 3-4 months ahead, especially for Raffles Le Royal + Rosewood + Sofitel which sell out. Water Festival (Bon Om Touk, November 18-21, the year's biggest Cambodian holiday): 4-6 months ahead — rates climb 30-50%. Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam, April 13-16): 4-6 months ahead. Monsoon (May-October): 1-2 weeks ahead is fine; rates drop 40-50%. A boutique hotel at $60/night during shoulder season runs $150-250/night during Christmas-New Year week. Agoda and Booking.com have full Cambodia inventory and Agoda is usually 5-10% cheaper for the same property. Direct hotel booking sometimes includes airport transfer + breakfast bundles.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal (1929 colonial heritage, 175 rooms, where Jackie Kennedy stayed in 1967, Charlie Chaplin and Jacques Chirac visited, pool, spa, Restaurant Le Royal, Elephant Bar, $300-500/night) is the canonical Phnom Penh honeymoon and anniversary pick. Rosewood Phnom Penh (Vattanac Capital Tower floors 35+, opened 2018, 175 rooms, the city's highest hotel with 360° panoramic views, Sora Japanese, Brasserie Louis, $350-600/night) is the modern luxury counterpart. Sofitel Phokeethra (5-star, 201 rooms, near Mekong River, $200-350/night) is the family / business luxury alternative. Park Hyatt Phnom Penh (5-star, 185 rooms, near Central Market, $200-400/night). NagaWorld (casino 5-star, 1,706 rooms, $150-300/night) for casino travelers. The Phnom Penh luxury layering: Raffles for heritage + Rosewood for modern + Sofitel + Park Hyatt for reliable 5-star.

Patio Hotel (BKK1, 4-star boutique, 40 rooms, rooftop pool, breakfast included, $50-80/night) is the canonical value boutique pick. Pavilion Hotel (BKK1, restored colonial villa, 36 rooms, pool, $60-120/night). Plantation Urban Resort (colonial villa, 71 rooms, two pools + garden, $70-150/night). Sun & Moon Urban Hotel (BKK1, 3.5-star, 54 rooms, rooftop pool, new design, $50-80/night). Mad Monkey Hostel (BKK1, dorm $15 + private $30, pool, bar, cooking class — the Southeast Asia backpacker scene anchor). Onederz Hostel (BKK1, dorm $12 + private $25, rooftop pool). Boutique value answer = Patio Hotel (colonial-style + pool) or Sun & Moon Urban (new build + modern).

Limited and not recommended over hotels. Cambodia restricts foreign short-term rentals; legal Airbnb supply is roughly 30-50 listings citywide with inconsistent operation. Hotels at comparable prices offer better hygiene, security, English-speaking reception, and trip-planning support. For 5-star, hotels are the only realistic answer (Raffles, Rosewood, Sofitel, Park Hyatt). For boutique value, BKK1 boutiques (Patio, Pavilion, Plantation) beat Airbnb. For backpackers, BKK1 hostels (Mad Monkey, Onederz) beat Airbnb. Stick to Booking.com or Agoda — both have full Phnom Penh hotel inventory.

Yes, with the understanding that these are memorial sites for one of the 20th century's most extensive genocides. The Khmer Rouge regime (1975-1979) killed approximately 1.7-2 million Cambodians — about a quarter of the population. Choeung Ek Killing Fields (17 km outside the city, the actual execution site where ~17,000 people were killed, 129 mass graves, central memorial stupa holding 8,000 skulls) and Tuol Sleng S-21 (a former high school converted to the regime's main secret prison, ~17,000 people detained, only 7 survived) are universally treated as essential historical learning, not tourist spectacles. Both have excellent multilingual audio guides (1.5-2 hours each, including survivor and journalist interviews). The emotional weight is significant — be respectful, no selfies or smiling photos, keep your voice down. Skip if traveling with young children or if you have PTSD / depression triggers. Don't see both on the same day — split them across two days with lunch and recovery time between.

Shoulders and knees must be covered (no tank tops, no shorts above the knee). No rental clothing on site — bring or buy a krama (Cambodian checked scarf, $3-8 at Russian Market) or wear a long-sleeve and pants from your hotel. Shoes and hats off inside Silver Pagoda and other interior structures. No photography inside throne hall, Silver Pagoda interior, or any building with a no-photo sign — exteriors and gardens are fine. Open 8:00-11:00 + 14:00-17:00 daily (closed 12:00-14:00 for lunch break). Royal ceremonies may close the palace without notice — check with hotel concierge same morning. Foreigner ticket $10 includes audio guide rental for an extra $5; English-language tours by site guides $15-25 per person.

97% Theravada Buddhist, plus small Muslim Cham, Vietnamese Catholic, and animist minorities. Buddhist temples (wats) follow standard Southeast Asian etiquette — shoes off, shoulders + knees covered, no pointing feet at any Buddha image, no touching Buddha images, walk clockwise around stupas. Monks have major social respect — never touch a monk (women must hand items through a male intermediary), don't sit higher than monks, don't photograph praying monks without permission. The country's modern history is heavy — the Killing Fields, S-21, the foreign press corps era depicted in 'The Killing Fields' (1984 film). Don't joke about Pol Pot or the Khmer Rouge. King Norodom Sihanouk (deceased 2012, his cremation site is inside the Royal Palace grounds) is universally respected. Cambodian flag and royal images are protected — don't step on or deface either.

Military bases, police stations, government buildings, and any armed personnel — don't photograph. Inside Royal Palace: exteriors and gardens fine, throne hall interior and Silver Pagoda interior off-limits (signs marked). At Killing Fields and S-21: photography mostly allowed (some sections marked off-limits) but be respectful — no selfies, no smiles, no posed shots, keep your voice down. At pagodas: never photograph monks without permission, never photograph people in prayer, no flash. Markets and street scenes: ask before photographing people ('Photo OK?' with a smile and gesture) — most respond warmly. Colonial buildings, Mekong River, food, sunsets, Royal Palace exteriors, and Central Market exteriors are unrestricted. When in doubt, don't take the photo.

Not traditional but increasingly expected at tourist-facing businesses. Hotel bellhop: $1-2 per bag. Housekeeping: $1-2/day. Massage: $2-3 if satisfied. Tour guide: $5-10/day. Tuk-tuk: round up the agreed fare, $1 extra if the driver did extra (waiting, multiple stops). PassApp cars: no tip needed (app payment, fixed price). Restaurants: 4-5 star hotels and upscale restaurants add 10% service charge — check the bill. Mid-range restaurants: round up the bill. Street food and local restaurants: no tip expected. Cash tips in USD or KHR strongly preferred — card add-ons rarely reach staff.

The Water Festival is Cambodia's biggest annual cultural celebration — three days centered on the Tonle Sap River's reversal (the only river in the world that reverses its flow direction seasonally, switching back from feeding the Tonle Sap Lake to draining into the Mekong around November). Boat racing teams from all 25 provinces gather on the Mekong River in front of the Royal Palace — 200+ longboats, 50+ rowers each, three days of races. Evening city-wide illumination, Mekong fireworks (typically 19:00-21:00 November 19-20), and floating lantern releases (the bonsang). Hotels run +30-50% rates and book 4-6 months ahead. Sisowath Quay closes to cars during race days. The single most photogenic Cambodian cultural week of the year. November dry-season weather is ideal.

Cambodia's New Year — three days of water-festival energy, scented-water pouring, sand-stupa building at wats, monk blessings, and family gathering. Phnom Penh's celebrations cluster around Wat Phnom + Sisowath Quay + central pagodas. Foreigners are welcome to participate — waterproof phone case + waterproof passport pouch are mandatory. Trade-off: April is the year's hottest month at 35-40°C / 95-104°F with 70% humidity, and Phnom Penh empties out (many shops and restaurants close as locals return to their home provinces). Hotel rates run +30-40% and book 2-3 months ahead. The Water Festival in November is the more spectator-friendly Cambodian cultural week; Khmer New Year is the more participatory one if you can handle the heat.

The November 9 anniversary of Cambodia's independence from France (1953) — government parades on Sisowath Quay and around the Independence Monument, military display, fireworks (typically 19:00-20:00 in front of the Royal Palace). Government offices and many banks close. Tourist sites operate normally. November 9 falls in the same dry-season week as the early Water Festival approach, so the city is already ramping up — book hotels 6-8 weeks ahead if your trip targets November 9-21.

The 15-day Buddhist Ancestors' Festival culminating on the autumn full moon (varies year by year — typically late September or early October). Cambodians offer food to monks at wats to remember deceased ancestors. The peak day is a public holiday — government and many businesses close, but tourist sites operate. Atmosphere is solemn rather than festive — early-morning wat ceremonies are the photographic highlight. The wats around Phnom Penh (Wat Ounalom, Wat Phnom, Wat Botum) all hold ceremonies starting around 5-6 AM. Falls in the monsoon shoulder so weather is variable.

December 22-January 2 brings elevated travel from European expats, NGO workers, retirees, and Christmas-escape tourists. Hotel pricing climbs 30-40% (boutique $80-160/night, Raffles + Rosewood $400-700/night). Phnom Penh's December and early January weather is at its best — dry season peak. Restaurants and bars run Christmas Eve dinners (Raffles Le Royal Christmas Eve dinner $150-250, FCC Mekong-view Christmas package $80-150). Quieter than Bangkok or Singapore for holiday weeks, but pre-book 3-4 months ahead for Christmas Eve dinner at Raffles.

Visak Bochea (Buddha's Birthday, May full moon) — temple ceremonies at all wats, candle processions in the evening. Royal Plowing Ceremony (May, varies, in front of the Royal Palace) — ancient Khmer agricultural ritual predicting the year's harvest, royal family attends. Phnom Penh International Film Festival (June, varies). Cambodian Film Festival of Cambodia (March). National Cultural Day (January 24). Monsoon season (May-October) is genuinely off-season for festivals; the dry-season calendar concentrates around Water Festival + Independence Day + Khmer New Year.

Tropical wet-dry on the Mekong River. Dry season November-February: 24-32°C / 75-90°F days, 21-25°C / 70-77°F nights, low humidity, clear skies — the honest best window for travel. Hot dry March-May: 35-40°C / 95-104°F with 70% humidity — outdoor activities drain you fast. Monsoon June-October: 28-32°C / 82-90°F with daily afternoon thunderstorms 14:00-17:00 lasting 1-2 hours, occasional flooding in low-lying downtown areas, and traffic chaos. October typically sees the heaviest rainfall; November transitions to dry season. November-February is the only honest window for first-time visitors.

Light cotton clothing for 28-35°C / 82-95°F days. Light long-sleeve and thin pants for cool early evenings near Mekong River (drops to 21-25°C November-February nights). Modest temple wear (cover shoulders + knees) for Royal Palace + wats — krama scarf or long-sleeve and pants. SPF 30-50 sunscreen + hat + sunglasses (UV 9-12 at 11° latitude — among Southeast Asia's strongest). DEET insect repellent (dengue risk + Mekong mosquito peak in monsoon). Antibiotics + antidiarrheal medicine + SPF 30-50 from home. USD cash $300-500 in mixed small denominations ($1, $5, $10, $20 plus a few $50, $100). Universal adapter (Type A/C/G outlets, 230V). Two power banks (occasional power flicker, especially in rainy season). Compact umbrella or rain shell (monsoon). Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage. Install PassApp + Google Maps offline before arrival.

Limited. Sidewalks are uneven, broken, motorbike-blocked, and frequently obstructed by vendors. Most wats and Royal Palace have steps to interior areas. Killing Fields and S-21 are largely ground-level but have uneven paths. Tuk-tuks are not accessible. Major 4-5 star hotels (Raffles Le Royal, Rosewood, Sofitel, Park Hyatt, NagaWorld) have elevators and accessible bathrooms — confirm at booking. PassApp cars (non-tuk-tuk option) are the realistic transport for wheelchair users. Arrange a private car + English-speaking guide through a tour operator that specializes in accessible Southeast Asia travel for the smoothest experience.

Cambodia's internet is solid for Southeast Asia: 5-30 Mbps typical, hotel WiFi reliable, BKK1 cafe WiFi reliable. Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, and Western news all work normally — no VPN needed (unlike Myanmar). eSIM (Airalo, Ubigi Cambodia packages $15-25 for 15 days / 3GB) is the easy option, activate before flying. Physical SIM (Smart, Cellcard, Metfone) at PNH airport or city telecom shops: $3-5 for 5-10GB on the foreign-passport tariff with passport. Activation takes 5 minutes. Korea Telecom roaming works. Video calling, Netflix, Google Maps, PassApp all work normally.

BKK1 has 5-7 well-stocked pharmacies (Pharmacie de la Gare, U-Care Pharmacy, Pharmasave) selling common OTC medications (headache, stomach, cold, bandages). Bring brand-name and generic English names; pharmacist English varies. Pack from home: antibiotics, antidiarrheal medicine, DEET, SPF 30-50, prescription medications with prescriptions. For medical issues: Royal Phnom Penh Hospital (private, English-speaking, $40-80 per visit), Sunrise Japan Hospital (BKK1, Japanese-managed, English + some Japanese, $50-100), Khema International Polyclinic. Serious issues require evacuation to Bangkok (Bumrungrad Hospital or BNH Hospital, 1h flight) — Cambodia's medical infrastructure is below regional standard. Comprehensive travel insurance with $100,000+ medical evacuation coverage is essential, not optional. Emergency: 117 (police), 119 (ambulance — response time variable).

Cambodian tap water is not safe to drink. Bottled water only ($0.50-1 / 1,000-1,400 KHR per bottle at convenience stores). Use bottled water for tooth-brushing too. Restaurant ice is generally safe if it has the standard round-hole shape (factory-made purified ice) — irregular crushed ice from street stalls is riskier. Hotels provide 2-3 complimentary bottles per room daily. For stays of 5+ nights, ask the hotel about a 19L purified water dispenser ($1-2). Some BKK1 hotels offer refillable water bottles to reduce plastic waste. Avoid street juice with unfiltered ice and any raw vegetables that may have been washed in tap water.

BKK1 + tourist sites + 5-star hotels have decent bathrooms. Local restaurants and markets vary widely — carry tissues, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer. The cleanest free options are large restaurants, boutique hotels, and 5-star hotel lobbies (Raffles Le Royal, Rosewood, Sofitel, Park Hyatt — generally tolerant of polite non-guests using lobby restrooms). Royal Palace + National Museum + Killing Fields + S-21 have paid public restrooms (2,000 KHR / $0.50). Aeon Mall 1 and 2 have clean free restrooms. Plan bathroom stops around BKK1 cafes (Brown Coffee, The Common Tiger, Le Boutier) for a $2-4 coffee + clean facilities combo.