Attraction in Cambodia
Tonle Sap Lake
Tonle Sap is Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake, swelling from roughly 2,500 square kilometres in the dry season to over 16,000 square kilometres when monsoon rains reverse the flow of the Tonle Sap River and flood the surrounding plains. This seasonal pulse supports one of the world's most productive inland fisheries and sustains more than a million Cambodians, including communities living in floating and stilted villages that move with the water's rise and fall. Boat tours from Siem Reap allow visitors to see the lake's fishing culture and birdlife at close range.
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Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Cambodia
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Cambodia page at Yoogo.
Cambodia's official currency is the Cambodian riel (KHR), but the US dollar is widely used and accepted for most transactions, especially in tourist areas. Prices are often quoted in dollars. Cards are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and supermarkets in cities. Carry US dollars in cash for everyday use and smaller establishments.
Cambodia is generally safe for tourists in main destinations. Petty theft, bag-snatching from motorbikes, and scams targeting visitors occur in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Unexploded ordnance remains a hazard in rural areas; stick to marked paths. Traffic is chaotic and road accidents are a significant risk. Take normal urban precautions and avoid walking alone at night.
Buses and minivans connect major cities at low cost. Tuk-tuks and moto-taxis are the main urban transport. Taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Grab operate in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Internal flights link Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville. Boat services operate on rivers and to some lake and coastal destinations.
November to March is the best time to visit, with cooler temperatures and low rainfall. The dry season peaks in December and January. April and May are extremely hot. The wet season from June to October brings rain and humidity but also lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and lower prices, and the temples are accessible throughout.
Khmer is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. French is understood by some older Cambodians. A few words of Khmer, including the respectful greeting 'chum reap suor', are warmly received.
No vaccinations are legally required for most travellers. Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and tetanus vaccinations are commonly recommended. Malaria prophylaxis may be advised for rural areas outside major cities and the Angkor temples region. Dengue fever is present; use insect repellent. Consult a travel health clinic before departure.
Tipping is not obligatory but is greatly appreciated, as many service workers earn low wages. In restaurants, leaving a dollar or rounding up the bill is welcome. Guides and tuk-tuk drivers expect and appreciate tips. A dollar or two for porters and housekeeping staff at hotels is a kind gesture.
Cambodia has reasonable 4G coverage in cities and tourist areas, provided by Smart, Metfone, and Cellcard. Prepaid SIM cards are cheap and available at the airport and phone shops. Registration requires your passport. Wi-Fi is available at most hotels, guesthouses, and cafes in tourist destinations.