Cambodia
Cambodia occupies the heart of mainland Southeast Asia, where the vast Tonlé Sap lake swells and recedes with the Mekong's seasonal pulse, shaping agriculture, architecture, and daily life across a low, forested landscape of 181,035 km².
Overview
Bordering Thailand to the northwest, Laos to the north, and Vietnam to the east, Cambodia has a short Gulf of Thailand coastline in the southwest. The capital, Phnom Penh, sits at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers. Khmer is the official language, and the riel is the national currency, though the US dollar circulates widely. Theravada Buddhism shapes public ceremony, temple life, and the rhythms of the calendar throughout the country.
Visa Requirements
Many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at major international airports and land border crossings, typically valid for 30 days. Cambodia also operates an official e-visa system — the Cambodia e-Visa — available through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. Travellers should verify current requirements with that official source before departure, as conditions vary by nationality.
Airports in Cambodia
3 airportsAirlines based in Cambodia
9 airlines
Famous Attractions in Cambodia
Angkor Wat, a 12th-century sandstone temple complex near Siem Reap, is the largest religious monument on earth and the defining image of the country. The adjacent Angkor Thom citadel centres on the Bayon temple, notable for its stone faces carved into towers. In Phnom Penh, the Royal Palace compound and the sobering Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum together represent Cambodia's contrasting historical layers. The coastal town of Kep retains French colonial-era villas, and Bokor Hill Station in the Cardamom Mountains offers a ruined highland resort shrouded in mist.
Weather & Climate
Cambodia has a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons. The wet season runs from May to October, with temperatures between 25°C and 35°C and heavy afternoon rainfall. The dry season, November to April, is the most comfortable period for travel, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 38°C — peaking sharply in April. The northwest, around Siem Reap, can be significantly hotter inland than the breezy coast. Light clothing is appropriate year-round; a waterproof layer is practical from June onward.
Interesting Facts About Cambodia
- Angkor Wat appears on Cambodia's national flag.
- Tonlé Sap reverses its flow direction twice yearly.
- Cambodia's Khmer Empire once dominated mainland Southeast Asia.
- The country has more land mines than any neighbouring state.
- Cambodian New Year falls in April not January.
Official Resources
- mfaic.gov.kh — Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including the official e-visa application portal
- mot.gov.kh — Ministry of Tourism, official national tourism information
- customs.gov.kh — General Department of Customs and Excise, entry and import regulations
- moef.gov.kh — Ministry of Economy and Finance, currency and economic data