1. Best Airports to Fly Into

Phnom Penh International (PNH): Modern terminal, 20 min to city center. Perfect for first-timers wanting capital vibe, Royal Palace, and Mekong sunsets.

Siem Reap–Angkor International (SAI): Brand-new (opened Oct 2023), 45 min from Angkor Wat. Fastest immigration in SE Asia (often <10 min).

Sihanoukville (KOS): Growing routes from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Macau. Direct beach access to Koh Rong ferries.

Direct flights from: Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Taipei, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Manila, Doha, Guangzhou, Shanghai.

2. Airlines & Budget Flight Hacks

Budget kings: AirAsia (best network), VietJet, Thai Lion Air, Jetstar, Sky Angkor.

Full-service comfort: Singapore Airlines, Bangkok Airways (lounge access), Vietnam Airlines, Korean Air.

Cheapest months: May–October (wet season) – round-trips from Asia as low as $60, from Europe/Australia $350–500.

Peak season: Dec–Feb + Chinese New Year – book 4–6 months ahead.

• Use Skyscanner “Everywhere” + “Whole Month” tool
• Set price alerts 3 months out
• Fly mid-week (Tue/Wed) for 20–40% savings

3. Land & River Border Crossings

Thailand → Cambodia:

• Poipet / Aranyaprathet – busiest, 3–5 hr with e-visa
• Cham Yeam / Hat Lek – quiet, scenic to Koh Kong
• Ban Pakard / Pailin – remote mountain road

Vietnam → Cambodia: Moc Bai–Bavet (fastest), Ha Tien–Prek Chak (to Kep/Kampot).

Laos → Cambodia: Trapaing Kriel–Nong Nok Khiene (4x4 in wet season).

River: Mekong speedboats Chau Doc → Phnom Penh (5 hr, stunning floating villages).

4. Scenic Boat & Ferry Routes

Mekong Delta → Phnom Penh: 5-hour speedboat from Chau Doc (Vietnam). Stunning river life, floating markets, border formalities on boat.

Phnom Penh → Siem Reap: Dry season only (Nov–Apr). Luxury boats like Mekong Dawn ($100) or budget speedboats ($35–40).

Tonle Sap Lake: Ferries from Siem Reap to Battambang (floating villages, bird sanctuary).

Coastal: Sihanoukville → Koh Rong Samloem fast ferries (45 min, $22 round-trip).

5. Best Time to Visit – Month by Month

Nov–Feb (Cool-dry): 24–30°C, low humidity, blue skies. Perfect for temples, islands, photography. Peak season prices.

Mar–May (Hot-dry): 35–40°C. Visit temples at 5 AM, pool afternoons. Khmer New Year (mid-Apr) = water fights everywhere!

Jun–Oct (Wet): Lush green rice fields, dramatic storm skies, Angkor moats full, hotels 50–70% off. Short afternoon showers.

Shoulder months: Late Oct & early Apr – best weather + fewer crowds.

6. Weather & Ultimate Packing List

Year-round 28–35°C, humidity 70–90%. Lightweight, quick-dry clothing is key.

• Breathable linen shirts, tank tops, shorts
• Sarong/scarf for temples (instant cover-up)
• Waterproof phone pouch & dry bag
• High-DEET insect repellent (dengue risk)
• Electrolyte packets (critical in hot season)
• Universal adapter (Type A/C/G plugs)
• Power bank 20,000 mAh
• Collapsible reusable water bottle + SteriPEN
• Microfiber towel & flip-flops

7. Cultural Etiquette & Khmer Phrases

Buddhist values shape everything:

• Cover shoulders & knees at temples (scarves OK)
• Remove shoes & hats inside pagodas
• Never point feet at Buddha or people
• Don’t touch anyone’s head (even kids)
• Use both hands when giving/receiving money or gifts
• Sompiah greeting (prayer hands + slight bow)

Useful Khmer:
Hello – Chum Reap Suor
Thank you – Orkun
Delicious – Chha Ngain
How much? – Thlai ponman?
No plastic – Ot mean tech

8. Safety, Scams & Money Tips

Cambodia is safer than most expect. Violent crime rare.

Common issues: Bag-snatching (motorbikes at night), tuk-tuk overcharging, fake orphanages, milk-powder scam.

Money: USD is king. ATMs dispense USD. Carry small bills ($1, $5, $10). No need to change to Riel except for tiny purchases.

Safety hacks:

• Use Grab/PassApp (metered rides)
• Hotel safe for passport
• Photocopy + digital backup
• Travel insurance with $100k medical

9. Visa, Entry & Onward Travel

E-visa (recommended): $42 total ($36 visa + $6 fee). Apply 3–7 days before at official evisa.gov.kh. Valid 90 days from issue, 30-day stay.

Visa on arrival: $30 cash + 1 passport photo at airports & major borders.

Visa extension: 30 days extra at any travel agent in Siem Reap/Phnom Penh ($45–60).

Overstay: $10 per day fine – avoid it.

Onward ticket: Rarely checked, but have a cheap bus ticket out if worried.