From the sunrise silhouettes of Angkor Wat to Phnom Penh’s riverside buzz and the powder-soft sands of Koh Rong, Cambodia packs a lot into a compact, easy-to-explore country. This 2026 guide cuts through the noise with clear visa options, the best time to visit, must-see places, where to stay, what to eat, essential laws & etiquette, and a step-by-step e-Visa walkthrough.

Quick Snapshot: Why Visit Cambodia in 2026

World-class heritage: Angkor Archaeological Park, floating villages, pagodas.
Great value: Affordable hotels, transport, and food without skimping on comfort.
Easy access: Streamlined e-Visa, wide flight connectivity, English widely spoken in tourism hubs.

Do You Need a Visa for Cambodia? Visa-Free, e-Visa & VOA Explained

Most travelers need a visa unless their nationality is visa-exempt for short stays. In 2026 you typically have three pathways:

Visa-Free: Limited to select nationalities (mainly certain ASEAN members) for short visits.
e-Visa (Tourist): Apply online, get approval before you fly—fastest, most predictable arrival.
Visa on Arrival (VOA): Obtain at major airports/land borders; expect queues and USD cash payment.

Cambodia e-Visa: Step-by-Step Application

Check eligibility & dates (passport valid 6+ months; 2 blank pages).
Prepare files: passport bio page scan + recent white-background photo.
Complete form online with travel dates, entry point, and accommodation.
Pay securely (credit/debit/PayPal).
Receive application ID and track status.
Download approval PDF, print a copy, and carry it with your passport.

Validity & stay: e-Visa is usually single-entry, 30 days from entry; extensions possible (see below).

Visa on Arrival (VOA): When It Makes Sense

Choose VOA if you couldn’t apply online in time. Bring: two passport photos, USD cash, return/onward ticket, and hotel details. VOA desks operate at Phnom Penh (PNH), Siem Reap (REP), and major land borders; smaller checkpoints may not.

Staying Beyond 30 Days: Extensions & Long-Stay Options

Tourist extension: +30 days (commonly via immigration/authorized agents).
Ordinary “E-Class” + EOS (for longer stays):
- EB: business/work (employer/invitation docs)
- EG: job-seeking (short-term)
- ER: retirement (55+, proof of funds; no work)
- ES: study (admission letter + funds)

Best Time to Visit Cambodia (Dry vs Green Season)

Dry season (Nov–Apr): Blue skies, easiest temple days, peak demand.
Green season (May–Oct): Lush landscapes, dramatic skies, fewer crowds, better hotel rates—great for photographers.

Tip: Aim for early mornings at Angkor to beat heat and crowds.

Top Places to Visit in Cambodia (Angkor, Cities, Islands, Nature)

Angkor & Siem Reap Highlights

Angkor Wat sunrise, Bayon (faces of Jayavarman VII), Ta Prohm (tree-root temples).
Tonlé Sap floating villages (responsible operators only), Phare Circus, vibrant night markets.

Phnom Penh Essentials

Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda, National Museum, Wat Phnom, riverside boulevard.
Cultural reflection: Tuol Sleng (S-21) and Choeung Ek memorial sites.

Beach & Island Escapes

Koh Rong & Koh Rong Sanloem: turquoise water, snorkel trips, bioluminescence nights.
Kampot & Kep: pepper plantations, crab market, colonial-era ambience.

Nature & Highlands

Mondulkiri: waterfalls, ethical elephant experiences, pine-clad hills.
Cardamom Mountains: jungle treks, eco-lodges, river kayaking.

Where to Stay: Luxury, Boutique & Value Picks

Luxury & Lifestyle

Phnom Penh: Sky-view luxury with top dining and spas.
Siem Reap: Heritage-inspired resorts near Angkor; private pool villas.
Islands: High-end eco-resorts on Koh Rong/Koh Russey.

Boutique & Mid-Range

Intimate shophouse hotels in Phnom Penh; garden-style retreats in Siem Reap with tuk-tuk transfers to temples.
Coastal design boutiques around Kampot/Kep for slow-travel vibes.

Value & Backpacker-Friendly

Clean hostels/guesthouses with AC and pools common in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
Beach bungalows on Koh Rong Sanloem for budget island life.

Must-Try Cambodian Dishes (With Traveler Tips)

Fish Amok (coconut curry, steamed in banana leaf)
Nom Banh Chok (rice-noodle breakfast)
Bai Sach Chrouk (grilled pork with rice)
Prahok Ktis (creamy minced pork dip)
Nhoam (Green Mango Salad) with peanuts & dried fish

Tip: Look for hygienic street stalls with steady queues and hot, freshly cooked dishes.

Health, Insurance & 2026 Entry Notes

COVID-19: Routine testing and vaccination checks are largely lifted in 2026; carry general medical documents if needed by airlines/transits.
Insurance: Not mandatory, but strongly recommended (medical + trip delays).
Meds: Pack personal prescriptions; stay hydrated in the dry season.

Local Etiquette & Important Laws (Read Before You Go)

Dress modestly at temples (shoulders/knees covered).
Ask permission before photographing monks/ceremonies.
Zero-tolerance on drugs; severe penalties for possession/trafficking.
Respect the monarchy & national symbols.
Temple care: Don’t climb fragile structures; follow posted rules.

Common Trip & Visa Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Passport under 6 months validity → renew before you apply.
Only phone screenshots → keep printed copies of e-Visa, hotel, return ticket.
Arriving at minor borders assuming VOA → stick to major airports/land points or use e-Visa.
Overstaying → extend before day 30; daily fines apply if you miss it.
No travel insurance → small cost, big protection.

Why Apply Through Our Professional Visa Service

Save time and avoid rework. Our experts:

Verify documents & photos before submission.
Guide you on e-Visa vs VOA vs E-Class based on your plans.
Arrange extensions and long-stay options (EB/EG/ER/ES) without guesswork.
Provide priority support if your itinerary changes.

Result: Faster approvals, fewer queues, and a smoother arrival.

Final Checklist + Strong CTA

Before you fly:

Passport valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages
Printed e-Visa (if applicable), hotel & return ticket
USD cash for incidentals/VOA
Travel insurance (recommended)
Temple-appropriate clothing

Ready to travel smarter in 2026?
Apply for your Cambodia Visa now through our secure portal and arrive prepared—no last-minute queues, no uncertainty.

Apply Cambodia Visa