Here’s Why Cambodia Should Be Your Next Destination!

Jessica Zapata

Last updated 6 Apr 2022

Tourists watching the sunset in Cambodia

Craving for a trip without pre-departure tests and quarantine? If yes, Cambodia is the way to go!

Calling all art and history enthusiasts and anyone in between! Cambodia, the land of colossal temples, has eased up its restrictions so you can continue making happy memories and joyful moments through experiencing the world.

Cambodia has thousands of temples for you to explore like the iconic Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, and Banteay Srei. That’s not all, though. The country also boasts beautiful beaches like Otres Beach, Koh Tonsay, and Preah Sihanouk. From cultural trips to a summery getaway, Cambodia’s got you covered! It’s a destination you simply can’t miss if you’re down for a fuss-free vacation.

Klook Tip: The best time to visit Cambodia is anytime between November and April for the best weather — not so sunny, not so gloomy, just clear blue skies.

But before booking a flight and heading out, you first have to get your travel requirements to Cambodia prepared and ready. That’s where we come in as your travel buddy. Read on below so you can take note of the requirements!

Who can travel to Cambodia?

Fully vaccinated, not fully vaccinated, and unvaccinated travelers are welcome!

What are the entry requirements for Cambodia?

For fully vaccinated travelers:

Visa

You can either apply for an e-visa online or get a tourist visa on your arrival. Note that the visas are valid for 30 days.

Proof of vaccination

Your vaccination card or certificate should show that you’ve completed two rounds of vaccines.

IMPORTANT NOTE: It’s highly encouraged (not required) for fully vaccinated travelers to conduct a self-test before arriving and upon arrival to Cambodia.

For not fully vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers:

Visa

You can either apply for an e-visa online or get a tourist visa on your arrival. Note that the visas are valid for 30 days.

Before jumping on to the next requirement, here’s a short list of the different types of visas in Cambodia that you need to know for the mandatory quarantine:

Visa K: special visa issued to Cambodian nationals, holding a valid foreign passport upon presenting proof of a Cambodian citizenship
Visa C: short-term visa issued to travelers who plan to stay in Cambodia for only a short period (maximum of three months)
Visa E: ordinary visa which is valid for 30 days
Visa T: tourist visa issued only for tourism purposes

Pre-booked quarantine

Not fully vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers are required to go into a 14-day quarantine.

For visa K holders, the quarantine location will be designated by the Ministry of Health without charges.

For visa C, E, and T holders, make sure you have pre-booked at an Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) hotel with a required deposit of USD 2,000 in cash to cover costs like quarantine expenses and location designation by the Ministry of Health. Any excess or unused funds will be returned to you so don’t worry about that.

Here’s a list of ASQ hotels in Phnom Penh that you can choose from:

Courtyard by Marriott Hotel
Sokha Hotel & Residence
Raffles Hotel Le Royal PP
Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra
Himawari Hotel Apartments
Toyoko Inn with Dara
Olympia City Hotel by Dara

Do note that all ASQ hotels in Cambodia are in Phnom Penh.

Is quarantine mandatory?

Good news, vaccinated travelers! You no longer need to go into quarantine upon arriving in Cambodia. But, not fully vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers are to go into a mandatory 14-day quarantine.

Where to Go and What to Do in Cambodia

Can’t decide what should be in your itinerary? We’ve got a few suggestions that can give you a headstart!

1. Angkor Wat

Something to add to your go-to list of iconic and massive temples is the pride of Cambodia, the Angkor Wat. This significant tourist spot is famous for its grand architectural design with its intricate carvings and towers that have stood the test of time. And did we mention that the sunrise here is a must-see? Try to come early in the morning to witness as the sky peeking behind Angkor Wat turns different hues of red, yellow, and orange!

Angkor Wat

Ticket price/pax (adults): USD 13

Ticket price/pax (children aged 5-11): USD 10

Opening hours: 5:00 am - 5:30 pm
Address: Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia
How to get there: Take any public transportation anywhere from Siem Reap

Explore the wonders of Angkor Wat with this exciting tour!

2. Bayon Temple

Known for its carved smiling faces on different towers, the Bayon Temple is one of the top three temples that you shouldn’t miss during your trip to Cambodia. These giant towers with smiling faces were carved to look like Jayavarman VII and they sure look cool in photos! Drop by the Bayon Temple to understand more of Cambodian history and beliefs as you explore not just the smiling towers, but also the maze of chambers and passages.

Klook Tip: If you want to avoid the crowds, visit in the afternoon!

Bayon Temple

Ticket price/pax (adults): USD 37
Opening hours: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
Address: Angkor Archeological Park, Krong Siem Reap, 17000, Cambodia
How to get there: Take any public transportation (preferably a tuk-tuk or taxi) anywhere from Siem Reap

3. Otres Beach

While Cambodia is known for its many temples, it’s also prominent for its heat. Care to get out of Siem Reap for a little beach getaway? Yes please! Otres Beach is Cambodia’s white-sand beach lined with casuarina trees. The warm sun, salty waters, and cool morning breeze await you every morning here at Otres Beach. You can sunbathe, swing on hammocks, have a picnic, swim, swim, and swim again! Whatever you decide to do, make sure to turn work off, and relaxation on.

Otres Beach

No entrance fee
Opening hours: 7:30 am - 11:00 pm
Address: Marina Road, Sihanoukville 18000 Cambodia
How to get there: Take a bus from Siem Reap Virak Buntham Express and it will take you to the beach

4. Koh Tonsay

Another beach destination in Cambodia is Koh Tonsay, a peaceful beach destination that’s not only known as a good spot for swimming but also because people actually go here to play group sports like beach volleyball and have picnics with family and friends! It may be a tiny island, but it’s got a great beach and ambiance. To cap off your beautiful sunny beach day, make sure to secure a front seat on the beach and watch the sunset!

Koh Tonsay

No entrance fee
Open 24 hours daily
Address: Kep, Cambodia
How to get there: Go to the nearest boat pier on Kep beach and share a boat ride with other tourists

Traveling to Cambodia feels almost exactly like how travel felt before — no pre-departure tests, no quarantine, and just travel. Isn’t Cambodia just a dream destination for all of us? There are so many places to see and so many beaches to visit while in Cambodia. So what are you waiting for? Take the next flight to Cambodia now for your much-deserved vacation getaway!

Klook Tip: Travel restrictions and requirements change from time to time so make sure to check with the respective destination directly for more information before booking your flight.

Shop the Article

Phnom Penh Siem Reap Cambodia

Recommended for you