7 Things You Absolutely Need to Know Before Visiting Cambodia Right Now
- Around Cambodia Travel
- May 18
- 4 min read
Planning a trip to Cambodia? You aren’t alone. Lately, my DMs have been absolutely flooded with the exact same practical questions from travelers trying to navigate our beautiful country. Things are changing fast on the ground here—especially when it comes to digital apps, visas, and border rules.
To make your life easier, I’ve rounded up the 7 hottest questions I’ve been asked over the last two weeks and broke down the honest, no-nonsense answers you need to know before you arrive.
1. Do I still need a paper arrival card, or do I have to download the Cambodia e-Arrival app before landing?
The short answer: Forget the paper if you're flying!
Cambodia has officially gone digital for air travelers. If you are landing at the international airports in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, or Sihanoukville, you must complete the **Cambodia e-Arrival (CeA)** form. You can do this via the official website (arrival.gov.kh) or by downloading the official app within 7 days before your arrival. It completely replaces the old paper immigration, health, and customs cards. Once finished, just save the QR code to your phone to show at the border.
Note: If you are crossing via a land border (like Thailand or Vietnam), the traditional paper forms are still being used at the checkpoints.*
2. Can I buy a 1-day Angkor Pass the evening before to watch the sunrise, and does it require a photo?
The short answer: Yes, and it’s a brilliant travel hack!
If you head to the official Angkor Enterprise ticket office **after 4:45 PM**, you can purchase your 1-day pass for the following day. The absolute best part? They will let you enter the park immediately that evening to catch the sunset for free, and your ticket remains 100% valid for the full day tomorrow (including that bucket-list sunrise).
As for the photo: if you buy a 1-day pass online, you no longer need to upload a photo, making the process much faster. However, if you opt for a 3-day or 7-day pass, they will still take your photo at the counter or require an upload online to print it directly onto your pass.
3. What is the official website for the Cambodia eVisa to avoid scams?
The short answer: Only trust evisa.gov.kh.
Please be incredibly careful when googling this.
There are dozens of look-alike, third-party scam websites out there that rank high on search engines.
They look completely official, but they will aggressively mark up the standard $30 Tourist Visa fee, charging you anywhere from $60 to $120.
Bookmark the official government portal: evisa.gov.kh, The processing time typically takes about 3 business days, and it is a massive time-saver.
4. Can foreigners rent and drive a scooter themselves around the Angkor Wat temples in Siem Reap?
The short answer: Yes, but know the specific rules!
While renting a scooter gives you incredible freedom, Siem Reap has distinct rules compared to places like Thailand. You *can* rent standard petrol scooters or e-bikes to explore the Small and Grand temple circuits on your own. However, you must always wear a helmet, drive defensively, and keep an eye out for local traffic police.
If you prefer a completely stress-free experience without worrying about parking or getting lost, hiring a local tuk-tuk driver for the day is still incredibly affordable and supports the local community!
5. Can I use my credit card at the Angkor Wat ticket office and local restaurants, or do I need physical cash?
The short answer: Card for the big stuff, cash for the day-to-day.
Cambodia is modernizing quickly. You can absolutely use your Visa or Mastercard at the main Angkor Wat ticket office, major hotels, and high-end restaurants. However, Cambodia is still very much a cash-driven society when you hit the streets. You will absolutely need physical cash (either clean, pristine US Dollars or Cambodian Riel) for street food stalls, local markets, and paying your tuk-tuk drivers.
Pro-tip: If you carry US dollars, they must be completely flawless. Local businesses will reject bills with tiny tears, folds, or stamps!
6. What is the best itinerary to avoid temple fatigue and the afternoon heat at Angkor?
The short answer: Master the "Split-Day" strategy.
The midday heat in Cambodia can be brutal, and trying to power through five temples in a row is a recipe for "temple fatigue." The perfect strategy looks like this:
* **Morning (5:00 AM – 10:30 AM):** Catch the iconic sunrise at Angkor Wat, explore its corridors while it's cool, and head straight to Bayon or Ta Prohm (the Tomb Raider temple) before the big tour buses arrive.
* **Midday (11:00 AM – 3:30 PM):** Head back to your hotel. Eat a great lunch, take a nap, and jump in the swimming pool to escape the peak UV index.
* **Late Afternoon (3:30 PM – Sunset):** Head back out to a quieter temple or find a great vantage point like Pre Rup to watch the sun go down.
7. Is it safe and reliable to take a bus from Bangkok to Siem Reap right now, or should I fly?
The short answer: Flying is seamless, but the direct bus is a reliable budget saver.
The overland route from Bangkok to Siem Reap via the Aranyaprathet/Poipet border is fully open, safe, and heavily traveled by backpackers. High-quality direct bus operators (like Giant Ibis) handle the route smoothly, meaning you don't have to switch buses at the border. The highway on the Cambodian side is fully paved and in excellent condition, making the total trip about 8 to 9 hours.
If you are on a budget, it’s a classic Southeast Asian adventure. But if you value your time and want to completely skip the chaotic border touts and long immigration lines, booking a quick 1-hour flight straight into Siem Reap Angkor International Airport is well worth the extra money.
Have more questions about planning your trip to Siem Reap? Drop them in the comments below, and I'll see you at the temples!
Comments