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Best Time to Visit Phnom Penh

Best Time to Visit Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh Cambodia Travel Guide

Best Times to Visit

The Vibrant heart of cambodia experiences a tropical wet and dry climate, which shapes visitor comfort plus recreation options throughout the year.

Climate Patterns

  • Dry Season (November to May): High temperatures, lower humidity. Nov-Feb coolest.
  • Hot Months (Between march And may): Temperatures exceed 35°C (95°F), increasing humidity.
  • Wet Season (From june To october): High temperatures, high humidity, significant rainfall.
  • Heaviest Rainfall (September to October): Intense bursts, typically afternoon.

Weather Prep

Always check local weather forecasts before and during your trip.

Pack a Lightweight rain jacket or Umbrella during the wet season.

High Season Nov-Feb

Most Pleasant

Pros

Lower humidity, less rain, ideal for sightseeing.

Cons

Highest prices for accommodation, more crowds, higher flight costs.

Shoulder Season Mar-May; Jul-Aug

Fewer Tourists

Pros

Fewer tourists, better deals on accommodation and flights, lush landscape (Jul-Aug).

Cons

Very hot (Mar-May), high humidity, frequent rainfall (Jul-Aug).

Low Season Jun, Sep, Oct

Budget-Friendly

Pros

Lowest prices for flights and hotels, fewer crowds, intimate experiences.

Cons

Heavy rainfall, high humidity, localized flooding.

Special Weather & Activity Timing

Monsoon Climate

The wet season (June-October) brings monsoon rains. Heavy downpours lead to localized urban flooding, especially in low-lying areas or during intense storms. This can disrupt traffic and pedestrian movement.

Tropical Storms

Tropical storms or typhoons originating in the South China Sea occasionally impact the region, bringing strong winds and torrential rain. These occasions mainly occur during the peak of the wet season.

Ideal Activity Timing

  • Tourism & Outdoor Activities:

    November to February offers the best conditions. Dry, cooler weather makes exploring comfortable.

  • Boat Trips on the waterway:

    Dry season (From november To february) for comfortable weather and clearer views.

  • Cultural Festivals:

    Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) in November. Khmer New Year during The month of april (hot season). Check dates.

  • Budget Travel:

    May, June, September, and October for lower prices.

  • Extreme Temperatures:

    March, April, and May bring intense heat. Precautions against heat exhaustion are advisable.

Extreme Heat Advisory

  • Hot months of March, April, and May bring intense heat, midday activities can be challenging.
  • Seek shade in the middle of the day day (midday to early afternoon).
  • Stay well-stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat.

Weather Preparation

Always get the local weather forecast prior to and during your journey. Pack a Lightweight rain jacket or Compact umbrella during the wet season.

Visa & Entry Requirements

Cambodia features various visa options for most foreign nationals.

Tourist Visa T Visa

This entry visa holds validity for 30 days. You can extend it once for an additional 30 days while in Cambodia. Apply at a Cambodian embassy or consulate in your home country country before departure.

E-Visa Application

  • This is a convenient web-based application. Apply through the official Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (IVisa or VisaHQ also guide).
  • The process typically completes within 3 business days. Print the approval letter and present it upon arrival.
  • It holds validity for 30 days.
  • Your passport for registration.

Visa on Arrival VOA

Available for people from many countries at international airports (The Capital of cambodia, Siem Reap) and at major overland border crossings. Complete an application form upon arrival, provide photos, and pay the fee. It holds validity for 30 days. Ordinary Visa (E Visa / Business Visa) initially valid for 30 days, extendable multiple times for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months for longer stays or business.

Required Documents

  • Passport: Your passport must hold validity for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Cambodia.
  • Photos: You need one recent passport-sized photo (4x6 cm) for a Visa on Arrival.
  • Application Form: Complete a visa application form for VOA or embassy applications.
  • Return Ticket/Itinerary: Immigration officials may request proof that you are leaving.

Entry Fees & Procedures

Visa Fees

  • Tourist Visa (T Visa): Approximately US$30-35.
  • Ordinary Visa (E Visa): Approximately US$35-40.
  • E-Visa Fee: US$30 visa + US$7 processing (US$37 total).
  • No specific health-related entry requirements.

Immigration Process

  • Present passport, pre-obtained visa (if relevant), and a completed arrival/departure card.
  • Immigration officers might take your fingerprints and a photo. The process is generally straightforward.
  • For typical tourist activities in The City of four faces, no special permits are generally needed.
  • Always verify the most recent visa information from official Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs web page or your country's embassy.

Health & Vaccination Note

  • See your doctor or a travel clinic several weeks before your trip to discuss vaccinations.
  • Ensure your routine immunizations are up-to-date (Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTP), Varicella (chickenpox), Polio).
  • Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid for most travelers. Rabies for animal interaction or extended rural stays.
  • Consider Je for extended rural stays during monsoon season.

Budgeting & Costs

Phnom Penh has a range of experiences to suit various budgets, from frugal backpacker options to luxurious stays.

Currency & Exchange

  • Official Currency: Cambodian Riel (KHR).
  • Widely Accepted: United States Dollar (USD) for larger transactions.
  • Exchange: Riel for smaller transactions (street food, markets, change). Exchange rate ~4,000 KHR to A SINGLE dollar.
  • ATMs: Widely available, dispense USD. Credit cards accepted at main hotels/restaurants.

Daily Cost Estimates

  • Budget traveler: US$25-45/day (hostel, street food, tuk-tuks).
  • Mid-range traveler: US$50-100/day (mid-hotel, varied dining, ride-sharing).
  • Luxury traveler: US$150+/day (luxury hotel, fine dining, private car).
  • Prices exclude international flights.

Budget Smart

Carry plenty of small USD bills (US$1, US$5, US$10) and Riel for daily expenses. This results in transactions easier and avoids issues with vendors not having enough change for larger bills.

Health & Safety Considerations

Awareness of health and safety aspects ensures a comfortable and trouble-free visit to Phnom Penh.

Common Health Concerns & Prevention

Awareness and prevention are your finest defense against common travel ailments. Consult your doctor or a travel clinic several weeks before your trip to discuss vaccinations, ensuring routine immunizations are current.

No vaccinations are commonly necessary for entry into Cambodia unless arriving from a yellow fever a country with risk. Recommended vaccines include Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and potentially Rabies or A Mosquito-borne viral infection depending on your itinerary.

Prevention Strategies

  • Drink only bottled, boiled, or purified water. Practice frequent hand hygiene with Hand sanitizer.
  • Use Insect repellent containing DEET (30-50%) or picaridin. Wear long sleeves/pants.
  • Stay well-hydrated, seek shade, and avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. Wear light, loose clothing.
1

Medical Access

The Pearl of asia offers various healthcare options, including several international-standard hospitals. These facilities deliver good quality care, but services can be expensive. Pharmacies are widely available.

International hospitals (Royal The Capital of cambodia, Calmette, Khema) are available.

Healthcare costs can be high; travel insurance is advisable.

2

Food & Water Safety

Tap water is generally not safe for drinking. Always drink bottled water. Be cautious with street food, although many vendors serve delicious, fresh meals. Look for stalls with high customer turnover.

Bottled water is safe; check seals. Consider a Water purification filter for eco-friendliness.

Avoid raw or undercooked meat/seafood. Peel fruits.

3

Crime & Precautions

The City of four faces is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime occurs. Bag snatching by motorcyclists is common. Pickpocketing happens in crowded areas. Opportunistic theft from unattended belongings also happens.

Awareness of your surroundings helps prevent issues, especially at night. Consider Anti-theft bags.

Keep valuables out of sight. Wear your bag across your body.

Emergency & Insurance Information

Category Details Contact/Advice
Emergency Services Police: 117, Fire: 118, Ambulance: 119 Dial from a nearby SIM card for direct access.
Travel Insurance Comprehensive travel insurance covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, theft. Keep policy info & 24/7 emergency contact handy (World Nomads, SafetyWing).
Post-flight Issues Flight delays or cancellations. AirHelp can assist with compensation claims.

Neighborhood Safety

  • Riverside (Sisowath Quay):Generally safe, caution at night.
  • BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang 1):Upscale, expat-friendly, very safe.
  • Daun Penh (Central District):Safe by day, caution in not as busy streets at night.
  • Less Tourist-Frequented Areas:Exercise caution after dark, use reputable transport.

Natural Disaster Risks

  • Flooding:During wet season (Jun-Oct), heavy rains cause localized urban flooding.
  • Disruption:Flooding can disrupt traffic and make walking difficult.
  • Drought:Certain rural areas might experience water shortages in dry season.
  • Monitoring:Monitor local news for updates during the wet season.

Important Contacts

  • Your Embassy/Consulate:For lost passports, emergencies.
  • Travel Insurance Provider:Keep their 24/7 emergency contact handy.

Safety Procedures

  • Ensure Safety:During an emergency, prioritize immediate safety.
  • Call First:Dial the appropriate emergency service.
  • Notify:Then, contact your embassy or travel insurance provider.

Money Saving & Security Tips

Eat at local markets:Delectable and affordable meals.
Use local transport:City bus inexpensive, Grab/PassApp for tuk-tuks.
Bargain respectfully:For market items and street tuk-tuks.
Stay in guesthouses/hostels:Better value outside main tourist areas.
Refill water bottles:Reduces plastic waste and saves money.
Limit alcohol consumption:Can greatly increase daily costs.

Safety Measures

  • Stay hydrated, use Purified water, use Insect repellent, and secure belongings (Pacsafe).
  • For delayed flights, AirHelp can assist.
  • Avoid contact with stray animals to reduce rabies risk.
  • Always carry small denominations of USD and some Riel.
  • Be wary of scams (e.g., "milk for babies" at markets).
Best Time to Visit Phnom Penh. Weather, Seasons, Climate