Are there any age restrictions for this tour?
Yes. This tour is for travellers aged 18 to 49 on the day it starts, and we can't book anyone outside that range. If you're outside it, get in touch and we'll help you find a tour that suits you.
Do many people travel to Cambodia alone?
Yes, many travellers, both male and female, travel alone throughout Cambodia and Southeast Asia. Upon arrival, we will pick you up from the airport, you will meet your travel mates and the adventure begins.
Do I need any vaccinations?
Possibly. It depends on your health, your vaccination history and the rest of your travel plans, so get personal advice rather than relying on a checklist. Book an appointment with your GP practice or a travel clinic 6–8 weeks before you travel, as some vaccines need more than one dose or time to take effect.
TravelHealthPro (NaTHNaC) keeps up-to-date health advice for Cambodia and every other country we visit. Cambodia also asks for proof of yellow fever vaccination if you arrive from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
Is there a dress code for entering the temples and other religious sites?
Yes, the dress code is seen as a show of respect to the culture, temple and monks that often live in the temples. Men should wear long pants and no cut-off sleeves. Women should wear trousers, a long skirt, or dress that extends fully below the knees and covers their shoulders - the knees should be fully covered. Tank tops and low cut shirts should also be avoided by both genders.
This tour includes food, transport and trips yet the price is still cheap! Why?
We have spent more than 10 years travelling Cambodia in order to find you the best possible experience at the absolute lowest price! We also sell our tour directly to you through our website, not through a travel agency, which cuts out a major expense incurred by other tour companies.
Do I need travel insurance for the tour?
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. You’ll need to show proof of your policy to your group leader upon arrival (on your phone or printed). You can get a quote and purchase your travel insurance here.
Can I wash my clothes during the tour?
Yes, please! Most accommodation offers the chance to do your washing at very reasonable prices. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even go for the bucket wash - the price is right.
Can I contact other people who have booked onto the same tour as me?
Of course! We encourage everyone to talk over our social networks. You can find a list of them at the bottom of this page. If you’ve joined a tour, we will send you an invite to a dedicated Facebook group made for your tour a few weeks before it starts. Your tour guide and a tour manager will also be in the group to answer any questions you may have.
What travel insurance do you recommend?
We highly recommend that you travel with insurance for complete peace of mind. Please click here.
How will I access money while I’m away?
We recommend using a Wise travel card. It works in most places and supports Apple Pay and Google Pay. ATMs are widely available, but some places may accept cash only, so it’s good to carry some local currency.
Is my money protected?
Absolutely. Your payment is secure. Backpacking Tours is a licensed tour operator in Thailand (Department of Tourism licence 11/12642), and we use trusted international payment providers. Your booking is safe, and our team is here to support you every step of the way.
How can I get in touch with my group leader?
Your group leader will email you around 1 day before the tour starts.
What are the passport requirements?
Your passport must have at least six months’ validity and two blank pages. You should also have proof of onward travel.
What should I do if I cannot find my driver?
Call your group leader using the number sent in your welcome email. They will assist you.
When is the best time to visit Cambodia?
Cambodia has two main seasons:
- November to April is the dry season. November to February is the most comfortable time to travel, with sunny days and cooler evenings, while March to May gets very hot, often 35°C or more.
- May to October is the wet season, usually with short, heavy afternoon downpours rather than all-day rain. The countryside turns bright green and the temples are quieter, though boat crossings to the islands can be choppier.
Angkor Wat is worth seeing at any time of year. Our Cambodia weather guide goes month by month.
What currency is used in Cambodia?
Cambodia runs on two currencies: US dollars and the Cambodian riel (KHR). Prices in tourist areas are often given in dollars, and change under a dollar comes back in riel (roughly 4,000 riel to the dollar), so you'll soon get used to using both.
ATMs are easy to find in the towns and usually give out US dollars, with a fee per withdrawal on foreign cards. They are scarce on the smaller islands, so take out cash beforehand. Bring clean, untorn dollar notes if you bring any from home, as damaged notes are often refused. Cards are accepted in larger hotels and restaurants, but most day-to-day spending is cash.
Do I need to tip in Cambodia?
Tipping isn't expected in Cambodia, but it is appreciated, and a small amount makes a real difference where wages are low. As a guide:
- Restaurants: leave around 5–10% if no service charge has been added.
- Tuk-tuk drivers and small services: US$1–2 is a kind gesture.
- Massages: US$1–3.
Tipping your guide or driver at the end of a trip is entirely up to you.
Will I have access to the internet?
Yes. Most hotels, guesthouses and cafés in Cambodia have free wi-fi, though it can be slow on the islands and in rural areas.
For data on the move, pick up a tourist SIM from one of the main networks (Smart, Cellcard or Metfone) at the airport, registered with your passport, or set up an eSIM before you fly. Data is cheap and coverage is good in the towns.
Is Cambodia safe for travellers?
Cambodia is a welcoming country and most visits are trouble-free. A few things to be aware of:
- Bag and phone snatching by thieves on motorbikes is the most common crime in Phnom Penh. Keep valuables out of sight, especially on tuk-tuks.
- Landmines and unexploded weapons remain in parts of the countryside. Stay on marked paths and well-used tracks.
- Never leave drinks unattended, and avoid cheap spirits: methanol poisoning has caused deaths.
- Be wary of online job offers promising easy money in Cambodia. They are often a front for organised crime.
The FCDO advises against all but essential travel within 20km of the land border with Thailand; our Cambodia trips don't go there. Read the latest FCDO travel advice for Cambodia before you go.
Is there any etiquette I should know about in Cambodia?
Cambodians are warm and easy-going, and a little respect is always noticed. Khmer is the main language, but you'll get by in English in the places we visit; a simple sampeah (palms pressed together with a small bow) and aw kohn (thank you) go down well.
- Take your shoes off before entering temples and homes, and cover your shoulders and knees at temples, including Angkor Wat.
- Don't touch people's heads, and women shouldn't touch monks.
- At the S21 prison and the Killing Fields, dress modestly, keep your voice down and think before taking photos.
