Useful Information for Backpacking Cambodia

You will get to sample the best of Khmer food, which is usually rice or noodle-based dishes. Breakfasts are typically Western dishes that you would expect to find back home. If you just need to satisfy that craving for a pizza or burger, we get that! Western food is usually available everywhere on the tour. As the tour explores different areas of Cambodia, you will have the opportunity to taste the various styles of cuisine from around the country. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options will also be provided.

Yes and so delicious! If you see Khmer locals eating it then that’s the best indication that the food is safe. Tip: Eat where the locals eat; the longer the queue the more delicious you can assume the food will be. But as with anything, use caution. If something looks or smells suspect, better to leave it alone. And never drink from the tap! We thought we had to mention this in case the idea ever crosses your mind!

Vegetarians will be happy to know that Cambodia is very accommodating for vegetarians. Your tour guide can instruct any kitchen to create a Khmer dish without meat which they will often substitute with freshly-made tofu.

No, don't drink the tap water in Cambodia. Bottled water is cheap and sold everywhere, and many hotels and cafés offer filtered refills, so a reusable bottle is worth packing. Ice in established restaurants and bars is usually factory-made and fine. If you have a sensitive stomach, brush your teeth with bottled water too.

Most nationalities, including British citizens, need a visa to visit Cambodia, but for many passports it's easy to get. A tourist visa allows 30 days, and you can either:

• apply for an e-visa at least 4 days before you travel on the official site, evisa.gov.kh, or
• get a visa on arrival at the international airports and main land borders, paid in US dollars cash (US$30 at the time of writing) with one passport photo.

If you fly in, you must also complete the free e-Arrival card at arrival.gov.kh within the 7 days before you land. Your passport needs at least six months' validity. Some nationalities can't get a visa on arrival, so check our Cambodia visa guide and the FCDO entry requirements for Cambodia.

It’s best to arrive on the actual start date, as that’s when most people get in. While there are no activities on the first day, the group usually meets up for dinner around 7PM. Sometimes people like to arrive a day or two before the trip starts so they can do their own exploring or just have a bit of time to chill before all the fun begins.

Book your flight into Phnom Penh's Techo International Airport (KTI), which replaced the old Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) in September 2025, and your flight home from Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI), which replaced the old Siem Reap airport (REP) in 2023.

Both new airports are further out than the old ones, roughly an hour's drive from the city centre, so leave plenty of time to get to the airport when you choose your departure flight.

After you have booked your tour and received confirmation from us, you can begin searching for flights. When you have booked your flight, please login to your account and enter the flight details under Flight Details. If you are arriving early and staying at the tour accommodation we will still arrange your airport transfer. Please let us know if you do not require an airport transfer. A return transfer (after the tour) is not included, however your group leader can help arrange this for you, along with any other onward travel you need.

Please wait for your booking confirmation email, which tells you when we recommend arriving and departing. You can search and book flights on our flights page.

We will send you your airport transfer information one week before the tour or programme begins.

International flights are not included in the price of any tour and will need to be booked separately. You’re free to book your own flights or book here.

Once you've booked your flights, log in to My Account on our website and enter your flight arrival details. That is how your group leader knows when you are landing.

Arriving before the tour starts, or staying on at the end? Let us know as early as you can so we can check availability and pricing on extra nights.

Please let us know as soon as possible. If you are already en route and a connecting flight changes, contact your group leader or email us so we can still meet you at the airport.

Your deposit ensures your reservation for the tour or program. It guarantees your spot until 60 days prior to the scheduled commencement date, at which time the outstanding balance must be settled in full. Failure to complete payment by the specified deadline will result in the cancellation of your reservation, and the vacancy may be offered to another prospective participant. The remaining balance can be found in your account, and multiple reminders will be sent in advance of the due date to ensure timely payment.

For group tours, your place is confirmed once enough travellers have booked, and always at least four weeks (28 days) before your tour starts. Most group tours are confirmed around six months before departure.

For volunteer or private bookings, please allow 2-3 working days.

If a tour does not run, you get a full refund.

Not at all! A deposit is all you need to secure your place on the tour. The remaining balance is due 60 days before your tour starts, and we will send you reminders before then.

Yes, as long as you give us at least 60 days' notice before your original departure date, so another traveller can take your place. A £30 administration fee applies to a date change.

Yes! After placing your deposit, you can pay off the tour in instalments of your choosing, whenever suits you. The remaining balance is due 60 days before your tour starts, and you can see it at any time in your account.

Backpacks are preferred and will be more convenient for you but suitcases work, too. You’ll never have to carry your luggage for too long at any one time. Try to find something that’s easily accessible and waterproof if possible. And please bring a smaller daypack for short trips throughout the tour.

We recommend the following:

• 1 pair of long trousers
• 1 light but waterproof jacket (nothing too thick!)
• A simple padlock to lock up your belongings
• 1 long-sleeved top
• A plug adapter (see our plug guide). If you're coming from a 110V country, check your hairdryer or beard trimmer is dual-voltage
• Shoes that are suitable for hiking
• Waterproof shoes if you have them
• Shoes that are easily removed: you'll take them off to enter temples and many buildings as a sign of respect, so the easier, the better
• Swimwear
• A camera to remember your experience
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen. Lots of sunscreen

And of course, the usual: passport, spending money, adventurous curiosity and a positive attitude!

Cambodia uses plug types A, C and G, and the supply is 230V at 50Hz. Some sockets take UK three-pin (type G) plugs, but many only take two-pin plugs, so bring a universal travel adapter.

UK and European devices work fine on 230V. If you're coming from a 110V country, check that anything without a dual-voltage charger (hairdryers and straighteners especially) is marked 100–240V. Our plug guide covers every country we visit.

Yes. This is your own time to explore Cambodia as you please. If you want to stay back at the hotel to relax or want to explore a bit on your own, just let the tour guide know.

No problem at all - just make sure to arrive at the hotel for the starting date of the tour! We can arrange early night’s accommodation at the hotel.

Our group leader will spend enough time as needed to ensure you are totally comfortable and confident with where you’re going next. And can help organise and book whatever you need, including any transport, accommodation or trips you may want.

Your accommodation will be clean, comfortable and offer western toilets at all times - though experiencing a squat toilet is something everyone who visits Cambodia should experience at least once! You will be sleeping in twin, triple and dormitory rooms, paired up randomly. We attempt to put people in same sex rooms as much as possible and can accommodate that in each location upon request. Couples will be always paired together. Hot showers and AC is provided on most days.

The trip starts in Phnom Penh and finishes in Siem Reap.