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CAMBODIA
What Is the Climate Like in Cambodia?
How Safe Is Cambodia?
What Should I Pack for Cambodia?
Consular Services for Canadians in Cambodia
Entry and Exit Requirements for Cambodia
Cambodia is rich with history, both positive and negative.
The sobering legacy of Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge regime is memorialized at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh, a former high school that was used as a prison between 1975 and 1979. Phnom Penh is also known for its historical French architecture, evident in French colonial buildings and boulevards. Travellers should pay a visit to the Art Deco-style Central Market where they can try their hand at haggling for every item under the sun.
A trip to Cambodia cannot be complete without a visit to the atmospheric Angkor temples encircling Siem Reap. The Angkor UNESCO World Heritage site is the most popular tourist destination in the country, and includes the well known Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. Travellers flocking to this destination should not miss the ethereal sunrise or sunset over the silhouetted temples.
Once you’re saturated with history, relax along Cambodia’s beaches. Less busy than the beaches in neighbouring Thailand, many an island paradise is accessible off of Sihanoukville province in southwest Cambodia.
Just as in neighbouring Laos, travel can be done over water. Boat cruises are a popular option for travellers, especially expeditions in Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. The Tonle Sap River can also be taken between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Do I Need Vaccines for Cambodia?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Cambodia. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccines for Cambodia: typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, cholera, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) and influenza.
| Vaccine | How Disease Spreads |
|---|---|
| Typhoid | Contaminated Food or Water |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Mosquito-borne |
| Cholera | Contaminated Food or Water |
| Hepatitis A | Contaminated Food or Water |
| Hepatitis B | Contaminated Body Fluids (Sex, needles, etc.) |
| Rabies | Infected Animals |
| Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors |
| Influenza | Airborne Droplets |
Malaria is found in Cambodia, especially in forested areas. Travel destinations such as Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Tonle Sap Lake are not at particular risk. There is no risk of yellow fever in Cambodia, though proof of vaccination is required if travelling or transiting through a country where the disease occurs. It is recommended that travellers take precautions against insect bites due to Malaria and other insect-borne diseases.
Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have some medical facilities that are up to Western standard, however doctors may require payment upfront. For serious medical care travellers often have to be evacuated to Thailand or Singapore. Consider these out-of-country evacuations when researching travel health insurance plans.
For more details on any of the above vaccinations, visit the detailed Passport Health specialty vaccination pages or make an appointment with your local Travel Medicine Specialist by calling or booking online now.
What Is the Climate Like in Cambodia?
Here is the climate in a few key destinations in Cambodia:
- Phnom Penh– The climate in Cambodia’s capital city is consistently hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 22º Celsius to 35º Celsius. September to October are the rainiest times of the year.
- Siem Reap– Siem Reap is hot throughout the year, and temperatures rarely dip below 30º Celsius. The wet season in this popular tourist destination lasts from April until November, with June and July seeing the wettest conditions.
- Battambang– This northern city is moderately cooler than Phnom Penh, and temperatures sit between 23º Celsius and 34º Celsius. September and October are the wettest months.
Monsoon season in Cambodia lasts from May to October or November, depending on the location. Flooding is common, especially in areas bordering the Mekong River.
How Safe Is Cambodia?
The Government of Canada recommends travellers exercise a high degree of caution when visiting Cambodia.
Street crime against foreigners is common, especially in major locations such as Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. These assaults can be armed or unarmed, and have even been reported during the day. A common method of theft involves assailants grabbing bags from pedestrians as they pass on motorcycles. Hotel rooms should always be secured, especially in budget accommodation.
If travelling by bus, it is recommended that travellers carry a lock to secure their bag, since items and baggage have been stolen from compartments. Caution should be exercised when travelling alone, especially at night. Travel between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap is considerably better than that in the rest of the country.
Since a trip to Cambodia will likely involve crossing into neighbouring countries, travellers should be wary of border scams. Officials sometimes ask travellers to pay extra charges and Canadians have been intimidated into paying more. Visa assistance should only ever be provided by registered and reliable officials.
Travellers should ask permission before photographing individuals and Buddhist monks. Military locations should not be featured in photos.
What Should I Pack for Cambodia?
Here are some items you should pack when travelling to Cambodia:
- Two passport sized photos– Cambodian immigration requires travellers have two passport sized photos for their visa application.
- Good walking shoes– One of the most visited spots by travellers to Cambodia is Siem Reap and Angkor Wat. The ruins are uneven and crumbling and sturdy shoes will be best for exploring.
- A light cover-up– Travellers to Cambodia are likely to visit their fair share of temples. Despite being tank top weather, covering your shoulders with a light scarf is the respectable thing to do when visiting these religious sites.
- US dollars– While Cambodia does have its own currency, many shops, restaurants, and hotels prefer being paid in US dollars. Bringing extra American cash will save time and money when it comes to currency conversion.
- Quick drying clothing– Cambodia’s climate is very hot and humid. Having quick drying shirts and shorts will be good for long days of wandering.
Consular Services for Canadians in Cambodia
All Canadians visiting Cambodia should register online with the Office of the Embassy of Canada in Cambodia before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach you in the case of an emergency or evacuation. If you plan to purchase a local SIM card you can also enter your phone number to receive SMS updates from the office.
Main consular services for Canadian travellers in Cambodia are managed through the Embassy of Canada to Thailand in Bangkok. There is an Office of the Embassy of Canada in Phnom Penh.
Office of the Canadian Embassy in Cambodia
c/o British Embassy
27-29 Street 75, Sangkat Srah Chak, Khan Daun Penh
Phnom Penh
12201 Cambodia
Telephone: +855 (0)23 430 811
pnpen@international.gc.ca
Hours of Operation (consular section)
Tuesday to Thursday: 13:00 to 15:00
Visit the Office of the Embassy of Canada website prior to your departure to confirm correct contact details for offices in Phnom Penh and Bangkok.
The Government of Canada also operates a 24 hour Emergency Operations Centre. The collect call number to reach the centre while abroad is +1-613-996-8885.
Entry and Exit Requirements for Cambodia
Canadian travellers require a tourist visa to visit Cambodia. Visas can be obtained in a number of ways. Travellers can apply abroad ahead of time, but the most common method is to purchase a visa on arrival at the international airport in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Visas can also be obtained at official overland border crossing points on the Thai and Vietnamese borders. Cambodia visas cannot be purchased at the overland border from Laos.
To apply for a Cambodian visa, Canadian passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of departure. Tourist visas are valid for up to 30 days and can only be extended once. They cost $30 USD and travellers should have two passport-sized photos for processing.
If you have any questions about travelling to Cambodia or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment by calling or booking online now.
