+ 6 h / + 5 h during our summer time

Phnom Penh

Khmer

• 230 volts
• Travel adapter required for plug types A, C and G

Banks

8.00 am - 4.00 pm (Mon - Fri)

Shops

8.00/9.00 am - 9.00/10.00 pm (Mon - Fri)

• 1 January -  New Year’s Day
• 7 January - Victory over Genocide Day
• 8 March - International Women’s Day
• 14 to 16 April - Khmer New Year
• 1 May - Labour Day 
• Visak Bochea (Buddha’s Birthday) – movable public holiday (April or May)
• Royal Ploughing Ceremony – movable public holiday (April or May)
• 14 May - Birthday of King Norodom Sihamoni
• 18 June - Birthday of Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk
• 24 September - Constitution Day
• Pchum Ben (Ancestors’ Day) – movable public holiday, usually in September or October (three days)
• 15 October - Commemoration Day of the King’s Father, Norodom Sihanouk
• 29 October - Coronation Day of King Norodom Sihamoni
• 9 November - Independence Day
• Water Festival – movable public holiday, usually in November (three days)
• Human Rights Day – 10 December

The following documents are required to enter Cambodia:

• A Swiss passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and contains at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
• A visa is required to enter Cambodia. It can be obtained before travel from the Cambodian Embassy in Geneva or the Consulate General in Zurich, online as an e-visa, or on arrival as a Visa on Arrival.
• Proof of sufficient financial means for the duration of the stay.
• A return or onward ticket to another country. 

• From 1 January 2025, Cambodia’s electronic arrival card will come into effect and all travellers will be required to complete the relevant electronic form.

• The Cambodian immigration authorities operate the online registration app "Foreigners Present in Cambodia System" (FPCS). Without registration, a visa extension may be refused. In hotels, guesthouses or rented accommodation, the manager or landlord should complete the registration via the app.

• Minors: Check with the local authorities regarding entry formalities for minors.

As of: November 2024

Cambodia has a tropical monsoon climate that varies by region and season:

• Central Cambodia (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap): the tropical climate brings hot, dry winters (25–30°C) and hot, humid, rainy summers (30–35°C). The rainy season from May to October brings heavy showers, which are usually brief and often occur in the afternoon, while the dry season lasts from November to April.
• Coast (Sihanoukville, Kep): the coastal climate is more humid, with hot summers (28–34°C) and milder winters (24–30°C). Monsoon rainfall is particularly heavy here, turning the region lush and green from May to October. Conditions for beach holidays are best from November to February.
• North-east (Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri): the highlands have a slightly cooler climate, with pleasant summers (20–28°C) and cooler winters (15–25°C). Rainfall is also concentrated mainly during the monsoon season, but temperatures remain more comfortable throughout the year than in lower-lying areas.

Best time to travel to Cambodia:

• Cultural trips (Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh): November to March is ideal, as the weather is dry and more pleasant, making it perfect for exploring temples and cities.
• Beach holidays (Sihanoukville, Koh Rong): December to February offers sunny weather and warm temperatures, ideal for a beach holiday.
• Nature experiences (Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri): the best time is from November to February, when the weather is cooler and the landscape is particularly lush.

• Using a mobile phone in Cambodia may incur roaming charges. Travellers are advised to check the applicable roaming fees before departure and, where necessary, purchase a suitable roaming package to reduce costs.
• Free Wi-Fi is available in cafés, hotels and public spaces.
• To avoid roaming charges, it can be worthwhile purchasing a local SIM card. Cambodia’s main providers – Cellcard, Smart Axiata, Metfone and qb – offer affordable tariffs and reliable network coverage for travellers.

• Angkor Wat – The largest religious complex in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its impressive architecture.
• Bayon Temple – Famous for the smiling faces carved into stone at Angkor Thom.
• Royal Palace – A magnificent palace in Phnom Penh, serving as a cultural landmark and the residence of the royal family.
• Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum – A former prison documenting the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge.
• Killing Fields – A memorial site near Phnom Penh dedicated to the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime.
• Preah Vihear Temple – A majestic mountain temple near the Thai border offering spectacular views.
• Tonlé Sap Lake – The largest lake in Southeast Asia, known for its floating villages and diverse wildlife.
• Bokor National Park – A popular destination for nature lovers, with mountain scenery and an abandoned hill station.
• Sihanoukville – A coastal city surrounded by beautiful islands such as Koh Rong, ideal for relaxation and water sports.
• Ratanakiri – A north-eastern region known for its unspoilt nature and ethnic minority communities.

Cambodian cuisine is a harmonious blend of fresh ingredients, local specialities and influences from Thailand and Vietnam. From street-food stalls to upmarket restaurants, visitors can look forward to a true feast of flavours.

• Amok: An iconic dish of steamed fish in a creamy coconut curry sauce, served in a banana leaf – mild, aromatic and a must-try for every visitor.
• Lok Lak: A popular beef dish marinated in a flavourful sauce and often served with fresh vegetables and rice. Traditionally, it is accompanied by an egg and a lime-and-pepper dipping sauce.
• Nom Banh Chok: Cambodia’s take on rice noodles, usually served for breakfast. A light curry broth and fresh herbs make this dish particularly refreshing.
• Khmer BBQ: A popular style of grilling in which different types of meat, such as beef, pork and seafood, are cooked directly at the table – perfect for a sociable evening.
• Street food: From grilled meat skewers and fried noodles to crispy insects, Cambodian street food is a real adventure and offers affordable yet tasty dishes.
• Desserts: Sweet treats such as sticky rice with mango or Nom Plae Ai (rice balls filled with palm sugar) are typical Cambodian desserts that are sure to delight anyone with a sweet tooth.
• Fresh fish and seafood: Particularly in coastal regions, fresh seafood such as prawns and squid is prepared in many different ways – grilled, fried or steamed, it is always a treat.

• Greetings: in Cambodia, the traditional greeting is the “Sampeah”, where the hands are placed together in front of the chest and the head is slightly bowed. The higher the hands are held, the more respectful the gesture. A simple smile is also always appreciated.

• Saying please and thank you: friendliness and politeness are very important. A simple “Akun” (thank you) shows respect and is always appreciated. “Som” is used for “please”.

• Clothing: shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting temples and religious sites. Modest, non-revealing clothing is also appreciated outside religious places.

• Dining etiquette: it is polite to wait until the host or eldest person begins eating. Meals are often eaten with a spoon and fork, while knives are less commonly used. Food is frequently shared, and it is considered polite to take a small portion onto your plate.

• Smoking: smoking is not permitted in enclosed spaces such as restaurants or temples. It is considered impolite to smoke without asking for permission first.

• Tipping: tipping is not expected, but it is common in tourist areas. In restaurants or hotels, a tip of around 10% is appropriate. For smaller services, a small gesture is always appreciated.

• Tap water: tap water in Cambodia is not safe to drink. Bottled water, which is widely available, is recommended. Travellers should also take care when brushing their teeth or consuming ice in drinks and use safe bottled water whenever possible.
• Vaccinations: no mandatory vaccinations are required to enter Cambodia. Before travelling, standard vaccinations should be checked and updated if necessary. Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended. For longer stays or particular exposure, vaccination against dengue fever, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies and Japanese encephalitis is also recommended.

• Medical care in Cambodia is not comparable to that available in Europe and often falls short in terms of technical equipment, facilities and hygiene standards. Medical options are particularly limited in rural areas. Travellers with chronic illnesses or conditions requiring ongoing treatment may face an increased health risk when travelling to Cambodia. 
• Travellers are strongly advised to take out comprehensive international health insurance before departure that also covers emergency repatriation.
• Bring a travel medical kit tailored to your individual needs and protect medicines from high temperatures while travelling.

• Before and during your trip, keep informed about the current situation through the media and remain in contact with your tour operator.
• Travellers in Cambodia should remain particularly vigilant, as crime levels are higher in some areas. Theft occurs regularly, especially in cities such as Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville and Siem Reap, as well as in busy tourist areas. In rare cases, armed robberies or other violent offences, including sexual assaults, may also occur. Travellers are therefore advised to remain alert at all times and take appropriate precautions.

• Further information on the current security situation is available on the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

As of: November 2024

• For car hire, a Swiss driving licence is recognised; however, an International Driving Permit is recommended.
• For longer stays in Cambodia, a Cambodian driving licence must be obtained.

• Driving in Cambodia can be dangerous, as traffic regulations are often disregarded and road conditions are poor in many regions.

• Blood alcohol limit: 0.1 ‰.

Public transport in Cambodia is less developed, but it still offers travellers several ways to explore the country.

• Long-distance trains: Cambodia’s railway network consists of two main lines: the Northern Line and the Southern Line, with a total length of around 650 kilometres. The Southern Line connects Phnom Penh with Sihanoukville, while the Northern Line links Phnom Penh with the Thai border. Train services are slow and irregular, but offer an interesting way to experience the landscape.

• Regional trains: Regional rail services are limited and generally irregular, as freight traffic takes priority. For shorter journeys, travellers usually rely on buses.

• Coaches: Coaches are the main form of public transport in Cambodia, particularly for longer journeys between cities such as Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. Various private operators offer services in different comfort classes. Long-distance coaches are often cheaper than trains and may offer amenities such as air conditioning and reclining seats.

• Underground: Cambodia does not have an underground system.

• Boats: Cambodia has several ferry connections, particularly from Sihanoukville to the islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem. These boats are a popular means of transport for tourists visiting the islands. During the rainy season, passenger boats also operate on some waterways, particularly across Tonlé Sap between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. 
• Tickets: Coach tickets can be purchased at bus stations, travel agencies or online via platforms such as Camboticket and BookMeBus. Train tickets can be purchased at railway stations, although online booking is often unavailable.
• Apps: Grab is the most popular app for urban transport, offering both taxi and tuk-tuk services. Google Maps is also useful for route planning and provides reliable information on public transport connections.

There are currently no direct flights from Switzerland to Cambodia. Travellers generally need to connect via major hubs such as Bangkok, Singapore or Hong Kong to reach Phnom Penh or Siem Reap.

The main airports in Cambodia are:

• Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), Phnom Penh – The country’s main international airport, handling the majority of international flights.
• Siem Reap International Airport (REP), Siem Reap – The country’s second-largest airport, mainly serving travellers visiting the world-famous temples of Angkor Wat. It offers both domestic and international connections.
• Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS), Sihanoukville – A smaller airport in the south of the country that is becoming increasingly important for tourism and offers domestic as well as some international flights.

Cambodia’s main domestic airlines are Cambodia Angkor Air and Lanmei Airlines. International airlines such as Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Bangkok Airways and AirAsia connect Cambodia with destinations across Asia and beyond.

00 41 (omit the initial zero of the Swiss area code)

• Police: 117
• Fire brigade: 118
• Ambulance: 119

# 50, Street 334, Boeung Keng Kang 1 / Khan Boeung Keng Kang 
120102 Phnom Penh
Tel.: +855 23 218 305
Email: phnompenh.ca@eda.admin.ch

• Insulting the royal family is punishable by law. Inappropriate or indecent behaviour in public may also result in legal consequences.
• Possession of even very small amounts of drugs or any type of narcotic substance is severely punished and often results in lengthy prison sentences.
• Landmines are still present in some areas outside the cities, particularly near the borders with Thailand and Vietnam. The main tourist areas, however, are considered safe and have been cleared of mines.
• Drones are prohibited in Phnom Penh, Angkor Wat and historic temple sites. In certain areas, permission may be requested, particularly near administrative or military buildings and airports. Violations may result in substantial fines or several years of imprisonment on espionage charges.