Planning your trip to Babel and Siem Reap?
Preparing for a trip to a new country can feel a bit overwhelming, but don’t worry—we’ve got you covered!
Having lived and raised our family in Siem Reap for years, we’ve put together this simple guide to help you pack, prepare, and arrive with absolute confidence.
What should you make sure to have ready before you leave your home?
Passport & Visa: The Essentials
Before you fly, let’s make sure your paperwork is 100% ready. Cambodian immigration is very strict about passport condition and validity!
Your Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you arrive in Cambodia. It must also be completely undamaged with no missing pages, or you will be refused entry.
The e-Visa (Recommended): The easiest way to secure your tourist visa is online before you arrive. Only use the official government website:www.evisa.gov.kh (watch out for scam sites!). Once issued, it is valid for entry for up to 3 months and allows a stay of up to 30 days.
Note: Even though immigration officers usually just scan your passport now without asking for the physical paper, it is still technically a requirement to bring two printed copies of your e-Visa letter just in case!
Visa on Arrival: You can still easily get your visa at any airport or land border. It costs $30 USD, and you can pay by cash or card. You no longer need to bring a physical passport photo
The New Digital Entry: e-Arrival Card & v-Pass
Cambodia has gone digital! Paper arrival cards, physical entry stickers, and passport stamps are now a thing of the past. Here is how the new system works:
Step 1: Submit Your e-Arrival Card
All passengers entering Cambodia must submit an electronic arrival card. You can do this up to 7 days before you arrive.
Access it on the official website: www.arrival.gov.kh or download the official "Cambodia e-Arrival" app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
How it works: First, you’ll create a quick profile, and then submit your arrival details. (You can also use this same official app to apply and pay for your visa!)
Missed it? Don't panic: If you didn't have time to do it before your flight, there are tablets and free Wi-Fi set up at the airports so you can fill it out when you land.
Step 2: Welcome to the "v-Pass" (No More Passport Stamps!)
Cambodia has officially transitioned to the v-Pass system.
No physical stickers or stamps: When you clear immigration, you will not receive a physical entry stamp or a QR sticker in your passport.
Digital Proof: Instead, your digital v-Pass will be emailed to you or stored directly inside your Cambodia e-Arrival app.
Departing is easy: When your trip is over and you are leaving the country, simply hand your passport to the immigration officer. Your departure is recorded digitally in the system—no physical exit stamp needed!
Some useful facts
The Currency
Cambodia operates on a unique dual currency system where both the Cambodian Riel (KHR) and the US Dollar (USD) are used side-by-side. Here is what you need to know:
The Exchange Rate: In general,
1 USD is equal to 4,000 Riel.
You Don't Need USD: Many menus and shops still list prices in US Dollars, but this does not mean you have to pay in USD. Riel is always accepted everywhere!
Leave Damaged USD at Home: Cambodia is currently undergoing "de-dollarization" and prefers the local Riel. Because of this, local banks and shops are extremely strict. They will not accept US dollar notes that are old, torn, creased, or even slightly dirty.
ATMs: Most ATMs in town give you the option to withdraw either USD or Riel. We highly recommend choosing Riel to avoid any hassle with picky notes!
Digital Payments: The "Bakong Tourist" App
While Cambodia runs heavily on cash (local Riel and USD), there is a fantastic new way to pay that makes traveling here so much easier:
What is it? The National Bank of Cambodia recently launched a brilliant digital payment app called "Bakong Tourist."
How it works: You can download the app, easily link your debit or credit card from your home country, and top up your digital wallet.
Scan to Pay: Once set up, you can make seamless digital payments almost anywhere in the country—from boutique shops to local market stalls—simply by scanning the ubiquitous KHQR codes with your phone. It saves you from carrying piles of cash or worrying about damaged dollar bills!
Arriving at the New Airport
In October 2023, the old Siem Reap airport closed its doors, and the new Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI) officially opened.
The Distance: The new airport is much further out of town—about an hour's drive (approx. 45–50 km) from Wat Bo Village and Babel.
A Heartfelt Shift for Our Drivers: This change had a massive impact on all of us, but especially on our loyal Tuk-Tuk drivers. For over two decades, our drivers provided that unforgettable first impression—welcoming you at the arrivals gate and taking you on a scenic, breezy, open-air Tuk-Tuk ride straight into the heart of the city. Because of the long highway distance, that classic Tuk-Tuk airport arrival is now a thing of the past.
Our Modern (and Safe!) Solution: To make sure you still get that warm, familiar Babel welcome, we now organize airport transfers using cars, SUVs, or spacious minivans driven by our same trusted, certified drivers.
Child Seats: Don't forget, we have booster seats for older kids and proper baby car seats available for the journey. Just let us know in advance!
Tuk-Tuks are Waiting at the Hotel: Don't worry—your open-air Tuk-Tuk adventures aren't going anywhere! Your favorite drivers will be right here at the hotel, ready to take you on breezy rides to the temples, the town center, and all around Siem Reap the moment you settle in.
Electrical Plugs: Keep Charged
No need to pack a mountain of bulky adapters! Both our Babel Guesthouse and Babel Boutique Hotel are equipped with multi-socket international plugs. They easily fit:
Type A (Two flat parallel pins - US style)
Type C (Two round pins - European style)
Type G (Three square pins - UK style)
Staying Connected: Sim Cards
Getting mobile data in Cambodia is incredibly cheap and easy.
Where to buy: You can purchase a SIM card right at the airport arrivals hall when you land, or at any of the many phone shops in town.
What to look for: Look for signs advertising a "Tourist SIM"—they offer great data packages for just a few dollars.
The Best Networks: Smart, Metphone, and Cellcard are the most popular and reliable networks with excellent coverage around Siem Reap and the temples.
(Note: Just remember to bring your passport with you when purchasing a SIM card, as registration is required by law!)
Is Cambodia Safe? (Our Honest Guide to Safety)
The short answer is yes, absolutely! Cambodia is generally an incredibly safe, warm, and welcoming country for tourists and families alike.
However, just like traveling anywhere else in the world, it pays to be prepared and use common sense. Here are our top tips for a smooth, worry-free trip:
Keeping Your Belongings Secure
While violent crime targeting tourists is very rare, petty theft like bag-snatching can happen—especially in crowded areas or busy nightlife spots.
Use Our Safes: Our Boutique hotel have secure room safes. Keep your passports, extra cash, cards, and expensive electronics locked away when you go out. Babel Guesthouse have a safe in the reception with a camera pointed at it. You are welcome to leave your valubles here.
Keep Bags Away from the Road: If you are walking down the street or riding in a Tuk-Tuk, hold your bag on the side of your body furthest from the road. Motorbike riders occasionally snatch loose bags as they drive past.
Travel Light: Minimize the valuables you carry with you on daily temple tours.
Bicycle Safety: If you rent a bicycle to explore, never place your bag or phone in the front basket where it can easily be grabbed.
Night busses: Keep your valubles close to you.
Road Safety & Travel
Traffic in Cambodia can feel quite chaotic, and local driving standards are very different from what you might be used to at home.
Watch the Roads: Be extra vigilant when crossing the street or walking at night. Unfortunately, many drivers do not strictly follow traffic laws, and drink-driving can be an issue, particularly around major holidays (like Khmer New Year).
Daylight is Best: Avoid traveling between cities after dark, as road lighting is limited and the risk of accidents increases.
The Countryside Factor: While Cambodia's highways continue to improve immensely, you still need to watch out for speeding trucks, free-roaming dogs, and the occasional cow crossing the road!
Let Us Help: Never guess when booking transport. Always ask our reception team to recommend the safest, most reliable bus companies and private taxi drivers for your journeys.
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex relationships are legal in Cambodia. The LGBT+ community is becoming more visible, through gay clubs, club nights and the work of some human rights organisations.
When to visit? Anytime!
We love Siem Reap all throughout the year!
The winter months of November to February are the busiest in town, and prices do tend to go up a bit. Book early if you would like to come for Christmas and New Years. The New Years celebration is popular with both locals and tourists, gathering around the river and in pub street to count down to the new year.
The Start of the Season: Why we love November
November is a beautiful month to visit. Temperatures are not too high, and our town is green and lush after months of rain. November also brings the festive celebrations of the Water festival. This festival celebrates the end of the monsoon season, and the reversal of the flow of the Tonle Sap Lake. Our beautiful riverside gets lively with plenty of street food, games and festivities for almost a week. Both our hotels are located a short walk from the river.
Peak Season: Festive Holidays & Cool Breezes
December and January are peak months in Siem Reap, and the rest of the country. Mostly because of the very pleasant weather, and low humidity. The rain has stopped and the temperatures can go down to as low as 16 - 18 celsius in the early mornings and evenings. Siem Reap celebrates both Christmas and New Years, and our town gets very festive. If you're looking for a fancy dinner or brunch to celebrate, there are plenty of alternatives available.
Warm Days & Bright Skies: February and March
February and March are still busy months. The temperature can be anything from very pleasant, to scorching hot. Its been a while since the last rain, and the countryside can be less green and lush. The water level in Tonle Sap lake will be low by the end of February. The weather can feel much hotter in Siem Reap, than on the islands and the coastal towns. Plan for hours in our pool!
Hot Mangoes & Massive Water Fights: April in Cambodia
April means HOT in Cambodia. It also means it's time for the Khmer New Years celebrations. This is a very fun time to visit, if you're ready for it. Temperatures will hit the low 40’s during the day, and spending time in the pool is a must. It is also mango season! The streets of Siem Reap will be filled with locals selling delicious, juicy mangoes for as low as 25 cents per kilo. Be sure to try our Mango Margaritas!
Khmer New Year celebration is the busiest time in Siem Reap (mostly local tourists). Watch the entire town have a blast with water fights for three days, non-stop. If you are here for the celebrations, make sure to join the fun and get wet! Because this is such a major public holiday, rooms fill up months in advance. If you want to experience the magic (and the water fights) of Khmer New Year, be sure to book early!
The Green Season: Fresh Air & Lush Jungle Temples
May usually brings in the rain, and the beginning of the monsoon season, or green season as we prefer to call it. All the dust will be washed away and the temperatures finally start to drop. Because this is a quieter time in Siem Reap, it is also the time of year when we are usually very happy to give discounts! If you are looking for the best value for your stay, the Green Season is the perfect time to visit. Message us directly to see what special offers we have running!
June, July and August are pleasant months to visit. The town, the temples and the Tonle Sap Lake have gotten some much needed rain, and the temperatures are not as high anymore.
September and October are the most quiet months in Cambodia. This means you can get some pretty good deals! The countryside is absolutely beautiful, and so are the temples. The rain will mostly happen in the afternoons and evenings, so make sure to get out and about in the mornings. Bring a lightweight raincoat or poncho.
Official Public Holidays 2026
Jan 1 - New Year’s Day
Jan 7 - Victory over Genocide Day
Mar 8 - International Women’s Day
Apr 14, 15, 16 - Khmer New Year (3 days)
May 1 - International Labour Day
May 5 - Royal Ploughing Ceremony
May 11 - Visak Bochea Day (Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, passing)
May 14 - King Norodom Sihamoni’s Birthday
May 15 - Royal Ploughing Ceremony
Jun 18 - Queen Mother Norodom Birthday
Sep 24 - Constitution Day
Oct 10, 11, 12 - Pchum Ben (Ancestors’ Day)
Oct 15 - Commemoration Day of the King Father (Norodom Sihanouk)
Oct 29 - King Norodom Sihamoni’s Coronation Day
Nov 9 - Independence Day
Nov 23, 24, 25 - Water Festival (Bon Om Touk)
Dec 29 - Peace Day (National Peace Day)