Top Things To Know Before Visiting Cambodia

Cambodia in Southeast Asia shares borders with Thailand to the northwest, Laos to the north, and Vietnam to the east, while its southwestern edge meets the Gulf of Thailand. Human settlements in the region date back as far as 4000 BCE, with early cities emerging along the coastline around the time of Christ. One of the first major civilisations was Funan, an Indian-influenced state, followed by the rise of the Chenla Kingdom. These eventually gave way to the Khmer Empire, renowned for its architectural marvels such as the Angkor temples. At its peak, from the 9th to the 14th centuries, the Khmer Empire held sway over much of mainland Southeast Asia. If you're planning a visit, there are several important things to keep in mind before travelling to Cambodia—including essential information about visas, local customs and etiquette, currency, safety, and other travel guidelines you should be aware of.