Cambodia is a nation that you cannot forget; not only because of its grand temples and astonishing sceneries, but also because of hard will people have, not just a raw history, but also a heady mix of old tradition and new energy. Cambodia, is a treasure-box of the Southeast Asian continent, lying on the borders with Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, it offers attractions, culture, adventure, and serenity to tourists.
This in-depth travel resource will guide you through all you should know about visiting Cambodia — what to do before you start packing, best sights to visit, foods to eat and how to travel and what to expect in terms of cultures. Both as a single backpacker and a couple who want to get a romantic getaway, Cambodia has something significant to propose.
What is the Reason to Travel to Cambodia?
The most known visiting place in Cambodia is the country of Angkor Wat, which attracts millions of visitors annually, but Cambodia is far beyond ruins. Home to laid-back beaches on the islands of Koh Rong, the pulses of Phnom Penh, and the rural serenity of Battambang, Cambodia is more and more becoming the location of the travellers who require substance and diversification.
It is a land of story-telling corners, literally a land of a thousand stories, the greatness of the Khmer Empire, the lingering trails of the Khmer Rouge. Nevertheless, though its history is rather turbulent, Cambodia is one of the friendliest Asian countries where the locals welcome visitors with sincere kindness and interest.
Cambodia Best Time to Visit
Dry Season (November to April)
The most common period to tour Cambodia is in dry season. November to February is cooler (in Cambodian terms) with comparative lack of rain, and so a good time to temple hop and go to islands.
Wet Season (May Until October)
It is raining season, and the heaviest rains are during July and September. But do not that put you off. The countryside is filled with flowers and greenery, there are fewer tourists, and hotels are cheaper. This is a very nice and quiet place to visit, as long as you are okay with the rain shower every once in a while.
Travel Requirements
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Visa: Required visas: A visa is required by most nationalities. A tourist is allowed to acquire tourist visa at the point of entry at the airports and border control areas, or an e-visa application can be made online.
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Passport: Your passport will have to be valid at least 6 months after your date of entry.
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Vaccinations: There are routine vaccinations to be taken: Hepatitis A, Typhoid. You may want to carry malaria tablets where you are travelling to remote places.
Money and Economical Plan
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Funds: The official currency is the Cambodian Riel (KHR) which is acceptable everywhere, although US dollars are also accepted everywhere even in casual stalls.
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Budget: Cambodia is a paradise to budget travelers. Expenses range between 25-50 a day on low-end budget travel options and 100+ dollars mid-range comfort.
Airport to the City and Transportation Around
By Air
The national and international airports are the following:
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Phnom Penh International Air Port (PNH)
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International airport of Siem Reap (REP)
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The International Airport of Sihanoukville (KOS)
Domestic Travel
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Tuk-tuks and motos: The easiest and selective mode of transport in cities.
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Buses: Buses are cheap and relatively dependable inter-city transportation services.
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Trains: Cambodia possesses a couple of railroads, which mostly join Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville.
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Taxi or Car Hire: This is ideal when you are in a group or family and would like a little comfort to enjoy.
Taxi services such as Grab (used in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap) place no hassle on getting about without negotiating.
Where to Go to Cambodia
1. Siem Reap and Angkor Wat
It is impossible to imagine any visit to Cambodia without a visit to Angkor Wat, the largest religious building in the world. Situated very close to the Cambodian city of Siem Reap, the 12th-century temple complex is a UNESCO world heritage site and is an architectural masterpiece of Khmer architecture.
Other temples that cannot be missed in the Angkor complex:
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Bayon Temple – Characterized by giant stone faces.
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Ta Prohm – It was popularized in the movie Tomb Raider, trees root out of temple walls.
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Preah Khan and Banteay Srei – Not crowdy and no less fascinating.
Siem Reap on its own is a vibrant town with an active night market, excellent restaurants and cheap hotels and hostels. There is nothing quite like the Phare Cambodian Circus, a very special mix of a theatre, circus, and social enterprise.
2. Phnom Penh
The capital city brings together the past and present. The Silver Pagoda and Royal Palace are masterpieces of architecture, and the National Museum proudly presents some of the amazing relics of the golden age of Cambodia.
However, Phnom Penh also makes foreigners face the dark side of the country:
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Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) – A haunting former high school, which was a torture centre of the Khmer Rouge.
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Killing Fields of Choeung Ek – A very moving, grim monument just outside town.
These experiences are heavy, but they are necessary to have a better comprehension of Cambodia today.
3. Battambang
Battambang is usually neglected yet the artistic soul of Cambodia. Rice paddies, colonial houses, and concealed temples decorate the country.
Highlights include:
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The Bamboo Train – An eccentric, entertaining journey around the countryside.
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Phnom Sampeau – A cave and mountain that contains religious shrines as well as heart-throbbing wartime experiences.
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Local art galleries, local projects—something that is ordinary and really works perfectly with slow travel.
4. Sihanoukville and Islands
Although Sihanoukville as a city has been turned into an overdeveloped area, the rest of the nearby island is a paradise:
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Koh Rong – Relaxing atmospheres, white sand beaches and turquoise waters.
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Koh Rong Samloem – It is more quiet and features beautiful bungalow resorts and some great snorkeling.
These coastal retreats are the best in Cambodia in case you are seeking an island getaway.
5. Kampot and Kep
A trip into these adjacent towns is best suited to riverfront relaxation and mountain escapades. Kampot is famed over its pepper farming, French colonial style, and the river boat tour.
Kep used to be a resort town glamorized with the crab market and entrance to Kep National Park, at present a dozing seaside town.
Food and Drink
Cambodian food is tasty, but it is nuanced and immensely affected by its neighbors, Thailand and Vietnam, yet keeping all the characteristics all of its own.
Must-Try Dishes:
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Amok Trey (Fish Amok) – Baked fish in coconut curry which is placed on leaves of banana.
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Lok Lak – Beef dishes stir-fried and accompanies with a sour dipping sauce and rice.
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Nom Banh Chok – This is one of the most popular dishes: green curry noodle breakfast.
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Khmer Red Curry – It was not so spicy as Thai, but it was also very tasty.
Food sold in the streets is safe and tasty when done fresh. Avoid quiet stalls and do not miss grilled meats and banana pancakes.
Beverages:
Do local beers such as Angkor or Cambodia Beer. Sugarcane and coconut water are refreshing and also easily accessible.
Tips Escorts Etiquette
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When going in the temples, dress modestly – fingers to the knees and shoulders.
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Take off your shoes when you enter a sacred property or someone else’s home.
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Give or take using left hand or your right hand.
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Do not touch heads or that of children.
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PDA is not encouraged in public.
Cambodians are amiable and courteous. An attitude that respects eats a long way.
Travelling Responsibility in Cambodia
Cambodia is a developing state, and ethical travel is highly valued here.
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Donate to local causes — learn the language and volunteer to teach it, donate money to local charities and help the people run their organizations and businesses.
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Use no orphanage tourism. Numerous parties take advantage of children in order to rake in the tourist currencies.
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Take cultural sites to account. Do not climb temples or carvings.
Consider being part of such projects as:
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Friends International
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Phare Circus (the circus which trains poor children)
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Soksabike is a community-based tourism organization and others
The Language and Communication
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The official Language: Khmer
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English: English is also spoken mostly in the tourist sites, but they always welcome a few local lingo.
Helpful phrases:
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Sua s-dei (Hello)
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Arkun (Thank you)
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Som to (Sorry or excuse me)
Packing Tips
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Wearable clothes that are breathable and lightweight
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Light rain jacket (especially the wet season)
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Good footwear: sandals or shoes
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Sunscreen, insect repellant and water bottle to refill (reusable)
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Power Adapter (types A, C and G plugs are used in Cambodia)
Final Thoughts
Cambodia is a place that you do not forget. It is not about the splendor of Angkor Wat or palm-eclipsed beaches—it is the day-to-day way of smiling, the uncomplicated rhythm of life, and the rich history that is set in the dusty trail and temple passageway.
Cambodia is full of places to visit and explore that goes beyond sightseeing whether you want to visit hidden temples to just find peace. Slow down, inquire, hear narrations and most of all travel with a heart.
Cambodia is not a destination. It is a place which transforms you.
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