For me, Cambodia was more like a historical connector between Vietnam and Thailand in my travel plans. I only made it to two cities, but those alone helped me get an insight of the historical events that took place in this country. Although, my time there was short, it was DEFINITELY worth it. Cambodia is beautiful and I wish I was able to have stayed longer. This country is also known for having some of the most beautiful untouched beaches in South East Asia and I would have loved to check them out! I figured, since I was spending most of my time in southern Thailand at all the islands, dedicating part of that time to explore the wonders of Cambodia would be super rewarding. And it was for sure! Talk about the emotional rollercoaster you experience by seeing a place like the Killing Fields or S21. I feel like when traveling to these places, it’s so important to take the time to make sure you embrace the history that has taken place there. It really helps put life into perspective.

Cambodia is a very diverse country. They use a mixture of the US Dollar and the Cambodian Riel. Talk about feeling cheap for bargaining over a $4 Tuk Tuk ride and trying to get it down to $2! The people were very friendly and spoke English really well! Crime is still something you need to be aware of as a traveller so mind your belongings. As for food, it’s a bit of a mix between Vietnamese food and Thai food. Cambodia is easily a destination you can see in 2 weeks and get a good taste of the country. You’ll be able to see ruins, museums, and beautiful beaches all in one shot!

 

Typical Costs in Cambodia

Food:

• • Meals are very affordable in Cambodia. Street Vendors offer prices from 4,000KHR-8,000KHR and other restaurants can range from 12,000-20,000 KHR.
  • Western meals at nice restaurants go between 20,000-40,000 KHR

Accommodation:

• • Hostel rooms can range from around 17,000-21,000 KHR.
  • Private rooms generally go for 20,000-40,000 KHR per night. You can get comfortable hotels for 60,000-80,000 KHR with air conditioning, tv, and other amenities.

Getting Around Cambodia

(insert picture: PP to SR)

Busses:

Buses in Cambodia are really the only way to get around locally. Flights are available between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh exist, but can be pretty pricey. The busses aren’t the nicest at times, but they are easy and affordable. I highly recommend making sure you have headphones or ear plugs to make the trip more bearable. Some busses blast loud Cambodian shows and it can become a bit too much after a while.

• Cost: Ranges depends on distance and destination – but the cheapest.
• How to Book: Easy to book through a travel agent or at your accommodation.

What to do and see in Cambodia

The Killing Fields:

This must see site is definitely a gut puncher. The “killing fields” of Choeung Ek is a mass grave of innocent Cambodians. A Genocide of about 2 million people that took place after the the takeover of power by Pol Pol and his Khmer Rouge regime. A heavy couple of hours, but going to Cambodia and not coming here would be a huge mistake. What you walk away from this experience is a story of the sad memory of what had happened all those years ago. I would recommend going to the S21 Museum prior to the Killing Fields to fully understand.

• It’s located about 10 miles outside of Phnom Penh, but it’s easy to arrange a tuktuk with your hostel/hotel to bring you out there. If you’re a solo traveller, try to make a few new friends to split the cost of the transportation to and from!
• Cost: 25,000 KHR

S21 Museum – Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum:

This museum, like the Killing Fields, was hard to swallow. This is where the prisoners were kept and tortured prior to being brought to the Killing Fields where they were murdered. I highly suggest coming here first to understand what happened before they went to Killing Fields to get the full experience.

• Cost: 25,000 KHR – includes head phone guide which is necessary!

Siem Reap

Siem Reap was a great city, but SO hot. I guess all of Cambodia was extremely hot, but you really felt it in Siem Reap after hours of walking around the beautiful ruins. This place is filled of beautiful temples and ruins to explore during the day and a great nightlife to enjoy!

Angkor Wat:

• Angkor Wat  – This temple is the largest of all in the complex. It’s known for it’s epic sunsets and sunrises (going at sunrise is a must do!). Make sure you wear something that is covering your shoulders, a shawl will not cut it here!
• The Bayon – This beautiful temple has many different faces and small little corridors waiting to be explored!
• Ta Prohm  – This temple, made famous by Tomb Raider, will make you leave reality and jump into the TV show Legends of the Hidden Temple (hello 90’s children out there who get this reference)
• Elephant Terrace
• Cost: $20 for 1 day, $40 for 3 days, $60 for 7 days – these prices cover the costs for all of the below temples.

Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is definitely a love or hate type of city. Before I got there, I got many mixed reviews from different types of travelers. They all had their reason why they liked it or not, but in the end they were all happy they came here. Phnom Penh is just another big hustle bustle type of SEA city. There’s a mix of nightlife, good food, museums, and markets. It’s definitely a place where most travelers come to when either leaving or coming to Cambodia.

Helpful Tips

• Visa – You do not need to get your visa ahead of time for Cambodia. Just make sure you have USD at the border to pay for the visa ($35)
• Currency: Riel and USD
• Be mindful of your belongings – Cambodia is still not the safest of SEA countries so you just need to be a bit more aware.
• It’s VERY hot in Cambodia. Make sure you bring light garments for temples that cover you up by don’t make you melt.
• Download the offline map of the city you’re in on the app Maps.Me – best maps for tourism!!
• Make sure you mark where you’re staying, and always carry around a business card from them.