When you think of Cambodia, do Angkor Wat and tuk tuks come to mind? Cambodian roads are often red and dusty, but there's so much more to see in this country! For a reason, it's been dubbed "The Kingdom of Wonders."
We journeyed through Cambodia for 2 weeks (find our full itinerary here). In our opinion, to really get a sense of the 'heart' of Cambodia and its people, you need to explore beyond the country's two most famous cities.
Explore the country's rural regions, where the Cambodian culture is still strong. It will be there that you will fall in love with this nation and create some unforgettable memories.
1. Vaccinations
The CDC website states that vaccinations for Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended for Cambodia. However, it is always best practice to check with your doctor pre-trip in regards to what vaccinations they recommend.
2. Visas
In order to visit Cambodia, you will most likely need a passport and visa. Be sure to check that your passport is valid for at least six months after your departure date and that there are blank pages remaining. As well, 1 recent passport-sized photo will be needed.
There are two methods to attain a visa for Cambodia-pre-departure through a Cambodian embassy or arrival. We personally believe the latter option is more time effective. The price for a one month stay, as of our most recent visit, was $30 per adult. It's crucial to have the proper amount of cash in U.S dollars available when you apply for the visa on arrival .
3. Best time to visit Cambodia.
The time of year that is best for visiting Cambodia varies depending on your travel preferences.
If your primary goal is to unwind in Cambodia while the weather is at its best, then we recommend visiting between November and March. However, keep in mind that you will be jostling for space among the hordes of tourists as you journey through Cambodia during peak season.
If you want to see Cambodia in all its green and lush glory, we recommend going during their shoulder season, which is from July to August. You should be aware that, on this journey, you will almost certainly experience some rainy days.
Last but not least, if you want to see the temples and other sights without having to compete with the masses, we recommend visiting between April and October. You'll have to get used to the heat, though! Their hottest months are April and May, when temperatures can reach scorching levels. The two wettest months are September and October.
4. Buy bottled water.
Make sure you stay hydrated by buying bottled water and taking advantage of the free bottle of water your hotel supplies each day. We also recommend brushing your teeth with bottled water to be safe. When dining out, be careful about consuming any ice or fresh produce that may have come into contact with tap water.
5. Cambodia uses American currency.
Although Riel is the local currency in Cambodia, we recommend using US dollars instead. You'll be able accept US dollars as payment everywhere you go, and it will also be easier to exchange the money when you get back home (if necessary).
6. Popular places to visit in Cambodia.
Some of the most popular places to visit in Cambodia include:
- Siem Reap, renowned for its Angkor Temples.
- Phnom Penh
- Battambang
- Kep
- Kratie
- Sihanoukville (although we recommend Otres Beach instead)
- Koh Rong Islands.
Both Siem Reap and Phnom Penh are well-known tourist destinations. We urge you to go beyond the city of Cambodia's major sites. To get a more genuine feel, include a few additional stops.
7. Bring your negotiating skills with you.
When vacationing in Asia, remember to brush up on your bargaining skills! haggling is common in markets, small souvenir shops, and when arranging transportation like Tuk-Tuks and taxis.
8. Mosquitoes can be a huge annoyance.
Mosquitoes can be particularly inconvenient, so make sure to pack DEET mosquito repellent, especially if you'll be out and about at dusk and dawn! In addition, as a safeguard, your neighborhood doctor may advise you to take malaria tablets.
9. Is English spoken in Cambodia well?
Cambodian is the most common language spoken there.
In Cambodia, both English and Chinese are spoken. If you want to visit rural areas or smaller towns, you will need to speak English. As a result, it will be critical for you to learn a few key phrases in order to get by!
10.Here are some helpful Khmer words to know:
Hello - Jum rup sou (formal) or Sdey sitoum (informal)
Goodbye - goodbye, Jum leah (formal) or Hello, Leah (informal).
Yes - The Thai currency is made up of baht (for men) and cha (for women).
Thank you - Ah kun
Sorry - Sohm tou
How much is this? - Tah ni thliy pun mann?
Where is...? - (Name of location), nouw ey na?
At the moment, I am writing about my experience touring Cambodia.
Cambodia is an excellent country to explore without spending a fortune. With some careful planning, you can have a very affordable holiday full of stunning locations, relaxing massages and other luxurious amenities.
We adore the Kingdom of Wonders! We've said it before and we'll say it again: Cambodia is one of our favorites!
Planning resources
Here are two itineraries you might enjoy if you're traveling:
- Where to Go in Cambodia? A Detailed 2-Week Itinerary for Cambodia
- Siem Reap in 7 Days: The Ultimate One-Week Itinerary
Here's a little more information about where to stay in Cambodia:
- Luxurious options for where to stay in Cambodia!
- Best Places to Stay in Cambodia with Kids | Family-Friendly and Affordable
More planning help:
- This tour booklet is one of our best-sellers.
- Rome2Rio allows you to plan any journey by plane, train, bus, ferry or car.
- To see more of what Cambodia has to offer, check out our photo gallery.
- Zoom in on Google's satellite photo map to get a better aerial view of Cambodia. Zoom in to discover information about any location.
