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Cambodia Travel Guide 2023

‘The world is a book and those who don’t travel read only one page’. The Cambodia page of the travel book is filled with an overwhelming history and untouched natural beauty. Cambodia isn’t exactly a hotspot for travellers, but it is growing to be one, especially among backpackers and tourists who prefer to discover offbeat locations. Also known as the ‘Kingdom of Cambodia’, the country shares its borders with Laos, Vietnam and Thailand.

Cambodia is still a developing country and lives in its tumultuous past. So the travel experience you are going to have in Cambodia is going to be different but adventurous. When visiting the country you can expect a lot of beaches, townscapes, temples, forests, lakes and rivers. In Cambodia, you will also be greeted by some amazing Cambodian food and some of the friendliest people. The country is very less explored, which means it is not usually packed with tourists.

Cambodia Facts

Capital City

Phnom Penh

Currency

The official currency of Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel. 1 INR= 50.07 Cambodian Riel. However, now the US Dollar is only widely used in the country.

Language

The official language of Cambodia is Khmer.

Religion

Predominantly, 80% of people in Cambodia follow Buddhism. Other religions being followed are Christianity, Islam, Atheism or Animism.

Neighbouring Countries

Laos, Vietnam and Thailand.

Planning to visit Cambodia anytime soon? This Cambodia travel guide 2023 will help you figure out things like the best time to visit, the best places to visit, things to do, what to eat, travel in and around Cambodia, visa requirements, accommodation, budget and other helpful tips and tricks.

Best Time To Visit (Climate in Cambodia)

Due to the geographic location of Cambodia, it is hot and humid all year round.

November - April

It is an ideal time to visit Cambodia. November to February is mainly the dry and cool season. Temperatures are around 20°C to 30°C, hence they are quite preferred by tourists while visiting Cambodia.

December and January are peak tourist seasons. The weather is pleasant all day long. Places are quite filled with tourists. From March up to April, days start getting warmer. However, they are quite ideal for beach days. Be prepared for some heated days.

May - October

May is the hottest month in Cambodia and temperatures can go as high as 40°C. Then starts the rainy season which stays up to October. One can see only brief heavy rainfall in the afternoons. Even flooding is quite common. You can still go sightseeing in the mornings. However, if you want to take risks, this season sees very few crowds and even your trip cost can be competitively lower.

So depending on your budget or choice of how you want to enjoy Cambodia, you can pick when to visit Cambodia.

Best Places To Visit In Cambodia

While visiting Cambodia, you should definitely come with an open mind as you are going to see much more than you had expected. From cities and villages to temples and beaches, there is so much to explore in Cambodia.

These are some of the best places you must visit in Cambodia:

1. Visit Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is identified as the representative image of Cambodia and hence is a must-visit. It is a common place to visit for tourists as it is an important archaeological site not only in Cambodia but in entire South East Asia. Declared a UNESCO Heritage Site, it will take you more than one day to explore the main temple and the complex spanning over 400 sq. km. If you are interested in history and archaeology, you will learn a lot about the Khmer art and culture. Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and also see a glorious sunrise.

2. See Sihanoukville

Go to Southwest Cambodia to Sihanoukville if you want to enjoy unspoilt and deserted Cambodian islands. Don’t be surprised by how adventurous this place can get. Expect great diving, good seafood and a crazy nightlife scene as you discover party spots with cheap booze in hand. However, there are also a few quiet spots around like Otres.

Through Sihanoukville, you can visit tons of quiet and serene islands like Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem and Koh Ta Kiev. The beaches at Long Set and Long Beach also have a laid-back vibe.

3. Explore Phnom Penh

Visiting the capital city of a country is a must actually to complete a trip to any country. With its broad ‘city’ appeal, it allures a lot of tourists. One can easily point out the French influence in the city. Spend your day hopping around the several restaurants, bars and cafes here. Phnom Penh does have a superb culinary scene. One can also take several day trips from the city.

4. Siem Reap

Siem Reap is quite famous among tourists. Its charm lies in the 3000 sq. km. of Angkorian monuments. The lively yet small-town charm is what attracts tourists to Siem Reap. There is so much to see here like the Psar Char Market, various boutique shops, bustling bars and cafes and an interesting nightlife.

From Siem Reap, take a day trip to the nearby floating villages of Kampong Khleang and Kampong Phluk. This place also has great options for food.

5. Discover Battambang

Norry, the bamboo train is what made Battambang famous, but it does not exist anymore. But you still have plenty to see in Cambodia’s second biggest city. The city has more of a laid back vibe with impressive colonial architecture, artsy restaurants, cafes and bars and great temples.

Things To Do In Cambodia

1. Visit the Killing Fields

You got to learn about the turbulent past of Cambodia before visiting it. The Killing Fields is one such place where you can learn in detail about the country’s bloody genocide. It may not be the most jovial vacation afternoon but you will get to learn about Pol Pot and the violence of the Khmer Rouge. Each ticket cost around 6 USD.

2. Hiking in Bokor National Park

This can be a full-day trip from Sihanoukville. You get to explore French ruins and hike amidst a rainforest. It’s free to enter and you can hire a guide as well to take you around.

3. Enjoy The Majestic Views Of Prasat Preah Vihar

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will be impressed by the grandeur and stonework of the temples. Owing to its remoteness, it is one of the offbeat places to visit in Cambodia. It’s best to hire a guide to explore this place.

4. Explore The River Villages

The floating villages are one of the unique sights in Cambodia. Houses are made on bamboo stilts in the river and people have their shops set up in boats. Chong Khneas, Kampong Khleang and Kampong Phluk are the famous floating villages in Cambodia.

5. Explore the Cambodian Markets

South East Asia’s speciality lies in the variety of its markets. You can find markets on the streets, indoors and also night markets. Hit the local markets to see local produce which can be great souvenirs. These markets are also the best spots to try street food. It’s common that tourists are quoted a hiked price so make sure you haggle your best.

What To Eat In Cambodia

Due to a lot of shared history, the cuisines of Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand are quite similar. Cambodian cuisine also has a lot of influence from other countries in Asia and France too. Rice and freshwater fish are predominant in every other dish. Major varieties include noodle soups, stir-fries, curries and sweets. Spices are also used but they are served on the side rather than being blended in the dish.

Some of the Must-Try Dishes when in Cambodia are

Bai Sach Chrouk: Mainly consisting of pork and rice, it is one of the most commonly found breakfast dishes in Cambodia. The sweet pork is first marinated in coconut or garlic and then grilled. It is served over warm rice with a side of pickled cucumbers, radishes and broth. It’s the easiest to find on street stalls across the country.

Amok Trei: This fish dish is the national dish of Cambodia. The buttery taste of it will easily melt in your mouth and it is balanced perfectly with local herbs like lemongrass, ginger and some spice.

Lap Khmer: Imagine lightly seared slices of beef, marinated in lime juice. Doesn't it sound delicious? Pack it up with a dash of freshly cut chillies. Only for those who can tolerate the heat.

Nom Banh Chok: Another one of Cambodia’s breakfast specials, you can find these Khmer noodles at street stalls or with vendors early in the morning. The rice noodles combined with green curry sauce and topped with beans or other vegetables are a delight.

Khmer Red Curry: This native red curry has a creamy coconut milk base with chunks of beef, pork, or chicken and added herbs and spices. As it is curry, it is often served with bread and sometimes with rice.

What To Pack For Cambodia

Here is a list of some travel essentials you should not miss on your trip to Cambodia:

1. Clothes:

It is safe to dress modestly in Cambodia. Especially, men and women must both cover themselves while visiting temples or religious sites. Covering up will also protect you from the Cambodian sun. The clothing list includes:

Long, lightweight cotton pants.
Simple cotton Tshirts.
A linen or cotton buttonup shirt or pullover.
A light cotton scarf
Cotton undergarments
Slides or Slipon sandals
Enclosed shoes or boots suitable for hiking
Swimwear

2. Toiletries:

Many hotels do provide toiletries and they are also available in markets but it is safer to carry your own set.

FirstAid Kit
Wet wipes
Mosquito Repellent
Carry shampoo, conditioner, moisturisers, handwash, etc. in smaller leakproof pouches.

3. Gadgets:

Carry these gadgets with you:

A memory card case.
Personal safety alarm (for solo travellers)
A small personal lock
A dry bag
A universal adapter

4. Some other things:

An antitheft backpack
Reusable water bottle with builtin filter
Preferred sunscreen

Transportation Around Cambodia

Roads are going to be your best chosen option while commuting around Cambodia. Major cities and towns are well connected. It is also a convenient way to travel. Public transport in the form of buses is only available in Phnom Penh city. Tickets only cost about 0.40 USD for each ride.

Taxis and share-taxis: Taxis are moderately placed on the cost of transportation around. Tourists are quoted double and triple prices and you will have to haggle your way down to a price you are willing to give. If you are travelling solo, you can also opt for shared taxis. Ask your hotel staff for estimated prices to not get mugged.

Rental Cars: It’s not advisable to consider renting cars to self-drive. Instead, hire a driver for about $15-$20 a day. Even tuk-tuks can take you around the big cities. Make sure to negotiate a price in advance.

Buses and minibuses: Owing to the surge of backpackers, the bus network in Cambodia has improved. Buses depart regularly from and to Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville.

Trains: It is the least dependable mode of transport in Cambodia as the country has only one rail route. Even there the schedule is not fixed.

Boats: The major cities and nearby islands are also well connected by boat rides. Apart from being cost-effective, they are also quite scenic and enjoyable. Ferry rides will cost you about $15-$25.

Flights: If you are super tight on time then only you should opt for flying within Cambodia. Again only major cities have flight connectivity and they can be as expensive as $140 for 1 hour flights.

So according to your budget and time, you can decide which transportation mode you want to choose for getting around Cambodia.

Accommodation In Cambodia

Finding hotel accommodations won’t be a problem in the big cities of Cambodia. You can find cheap budget stays starting at $7-$8 per night in the cities of Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. For a bit higher price, it is easy to find various options for mid-range and luxury accommodations including five-star hotels, boutique hotels and also island resorts. One can also find decent hotels in the not-so-touristy towns of Cambodia. Easily find and compare great deals on Cambodia hotels before booking them.

Travel To Cambodia

There are several flights to Cambodia from India. They might have a stopover or connect via cities like Kuala Lumpur, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, etc. Cambodia’s international airports are in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Book in advance and get cheap flights to Phnom Penh. Another option to reach Cambodia is via land. You can cross the border in different spots in Thailand, Vietnam and Laos.

Cambodia Visa Requirements

Many foreign nationals are required to obtain a Cambodia Visa to be able to enter the country. For Indians, it is easier as they can apply for a Cambodia eVisa online. An eVisa is easier and faster to obtain.

A CambodiaVisa for Indians can be easily processed in 2-3 days and has a validity of 3 months, however, the valid stay period is for 30 days only. The Cambodia Visa cost for Indians starts at INR 3,999/-. Additionally, there are only two documents required: a scanned colour copy of the first and last page of your passport and 2 scanned colour passport-sized photos according to the Cambodia Visa Photo Specifications.

Typical Budget For Cambodia

Cambodia is one of the few countries that is actually easy on the pocket and where the Indian rupee stands stronger. Right from a backpacker to someone looking for a luxurious vacation, it provides for all. Get an idea of your overall budget.

	Accommodation	Food	Transportation	Attractions/ Fun	Average Daily Cost
Backpacker	INR 800- 1000	INR 1000- 1200	INR 800- 1000	INR 800- 1000	INR 3,500- 4,000
Mid-Range	INR 1500- 1800	INR 1000- 1200	INR 1500- 1800	INR 2500- 3000	INR 7,000- 7,500
Luxury	INR 3200 onwards	INR 3200 onwards	INR 2500 onwards	INR 4000 onwards	INR 13000 onwards

This is a general estimation of your daily budget in Cambodia. The budget can vary easily depending on your choices for e.g. what activities or attractions you choose or how do you plan in travelling around Cambodia. whether you take a flight or train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. Browse for all types of Cambodia Tour Packages and pick what suits you the best.

Tips To Save Money Travelling In Cambodia

To save on your overall budget,

you can volunteer in exchange for your room,
try to do bookings as part of groups for discounts,
don’t book online rather negotiate the prices in person,
Pick up on tasty street food,
Bargain as much as you can,
Carry a water bottle with you.

Language & Helpful Phrases

The official language of Cambodia is Khmer. Learning a few Cambodian phrases can really help you on your trip. Using these phrases can also be a way of learning and respecting Cambodian culture.

Here are some general phrases:

Hello = suostei
Thank You = saum arkoun
Beer = srabie r
Delicious = chhnganh
Bathroom = bantobtuk
How Much = bonman?
Too Expensive = thlai pek haey
Don’t Want = min chngban
Goodbye = leahaey
Excuse Me attos
Can you speak English? = tae anak ach niyeay pheasaeaangklesa ban te?
I don’t understand = khnhom min yl te

Major Festivals In Cambodia

Since the major population of Cambodia follows Theravada, festivals are related to that. The country does celebrate many festivals respecting Cambodian culture, values and traditions.

Major festivals in Cambodia include:

Cambodian Independence Day: It is celebrated on 9th November, marking Cambodia’s independence from French rule. Cambodians gather around at the Independence Monument in the Capital City and an event is organised to celebrate.

Bon Chol Chhnam Thmei: This is the Khmer New Year, celebrated in MidApril. All work comes to a standstill and the 3 days are celebrated as the end of harvest season. The Khmer people reunite with families, perform purification ceremonies, visit temples and also play traditional games.

Bon Om Touk: This Water & Moon festival marks the change of water flowing direction in the Tonle Sap. Boats are raced down the river and many gather to watch them.

Pchum Ben: This is one of Cambodia’s most important religious festivals, observed for 15 days from September through October. On Ancestor’s Day, the Cambodians pay respect to their ancestors.

Vesak Bochea: On Buddha Day, his three major life events birth, enlightenment and nirvana are celebrated. It is celebrated by praying to Lord Buddha and donating food and clothes to monks.

These are some things you can find useful before planning your trip to Cambodia. Follow this Cambodia Travel Guide 2023 for a successful Cambodia vacation. Moreover, from cheap flights to Phnom Penh, visa to accommodations,Cambodiatour packages and everything in between, we can handle it all.

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