Cambodia
COUNTRY GUIDE

Cambodia

Ancient temples meet warm smiles and emerging modernity

Cambodia hits different. Sure, everyone comes for Angkor Wat - and they should. But stick around and you'll find a country where ancient Khmer temples rise from jungle floors, where street food costs a dollar and tastes like heaven, and where locals greet you with genuine warmth that'll restore your faith in travel.

This isn't Thailand's polished cousin or Vietnam's bustling neighbor. Cambodia moves at its own pace. Monks in orange robes cycle past French colonial buildings. Tuk-tuk drivers become your best friends. And yes, the temples are incredible - but so are the floating villages, the pepper farms of Kampot, and the beaches of Koh Rong where you can still find stretches of sand to yourself.

The infrastructure's improving fast, but Cambodia still rewards the curious traveler over the comfort-seeker. Come now, before everyone else figures out what you're about to discover.

Explore the Region

Map showing 14 destinations
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Cities
14 destinations
Siem Reap is temple central - stay in the Old Market area for easy access to Pub Street and morning temple runs. The Shinta Mani properties offer luxury, while Mad Monkey Hostel keeps backpackers happy for $8 a night. Phnom Penh's Riverside district puts you walking distance from the Royal Palace and the best street food. The Plantation Hotel nails the colonial vibe, or try Onederz Hostel near the Russian Market for budget digs. Kampot town center keeps you close to the river and those famous pepper farms. Captain Chim's Guesthouse has character, while The Columns offers boutique comfort. For islands, Koh Rong's Long Set Beach has the best sunset bars. Koh Rong Samloem stays quieter - Mad Monkey's beach bungalows cost $15 and you'll fall asleep to waves.

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1.Withdraw cash from Canadia Bank or ABA Bank ATMs - they charge the lowest fees and work with most international cards
  • 2.Bargain at markets but not aggressively - start at 50% of asking price for souvenirs, less for food
  • 3.Eat where locals eat - street stalls cost $1-2 per meal while tourist restaurants charge $8-12 for the same dishes
  • 4.Book accommodation directly with hotels rather than booking sites to avoid commission markups
  • 5.Share tuk-tuk rides for temple tours - split $15 between 2-3 people instead of paying solo
  • 6.Buy bus tickets at the station rather than through tour operators who add $3-5 markup
  • 7.Visit temples early morning or late afternoon - some drivers offer half-day rates for $8-10
  • 8.Drink local Angkor beer ($0.50) instead of imported brands ($3-4) at restaurants
  • 9.Shop at local markets like Old Market in Siem Reap or Russian Market in Phnom Penh for authentic prices
  • 10.Use US dollars for large purchases but keep small riel notes for street food and tips

Travel Tips

  • •Bring cash - most places don't accept cards and ATMs can be unreliable outside major cities
  • •Dress modestly at temples - cover shoulders and knees, and remove shoes before entering
  • •Learn basic Khmer greetings - 'Chum reap suor' (hello) goes a long way with locals
  • •Download offline maps - internet can be spotty outside tourist areas
  • •Carry toilet paper and hand sanitizer - public restrooms vary in quality
  • •Book Angkor Wat tickets online in advance to skip morning queues
  • •Pack rain gear even in dry season - afternoon showers happen year-round
  • •Respect photography rules at temples - no flash inside and ask before photographing people
  • •Try local SIM cards - Smart or Cellcard offer better data rates than international roaming
  • •Keep copies of your passport - some accommodations hold originals as deposit
  • •Learn about recent history before visiting genocide sites - it helps process the experience
  • •Tip tuk-tuk drivers who go above and beyond - $1-2 extra makes their day
  • •Avoid elephant rides and animal shows - support ethical wildlife experiences instead
  • •Carry small bills for temples and markets - change can be hard to come by

Frequently Asked Questions

Most nationalities need a visa. You can get a 30-day tourist visa on arrival for $30 or apply online for an e-visa. Bring a passport photo and exact change in US dollars.

Explore Cambodia

Things to Do in CambodiaWhen to Visit Cambodia3 Days in Cambodia7 Days in Cambodia

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