Cambodia Travel Guide
So you want to visit Cambodia? I am jealous. Having had one of the most special times in Cambodia, I have put together this comprehensive itinerary guide to the country with all my top tips, recommended activities with personal experience reviews, best restaurants and best places to stay.
For each itinerary, I have put the simplistic view of activities for each day. This is for ease of reading and use. If you want to dive into exactly what each activity is and my personal experience, please click on the activity and it will take you to that part of the page – or just scroll down! While these itineraries offer suggested timelines, feel free to mix and match activities to create your perfect trip. Explore the detailed regional reviews below for inspiration and time estimates. Save this page or download the offline PDF to plan your dream adventure. Happy Exploring!
Before you get started – below some things you need to know/must do before visiting Cambodia.
Have you been vaccinated?
Musts:
- Typhoid, Hep A and Tetanus
Maybe:
- Hep B (if you plan on having any tattoos, or will be exposed to the possible exchange of blood (sex/blood transfusions etc),
- Rabies (if you anticipate getting up close and personal with dogs/monkeys)
Low risk (probably not needed):
- Cholera and Japanese Encephalitis
Do you have travel money?
Cambodia, whilst becoming an increasingly more popular tourist spot, is still a developing country. Do not expect to be able to pay with card at many places.
The country takes US Dollars and Cambodian Riel as their currencies, and both can be used everywhere. The Cambodian riel is not an internationally tradeable currency and you will unlikely be able to get any before entering the country, so stock up on US Dollars before coming!
What time of year is best to go?
Dry Season (November to April): The most popular time to visit, with clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and minimal rainfall. However, this is the most expensive time to visit.
Wet Season (May to October): The wet season has its own charm. The countryside is lush and green, waterfalls are flowing, and there are fewer crowds at popular sites. Prices for accommodation and tours are also lower during this period.
I visited at the height of the wet season in July and it was not a limiter at all! Showers were intense but short and I still got to tick off everything on my bucket list!
Beginner phrases that are good to know!
Thank you – “Arkun” (Ar-koon)
Hello – “Susadei” (Soos-a-day)
How much should I expect to spend?
For a total of 14 days in Cambodia, I spent £445 inclusive of all food, accommodation, and travel costs. I rented scooters most days and ate out for every meal. It is extremely affordable. You can get away with paying as little as £2 per night in some blue chip hostels here. Incredible. Some benchmark prices to compare against:
Extreme budget – £15 per day
Enjoying all there is to offer – £30 per day
Living in luxury – £50 per day
What about VISAS?
You can apply for an e-visa up to 4 days prior to your arrival in Cambodia. This can be done here: https://www.evisa.gov.kh/. This costs $36 and also has a processing fee of $6.
If you don’t obtain an e-visa, you can obtain VISA on arrival but this MUST be paid in cash. I did this and it was simple and easy. Some people had an issue with the e-visa when they arrived so I would recommend this. This comes at a cost of $36. This is valid for 30 days. See above for cash requirements.
My Cambodia Top Tips!
- You can get free beer in Cambodia! With each ring pull of a Cambodia beer can, you have the chance to win a free beer, free cash or even a free motorbike?!?
- Between Kampot and Sihanoukville, TAKE THE TRAIN. The road between these two places is extremely rough which leaves a lot of people feeling sick and often massively delays the journey. The train is shorter, cheaper and more comfortable.
- Like to party? Make sure to visit Koh Rong on a Saturday to go to the famous ‘Nestival’ – a mini festival held by the ‘Nest’ hostel with beach Olympics, drinking games, fireworks and DJ’s into the night.
- Bring 100-200 US dollars and then once in the country, visit an ATM that dispenses Cambodian Riel as you will find the rates of paying with Riel are slightly better than the Dollar at just about everywhere (only by a small amount though!)
- Don’t stay in Sihanoukville. The once….
What To Pack?
Check out my video below for a comprehensive packing video on everything you need to take travelling to South East Asia. Non specific to Cambodia but will cover everything you need! One thing to note is that if you are travelling in the rainy season, poncho’s are a must and be purchased at nearly every local store for pennies
Staying Connected
SIM Card information here
Siem Reap
While Phnom Penh isn’t my favourite city, I believe every person who travels through Cambodia must visit for its cultural and historical significance. You owe it to the people of Cambodia. Expect a sombre but essential half-day dedicated to understanding the Khmer Rouge and the country’s tragic past. However, I strongly suggest allocating no more than a day or two for Phnom Penh.
Things to do
⭐ Angkor Wat – $37 – early wake up at 4am to see this at sunrise. Can do with a guide or can get someone in a tuk tuk to take you around all the temples for the entire day for between 20-40 dollars. If you split this with friends it’s a bargain. I would massively recommend a guide though because you learn so much more. Angkor Wat isn’t a single temple too it’s the largest temple complex in the world. Some people do 3 or even 5 day tickets here so they can see all of them and fully immerse myself. Whilst visiting this world wonder was incredible, 8 hours of temples in one day was enough for me. I’d recommend doing 1 day and fully committing to it instead of getting the 3 day ticket, especially if you are tight for time.
⭐ House of Strays – FREE – this is a lovely charity that takes in homeless/stray dogs and nurtures them back to health. They do multiple tours throughout the day and take you through their whole operation, and let you play with all the dogs. They have different coloured dogs, for nervous ones, dogs that are reluctant to be loved by humans, dogs that want to play with you and sick dogs. They also have a cat enclosure! This was a super unique day out that I cant recommend enough. Make sure to tip
Siem Reap Market – FREE – selling all kinds of souvenirs and local items. This is a great place to buy cheap, thin long trousers as these are necessary to visit the Angkor Wat temples! I also make sure to buy a keyring in every country I visit so this was a perfect place to pick up trinkets
Pub Street – FREE or $$$ – Self described. This is a street lined with pubs and bars and is where Siem Reap comes alive from about 8/9pm every evening until late. Pick up drinks from $1 here. All hostels will do nights out here so you wont miss it!
Bomb Defusing Rats (APOPO Humanitarian Demining) – FREE – Cambodia has a very dark history which you will learn about primarily in Phnom Penh at the Tuol Seng Museum and killing fields, but at APOPO Humanitarian demining you will get up close with some of the expertly trained rats who are still working hard to clear the country of the millions of landmines planted during the Vietnam war. Amazing picture opportunities here with the chance to hold these gentle but rather oversized rats who possess very unique skills…
Check out one of the days in my life that I had whilst travelling Siem Reap – hopefully it gives you some inspiration!
Places to Eat
Nicks Restaurant
Angkor Hand-Pulled Noodles and Dumplings
Places to Stay
Lub D – £4 per night – This was the first hostel I stayed in on my travels and is the perfect blend of social and calm. The hostel is absolutely massive so if you do not want to be in the mix of things at the bar, it is very easy to remove yourself from it. Lots of poolside games each night and super easy to organise tours for all activities in Siem Reap. Rooms were very comfortable with massive beds and plenty of space for storage
Mad Monkey –
Chiller one here
Special Notes
Phnom Penh
While Phnom Penh isn’t my favourite city, I believe every person who travels through Cambodia must visit for its cultural and historical significance. You owe it to the people of Cambodia. Expect a somber but essential half-day dedicated to understanding the Khmer Rouge and the country’s tragic past. However, I strongly suggest allocating no more than a day or two for Phnom Penh.
Things to do
⭐️Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum – COST – A trip to the S21 Prison used by the Khmer Rouge during the genocide in Cambodia is harrowing but absolutely necessary when visiting the country. A lesser known historical atrocity, but visiting the museum is a very respectful way to learn about the atrocities that occurred during the rule of the Khmer Rouge at one of their most brutal prisons. An absolute must visit. (1/2 hours)
⭐️Choeung Ek Killing Fields – COST – pair this with the visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. It is better to visit the museum first to learn about exactly what happened before seeing it first hand in the killing fields. This is an extremely tough visit but I do very strongly recommend that you add it to your itinerary. Please refrain from taking pictures at both the killing fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide museum out of respect for the individuals and families still afflicted to this day. (1/2 hours)
Central Market – FREE – perfect place for souvenir shopping, the central market in the centre of Phnom Penh has everything from street food to luxury jewellery at cost. If you are looking for a Rolex watch for $50, this is the place for it. Don’t be afraid to bargain the prices! (1 hour max)
Places to Eat
Having not spent too many nights here – recommendations are slim!
Phnom Penh Night Market – best spot in town for some very inexpensive local food.
There is not a huge variation but can recommend to pick up a quick snack or
dessert.
Places to Stay
Mad Monkey – £6 per night – Whilst I am not the biggest fan of all the Mad Monkey hostels (I tend to try avoid any hostel that brands itself as a party hostel) this one is kitted out with amazing social spaces, good tours, a pool and amazing staff. It is also the first ever Mad Monkey hostel, so if that prestige means anything to you, it’s worth a short stay for 1/2 nights! You will make friends here.
Onederz – £5 per night – With an amazing location on the waterfront, if you can’t imagine yourself in a ‘party’ hostel like Mad Monkey this is your next best bet. You will find a friendly, relaxed social atmosphere in a prime location, right next to a nightly food market and overlooking the river through Phnom Penh. A bargain for £5 a night.
Special Notes
If there are any films releasing in cinemas that you want to see, Phnom Penh boasts a wide range of cinemas including IMAX screens at extremely cheap costs!
Kampot
While Phnom Penh isn’t my favourite city, I believe every person who travels through Cambodia must visit for its cultural and historical significance. You owe it to the people of Cambodia. Expect a somber but essential half-day dedicated to understanding the Khmer Rouge and the country’s tragic past. However, I strongly suggest allocating no more than a day or two for Phnom Penh.
Things to do
⭐️Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum – COST – A trip to the S21 Prison used by the Khmer Rouge during the genocide in Cambodia is harrowing but absolutely necessary when visiting the country. A lesser known historical atrocity, but visiting the museum is a very respectful way to learn about the atrocities that occurred during the rule of the Khmer Rouge at one of their most brutal prisons. An absolute must visit. (1/2 hours)
⭐️Choeung Ek Killing Fields – COST – pair this with the visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. It is better to visit the museum first to learn about exactly what happened before seeing it first hand in the killing fields. This is an extremely tough visit but I do very strongly recommend that you add it to your itinerary. Please refrain from taking pictures at both the killing fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide museum out of respect for the individuals and families still afflicted to this day. (1/2 hours)
Central Market – FREE – perfect place for souvenir shopping, the central market in the centre of Phnom Penh has everything from street food to luxury jewellery at cost. If you are looking for a Rolex watch for $50, this is the place for it. Don’t be afraid to bargain the prices! (1 hour max)
Places to Eat
Having not spent too many nights here – recommendations are slim!
Phnom Penh Night Market – best spot in town for some very inexpensive local food.
There is not a huge variation but can recommend to pick up a quick snack or
dessert.
Places to Stay
Mad Monkey – £6 per night – Whilst I am not the biggest fan of all the Mad Monkey hostels (I tend to try avoid any hostel that brands itself as a party hostel) this one is kitted out with amazing social spaces, good tours, a pool and amazing staff. It is also the first ever Mad Monkey hostel, so if that prestige means anything to you, it’s worth a short stay for 1/2 nights! You will make friends here.
Onederz – £5 per night – With an amazing location on the waterfront, if you can’t imagine yourself in a ‘party’ hostel like Mad Monkey this is your next best bet. You will find a friendly, relaxed social atmosphere in a prime location, right next to a nightly food market and overlooking the river through Phnom Penh. A bargain for £5 a night.
Special Notes
If there are any films releasing in cinemas that you want to see, Phnom Penh boasts a wide range of cinemas including IMAX screens at extremely cheap costs!
Will Triccas
Explorer, Content Creator, Technologist
Kampot
While Phnom Penh isn’t my favourite city, I believe every person who travels through Cambodia must visit for its cultural and historical significance. You owe it to the people of Cambodia. Expect a somber but essential half-day dedicated to understanding the Khmer Rouge and the country’s tragic past. However, I strongly suggest allocating no more than a day or two for Phnom Penh.
Things to do
⭐️Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum – COST – A trip to the S21 Prison used by the Khmer Rouge during the genocide in Cambodia is harrowing but absolutely necessary when visiting the country. A lesser known historical atrocity, but visiting the museum is a very respectful way to learn about the atrocities that occurred during the rule of the Khmer Rouge at one of their most brutal prisons. An absolute must visit. (1/2 hours)
⭐️Choeung Ek Killing Fields – COST – pair this with the visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. It is better to visit the museum first to learn about exactly what happened before seeing it first hand in the killing fields. This is an extremely tough visit but I do very strongly recommend that you add it to your itinerary. Please refrain from taking pictures at both the killing fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide museum out of respect for the individuals and families still afflicted to this day. (1/2 hours)
Central Market – FREE – perfect place for souvenir shopping, the central market in the centre of Phnom Penh has everything from street food to luxury jewellery at cost. If you are looking for a Rolex watch for $50, this is the place for it. Don’t be afraid to bargain the prices! (1 hour max)
Places to Eat
Having not spent too many nights here – recommendations are slim!
Phnom Penh Night Market – best spot in town for some very inexpensive local food.
There is not a huge variation but can recommend to pick up a quick snack or
dessert.
Places to Stay
Mad Monkey – £6 per night – Whilst I am not the biggest fan of all the Mad Monkey hostels (I tend to try avoid any hostel that brands itself as a party hostel) this one is kitted out with amazing social spaces, good tours, a pool and amazing staff. It is also the first ever Mad Monkey hostel, so if that prestige means anything to you, it’s worth a short stay for 1/2 nights! You will make friends here.
Onederz – £5 per night – With an amazing location on the waterfront, if you can’t imagine yourself in a ‘party’ hostel like Mad Monkey this is your next best bet. You will find a friendly, relaxed social atmosphere in a prime location, right next to a nightly food market and overlooking the river through Phnom Penh. A bargain for £5 a night.
Special Notes
If there are any films releasing in cinemas that you want to see, Phnom Penh boasts a wide range of cinemas including IMAX screens at extremely cheap costs!
Will Triccas
Explorer, Content Creator, Technologist
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