Welcome to Cambodia! Famous for the thousands ancient Khmer temples and the cruelties of the Khmer Rouge. But there is so much more to this tropical country as dead history. Unfortunately most visitors to Cambodia fly in/out at Siem Reap, stay 3 days and visit the famous Angkor Wat. And if they go elsewhere they will visit Phnom Penh for sightseeing along the cruelties of the Khmer Rouge. Take a little bit time to explore this country and be surprised to find friendly people, beautiful beaches, green rain forrest, colonial towns and an abundance of history & culture. Follow me and I will introduce you to a Cambodia most people not see.
For a personal touch of help or for creating your own personal tailor-made holiday together with a local travel specialist, feel free to contact me by email at Your Personal Travel Butler The Little Elephant (free of charge).
Read more about other destinations at DESTINATION TRAVEL GUIDES.
Introduction of Cambodia
Of course you could read Wikipedia about Cambodia but let's give you a management summary. Cambodia is a country in Southeast Asia and bordered by Vietnam in the north and west, by Laos in the north and east and by Thailand in the east. And in the south there is the Gulf of Thailand. Cambodia has a population of about 16 million. The capital city of Cambodia is Phnom Penh and the second largest cities are Siem Reap and Sihanouk Ville.
Cambodia is divided as Central Cambodia (Mekong Lowland), Northwestern (with Siem Reap), Northeastern (with forrests at Ban Lung and Sen Monorom) and Western (Cardomom and Elephant Mountains). The 2 biggest and most famous rivers are the Mekong River and the Tonle Sap (what is partly a lake). Cambodia is the origin of the ancient Khmer Empire and became a French colony as part of French IndoChina (Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam).
Some handy facts :
- Official name : The Kingdom of Cambodia
- Language : Cambodian although some also speak Vietnamese.
- Currency : Riel (RN) with banknotes of 50, 100, 200, 500, 1.000, 2.000, 5.000, 10.000, 20.000, 50.000 and 100.000. And actually there are officially also coins. Besides the Riel also the USD is officially used and even used at ATM's. As tourist you are expected to pay in USD and you will get change back in Riel.
- Capital city : Phnom Penh
- Religion : Most Cambodian are Buddhist and a minority are Christian and Muslim.
Travel Slow
Tourism is booming in Cambodia but before we start exploring Cambodia, the most important thing : Travel Slow!
Not try to see all Cambodia in 2 weeks because all you will see are airports, busses, hotel lobbies and taxies. When traveling slow you will meet more local culture, local people and people will start to recognise you and try to make a chat with you. In that way you will see more of the real Cambodian way of life.
- Limit the places your visit and stay longer at 1 place.
- Travel local and meet local people.
- Remember going van place A to B is about the journey not the destination.
- When planning a travel route have a look at Google Maps and look to the distances you will be traveling.
- Remember that traveling takes more time in Cambodia, especially if you do not know your way.
- Do some research about the places where you are going, it would be a shame if you would walk passing something you would love the see.
- If you come for a second time to Cambodia try to visit some new places but also some places you have been to already.
My Favourite Destinations
My first time to Cambodia was a visa-run to Phnom Penh and I loved the chaos, colonial buildings and the beautiful ancient Khmer art. When going to Cambodia I think you should stay at least 3 nights in Phnom Penh and explore the capital city of Cambodia. I did even write a special Destination Guide Phnom Penh.
I liked Cambodia and came back to explore more of Cambodia. I traveled to Kratie along the Mekong River and Ban Lung (Ratanakiri) in the forests. I took the train to Kep and Kampot along the coast of Cambodia and explored the beach of Sihanouk Ville. One of my favourite upcountry places were Battambang and Kampong Chhnang. Have a look at all my posting about Cambodia.
Beach Destinations
As Cambodia also has a coastline with beaches and tropical islands there are some beautiful beach destinations with serene beaches & crystal clear water. Best time to visit beaches in Cambodia is from November to May. I am not really a beach guy but I will mention a few :
- Long Beach at Koh Rong
- Saracen Bay at Koh Rong Sanloem
- Lazy Beach at Koh Rong Sanloem
- Sunset Beach at Koh Rong Sanloem
- Long Set Beach at Koh Rong
- Lonely Beach at Koh Rong
- Otres Beach at Sihanouk Ville
- Victory Beach at Sihanouk Ville
- Sokha Beach at Sihanouk Ville
- Ream Beach at Sihanouk Ville
- Serendipity Beach at Sihanouk Ville
- Lagoon Beach at Koh Kong 👍🏻
- Coral Beach at Koh Ta Khiev
- Beaches of Koh Sdach
- Beaches of Koh Pos
- Beaches of Koh Thmei
- Beaches of Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island) 👍🏻
Cultural & Historical Destinations
Most people will visit Cambodia to see the world famous Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, but make no mistake ancient temples from the time of the Khmer Empire are all over what we now call Cambodia. As said 90% of the tourists go to 10% of the places. Be that other 10%!
For colonial style architecture and musea the place to go is Phnom Penh with some very nice musea like Cambodian National Museum. I love the Central Market, a beautiful art-deco building.
Nightlife Destinations
The 3 main destinations in Cambodia for nightlife are Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanouk Ville. Nightlife in Phnom Penh is not what it used to be (in)famous for but along the riverside boulevard are pubs, lounges and rooftop bars. The so called hostess bars you will find on Street 130, 104 and 136. And around the casino area you will find up-scale nightlife. In Siem Reap are pubs, lounges and rooftop bars all over town but more bar style places you will find at Pub Street.
Nature & Wildlife Destinations
The most of the beaten track parts of Cambodia are the Northeastern part along the Vietnamese border with Ban Lung and Sen Monorom. And the Southwest part along the Thai border. Cambodia is blessed with many National Parks where nature & wildlife can still be found (although vanishing at a rapid rate). Have a look to :
- Phnom Kulen 👍🏻
- Botum Sakor
- Virachey 👍🏻
- Ream
- Kirirom
- Kep
- Preah Monivong
Personal Recommendations
Cambodian Jeep is a tour company based in Siem Reap that offers up-country tours done with vintage Jeeps. A great way to explore Cambodia in a not so ordinary fashion!
Looking for an off the beaten track accommodation and a sustainable nature trekking? Have a look at Cardamom Tented Camp in the last remaining jungle of Botum Sakor National Park. Highly recommended!
Looking for tours in Cambodia with guide & transport? Have a look at Greenwood Travel, a Bangkok based tour company with more as 20 years experience in Southeast Asia.
Looking for bicycle tours in and around Phnom Penh? Have a look at Grasshopper Adventures, an international bicycle tour company with an office in Phnom Penh. Bicycling is a great way to see the local way of life!
Traveling to Cambodia for the first time?
Traveling for the first time in Cambodia and traveling independently you will probably be shocked by the the chaos. As said most people will fly in at Siem Reap and not see anything else of Cambodia. But I would recommend to fly-in at Phnom Penh and stay at least 3 nights. Explore the Phnom Penh, visit the Central Market, Russian Market, walk in the early morning and late afternoon over the riverside boulevard, see the cruelty of the Khmer Rouget at the Killing Fields and Toul Sleng Museum, vist the Royal Palace, see the Wat Phnom (and just sit a hour in the park), admire the Khmer art at the National Museum, eat Cambodian food or enjoy French cuisine and of course get lost in the small street of Phnom Penh. If you have time stay a little bit longer and explore also the country side of Phnom Penh, you can make great bicycle tours!
If Angkor Wat is your next destination travel over land and travel to Kampong Chhnang (make boat trip) and Battambang. In Battambang make a 2 nights stop in Battambang. You will love Battambang! From Battambang take the boat to Siem Reap.
If you travel time is limited fly-out at from Siem Reap but otherwise travel over land to explore Cambodia and make your way back to Phnom Penh. From Phnom Penh travel to the coast to places like Kampot and Kep. Personally I would skip Sihanouk Ville.
Seasons of Cambodia
Cambodia is like all countries in Southeast Asia warm the all year around but has a rainy season too.
Generally the seasons are :
- May to November : Wet season
- November to February : Dry & Cool season
- March to May : Dry & Hot season
Accommodation in Cambodia
Accommodation in Cambodia goes from cheap & basic guesthouses & hostels up-to the most luxury 5-star resorts and hotels. And you will basically find accommodation everywhere, all over Cambodia. Although the luxury accommodation is limited to popular destinations like Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and beach destinations. Have a look at the accommodation where I did stay when traveling in Cambodia.
Food & Beverages in Cambodia
Food & beverages in Cambodia goes from cheap & simple food carts up-to stylish restaurants on a roof-top. And due to the French colonization you can eat very good French food at main destinations like Siem Reap, Kampot, Battambang and Phnom Penh.
Cambodian food is likened to Thai food but less spicy and I would say even blend. Also be aware that food at street-stalls and small restaurants is not always hygienically made. It took me a few times to realize that always when I came back from Cambodia I had stomach problems.
Some famous Cambodian dishes are Amok (Coconut Curry), Kuy Teav (Noodle soup), Nom Bahn Chok (Noodle Khmer), Samlar Machu, Lap Khmer (Khmer version of Beef Salad), Kampot Crab, Samlar Kari (Chicken Curry) and Lom Lak (Stir fried Beef or Chicken) 👍🏻.
Getting to Cambodia
Getting to Cambodia by Air via :
- Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) about 6 km west of Phnom Penh. Construction of an all new airport is currently going on at Techo Takhamo International Airport about 35 km south of Phnom Penh and is scheduled to open in 2025.
- Siem Reap International Airport (REP) about 10 km from Siem Reap. Although this airport has a new terminal from 2006 and extension in 2008 there is also a new airport being build about 40 km East of Siem Reap said to open in 2023.
- Unfortunately there are no direct flights from Europe or USA to Cambodia but from all major cities in Asia like Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Manila, Hanoi, Doha, Yangon, Tapei, Kunming, Seoul, Beijing and Saigon.
Getting to Cambodia over land :
- Thailand and Cambodia have many border crossings but not all allow international travellers. The most popular are Poipet (Aranyaprathet), Koh Kong (Trat) and Pailin (Ban Pakard). There are busses going straight from Bangkok to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. Although there is a train going from Bangkok to Aranyaphratet in Thailand, there is no train going into Cambodia.
- Laos and Cambodia have a few border crossings but only 1 allows international travellers at Tropaeng Kreil (Nong Nok Khiene).
- Vietnam and Cambodia have many border crossings but only 7 allow international travellers. The most popular are Bavet (Moc Bai), K'am Samnar (Chau Doc) and Prek Chak (Hat Tien). You can cross the border by boat over the Mekong River. And there are busses going from Phnom Penh to Saigon.
Getting around in Cambodia
Getting around in Cambodia :
- By Train but very limited and slow with train lines from Phnom Penh to Kampot or Sihanoek Ville.
- By Air with airports in Phnom Penh, Sihanoek Ville and Siem Reap. And actually there are some more airports but most of them are not commercially used.
- By Car (drive yourself or with a driver) or motorbike. Long time ago Cambodia was famous for having the worst roads of Southeast Asia but nowadays the most main roads are reasonable good and will bring you to all major destinations in Cambodia. But be aware of the chaotic traffic in Cambodia.
- By Bus as there are busses going to all major destinations in Cambodia.
- For safety reasons skip the mini-vans.
Travel Advisory Cambodia
The most important thing when you are going on holiday is your safety. In general Cambodia is just as safe or unsafe as any country in Western Europe or other countries in Southeast Asia. Although must be said that walking at night alone in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap or Sihanouk Ville seems not a good idea. As well as picking a fight in a bar might end very violent. Guns are readily available in Cambodia.
Of course "Act wisely as you would do at home", that means :
- Travel with Travel Insurance
- Be careful with riding a scooter / motorbike
- Don't do drugs or drink excessive alchohol
- Do not offend other people
- Respect the law
- Check the visa rules with your local Cambodian embassy or consulate.
- See also my posting Getting a Visa for Cambodia.
- Before traveling to Cambodia check the regulations US Embassy Service.
- Roads : Traffic can be chaotic in Cambodia, especially in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. When crossing the road do not assume cars or scooters will stop for you. They won't!
- Theft : When traveling by public transport like bus or train be aware of theft.
- Prohibited areas : Military areas and sometimes some border area's are prohibited for traveling. And make no mistake, foreigners have been arrested for this.
- Traveling alone : Although traveling alone can be great, but in some situations / places it is better not to be alone. So avoid that, unfortunately this must be said especially for females (because some males can not control themselves).
- Air quality : Especially in Phnom Penh the air can sometimes be unhealthy. Check the air quality at Air Quality Cambodia.
- Health : Cambodia is not as Western Europe and Dengue / Malaria are still present in some parts of Cambodia. For both are no medicine / vaccines that protect you 100%. As a matter a fact some malaria prophylaxis may be harmful to your health. So best is to try to prevent against mosquitos.
- Danger : Along border area's you could still find (trap on) landmines or other explosive ordeance leftovers from wars with the Khmer Rouge and the Vietnam War.
Where to go next?
- Laos, bordering Cambodia in the north and a great way to explore South Laos.
- Thailand, bordering Cambodia in the west
- Vietnam, bordering Cambodia in the east connecting to Saigon and the Mekong Delta.
Map of Cambodia
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| Map of Cambodia |
Map of Phnom Penh
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| Map of Phnom Penh |
Map of Siem Reap province
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| Map of Siem Reap province |
Disclaimer : All information is created in good faith and is an expression of fair comment.
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