As one of the closest “neighbors” to Vietnam, it would be a pity if you do not travel to Cambodia once in your life. So, where to go, what to do in Cambodia? Let’ check out The ULTIMATE Cambodia travel guide: Top attractions, Best things to do, Eat, Tips & MORE and take note of the tips and guides for traveling to Cambodia in this post!
- Where to visit in Siem Reap: 10+ must visit places in Sieam Reap with tips and best time to visit
- Where to travel in Cambodia? 14+ Best places to visit in Cambodia for your NEXT trip
- Phnom Penh blog: The ultimate guide to Phnom Penh for all kinds of visitors
- Cambodia itinerary 4 days. Suggested ultimate 4 days in Cambodia itinerary
- What to buy in Cambodia? — Top 29+ souvenirs & best things to buy in Cambodia
Are you ready to get lost among the ancient Angkor Wat temples stained with time, enjoy the rich Amok dish and discover the gentle smiles of the people of the Pagoda Land? Let us tell you the complete experience from A-Z to have a complete and memorable trip!
Safety Tips When Traveling to Cambodia
Cambodia is generally a safe country to travel to, especially in big cities like Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, where there is a presence of security forces. However, tourists still need to be careful of some risks such as traffic accidents, pickpockets, and should avoid wandering in remote areas or without a tour guide.
Cambodia travel guide: Where is Cambodia in Southeast Asia?
Cambodia (English name: Cambodia) is located on the Indochina peninsula, in Southeast Asia. This country is famous for possessing a unique ecosystem, gathering many rare animals, the most typical of which are gaurs, elephants and tigers. Cambodia borders three neighboring countries: Thailand (west and northwest), Laos (northeast) and Vietnam (east and southeast). To the south, Cambodia borders the Gulf of Thailand.
Besides nature, the religious factor is also one of the advantages that makes tourists often visit this place. Buddhism is the official religion of this country, with more than 97% of the population being Buddhists. This long-standing religious tradition is clearly demonstrated through countless world-famous temples and pagodas, the most famous of which are Angkor Wat and the Angkor temple complex in Siem Reap.
Cambodia has a beautiful coastline, up to 433km long, so it is very suitable for those who love “golden sunshine, white sand and blue sea”. The official language of Cambodians is Khmer. However, Vietnamese tourists coming to Cambodia for the first time will certainly be surprised to know that many people here are also fluent in Vietnamese.
What is the best season to travel to Cambodia?
Phare, The Cambodian Circus in Siem Reap
The climate in Cambodia is quite similar to Vietnam, so it is hot and humid all year round, with an average temperature of 26.7 degrees Celsius but almost always exceeding 30 degrees. Cambodia has 3 main seasons: rainy season, dry season and summer. If you travel to Cambodia on your own, you should choose to go from November to February of the following year because at this time, the temperature and weather are mild, very suitable for exploring nature.
If you are a culture lover, you should travel to Cambodia on your own in April so as not to miss the Traditional New Year and the extremely special Bom Chaul Chnam Water Festival. You note that you should not travel to Cambodia in July and August because this is the rainy and stormy season, very dangerous and almost impossible to “move”.
How to Get Around in Cambodia?
Interprovincial Bus (From Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia)
Ho Chi Minh – Phnom Penh (Cambodia) Bus and Vice Versa
To go from Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia, you can choose from many popular and reputable bus companies such as Sapaco, Sorya, Kumho, or Long Phuong. These companies often have many trips a day to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, some also have routes to Sihanoukville. In addition, buses in Cambodia are also quite popular for you to travel between regions.
Note: For the most accurate information about office addresses, running times and ticket prices, you should check directly on the company’s website or reputable online booking platforms before your trip.
Tuk-tuk and Motorbike
Private Tuk-Tuk Charter for Siem Reap
To actively explore Cambodia, renting a vehicle is a convenient and flexible option, especially through services like Klook:
Bicycle/Motorbike: This is a cost-effective way to immerse yourself in local life in an authentic way. You can find motorbike rental services at reasonable prices (usually around 200,000 VND/day) in major cities.
Tuk-tuk: Tuk-tuk is a typical and very popular means of transportation. You can rent a tuk-tuk by the day or by the session to visit tourist attractions. Klook provides a private tuk-tuk rental service in Siem Reap, helping you have a convenient trip, without worrying about bargaining and having a private driver.
Rent a Private Car
For groups of 3 or more or families, renting a private car is the most comfortable and economical option, especially when traveling between cities or visiting many places in a day. You can easily book a private car rental service between cities like Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, or rent a private car for a day trip through Klook for a flexible schedule and peace of mind.
Where to visit: Suggestions for Famous Cambodian Tourist Destinations
Angkor Wat – Siem Reap
Phnom Penh Killing Fields & Prison S21 Bus Tour
Over 900 years old, the ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat is still the largest cultural and religious monument in the world. It is not an exaggeration to say that this is the most “worth-visiting” place when traveling to Cambodia on your own.
Spanning a whopping 248 square miles (400 km2), the “identifying feature” of Angkor Wat lies in its extremely impressive architecture, created by sophisticated carvings and the seven-headed cobra Naga statue typical of Hinduism. With such stunning beauty, it is no surprise that Angkor Wat has become a world wonder recognized by UNESCO.
Beng Mealea Temple – Siem Reap
(Free e-SIM) Classic Angkor Wat Sunrise or Sunset Full DayTour
Have you ever been amazed when seeing the image of forgotten temples, hidden in the wild and mysterious nature in Hollywood movies? If so, why not try to live in a movie at Beng Mealea Temple, known as “India Jones’ Sacred Temple”.
Discovered in 1954, Beng Mealea Temple is the resting place of the great King Suryavarman II. Although all that remains here are the ruined bricks and stones, it is not difficult to recognize the grandeur of Beng Mealea Temple in its heyday.
Beng Mealea Private Tour by Tuk-Tuk
This temple covers an area of 108 hectares, located in the middle of a large moat surrounded by three layers of thick walls, guarded by majestic stone gates. Passing through the ruined wall and library to reach the coffin of King Suryavarman II in the center of the temple is a “very something” experience.
Kompong Phluk Floating Village – Siem Reap
Kompong Phluk Floating Village Half-Day Tour
Another representative from Siem Reap: Kampong Phluk floating village. From vast fields, floating markets, mangrove trees with strangely twisted roots to wooden houses on the river up to 9 meters high, all give you an overview of the gentle and poetic Cambodian countryside.
Koh Rong Samloem Island – Sihanoukville
Don’t forget to immerse yourself in the wild nature and the unique bioluminescent plankton system at Koh Rong Samloem Island. In the morning, the island looks like a green gem, floating in the vast ocean and receiving the warm sunlight. Sunset is also the ideal time for visitors to experience the feeling of “swimming among the stars” with the unique bioluminescent plankton diving activity. You don’t miss it!
Kampot City
Located in southern Cambodia, this beautiful small city is located on the banks of the Kampong Bay River and near the Gulf of Thailand. Coming here, visitors will enjoy the peaceful space of the riverside countryside and admire the beautiful scenery.
The city is famous for its remarkable attractions, including Bokor Mountain with its unspoiled French colonial architecture, Phnom Chhnork Cave, the famous ancient bridge over the Kampong Bay River and Kampot Railway Station. If you like to explore mysteries or simply take “deep dip” photos, this is the perfect destination for you.
Tonle Sap Lake or Great Lake of Cambodia – Siem Reap
Amazon Angkor Restaurant Apsara Cultural Show and Dinner
Tonle Sap – the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia – is a world-class biosphere reserve recognized by UNESCO. The lake’s main feature is its ability to change direction according to the season. If during the period from November to May of the following year, the lake water flows to the Mekong River, then from June, the flow changes direction, causing the lake area to suddenly become larger.
Private City Transfers between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh
Because of this feature, the ecosystem in Tonle Sap Lake is extremely diverse, being the “common home” of countless large river fish species such as catfish, climbing fish, snakehead fish, fishing fish… with large reserves, accounting for 75% of fish production for consumers nationwide. Quite a few Cham and Vietnamese people are living here, with the main occupation being fishing and aquaculture.
Sambor Prei Kuk
Kulen Waterfall & 1000 Lingas Tour with Local Lunch
Sambor Prei Kuk, a relic site with more than 100 temples hidden in the green forest, is one of the first temples to appear in Asia, built in the 7th century to worship the Hindu god Shiva. Over time, some temples have been forgotten and swallowed by the jungle. Ancient trees grow and strong roots surround the temples, creating beautiful and mysterious scenes that you cannot miss.
Bokor Plateau
Angkor Wat Full Day Tour with Monk Blessing
Bokor Plateau, also known as “Ta Lon Mountain,” located south of Phnom Penh, is a special destination that is likened to a ghost town. It combines ancient structures and ruins from the French colonial period and mysterious stories of ancient hermits.
For travelers who are passionate about adventure and discovery, Bokor is a great destination. It offers a wonderful combination of beautiful wild natural landscapes and a bit of horror. Try conquering the top of Bokor Mountain to see the beautiful scenery of Cambodia from a unique and impressive perspective.
Banlung
Quad Bike Adventure in Siem Reap
Banlung is located in the heart of the wild forest, a harmonious connection between people and nature, an ideal destination for adventurous souls who want to discover new things. Don’t be absorbed in the magical beauty of Yeak Loam volcanic lake, but immerse yourself in the vibrant life of the weaving village here.
Capital Phnom Penh
(Free eSM) Phnom Penh Historical Tour
Phnom Penh, once known as the most beautiful city in Indochina during the French colonial period, still retains its distinctive architectural features from the past. The city has undergone many changes over time, but still retains the beautiful images of ancient and modern architectural works.
Cooking Class in Garden Pavilion
Famous destinations in Phnom Penh tours include the National Museum with its precious treasures, the Royal Palace with the splendor of royal culture, the Four-Faced River Square famous for its unique architecture and not to forget the bustling, bustling night market.
What to eat: Cambodian Delicacies You Shouldn’t Miss
Steamed Fish Amok
What makes steamed fish Amok more special than the usual steamed fish dish is the blend of flavors between typical Cambodian ingredients, such as prohock sauce, ginger, palm sugar, coconut milk and star fruit leaves. This is a traditional dish of the local people, it sounds simple but the preparation process is very elaborate and sophisticated.
Khmer Beef Salad
Koh Ker and Beng Mealea Day Tour
Khmer beef salad or Lap Khmer has a sour and spicy taste that is easy to eat, sipping with a little wine is truly incomparable. This dish is prepared by marinating thinly sliced raw beef with lime juice; then, mix well with dried onions, garlic, lemongrass, fish sauce and spices. The recipe is simple but the result is very “addictive”!
Red Ants Stir-fried with Beef
Siem Reap: Apsara Dance Show, Buffet Dinner and Hotel Pickup
Many tourists “hesitate” when hearing the name of this dish. However, delicacies made from insects are actually “common” for the locals. To make red ant stir-fried with beef, the cook must find ants of “huge” size, from 2cm to 3cm, then stir-fry them with thinly sliced beef, basil, shallots and many other spices.
Pork Rice
In Cambodia, a simple dish that still makes people’s hearts flutter is grilled pork. Local people cleverly utilize this pork by slicing it thinly and grilling it thoroughly over hot coals, creating a very attractive dish.
To make the grilled pork more flavorful, many places will marinate it with delicious coconut milk or chopped garlic, creating a unique and delicious flavor. After being grilled, the meat will be served with a bowl of soft broken rice, fresh cucumber, crispy radish and fresh ginger for more appeal.
Khmer Red Curry
Khmer Cooking Class at a Local’s Home
An indispensable dish on the culinary map when traveling to Cambodia is the unique and delicious Khmer red curry. This typical curry is made from coconut milk, does not use chili powder like Thai curry and is often cooked with meats such as beef, fish, chicken combined with a variety of vegetables such as eggplant, long beans, potatoes and lemongrass with a spice called kroeung.
Frequently Asked Questions When Traveling to Cambodia on Your Own
Do I need a visa to travel to Cambodia?
According to current regulations, Vietnamese citizens are exempt from visas when entering Cambodia for tourism purposes for a stay of no more than 30 days.
What is the currency of Cambodia and what other currencies can be used?
The main currency is Ria (1000 Ria ≈ 5900 VND). The US dollar (USD) is also very popular, and some places also accept payment in Vietnamese Dong (VND).
Is it easy to buy a SIM card in Cambodia?
SIM cards are easy to buy in stores. However, you should book online in advance to ensure you buy a genuine SIM card, avoiding price increases or expired SIM cards.
What is the weather like in Cambodia and what should you prepare?
The weather in Cambodia is quite hot, especially when going to the beach. Bring thin, sweat-absorbent clothes and sunscreen as an indispensable item.
Should I take a taxi?
Taxis are not as popular as in Vietnam. You can rent a taxi by the day or by the session with a pre-agreed price. You should book a private car through reputable services to avoid being “overcharged.”
Do you need to pay attention to prices when shopping in Cambodia?
The haggling situation is quite serious, prices are often increased 2 to 3 times. You should only take out your wallet when you need to buy food or small souvenirs, you should not buy high-value items.
Are there any taboos in local culture that should be avoided?
Absolutely do not touch children’s heads because that is a place that only parents are allowed to touch. Also, do not give things with your left hand because Cambodians believe that the left hand is “unclean”.
When visiting temples in Cambodia, what should you pay attention to about clothing and behavior?
Choose modest clothing to show respect for the local culture. Avoid getting close to or touching monks.
With this guide, we believe you are ready to travel to this land of natural and cultural splendor.
Plan your trip to Cambodia now!
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Phnom Penh you can refer to
- Shared Bus Transfers from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh, Kampot, or Kep by Giant Ibis
- Shared Bus Transfer between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh by Giant Ibis
- Private Phnom Penh International Airport Transfers (PNH) for Phnom Penh
- Phnom Penh Half Day City Trip with Shared Van
- Phnom Penh Half Day Cycling Tour
- Hidden Phnom Penh City Tour
- Phnom Penh Heritage Tour
- Phnom Penh Past and Present Half Day Tour
- Phnom Penh Heritage Tour in Cambodia
- Phnom Penh Historical Tour
- Phnom Penh Killing Fields & S21 Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum Tour
- Classic Phnom Penh Tour
Are you finding more top things to do in Phnom Penh: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Phnom Penh shopping — Top 8 best shops, markets & shopping malls in Phnom Penh you must visit. And Siem Reap travel blog — The fullest Siem Reap travel guide for a budget trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia.
