CAMBODIA
Cambodia is a country mainly known for two things. #1: The Cambodian Genocide. I suggest reading or watching “First They Killed My Father” before your visit. This will give you context as to what happened in this Asian nation in the 1970s and during the regime of the Khmer Rouge. #2: Angkor Wat. One of the largest religious monuments in the world, Angkor Wat stretches over 500 acres and certainly warrants a lengthy visit! In addition to Angkor Wat, Cambodia is also home to remote islands, the Cardamom Mountains, untamed nightlife, and more!
Updated COVID-19 Travel Information:
Currency:
The official currency of Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel (KHR) (៛), but U.S. Dollars are accepted everywhere. If you purchase something in USD and get change back in Cambodian Riel, you can keep them as a souvenir or use them to buy something inexpensive - like water or fruit.
$1 USD = 4,050 KHR
Pricing for Leisure Travelers:
Average Hotel Expenses = ៛142,000-៛202,000/Night ($35-$50 USD/Night)
Average Food/Drink Expenses = ៛61,000-៛122,000/Day ($15-$30 USD/Day)
Pricing for Backpackers:
Average Hostel Expenses = ៛20,000-៛61,000/Night ($5-$15 USD/Night)
Average Food/Drink Expenses = ៛20,000-៛61,000/Day ($5-$15 USD/Day)
Communication:
Khmer is the official language of Cambodia although French and English are widely spoken throughout the country as well. I had no issues communicating with people during my stay in Cambodia.
Transportation:
Bus: Traveling by bus is relatively simple throughout all of Southeast Asia and Cambodia isn’t an exception (especially via BookMeBus). Buses come in and out of Phnom Penh from various cities multiple times per day. If you plan to travel from one side of the country to another, you’ll likely have to go through Phnom Penh to transfer buses.
Tuk-Tuk: Barter, barter, barter. Tuk-tuk prices are very negotiable (as well as anything you buy in the markets and sometimes even meal prices)!
Airplane: You can also find some pretty good flight deals. I flew from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap in 45 minutes for $24 USD compared to the bus which would have taken 6 hours and cost $10 USD.
Miscellaneous:
You are not required to be vaccinated before visiting any countries in Southeast Asia but I was recommended by a travel doctor to get the following shots and prescriptions:
Hepatitis A (shot)
Hepatitis B (shot)
Malaria (prescription for Mefloquine pills)
Traveler’s Diarrhea (Imodium pills to use just in case)
Typhoid (shot)
You can obtain your tourist visa upon arrival into any Cambodian airport for $33 USD. It’s super simple!
Water: Do not drink out of the tap anywhere. Be sure to use a filtered, reusable water bottle (or buy bottled water) because it gets hot out there! A big water bottle shouldn’t run you more than a $1-$1.50 USD. Some hostels will let you refill your water bottle for pennies on the dollar, too.
