Phnom Penh

What To Wear In Cambodia – The Perfect Packing List

October 12, 2019 by admin 6 Comments

Going to Cambodia for the first time and wondering what to wear in Cambodia? When it comes to what to pack for Cambodia for any season, its best to pack lightweight clothing and natural fabrics. The dress code in Cambodia is fairly relaxed but remember that many of the temples are still frequented by Buddhas so best to be respectable and wear suitable clothing. Also, be sure to read my post on things to know before visiting Cambodia for other things to be aware of in planning a trip to Cambodia.

As for what to wear in Cambodia when not temple running you can wear pretty much whatever you want, within reason. However, it is advisable to cover arms and legs in the evenings because of biting insects. Also if you are visiting temples, particularly Angkor Wat, because of the moat, there is a high risk of mosquitoes. I had quite a few bits on my legs so make sure you are covered and bring repellent. More on this and other things to pack for your trip to Cambodia continue reading. Below is a packing list for Cambodia in addition to some essential items to pack whether visiting Cambodia in December, January or even July.

What To Pack For Cambodia / What To Wear In Cambodia

Whether an itinerary trip for 7 days in Cambodia or longer, Cambodia is a tropical place and as a result, it is always sunny all year round, hence, your packing list for travel to Cambodia should consist of light clothes. Pack t-shirts, tank tops, shorts(not for temples), free trousers, beach shirts, maxi dresses, etc.

It is important to note that Cambodia is a mostly Buddhist country with conservative people who believe in modest dressing.

Most Cambodians don’t wear anything that will expose their shoulders and knees. Bear in mind that while it’s not common, you may not be allowed to enter the temples if your shoulders and knees are not covered. Whether you are putting together the perfect Cambodia backpacking packing list, its best to include some short and long-sleeved items.

Weather In Cambodia

Cambodia has two distinctive seasons; the rainy season from June to October and the dry season from November to May. Travelling during the rainy season has its benefits as the temple moats in Siem Reap are full, making for great photos but during the dry season, they artificially fill them which can be a bit of a disappointment as I learned. Visiting Cambodia in the dry season, in my opinion, is a lot easier, especially when it comes to exploring the temples which have a somewhat jungle terrain that you don’t want to do in wet seasons. The temperatures for the most part in all seasons of Cambodia remain around 30-35°C during the day time.

The northeast monsoon season: This lasts from December to April, and the weather is dry and sunny. Be sure to bring your sunglasses and a portable fan although you can buy the latter cheaply at the markets while shopping for souvenirs in Cambodia. Bring some lip balm too because of the dryness. When it comes to what to wear in Cambodia in April and during this season remember, the weather gets very hot, so pack light and airy items that aren’t too revealing.

The southwest monsoon season: From May to November, the rains start. September and October are especially rainy, so bring waterproof items and an umbrella. That weather is also more humid in this period. You will get some dry spells so just bear in mind when thinking of what to pack for Cambodia in February, March or May.

Cambodia Packing List

Dresses – Maxi dresses and midis.
Sarong – this is a traditional Cambodian wrapper that can serve as a curtain, a blanket, etc. You can also tie it around your waist to cover up to your knee when you want to visit any temple in the country.
Scarf or light wrap – you can use this for covering your shoulders when visiting temples of in the evenings when the temperature drops.
Sun Hat – great for protection against the sun. You can take more than one to match with your dressing.
Sunglasses – an essential item you need to have with you when you are in the tropics.
Swimwear – there are many beautiful beaches in the country, going to Cambodia and not experiencing its beaches is like cutting off half of the fun. Pack your swimwear with you and have as much fun as you can.
Flip flops and comfortable walking sandals – beaches are sandy, hence no other footwear but flip flops can make you comfortable.
Comfortable walking shoes – these will make comfortable walking around the temples, pack one or two, depending on how long you intend to stay in Cambodia.
Waterproof Jacket– while it may be sunny every day in Cambodia, you may get rain, especially if you go there during the rainy season. Better prepared than sorry, right?
Cardigan – the weather will often get cold at night, especially during the rainy season and because you will be surrounded by trees. Take a sweatshirt or hoodie, anything that can prevent you from getting cold.

Other Essentials To Pack For Cambodia

Duffel bag or backpack – Osprey backpacks are quite popular for trips because of the convenience they provide. Get one main backpack that is big enough for all your load, and a smaller one that you can carry around when you’re in Cambodia.
Unblocked phone – Buy or bring an unlocked phone that can work with a Cambodian sim card.
Universal charger – Well, you don’t want to get to Cambodia and start looking for where you can buy one. So, pack a universal charger with you.
Universal adapter – You also need this to make it easier for you to plug in your devices to sockets and extensions.
Power bank – You may be out hiking and need to recharge your phone or may be in a location where there’s no electricity.
Travel Torch – This will be a backup for your mobile phone torch. Essential if you want to head to Angkor Wat for sunrise. People get there when its still very dark. Pro-Tip. Scope out a good spot the day before if possible.

Stay Healthy – Essentials To Pack For Cambodia

Mosquito repellent – Cambodia is a tropical country and that means that there are always mosquitoes in both daytime and nighttime. To avoid mosquito bite and itchiness from their bites, take a mosquito repellent with you. Make sure you have enough to last you all your time in the country. Also, consider wearing mosquito repellent wristbands.
Sunscreen – there are two weather seasons in Cambodia, rainy season which starts from May to September, and dry season which starts from November to March. However, the weather season doesn’t matter so much because the sun in Cambodia is always brutally scorching all year long. So, take your favourite sunscreen with you.
Medication – taking with you essential drugs when travelling is a life hack, it helps to manage well during health emergencies. For example, Cambodia meals may be tasty, but your body may react poorly to them. To be on the safe side, you can pack drugs for indigestion such as Gaviscon, and Imodium for diarrhea.
Hand sanitizer – you won’t always have clean water and soap with you when you are enjoying the beautiful sceneries of Cambodia. Hand sanitizer will come handy when you need to rid your hands off germs.
Travel first aid kit – get this at a pharmacy in your country before you board the plane. You will need it when you get small cuts and bruises. Items in it, such as spirit for cleaning bruises and band-aids, can protect against infections.
Toiletries – shampoo, conditioner, razors, shaving powder, deodorant, tampons, sanitary pads, etc. Take as much as you need for all your time in the country so you don’t run out of toiletries.
LifeStraw – this is for filtering water before you drink.

Note: It’s not advisable to drink tap water but bottled mineral water in safe and available pretty much everywhere. Also, keep in mind when buying drinks in cafes or restaurants they some may serve it with ice cubes. Ask if they use tap water otherwise avoid them altogether.

Foldable Reusable Water Bottle – stay hydrated!(Easy to pack too)
Get Travel insurance – while Cambodia has become one of the most loved tourist destinations in the world, it is still far behind on social amenities such as health. To be on the safe side, sign up for a travel health insurance that covers Cambodia before you board the plane. Should you need healthcare, your insurance will cover you – giving that the nearest standard healthcare you will get is in Bangkok, Thailand.

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Cambodia Itinerary For 7 Days – How To Spend 1 Week In Cambodia

October 1, 2019 by admin 17 Comments

When it comes to visiting Cambodia to fully experience what the country has to offer one has to work through a Cambodia itinerary for 7 Days covering 3 of the popular cities. Steeped in Khmer history, cultures and friendly people too.

The fact that the country is super cheap is a bonus too. Below I will take you through how to spend 1 week in Cambodia, covering everything from exploring the Angkor Wat park and the beautiful temples in Siem Reap that you need to visit.

Then there are things to do in Siem Reap beyond temples which I have covered in more detail on the blog but will reference in this itinerary for Cambodia.

So if you are looking for how to plan a trip to Cambodia, this is the post for you! You are not only getting a Phnom Penh and Siem Reap itinerary but also a quick stop in sihanoukville too.

Cambodia is such an amazing country with plenty to offer in terms of adventures, relaxation and exploring.

If you want to explore on a budget, Cambodia allows that in spades, if you have a budget with no major limitations, there is also luxury too. You can have an adventure-packed week in Cambodia for not a lot of money.

How much you spend in Cambodia really depends on your budget, your style of travel as well as how long your trip is but to give you an idea of accommodation costs in Cambodia.

I have also covered best places to stay in Siem Reap which details hostel accommodation which can be as low as $5 for a bed a night as well as mid-range and luxury hotels which can be upwards of $100 night.

Have a look at that post for additional details. So just what can you do in Cambodia? Well, let’s get into that, shall we?

How To Get To Cambodia For Your 7 Day Trip

Before we get stuck into Cambodia suggested itinerary, there are many ways to get to Cambodia. During this trip, we had travelled around Asia and had been to Beijing and Kuala Lumpur before arriving in Cambodia and then leaving for Thailand.

While you are in Asia you also have the option exploring Laos which can be easily done via a Cambodia-Laos van transfer.

Flights to Cambodia: There direct flights arriving from Bangkok to Cambodia, Kuala Lumpur, Hanoi, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, Manila, Singapore, Pakse, Nanning, Wuhan, Tianjin, Seoul and Luang Prabang. Airlines like AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Cambodia Angkor Air, Cebu Pacific Air, China Eastern Air, Jet Star Asia, Korean Air, Lao Airlines, Silk Air, Sky Angkor Airlines and Vietnam Airlines.

Many of these airlines offer great rates for flights, I believe we paid no more than £70 for flights 2 one way flights with Air Asia. There are several daily flights with each of these airlines.

To book flights I would recommend searching on Expedia which will list most of these if not all. Obviously the more in advance you book the cheaper the flight prices.

Visa For Cambodia: Also not that most people will need a visa for Cambodia, I covered this in a little more detail in my post on things to know when visiting Cambodia.

The long and short of it is that if you are an American(USA), coming from Europe including UK(Brexit or not), you will need a visa to visit Cambodia! You can get an e-visa or visa on arrival.

Bring cash for this as you have to pay $30 for the visa, also bring with you a passport photo. Bring two just in case. Especially for those doing long term travel in the region and therefore might want to return again. For tips on the Cambodia visa on arrival click here.

Cambodia Itinerary For 7 Days

Cambodia has 3 main airports but the main hubs are Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, the other is Sihanoukville but is much smaller.

The 7-day itinerary for Cambodia starts in Siem Reap for temple running, then moving on from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville which is a well-established beach resort town for relaxation and island hopping.

Then from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh.

I have written the Cambodia trip itinerary this way as it makes leaving for another country or another city from Phnom Penh much easier considering the international airport in the city.

You can, of course, start the Cambodia itinerary from Phnom Penh then Siem Reap and then leave the relaxation to the end of the trip in Sihanoukville.

The all depends on where you are arriving from to start the trip.

Day 1 In Siem Reap

Once you have arrived in Siem Reap, checked in to your hotel and refreshed up, I would strongly advise you to seek help from your hotel or hostel in Siem Reap to help you arrange transportation to go and buy the ticket for the Angkor Wat pass.

There is a one day pass, 3-day pass and 7 day Angkor Wat pass. The prices were around, $20, $65 and I think about $72 respectively.

If you arrive in Siem Reap at night like we did, go in the morning and you can start using your tickets immediately.

Day 1, explore Angkor Wat, one of the most important archeological sites in South East Asia. Your 7 days in southeast Asia trip is not complete without a trip to this place. It is certainly among the best places to visit in Cambodia.

Angkor Archaeological Park contains the remains of different capitals of the Khmer Empire.

There are beautiful temples with faces of varying sizes and facial expressions. Undoubtedly among the best places to visit in Cambodia. Temples to visit on day one include:

Angkor Wat
Bayon Temple
Ta Prohm
Banteay Srei

Pro Tip: If you are up for right I would aim to do sunrise at Angkor Wat on this day if you are able to, otherwise do it on day 2 of the Cambodia itinerary.

Also note that you can hire a tuk-tuk and driver for about $20 for the day to take you around the temples as some are not close to each other.

Day 1 in Cambodia – Things to do at night

In terms of these to do at night in Cambodia, I would head to Pub Street in the late afternoon to explore the markets, the restaurants, and other entertainment options in Siem Reap.

There are bars, there are clubs, massage parlors where you can get a seriously good massage for $6. I recommend getting a massage, which you will no doubt need after all the walking around and exploring the temples. Then head to Gelato Lab to grab some ice cream and explore the area around Pub Street at leisure.

For additional things to do at night in Siem Reap you can have dinner with an Apsara show, there is also the Cambodian Circus Show, do a private night food tour, cooking class of Khmer food, Angkor Wat Dynasty Show. There are plenty of options for cool tours you can do in the evening in Siem Reap.

Day 2 In Siem Reap

For day two, providing you took my advice and did sunrise at Angkor Wat the day before, you can skip it today or head to that in the morning. For a day tour, you can venture off to explore the countryside around Siem Reap.

For this, it’s best to get a guide. You can do a bike tour or a scooter tour. There are a couple of options. There are off the beaten path tours to Kampong Khleang, Beng Meala Temple, Kulen Mountain, Kampong Phluk for the Tonle Sap floating villages.

Tonle Sap is a lake with villages on stitled houses. It’s about 30km from Siem Reap. You also have the option of biking rural paths to visit rice fields, local markets, and small villages. For available options for the day trips from Siem Reap click here.

Day 3 In Siem Reap Then Off To Sihanoukville

Day 3 in Siem Reap will be super easy as this is the day you are leaving departing on a flight from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville. I recommend flighing as its a lot quicker than taking a bus.

Granted it is cheap to get a coach at less than $5 but it will eat at least 8 hours of the valuable time you could be exploring.

Flights from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville are about 1 hour and between £40 and £70. Money well spent in my option. As I have mentioned above there are plenty of flights during the day. There is a morning flight, a late afternoon and late-night flight. Pick one you prefer.

Day 3 I would suggest waking up early and doing another temple run to repeat and see one of the temples you wanted to see again.

Otherwise, I suggest maybe heading to Pub Street as there is another less visited but never the less beautiful and more modern compared to Angkorian temples in the park.

This is Wat Preah Prom Rath, its beautiful and located near Pub Street. The temple also has a statue illustrating the journey of Buddha. Well worth a visit and totally different from the other temples.

If you have time, head back to Pub Street and grab another massage for the road and head to the airport.

Pro Tip: Arrange for the tuk-tuk or taxi to take you to the airport. The hotel can easily arrange this for you whether staying at a hostel or a hotel. There are taxis available but I have found that tuk-tuks can wheeze around traffic far better than a car.

Where to stay in Siem Reap – There are plenty of options for where to stay. I have documented these in my post on where to stay in Siem Reap. It also has tips on the best areas to stay in Siem Reap.

Day 4 In Sihanoukville/Koh Rong/Koh Rong Samloem

Having arrived in Sihanoukville the day before. You are rested and ready to explore this southern coastal resort town in Cambodia.

If you are after Cambodia beaches and nightlife, this coastal town is definitely worth the stop.

There are stunning beaches and plenty of little islands to check out. For these two days in Sihanoukville, you can choose to enjoy the beaches and relax or you can start the day with lounging on the beach in the morning and then take a quad bike tour to explore the likes of Kbay Chhay waterfall, local lakes, and pagodas in nearby.

There is also the option of a full-day tour around Sihanoukville via boat to explore nearby islands like Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem.

For additional options for how to spend day 4 in Cambodia, click here. You can easily find day trips that include snorkeling, fishing, lunch and a light breakfast for as little as $15.

If you are staying longer you might alway want to include scuba diving in your adventures.

Once you return from the day’s exploring, if you are not too tired there is the option of checking out Otres night market.

It’s a little of the beaten track and only open on Saturday evenings, should you be visiting on the weekend.

The market is organised by expats living in Cambodia and has become quite a popular tourist stop in Sihanoukville.

Cambodia Travel Itinerary - The perfect 7 day Cambodia itinerary. ANGKOR WAY TEMPLES - MARKETS - BEACHES & NIGHTLIFE. Visiting Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. Everthing you need to know from local customs, what to pack for Cambodia, how many days to spend in Siem Reap and Angkor Wat. Plus where to stay and how to get around. #asia #adventure #angkorwat #traveltips

Sihanoukville, Cambodia. View from the sea to the city beach and boat pier

Day 5 In Sihanoukville Then Off To Phnom Penh

Having spent the day exploring around Sihanoukville you might one to lounge on the beaches near your hotel sipping drinks before you head out to Phnom Penh. Again, book your flights to Phnom Pen in advance as they can be significantly cheaper when booked early. For places to stay in Sihanoukville below are some recommendations.

Budget: Onederz Sihanoukville, Jully Anna Guesthouse, Good Time Resort.

Mid-Range: Soffiny Motel, Mary Beach Hotel & Resort, Otres Resort, Venice1 Resort, Samot Baitong Resort.

Luxury: Independence Hotel Resort & Spa, Naia Resort, 360 Resort, Sokha Beach Resort, Queenco Hotel & Casino.

Beachfront hotels in Sihanoukville: Good Time Resort, White Boutique Hotel and Residences, Hai Ma Hotel, Mittali Hotel.

Day 6 Phnom Penh

Having arrive in Phnom Penh last night and ready to explore, Phnom Penh is a another great city to explore in Cambodia. Plenty to offer in terms of things to do, food options, cafes, and nightlife.

Phnom Penh also has an amazing array of markets to check out such as Psar Kandal near the river, then there is the Russian Market(Psar Toul Tom Pong), which is the centre for handicraft items, stone carvings and world-famous Khmer silk.

Things to do in Phnom Penh on day 6 in Cambodia include a visit to:

The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda: Built in 1866, a must-see when visiting Phnom Penh. Admission is $3 per person and $2/$5 if you have a camera or video. Open daily from 7.30-11am and 2-5pm.
The National Museum: Displays more than 5,000 works from 7th-19th century. Tickets are $5 and open from 8am to 5pm.
Wat Phnom: This place marks the founding on Phnom Penh and was built in 1434 to house sacred Buddist relics. Temple admission is $1 for foreigners.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fielding: If you are emotionally able to handle this I would suggest adding this to your Cambodia itinerary.
River Cruise: Explore beyond the city limits. There are hour-long and 2 hour cruises around Mekong River. Some also include lunch or dinner.

Things to do at night in Phnom Penh

To experience the nightlife in Phnom Penh head to the Riverside, Street 51, Street 172, Street 278, Hun Sen Park or Street 308. Riverside is the iconic home of the nightlife in Phnom Penh.

There is everything from casual to fine dining, cafes and pubs, as well as bars too. If you want a nightlife on the cheap you are in the right places as beers are $1! Sometimes even less.

For a laidback evening out on the town, I would suggest heading to Street 172 with family-run restaurants and bars. This is also where you will find many expats living in Cambodia.

To hang out with locals head to Hun Sen Park. This is where Phnom Penh’s younger crowd chill out.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia: Phochani Pavilion of the Cambodian royal palace, currently used for Royal receptions and meetings, with many tourists visiting a popular attraction.

Day 7 Phnom Penh

Day 2 in Phnom and day 7 in Cambodia, do you you are going to take a little day trip to Oudong Mountain. It’s located about 40km from Phnom Penh.

The top of the mountain has 3 ancient stupas. Phnom Oudon was the capital of Cambodia in 1618-1866 a monumental necropolis for past kings of the Khmer Empire and well worth the visit.

You also have amazing views from the top with rice fields in the distance.

There you have it, an itinerary for 7 days in Cambodia complete with Phnom Penh. This city is well established so there are plenty of options for where to stay. Below are a couple of options for where to stay in Phnom Penh during your 7 day visit to Cambodia:

Budget hotels in Phnom Penh: Ny Ka Smy Hotel, Eighty8 Backpackers Hostel, Golden Noura Villa-Pub & Restuarant, RS Guesthouse.
Mid-range hotels in Phnom Penh: The Bridge Club, Relax Hotel, Billabong Hostel, Lovely Jubbly Villa, Kuch Oudom Hotel.
Luxury hotels in Phnom Penh: Palace Gate Hotel & Resort, Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel, Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, Raffles Hotel Le Royal.

How To Get Around

There are all modes of transportation in Cambodia, from bicycles, scooters, 3-wheeled wagons or tuk-tuks, cars, buses, boats, helicopters.

The cheapest modes of transportation when getting around say, Siem Reap, are tuk-tuks.

You can rent them with a driver for $20 a day or $2 or $5 for a short journey. If you are travelling between cities there is the coach, boat and flight option.

If you are travelling to another city by boat, expect at least 6 hours for the journey. By Coach at least 8 hours and by plane for about 1 hour.

Sample Budget for Cambodia For One Week

Flights Direct from UK/USA $600+/- (We paid £290 to leave from Budapest)
Flightsbetween cities $100-150
Angkor Wat Pass 3 days $62 – (one-day ($37), three-day ($62) and seven-day ($72)
3 Day Hotel Budget in Siem Reap/
- Hostel 3 days x $5
- Hotel 3 days x $30
- Luxury 3days x $100
Daily food budget per day $10 – 40(luxury end)
Day tours x 1 $40-100
Entertainment(massages, drinks etc) $15
Local transportation by tuk-tuk $35

Factoring similar expenses budget for Phnom Penh and Sikoukvill. Estimate budget for Cambodia trip for one week $1500-2000.

You could spend less by doing Cambodia on a budget. That estimate is based on staying in fairly mid-range accommodation at least $30 per night.

Things To Know When Visiting Cambodia

I have shared additional tips in my post on things to know when visiting Cambodia, especially if you are going to be doing a Cambodia itinerary for 7 days. Below are a couple of important things to note.

Health and vaccinations: As far as vaccinations for Cambodia is concerned, there isn’t a specific mandatory number of vaccines to get but they do advise you to be inoculated against tetanus, polio, typhoid, and hepatitis A and B. If you are doing long term travel they also recommend getting vaccines for Japanese encephalitis and rabies.

Safety: Travel in Cambodia is relatively safe. As I mentioned in my post on things to know when visiting Cambodia. There are risks to bag snatchings and pickpocketing so just be wary of that don’t carry more cash than you need during the day.

Climate: This is a tropical country and weather in Cambodia is mostly warm throughout the year so whatever times you decide to do 7 days in Cambodia you will likely have temperatures above 25 degrees. Just note that rain seasons are May- September. Although April and October tend to be so hot with temperatures around 32 degrees and sometimes even 40!

Best Time To Visit: The best time to visit Cambodia is between November and February.
Travel Insurance: As I mentioned that there are scams like in most major cities, pickpocketing as well as bag snatchings. Always travel with travel insurance should the unfortunate happen, whether its loss of property or health issues or even flight cancellations.

Cambodia Scams: Be careful of scams in Cambodia. One such scam is one you can fall victim in a massage parlor. While getting a massage, some workers can take your money. They can take money out and replace it with fake money. This scam is popular in Phnom Pehn. Again don’t carry more than you need. Also, watch where you leave your purse.

What To Wear In Cambodia

I will cover this in more detail but with the wet seasons in Cambodia, make sure you pack good mosquito repellent.

Also, while Cambodia might be hot, make sure you pack appropriate clothing for your 7 day trip to Cambodia.

Beware of local customs. If you are visiting temples, yes even the ruins, these are places of worship. Please don’t turn up in shorts.

You will not only get stares, rightly so, but you will be disrespecting places of worship as well as going against local customs.

Packing list for Cambodia:

Mid-length dresses or maxi dress. Not only to respect the temples but the mosquitoes are relentless near the lakes and moats in the temples.
Swimwear
Sunscreen
Sun hat
walking shoes for women and men
Short or long-sleeved shirts and t-shirts for men visiting temples.

Can You Do A Day Trip From Siem Reap To Phnom Penh?

The distance from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh is 320km and at least 5 hours drive! There is a national bus route 6 going from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh.

The journey time is about 6 hours for that and it leaves from 6.30am as well as an overnight one.

In my opinion, there is no point doing a day trip when it involves this much travel time. Do an overnight trip or one way. An overnight stay allows explore places to visit between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.

The quickest way to fly to Phnom Penh, that is the only way you can do a day trip.

You would still have to make sure you take the first flight and the last flight back which leaves around 10pm. When it comes to how to travel from Siem reap to Phnom Penh, there are plenty of options but not many if at all allow for a day trip.

What Is The Best Way To Travel From Siem Reap To Phnom Penh?

You can travel from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh by bus, boat, taxi, plane and sadly no trains yet. The bus option costs between $5 and $15 and takes 6 hours, the boat option, the ferry from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh costs $35 and takes 6 hours, leaving from Siem Reap ferry port.

The taxi option costs between $60 and $100 and takes at least 5 hours. Cost-effective if you are split costs within a group. The best way by far is by plane. You can easily find flights from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh for as little as £35 one way.

How Many Days Do I Need In Cambodia?

This really depends on your plans. If you have say, Cambodia 3 days 2 nights in Cambodia I would suggest only doing one city.

So I would suggest only doing Siem Reap. That way you get to see the Angkor Wat temples and experience the entertainment and hospitality of Pub Street.

How Many Days In Siem Reap Is Sufficient?

There are plenty of amazing temples, some of which you will no doubt want to repeat visit as we did. In addition to day trips nearby as well as the markets, entertainment in Pub Street, at a minimum, I would say you need at least 3 days in Siem Reap. This goes for anyone wondering how many days in Angkor Wat you need.

There you have it my Cambodia travel plan for how to spend 7 days in Cambodia. So have you been to Cambodia? What else would you include in this Cambodia itinerary for 7 days in this cool Southeast Asian country?

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Cambodia Travel Tips – Things to know before travelling to Cambodia

September 29, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

I have been meaning to post a rough guide to Cambodia covering things to know before travelling to Cambodia. In terms of Cambodian laws for tourists, what to bring when travelling to Cambodia, travel tips and advice on what to not do in Cambodia, things to be aware of, scams to know about as well as safety when you are in Cambodia.

Hopefully, the Cambodia travel hacks and advice below will be easily digestible so that you know the basics when visiting the beautiful and affordable destination in South East Asia. I have already posted tips on where to stay in Siem Reap, things to do beyond the temples as well as the best temples to check out in Siem Reap.

This post will focus more all the things you need to know to help you prepare for your trip to Cambodia, whether starting in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap or Sihanoukville all based on what I learned before, after my visit and my Cambodia travel experience from my trip to Cambodia.

Cambodian Travel Tips – Things To Know Before Travelling To Cambodia

Cambodia Visa Information: First things first the most important thing to know before visiting Cambodia is your visa eligibility. I travel with a Zambian passport so that means I can get the Visa on arrival. While some may need to apply in advance for the Cambodia visa, or get VOA, there are some countries that do need to get one. These include Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, China, Cuba, Ecuador, Honduras, Hungary, Mongolia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Lao, Malaysia, Russia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. The tourist visa costs $30, you also need to travel with passport photo when you arrive at the airport. Valid for 30 days. Yes, Americans need a visa to travel to Cambodia and so to British and EU tourists.

Cambodia is located in South East Asia and has a population of just over 15 million. The official language is Khmer but English is widely spoken in addition to Chinese and French.

The main religions practiced are Theravada Buddhism, about 90% of the population, followed by Islam, Hinduism then Christianity.

Currency: The Cambodian currency is Riel but you will mostly be using dollars as everything is also quoted in dollars. I would advise you to have smaller notes too. Most of the tuk-tuk will be quoting $2 or $ for rides. Massages will be about $5 or $6 dollars or $10 for an hour. So always better to have change with you. When it comes to what currency to take to Cambodia; take dollars with you. Overall though the cost of travel to Cambodia is reasonably cheap.

The government is a constitutional monarchy, this is where the king serves as the head of the state and the prime minister is the head of the government. Do not make any disparaging remarks about the government or monarchy.

Cambodia laws for tourists – When it comes to Cambodia travel tips and advice about local customs, it would be wise to know that when visiting Buddhist pagodas, you need to remove your hat. Also remove footwear when entering buildings or if invited in homes. For women, cannot touch the monks. Also ask before taking their photos or at least be respectful and discreet about it.

PDAs: Public displays of affection are taboo so refraining from making out in public as you may offend local and religions locals in the cities and towns you are visiting.

Transport and getting around: Renting a bike from your hotel or guest house offers the quickest and efficient way of getting around say Siem Reap.

You can get a rickshaw or tuk-tuk for the prices of $2-5 for short journeys. Make sure you ask the price before getting on. Also make sure you have small bills.

Phnom Penh has metered taxis, just make sure they start the meter when you get in the car.

Phnom Penha has boat trips as well for tours as well as getting around.

There are buses too for local and intercity buses. Some of these also run overnight bus services too.

Angkor Wat runs elephant rides but I would strongly advise you not to ride elephants when you are in Cambodia or any of the South East Asian countries where this is still very common.

You can find ATMs easily in the city but while you settle in as well as when you arrive, its best of have dollars to hand. You need dollars in cash for the VOA as well as transportation too unless your hotel arranges something.

Credit cards are widely accepted in Cambodia.

Make sure you have come vaccinated. There are plenty of stray dogs in Cambodia as well as plenty of mosquitoes. We were travelling around Asia for over a month so better safe than sorry. Make sure you check which ones you need and get them done before travelling or when you arrive if they are cheaper; especially for those coming from the USA where medical insurance is super expensive.

Make sure you have travel insurance. Cambodia even though safe, does have issues with bag snatching.

While some may opt for travelling by bus for intercity travel, I would recommend using the national airlines as they offer great service, are cheap and offer good luggage allowance. Flights from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh can be as little as £34.

Tipping in Cambodia is not compulsory but is appreciated.

The easiest way to get around towns is get walking but for longer distances, you can hire a tuk-tuk for a single journey or whole day.

You can arrange to have a driver and tuk-tuk for a day for about $20. They can take you around the temples and wait for you at each one. You can ask your hotel to help you arrange this.

Revealing clothes in Cambodia, if you are not on the beach are a no-no! Locals actually find this offensive. So be respectful of local customs and cover up!

Many of the temples are in ruins, so don’t make an already bad situation worse but sit on statues or leaning on them.

Monks are highly respected and revered in Cambodia. Please be ask when taking pictures of them and with them.

Smoking is not allowed within Angkor Wat Park

Cambodia Travel Safety – Is Cambodia Safe?

Cambodia is relatively safe for tourists. Our visit to Cambodia was great with no major issues. While Cambodia is safe as a destination to travel to, just be aware of the scams, especially in the towns and markets.

You have people who will pretend to be hungry and use children to make you buy them milk for the child. Sometimes will even go as far as using children where you know the child is over 3 years old and no longer drinking baby’s milk.

This is all a scam and mostly which shopkeepers are in on.

Also, note to keep your bags close. If walking make sure the back is away from the roadside. When riding tuk-tuks keep bags low and not noticably visible. This is to avoid bag snatchings which have been known to happen.

Khmer – Cambodia Language Basics

Learn the basics, things like how to say thank you in Cambodian language.

Hello(informal/formal) Soos-a-day / Chim Reap Soo-ah

How are you? Tah(I) nee-ah(k) soksa-bye tay?

I am fine, thanks Knyom soksa-bye ah-koon

What is your name? Tah(I) nee-ah(k) chmoo-ah

My name is…. Knyom chmoo-ah….

Excuse me/Sorry Sum-toe

Thank You Ah-koon

Thank you very much Ah-koon chran

No Ah-t/day

Yes Bah(t)(men)/jah(women)

Goodbye Chim Reap Lee-ah

See you soon Choo-up knea chah-p chah-p

Best Currency For Cambodia

As I mentioned above, while the currency for Cambodia is Riel, the best currency for Cambodia when you visit is the dollar. When we were visiting from the UK we changed our UK currency to dollars for our visit to Cambodia.

How Much Money To Bring To Cambodia

How much money you take to Cambodia will depend on your travel style. There are luxury hotels as well as budget accommodation in Cambodia. Hostel beds cost as little $5 for a night and hotel rooams for budget and midrange can be as low as $50 a night with luxury or 5 star hotels being in the hundreds of dollars a night.

Once you factor in how much money it will cost for your accommodation style for the duration of your trip then factor in the Angkor Wat pass which is about $70 for the 3 day pass and more for the 7 day pass, there are other tours in Cambodia you might wont to do, travel between cities. Flights between cities cost between £35 and £80 with Cambodian airlines.

Food in Cambodia is also super cheap as are many other things. You can also pay for hotels and many other things by card. I would start off by bring between $300-500 cash for a 2 week trip. That will cover food, tours, massages, drinks and other outings. The rest of the larger expenses you can pay by card. You can also book your tours in Cambodia in advance.

What I Need To travel to Cambodia – Packing

I will cover what you need to bring with your and what to pack for Cambodia in a separate trip but in the meantime make sure you pack the following:

Passport and copies of documents
Emergency contacts
First aid kit
Personal hygiene items.
Hand Sanitiser
Sun cream
Mosquito repellent
Swimsuit
Appropriate clothing particularly for visits to the temple(avoid shorts at temples)
Maxi dresses
Loose-fitting clothes
Comfortable walking shoes, sandals, flip flops and walking shoes.
Cash in dollars – make sure you have small bills
Camera and extra batteries

Best Time To Visit Cambodia

The best time to visit Cambodia is between November and February when weather is cool and breezy. The temperature is between 25oC and 30oC.

The weather in May- September is rainy but still warm at around 25-32oC. April to October is really hot and wet as well with temperatures between 32oC and 40oC.

I definitely would avoid visiting during this hot and wet season. We visited in December which I found to be the best time to visit as the weather was dry but not too hot.

Planning Your Trip To Cambodia

Flights: Search for the best flight deals to Cambodia on Expedia and Ebookers.
Hotels: Book your accommodation in advance. Search for the best deals on hotels on Booking.com or Hotels.com.
Travel Insurance – be sure to make sure you have travel insurance covering accidents, loss of property, and cancellations.
Tours: While you need to buy a pass for the Angkor Wat temples when you get to Siem Reap, you can book other tours in Cambodia in advance.
Visa: Check Travel scape to see if you need a visa for Cambodia

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8 Best Souvenirs From Cambodia – What To Buy In Cambodia

September 15, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

Cambodia is a shopping paradise with a variety of handmade traditional products. Below are my recommendations for the best souvenirs from Cambodia whether visiting for a quick trip to see Angkor Wat or whether you plan one doing a 7 day trip to Cambodia. There are plenty of things to buy in Cambodia to remember your trip by.

A country with so much history and beautiful and unique surroundings. From lush rainforests, magnificent ancient temples, white sandy beaches, amazing food all steeped in Khmer culture and history. Well, you can can back a little reminder from your exploration of this beautiful country. For the Cambodian souvenirs, continue reading.

Best Souvenirs From Cambodia – Things to Bring Back From Cambodia

Whether you are visiting Siem Reap or the markets and gift shops of Phnom Penh, there is plenty to choose from. Cambodia is known for its exquisite silk products so one cannot miss out on the opportunity to bring back souvenirs from Cambodia that you can also wear rather than just bringing back edible products of Cambodia. You can also attend workshops at Angkor Silk Farm.

Below are some of the ‘must-buys in Cambodia’:

Handmade soap

Made from most natural ingredients Cocoon Silk, Coffee, Lemon-grass, Lavender, Jasmine, black peppercorn and Saffron Soaps and no palm oil. Lovely all-natural handmade soaps made with the finest cocoon silk to moisturize and pamper the skin. If you have had the pleasure of experiencing the spas in Cambodia then this is one souvenir you will definitely want to back home with. These luxury soaps are handmade in rural Cambodia, this project ensures that the artisans are fairly rewarded for their work and provide support for education and training in the communities. When you are in Phnom Penh, drop by Bodia Cambodia Apothecary or Sentures d’Angkor where you can treat yourself to all manner of natural range of products from balms, lotions, soaps, massage oils and more. Both of these places can be found in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.

Cambodian Teas

Looking to carry a soothing piece of Cambodia back home with you? Then the best way is through a box or two of Cambodia’s aromatic teas. The Jasmine tea, Lemongrass tea or perhaps pouring jasmine tea over coffee dregs sounds like a bad idea but in Cambodia, it’s a refreshing way to cap off the heavy Robusta blends favoured by street sellers. Another fun way to appreciate the local tea culture is to visit the Tea House: Asian Urban Hotel in Phnom Penh.

Jewellery

What could be better than unique hand- crafted jewellery to bring home as a souvenir or gift! Jewellery in Cambodia is stunning and truly a representative of the country’s spirit. If you know of Pailin in the northern edge od Cardamom Mountains, you would know that this region yields most of Cambodia’s precious gems, including rubies, sapphires and zircons. Many of the artisans in Cambodia, use Cambodian silver and incorporate semi-precious stones in their designs. Places to check out in Siem Reap for Cambodian jewellery, check out Garden of Desire, Ammo Jewellery, Artisans Angkor. Make sure you don’t at least leave without a Cambodia souvenir bracelet or necklace. You can find Artisans Angkor in both Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.

Candles and Incense

Fill your personal space with that Cambodian scents that will leave you feeling serene and relaxed as you were exploring the cities in Cambodia, allowing you to create the perfect environment. And also, for you to share that experience with others, grab a candle or two along with some incense sticks for that long soak or nice quiet read. Many of the markets will also sell beautifully crafted incense holders.

Cambodian Silk Products (scarves, bags and clothing)

This is specialty of Cambodia. Cambodian is known for its tradition of silk weaving along the history of centuries. If you are looking for a feature of Cambodian fashion, it must be Pidan silk. For those who don’t know, Pidan is a typical kind of ikat silk used in Cambodia weddings, funerals or Buddhist festivals. The silk is usually decorated with things related to Cambodian culture such as temples, Buddha, Angkor Wat.

Khmer Ceramic Items (pottery items)

With Cambodia’s rich history in the art of pottery, you will not be surprised to see the beautiful art still visible in many of the ceramics. These include jars, cosmetic bottles, serving bowls, decorative bowls, tableware, oil burners and Khmer accessories. Hand-made and perfect for any display, make sue to get yourself one or two of these ceramic master pieces and let them speak of your adventures. While you are still in Cambodia, you can also attend crafts workshops where you can not only learn more about Cambodian ceramics and pottery but also make your own items too.

Cambodian Spices

Everyone knows food is the gateway to the heart, so why not add a few Cambodian flavours to your meal? Share your travel experiences from Cambodia through food. Spice up your dishes with spices like the galandal, sweet basil and lemongrass just to add that extra kick of flavour. You can pick up Cambodian spices as well among other Cambodia souvenirs from Senteurs d’Angkor.

Where To Buy Souvenirs In Cambodia

Below is where you can buy Cambodian souvenirs. Also linked some of the places where you can actually buy the best souvenirs from Cambodia online. Many also have free shipping too.

Artisans Angkor: A boutique showroom and a place that is renowned for its handcrafted products but one that also runs training and works with young Cambodia. You not only get quality Cambodian Souvenirs but also helping communities too. Open 9am to 6pm. Can be found in both Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
Seneurs d’Angkor: Located opposite the National Museum. Open 8am-8am. You can find everything thing from hand-made Cambodian products from spice, accessories, food and snacks to scents. A great place to go shopping for souvenirs in Phnom Penh.
Daughters of Cambodia: This is a boutique store located in Sisowath Quay in Phnom Penh. This is where you can buy jewellery, scarves, bags, toys, mens items, home decorative items, and other souvenirs.
Tabitha: Tabitha is where you can find beautiful handcrafted silk products. Another place to check out is Goel Community where you can buy apparel by a community lead initiative.
Angkor Night Market: Located in Siem Reap and open from 4pm to midnight where you can find souvenirs in many varieties. Many of which are handcrafted.
Artisans Angkor Silk Farm: Learn about how silk is traditionally made in Cambodia and pick up a wide range of hand-woven silk made Cambodian souvenirs.

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