5 Tips for traveling to Cambodia you need to know

Created by Mai PHAM at 2024-08-07 14:39:26 , Updated by Mai PHAM at 2024-08-19 15:37:18
Traveling in Cambodia is impressive and lets you fully enjoy the best of what this place has to offer. Here are five essential travel tips for Cambodia to help you have the most perfect trip

Cambodia is attracting more international tourists with its peaceful beauty and the historical stories found in its famous sites. In addition, traveling in Cambodia gives visitors unique experiences with its food and culture.

But what should you know when traveling to Cambodia? Our article below will share five tips for your trip to Cambodia.

Cambodia is attracting more international tourists

Cambodia is attracting more international tourists (Cre: Wallpapers.com)

Is Cambodia really an attractive tourist destination? 

Cambodia is known as a Southeast Asian country with many remarkable World Heritage sites such as Angkor Wat, Preah Vihear, Sambor Prei Kuk, and more. These are the keys to the development of Cambodia’s tourism industry. Visitors are very impressed by the scenery, nature, people, and historical stories of this place.

In the first half of 2024, Cambodia attracted 2.5 million foreign tourists to explore this land of temples.

Visitors are very impressed by the scenery and historical stories of Cambodia

Visitors are very impressed by the scenery and historical stories of Cambodia (Cre: Connections)

Read more: Cambodia tours 5 days

Reasons why tourists choose to visit Cambodia 

In addition to its cultural and historical sites, Cambodia also offers visitors close-to-nature experiences, diverse cuisine and the simple lifestyle of its people. 

Visitors can experience Cambodia's distinctly vibrant lifestyle through its night markets, Pub Streets and traditional festivals. With relatively low travel costs, Cambodia is a popular choice for many travelers of all ages. 

Cambodia offers visitors experiences of its culture

Cambodia offers visitors experiences of its culture (Cre: trekkingbarris)

Must-see tourist destinations in Cambodia

Angkor Wat complex

One of the most famous archaeological sites in Cambodia, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Its grand temple architecture and intricate details, it is the main attraction for any trip to Cambodia. 

Angkor Wat is magnificent, a source of pride for the people of Cambodia, and a tourist destination they are proud to share with international friends.

 

Pub street and night market 

Experience Cambodia’s vibrant nightlife from a different perspective at Pub Street and Angkor night Market. Open every evening with a variety of food stalls and shops, this area attracts many tourists who want to explore Cambodia at night. The bustling stalls offer a variety of food, entertainment and souvenirs.

Angkor night market in Siem Reap

Angkor night market in Siem Reap (Cre: Cambodia Begins at 40)

Royal Palace

The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh is an impressive complex and an important cultural site. The Royal Palace is famous for its traditional Khmer architecture, including intricate carvings. 

The palace grounds feature several impressive buildings, such as the Silver Pagoda and the Golden Throne Hall.

The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh is an important cultural site

The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh is an important cultural site (Cre: Roma Lim)

Tonle Sap Lake

The largest lake in Southeast Asia, Tonle Sap Lake has a diverse ecosystem and is an important river fish reserve for the Cambodian people.

The lake contains many conservation areas, including the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary, which is impressive due to its thousands of diverse bird species. 

Tonle Sap Lake is an ideal destination for tourists who love ecotourism and exploring the life of people in floating villages. 

Tonle Sap Lake is an ideal destination for tourists

Tonle Sap Lake is an ideal destination for tourists (Cre: Asian Trails)

Song Saa Private Island

The newly emerging private island, often compared to the Maldives, is a "hot" spot for tourists. With its clear beauty and modern facilities, Song Saa Island attracts many visitors coming to Cambodia for a relaxing stay. 

The peaceful atmosphere and luxurious accommodations make Song Saa Island a promising destination for Cambodia tourism. 

Song Saa Island a promising destination for Cambodia tourism

Song Saa Island a promising destination for Cambodia tourism (Cre: booking.com)

Five tips for traveling in Cambodia

The best time to visit Angkor Wat 

The dry season (December through May) is the ideal time to explore Angkor Wat. It’s better to plan your trip during the dry season because the rainy season can cause flooding.

From December to February, temperatures are cooler, usually between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. Dawn and dusk are the best times to visit Angkor Wat because they provide a pleasant and romantic atmosphere.

Dawn and dusk are the best times to visit Angkor Wat

Dawn and dusk are the best times to visit Angkor Wat (Cre: Local Lens)

Currency used

Although the Riel is the official currency in Cambodia, most services and prices in Siem Reap are listed in US dollars. You will need to pay for hotels, attractions, entertainment venues, and even tuk-tuk rides in USD.

When visiting Cambodia, it’s smart to carry both types of money, especially in big cities. Also, be aware that torn or stained dollar bills might not be accepted. Additionally, $2 bills are not commonly used in Cambodia because they are seen as lucky money, so avoid using them for purchases.

You can use both Riel and US dollars in Cambodia

You can use both Riel and US dollars in Cambodia (Cre: Area Cambodia)

Customs declaration on arrival

You may not be given a customs declaration form to fill out before your journey to Siem Reap. To avoid any issues upon arrival, make sure to register for an online customs declaration or request a customs form in advance.

Customs declaration on arrival

Customs declaration on arrival (Cre: The Tumbling Nomads)

Sun protection is essential

To protect yourself from the sun, pack sunscreen, a hat, an umbrella, and a lightweight jacket if you're visiting Cambodia in April or May. 

Carrying a water bottle and wearing light clothing will make your trip more convenient and enjoyable.

Bargaining for tuk-tuk rides

Here, tuk-tuks are a common way to get around. Tuk-tuks are easily located because they are so common. Although most drivers give fair prices, there are sometimes bad situations.

As a result, before boarding the tuk-tuk, you should actively request the fare and engage in negotiation. You should budget between $0.75 and $1 per kilometer for the average fare. 

 Tuk-tuks are easily located because they are so common

Tuk-tuks are easily located because they are so common (Cre: Phnom Penh Post)

Conclusion 

Cambodia is an impressive and unique destination in Southeast Asia. With rich tourism resources and new government policies, it is a popular destination for many tourists. 

We hope that the tips we provide will help make your trip perfect. With these tips, do not hesitate to enjoy the ideal experiences in Cambodia.

Read more: Cambodia tours 7 days

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