Destination

Cambodia Travel Guide

Cambodia is a popular stop along the Southeast Asia backpacking route. The main attraction being the awe-inspiring ancient temples of Angkor Wat, located just outside of Siem Reap. Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world, and is considered one of the Ancient Seven Wonders of The World. Watching the sunrise over the temples is a bucket list moment in itself!

Another popular spot for travelers is the small town of Kampot, situated in southern Cambodia. The small sleepy town sits on the coast and is split by a river – so grab a kayak and explore! Known for pepper production, it’s surrounded by vast landscapes and mountains. It’s the perfect place to lay low for a few days!

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Cambodia is between November and March. It’s the country’s dry season, and you won’t have to worry about rainstorms ruining any outdoor activities.

However, it’s peak tourist season in the country. There will be large crowds at top attractions like Angkor Wat and hotels raise their rates.

If you’re on a budget, plan your trip to Cambodia between and May and October. While there will be daily rainstorms, they are usually short-lived and tend to happen in the late afternoon, giving you plenty of time to explore!

What To Expect

Language: Khmer is the official language of Cambodia.

Currency: The currency in Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel. However, the US Dollar is used as well. 1 USD is equivalent to about 4.025 KHR.

Credit Cards and ATMs: Credit cards are accepted in the major tourist areas of Cambodia. You’ll be able to use them to pay for your purchases at high-end restaurants and hotels. However, a lot of the mid-range options and the hostels only accept cash. You can use your Maestro, Visa, and MasterCard to withdraw US dollars at Canadia Bank and ANZ Royal Bank ATMs.

Plugs: The plugs in Cambodia are type A, C, and G. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter (make sure it has surge protection) and using a converter for hair dryers and hot tools.

Safety: Cambodia is generally a safe country for solo female travelers. However, you’ll want to avoid walking home alone at night and keep an eye out for pickpockets in the main tourist areas.

Stephanie History Fangirl

My Experience as a Curvy Traveler in Cambodia

When traveling between cities in Cambodia, many tourists get around by minibus. In this region, the buses are typically packed, and it can be really uncomfortable if you are larger. If you can afford it in your budget, hiring a driver to get around might be more comfortable. Alternatively, there are cheap flights between Phnom Pehn and Siem Reap.