top of page

Cambodia

Currency: 

  • I USD = 4,060.00 Cambodian riel (As of Fall 2019)

  • Very cheap country to travel in 

  • You can use USD almost everywhere in Siem Reap (An area in North Central Cambodia on the northern tip of Tonle Sap Lake where I traveled), so you don't have to exchange money if you don't want to. 

  • There are ATMs all over the place; very easy to take money out. Just be aware that there is a 5 USD charge to withdraw money from an ATM here. 

​

Who to travel with: 

  • I traveled here as a solo female!  

  • Safety Note: It is a safe country; as long as you are aware of your surroundings and are smart about making certain decisions. I never went out after dark by myself. 

​​

What not to miss:

  • I was only in Angkor Wat (The famous historic temple in Siem Reap), so I cannot comment on other parts of this country. 

  • Angor Wat: be there for sunrise!

  • Go around the other temples: Bayon in Angkor Thom, Angkor Thor, Baphuon, Ta Prohm

  • Floating villages: if that would interest you

  • Cambodia’s specialty dish = Amok- like a green curry, not spicy, very good!

  • Angkor Wat night market

 

Tips:

  • They take US Dollars almost everywhere here! So you won’t have to exchange money!

    • Just remember to bring small bills (lots of 1’s and some 5’s, rather than mainly 10’s, and 20’s, because everything is very cheap there and they might not have change for your 20 dollar bill if the total cost of dinner is only 2 USD!)

  • Once you get to SE Asia, your money will go a LONG way! The flight is the most expensive part.

    • For example, 19 nights in Thailand, Laos, & Cambodia (in hostels) cost me $169 total!

  • You can get a SIM card for your phone for extremely cheap (I only get one if I’m solo traveling, otherwise I would rather enjoy exploring a new place without being on my phone).

  • ALWAYS bargain! START LOW & be prepared to walk away; you will be surprised how cheap you can get souvenirs!

  • Do not drink any water that is not bottled 

    • Do not drink ice either, as that is not made from bottled water

      • Be careful with drinks at the bar.

    • I did not even brush my teeth without bottled water. 

    • Do not eat any vegetables (salads) that were washed in water. 

    • Thankfully, I did not get sick at all, but I was very careful with the water and the food I consumed. As for food, I did not eat any meat from the street markets.

  • When visiting temples, you must wear clothes that covers your legs and shoulders!

    • Remember, these are holy sites; be respectful! 

  • I was only in Angor Wat, Cambodia. I cannot comment on other parts of the country. 

  • Angor Wat is so touristy- it was my least favorite city on my SE Asia trip only because of how busy it was. But Angot Wat (the famous temples) is a must-see! I went to 6 different temples, and by the 4th one, it was enough haha.

    • Get yourself a Tuk Tuk driver for the day you are visiting the temples- order it the night before through your hostel. I paid $35 for mine and he took me to 6 temples (he waits for you while you explore them!) and the floating village (which was 1 hour drive away)

    • 1 day is enough for visiting the temples- you will get tired of them if you go more than 1 day.

    • 1 day pass at the temples = $37 USD

  • Safety Note: Only go see the floating villages if you are with other people- I was not aware of that since I was traveling solo, so I had the boat ride by myself with the driver (that was the only day of my solo trip that I didn’t feel safe).

 

Vaccines/ Medicines: 

If you are up to date on your vaccines, you should only need:

  • Prophylactic antibiotics for traveler’s diarrhea (you can get these from your doctor or a traveler’s clinic).

  • Anti-Malarial pills if you plan to spend any time in rural areas, hiking, or outside of the large cities (you can get these from your doctor or a traveler’s clinic).

  • Hepatitis A vaccine: Must

  • Typhoid vaccine: Must

    • Note: there are two types of typhoid vaccines: a shot which lasts about 2 years or an oral pill that lasts up to 5 years. 

    • The oral form involves four pills over a span of one week that must be refrigerated prior to use. So DO NOT take your first dose on the way to the airport, because you will not be able to refrigerate the other pill on the plane. 

    • I have used the Injection Vaccine and Emily has used the Oral Vaccine. Neither of us had any problems with either, and we both felt better to be traveling while safely vaccinated. 

  • Japanese Encephalitis: some people get this. I did not. Talk to your Doctor.

  • Always wear bug spray in these areas

  • **Visit the CDC website for more updated information, as things could have changed since I went on my trip. 

 

Visa:

  • Cambodia visa is $30 on arrival at the airport. Nothing needed before arriving at the airport. 

​

​

Don't forget to check out my 2.5 week Thailand, Laos, & Cambodia Itinerary!

​

bottom of page