Exploring the Land of the Ancient Khmers
I put together the Cambodia Budget Travel Guide to share with you useful information on how you can see more of Cambodia and spend less. Budget travellers would be delighted to know that Cambodia welcomes them with open arms. This is one of the few destinations that can still be regarded as the bargain basement of Asia ... but not for long. So I hope I have the chance to show you Cambodia on a budget before it gets too high budget.
Now, a bit about Cambodia
Cambodia is a country in a hurry. Whether you arrive in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, you get the distinct feeling that the whole country is very busy. The Cambodian civil war that happened from 1975-1978 not only brought untold suffering and death, it also interrupted the country's progress. While much of Southeast Asia was marching headlong towards industrialization, war brought Indo-China to a standstill. But now that peace has prevailed, Cambodia is in a hurry to catch up with its neighbors.
In some ways, it has not only caught up, it has surpassed. Take Siem Reap for instance. Just a couple of decades ago, there is hardly any form of accommodation in town. Visiting the ruins of Angkor was not only uncomfortable, it was downright dangerous.
Not anymore. The land all around the Angkor Archaeological Park, where all the famous ruins are located, has been thoroughly scanned and cleared of mines. Now tourists can explore the ancient Khmer monuments comfortably (relatively comfortably) and with little risk of losing limb or life. As for accommodation, one is practically spoilt for choice. Everything from the most budget hostel to the ultra-pampering pleasure palaces have descended on little Siem Reap in the space of just a few short years. Whether you intend to explore Angkor by bicycle, tuk tuk or helicopter, it's all at your disposal.
I can remember how excited I was the first time I visited Cambodia, many years ago. I was only beginning to travel, and being a novice, did all my homework. Since then, I have returned to Cambodia a number of times. While it is still an exotic destination, I have become much more familiar with it today. I hope therefore, that this travel guide to Cambodia which I've put together will be helpful to you, especially if you are in the planning process of a trip there.
The mighty Mekong River flows through Cambodia, entering the country at Stoeng Treng at the Laos border, and leaving it to form the Mekong delta in southern Vietnam. The Bassac River, a tributary of the Mekong, joins the Tonle Sap River at Phnom Penh. The Tonle Sap River flows out from the great Tonle Sap Lake, where the Angkor civilisation flourished in the 9th to the 13th centuries. The majority of visitors to Cambodia visit either Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Those visiting both places may opt for a boat trip from Phnom Penh up the Tonle Sap river, to Siem Reap and back. A smaller number of visitors also go to Kompong Som (Sihanoukville) and Battambang, the second largest city in Cambodia.
Cambodia Hotels
There is plenty to choose from as far as hotels are concerned. Many of these are quite new, having been built in the past ten years. Your choose of hotels in Cambodia ranges from budget accommodation right up to the most luxurious five-star hotels. To find the best rates from the many online hotel room providers, click on hotels in Cambodia.
As a budget traveler, you should also look for hostels in Cambodia where you can get very good rates. But don't expect hotel-level comfort.
Cambodia Local Tours
Sometimes, it is more convenient, faster and cheaper to book a local tour than to make the arrangements yourself. You save on time, expense, and often, headaches. Here are some local tours of Cambodia, run by Viator, a reputable market leader in tours, which you may want to add to your itinerary.
Cambodia Travel Information
Time Zone: 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
Currency: riel (CR)
Language: Khmer, working English generally understood by tuk tuk drivers in Siem Reap.
International Dialing Code: 855
Population: 11 million
Religion: Theravada Buddhism (90%), Islam
Electricity: 220V 50Hz
Electrical Outlet: Mostly two-prong round sockets. (See details here: http://www.kropla.com/electric.htm)
Driving: On the right side of the road.
Location Map of Cambodia
View Cambodia Travel Guide in a larger map
Cambodia By Air
The cheapest flights to Cambodia is provided by the low-cost carrier AirAsia, which flies to Phnom Penh from Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, and to Siem Reap from Kuala Lumpur. Jetstar Asia also flies to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap from Singapore.
Phnom Penh International Airport has international flights to Bangkok, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul-Incheon, Shanghai, Singapore, Taipei and Vientiane, and domestic flights to Siem Reap and Rattanakiri.
Siem Reap International Airport has international flights to Bangkok, Da Nang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Kaohsiung, Kuala Lumpur, Kunming, Luang Prabang, Pusan, Seoul-Incheon, Singapore, Taipei and domestic flights to Battambang, Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville.
Cambodia Airport Tax
International departures from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap: US$25 for adults, US$13 for children 12 and under.
Domestic departure: US$6 for flights between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Entering Cambodia By Road
From Thailand: Enter at Poipet. Road to Siem Reap has improved, however a slow bus may take 12 hours.
From Vietnam: Enter at Moc Bai and Chao Doc. Bus available from Ho Chi Minh City. May take 5-6 hours to reach Phnom Penh.
AsiaExplorers Advice We urge travellers entering Cambodia to fly. Those entering by road are often exposed to border scams. Get your visa ready or else you may face border officials who create their own border laws, charging you inflated price for visa, or charging you a fee for vaccination certs that are not mandatory.
Entering Cambodia By Boat
From Laos: Enter at Stung Treng along the Mekong River. AsiaExplorers Advice Visitors entering by boat are often exposed to scams from border officials who have easy money to "earn" a few extra dollars from tourists with no options. Don't put yourself in this position.
From Vietnam: Boat between Chau Doc (four hours by road from Ho Chi Minh City) and Phnom Penh available. Boat trip takes another 5 hours.
Cambodia Entry Requirements
Cambodia Visa
All visitors require visa, except for citizens of Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and Laos. Tourist visa costs US$20, business visa costs US$25. You need a minimum of 4 months validity on your passport, and one completely blank page. Get it done at a Cambodia Embassy and enjoy a 90-day validity (but must be used within 3 months).
List of Cambodian embassies is available here at: http://www.cambodia.gov.kh/unisql1/egov/english/country.embassy.html
You can also apply for your visa at the airport in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, as well as at the border crossings. Bring along one or two (depends on where you apply) passport-size photos, and clean US dollar bills (paying using local currency will be at a substantially higher price). If you do not bring a passport-size photo, then it's an additional US$2 to get it taken. If you prefer to have your visa done in advance but cannot reach any Cambodia embassies, you can get an e-Visa done for US$25. For more information, visit http://evisa.mfaic.gov.kh/index.php?version=eng
Cambodia Customs
If bringing in video or professional photographic equipment, make a list of your gear and show it to the official at the customs declaration counter. Keep this list till your departure. Duty-free allowance is 1 bottle of spirit, 200 cigarettes and a reasonable amount of perfume.
AsiaExplorers Advice Antiques may not be taken out of the country. Limit your purchase to replicas and handicrafts.
Cambodian Currency
The Cambodian currency is called riel. Riel banknotes are available in denominations of 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, 20000, 50000 and 100000. At the time of writing, US$1.00 = 4188 riel. For the latest exchange rate, use the Oanda Currency
Converter, http://www.oanda.com/convert/classic.
When travelling in Cambodia, the most convenient form of currency is the US dollar. The second most convenient is the Thai baht. When carrying US Dollars, make sure they are pretty recent ones. Due to counterfeiting, some shopkeepers may reject US Dollar banknotes of high denominations which are old. Best to carry plenty of low-denomination US Dollar banknotes.
Travellers' Cheques
It is not convenient to carry travellers' cheques in Cambodia. Exchange rate for them is not to be in your favour, and if you must bring them, make sure they are in US Dollars.
Credit Cards
Outside of decent hotels, the use of credit cards are still at an infant stage. Cash advances on credit cards are possible from certain banks in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Cambodia Banking Hours
Banks are open from 8:00 am to 3:30pm Mondays to Fridays. Some banks are open on Saturdays.
Vital Contact Numbers in Cambodia
Cambodia Emergency Numbers
Police (called from land line): 117
Fire (called from land line): 118
Ambulance (called from land line): 119
Passport Office for Foreigners: 012 854 874
Immigration Office: 012 826 025
Cambodia Telephone Codes
The Country Code for Cambodia is 855. The following are some of the area codes in Cambodia:
Phnom Penh: 23
Siem Reap: 63
Battambang: 53
Kompong Som (Sihanoukville): 34
Dialling from Cambodia to another country
Dial 001 followed by the Country Code, Area Code and Phone Number. For example, if you're calling the number 04-555 6666 in Penang, Malaysia from Cambodia, you would dial 001-60-4-555-6666.
Mobile Phones
Cambodia uses GSM system common everywhere outside North America. About receiving calls while in Cambodia, please note that you may be charged a very high rate for receiving calls from callers who are unaware you are abroad.
Another option to stay connected while in Cambodia is to rent a mobile phone. This is available directly at the airport. For details, go to http://www.planetomni.com/RENT_CTRY_cambodia_DTL.shtml. Alternatively, use your own handset and purchase a local SIM card.
Useful Links
Siem Reap Vacation Rentals: Browse thousands of rentals on TripAdvisor.
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Places of Interest in Cambodia
- Cambodia-Vietnam Monument
- Central Market
- Choeung Ek Killing Fields
- Independent Monument
- National Museum
- Royal Palace
- Russian Market
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
- Wat Lang Ka
- Wat Ounalom
- Wat Phnom
- Khmer Kitchen
- Psar Char
- Tonle Sap
- Ak Yum
- Angkor Thom
- Angkor Thom East Gate
- Angkor Thom North Gate
- Angkor Thom South Gate
- Angkor Thom Victory Gate
- Angkor Thom West Gate
- Angkor Wat
- Army of Suryavarman, Angkor Wat
- Battle of Kurukshetra, Angkor Wat
- Churning the Ocean of Milk, Angkor War
- East Gopura, Angkor Wat
- Inner Sanctuary, Angkor Wat
- North Gopura, Angkor Wat
- Other Sections of Angkor Wat
- South Gopura, Angkor Wat
- Judgement of Yama, Angkor Wat
- Bakong
- Baksei Chamkrong
- Banteay Kdei
- Banteay Prei
- Banteay Samre
- Banteay Srei
- Baphuon
- Bayon
- Chapel of the Hospital
- Chau Say Tevoda
- East Mebon
- Hariharalaya
- Jean Commaille's Tomb
- Kbal Spean
- Krol Ko
- Kuk Dong
- Kutisvara
- Lolei
- Mangalartha
- Neak Pean
- North Khleang
- South Khleang
- Royal Palace of Angkor Thom
- East Pond of the Royal Palace
- Large Pond of the Royal Palace
- Phimeanakas
- Phnom Bakheng
- Phnom Krom
- Prasat Batchum
- Prasat Bei
- Prasat Kravan
- Prasat Prei
- Prasat Prei Monti
- Prasat Suor Prat
- Prasat Trapeang Phong
- Pre Rup
- Preah Khan
- Preah Ko
- Preah Palilay
- Preah Pithu
- Roluos Group
- Srah Srang
- Ta Keo
- Ta Nei
- Ta Prohm
- Ta Prohm Kel
- Ta Som
- Tep Pranam
- Terrace of the Elephants
- Terrace of the Leper King
- Thma Bay Kaek
- Thommanon
- Vat Preah Ngok
- Vihear Prampil Loveng
- West Baray
- West Mebon
Sights around Phnom Penh
- Angkor Borei
- Asram Taa Asey
- Chruoy Changvar
- Lovek
- Phnom Chisor
- Phnom Da
- Prasat Neang Khmau
- Prek Kdam
- Tonle Bati
- Udong
- Wat Nokor Bayon
- Yeay Peau
Cities and Sights of Central Cambodia
- Koki Beach
- Kompong Cham
- Kratie
- Neak Luong
- Prek Kampi
- Ratanakiri
- Sambor
- Stung Treng
Cities and Sights of the Cambodian Coast
- Bokor
- Kampot
- Kep
- Kirirom
- Koh Kong
- Koh Tang Islands
- Koh Tunsay
- Kompong Som
- Kompong Som Islands
- Ream Islands
- Samit Islands
- Sre Amben
- Tunlop Rolork
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Cambodia
- Angkor
- Preah Vihear
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