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Destination: Cambodia

Guide to the Angkor Wat
current-location

Destination: Cambodia

Guide to the Angkor Wat

What can I expect from Cambodia?

Cambodia is a Southeast Asian country known for its rich history, ancient temples, and stunning natural landscapes. With 25 provinces and a wealth of cultural and natural attractions to explore, planning a trip to Cambodia can be a daunting task, especially for first-time visitors.

To help you make the most of your visit, the following Cambodia travel guide provides useful information and tips to plan your trip and experience the best of this fascinating country.

When is the best time to visit cambodia?

The best time to visit Cambodia is during the cool and dry season from November to February, which is also the peak tourist season. During this time, temperatures are milder and more comfortable, and there is less rain compared to other months.

However, if you don't mind the heat and want to avoid the crowds, you can also consider visiting Cambodia during the shoulder seasons from March to May or from September to early November. Just keep in mind that temperatures can be quite hot during these months, and there may be occasional rain.

If you are planning to visit Cambodia primarily for its famous temples such as Angkor Wat, it's worth noting that the dry season can be quite dusty, which can affect visibility and make it harder to capture great photographs.

On the other hand, the wet season from June to August can provide a more lush and green backdrop for your photos, but some temples may be inaccessible due to flooding.

Things to See and Do in Cambodia

  • Visit the ancient temples of Angkor
  • Explore the bustling city of Phnom Penh
  • Relax on the beautiful beaches of Sihanoukville and Koh Rong islands
  • Learn about traditional crafts and farming practices in Battambang
  • Take a cooking class and taste delicious Cambodian cuisine
  • Shop for unique handicrafts and souvenirs at the Night Market in Siem Reap
  • Enjoy the natural beauty of Kirirom National Park, a perfect destination for hiking and camping
  • Witness the daily life of local communities on Tonle Sap Lake, the largest lake in Southeast Asia

Typical Costs When Traveling

Accommodation – Cambodia's tourism industry has been growing rapidly in recent years, and there are now a wide range of accommodation options available to suit all budgets. For a luxurious stay near Angkor Wat, I highly recommend Templation Angkor.

Food – Cambodian cuisine is a unique blend of flavors and influences from neighboring countries such as Thailand and Vietnam, as well as from the country's own rich history and culture. A must-try dish is Amok, a flavorful and creamy curry made with fish or chicken, coconut milk, and aromatic spices.

Transportation – Cambodia currently does not have a subway system in any of its cities and tourists rely mostly on tuktuks. Traveling between cities can be done by bus, taxi, or domestic flights, but there is no bullet train system available.

Suggested daily budget

23-33 EUR / 25-35 USD

(Note: This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel, eating out a little, cooking most of your meals, and using local transportation.

Using the budget tips below, you can always lower this number. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation or eat out more often, expect this to be higher!)

Money Saving Tips

  • Eat like a local. Try to eat where the locals eat, as the food tends to be cheaper and more authentic than in tourist-oriented restaurants. Street food is a great way to sample the local cuisine without breaking the bank.
  • Bargain for prices. Bargaining is a common practice in Cambodia, especially in markets and with street vendors. Don't be afraid to negotiate prices, but be respectful and keep in mind that haggling too much over small amounts can be seen as rude.
  • Use local transportation. Tuk-tuks, motorbike taxis, and buses are inexpensive ways to get around Cambodia. Avoid taking taxis as they are often overpriced, and negotiate the fare before getting in.
  • Visit free attractions. Cambodia has many beautiful temples and natural attractions that are free to visit. The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, the night market in Siem Reap, and the beaches in Sihanoukville are just a few examples of free or low-cost activities.

Recommended Travel Guides for Cambodia

If you want to learn more about Angkor Wat and Cambodia and have a handy travel guide in your pocket, check out these three options below:

Angkor Wat: 20 Must see temples

This travel guide is a must-have for anyone planning to explore the temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. It provides a carefully curated list of 20 must-see temples, along with GPS coordinates and practical tips. The guide also includes a complete Angkor Wat sunrise and sunset guide, tips for taking better pictures, and advice for disabled travelers and vegans/vegetarians. For the price of a cup of coffee, this book is a valuable resource that can enhance your trip to Angkor Wat. Buy this book.

Lonely Planet Cambodia

This guide provides the latest information on what to see, where to go, and what to do in Cambodia, including the country's rich history and cultural experiences. Whether you're interested in visiting the famous temples in Angkor, learning about Khmer history at the National Museum, or taking in a performance by the Cambodian Circus, this guide has got you covered. With up-to-date recommendations and insider tips, Lonely Planet's Cambodia guide is your perfect travel companion to help you navigate this amazing country. Buy this book.

Cambodia: Temples of Angkor (2022 Travel Guide by Approach Guides with Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and more)

This travel guide is the definitive resource for exploring Angkor, Cambodia's premier World Heritage destination. It provides profiles of 23 top temples with nearly 200 high-resolution images, as well as detailed historical and architectural information, logistical advice, and personalized tips for getting the most out of your experience. Approach Guides, the publisher, specializes in producing travel guides that explore a destination's cultural heritage in-depth. Buy this book.

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR CAMBODIA

I’m always surprised how many people travel without travel insurance. For me, it’s as essential to travel as buying a plane ticket, backpack or accommodation, and I never go without it.

Cambodia is relatively safe but unexpected natural disasters can always happen and I’ve witnessed people getting laptops and phones pickpocketed first hand.

Adequate insurance not only provides you with medical coverage (if you get sick or break your leg), but also covers things like your camera full of epic shots getting damaged or stolen, your flights getting cancelled, or you getting caught up in a natural disaster.

In short, it’s an insurance against potential issues that arise when you’re traveling and can save your life (or at the very least, a lifetime of debt).

BOOK | I recommend booking World Nomads travel insurance

World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

TEACHING ENGLISH IN CAMBODIA

Are you looking to stay in Cambodia a bit longer? Do you have a passion for teaching and exploring new cultures? Then teaching English in Cambodia might just be the perfect opportunity for you!

With a growing economy and a rising demand for English language skills, Cambodia is an exciting destination for those looking to teach abroad. Not only will you have the chance to immerse yourself in a rich and diverse culture, but you'll also gain valuable teaching experience and make a positive impact on the lives of your students.

The first step in finding a teaching job in Cambodia is getting TEFL/TESOL certified. There are many course options available, allowing you to either get certified online or in-class.

Teaching English in Asia allowed me to experience these fascinating cultures from a local perspective - and it's pretty good money, too!

I recommend getting a TEFL/TESOL certificate from ITTT, for the following reasons:

  1. Established Provider: ITTT has been offering high-quality TEFL training courses since 1998, making it a well-established provider.
  2. No Requirements: ITTT courses are open to all fluent English speakers, regardless of nationality or previous teaching experience.
  3. Transparent Pricing: There are no hidden costs with ITTT courses, as the course fee covers all necessary materials and certification.
  4. Support and Assistance: ITTT provides round-the-clock customer care and lifetime job assistance to course graduates, as well as access to teaching materials and lesson plans.
  5. Additional Resources: ITTT offers a range of additional resources to support its graduates, including teaching videos, a popular online blog, and partnerships with leading recruitment companies in the EFL industry.

Get a 20% discount off your TEFL/TESOL course when signing up via my link!

GET READY TO DISCOVER CAMBODIA!

Cambodia is a fascinating travel destination that offers a wealth of cultural and natural attractions for visitors. From the ancient temples of Angkor to the bustling streets of Phnom Penh, there's something for everyone in this Southeast Asian country.

To help you plan your trip to Cambodia, the following blog posts provide useful information and tips. Whether you're looking to travel independently or join a guided tour, these articles will help you make the most of your time in this fascinating country.