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BACKPACKING CAMBODIA TRAVEL GUIDE FOR 2019
Last Updated: August 2, 2019
a view of cambodia's angkor wat temple, with monks walking inside
Backpacking Cambodia was one of the best experiences I ever had.
When I first visited Cambodia, I had low expectations for the country. I hadn’t heard much about it. I only knew it’s horrible past and that it wasn’t that developed. I didn’t expect much.
But, traveling Cambodia, I was blown away by how friendly the people were, how beautiful the country was, and how much there was to see and do there.
Now, Cambodia one of my all-time favorite travel destinations – and I think it’s one of the most underrated countries in the world. I can’t speak highly enough about it!
Since that first visit all the way back in 2006, I’ve been back dozens of times (even spending over a month there writing a book) and the country still remains a favorite!
Cambodia is still trying to find its way after the horrifying genocide that was carried out by the Khmer Rouge regime (led by Pol Pot) between 1975 and 1979 when about 1.5-3 million Cambodian people were killed. It left a deep, deep wound on the country.
However, here you’ll find a place filled with some of the friendliest people I’ve ever encountered, rich history, delicious food, beautiful coastlines, and a lively nightlife.
Spend some extra time traveling through Cambodia exploring the temples (there’s more than just Angkor Wat), taking in the deserted, white sand beaches, the growing foodie and gastronomy scene, its complext history, lush jungles, and wonderful culture. (It’s also a really cheap country to visit!)
This guide to Cambodia travel guide can help you plan your trip and make sure you maximize your time there!
Table of Contents
Things to See and Do
Typical Costs
Suggested Budget
Money Saving Tips
Where To Stay
How to Get Around
When To Go
How to Stay Safe
Best Places to Book Your Trip
Gear and Packing List
Suggested Reading
My Detailed Guidebooks
Related Blogs on Cambodia
Click Here for City Guides
Top 5 Things to See and Do in Cambodia
1. Angkor WatThese temple ruins are massive, and you’ll need a few days to satisfying your inner Tomb Raider and exploring these ruins. If you’re not a history buff then just purchase a single-day ticket ($37). Everyone else may want to consider the 3-day ticket ($72), which offers a bit of a discount.
2. SihanoukvilleWhite sand beaches, nearby deserted islands, great diving, seafood, and a heavy nightlife filled with cheap booze make this spot a favorite among travelers. It’s not a quiet place to hang out, but it’s a good place to drink or use as a base to visit the nearby islands, which are quiet and serene.
3. Phnom PenhAs the capital of Cambodia, this place has a wild west ambiance with dusty streets and a “devil may care” atmosphere. There are a few good attractions to see and an up-and-coming foodie vibe to the city.
4. Tonle SapSailing down this river allows you to get a look at how closely Cambodian life is tied to this major waterway. You can take a boat all the way down one end to the other or just cruise around on a day trip. Tours start around $3 USD per person.
5. BattambangHere you’ll find great temples, a bamboo train, and stunning architecture. It’s Cambodia without the tourism — for now! Try taking a river boat back to Phnom Phen or Siem Reap for a unique experience (tickets are usually around $20 USD per person).
Other Things to See and Do in Cambodia
1. The Killing Fields
You can’t mention Cambodia without people drawing a connection to the country’s bloody genocidal past. Although a visit to the Killing Fields, located 10 miles from Phnom Penh, may not be the most cheerful way to spend an afternoon, it makes for a hallowing and memorable experience, a testament to the dangers of uncontested power. Admission is only $5 USD, though you’ll need to arrange a ride to the area. Expect to pay at least $15 USD for a return trip tuk-tuk.
2. Visit Kep
This quaint beach town is the quiet version of Sihanoukville. It’s a nice place to relax near the ocean without the party atmosphere that is Sihanoukville. This town is famous for its pepper crab and empty beaches. It’s quite sleepy and there’s not a lot to do here, so it also makes for a good day trip if you don’t like the idea of chilling out for a few days.
3. Bokor National Park
Wander among the atmospheric French ruins while hiking a great rainforest. Bokor was a big destination for the French aristocracy back in the day, and you can see the ruins of their homes. It is a day trip from Sihanoukville or nearby Kampot. Admission is $5 USD per person.
4. Prasat Preah Vihear
This breathtaking mountain temple is the source of conflict with its neighbor Thailand, who also claims this place as its own. The trip here is not easy but nothing worth going to ever is. Expect a $10 USD entrance fee for foreigners.
5. Visit a river village
There are 3 floating villages to choose from in the country. The houses are built on bamboo stilts, and there are always boats filled with people selling trinkets, food, and hanging out. The Chong Khneas is the most visited in the country but popularity has made it a bit of a tourist trap recently. It’s interesting to visit but you won’t have a whole lot of interaction with the locals. Most tours cost at least $15 USD per person.
6. Visit the pepper farms of Kampot
Outside the city of Kampot (go there!) and on the way to Kep are vast pepper fields. This southern region of Cambodia is filled with pepper farms where you can learn about the history of the spice, see how it is grown, and pick up what is considered some of the finest pepper in the world. Tours are usually free, though you need to arrange transportation.
7. Koh Kong
A city near the Thai border in the Cardamom Mountain district, Koh Kong offers great opportunities for jungle trekking, as well as a chance to relax on the white sand beaches. Koh Kong island is known as one of the best beach spots in Southeast Asia. It’s illegal to spend the night there, but there are plenty of operators offering day trips to the island from the shore.
8. Kampong Cham
Though it’s the third-largest city in Cambodia, most travelers overlook Kampong Cham. The city has retained a lot of its old French colonial feel and is a great place to really get to know Cambodia. While the city in itself is something to explore, you should also check out the ruins at Nokor Wat. One of the highlights here is a detailed series of murals which depict religious torture scenes.
9. Visit Kampot
Most people come here to enjoy the scenic riverside views, as well as the rolling hills that surround the city. Since you can explore easily enough on foot or by bicycle, Kampot is a great place to slow down and relax. Don’t miss the pepper farms, the mangroves, and the national park.
10. Relax, Unpack, and Meditate in Kep
Take a break from traveling and sign-up to stay at Vagabond Temple for a while. Prices begin at $275 USD for a 5-day retreat, which includes accommodation, meals, and full-days of yoga and meditation classes from incredible teachers. If you’d like to commit to stay for 50 days you can pay $43 USD per day for a 2-month retreat. This is a great place to take a break and gather your thoughts, especially if you’re on a long trip. No previous yoga or meditation training required.
Be sure to visit our city travel guides for more detailed information about what to see and do in each place:
Angkor Wat travel
Siem Reap travel
Phnom Phen travel
Sihanoukville travel
Cambodia Travel Costs
Accommodation – Dorm rooms in hostels start at around $4 USD per night. Private rooms in hostels and guesthouses generally go for $5-10 USD per night, depending on where you are in the country. Free WiFi is the norm for hostels these days, and a few will also include free breakfast. You can get comfortable guesthouse rooms for $15-20 USD with air con, TV, and other amenities.
Beyond that, the sky is the limit but I’ve never needed to spend more than $25 USD per night for luxury in this country! Airbnb is available in the major cities, with prices starting around $10 USD per night for shared accommodation. For an entire home or apartment, expect to pay closer to $30 USD per night.
Food – Food is very cheap in Cambodia. Local street vendors will cost you about $1-2 USD per meal, and basic restaurant meals will cost between $3-5 USD. Western meals at nice restaurants go between $5-15 USD per person.
If you want to splurge, you can get some really world-class food in Phnom Phen these days for around $8-10 USD. If you plan on buying your own groceries and cooking your own meals expect to pay between $20-25 USD per week, depending on your diet. Stick to local markets for the cheapest produce.
Transportation – Local city transportation is cheap, costing only a few dollars. Tuk-tuks can be found on every corner in the big cities, though be sure to negotiate a price in advance (usually not more than $5 USD depending on the distance). Renting a driver for the day will set you back between $15-20 USD, and most hostels can help you arrange finding one.
Generally speaking, you can get a bus anywhere in the country for under $20 USD. For example, buses depart regularly from Siem Reap into Thailand for as little as $15 USD each way. Both buses and mini-buses also make the journey from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh daily for $10 USD per person.
Activities – Those planning on visiting Angkor Wat (and you should be!) should factor in the cost of the entrance fee, which is around $40 USD per day. Also, be sure to factor in the cost to travel there. Other tours, hikes, and entrance fees are between $10-20 USD depending on the length and popularity of the activity.
Backpacking Cambodia Suggested Budgets
How much does it cost to visit Cambodia? Not a lot! It’s a super cheap place to travel. If you’re backpacking Cambodia, you’ll spend around $25 USD per day. This will get you a dorm room (or even a private hostel room in some cases if you lower your other costs), food from the street stalls, a few drinks a day, a few tours day tours, and local transportation around the country. If you’re visiting Angkor Wat (you likely are), factor in the fact that the entry fee is $40 USD. If you stay in dorms, you could travel for even less.
A mid-range budget of $40 USD will get you a budget hotel room with air conditioning, some sit-down meals at nicer restaurant, as many drinks as you want, and any tours and excursions you want too! This amount goes a long way in Cambodia and you really won’t have any problems doing anything you want. You still won’t be in the nicest digs or eat the fanciest meals but you’ll want for nothing.
On a “luxury” budget of $65 USD or more a day, the sky is the limit! You can stay at nice, chain hotels, full apartments, resorts, eat world-class meals, or opt for private tours! This country doesn’t cost a lot of money and $65 a day or more can get you whatever you need! The more you want to spend, the nicer things will get!
Note: Cambodia uses USD. There’s no real need to carry the local currency, Cambodian Riels (KHR), unless you paying for really small things on the street, but for the most part, use USD.
Here’s a suggested breakdown of your daily budget:
Accommodation
Food
Transportation
Attractions
Average Daily Cost
Backpacker
$3-10
$2-5
$5
$10-15
$25
Mid-Range
$10-15
$10-15
$5-10
$10-20
$40
Luxury
$25-35
$10-20
$20
$10-20
$65
Cambodia Travel Guide: Money Saving Tips
Cambodia is one of the cheapest countries in Southeast Asia. There really aren’t any big money saving tips here unless you go out of your way to find the most expensive things to see or do. Food, accommodation, and transportation are all dirt cheap here
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