Arriving in Cambodia!
We flew into Phnom Penh and upon departing the airport terminal, minus our luggage which didn’t arrive, we were hit with the hot humid weather.
We chose a Tuk tuk for our mode of transport and as we traveled through the streets of Phnom Penh there was chaos, people, scooters, vehicles, trucks, tuk tuk’s, motorbikes, buses, all creating a messy yet organised flow of traffic. Loud horns tooting, hundred’s of power cables draped everywhere.
What a beginning to adventure …. I’ve happily put together a Cambodia Destination Guide, to share the tips and information I learned on my recent trip to Cambodia.
Cambodian Destination Guide
Cambodian’s are a surprisingly very happy bunch of people, considering their past.
Getting there:
Air Flights
The main two arrival places in Cambodia are either the capital Phnom Penh or Siem Reap which is near the Angkor and other temples. Many airlines fly to Cambodia, I flew Malaysian Airways. Check Sky Scanner for more details of what airlines fly from which countries.
Visa’s
Make sure that you get your visa from the correct website, there are many online charging double or more for a visa. A tourist visa for an Australian should only cost about $30-$35USD. We used the official site which is www.evisa.gov.kh/home
Vaccinations
To see what is required contact a Doctor who specialises in travel. Also, have a look at this site as it gives some generalised but very helpful advice https://www.traveldoctor.com.au/destinations/cambodia
Cambodian Currency
The currency in Cambodia is a mix of two currencies the US dollar and the Cambodian Riel. Currency both currencies are interchangeable meaning that you may pay for something in US dollars and receive your change in just Riel or a combination of Riel and US dollars.
My suggestion is to keep small denominations of US dollars with you especially when paying for tuk tuks or purchasing small items.
Not many places will be able to change a $20USD and tuk tuk drivers even sometimes struggle to change a $5USD or a $10USD. If you’ve got a bunch of $1 and $5 that would be great.
The currency in Cambodia is a mix of two currencies, the US Dollar and the Cambodian Riel.
We found that you can change your currency in most Minimarts or supermarkets. The bigger the store the more likely they are to be able to change the bigger currency notes.
Unfortunately, most ATMs spit out currency in the bigger denominations of US dollars.
One US dollar is equivalent to 4000 Riel. For every 1000 Riel is usually equivalent to 25 US cents.
Riel comes in a number of denominations but generally, I mostly saw 20,000 10,000 5,000 1,500 and 100 denominations.
I saw some restaurant owners walking around with large wads of Cambodian Riel.
It is acceptable to try and bargain/barter for an item at the markets or with a tuk tuk driver.
Please, just remember that if you are bartering over small amounts such as say 500 Riel, remember that 500 Riel is the equivalent to 12 and a half US cents. Please pick your ‘haggles’!
We had no problem at all being short-changed or given the wrong amount of money.
Of course, though, it’s always wise to check the change that you receive to make sure that you were given the correct change.
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Getting About Locally
Cambodia is quite cheap to get around, a few dollars will get you quite a distance in a tuk-tuk.
There are two main types of tuk tuk’s in Cambodia.
First, there is the tuk tuk’s which are a bit more traditional type, they are actually a bit larger and good for if you’ve got luggage. These tuk tuk’s are booked via negotiation. You will always find an abundance of them waiting on nearly every street corner. Most drivers were happy to negotiate the prices, though a couple times in very touristy areas was harder to get good deal, as you had no other option. Ask a local or at your hotel how much you should expect to pay, from one place to another, and they will give you that a price, so you know what is fair.
The other kind of tuk tuk is a newer little tuk tuk. They are booked via a phone App. There are a few different companies that do this, the main two are ‘Grab’ and ‘Pass App’. You just need to download the the app from the App Store onto your smartphone. The company will verify your phone number and the you are good to use the app. (note: you need to have mobile service in Cambodia (see below Phone & Internet Availability in Cambodia).
The app will have your location, so all you need to do is enter your destination in (either by typing in the name of pining it on the map). You will be given the time a tuk tuk will be collecting you, such as in 2 minutes and 22 seconds or however long. Sometimes it only tool 5 to 10 seconds.
It depends where you are. We found these tuk tuk’s the most cost-effective and efficient way to zip around. Though, they are not that big and so not ideal for luggage. It’s better to get a traditional tuk tuk if you have luggage.
Related Posts
7 Things you must do in Phnom Penh 2019
What to see in Siem Reap, Cambodia?
Phone & Internet Availability in Cambodia
The cheapest option is to buy a sim there. I purchased a sim including local calls, sms and data and it lasted me for 2 weeks ($5 USD). When you exit the airport terminal there are a number of vendors on the right just outside the terminal. More options are also available in town.
Phone calls to back home! Expensive! The best option is to use something like Facebook Messenger, Skype, Whats App etc.
Internet speed and availability in Cambodia is great. Coming from Australia, I must admit that the service and quality in Cambodia probably outrank Australian internet.
Nearly every cafe has wifi, sometimes you just need to ask for the password. My son made this his job, so the moment we arrived somewhere he’d go and find out what the wifi password was!
Traveling Between Cities in Cambodia
Travel between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap has a number of options to choose from. Many buses are available including tour buses and local minivans and small buses. Road travel between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap takes on average about 5 hours or so. These times change dependant on traffic, how well the road is maintained, and how many stops your bus driver decides to make.
Check out bookmebus.com (we booked tickets via this website to Phnom Penh to Kampot return), this site has bus tickets to destinations all over Cambodia with a number of different providers.
The option that we selected for our trip to Siem Reap, was to take an airplane. We were recommended a local Airlines called Bassaka Air. Bassake Air can be booked online. We booked while were in Phnom Penh, only a few days before needed to be in Siem Reap.
As always airfares fluctuate so there is no guarantee of a cheap flight booked at short notice. We paid $55 USD one way for 2 people. (so $110USD for two people return) the flights are advertised as being 50 minutes in length.
Our experience was that, one way our flight took 30 minutes and the other way it took about 22 minutes! It’s a very quick flight, so of course, you don’t get a meal, we were given a glass of water, but that’s quickly whisked away from us, as it was time to land. We were happy with the service and flight. It was an older plane, the staff were courteous and we were happy with our flights.
Cambodia Book Recommendations
My favourite travel books have always been Lonely Planet. So, of course, my suggestion is to grab your self a copy of the Lonely Planet Cambodia (Travel Guide). The Lonely Planet, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Northern Thailand (Travel Guide) is great to if you plan on also visiting surrounding countries.
The novel I’d read prior to going to Cambodia is called First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers. There is also a movie available on Netflix by the same name.
If you love pictorial guides, take a look at Cambodia: A Journey through the Land of the Khmer. Or take your own images and create a personalised photo book when you return home. We are currently using pickaboo.com or artscow.com
What to Pack for Cambodia?
Cambodia weather is warm year-round, I suggest lightweight three-quarter pants with lots of pockets. Or long shorts which cover the knees, especially for visiting temples and sacred places.
Comfortable shoes and socks or strap on thongs/sandals.
Lightweight breathable shirts that cover shoulders and are not revealing.
Small wheeled suitcase or backpack and a Day pack. Packing satchels are also great for keeping your luggage organised.
Bring from home a Sun hat, Sunscreen, Insect spray, hand sanitiser and Sunglasses. Don’t forget to bring any medication you have with you on the plane.
Technology: Phone and or your camera, if you need to, bring an iPad or laptop. Don’t forget to bring all the relevant chargers and store them in a charger organiser bag. Also, grab a multi-purpose charger adapter so you can plug everything in.
What is the weather like in Cambodia? When should I visit?
You will find the weather in Cambodia to be warm to hot for most of the year.
Cambodia has two main seasons’s the wet and the dry.
The wet season runs from May to September it is usually the wettest in August and September.
The dry season is from October to April. October, November, and December being the cooler months with an average of about 24 degrees Celsius. The months of March to June are usually the warmest at about 35 degrees Celsius.
May and June tend to be the hottest time of year and the humidity is usually highest during March and April.
When should you visit? Any time is great to visit Cambodia. Just take into account what I’ve listed above as a guide dependent on how you cope with different types of weather. As a tourist, I’d probably say avoid the wet season, so as not to hinder your sightseeing.
Where to Stay in Cambodia: Accommodation ideas
Accommodation recommendation mid to low range approximately 30 to 45 US dollars a night the Frangipani group of hotels.
High end accommodation recommendation check out www.booking.com
Low end accommodation available from just a few minutes a few dollars per night, you can also look most of these up at www.bookings.com
AirBNB is also a great source of a large variety of accommodation to suit all budgets.
Remember to get Travel Insurance
We recommend World Nomads, great for Nomadic and short-term travelers alike.
As always with any purchase check that inclusions and exclusions and pick a cover that is right for your circumstances.
Please be aware that this post may contain affiliate links, should you choose to purchase anything via these links, I may receive a small commission, this will be at no additional cost to you.