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As one of Vietnam's closest neighbors, it would be a huge loss if you don't embark on a solo trip to Cambodia this season. Jot down handy tips and solo travel experiences in Cambodia from Klook!
Where is Cambodia?
Cambodia (English name: Cambodia) is located on the Indochina Peninsula, in Southeast Asia. The country is famous for its unique ecosystem, home to many rare animals, notably the kouprey, elephants, and tigers. Besides its natural beauty, religion is a significant factor that attracts visitors. Buddhism is the official religion of the country, with over 97% of the population being Buddhists. This ancient religious tradition is vividly expressed through numerous world-renowned temples, with the most famous being Angkor Wat and the Angkor temple complex in Siem Reap. Cambodia boasts a beautiful 433km-long coastline, making it ideal for those who love 'golden sunshine, white sand, and blue sea.'
The official language of the Cambodian people is Khmer. However, Vietnamese tourists visiting Cambodia for the first time will undoubtedly be surprised to learn that many locals are proficient in Vietnamese. It's undoubtedly a significant advantage for #teamKlook to plan a solo trip to Cambodia right away, isn't it?
When is the Best Time to Travel to Cambodia?
Cambodia experiences a climate similar to Vietnam, remaining hot and humid throughout the year, with an average temperature of 26.7 degrees Celsius, often exceeding 30 degrees. Cambodia has three main seasons: the rainy season, the dry season, and summer.
For solo travel in Cambodia, choose to visit from November to February because during this time, the temperature and weather are mild, perfect for exploring nature. If you love culture, plan your solo trip to Cambodia in April to catch the Traditional New Year and the unique Bom Chaul Chnam Water Festival. #teamKlook advises against traveling to Cambodia in July and August as it is the monsoon season, dangerous and almost impossible to wander around.
Do You Need a Visa for Traveling to Cambodia?
For Vietnamese citizens planning to travel to Cambodia and stay for less than 30 days, they are exempt from a visa. To proceed, simply prepare a passport valid for at least 6 months and meet the related travel expenses.
How to Get to Cambodia?
Several airlines operate direct flights from Vietnam to major cities in Cambodia such as Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Siem Reap, etc. The flight time is under 1 hour, and the price for a round-trip ticket starts from 5 million VND.
If you want to save costs and depart from Ho Chi Minh City, consider traveling to Cambodia by bus. There are several reputable bus companies providing this service.
Information on Bus Companies Traveling from HCMC to Cambodia
1. Sapaco Bus
- Address: 325 Pham Ngu Lao, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Departure times: 6 AM, 8 AM, 9 AM, 10 AM, 11:30 AM, and 2 PM.
- Ticket price: 230,000 VND/passenger/one-way for the Saigon – Phnom Penh route, 470,000 VND/passenger/one-way for the Saigon – Siem Riep route.
- Contact: 083.9203.623
2. Sorya Bus
- Address: 301 Pham Ngu Lao, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Departure times: 6:30 AM, 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 3 PM for the Saigon – Phnom Penh route. 6:30 AM, 7:30 AM for the Saigon – Siem Riep route; 7 AM for the Saigon – Sihanouk Ville route.
- Ticket price: 230,000 VND/passenger/one-way for the Saigon – Phnom Penh route, 399,000 VND/passenger/one-way for the Saigon – Siem Riep and Saigon – Sihanouk Ville routes.
- Contact: 083.9209.438, 086.6701.898
3. Kumho Bus
- Address: 239 Pham Ngu Lao, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Departure times: 7 AM, 8 AM, 9 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3:30 PM
- Ticket price: 210,000 VND/passenger/one-way for the Saigon – Phnom Penh route, round-trip price 380,000 VND/passenger.
- Contact: 08.6291.5389, 08.66.601.727
4. Long Phuong Bus
- Address: 313 Pham Ngu Lao, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Departure times: 6:30 AM, 8:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 3:30 PM
- Ticket price: 190,000 VND/passenger one-way for the Saigon – Phnom Penh route, if booking a round-trip on this route, it's only 170,000 VND/passenger.
- Contact: 08.3837.0969, 08.6651.1115
Guide on Transportation in Cambodia
Common modes of transportation within the city include renting bicycles, motorcycles, taxis, or tuk-tuks. For an authentic local experience, consider renting a motorbike at a cost-effective rate on Klook (just under 200,000 VND/day). Additionally, for groups of 3 or more traveling independently in Cambodia, renting a private car is the most convenient and economical choice.
To travel between major cities, you can pre-purchase bus tickets in Cambodia on Klook to save an additional 5-10%!
Must-Visit Famous Attractions in Cambodia
1. Angkor Wat - Siem Reap
With over 900 years of history, the ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat remains a monumental cultural and religious landmark in the world. Described as the most 'must-visit' destination when traveling independently in Cambodia, the extensive 248-square-mile (400 km2) complex is distinguished by its impressive architectural style and intricate carvings, including the iconic seven-headed Naga serpent of Hinduism. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor Wat's breathtaking beauty comes as no surprise.
2. Beng Mealea Temple - Siem Reap
Have you ever marveled at the sight of abandoned temples, concealed in the midst of the wild and mysterious nature in Hollywood movies?
Why not experience living in a movie at Beng Mealea Temple, also known as the 'Indiana Jones Temple'. Discovered in 1954, Beng Mealea served as the resting place for the great King Suryavarman II. Though all that remains are crumbling stone blocks, it's not hard to imagine the grandeur of Beng Mealea in its golden age. Spanning 108 hectares and surrounded by a vast moat and three layers of thick protective walls, it's an awe-inspiring sight. Venture beyond the walls and dilapidated library to reach the tomb of King Suryavarman II at the heart of the temple, an experience filled with intrigue and wonder.
3. Kompong Phluk Floating Village - Siem Reap
Another gem from Siem Reap: Kampong Phluk Floating Village. From endless rice fields, floating markets, peculiarly twisted mangrove trees to stilt houses rising 9 meters above the water, it offers a panoramic view of Cambodia's serene and picturesque countryside.
4. Koh Rong Samloem Island - Sihanoukville
After exploring ancient temple sites, you might relish immersing yourself in the wild nature and the mesmerizing bioluminescent organisms at Koh Rong Samloem Island. In the morning, the island appears as a shimmering green gem, floating gracefully in the vast ocean and basking in the warm sunlight. Sunset is the perfect time for travelers to experience the feeling of 'swimming among the stars' and engage in bioluminescent snorkeling, a unique and unparalleled activity. #teamKlook, don't miss out!
5. Kampot
Located in southern Cambodia, this charming little city sits alongside the Kampong Bay River near the Gulf of Thailand. Visitors can relish the serene countryside along the river and marvel at breathtaking landscapes. The city is renowned for notable attractions, including Bokor Mountain with its rustic French colonial architecture, Phnom Chhnork Cave, the famous old bridge spanning the Kampong Bay River, and Kampot's train station.
Whether you're into uncovering mysteries or simply capturing 'deep' photos, this is the perfect destination for you.
6. Tonle Sap Lake or Cambodia Sea - Siem Reap
Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, is a UNESCO-recognized world biosphere reserve. Its distinctive feature is the seasonal flow direction. From November to May of the following year, water flows into the Mekong River. However, from June onwards, the flow shifts, causing the lake to expand suddenly.
Due to this characteristic, the ecosystem at Tonle Sap Lake is incredibly diverse, serving as a 'shared home' for numerous large river fish species like catfish, climbing perch, snakehead fish, tilapia, and more, constituting up to 75% of the national fish consumption. Many Cham and Vietnamese people reside here, mainly engaged in fishing and aquaculture.
7. Sambor Prei Kuk
Sambor Prei Kuk, an archaeological site with over 100 temples hidden in lush forests, is one of the earliest temples in Asia, built in the 7th century to worship the Hindu deity Shiva.
Over time, some temples were forgotten and engulfed by the dense jungle. Ancient trees reach up, and strong roots surround these temples, creating breathtaking and mystical scenes that you can't overlook.
8. Bokor Plateau
Bokor Plateau, known as the 'Lonely Mountain,' located south of the capital Phnom Penh, is a uniquely dubbed 'ghost city.' Here, a combination of ancient French colonial structures, remnants, and the mystical stories of ancient ascetic practitioners intertwine.
For adventure enthusiasts and explorers, Bokor is an excellent destination. It offers a perfect blend of stunning pristine landscapes and a touch of eeriness. Conquer the summit of Bokor Mountain to witness Cambodia's beautiful scenery from a unique and impressive perspective.
9. Banlung
Banlung, nestled in the heart of the wilderness, seamlessly connects human and nature—a perfect haven for adventurous souls seeking new discoveries. Don't get too lost in the enchanting beauty of the Yeak Loam volcanic lake; immerse yourself in the vibrant life of the local weaving village.
10. Capital City Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh, once known as the most beautiful city in the Indochina region during the French colonial era, still preserves distinctive architectural traces of its past.
The city has undergone many changes over time but still carries the beautiful images of ancient and modern architectural landmarks. Here, visitors will not only explore the historically rich architectural heritage but also discover a modern, dynamic city with diverse entertainment and enticing recreational services.
Famous attractions in the Phnom Penh tour include the National Museum with precious artifacts, the Royal Palace showcasing the splendor of royal culture, the renowned Four Faces River Square with unique architecture, and the lively, bustling night market.
Must-Try Cambodian Delicacies
1. Amok Steamed Fish
What makes Amok steamed fish stand out from regular steamed fish is the blend of flavors from typical Cambodian ingredients, such as prohok sauce, galangal, palm sugar, coconut milk, and banana leaf. This is a traditional dish of the local people, seemingly simple but with intricate and delicate cooking techniques.
2. Khmer Beef Salad
Khmer beef salad, or Khmer ceviche, boasts a tangy and easy-to-eat flavor, especially delightful when paired with a bit of wine. The dish is prepared by marinating thinly sliced raw beef with lime juice, then mixing it with dried shallots, garlic, lemongrass, fish sauce, and spices. The recipe is simple, but the result is quite addictive!
3. Red Tree Ants Stir-Fried with Beef
Many travelers may hesitate at the name of this dish. However, the taste derived from real insects is a common thing for locals. To make red tree ants stir-fried with beef, the cook must find large-sized ants, around 2cm to 3cm, and stir-fry them with thinly sliced beef, basil, coriander, and various other spices. The sourness from the ants blends with the aromatic herbs and the savory taste of beef, creating an incredibly unique and delicious flavor.
4. Grilled Pork Rice
In Cambodia, a simple yet heartwarming dish is grilled pork. Locals ingeniously prepare this dish by thinly slicing and grilling it over charcoal, creating a tantalizing treat.
To enhance the flavor of grilled pork, many places marinate it with fragrant coconut milk or finely chopped garlic, creating a distinctive and delicious taste. The grilled meat is served with a bowl of tender broken rice, crisp cucumber, crunchy radishes, and fresh ginger for added allure.
5. Khmer Red Curry
A must-try on the culinary map when traveling in Cambodia is the unique and flavorful Khmer red curry. This distinctive curry is made with coconut milk, without using chili powder like Thai curry, and is often cooked with various meats such as beef, fish, or chicken, combined with a variety of vegetables like eggplant, yardlong beans, potatoes, and lemongrass, all seasoned with a spice paste known as kroeung. When savoring this curry, locals often serve it with a delightful piece of bread, creating a perfect combination of smooth and enticing flavors.
A Small Reminder When Traveling Independently in Cambodia
- Cambodia's currency is the Riel (1000 riel = 5900 VND). Additionally, US dollars are widely accepted. Some places even take Vietnamese Dong.
- Upon stepping into Cambodia, getting a local SIM card is easy and convenient. You can find them in most phone shops in the city. However, to ensure authenticity and avoid price hikes or expired cards, it's advisable to pre-order a SIM for a seamless trip.
- Cambodia's weather is extremely hot, especially if you're heading to the beach. Pack light, sweat-absorbing clothes, and DON'T FORGET SUNSCREEN.
- Taxis in Cambodia aren't as common as in Vietnam. You can hire a taxi for the day or per trip with a pre-agreed price. To avoid price discrepancies, you can book a private car in Cambodia through Klook.
- Bargaining in Cambodia can be quite... serious. Prices often get inflated 2 to 3 times, so it's not the ideal shopping destination. Only open your wallet for essential purchases like food or small souvenirs.
- Absolutely do not pat children's heads as it's considered a gesture only parents should make.
- Do not hand things with your left hand as, according to locals, the left hand is considered 'unclean.'
- When visiting temples, choose modest clothing to show respect for the local culture. Avoid getting too close or touching the monks.
With this Cambodia travel guide, Klook believes you're ready to explore this vibrant land of nature and culture. If you're still uncertain, check out Klook's suggestions for traveling in Cambodia and Cambodia travel tips.
