Ultimate Guide to Independent Travel in Cambodia

Embrace numerous scenic landscapes and world-famous landmarks in Cambodia—a perfect destination for budget-friendly and delightful international travel. Here is the comprehensive guide to independent travel in Cambodia from A to Z: tourist attractions, cuisine, transportation, and more. Vntrip.vn has compiled and shared to ensure your journey to the 'Land of Temples' is smooth and cost-effective.

Best Time to Travel to Cambodia

Situated adjacent to Vietnam, Cambodia generally experiences two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. However, the sun in Cambodia is much hotter and more intense than in Vietnam. Therefore, based on the experience of independent travel in Cambodia, it is advisable to avoid periods of scorching weather for your trip.

The ideal time to visit Cambodia is from November to February, when the weather is mild, the sun is shining, and there is less heat. Additionally, in April every year, the Khmer New Year is celebrated, bringing numerous festivals to Cambodia. From mid-November, there are unique water festivals and boat races.

Transportation to Cambodia

According to the experience of independent travel in Cambodia, you can reach Cambodia by two means: by plane or by car.

Hanoi

If you're departing from Hanoi, it's best to fly to Cambodia. Operated by Vietnam Airlines in collaboration with Cambodia Angkor Air, direct flights from Hanoi to Cambodia have round-trip ticket prices as follows (subject to change):

• Hanoi - Phnom Penh route: from 7,000,000 VND to 12,000,000 VND.
• Hanoi - Siem Reap route: from 9,000,000 VND to 12,000,000 VND.

In addition, according to the experience of backpacking in Cambodia, you can combine a trip to Laos - Thailand and then to Cambodia or take a train or plane to Saigon and then take a bus to Cambodia.

Ho Chi Minh City

If you're in Ho Chi Minh City or the nearby area, you can conveniently travel to Cambodia by either plane or car. Operated by Vietnam Airlines in collaboration with Cambodia Angkor Air, direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia have round-trip ticket prices as follows (subject to change):

• Ho Chi Minh City - Phnom Penh route: from 5,500,000 VND to 9,500,000 VND per ticket.
• Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap route: from 8,000,000 VND to 10,000,000 VND per ticket.

There are also many coaches/open buses from Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia. According to the travel experience of many enthusiasts, some reputable bus companies operate round-trip services from Ho Chi Minh City to cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, such as Mai Linh, Sapaco, Kumho, TheSinhTourist, Mekong Express. Most of these companies have offices in the Pham Ngu Lao/Bui Vien area in the center of Ho Chi Minh City.

Contact:

• Mai Linh Express: Phone: 08.38297979 – 38477888.
• Sapaco: Phone: 08.39 203 623.
• TheSinhTourist: Phone: 08.38389597.
• Kumho: Phone: 08.6291 5389.
• Mekong Express: Phone: 063 963 662 – 012 31 58 58.

+ Ho Chi Minh City – Phnom Penh one-way ticket prices range from 200,000 VND to 300,000 VND, round-trip tickets from 400,000 VND to 600,000 VND, with a travel time of approximately 6 hours (10 hours if traveling at night).

+ Ho Chi Minh City – Siem Reap one-way ticket prices range from 400,000 VND to 500,000 VND, round-trip tickets from 800,000 VND to 900,000 VND, with a travel time of approximately 11 hours (15 hours if traveling at night).

Getting Around in Cambodia

For domestic travel within Cambodia, there are some useful travel tips for you. If you want to travel between major cities or on long journeys, choosing buses or coaches is very popular and budget-friendly. You can inquire and purchase tickets at any hotel or hostel you are staying at. There will be door-to-door transportation, so you don't need to worry about the hassle of moving around.

• Ticket prices from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh are around $7.
• Ticket prices from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap range from $7 to $9.
• Ticket prices from Phnom Penh to Battambang range from $5 to $7.

For getting around within the city, you also have many options: walking, renting bicycles, motorcycles (around $120,000 VND/bike/day), taxis, or tuk-tuks.

• Tuk-tuks: safe, affordable, suitable for large groups, and may come with a free guide. You should check the distance of the journey beforehand to estimate the fare. For example, a 4-5km ride for 4 people would be around $4.
• Renting motorcycles/bicycles: $6-$8/bike/day. You will have to learn about traffic rules, how to pay for gas, deal with police, and many other risks such as breakdowns, weather conditions, etc. Therefore, taking a tuk-tuk or taxi is still a safer option.

Explore the Most Famous Tourist Attractions in Cambodia

Phnom Penh

The capital city Phnom Penh, Cambodia (photo collection)

Phnom Penh is the capital and a significant tourist destination in Cambodia. Moreover, it is also known as the city of three rivers, the confluence of the Tonle Sap, Bassac, and Mekong rivers. According to the experience of traveling in Cambodia, when you visit Phnom Penh, you must explore some famous places such as:

• Wat Phnom Temple
• Royal Palace of Cambodia with Silver Pagoda and Jade Buddha Temple
• Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21 Prison)
• National Museum of Cambodia
• Choeung Ek Killing Fields where the Khmer Rouge executed many innocent people
• Wat Botum Temple, a place where Pol Pot lived during his youth
• Independence and Liberation Memorial Park
• Olympic Stadium

Royal Palace of Cambodia (photo collection)

Around 2000 preserved skulls at the memorial site in Choeung Ek – where the Khmer Rouge executed and buried 20,000 people in mass graves (photo collection)

If you are in Phnom Penh in the evening, head to Sisowath Quay riverside area. Here, you'll find many cafes, bars, shops, and especially the Nga Russian Market where you can buy branded clothing and products from major fashion brands like Levis, CK, Ralph Lauren… at very attractive prices.

Siem Reap

Located in Northwestern Cambodia, Siem Reap is the most captivating city in Cambodia, attracting numerous visitors. Once the capital of the ancient Khmer Empire, the present-day Siem Reap, while bustling and modern, still retains the mysterious and ancient charm of one of the most glorious civilizations of its time. Siem Reap boasts many notable attractions such as:

• National Museum of Angkor: showcasing artifacts depicting the history of Angkor with modern technology. Most impressive is the 1000 Buddhas room.
• Wat Bo Temple: blending French architecture with Thai-influenced Buddhist details.
• Wat Preah Prom Rath Temple: a 500-year-old temple with a reclining Buddha statue.
• Angkor Silk Farm: not far from the city center but situated in the rural and spacious area, where you can witness the silk-making process of the Cambodian people.

Wat Bo Temple Cambodia (photo collection)

Additionally, you can explore one of the liveliest areas in the city, the Old Market district, offering a variety of restaurants with options for every budget. If you're looking for vibrant bars, according to the Cambodia travel experience, head to Pub Street, considered the Western district of Siem Reap and the hub of Cambodian tourism.

Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat temple complex Cambodia (photo collection)

Located 6 km north of Siem Reap, the Angkor Wat temple complex is of paramount importance in Cambodian tourism. It is divided into 5 main areas with unique architecture creating a magnificent landscape that captivates travelers: Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, Little Circuit, Big Circuit, Roluos group, and peripheral temples. With Cambodia travel experiences shared by tourists, you'll undoubtedly be awestruck when visiting this Angkor archaeological site.

Angkor Wat boasts the most magnificent architecture in the entire complex (photo collection)

Angkor Thom Temple was the ancient capital, housing prominent temples and structures like the Bayon Temple, Baphuon Temple, Phnom Bakheng Temple, Elephant Terrace, Terrace of the Leper King, and five grand gates leading in (photo collection)

Little Circuit: This area features the most famous temple, Ta Prohm, known for its intertwining roots and branches of ancient trees (photo collection)

Big Circuit: This area also includes Preah Khan Temple with stone walls intertwined with the roots of ancient trees (photo collection)

Roluos Group: The ruins in this area belong to the ancient city of Hariharalaya, dating back even further than Angkor. Among them, Bakong Temple with its pyramid-like architecture stands out (photo collection)

Located in the outer temple area, Kbal Spean, also known as the 1000 Lingas site, represents the worship symbols of the ancient culture in the 1000 Lingas Valley (photo collection)

Banlung

Banlung town is the capital of Ratanakiri province in eastern Cambodia. Banlung is famous for tourist attractions such as Yeak Laom volcano lake, Wat Rahtanharahn Temple, Chaong waterfall, and Virachey National Park. When visiting this area, you'll explore gem mines, rubber plantations, and the Yeak Laom volcano lake, the most mentioned landmark in the travel experiences of many visitors to Banlung.

Yeak Laom Volcano Lake, a famous spot in Banlung town (photo collection)

Sihanoukville

Sihanoukville is a name you'll hear a lot when traveling to Cambodia. This coastal city is located in the south of Cambodia, and from Sihanoukville, you can visit beautiful islands off the coast of Cambodia, such as Koh Rong, Song Saa, Koh Ta Kiev, etc. Along the coastline, you'll find cushioned lounge chairs right on the sandy beaches, seaside eateries offering delicious and affordable seafood. This is a shared experience from the travel diaries of many tourists when they reach this destination.

Sihanoukville – A dreamy expanse of turquoise sea (photo collection)

Islands in Cambodia

Song Saa

Song Saa Island is situated on two islands, Koh Ouen and Koh Bong, part of the Koh Rong Archipelago. In Khmer, Song Saa means 'sweethearts,' making it an ideal destination for couples to enjoy their romantic getaway. According to Cambodia travel tips, when heading to Song Saa, you need to travel to the port city of Sihanoukville by plane or bus. Additionally, if you choose island resorts for accommodation, they provide free transportation from Sihanoukville International Airport and boat transfers from the city to Song Saa Island.

Resorts on Song Saa offer you two choices: either stay in overwater villas or in forest villas (photo collection)

Koh Rong

Located on the southern coast of Cambodia, Koh Rong is truly a gem in the middle of the open sea, just 20km from the bustling coastal city of Sihanoukville. A mere 2-hour boat ride across the calm Gulf of Thailand. In stark contrast to the lively atmosphere of Sihanoukville, Koh Rong is a pristine and dreamy 'paradise' that captivates you as soon as you set foot, where you can immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters and the warmth of the tropical region. This destination receives excellent reviews from tourists in their Cambodia travel experiences.

The beautiful, untouched Koh Rong Island in Cambodia (photo collection)

Koh Rong is famous for its dreamlike sunset on the deserted island named 'Lonely' – snorkeling is a beloved activity here (photo collection)

Koh Rong Samloem

Running along Koh Rong Samloem's beach are resorts as beautiful as paradise (photo collection)

Koh Rong Samloem is a relatively small island compared to Koh Rong, with images of smooth white sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, shallow and extremely safe, making it an attractive destination for tourists to explore this beautiful island. You can freely use beach chairs, swings, treehouse, hammocks on the beach, and even enter any restaurant to relax without ordering anything. This is a hot Cambodia travel spot and a must-experience, as shared by travel enthusiasts in their Cambodia travel experiences.

What to Eat in Cambodia?

Red Khmer Curry

Milder than Thai curry, Red Khmer Curry is coconut-based without chili powder. It features meats like beef, fish, or chicken, along with eggplant, taro, potatoes, fresh coconut milk, lemongrass, and kroeung.

Bai Sach Chrouk – Pork and Rice

Bai Sach Chrouk – Pork and Rice is a simple dish made from thinly sliced grilled pork with red coal, served with broken rice, cucumber, radish, and ginger, along with a broth of fresh coconut water, fresh onions, and dried fried onions. According to the backpacking experience in Cambodia, this is a dish that is quite easy for Vietnamese people to enjoy.

Nom banh chok – Khmer Noodles

Nom banh chok, simply known as Khmer noodles, consists of rice noodles, green curry with fish, lemongrass, turmeric, and lime. Fresh mint leaves, banana blossom, banana flower powder, cucumber, and various green vegetables accompany nom banh chok.

Kdam chaa – Fried Crab

According to the Cambodia travel experience, you must try fried crab, a specialty of Kep town, Cambodia. The famous crab market here is known for its fried crab with Kampot green pepper. You can only enjoy fresh Kampot pepper when traveling to Cambodia, and it pairs exceptionally well with fried crab.

Ang dtray meuk – Grilled Squid

In the coastal regions of Cambodia, such as Sihanoukville and Kep, there are many street vendors selling seafood, including grilled squid with golden roe known as Ang Dtray Meuk. The squid is marinated in lime juice or fish sauce, skewered on bamboo sticks before grilling. The dish is served with dipping sauce featuring Kampot pepper, garlic, chili, lime, and sugar.

What to Buy as Souvenirs in Cambodia

With the experience of independent travel in Cambodia, unique gifts bearing the Cambodian imprint, such as Krama scarves – woven from soft cotton fibers, ideal for sweat absorption, commonly used by Cambodians in their daily lives. Alternatively, you can purchase small sculptures like Buddha figures or iconic landmarks.

In Cambodia, you can purchase handmade items or souvenirs at local markets. Many shops tend to inflate prices, so it's advisable to check prices before deciding to buy. You can buy Khmer scarves, various bracelets, or local products such as catfish, tra fish, or water snakes at very affordable prices. Additionally, electronic items might be cheaper than in Vietnam. However, be aware that if you carry more than 5 million Vietnamese dong, you will need to declare and pay applicable taxes.

Things to Note When Traveling to Cambodia

• The currency used in Cambodia is the Riel (pronounced as Ria), where 1 Riel equals 5.36 Vietnamese dong (multiply Riel by 5 to get the equivalent in Vietnamese dong) or you can also use US dollars where 4000 Riel equals 1 USD. Cambodians accept both their Riel and US dollars.
• When traveling to Cambodia, it's advisable to carry less than 3000 USD to avoid declaration. Purchases under 300 USD are exempt from taxes. Ensure that your passport has more than 6 months of validity upon entry.
• Average food prices in Cambodia range from 1 to 1.5$.
• Do not touch or pat the heads of children, as it is considered a sacred part of their body.
• Never offer items or money with your left hand, as it is perceived as impolite in Cambodian culture.
• When entering a temple, absolutely do not wear hats, remove your shoes outside, and avoid standing too close to or touching the monks.

Through this shared experience of independent travel in Cambodia, Vntrip.vn wishes you a joyful and memorable journey in this beautiful neighboring country.