Buzz
If you're on a budget of around 5 million dong and still want to explore historical sites, marvel at breathtaking landscapes, indulge in delicious food, and go on a shopping spree worry-free, Cambodia is the ideal choice for your summer adventure. Here's a detailed compilation of all the travel experiences in Cambodia, perfect for first-time visitors to this temple-filled land, ensuring a perfect journey.
To reach Cambodia, you can take a car, but the journey across the border to Siem Reap can take over 10 hours, which might not be the best option for those prone to motion sickness.
Alternatively, you can opt for a flight, saving time, and the current airfare is quite affordable. From Ho Chi Minh City, you have two popular flight routes to Siem Reap or straight to the capital, Phnom Penh, with airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, Jetstar, or Cambodia Angkor Air. I booked my tickets about 2 months in advance on Mytour, using a promo code to maximize savings on transportation.
Day 1 in Siem Reap, Cambodia
First, you need to exchange your currency upon crossing the border or at any location within Cambodia. The perennial issue is always 'where's the money.'
1 Riel = 5.5 Vietnamese Dong
1 USD = 4000 Riel
If traveling by car, you'll pass over the over 1000-year-old Kompong Kdei bridge. This is the oldest bridge in Cambodia with 22 spans, entirely constructed with ong stone without any adhesive. At both ends of the bridge, there are statues of the mythical Naga serpent with seven heads, revered by the locals as a sacred deity, and the bridge itself embodies the shape of this divine serpent.
Make a stop to check-in at the thousand-year-old bridge before heading deeper into downtown Cambodia. @ Flickr Huyen Le
Notably, both ends of the bridge have many stalls selling golden, fragrant, and fluffy thot not sponge cakes, served with coconut water and white sesame seeds, an unforgettable taste.
Thot not sponge cakes have a natural yellow color, are soft and fluffy, and incredibly fragrant. @ Flickr Huyen Le
Car stops often include stations with gas stations and a small supermarket. These are duty-free points, making the prices of consumer goods very cheap. However, this is not the ideal time for shopping. Wait until the return trip; there's still plenty of time for a shopping spree.
In Siem Reap, you can find plenty of hotels and guesthouses that suit your budget. Based on my Cambodia travel experience, the hotels in the city center are mostly 3-star, 4-star with full amenities, breakfast buffets in both Asian and European styles, and some even have spa facilities and swimming pools.
After enjoying a Cambodia-style dinner with fermented fish sauce, dried sausage, and braised pork, you can have a glass of Angkor beer to experience its unique, refreshing, and slightly bitter taste. In Cambodia, almost everyone eats raw vegetables, including cabbage, okra, and green beans. There's also the crispy and delightful pickled eggplant dish. However, a dish that can satisfy even the pickiest eaters is coconut-infused pork, tender, flavorful with coconut essence, fragrant, and slightly spicy. Paired with white rice, it's simply indescribable.
The braised pork with fermented fish sauce in a coconut looks stunning and tastes incredibly delicious. @ Flickr Huyen Le
Overall, the cuisine in Cambodia, from snacks to breakfast and lunch, is quite similar to Vietnamese cuisine, so there's no barrier to indulging in these delights.
On the first evening, I purchased tickets to watch the spectacular show 'Smile of Angkor.' Directed by the renowned Truong Nghe Muu, this unique performance showcases Cambodia's artistic talents. The 75-minute show is divided into 6 chapters: 'Dialogues with the Divine,' 'Prosperous Dynasty,' 'Resurrection of the Gods,' 'Legend of the Milky Ocean,' 'Prayers for Life,' and 'Smile of Angkor.' It narrates the entire history of the formation, development, and peak of the Angkor civilization, going through various ups and downs, and grand events. The dialogue is translated directly on the stage screen in Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese, and English, so you can enjoy it worry-free.
The ticket prices are a bit high, but this is an art masterpiece well worth the money and a truly satisfying experience. @ Flickr Huyen Le
The scene outside the theater is vibrant and crowded, attracting thousands of visitors every night. @ Flickr Huyen Le
I truly went from one surprise to another, eyes wide open, mouth forming an 'O,' witnessing the splendid coordination of music, lights, costume colors, fountains, smoke, fire, and meticulously crafted statues.
With vivid storytelling through body language and traditional dances such as shiva, apsara, military dance, court dance, monkey dance, bokotoo (Cambodian combat technique), and Royal Palace candle dance, you'll find every second of the 75 minutes absolutely worthwhile. However, filming or photography is strictly prohibited during the performance.
Day 2: Exploring the mystical Angkor Wat
For your first breakfast here, you should try the authentic Cambodian-style Nam Vang noodle soup. In reality, you can still find this dish in Vietnam, but eating it right where it originated is more delightful. Shrimp, liver, pork, quail eggs, crispy fried garlic, scallions, rice noodle strands, and the broth made from pork bones, sweet and fragrant turnips—it's delicious.
The authentic Cambodian-style Nam Vang noodle soup is fantastic, a must-try at its place of origin. @ Flickr Huyen Le
When visiting Cambodia, make sure to explore Angkor Wat, an architectural marvel in Siem Reap, Cambodia. It is the largest religious monument globally, covering 162.6 hectares, proudly depicted on the national flag and a profound source of pride for the locals.
Angkor Wat blends two fundamental elements of Khmer architecture—the temple-mountain style and extensive narrow galleries. This architecture symbolizesMount Meru, the home of thegodsinHindu mythology. Enclosed by a moat and a 3.6km-long outer wall, the main temple complex features rectangular structures interconnected by deep galleries. At the heart of the temple is a group of five towers, one central and four at the corners of a square.
The magnificent panorama of Angkor Wat at the entrance gate. @kb08_
The towering temple structures, cloaked in layers of moss, bearing the marks of time. @emilyyyun
This awe-inspiring scenery will produce artistic photos for photography enthusiasts. @backpackerstory
Upon entering, you'll have your picture taken for the admission ticket—a security measure that adds solemnity. Yet, for travelers, it becomes a cherished and respected experience. Most visitors keep this ticket as a memento. Entrance fee for one day is around 400,000 VND.
When exploring in the heat, combat thirst by getting a refreshing nectar palm drink. This chilled, sweet, and fragrant drink is served in a bamboo tube. The vendors here are versatile; speak any language, and they'll respond, even in Vietnamese.
Numerous nectar palm trees are planted around Angkor Wat, symbolizing Cambodia. @ Flickr Huyen Le
Playful monkeys may leap from one tower to another, showcasing their mischievous antics. @ Flickr Huyen Le
Nectar palm drink in a bamboo tube, sweet, cool, and pure, priced around 10,000 VND per glass. @ Flickr Huyen Le
The majestic and symmetrical architectural style in the temple complex is truly extraordinary. It's advisable to arrive early to explore every corner of the expansive area. Temples hold profound sanctity in Cambodia; wearing shorts or dresses with thin straps might lead to police intervention with no leniency.
Angkor Wat is especially picturesque, making it a haven for photography enthusiasts and Instagram aficionados. Those keen on capturing the ancient and grand moments must be prepared to spend the entire day here without getting bored.
Capture a fascinating angle of Angkor Wat reflecting in the lake, creating a captivating symmetrical image. @angkor_cambodia_driver
A mysterious and enchanting perspective of Angkor Wat, captivating millions of international tourists. @rad.travels
Many temple towers require climbing steep stairs to reach great heights. @deheymst
The next iconic destination on your Cambodian journey is Angkor Thom. It's the second temple you must visit, serving as the last and longest-lasting capital of theKhmer Empire. This complex boasts numerous colossal smiling Buddha statues, symbolizing peace and happiness. These statues face each of the four exits, and their proximity might lead to confusion. Don't worry, ask the tourist police, identifiable by their yellow and gray uniforms, and they'll guide you out.
In addition to the smiling faces, you'll encounter numerous sculptures depicting the traditional Apsara celestial nymphs in various dance poses. This imagery is an iconic representation of the country and appears in art across temples, pagodas, and even modern structures.
Within the temple areas, you'll find many souvenir shops offering inexpensive items like temple-patterned T-shirts, long pants adorned with temple or elephant motifs, keychains, statues, and paintings featuring national symbols. You can purchase these at very affordable prices, typically just a few tens of thousands.
The laughing Buddha face statues, intricately carved from massive stones, stand as a profound pride of the Cambodian people. @eivind91
Surrounded by a breathtaking landscape, the repetition of numerous smiling Buddha statues showcases the remarkable skills of ancient Cambodian artisans. @notreville
Be cautious not to get lost in the vastness of Angkor Thom, where all four sections look remarkably similar, making navigation challenging. @angkor_cambodia_driver
Numerous exquisite carvings of Apsara celestial nymphs exude abundant beauty and vitality. @paolanicolau
Day 3 in the capital city of Phnom Penh
On the third day in Phnom Penh, the Royal Palace of Cambodia awaits with solemn grandeur. The bus ride from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh costs around 300k. This is the residence of the royal family, hosting political events, royal ceremonies, and traditional national rituals. Therefore, I emphasize the significance of appropriate attire for the visit. If your outfit lacks sleeves or includes a short skirt, consider buying a linen shawl to drape over yourself. It's not only fashionable but also compliant with the visitation regulations.
The Royal Palace is a must-visit destination in the capital city of Phnom Penh. @ Flickr Huyen Le
Within the Royal Palace complex, you'll move on to the Silver Pagoda, a highly renowned temple in the capital. The floor of the Silver Pagoda is paved with approximately 1kg silver tiles, equivalent to floor tiles providing a cool sensation underfoot. The main hall in the temple houses numerous Buddha statues made of gold, silver, precious stones, and various gemstones. The sparkling golden color will leave you in awe. Photography and filming are prohibited inside, so dedicate your time to carefully observe each national treasure.
However, you are free to capture the scenery outside the royal palace and the Silver Pagoda. The unique tiered architecture, spiral roofs with a distinct Cambodian flair, will allow you to capture stunning photos inch by inch. A wide-angle camera would be ideal for capturing all these beautiful architectural structures. The entrance fee for this complex is around 140k.
The palace is considered the heart of the people of the temple land. @ Flickr Huyen Le
The palaces, temple towers in the capital are constructed with grandeur, solemnity, and carry strong religious elements. @cambodiaphotos
The statues, each dressed in a different color, represent the corresponding lucky colors for the seven days of the week. @ Flickr Huyen Le
The Silver Pagoda boasts numerous silver spires reaching towards the sky, each dedicated to honoring a revered figure with historical, political, and cultural significance. @ Flickr Huyen Le
The next stop on your 4-day Cambodia travel journey is Wat Phnom, the most sacred temple associated with the history of the formation of Phnom Penh. Legend has it that in 1372, Lady Penh (Yea Penh) found a drifting piece of wood on the river. Inside the wood were 4 Buddha statues. She had a hill (phnom means hill) and a small temple (wat) built in the area now called Wat Phnom. Later, the surrounding area was named after the hill (Phnom) and the person who created it (Penh), giving rise to the name Phnom Penh. From Wat Phnom, looking across the street, you'll see the gentle statue of Lady Penh, always gazing towards the hill and the small temple.
Wat Phnom, the capital's most sacred temple. @deborahprr
Shaped like a giant lotus flower, the Cambodia Independence Monument is constructed as a landmark symbolizing the nation's freedom and peace. The monument is located in the center of the capital, right on the large square, and becomes dazzling when illuminated. So, while strolling around the center, don't forget to capture this beautiful moment.
The Independence Monument stands proudly in the heart of the capital. @manila_folder
In Phnom Penh, hotel prices might be a bit higher, ranging from 300k to 400k/night for a double room. In the evening, Phnom Penh offers a plethora of culinary choices, from sophisticated European dishes to flavorful Asian cuisine and local delicacies such as hollow-stomached beef paste, Khmer curry, Khmer noodles, red ant salad mixed with beef, and crispy fried insects like grasshoppers, beetles, crickets, scorpions, and ants. If you have a strong stomach, don't forget to try fried insects with lime leaves, chili, paired with a bit of beer. The aromatic, fatty, and crunchy combination will be a unique experience.
Delicious crunchy red ant and chili dish, perfect as a snack with beer. @ Flickr Huyen Le
Cambodia's specialty also includes the grand casinos that open their doors throughout the night. Traveling to Cambodia without trying your luck at a casino would be a huge regret. Naga World is the central casino in the city, attracting the most visitors. Here, you'll see players from many different countries engaging in various card games in different areas. You might wonder why the ceilings of these casinos are often painted to resemble the daytime sky. Locals say that the ceiling creates an illusion for gamblers that if they look up, they'll feel the sun hasn't set yet, and it's still early, so they continue their red-black destiny. However, if you don't understand the rules, steer clear of these daring games.
Experience the thrill of being a casino boss, even if only in your imagination. @ Flickr Huyen Le
From the hotels, you can hire a tuk-tuk to travel to shopping centers or night markets. This mode of transport is easy to find in Cambodia, and its cost-effectiveness makes it a favorite among tourists. Even a tuk-tuk tour around the capital costs only about 100,000 dong for a group of around 3 people.
If you want to party all night, spend your evening at the Cambodia Night Market located at Sisowath Quay. Operating from 5 pm until well past midnight, this market attracts many tourists for shopping and sightseeing. You'll find foot massage services with chairs right on the sidewalk, smoothie carts with giant glasses that seem bottomless, stalls selling fried insects, savory and sweet-filled crepes, grilled food carts, and even beer. Many small bars play lively music with makeshift barrel tables, creating a casual and youthful atmosphere.
The night market is a vibrant place where you can find everything from food and shopping to singing through the night. @ Flickr Huyen Le
Cambodia's night markets will keep you awake with irresistible and delicious treats. @brittanyspano
If you need to buy souvenirs here, seize the opportunity, prices are very reasonable. You can purchase elephant statues, Buddha statues, temples, or iconic keychains. Silk scarves are also a popular gift at around $2 each. Silver jewelry here is beautiful, but not everyone has the experience to choose genuine silver that won't fade.
Traditional woven bracelets are adorable and easy to find at local markets. @ Flickr Huyen Le
On day 4, take advantage of some shopping before heading back.
On the morning of the fourth day of the Cambodia travel journey, you can visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum if you are brave enough. The museum documents the atrocities committed by the Pol Pot regime against the people of Vietnam and Cambodia, especially women and children. With rows of stacked skull cabinets and images of genocide atrocities, there are moments when you will feel your legs shake.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. @kb08_
Within the museum grounds, two men, survivors and witnesses of Pol Pot's genocide, who lost their loved ones, will share their stories through books. Importantly, they speak Vietnamese, so take some time to chat with the living witnesses and gain a deeper understanding of history.
Survivor Bou Meng will tell you about his painful life facing Pol Pot's genocide. @ Flickr Huyen Le
Conclude your shopping at the central market before heading back home, where you'll find some fascinating items. One golden rule when shopping, especially while traveling, is never to hesitate to bargain before making a purchase.
The unique architecture of the central market's vaulted dome. @ Flickr Huyen Le
Here, there's an abundance of export t-shirts from various brands. You can even buy some t-shirts for $2 each or 2 for $3. Various types of massage oils are the most popular souvenirs. Depending on your needs, you can get recommendations from the sellers. Additionally, dried sausages, fish jerky, fish paste, and palm sugar are specialties you can buy as gifts. Many vendors in this vaulted market area speak Vietnamese, making the buying process very easy.
This market area will help you purchase goods at incredibly low prices before bidding farewell to Cambodia. @ Flickr Huyen Le
For your final sightseeing, use the remaining Riel and ask the sellers to give you change in Dong to take back home. They are willing to exchange currency if you buy from them. If you're quick and attentive, you can buy many beautiful items like clothes, jewelry, and souvenirs at very affordable prices here.
Traveling to Cambodia has many more attractions like Sea Lake, Koh Rong Island, the Killing Fields, and many historical sites. However, within a complete 3-day itinerary, the mentioned places are the most suitable for you to plan and allocate your time comfortably. Come back for a second visit to Cambodia; there's much more interesting waiting for you to discover and experience.
The cost for snacks and daily budget meals in the authentic Cambodian style is around 1 million VND for the entire trip. You can have a budget-friendly self-guided trip to Cambodia with just 5 million VND in 4 days.
Stay tuned for Mytour's second article about the missing places in this one and start preparing early for your second trip.
