A Beginner's Guide to Self-Guided Travel in Cambodia

Cambodia, renowned for its classic Khmer temples and unique architecture, holds a rich cultural tapestry filled with mysterious tales and fascinating discoveries waiting for global travelers. If you're planning a self-guided trip to Cambodia but lack experience, this article is for you! Mytour will reveal essential tips for exploring this captivating country.

1. Key Information to Know Before Your Self-Guided Trip to Cambodia

Before diving into the details of self-guided travel in Cambodia, let's explore some fundamental facts about this temple-filled nation.

1.1 Where is Cambodia Located?

This is undoubtedly a question many travel enthusiasts ask, as not everyone knows the exact geographical location of Cambodia. Internationally known as Cambodia, this country is situated on the Indochinese Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It’s no exaggeration to say that Cambodia is a treasure trove of valuable resources, from rare wildlife to lush forests and rich seas. Some of the most famous animals in Cambodia include the kouprey, elephants, and tigers.

Cambodia boasts a coastline stretching 443 km along the Gulf of Thailand. With a total area of 181,035 km2, it shares direct borders with Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. The capital, Phnom Penh, is a special administrative unit and is one of the country's 24 provinces.

Visiting ancient temple towers is one of the most captivating experiences for Vietnamese tourists (Image source: Collected)

With 97% of the population practicing Buddhism, it is the official religion of Cambodia. This explains why the country is home to so many world-renowned temples. Among them, the most famous are Angkor Wat and the Angkor temple complex in Siem Reap.

The official language spoken in Cambodia is Khmer. However, many first-time self-guided travelers to Cambodia are often surprised to find Vietnamese widely spoken by locals. This is undoubtedly a significant advantage for those exploring Cambodia independently.

1.2 Cambodian Currency? How to Exchange Money

Exchanging currency is a necessity when traveling to a foreign country. Did you know Cambodia uses both the Riel and the US Dollar as its official currencies?

The Riel is commonly used for small transactions, such as purchasing food, using public transportation, or paying at supermarkets and convenience stores. For larger transactions, the US Dollar is preferred. Both currencies circulate simultaneously in Cambodia, so don’t be surprised if you pay in Dollars and receive change in Riel!

There are several ways to exchange currency for your trip to Cambodia. Here are some reliable options to consider:

• Border crossings near Vietnam - Cambodia: Mộc Bài border gate, Xà Xía border gate…

• Major banks in Vietnam.

• Direct exchange at Bến Thành Market, Đồng Xuân Market,... or small gold shops.

1.3 Cambodia’s Time Zone

One of the reasons self-guided travel to Cambodia appeals to many Vietnamese tourists is the shared time zone of UTC +07:00. Sharing the same time zone helps you manage your schedule better and make thorough preparations.

2. What is the Best Time for Self-Guided Travel to Cambodia?

This is likely a common question for first-time visitors to Cambodia. Similar to Vietnam, Cambodia has two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the dry season.

• The rainy season typically lasts from May to October.

• The dry season spans from November to March of the following year.

The beginning of the new year is often a popular time for Vietnamese tourists to travel abroad (Image source: Collected)

According to self-guided travel experiences in Cambodia, the dry season is the ideal time to visit. During this period, the weather is dry, cool, with minimal rain and moderate sunshine. Additionally, from mid-November, Cambodia hosts numerous cultural festivals like the Water Festival and boat races. However, if you enjoy lively atmospheres, consider visiting in April to experience the traditional New Year celebration, Chol Chnam Thmay!

3. What is the Best Way to Travel to Cambodia?

Thanks to the close geographical proximity between Vietnam and Cambodia, traveling between the two countries is relatively easy. You can choose between buses or flights for your journey. However, if you’re planning a self-guided trip to Cambodia, traveling by motorbike can be a more budget-friendly option.

3.1 Bus Travel

Buses are a convenient option for travelers departing from southern provinces. Not only is the cost affordable, but it also offers a great opportunity to enjoy scenic views along the way. Several bus companies operate routes from Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia, including Sapaco and Mai Linh Express.

Here are some current bus fares:

• Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh: 550,000 VND - 700,000 VND per person per trip.

• Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap: 1,300,000 VND per person per trip.

Traveling to Cambodia by bus is a cost-effective way to save on transportation expenses (Image source: Collected)

3.2 Airplane

If long bus rides feel tiring, consider flying instead! Air travel is the fastest way to reach Cambodia. Currently, Mytour offers a variety of flight options with different schedules to suit your needs. You can book flights to Cambodia on Mytour to enjoy exclusive deals and discounts!

• Hanoi to Phnom Penh flights: From 3,000,000 VND per person (one-way)

• Hanoi to Siem Reap flights: From 2,500,000 VND per person (one-way)

• Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh flights: From 3,000,000 VND per person (one-way)

• Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap flights: From 2,000,000 VND per person (one-way)

4. What to Prepare for a Self-Guided Trip to Cambodia?

A well-prepared luggage ensures a smooth and enjoyable trip. Whether you’re traveling independently or on a tour, packing the right essentials is crucial. So, what should you prepare for a trip to Cambodia?

• Identification documents such as a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity), flight tickets (or bus tickets), ID card, immigration forms, travel SIM card,...

• Cash for shopping, dining, and transportation in Cambodia (It’s recommended to exchange currency to Riel or US Dollars).

• Adequate clothing, personal hygiene items, bags, hats, umbrellas, sunglasses,...

• Basic medications like painkillers, stomachache pills, motion sickness tablets, fever reducers,...

5. Transportation Options in Cambodia

You can easily find tuk-tuks, cyclos, motorbike taxis, and more throughout Cambodia. Depending on your itinerary and destinations, you can choose the most suitable mode of transportation.

According to self-guided travel experiences in Cambodia, buses are an ideal choice for those looking to explore new destinations. Bus routes connect Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, with fares starting at around 7 USD per person.

Exploring the streets by tuk-tuk is one of the most exciting experiences when traveling independently in Cambodia (Image source: Collected)

The most common mode of transport in major cities is the tuk-tuk. However, when using a tuk-tuk, it’s essential to negotiate the fare upfront to avoid overcharging, as prices can sometimes be inflated.

6. Top Tourist Destinations for Self-Guided Travel in Cambodia

Once you’ve gathered some essential knowledge, it’s time to plan your self-guided trip to Cambodia with these famous destinations:

Phnom Penh, the Capital City

Topping the list of must-visit destinations in Cambodia is the capital city, Phnom Penh. Not only is it the political, economic, and cultural hub of Cambodia, but it also boasts numerous historical landmarks and famous attractions, including:

• The Royal Palace of Cambodia.

• The Silver Pagoda and the Golden Pagoda.

• Wat Phnom Temple.

• The National Museum of Cambodia.

• Choeung Ek Killing Fields.

• Independence and Liberation Memorial Temples.

Siem Reap

If you’re passionate about exploring Cambodia’s culture and history, Siem Reap is the perfect destination! Once known as the “capital of the Khmer Empire” before Phnom Penh took its place, Siem Reap offers visitors a chance to delve into the rich history and cultural heritage of the ancient Khmer civilization through its architectural marvels. Highlights include the Angkor National Museum and the Angkor Silk Farm.

Visit Siem Reap to explore ancient Khmer ruins (Image source: Collected)

Here are some famous destinations in Siem Reap you might want to explore:

• The Angkor Archaeological Park.

• Wat Bo Temple.

• The Angkor Thom complex.

• Tonle Sap Lake.

• Angkor Silk Farm.

Sihanoukville

Sihanoukville is Cambodia’s most picturesque and pristine coastal city, attracting countless visitors for relaxation. Upon your first visit, you’ll be mesmerized by its crystal-clear blue waters and endless stretches of white sandy beaches.

Not only that, visitors can also indulge in fresh and affordable seafood while sunbathing on lounge chairs. If you’re seeking a place to unwind and relax, Sihanoukville is the perfect destination to melt away your worries.

Koh Rong Island

Koh Rong Island is renowned as Cambodia’s famous tropical paradise. Just a 20km boat ride from Sihanoukville, Koh Rong offers a refreshing escape for romantic souls. Unlike bustling cities, the island provides a serene and peaceful atmosphere that feels almost magical. Once you set foot on the island, you’ll never want to leave.

Koh Rong Island is a tropical haven that attracts hundreds of international visitors for relaxation (Image source: Collected)

Since the island remains relatively untouched by tourism, it retains its pristine natural beauty. From the towering mountain peaks, you can see straight to the ocean floor. The water is so clear that you can spot schools of fish swimming beneath the surface with the naked eye.

7. Must-Try Cambodian Dishes

Travel and cuisine go hand in hand. Experiencing the local food is an essential part of any journey. Let’s explore some of the most iconic dishes you must try during your self-guided trip to Cambodia!

• Bai sach chrouk - Pork Rice: Similar to Vietnamese broken rice, this Cambodian dish features flavorful and aromatic grilled pork. The pork is thinly sliced and marinated with coconut milk or garlic before being grilled over charcoal. It’s typically served with rice, pickled vegetables, and a side of cucumber.

Cambodian pork rice bears a striking resemblance to Vietnamese broken rice (Image source: Collected)

• Khmer Red Curry: This is one of Cambodia’s most beloved dishes among international travelers. Khmer red curry is typically served with vegetables like long beans, potatoes, eggplant, and lemongrass, seasoned with kroeung spice paste.

• Kampot Durian: A renowned delicacy of Cambodia, Kampot durian is praised for its large, creamy, and aromatic flesh.

8. Total Cost for a Self-Guided Trip to Cambodia

The total cost for a self-guided trip to Cambodia lasting 3-4 days typically ranges from 5,000,000 VND to 10,000,000 VND. This budget is relatively low and can even be cheaper than domestic travel in some cases.

9. Should You Travel to Cambodia Independently or Join a Tour?

Choosing between self-guided travel to Cambodia or joining a tour depends on your budget and personal preferences. If you prefer a budget-friendly trip with flexible scheduling, self-guided travel is the way to go.

On the other hand, if it’s your first time visiting Cambodia or you lack travel experience, joining a tour is the ideal choice. With a tour, everything from transportation and meals to sightseeing and hotel accommodations is taken care of, allowing you to relax and enjoy your trip without worries.

Mytour is a travel company with nearly 15 years of experience in organizing tours and related services. You can trust us when booking a Cambodia tour. Our tour prices typically range from 3,500,000 VND to 12,000,000 VND per person.

Mytour offers a variety of Cambodia tour packages with attractive deals (Image source: Collected)

10. Tips for First-Time Self-Guided Travelers to Cambodia

• Vietnamese citizens are granted visa-free entry to Cambodia for up to 30 days.

• When visiting historical sites or ancient architectural structures, dress modestly and respectfully. Avoid wearing revealing clothing.

• Do not touch the heads of Cambodian children.

• Avoid speaking loudly, joking, or running around temples and pagodas.

• Do not hand items to locals with your left hand, as it is considered impolite.

• Always ask for prices before making a purchase.

• Avoid sitting with crossed legs when visiting temples.

Above are all the essential tips for self-guided travel to Cambodia. We hope the information provided by Mytour helps you plan a memorable trip. Contact Mytour via hotline 028 3827 0404 to book your Cambodia tour at unbeatable prices with exciting offers!