Cambodia is a gem of Southeast Asia. The beautiful country has affluence in every part of the Kingdom that will make you fall in love with them. Ever smiling faces of humble Cambodian people are high on spirit. They are so warm and accommodating that they try to make a traveler’s holiday experience smooth too. The rather less explored destination is bejeweled with spectacular temples, beaches, and rich culture. A lot of amazing sights awaits you on Cambodia Vacations.
10 Cambodia Travel Tips
Travel tips save last minutes hassles. The comfort, elegance, and safety are supreme in travel. Check these 10 fine prints of most important Cambodia Travel tips.
1. US Dollars
Cambodia has their own currency, Cambodian Reil. But, US Dollar is the most widely accepted one and it is amazing to know that Dollar is used more than Cambodian Reil. One dollar equals 4,041.10Cambodian Riel which indicates poor Cambodian economy.
Cambodian Reil or Dollar what to bring when traveling to Cambodia? When you are heading to change your currency it is a good decision to keep some American Dollars along with Reils.
Another very important thing is to have the Dollar note in good shape, do remember to save your note from ripping. Cambodians do not accept old, torn currency so I would ask you to do the same while accepting change from the shopkeeper.
Must Read: Trekking In Siem Reap: Treading The Unexplored Pathways Of Nature In Cambodia
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2. Khmer
Khmer or Cambodian as it is alternately called is the official language of Cambodia. More than 90% of people speak Khmer. Therefore, learning the local language is the prime necessity. At least learn greetings in Khmer. So, head starts your Khmer lessons and try memorizing some common Khmer words. Here are some really helpful words listed-
- Hello- Sous-dey
- Good Bye- Li hi
- Good Morning- Arunn sous-dey
- Good Afternoon- Tiveah sous-dey
- Good Evening- Sayoan sous-dey
- Thank You- Orkun
- Thank you so much- Orkun cheraown
- Sorry- Somm toh
- How are you?- Soksaby?
- How much does it cost?- Tlay bonmann?
3. Scams
Most important of Cambodia travel warnings is take heed of pick-pocketing and grabbing. You have to be very careful of the valuables. Every hotel staff warns you of this on your arrival.
When you are going out for sightseeing it is advisable to leave your most valued items in hotel locker. Passport is an important document and your pass to return back so, it is recommended to keep it in a safe place as well.
Cambodia is also not free from beggars and this has turned out to be a menace. The infamous ‘The Baby Milk’ scam and many others are upsetting.
Suggested Read: Museums In Siem Reap: 5 Museums That Depict The History Of Cambodia
4. Budget
Planning, and budget goes hand in hand. Festivals are the best time to imbibe the affluence of culture. And, if you want the perfect indulgence plan a trip in April or May, Cambodian celebrates New Year at that time!
It is expensive to travel to Cambodia than other ASEAN countries so planning your budget is inevitable. Booking flight tickets save a good money. Do not get tempted by cheap price roadways. The corrupt officials on the ground way will rip off money from your pocket.
A decent meal would cost about $5 in the mid-range hotel and $1 for a pint of beer. The tuk-tuk ride would charge a good price and many such expenses have to be met. Make a budget to meet all the outlays.
5. Sim Card
This is an overlook aspect yet one of the vital Cambodia travel tips. Having a Cambodia sim-card always keep you connected. The good news is it isn’t any more difficult for a tourist to obtain one. Metfone, the most popular operator there makes the cell card available at just $1-$2. You can buy a sim as you drop at the airport. It is available with a small counter or cabin there.
Cambodians are not very fluent in English. Many times you may find it difficult to communicate with locals. A basic data plan edge over this weakness of Cambodians. A basic plan with 1.5 GB data is priced at only $5.
Suggested Read: 10 Best Waterfalls In Cambodia That Ought To Be A Part Of Your Next Trip!
6. Delicacies
Cambodian cuisine is rather a hidden nugget. It has a lot of unique flavors and spices. The thought of jarring spicy food may scare you at first but is recommended for vibrant flavors. If you are a non-vegetarian there is a lot to pamper your taste buds.
- Bai Sach Chrouk: It is a street style food popular for breakfast. This is a grilled sweet pork recipe served with rice. Pickled cucumber, radish, and broth are provided as sides.
- Nom Banh Chok: This is rice noodle with green curry sauce breakfast recipe. It is such a popular dish that you can find a lot of drifting hawkers or street cabins selling it.
- Khmer red curry: It is a less spicy version of Thai curry. It is served with bread.
7. Early Start
Arrive before sunrise to the religious places like Angkor Wat. You need to buy a pass worth $37 to let you enjoy the moment. Hundreds of people arrive every day to see the sunrise. For convenience, buy pass a day before so that you can prompt early as it opens. If you buy tickets the same day, you have to wait until the counter opens around 5 A.M.
Other temples to visit are Ta Prohm and Bayon Temple. Early temple tour is the best deal. This private guided tour includes sunrise at Angkor Wat and the three temples of Angkor complex.
Suggested Read: 10 Spots Famous For Scuba Diving In Cambodia
8. Nightlife
Siem Reap turns livewire in dark hours with sparkling colorful lights, dynamic people, and night markets. Invest a fair amount of your time exploring night markets in Siem Reap. A wide variety of products are available there and therefore they are the best places to buy souvenirs.
Put on the bargaining hat, your haggling skills are put on test in night markets. Until there is a price tag on, there is always a chance of getting it at half the asking price. Another tip is to walk away after quoting your price, chances are they’ll call you back if haven’t pushed them hard.
9. Phnom Penh Indoor Play Center
Cambodia has contemporary facilities to enhance the tourist interest. The latest being Phnom Penh indoor play center in Aeon Mall. The ultra-modern shopping center is decked up with the latest brands.
The kids play area spread in 600 sq meters is located on the first floor. Kids love slides, trampolines, educational games, and pirate inspired setting. No frills attached, you can do shopping and leave kids in the play center. The price is $6 during weekdays and $8 on weekends.
Suggested Read: Shopping In Cambodia: The Inner Shopaholic In You Will Not Be Able To Resist These 10 Places
10. Accommodation
Families occasionally visit Cambodia. Hence, there are very fewer accommodations with family facilities on Cambodia travel map. Find a hotel with kids playing area in addition to spacious rooms and pool. Some hotels organize kids’ friendly activities and workshops too.
Further Read: Snorkeling In Cambodia: 10 Best Places To Thrill Your Soul
If you are planning a tour to Cambodia these things to know before travelling to Cambodia are of great help. Plan your trip to Cambodia for an enthralling experience with the help of these tips and have an amazing time with your friends and family.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cambodia Travel Tips
What is the best time to visit Cambodia?
November to April is the best time to visit Cambodia because during these months, the country receives very low rainfall. Pleasant weather and clear skie makes it favourable for sightseeing and other outdoor activities.
What is there to see in Cambodia?
Some of the most popular places to visit in Cambodia are:
1. Krong Siem Reap
2. Phnom Penh
3. Angkor
4. War Museum
5. Koh Kher
6. Kampot
7. Tonle Sap
Is Cambodia safe for travelers?
Yes, Cambodia is a country that ensures the safety of its travelers. The country welcomes tourists from round the world throughout the year, which means tourism is very crucial to its economy. But you would need to take some basic precautions like being aware of your surroundings and not consuming anything offered by strangers.
What can you do in Cambodia?
Here are some of the interesting things to do in Cambodia:
1. Cruise tour on the Mekong River
2. Bike tour in Siem Reap
3. Swim with the elephants in Mondulkiri
4. Watch Apsara Dance
5. Dive near Sihanoukville
What is the entry fee for Angkor Wat?
The charges for the entry pass to Angkor Wat are:
1. One-Day: INR 2,700
2. Three-Day: INR 4,500
3. Seven-Day: INR 5,200
What does a traditional Cambodian meal consist of?
A traditional Cambodian meal consists of steamed rice, vegetables, fish, soup, and salad. Rice and fish are the main elements. In fact the popular Cambodian desserts also have sticky rice and fruits as main ingredients.
What is the most popular food in Cambodia?
Amok, a thick fish curry, is one of the most popular dishes from the Cambodian cuisine. It is made by cooking steamed catfish with coconut based gravy.
What currency is used in Cambodia?
The currency of Cambodia is Cambodian Riel. But the US Dollar is widely accepted and is also the recommended currency for travelers. This will save your money and effort while currency conversion.
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