Ten Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Cambodia
I recently spent seven days in Cambodia, it was an incredible experience and I loved every minute of it but there are also about ten things I wish I knew before visiting Cambodia.
1. Visas – For U.S. and Canadian residents, it’s not necessary for you to apply for a visa in advance. You can get one when you arrive, but you will need to travel with a passport sized photo. A one-month tourist visa costs US$30 for Americans and Canadian citizens must pay US$30 plus a US$7 processing fee to obtain a Cambodia visa. Visas can be purchased on arrival at certain entry points, but you can expect long lines.
2. Cash – The currency in Cambodia is the riel. However, the U.S. dollar is used everywhere. After years of deprivation at the hands of the Khmer Rouge, the dollar helped to buoy the county’s recovery. So local restaurants and shops will accept riels, but it’s easier and cheaper for you to just use U.S. dollars. Make sure to travel with smaller bills, $1, $5 and $10.
3. Local Guides – Regardless if you’re traveling solo or as a couple hiring a local guide is one of the best things you can do. Cambodia is not the richest country so it’s good to pump money back into the local economy. For about $20 U.S. dollars for the day you can have a local pick you up in a Tuk Tuk from your hotel and take you to Angkor Wat. Your guide will help you get your tickets and take you to the entrance.
4. Children at Angkor Wat Selling – Children will be selling different items or food around Angkor Wat. Their beautiful faces will wheel you in, but avoid buying from them because it’s basically organized begging, and it devalues education. The children will not go to school because they feel like they can make money selling.
5. Baby Wipes – The public toilets are used by so many tourists each day, so they are not always the cleanest and it’s normal to not have any toilet paper. Travel with a small pack of baby wipes for those instances where you need to use the toilet.
6. The Countryside – I made my way out of the city and hopped on a 4×4. I rode through a few villages seeing the beautiful countryside and walking in the rice fields. Locals ran out of their homes and greeted us with a broad smile and waved as we rode by. It was so special for me to get out into the countryside and to see how the locals live. It was a humbling experience.
7. Rainy Season – It rained daily for about 30 mins in the afternoon, outside of that the weather was beautiful. Travel prices to Asia are usually cheaper during the rainy season, so you can save a few bucks by traveling during this time.
8. Language – You will have no problem getting around because English is spoken everywhere.
9. Monks – Monks are highly respected by the locals so tourists should be also. Always ask a Monk their permission before taking a picture of them.
10. Humid – It’s so humid in Cambodia. I sweat a lot normally, but Cambodia was on another level. My t-shirt was constantly wet from sweat due to the think humidity there. I would advise visiting the temples early in the morning before the mid-day sun hits and drink lots of H2O.
Anything else you would like to know about traveling in Cambodia?
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68 Comments
fleurdelailis
This was very helpful. I’ll be going there end of June/July so it’s good to know what to take with me. Especially the US dollars. I thought I’d had to exchange them into local currency, so it’s good to know. How long do you recommend to spend in Cambodia?
explorethe6
I spent 5 days in Cambodia and found that to be sufficient time for myself. If you wanted to visit a lot of the temples than I would add a few more days 🙂
Rachel Laverni
Nice post. Visiting Cambodia is not on my Bucket List but I enjoy learning about new places all of the time.
explorethe6
Thank you!
explorethe6
You’re welcome 🙂
Laura G
Those are amazing tips! Cambodia is on our world tour itinerary! We can’t wait!!
explorethe6
Awesome! You will definitely have a great time when you go 🙂
Kelsey Harmony
Cambodia sounds like such a beautiful country! And this is such a fantastic travel guide!!
explorethe6
Thank you so much
Monidipa Dutta (@MonidipaDutta51)
Wow, this is a lot of information. But thanks this is really a great insight. I appreciate it.
explorethe6
You’re so welcome
mjmamaajournal
Awesome post! This be useful when my husband and I decide to travel!
explorethe6
Sounds good, safe travel when you hit the road 🙂
delhifundos2014
Thanks for the information. One of my friend planning to visit Cambodia soon. I am sharing this blog with him.
explorethe6
Awesome! I know he will have a great time
natalielovesbeauty
That is so sad about the children begging for you to buy goods, I know this is a reality in many places. Thanks for sharing these things to keep in mind when visiting Cambodia.
explorethe6
You’re right, it does happen in a lot of places unfortunately
CANDACE
I’ve never visited Cambodia, but I’ve heard great things. There’s so much to learn about their culture. Really enjoyed these pictures. Thanks for sharing!!
XO
Candace
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
explorethe6
You’re welcome, it really is a beautiful country
LaToyia Dennis
Sounds like an amazing trip. The children would have gotten all of my money for sure.
explorethe6
It was awesome! I know it is really hard to resist the kids
Angela Bethea
Thank you so much for sharing these tips especially using dollars there. We haven’t visited Cambodia yet but will definitely consider this place in the future.
explorethe6
Awesome to hear. Have fun when you go
kidneyfornikki
I haven’t been to Cambodia but I really appreciate these 10 tips. I hadn’t considered the importance of a local guide when traveling and I didn’t realize everyone used the dollar there. Thanks for sharing!
explorethe6
Yes, it really is an easy country to travel around. I had a blast exploring 🙂
Alexandra Cook
Cambodia is on my top ten travel spots. This information is going to help so much when I get around to going!
explorethe6
You will have a great time when you go 🙂
Mosaics Lab
I’ve never heard of Cambodia but i heard so so much about it. I can’t wait to visit. Thanks for sharing.
Chad
http://www.mosaicslab.com
Sarah Bailey
These sound like some great tips, I bet it can be hard to see the children selling things, I don’t know if I could say no to them. I’d probably end up with all sorts.
explorethe6
I was so had not to buy something and support
gabriel izukanne
This is a great information .Because i plan on traveling alot this year.
explorethe6
Awesome! Safe travels this year
Amber
Thank you for the info! I’ll keep it in mind if I ever make it to Cambodia. I hope I do! The children selling stuff would weird me out. I’d probably be like, “Go to school, sweetie,” even if they didn’t understand.
explorethe6
Hahaha, right! I wanted to buy an item to help support them but finding out that they don’t go to school I just couldn’t. So sad
Peachy A.
I haven’t been to Cambodia yet but I sure would love to visit one of these days. Thanks for the tips.
explorethe6
You’re welcome, it is a really nice country
Genny Gall (whatsupdearie)
It’s always good to know things in advance before to travel, and these are very helpful, Good to know about they speak excellent English in that Country.
explorethe6
🙂
Mommy Sigrid
I always bring wipes and alcohol wherever I am because I have two girls and I used them a lot in the public toilets. hehe We travel a lot as a family, even just around our country.
explorethe6
Wipes are one of my staples when traveling 🙂
Grace Vargas
I never been to Cambodia and its on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing this wonderful information especially the kinds selling something
explorethe6
🙂 Thanks for taking the time to read
matthew
Great and informative post. Looks like you really had a fun. Cambodia is really a poor country, i have watched so many movies shot over there and read about them am not planning on travelling there for now
explorethe6
It is a poor country, but beautiful in spirit
leah
I haven’t ever been to Cambodia but this is such great info!
explorethe6
Thank you
Norma
Very interesting! Cambodia seems like a lovely place to visit. Great advise.
explorethe6
It really is 🙂
Corinne ❄️ (@WhatCorinneDid)
I have never travelled to Cambodia but it is the sort of country that is so different from what I am used to that for sure, i’d do some extensive research first. Starting with this post!
explorethe6
Great!
Dalene Ekirapa
It’s always good to prepare before visiting the place, especially if it’s a new destination or a new country you’re visiting; ensuring you learn as much before you actually. ‘m so glad they speak English in Cambodia so you didn’t have so much of language barrier.
explorethe6
Totally agree with you 100%. We must do our own research before traveling to a new place
TheSuperMomLife
I’m not sure I’ll ever visit Cambodia, but if I do, I will know everything I need to know.
explorethe6
It is a beautiful country 🙂
Jess
This is great information to know for travels. Thank you for sharing this valuable information with us all
explorethe6
You’re welcome 🙂
blainerestaurantreport
What’s a Tuk Tuk?
explorethe6
A Tuk Tuk is their version of a taxi 🙂
blainerestaurantreport
So it’s a car?
explorethe6
No, it’s similar to a rickshaw but with an engine
blainerestaurantreport
Hmmmm. Sounds interesting!
Tara Pittman (@momknowsbest15)
That is a good way to look at the begging children. Maybe if people do not give to them they will go to school.
explorethe6
Exactly! It’s sad because they need to go to school
Joan
I love learning new currencies and riel is defi2new to me. Also I like places you can find someone who speaks English
Jesusa Gilliam
I agree, this is all valuable information you should know before you visit any place. I know English is spoken in most countries but I dint know Cambodia did as well.
explorethe6
Yep! A lot of folks in Cambodia speak English 🙂
crisshex88
Good to know why they are really useful info if you travel in this country coming from the USA or Europe! Thank you!
explorethe6
You’re welcome