filipa.figueira21Cambodia Basic Information
Capital: Phnom Penh
Currency: Riel, but they also use USD
Official language: Khmer (the largest alphabet in the world with 74 characters)
Religion: Buddhism
Electrical plug: type A, C and G
Visa: required
Best time to visit: November to March
Cambodia practical information
VISA and documents:
A tourist Visa will allow visitors to stay for 30 days in Cambodia, valid from the date of issue. Tourist visas are available at the airport and cost 30 USD for 1 month stay (don’t forget to bring a passport photo with you).
You should apply for your Visa (cost: 36 USD / 34€) on the official website: eVisa Kingdom of Cambodia. I applied online on the official website and I received my approval by email. Upon your arrival, you will be required to fill out the Immigration Card and the Customs declaration ( I did it on my flight).
World Citizen Stories tip: You can check your Visa application status and make changes online on the official website: eVisa Kingdom of Cambodia.
How to arrive in Cambodia:
Cambodia has two main international airports – Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. There are regular flights from nearby countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, China and Malaysia. I flew to Siem Reap with AngkorAir.
If you’re in Vietnam, there are several companies that provide buses to Cambodia with different price ranges.
Transports and communication:
Buy a local SIM card (I bought a cellcard sim card for my stay in Cambodia).
Travel consultation:
I did a solo trip to Asia for 3 weeks and I did an online travel consultation with Consulta do Viajante Online (it was very easy and convenient to do). Before my trip, I bought some medication and I had to take a vaccine.
My impressions about Cambodia
I really enjoyed my time in Cambodia! People were so welcoming and friendly and I regret not spending more time in the country. In total, I stayed three full days.
This was my first time in Asia and I was really excited to visit the temples of Angkor!
Siem Reap
How to arrive to Siem Reap city centre:
You can take a taxi, bus, moto or tuk-tuk to get to the city centre. It depends on how much time you have and how much you’re willing to spend.
Where to stay in Siem Reap:
I stayed in Lub d Cambodia Siem Reap and highly recommend it, especially if you’re travelling solo! The room was spacious, the bed was comfortable and the locker was high enough to keep my backpack and my belongings. The hostel also organized different activities for the guests. The first day I arrived there was a pool party and I also joined a sunset trip to the countryside.
Where to eat in Siem Reap:
If you’re a backpacker travelling on a budget, then the night market is a must-go.
How to move around Siem Reap:
Best way to move around is by tuk tuk, moto or bicycle.
What to see and do in Siem Reap:
The biggest atraction of Siem Reap is the Angkor Archeological Park but the city has plenty to offer too!
I was really excited to visit Angor Wat temples in Siem Reap
the main attraction is the temple, visit the market, night market, walk along the river, pub street
On my first day in Cambodia I went to explore Siem Reap. I had lunch near my hostel, where I ate loc lac beef (it was really good) and then I walked around the river and went to the old market called Psar Chaa (my backpack was loose and I decided to get it fixed there). I really enjoy visiting the typical markets, since it gives me the chance to see what are the typical foods, fruits, etc and get a sense of locals daily life.
I also went to the Vat Tanac (All Cheers Street) and to the supermarket.
Visit the old market
There are several sections in the old market (Psar Chaa)
Night markets
Walk along the river
World Citizen Stories tip: If you decide to walk along the river, remember to double your dose of mosquito repellent.
See the sunset in the countryside
Learn more about Cambodia in a museum
- Angkor National Museum
- Cambodia Landmine Museum
- Apopo visitor centre
How to visit Angkor Archaeological Park
How to get around? Moto, tuk tuk, bicycle
Phnom Bakheng / Angkor Wat?
Angkor Archeological Park is located in Siem Reap and is one of the most important archaeological sites in South East Asia. It contains the remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century. It has 400 Km2 and has been World Heritage by Unesco since 1992.
- opens at 5 am
- Official website ticket
- 1,3 or 7 days pass
- map
During your visit you will find several plaques which will tell you which temple you’re visiting, both in khmer and english language.
It is possible to visit the temples during 1, 3 or 7 days. I chose to visit for 3 days and gave me enough time to see what I wanted. There are many temples, details, monks and many tourists.
World Citizen Stories tips:
Visitor code of conduct: Angkor Archeological park is a religious site, make sure to cover your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect to the local culture. Make sure you also bring water, sunscreen and some snacks.
Ticket: Save your ticket on your phone so that it can be easily accessed to. You will be required to show your ticket in several places in the complex and it is mandatory to show it (they will read your QR Code).
My experience:
For three days I did the Small circuit on the first day which included Angkor Wat (don’t miss the hindu paintings inside), Angkor Thom (enter via the South Gate, giant smiling faces, bridge and a moat), Grand Bayon Temple (stands in the center of Angkor Thom), Baphuon temple, Terrace of the Elephants, terrace of the Leper King and Ta Prohm (one of the most popular temples of the small circuit – it was here they they shot Tomb Raider) and Banteay Kadei (ornate walls and a labyrinth of a layout). Other temples of the small circuit: phimeamakas, Ta Keo, Thommanon and Kravan.
Big Circuit (40 km route)
Preach Rup (10th century), Eastern Mebon (dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva), Ta Som (delicate tree roots), Neak Poan (near a lake), Preach Khan, Angkor Thom-Bayon; end of the day at Phnom Bakheng (20-30 min walk to the top; good spot to the see the sunset).
Other temples: Banteay Srei, Roluos Group temples, Bakong, Preach Ko and Lolei.
Pre Rup
Ta Som temple
The temple of Ta Som was constructed between the end of the twelfth century and the beginning of the thirtheenth century. It’s construction begun during the reign of King Jayavarman VII.
The temple features three enclosures with momumental gateways known as gopuras (typical from Kmher architecture) and a central shrine decorated with intricate carvings (see below).
Preah Khan temple
Is is worth it to see the sunrise at Angkor Wat? (my personal opinion)
Seeing the sunrise at Angkor Wat it is a “bucket list” item that many people want to cross but it is really worth it?
The first time I saw Angkor Wat was on my first day when I arrived to Siem Reap and for me it was very magical.
After giving it some thought I decided to also get up early and see the sunrise, afterall is not every day that I am in Cambodia. I got up early at 4:20 to leave my hostel at 5 and arrive on time to see the sunrise. If you want to see the sunrise be there as early as you can! I have to confess that it was not as beautiful as I expected and the place got really crowded.
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