Cambodia travel tips

1.Best time to visit Cambodia

The ideal months to visit Cambodia are from November to April, when there is seldom any rain. Outside of this time, the humidity rises and the rains arrive, helping the farmers in Cambodia develop their crops. The landscape is beautiful & green and the temples are tranquil, so you shouldn’t let that stop you from traveling. Beside that, the outer-lying temples are best visited at this time because they are frequently vacant.

2.Do’s and Don’ts in Cambodia

A little Khmer goes a long way

Here are a few that are super easy to learn and you can use them every day:

Hello – Sou sdey (Remember it: sounds like ‘Sewer Snake’)

Thank you – Ah Kun (Remember it: sounds like ‘All Good’)

Sorry – Sohm tou (Remember it: sounds like ‘Soz dude’)

Prevention of ‘Snatch-and-grab’

Crimes against travelers are common. Thieves often travel on motorbikes and target pedestrians or people in open taxis. Be prepared to surrender your valuables rather than risk injury in a struggle. Scams, credit card fraud and ATM fraud are common. Check for card-skimming devices before using ATMs.

Don’t drink homemade or unlabeled alcohol

It may contain harmful substances, particularly methanol. Get medical help if you have symptoms of methanol poisoning, including fatigue, headaches, nausea and vision problems.

Currency

Cambodia uses USD. There’s no real need to carry the local currency, Cambodian Riels (KHR), unless you’re paying for really small things on the street. In a growing number of places, especially in the countryside, you might start getting riels back when paying in USD but you can essentially get by using mostly USD here.

Bargain hard

Nothing is ever at face value here. Bargain with sellers, because most of the time, the price they’ve quoted is way higher. There’s a haggling culture in the region so play the game and save some money. You’ll never get the local price, but you might come close!

Pack a water bottle

A water bottle with a purifier comes particularly in handy in Cambodia since you cannot drink the tap water. Drink only boiled or bottled water.

Thief

Thief is frequent on the beaches and in crowded streets. Always keep an eye on your belongings when out and about and never flash your valuables. Keep your wallet and phone secure and out of reach and do not leave anything unattended on the beach either. 

Transport by Tuk-tuk

They are cheap and convenient, but make sure to negotiate the price before getting in. Another option is to rent a motorbike, which is a great way to explore the countryside. However, be aware of the traffic and road conditions, and always wear a helmet. 

Clothes

Cambodian authorities enforce ‘modesty’ laws at religious sites, such as Angkor complex. Wear clothing that covers your knees and shoulders when visiting those places.

Be careful when taking photos

Don’t photograph people, including monks, without permission. Don’t take photos near sensitive sites, such as military areas, transport hubs or government buildings.

3.Cambodia visa

Visa Exemption

Passport holders from the following countries are not required to obtain a visa (Visa Exemption) when entering Cambodia for tourism purposes: Brunei Darussalam, Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste and Vietnam.

Unlike other countries, Cambodia visa can be applied for and issued upon arrival at airports for entering by air, whether in the capital city Phnom Penh, or at Siem Reap – a home province of Angkor Wat or by land at the borders (Poit Pet, Chau Doc, Moc Bai). Travelers must bring along one passport-size photograph and their passport. Application form is distributed by the Government Immigration upon arrival. The fee is around US$30 for a one-month visa payable in USD cash upon arrival.

Beside that, you can also apply the Cambodia E-visa before flying / entering the country by the below link:

https://www.evisa.gov.kh/

When you start to apply or after receiving your E-visa, kindly take time to double check and make sure all the information in the E-visa are exactly with the information in your passport and in your international flight (Ex: full names, number of passport, date of expiry, date of birth, gender, period of entry Cambodia, name of airport/Land Port when entering Cambodia, etc.)

4.Popular local foods in Cambodia

Steamed fish Amok – Traditional Cambodian specialty

One of the nation’s most well-known foods is Amok or Amok soup. Catfish as well as fresh snakehead fish from Tonle Sap Lake, are the key components for this meal. The regional specialties of this nation, such as prahok sauce, Khuong, jaggery, gooseberry leaves, and Khmer kroeung, make Amok unique. Eggs, ginger, lemongrass, chives, coconut milk, and other ingredients are also necessary for making this meal.

Nom Banh Chok – Fish curry rice noodle soup

The dish Nom Banh Chok is known as the “national soul” of Cambodia. Set a layer of herbs at the bottom of the bowl, followed by lotus root and cowpea, shredded papaya, and rice noodles. Carefully spoon the golden fish curry sauce with a rich lemongrass flavor over the rice noodles, sprinkle it with yellow turmeric, and then top with banana flowers. One of the best sensations in Cambodia is eating instant noodles sold as Nom banh chok while sitting in a busy street.

Stir – Fried red ants with beef

You will undoubtedly come across Cambodian cuisine made entirely of insects when visiting the nation. Insect-based Cambodian delicacies are likewise well-known worldwide. The meal made with red ants, meat, and basil is the most unique, though. Red ants, which range in size from around 2-3 cm, will be stir-fried with ginger, lemongrass, garlic, shallots, and thinly sliced beef. The meal has a distinct flavor as a result of the beef absorbing the mild sourness that was released by ants.

Khmer Red curry

Another Cambodian dish that leaves a lasting impact on food is Khmer red curry, which is incredibly fiery and flavorful. The soup contains the majority of Khmer curries. The most genuine eateries in Phnom Penh provide these delicacies. Typically, chicken, beef, or fish is used to prepare this meal. Green beans, potatoes, eggplant, coconut milk, and lemongrass were used as cooking ingredients. Red curry prepared with kroeung chili, in particular, should be hot and sour.

Kdam Chaa, or Black Pepper Fried Crab

You must unquestionably sample the Cambodian delicacy of fried crab in Kep town, according to travelers’ experiences in Cambodia. The fried crab with Kampot black pepper has made this place famous for its crab. Southern Cambodia’s Kampot region is well-known for its seafood and big black pepper crops. A very exquisite taste will be produced when the fresh crab cooks with fresh pepper branches.

Pork Rice (Bai Sach Chrouk)

Pork Rice, commonly known as “Bai Sach Chrouk,” is a famous and delectable meal that is a specialty of Cambodia. Pork that has been thinly sliced and marinated in coconut milk and garlic before being carefully grilled over charcoal to preserve its natural sweetness is served on top of a bed of hot, aromatic sticky rice. This dish should consist of cucumber, radish, ginger, and a bowl of chicken soup which contains both fresh and fried onions.