Cambodia

Cambodia rewards travellers who combine iconic temples with time beside the water and in the countryside. Start in Siem Reap for Angkor Wat, Bayon’s serene faces, and the atmospheric roots of Ta Prohm, then allow an evening for the city’s markets and riverside restaurants. In Phnom Penh, balance the Royal Palace and Wat Phnom with thoughtful visits to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek memorial, approaching both with respect. For a slower change of pace, consider pepper-growing Kampot, the riverside capital of the same name, or the beaches and islands near Sihanoukville. Cambodia is easiest to enjoy at an unhurried pace: three nights in Siem Reap, two in Phnom Penh, and several more for the coast or countryside makes a comfortable first trip. Use Hello’s trip planning tools to group temple visits, museum hours, transfers, and rest days into one itinerary, and check entry requirements before departure. A tourist visa is generally valid for 30 days, but requirements can vary by nationality.

For city travel, tuk-tuks are practical, breezy, and widely available. Agree on a fare before boarding or request a ride through a local transport app where available; short urban journeys commonly cost a few thousand riel, depending on distance and time. Between major destinations, air-conditioned buses are usually the simplest option. Phnom Penh–Siem Reap takes roughly five to six hours, while Phnom Penh–Kampot is commonly around three to four hours. Reserve ahead during festivals and high season, and choose established operators with clear departure points. Rail can be useful on selected routes, including Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, but services are less frequent than buses. At Angkor, hire a tuk-tuk or bicycle for the day and begin early to avoid the strongest heat; carry water, sunscreen, and a light scarf for dusty roads. Cambodia’s roads can be unpredictable, so avoid riding after dark outside busy town centres. Hello eSIM helps with maps, translation, bookings, and contacting drivers without roaming charges—buy and activate it before you land.

Cambodian food is fragrant rather than aggressively hot, with fresh herbs, fermented notes, coconut, pepper, and sweet-sour balance appearing across the menu. Begin with fish amok, a delicately steamed curry often served in a banana leaf, then try beef lok lak with pepper-lime dipping sauce and nom banh chok, rice noodles topped with a green fish curry and herbs. In Phnom Penh, explore markets for grilled skewers, fresh fruit, and kuy teav, a comforting noodle soup usually eaten for breakfast. Kampot is famous for aromatic pepper, which deserves a place on everything from crab to stir-fries. Street food is an excellent way to eat affordably, but choose busy stalls with high turnover, watch food being cooked thoroughly, and drink sealed or filtered water. Keep small notes of Cambodian riel for markets and snacks; many larger tourist businesses also quote prices in US dollars. Track meals, tastings, and cooking classes in Hello’s budget tracking feature using local currency, so daily spending stays visible without relying on memory.

The official currency is the Cambodian riel (KHR), while US dollars remain widely used for hotels, tours, and larger purchases. Carry clean, undamaged small-dollar notes if you plan to use them, and expect change under one dollar in riel; damaged notes may be refused. Cards are common in larger hotels and restaurants but are not dependable for tuk-tuks, markets, and small cafés, so keep cash accessible and withdraw from reputable ATMs in towns. When visiting temples, cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes where requested, and avoid climbing on fragile structures. Angkor is best treated as a living heritage site rather than a backdrop: keep voices low, follow barriers, and never touch carvings. Ask before photographing monks or local people, especially children. If travelling with friends, Hello’s expense splitting can divide tuk-tuks, shared drivers, meals, and accommodation fairly while each person keeps their own spending record. Carry a reusable water bottle, pace yourself in the heat, and schedule a midday break between temple visits.