Cambodia

Getting around Cambodia is an adventure in itself, blending chaotic charm with straightforward options that keep your trip flowing smoothly. Start in Siem Reap for Angkor Wat—rent a remork (tuk-tuk) for about 20,000 KHR ($5 USD) per day to zip between temples like Bayon and Ta Prohm without breaking a sweat. For longer hauls, buses are your best bet: Giant Ibis offers comfy overnight rides from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh for 35,000 KHR ($9 USD), with AC and Wi-Fi. Heading south to Kampot? Catch a minivan from Phnom Penh for 25,000 KHR ($6 USD)—scenic and affordable.

Island-hop to Koh Rong via speedboat from Sihanoukville (around 25 USD round-trip); book ahead to snag a spot. In rural spots like Battambang, hop on the famous bamboo train—a rattling ride over rails for 5,000 KHR ($1.25 USD) that's pure fun. Use the Hello app's trip planning feature to map multi-day routes, like Siem Reap to Kampot via Phnom Penh, and track bus times in real-time. Stay connected with an eSIM through Hello—no roaming fees means easy bookings on the go. Pro tip: Travel early to beat the heat, and always negotiate remork fares upfront for hassle-free journeys.

Cambodia's cuisine is a tantalizing mix of fresh herbs, bold spices, and riverside freshness that lingers long after your trip. Dive into nom banh chok in Siem Reap—rice noodles topped with fish curry, greens, and lime for just 4,000 KHR ($1 USD) from market stalls. In Phnom Penh, hit riverside spots for amok, silky fish steamed in coconut curry leaves (10,000 KHR/$2.50 USD), or crispy fried insects if you're adventurous. Down south in Kep, the star is Kampot pepper crab—sweet crab cracked open with fiery local pepper, paired with rice for 30,000 KHR ($7.50 USD).

Don't miss lok lak—stir-fried beef with a tangy gravy—in Battambang eateries. For groups, Hello's expense splitting makes dividing that massive seafood feast effortless; scan the bill and settle up instantly. Track your budget in KHR via the app to savor more without overspending—street food keeps daily eats under 20,000 KHR ($5 USD). Join a cooking class in Siem Reap to master prahok (fermented fish paste) yourself. Hydrate with fresh coconut water everywhere, and steer clear of ice in rural areas to stay healthy. These flavors aren't just meals—they're memories on a plate.

While Angkor Wat steals the spotlight, Cambodia's diversity shines in its hidden gems. Kick off in Siem Reap for sunrise at the iconic temple (1-day pass: 37 USD), then pedal through rice paddies or zipline nearby. Head to Phnom Penh for the sobering Tuol Sleng Museum and Royal Palace—pair it with a Mekong riverside stroll. For chill vibes, Kampot's pepper plantations and river kayaking (15,000 KHR/$3.75 USD rental) offer laid-back bliss. Beach bums, ferry to Koh Rong Samloem for powdery sands and snorkeling in turquoise bays—day trips from 20 USD.

Explore Battambang's bamboo train and countryside cycling, or trek Mondulkiri's jungles spotting elephants ethically. Use Hello's trip planning to sequence these—Angkor to Battambang to islands in a week. Budget tracking in the app logs entrance fees like Phnom Kulen's 20,000 KHR ($5 USD) hike. Get an eSIM for offline maps to floating villages on Tonlé Sap, like Kampong Phluk—less crowded than Chong Khneas. Each spot reveals Cambodia's soul: ancient, resilient, and endlessly inviting.

Cambodia runs on cash, but smart habits keep your wallet happy and your plans seamless. ATMs dispense USD alongside KHR (exchange rate favors USD for big buys); withdraw 200,000 KHR ($50 USD) at a time to minimize fees. Street food and remorks take KHR—budget 50,000 KHR ($12.50 USD) daily for eats and local rides. Splurge on Angkor passes or Koh Rong ferries in USD. Hello's budget tracking shines here: log expenses in KHR as you go, setting alerts for that pepper crab dinner.

For groups, expense splitting via the app evens out shared boat trips or hostel stays (dorms from 10 USD/night). eSIM connectivity from Hello keeps you online affordably—vital for booking buses or translating menus without roaming gouges. Bargain politely at markets (aim 20-30% off), but pay fair for moto drivers. Use apps for visas on arrival (30 days: 30 USD). In Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, upscale spots take cards, but carry small KHR for countryside. Track it all in Hello to return home with stories, not regrets.