Backpacking Cambodia

Hello to all seasoned and aspiring backpackers!

Even if you don’t count the world-famous temples in Angkor Wat, which should be on everybody's bucket list, this small country in Indochina has loads to offer travellers. Beautiful landscape, dreamy beaches, exciting culture and tragic history, wild nightlife, friendly people, and reasonable prices make it one of the most popular backpacker destinations in Southeast Asia.

You will not regret a trip to Cambodia, we promise!

See below for the perfect Cambodia itinerary for an unforgettable trip:

Important Basics

Official Language ( Khmer )
English Khmer
Hello Suostei
Goodbye Leahaey
Thank you Saum arkoun
Yes Bat
Yes te
Capital City

Phnom Penh

Form of Government

Parliamentary electoral monarchy

Best Time to Visit

November to March

Fun Facts
  • Cambodia is the only country with a building represented on its flag.
  • There are no McDonald’s restaurants in Cambodia.
  • A traditional Cambodian wedding can last up to three days!
  • There are more than 4,000 temples in Cambodia.

Cities

Phnom Penh

Start in Phnom Penh – there’s so much to discover in this city!

To visit Cambodia, you’ll need a visa. It costs about €25 and lasts 30 days. You can either buy a physical copy when you arrive at the airport (Visa on arrival) or purchase an electronic copy online (E-Visa). We recommend getting the visa ahead of time as it can save you a lot of time and prevent you from getting denied entry because of missing documents or other reasons.

There’s so much to see in Phnom Penh. Due to its cultural and architectural diversity, Phnom Penh is also known as the Pearl of Asia. Asian traditions mix with modern western influences, which give the city a very special charm. Visit the Royal Palace, Wat Ounalom Monastery, the Central Market, or the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.

While exploring Phnom Penh, stay in a hostel downtown. You can get a bed in a 4-person dorm for €5 a night.

Sihanoukville

Leave the middle of the country and head for the coast. A bus will take you from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville for 10 euros.

This southern city is home to numerous beaches and a colorful underwater world, making it a paradise for diving and snorkeling fans. If you want more than just peace and relaxation, you can head to one of the city’s notoriously wild beach parties.

Stay in a hostel near the beach, where you can get a bed in a 6-person dorm for €8.

Koh Rong

Koh Rong is one of the most beautiful and popular islands in Cambodia, thanks to its white sand beaches and turquoise blue water

From Sihanoukville, take a ferry for 18 euros to this dreamy island – it’s the perfect place to relax on the beach, take a boat or snorkeling trip, and grill out with friends. If you haven't had enough of partying yet, you’ll also get your money's worth here.

Relax in the chill atmosphere and stay the night at one of the local hostels, where you can get a bed for €5 a night in a 6-person dorm.

Siem Reap

Your last stop in Cambodia is Siem Reap. First, travel from Koh Rong to Sihanoukville by ferry, and from there catch the bus to the city, which will cost you about 22 euros.

This city, located in the northwest of Cambodia, is mainly known for the city of temples in the nearby Angkor Archaeological Park, which extends over an area of more than 200 km² and includes over 1000 buildings. The most famous temple, Angkor Wat, is the largest religious monument in the world and an absolute must-see – even for those not really interested in history! We highly recommend visiting Angkor Wat during sunrise and/or sunset for extra spectacular views.

Book a private tour guide who will pick you up at the hostel in Siem Reap and drive you around the site in a tuk-tuk. You can still decide for yourself which buildings you want to see and how much time you want to spend at each temple. A full day tour with a private tour guide, including hostel pick-up and drop-off, is available from 22 euros.

Siem Reap has a lot more to offer besides the temples. Right on the banks of the Siem Reap River is the Old Market, where you can buy almost everything imaginable – from food to clothes, art, and souvenirs. The notorious Pub Street, with its numerous restaurants, bars, and clubs, is also popular with backpackers.

Meet new people in one of the local hostels in downtown Siem Reap. You can get a bed in a 6-person dorm for €8 a night.

Bangkok

It’s time for you to leave Cambodia.

Take a night bus for 24 euros to get to Bangkok (stays of less than 30 days usually don’t require a visa in Thailand). Thailand’s capital city is the travel hub of Southeast Asia and is also known as a backpackers’ epicenter, so there is no better place to finish your trip.

Visit sights like the Grand Palace, Floating Market or Golden Mount and get to know the exciting Thai culture. Try delicious street food, relax while having a Thai massage, or dance into the night at one of the many bucket bars.

Before you head back home, stay at a hostel a few minutes’ walk from the legendary party mile, Kao San Road, for €8 a night in a single room.


Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh

Start in Phnom Penh – there’s so much to discover in this city!

To visit Cambodia, you’ll need a visa. It costs about €25 and lasts 30 days. You can either buy a physical copy when you arrive at the airport (Visa on arrival) or purchase an electronic copy online (E-Visa). We recommend getting the visa ahead of time as it can save you a lot of time and prevent you from getting denied entry because of missing documents or other reasons.

There’s so much to see in Phnom Penh. Due to its cultural and architectural diversity, Phnom Penh is also known as the Pearl of Asia. Asian traditions mix with modern western influences, which give the city a very special charm. Visit the Royal Palace, Wat Ounalom Monastery, the Central Market, or the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.

While exploring Phnom Penh, stay in a hostel downtown. You can get a bed in a 4-person dorm for €5 a night.

Sihanoukville

Sihanoukville

Leave the middle of the country and head for the coast. A bus will take you from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville for 10 euros.

This southern city is home to numerous beaches and a colorful underwater world, making it a paradise for diving and snorkeling fans. If you want more than just peace and relaxation, you can head to one of the city’s notoriously wild beach parties.

Stay in a hostel near the beach, where you can get a bed in a 6-person dorm for €8.

Koh Rong

Koh Rong

Koh Rong is one of the most beautiful and popular islands in Cambodia, thanks to its white sand beaches and turquoise blue water

From Sihanoukville, take a ferry for 18 euros to this dreamy island – it’s the perfect place to relax on the beach, take a boat or snorkeling trip, and grill out with friends. If you haven't had enough of partying yet, you’ll also get your money's worth here.

Relax in the chill atmosphere and stay the night at one of the local hostels, where you can get a bed for €5 a night in a 6-person dorm.

Siem Reap

Siem Reap

Your last stop in Cambodia is Siem Reap. First, travel from Koh Rong to Sihanoukville by ferry, and from there catch the bus to the city, which will cost you about 22 euros.

This city, located in the northwest of Cambodia, is mainly known for the city of temples in the nearby Angkor Archaeological Park, which extends over an area of more than 200 km² and includes over 1000 buildings. The most famous temple, Angkor Wat, is the largest religious monument in the world and an absolute must-see – even for those not really interested in history! We highly recommend visiting Angkor Wat during sunrise and/or sunset for extra spectacular views.

Book a private tour guide who will pick you up at the hostel in Siem Reap and drive you around the site in a tuk-tuk. You can still decide for yourself which buildings you want to see and how much time you want to spend at each temple. A full day tour with a private tour guide, including hostel pick-up and drop-off, is available from 22 euros.

Siem Reap has a lot more to offer besides the temples. Right on the banks of the Siem Reap River is the Old Market, where you can buy almost everything imaginable – from food to clothes, art, and souvenirs. The notorious Pub Street, with its numerous restaurants, bars, and clubs, is also popular with backpackers.

Meet new people in one of the local hostels in downtown Siem Reap. You can get a bed in a 6-person dorm for €8 a night.

Bangkok

Bangkok

It’s time for you to leave Cambodia.

Take a night bus for 24 euros to get to Bangkok (stays of less than 30 days usually don’t require a visa in Thailand). Thailand’s capital city is the travel hub of Southeast Asia and is also known as a backpackers’ epicenter, so there is no better place to finish your trip.

Visit sights like the Grand Palace, Floating Market or Golden Mount and get to know the exciting Thai culture. Try delicious street food, relax while having a Thai massage, or dance into the night at one of the many bucket bars.

Before you head back home, stay at a hostel a few minutes’ walk from the legendary party mile, Kao San Road, for €8 a night in a single room.

Cambodia Route Map

Itinerary and Stops.

Tag
Route/Station
Transport
€
Unterkunft
€
1. Home – Phnom Penh
Home – Phnom Penh
Flight
350
6-person dorm
5
2. Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh
-
6-person dorm
5
3. Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh
-
6-person dorm
5
4. Phnom Penh – Sihanoukville
Phnom Penh – Sihanoukville
Bus
10
6-person dorm
8
5. Sihanoukville
Sihanoukville
-
6-person dorm
8
6. Sihanoukville   
Sihanoukville   
-
6-person dorm
8
7. Sihanoukville – Koh Rong
Sihanoukville – Koh Rong
Ferry (return)
18
6-person dorm
5
8. Koh Rong
Koh Rong
-
6-person dorm
5
9. Koh Rong
Koh Rong
-
6-person dorm
5
10. Koh Rong
Koh Rong
-
6-person dorm
5
11. Koh Rong – Sihanoukville – Siem Reap
Koh Rong – Sihanoukville – Siem Reap
Bus
22
6-person dorm
8
12. Siem Reap
Siem Reap
-
6-person dorm
8
13. Siem Reap
Siem Reap
-
6-person dorm
8
14. Siem Reap – Bangkok
Siem Reap – Bangkok
Night bus
22
Single room
7
15. Bangkok
Bangkok
-
Single room
7
16. Bangkok
Bangkok
-
Single room
7
17. Bangkok
Bangkok
-
Single room
7
18. Bangkok - Home
Bangkok - Home
Flight
300

Total price.

Flights 650,00 €
Transportation 74,00 €
Tours 22,00 €
Accommodation 114,00 €
Total 860,00 €

Du möchtest 

deine eigene

Reise erstellen?

 Ja

Du möchtest deine

eigene Reise erstellen?

 Ja

Dos and Don’ts, Food & Drinks, Costs.

Breakfast

Fried rice:  The Khmer usually eat a simple and classic rice dish as well as vegetables for breakfast. They also typically add an egg on top. If you don’t like that kind of breakfast, you’ll also find toast and pancakes in most restaurants.

Soups

Sup: there is a simple term for any kind of soup – Sup. You can create your own mix and choose between meat, fish, and vegetables. Noodles and soybeans shouldn’t be missing either.

Main courses

Amok: das ist das Nationalgericht von Kambodscha. Ein Curry, das wahlweise mit Fleisch oder Fisch serviert wird, dazu eine Portion Reis. Kartoffel, Karotten und Paprika sind ebenfalls immer dabei und es wird schnell zu deinem absoluten Favoriten werden!

Lok Lak: This dish consists of beef and a spicy sauce. The roasted meat is served on a skewer or in pieces, with vegetables, rice, and salad.

Bai Sach Chrouk: This dish is made with pork, which is marinated, cut in slices, and then grilled, and comes with a portion of cooked rice. It’s sometimes served with chicken broth, bean sprouts, and some cooked vegetables.

Khmer red curry: Similar to Amok, this dish is much spicier, and is only cooked on special occasions. Together with beef or chicken, sweet potatoes, bell pepper, and lemon grass, it’s a colourful mixture usually served with a few slices of bread..

Snacks

Cha Houy Teuk: This dessert is perfect during a tour through the street food markets. The jelly-dish is mixed with coconut cream and served with a sweet sauce and mung beans. An absolute must eat!

Ah Kor Tnot: Also known as palm sugar cake, this dessert is made from a dough of palm sugar and boiled with a sweet sauce and some grated coconut.

Cambodia

The exchange rate for 1000 Cambodian riel is around 0.23 euros (as of May 2022). However, the US Dollar is widely available and often used in Cambodia, thus all prices stated below are in USD. See prices for certain products and the cost of living below:

Cost of Living 

  • Monthly rent in an expensive area (2 – 4 rooms): $385 – 900 = €350 – 840
  • Utilities per month: $84.56 = €77.25
  • Internet per month: $28 = €25.60
  • 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gasoline: $0.96 = €0.88
  • Monthly ticket for public transport: $27.50 = €25.12

Food

  • Lunch at a restaurant in the business district: $5.50 = €5
  • Meal at a fast-food restaurant: $6 = €5.48
  • Average dinner for two in a local restaurant: $6 = €5.50
  • Cappuccino in a tourist area: $2.02 = €1.84

Free Time

  • 2 movie tickets: $10 = €9
  • 0.5 liter of local beer at the supermarket: $0.79 = €0.72
  • Marlboro cigarettes (20 pack): $1.50 = €1.37
  • 1 glass of beer at a local bar: $0.75 = €0.69

Personal Hygiene

  • Normal haircut for men in a tourist area: $3 = €2.7
  • Shampoo: $0.90 = €0.82
  • Deodorant: $0.70 = €0.64

Dos

Learn about the tragic history of the country. It’s really worth paying the entrance fee for a museum. You won't regret it, and what's more, you’ll understand the country and its people better.

Rise and shine! In Cambodia, especially in Angkor Wat, it’s worth getting up before sunrise to visit the temples without masses of tourists.

Count your change. The locals often don't seem to take this too seriously and it’s not uncommon to get the wrong amount of money back.

Give the islands a chance. Quiet beaches, local culture and no crowds: paradise is found in Cambodia. See for yourself!

Don'ts

Don't rely on timetables. In Cambodia, punctuality is seen differently so don't be too confident that your bus or taxi driver will arrive on time.

Don't give in to begging children. It’s still a big problem in Cambodia, and one that you shouldn’t add to.

Don't talk politics. Especially with locals, any political topic should be avoided. Because of Cambodia’s history, this is absolutely out of place.

Visa, Visa, Passport & Vaccinations

Passport

Yes

Temporary passport

Yes

National ID

No

Temporary national ID

No

Child’s pass

Yes

Visa

Yes

Vaccine

Robert Koch Instituts

Additional Remarks.

Your travel documents must still be valid for 6 months at the time of entry. Please also inform yourself on the current entry regulations regarding the Corona virus. Current information about this can be found at your country’s Foreign Office.

The team at Backpacker Trail wishes you lots of fun and an unforgettable trip!

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