A small Southeast Asian country with a long history, Cambodia is one of the most exotic travel locations in the world. Popularly known for its archaeological ruins, postcard-perfect islands, and rich heritage, Cambodia has a bit of everything for everyone. Cambodia offers an incredible range of scenic attractions as well as activities to bewitch travelers from uncovering sacred architectural feats to indulging in water-sports and venturing on an unstoppable shopping spree to getting welcomed by smiling faces.
This Cambodia travel guide can help you plan your trip and have a promising adventure during your time in the Kingdom of Wonder.
Khmer
Cambodian Riel
Local Banks
Fish amok
Yes
Smart & Mobitel
No
Check CDC
A, C and G
Uber & PassApp Taxis
December to March
+855
Yes
Yes
Yes
Cash
June to September
117
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There is no specific visa program for digital nomads in Cambodia. The nation does provide a variety of visas, though, that digital nomads can use to stay and work in Cambodia for an extended period of time. As always, check with the Cambodian embassy as visa rules and regulations are subject to change at any time. To apply for a Cambodia e-Visa, just complete a few short forms online. At the end, you’ll receive an e-Visa. You’ll also need to submit some personal information and the roughly $40 visa fee.
Read more here: https://www.evisa.gov.kh/
1. Angkor
2. Sihanoukville
3. Phnom Penh
4. Siem Reap
5. Battambang
Transportation
You can explore the country using its local transportation which is very cheap, costing only a few dollars. Tuk-tuks can be seen on every other corner in the big cities still, you should negotiate in advance before hopping on (usually not more than $5 for a good distance). Alternatively, you can think of renting a car which will cost you $20 and mostly arranged by the hostels you are staying in. Now, bus transport has improved in the main cities of Cambodia which costs between $10-$20 per person from one main location to another.
Accommodation
Accommodation – In Cambodia, dorm rooms usually start at around $4 per night. The hostels and hotels generally charge between $5-$10 for a one-night stay, depending on where you are staying in the country. You cannot imagine a stay in a hostel without the facility of free Wi-Fi. There, you can get pleasant guesthouse rooms for $15-$20 with TV, AC, and other basic amenities.
It will not cost you more than $30 per night in Cambodia, trust me! Mad Monkey Hostel is available in various parts of the country, pricing around $20 for a night stay. For shared accommodations, expect to pay around $8 per night.
Food
You can eat expensive and cheap food in Cambodia, depending upon your budget. Cambodian local cuisine is delicious like other Southeast Asian countries, but cheap as well. Local street vendors sell traditional snacks and other food items for around $1-$2 The normal restaurants offering Western cuisine charge up to $15 per person for a meal. If you want to splurge, you can have a meal in a restaurant ranging from $15-$25 per person. Try these local dishes which will give you a drool-worthy experience: lap Khmer, lok lak, Khmer red curry, and fish amok.
Activities
If you plan to visit Angkor Wat, you should factor in the cost which is charged on the entrance $40/day. Obviously, the cost to travel there should also be counted. The other tours and activities including hiking or the entrance fee range between $10-$20 depending on the popularity and duration of that particular activity.
Due to its low cost of living, Cambodia is a desirable location for digital nomads. A one-bedroom apartment in Phnom Penh may cost between $200 and $600 per month, and meals may cost between $2 and $15. The cost of utilities, internet, and transportation can range from $30 to $50 per month.
How much does it cost to travel around Cambodia? This section details the suggested daily budget in Cambodia 2020:
Cambodia is one of Southeast Asia’s cheapest countries, so you won’t have to worry much but below are a few tips on how to save extra money in Cambodia:
If you visit Cambodia during the off-season, it is quite possible that you can save your money for accommodation and shopping. Plan your trip somewhere between May to October to avail some discount.
It is not right to book your activities in advance before you get to the destination. Once you reach, you’ll be able to negotiate a lower price and get the services at much cheaper rates.
Since you can’t drink the tap water in Cambodia, a water bottle with a purifier is needed. Save money on buying several bottles and get the bottle which can purify water for you – my preferred choice is LifeStraw.
4. Bargain hard
Nothing is available there at face value. Bargain with the sellers and save as much money as you can. You can also negotiate for your tuk-tuk rides which will save a fair share of the money.
It goes for the booking of tours. The bigger the group, the better negotiation and bargaining can be done.
Eating at some tourist-centric restaurant instead of sampling the local cuisine will quickly eat away all your money. Cambodia serves seriously cheap and delicious local food which can be picked up from the street stalls.
Coming Soon
One of the best cities in Cambodia for digital nomads because it is the country’s capital. It’s one of Cambodia’s most lovely cities. You can visit many stunning temples and active markets there as a digital nomad. Additionally, they are reasonably priced and serve delicious local cuisine.
Consider becoming a digital nomad in Siem Reap if you like to travel and discover new cultures. In this region, there are many other enjoyable activities besides visiting Angkor Wat. The war museums and the center of Siem Reap’s nightlife are both worthwhile stops.
Work in this lovely beach city in southeast Cambodia while taking in the tranquil coastal vibes. There are many lovely beaches there where you can engage in different water sports.
The second-largest city in Cambodia, is situated in the northwest of the country. Battambang city is known for its beautiful old buildings and well-preserved monuments from when it was under French rule. It also has a lower cost of living than most other cities in Cambodia. Battambang is relatively low-key and also offers a pleasant atmosphere.
One of the great Kampong Cham attractions was the bamboo Koh Pen bridge, which connected the mainland to a small lake island. Wat Moha Leap is another place to unwind after work and enjoy scenic views.
If you are looking for affordable accommodation options or chasing something that is a little bit more of a luxury, Cambodia has it all! Here are some of my recommended places:
Phnom Penh
Mad Monkey
Phnom Penh
TBD
Siem Reap
Lub d Cambodia
Sihanoukville
TBD
Battambang
TBD
You cant be a digital nomad without wifi. So below are some spots where one can work comfortably. Dont forget to check my nomad lunch break section for places you can still visit and/or work from during lunch. #nomadworkspace
The Desk Coworking Space: Address
Sahaka Coworking (សហការ ខូវើកឃីង): Address
Memory Coffee Battambang: Address
TBD
Balancing work and exploring can be tough, here are some activities or places you can visit during a lunch hour. You will see the words hotspot, wifi, or break which indicates what you can use to work there, or if you cant and its time for a work break. #nomadlunchbreak
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
In recent years, there has been a steady improvement in internet and wifi accessibility throughout Cambodia, especially in the major cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Free wifi is now available in many hotels, cafes, and restaurants, and there are many internet service providers operating nationwide. In some instances, it still needs to be quicker and more dependable.
If you are planning to visit Cambodia, you need to learn about the following different modes of transportation available which can be used by tourists to get around in Cambodia:
Tuk Tuk
Tuk Tuk is a canopied trailer hooked to the back of a motorcycle with oh-so-natural air conditioning (open seating) found in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and other major destinations. It is a good way to travel in and around the towns, charging around $5 per kilometer.
RideSharing
Taxis are easier to get in Siem Reap, but in other cities and towns, it is difficult to find. Hotels and travel agents arrange taxis for sightseeing in and around towns if asked for.
Trains
Lately, the Cambodian Government has introduced a passenger train from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville. The trains have the latest design and serve as a good alternative to buses.
Bus
The cheapest way to get around Cambodia is by bus. As the road’ conditions are improving day by day in Cambodia, the use of buses has become much more common. With several buses moving around most of the regions, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville have become the major hubs where the bus service usually starts at $10 and can go as high as $35.
Airlines
For comfortable and faster transport between major Cambodian cities, there is no better option than flying. Many flights every day link the three commercial airports of the country.
Hitch Hiking
People in Cambodia uses boats commonly for transportation, especially those living on the water. Some ferries are used to cross major rivers which offer beautiful views along the way.
Motodup
Motodup are small motorcycle taxi which is a common mode of transportation used in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, and other Cambodian cities and downs. Charging $1 or more per ride, it is a cheaper alternative to tuk-tuks and is ideal for short journeys within the city. But it is advised to negotiate and agree to a fixed fare before the ride starts.
https://12go.asia/en : This link will get you buses, trains, taxis, ferries and flights for most major routes in Asia.
Cambodia has two distinct weather seasons: dry and wet The months of November to February are majorly considered as the best time to visit Cambodia. It is the peak time for tourism as the weather becomes cool and mild enough to explore the monuments. And an excellent time to visit the coast is during the hot season (March-May). However, if you wish to avoid the crowds and visit when prices are considerably lower, the best time to go to Cambodia is from June to early October. The wet season starts from June-October which is usually marked with a brief downpour in the afternoon but still has many hours of bright sunshine.
The weather in Cambodia is usually the same throughout the year, just like the rest of Southeast Asia. The height and latitude of Cambodia are mostly uniform across the country.
Southeast Asians as a whole share the positive trait of being friendly, which is prevalent in Cambodia. They are always ready to answer all of your questions without hesitation
Despite Cambodia having one of Asia’s fastest growing economies, overall costs have remained low. In Cambodia, a digital nomad living alone could easily get by on $800 to $1,000 per month, making it the perfect location for them.
In Cambodia, the internet connection is unreliable. You can purchase a mobile 3G/4G modem as part of a monthly plan from an internet service provider to address that issue. Mobility is a benefit of this, but it’s crucial to investigate the best connectivity options in the area you want to stay in.
Even though many people in Cambodia speak English, it can be challenging to communicate with the local government or businesses.
Cambodia still needs to build up its public transportation infrastructure, especially in the country. There are railroads and buses that connect major cities. These services, though, sometimes come and go and are unreliable. Although there are many taxis and tuk-tuks in urban areas, they can be expensive for lengthy trips.
Cambodia is generally thought to be safe for digital nomads because it has a low crime rate and friendly people. To stay safe, you still need to use common sense and take extra precautions, especially in crowded places or at night.
The historic Angkor Wat temple complex is just one of the well-known cultural landmarks in Cambodia. The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, the National Museum of Cambodia, the memorials to the victims of the Killing Fields, and many more attractions are must-sees.
What things you should bring along when traveling to Cambodia? Here’s the packing list that will help you to decide everything you need to bring to fully enjoy exploring the city:
2 Pairs of Shorts
5 long sleeve
8 pairs of underwear
Medicine: Anti-diarrheal, antibiotics, malaria pills
2 Pair of jeans
Flip flops
Toiletries: Shampoo, body wash, toothbrush, razor
Luggage locks
Swim Trunks
Comfortable Sneakers
Quick dry towel
Laundry Bag
5 shirts
8 pairs of socks
Long-lasting Dedorant
Hand Sanitizer
Power Bank
Sarong
Sun Glasses
Powerful Sun Screen
Reusable water bottle – to stay hydrated!
Mosquito Repellent
Umbrella and raincoat
Mini first-aid kit
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