It can be difficult to decide where you should travel in southeast Asia. That's the case anyway with first time travel, especially on a solo backpacking trip. Adding to your woes is this. You have so much variety and choice, not only Cambodia. Other countries such as Thailand and Vietnam. You could even consider Malaysia or the Philippines as well. But it's thought Cambodia is the cheapest option.
We'll see the comparison with Thailand later into the guide. The great thing about Cambodia is a) it's a vast country, b) it's underdeveloped and thus you see the real Cambodia.
Many of us travel alone for ourselves, it's a personal journey. Backpacking in Cambodia is a first step to building your self-confidence. It's also great for your sense of independence, when traveling alone. Being alone in Cambodia is one of the most invigorating experiences you'll ever have. It's something each of us must do in life, to travel on our own.
Because 100% guaranteed, you'll leave Cambodia feeling a whole lot better, as a person. The memories you carry of the Khmer history and way of life are unique and one off.
The great thing about Cambodia is the ease of getting around the country. From town to town, city to city there's easy, and cheap transport. Solo travelers enjoy the best backpacking when in Cambodia. You have a choice of train, bus, private hire taxi, and renting a motorbike. Most of the time, we favored the bus because they're dependable, safe and always get you to where you're going. Taxis are great at a pinch, get you out of a jam but most of the time we'd use a tuk-tuk.
They're more accessible and they're cheaper also. If you want comfort, factor into your daily budget the more expensive taxi hire.
Be aware that journey time varies. That's because of road conditions especially during the rainy season, May to September. Although the main road networks are stable and well maintained, not all rural roads are. When you're traveling in rural Cambodia, it's a completely different Cambodia. The larger towns and cities have more English speakers, that's not the case in rural parts of Cambodia.
You will be out of your comfort zone, on your first trip to Cambodia.
Rural people seldom speak English, French or German you'll doubt your ability to cope. That's normal, and it swings back to building your confidence and being independent. Staying within a budget you set for each day without any fear of over stretching yourself. That's all part of learning to cope. Not having to scrambling for funds from friends and family back home is also empowering.
What pulls in the backpacker crowd are the trekking trails throughout the country. What enthralls you to explore Cambodia is getting off the beaten tracks. There are the temples and monuments strewn all over the country. Because it isn't that one Angkor Wat Complex at Siem Reap and nothing more.
You will find that the local people are who give you a boost to your mood. Super friendly and helpful many are. Not always the case in point, but many understand enough English to be helpful. At least, to want to have a conversation with you. One of the best experiences you'll ever have in Cambodia in fact, is not on a trail. It's when you're sitting in a bus with ordinary locals a seat or two away.
It's clear they want to speak, so be friendly and spark up a conversation. School children on board are full of giggles, fun and laughter. Because they don't see so many foreigners? Make faces and see them burst out in rapture.
Pro Tip #1: Always, when abroad and renting a car or motorbike, have full comprehensive insurance. Get it sorted before setting off, don't leave it until the last minute, or chance it without insurance.
If you are being sensible, then yes. You are not solo backpacking to go wild and party hard, of course. If you are out of control, then there are opportunists who'll take advantage of you. You could find yourself in unwanted trouble, so be careful:
All commonsense really.
Many of those points you already practice (most likely) back home anyway. Although you are traveling alone, you won't be all the time. Make friends with other backpackers and stay in touch ― you can meet up with then again later. The best places to make new friends is the hostel or guesthouse you will be staying in.
They're most sought after by backpackers anyway. Going for a night out on the town? Leave a contact number with someone you trust, they can call you the next day, to make sure you're safe.
Another top solo traveler destination in southeast Asia is Thailand. It's often thought this country is also a cheap destination for budget tourists and yes, it's true. Thailand is a low budget affordable holiday destination. But in comparison to Cambodia, is it equal or even better cost savings? Let's see.
It's a little unfair actually to make a comparison. Not one based on costs, such as accommodation, food and attractions, at least. Rather, you should compare based on what your experience will be, and your travel intent. Cambodia is about 18% cheaper than Thailand in pretty much every area you care to measure.
What Thailand has that Cambodia doesn't have (much of) is top beaches. The beaches on the tropical Islands are top class, and Thailand has a much better nightlife. The road networks are also more modern.
Pro Tip #2: We found Thailand to be a little more expensive in some ways. On our last trip to the country in 2017, from a previous trip in 2016 costs had risen. When choosing a holiday destination be sure to account for all possible expenses.
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Local people were friendlier to foreigners (especially in the rural areas) we felt. The tuk-tuk's were comfortable enough to use for getting around, so use them. We have done and they're great. The tuk-tuk's are more suitable for Cambodia as well.
Also, consider the time of year for your travel: peak season in Cambodia is more expensive than what off peak is. If you aren't worried so much about top attractions, travel in the low season. The low season helps keep your day-to-day costs down. Once back home, bank the savings for your next trip. When is peak season in Cambodia? There are three periods to choose from, to suit your needs:
We have traveled in all three seasons and the best time for backpackers is October. If you're only interested in a winter escape, consider Cambodia for a Christmas break. It's ideal for flying from any US or European city, it's even possible to go direct.
Cambodia is a hot country. Not as extreme as what India can be in places though. Pack light loose fitting clothing, nonetheless. Temperatures of 86°F are not uncommon. It seldom cools below 72°F so if you want a holiday that's both hot and amazing, visit Cambodia.
A good time for visiting Phnom Penh is early in the year, after January has passed. When we last visited (it was in March 2019) shorts and t-shirts were the order of the day, very comfortable.
But cover up when nearing any religious center or temple. It's always a good idea to be respectful, it's essential when there are monks around. Attractions which draw you to the capital city. You'll definitely want to see and experience, are a lot to do with:
The best advice is to book a full day tour of the city. That way, afterwards you walk back to those certain attractions that caught your eye. The "big ticket" items of the city are the Royal Palace with the Silver Pagoda, and the Killing Fields. The tradegy took place a short distance out of the city, at Choeung Ek. Rent a motorbike to take you the 10km there (rental is about US$7 a day, with fuel).
You feel the dread even before you arrive at the site, it's an emotion most have never felt before. Human inquisitiveness being what it is, draws you there.
It costs a few US dollars at the entrance, but you should pay the full amount (US$6) and get the presentation as well. It's this presentation that educates you on the impact felt at the time, in Cambodia. Missing out on the presentation dilutes and impairs your understanding of the atrocities.
Yes, of course, it's worth it. Why do you think millions of tourist's flocks to this ancient world? But there are a few things to take note of first, before jumping in. Did you know Cambodia is one of the most budget friendly places on the planet, for backpackers? It's true. Which is why Cambodia is a top backpacking country, hands down. And, after Phnom Penh City, Siem Reap is where most backpackers are bound for.
The big attraction at Siem Reap is the world's largest religious complex. The Angkor Wat Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site, a global attraction few others can match. Egypt's pyramids, or the ancient mountain city of Machu Picchu, in Peru are comparable. It's the history that excites you. A lost civilization of the Khmer Empire, that compels you to move heaven and earth to get to Siem Reap.
Book a 2D1N package tour for the complex and the city. The city is vibrant and full of energy, two days and a night is enough for you to sightsee everything. If you've got more time, sure, book a 3D2N stay instead. You'll have more time to relax and see more of the city. But the worst thing you can do to spoil your holiday is a day trip from Phnom Penh City.
The island has long been a backpacker's destiny for travelers to Cambodia. The top tourist spot has many affordable hostels and hotels for backpackers. Be wary in some beach fronts, hotel and resort accommodation can be more expensive. Those establishments only want to attract the short stay tourists. Backpacker or not, you pay the premium like everyone else.
Shifting times, Goa in India went through the same shift change. As a backpacker's destination, it survived. Koh Rong Island will survive too, for future generations of world explorers. There is the sister Island, Koh Rong Samloem Island. Decide which one it is you will visit or both together.
Koh Rong Island is the adventurous one for "party animals". Do you love to socialize, consume alcohol and dance? If so, Koh Rong is for you. If you are student, young and on a gap year then that may be your thing. Otherwise head to Koh Rong Samloem Island instead which is more sedate. There are beach parties there too, they're not as drunken and wild.
A word of warning. Take cash with you because while there are ATMs on the Islands, often they are not working or are out of cash. It's a very regular, daily problem you'll face so take plenty of cash with you before leaving the mainland. Local currency and US dollars.
Kampot City and Battambang are both great discoveries for local life in Cambodia. Either is a top destination when backpacking in Cambodia. But also consider the fact that there are amazing national parks throughout Cambodia. Each one is perfect for your trekking adventures.
Kampot City is small city, but modern and accessible. The city is oozing character and history, most definitely worthwhile seeking out. If nothing more than for the nearby Elephant Mountains. The mountain attraction can't be more than 35km from Kampot City, you hire a motorbike to reach it.
Your budget will determine how long you are backpacking for before returning home. One budget priority is your accommodation. So, decide at the planning stage what you prefer: hostel and guesthouse, or hotel. For our backpacking trips we preferred the hostels, and that worked for us.
Despite being a generation or two older than most others, we enjoyed the hostels. It is convenience (the hostels are everywhere) and about saving money (for another trip) is it not. We can recommend Mad Monkey Hostels. Book with them when traveling in Cambodia. If they're booked up, consider Hostel World.
Set a daily budget and stick to it. Doing so will guarantee you have a very enjoyable experience in Cambodia. It's only when you overstep your budget do you begin to feel uneasy and tense, so try not to. It is easy to spend money up front, that's put aside for tomorrow. Your daily budget essentials for any good Cambodia backpacking trip are:
You are considering a grand total of US$48 per day excluding entry to attractions. You calculate the final budget is to multiply the daily budget by the length of days you plan to travel. Then add on half as much again for your attractions and miscellaneous. Costs of flights are not included. Those are difficult to determine a generic cost. Country and seasonal differences, and passenger numbers do influence prices.
Use one of the online search portals to find the cheapest flight for your planned trip.
Once sorted, opting for a two-week trip would mean a budget in the region of US$1000. Which is a shoestring budget in our opinion. You'd want to carry extra, to spend a night or two in a nice hotel instead of a hostel, and so forth. And note you still need to pay for travel insurance and visa documents, and flights. As always, the wise carry a little more cash than they think they'll need. At least have the extra available in their bank account, for emergency use.
Read Also: The Best of Cambodia's Authentic Street Food
Backpacking in any country means you are traveling light and living out of a backpack. And not a suitcase. If you've never gone camping or backpacked before, buy a good quality branded backpack. Don't buy something on the cheap for several reasons. It won't feel comfortable on your back, the straps tend to fail, and zips split.
Also, the cheaper backpacks are not all that good at being waterproof. The compartments are inadequate too.
A backpack is your home away from home, so choose a backpack from a well-known and trusted brand. Besides, you'll not be backpacking solo only once in your life. You'll want to go backpacking to many other destinations. You have a reuse for the backpack so, purchasing good quality is an investment. As for what to pack for your Cambodia trip, you'll want to include:
Include a small bottle of pure aloe vera with your toiletries. As a moisturizer, it's a lifesaver for soothing the irritation from insect bites. Buy at least, a 40L backpack if you are traveling solo for more than two weeks. Also, buy a pack of flatpack cubes to store away you're clothing. Many travelers swear by the cubes, they're indispensable. If you don't want to buy a pack of cubes, you don't have to.
Rolling up your clothing is more than adequate, keeping the socks to the bottom of the bag. The cubes didn't always keep our shirts, skirts and trousers crease free. You have to accept creases now and again, that's all there is to it.
If you've ever dreamt of visiting Asia and never done before, alone, then Cambodia is your gateway. Travel to Cambodia to fulfil your dream. Your time in Cambodia will be an amazing experience and one you will treasure for many years. In particularly the Angkor Wat Complex on the outskirts of Siem Reap. This world-famous UNESCO Heritage site is full on "in your face" history and character.
You cannot imagine what's waiting for you, no matter how much you've read about it. It's everything. Intrigue, love, power and struggle. A long-lost empire as great as any other in human history.
Going to the complex in person, touching the ruins ignites so much imagination inside you. The emotions are surreal, because you feel taken back centuries. Few other places in Asia (and Asia is a vast continent of mixed pleasures and histories) change you like so. We said travel increases your sense of self confidence and independence.
To realize that travel can also change you on other levels, is a cultural prize you claim afterwards. So, most definitely put Cambodia on your solo travel bucket list. For places to travel in Asia, Cambodia is up there with the likes of India and Sri Lanka for backpacking.
