Practical issues
Cambodia is known for its rich and turbulent history and beautiful temples, culture and wonderful beaches. A unique and unforgettable experience! If you are planning a trip to Cambodia, there are a number of practical matters you should take into account. This way you are optimally prepared for your trip to Cambodia!
Visa and passport
As a Dutch citizen you need a visa to enter Cambodia. An e-visa is the easiest and fastest way. You can apply for an e-visa online via the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia. You need a valid passport and digital passport photo for this. Please allow 3 working days for processing. An e-visa is valid for 90 days for a maximum stay of 30 days. Another option is a visa on arrival at a border crossing or airport. You also need a passport photo, valid passport and cash for this. This visa is valid for 30 days.
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Travel insurance
Good travel insurance is essential when backpacking in Cambodia. It is always advisable to take out travel insurance with worldwide coverage before you travel.
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Vaccinations
It is recommended to be vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B, DTP (diphtheria, tetanus and polio) and in some cases also typhoid fever. Contact a travel vaccination center before departure for tailor-made advice.
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Budget and money
Cambodia is an affordable destination in Asia. Count on a budget of 20 to 60 euros per day, depending on your spending habits while traveling. If you opt for the more expensive accommodations and private transport with, for example, a taxi for long distances or multiple domestic flights, the amount will be higher. The currency is the Cambodian Riel (KHR), but most payments are in US dollars (USD). It is advisable to bring sufficient dollars in advance. In the big cities you can pay with credit cards, but always make sure you have enough cash on you. Especially before you leave for Koh Rong, because there are very limited options for withdrawing money here.A It is always wise to withdraw as much money as possible and spread it over your luggage/bags. Every time you withdraw money, you pay a lot in transaction costs. This price varies per bank, but it would of course be a shame if you spent tens of euros on this.
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Accommodation
Cambodia has plenty of different options to suit different budgets and travel styles, from hostels, homestays and guesthouses to luxury resorts and international hotel chains. I have selected a number of beautiful accommodations with a high rating for each destination. The most popular places among backpackers are Koh Rong and Siem Reap. It may be wise to book accommodation here in advance, especially if you're traveling during peak season. In the low season you can easily find excellent accommodations the same day. This means you always remain very flexible during your trip! I personally always find this very pleasant.
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Transportation
Cambodia has a number of different travel options that you will also see in the ideal itinerary and my other pages about Cambodia. For short distances, traveling with a TukTuk or a scooter (rent yourself or on the back of a driver) is recommended. Please note that the roads in Cambodia are of poor quality! Always pay close attention to your own safety. For longer distances you can travel by bus or taxi. The comfort per bus can vary greatly, so take this into account when you book a bus ride. Two popular bus companies are Giant Ibis and Mekong Expres. If you are reluctant to travel longer distances in a bus, you can also choose to take a domestic flight.
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climate
Take into account the tropical monsoon climate in Cambodia with a rainy season and a dry season. The rainy season runs from May/June to October. The dry season lasts from November to April. During the rainy season you may experience heavy rain showers and flooding. We visited the country in August and only once had a day with bad weather. Other than that it was generally doable. However, I later also spoke to travelers who had visited the country a week later, but were much more affected by the bad weather. So keep this in mind when planning your trip! The dry season is generally sunny and warm, but can also be very dry. Temperatures in Cambodia are generally high, with average temperatures between 25-30 degrees Celsius throughout the year.
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Safety
I have experienced Cambodia as a reasonably safe destination, but it is always very important to pay close attention! Just like in any other Asian country, there are certain risks and precautions. Watch out for pickpockets and always keep your valuables safe. There are also some areas in Cambodia that should be avoided due to the presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance from previous conflicts. It is important to stay on marked paths and roads and heed any warnings or signs indicating possible dangers.
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What you shouldn't forget to take with you!
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A good backpack: Because you will travel a lot with local buses, it is highly recommended to travel with a backpack. Even if you don't consider yourself a real backpacker. A suitcase is very inconvenient.
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Passport and visa:Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Cambodia and that you have arranged the visa before you leave.
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Travel adapter: Cambodia has a different type of electrical outlet than most other countries, so bring a āātravel adapter to charge your electronic devices.
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Sunscreen:Cambodia is close to the equator and has a tropical climate, so the sun can be very strong. Bring sunscreen with a high SPF to protect yourself from the sun.
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Insect repellents:Mosquitoes and other insects are a common problem in Cambodia, especially during the rainy season. Bring insect repellent to protect yourself from bites and diseases. It is not necessary to take preventative malaria pills, but always take medication with you in case you become ill. Another dangerous disease is dengue fever, so it is always important to protect yourself well.
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Comfortable shoes: Cambodia has many attractions you can explore on foot, such as temples, national parks and beaches. Bring comfortable shoes for long walks and to protect your feet from the heat.
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Raincoat or poncho:Cambodia has two monsoon seasons, one from May to August and one from October to January. Bring a raincoat or poncho to keep yourself dry during a rain shower. Fortunately we did not need this in November!
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Clothing:Please note that Cambodia is a conservative country. Bring clothes that cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples and other religious sites. Loose, airy clothing is ideal for the hot and humid climate. In addition, it is advisable to bring a hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun and to keep your head cool.
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Money and payment cards:Bring enough cash (dollars) and payment cards so you can easily pay for accommodation, meals and activities. It's useful to have a mix of cash and debit cards as not all places accept credit cards and some ATMs may be out of order.
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