Tiếng Việt
Cambodia, our neighboring “brother” country, is famous for its unique temple architecture, ancient shrines, and beautiful islands. It’s a land rich with spiritual stories and stunning landscapes. Plus, for Vietnamese citizens, you don’t even need a visa to easily travel to Cambodia independently. However, if you’ve never visited before, you’ll need some tips to make your self-guided trip to Cambodia easier and more convenient.
>> Travel Procedures for Southeast Asian Countries
Useful Information Before Your Self-Guided Trip to Cambodia
Weather in Cambodia
Like Vietnam, Cambodia is in a tropical region influenced by monsoons, so the weather is hot year-round, ranging from 21 – 35 degrees Celsius. Visitors here won’t be too surprised or experience temperature shock due to the climate.
Cambodia also has two distinct seasons, similar to Vietnam:
- Dry Season: December – May
- Rainy Season: June – November
Depending on the purpose of your trip and your schedule, you can choose the best time of year for your self-guided Cambodia adventure.n mà bạn có thể lựa chọn du lịch Campuchia tự túc vào thời điểm nào trong năm cho phù hợp.
Currency in Cambodia
If you’re planning a self-guided trip to Cambodia, you’re probably wondering what currency the country uses and how to exchange Vietnamese Dong for Cambodian currency to make shopping easier.
Currently, two main currencies are widely used in Cambodia: the Riel (KHR) and the US Dollar (USD). Typically, Cambodian Riel is used for small daily transactions like buying street food, taking a motorbike taxi, or paying at convenience stores for purchases under $5. Riel denominations vary widely, from 10, 20, 50, all the way up to 100,000 Riel.
For larger transactions, people use the US Dollar. Locals in Cambodia use both currencies interchangeably; for example, you can pay with Dollars and receive change in Riel, which is very flexible and convenient.
You can easily exchange Vietnamese Dong for either US Dollars or Riel at the Bavet or Moc Bai border gates, or at gold shops and banks in Cambodia.
Time Zone
One characteristic that helps Cambodia attract many tourists from Vietnam and neighboring countries is that it uses the same time zone: UTC+07:00. This means the time in Cambodia is the same as in Vietnam.
How to Get a SIM Card for Your Self-Guided Cambodia Trip
When traveling to Cambodia independently, you’ll need to stay in touch, look up information, and so on. However, Vietnamese SIM cards don’t work in Cambodia unless you register for international roaming. As you probably know, international roaming fees can be very expensive. Therefore, it’s best to buy a Cambodian tourist SIM card.
If you want to buy a SIM card in Cambodia, you’ll need to visit a network provider’s store. Just tell them what you need, and they’ll give you a suitable SIM. Buying a SIM in Vietnam is quick and doesn’t require any paperwork. In Cambodia, you’ll use the internet a lot during your trip, so you should buy a 3G/4G data SIM rather than one for calls.
Cambodia Immigration Procedures
Cambodia Immigration Procedures
Many people planning a self-guided trip to Cambodia wonder if they need a visa for Cambodia. What are the exit and entry procedures for this country? What documents are needed to travel to Cambodia?
According to current regulations, Vietnamese passport holders do not need a visa to travel to Cambodia for stays of up to 30 days, provided their passport is valid for at least 6 more months. This means if you’re taking a short-term trip from Vietnam to Cambodia, you don’t need to apply for a visa (which many people avoid due to cumbersome and time-consuming procedures).
Documents Required at Land Border Crossings (for self-guided travelers to Cambodia)
To enter Cambodia, Vietnamese travelers need to prepare the following necessary documents:
- A passport valid for more than 6 months.
- Cash or a bank card (such as Sacombank, ANZ, etc.). You can exchange cash at the border gate.
- A declaration of your hotel booking or place of accommodation in Cambodia.
For Vietnamese individuals traveling to Cambodia by motorbike, in addition to the above documents, you will also need to provide your original motorbike registration from Vietnam:
- Original vehicle registration certificate.
- Your driver’s license. It’s advisable to get the new bilingual version of the license for convenience if document checks are required.
Important Cambodia Entry Regulations
All COVID-19 health restrictions in Cambodia were completely lifted as of July 11, 2022. However, travelers who are not fully vaccinated or are only partially vaccinated may still need to undergo a rapid antigen test for COVID-19 upon arrival in Cambodia.
- If the test result is negative, you are free to travel anywhere in Cambodia. If it’s positive, you must comply with the regulations of the Cambodian Ministry of Health.
- If you wish to stay longer than the 30-day visa-free period, you will need a Cambodian visa issued by the Cambodian Embassy in Vietnam before your arrival.
Which Border Gates Can You Use for Self-Guided Travel to Cambodia?
Between Vietnam and Cambodia, there are 7 pairs of border gates:
- Le Thanh (Gia Lai) – Oyadav (Andong Pich-Rattanakiri)
- Bu Prang (Dak Nong) – O Raing (Mundulkiri)
- Hoa Lu (Binh Phuoc) – Trapeang Sre (Snoul-Kratie)
- Xa Mat (Tay Ninh) – Trapeing Phlong (Tbong Khmum)
- Moc Bai (Tay Ninh) – Bavet (Svay Rieng)
- Tinh Bien (An Giang) – Phnom Den (Takeo)
- Ha Tien (Kien Giang) – Prek Chak (Lork-Kam Pot)
Depending on your starting point, you can choose which border gate to use for entering or exiting Cambodia.
Transportation for Traveling in Cambodia
How do you get to Cambodia?
For those who don’t plan to or can’t travel to Cambodia independently by motorbike, you’ll need to choose one of the following ways to get there: the fastest and most expensive way is by plane, or you can travel by bus. Depending on your starting point and your desired destination in Cambodia, choose the most suitable journey:
How to get to Sihanoukville, Koh Rong, and Koh Rong Samloem:
- Step 1: Take an overnight sleeper bus to Ha Tien.
- Step 2: Board a 16-32 seat bus from Ha Tien to Sihanoukville.
- Step 3: If you want to go to Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem, you can take a fast ferry from Sihanoukville pier.
How to get to Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh:
There are daily flights from Vietnam to Phnom Penh, with a flight time of under 1 hour and costs around 3 million VND. However, Ho Chi Minh City is only about 200km from Phnom Penh, so you can travel by bus to save money.
Currently, many bus companies operate routes from major cities in Vietnam to Cambodia, such as Kumho, Sapaco, Mekong Express, or Mai Linh Express, with prices starting from 850,000 VND per person one way.
Getting Around When Traveling in Cambodia
If you don’t have personal transportation for your self-guided trip in Cambodia, you still have many options for getting around within the cities, such as tuk-tuks, motorbike taxis (xe om), cyclos, or buses. However, if you choose to go by tuk-tuk or motorbike taxi, you should proactively ask for the price and bargain before getting in to avoid being overcharged upon arrival!
Self-Guided Motorbike Travel in Cambodia
If you want to travel to Cambodia independently by motorbike, tourists can complete exit procedures at one of the following three border gates:
- Tinh Bien Border Gate (An Giang): Located at the end of National Highway 91, it connects with the Phnom Den border gate in Takeo Province, Cambodia.
- Ha Tien Border Gate (Kien Giang): Situated on National Highway 80, it connects with the Prek Chak border gate in Kampot Province, Cambodia.
- Moc Bai Border Gate (Tay Ninh): This gate connects with the Bavet border gate in Svay Rieng Province, Cambodia. It is the largest land border gate in the Southern region and is approximately 80km from the center of Ho Chi Minh City.
Having your own vehicle makes it incredibly easy and convenient to travel between destinations to explore the landscapes, culture, people, and cuisine of Cambodia.
Must-Visit Tourist Destinations in Cambodia
Tourist Attractions in Phnom Penh
When traveling to Cambodia, the first place you should visit is the capital, Phnom Penh—the administrative heart of the Kingdom. This city is also where the three major rivers, Mekong, Bassac, and Tonle Sap, converge. Despite being the capital, Phnom Penh maintains a peaceful pace of life, not as bustling as many other large Asian cities.
Here are the tourist attractions in Phnom Penh you should visit:
- Royal Palace of Cambodia with the Silver Pagoda and the Emerald Buddha Temple:
- Address: Samdach Sothearos Blvd, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM; 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
- Wat Phnom Temple:
- Address: Street 96, Norodom Blvd, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
- National Museum of Cambodia:
- Address: Preah Ang Eng, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21 Prison):
- Address: St 113, Phnom Penh 12304, Cambodia.
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Wat Botum Temple: The place where Pol Pot lived during his youth.
- Address: Oknha Suor Srun 7, Sangkat Chaktomuk, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
- Choeung Ek Killing Fields: The site where the Khmer Rouge executed millions of innocent people.
Siem Reap
21st-century Siem Reap is a bustling, modern city, yet it was once the capital of the Khmer Empire. Traveling to Siem Reap gives you the chance to explore its glorious history and, in particular, national treasures of this land of pagodas such as Wat Bo, Wat Preah Prom Rath, Angkor National Museum, Angkor Silk Farm, and the Angkor Wat complex.
- Wat Bo Temple:
- Address: 0092 Road 22, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia.
- Wat Preah Prom Rath Temple: The most beautiful temple in Siem Reap.
- Address: Pokambor Ave, Krong Siem Reap 17254, Cambodia.
- Angkor National Museum:
- Address: Preah Ang Eng St. (13), Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM daily.
- Angkor Wat Complex:
- Opening hours: 5:00 AM – 5:30 PM.
Cambodian Islands
One of the things that truly draws visitors to Cambodia must be its pristine beaches and stunning turquoise waters. Here are some island paradises you absolutely must experience when traveling Cambodia independently:
- Koh Rong Samloem Island is sheltered by the expansive Saracen Bay, where you can stay at any of the resorts along the shore. Alternatively, head to the island’s west coast, home to Lazy Beach, a perfect spot to relax and enjoy cocktails during a romantic sunset.
- Koh Rong Island is also known as a paradise for peace and relaxation, with the exception of Koh Touch village, which is famous for its lively parties.
What to Eat When Traveling Cambodia Independently?
When exploring a new place, in addition to visiting beautiful and famous sites, enjoying the local cuisine is an equally exciting experience.
- Steamed Fish Amok – Traditional Cambodian Specialty: Amok is one of the most famous traditional dishes of the Cambodian people. The main ingredients for this dish are fresh snakehead fish from the Tonle Sap Lake or fresh catfish. Amok is special because of the distinctive flavors of this land, such as prohok fish paste, kroeung, palm sugar, soursop leaves, and Khmer kroeung paste. Additionally, coconut milk, eggs, ginger, lemongrass, and shallots are indispensable ingredients in this dish.
- Khmer Red Curry: This dish is typically made with chicken, beef, or fish. Ingredients cooked alongside include green beans, potatoes, eggplant, coconut milk, and lemongrass. What makes it special is that the red curry is cooked with kroeung chili paste, giving it a tongue-tingling spiciness.
- Nom Banh Chok (Khmer Curry Noodles): is hailed as the “soul and essence” dish of the land of pagodas. You can enjoy this dish in restaurants, eateries, or from the steaming street vendors found throughout the cities. This noodle dish is served with a variety of fresh vegetables, including banana blossoms, lotus stems, papaya, water celery, and mint.
- Khmer Lap (Beef Salad): Khmer Lap offers a harmonious blend of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors that’s incredibly appetizing. Thinly sliced rare beef is mixed with dried onions, minced garlic, lime juice, fish sauce, and various herbs. The preparation is simple, but you’ll never get tired of eating it. We guarantee anyone who tries it once will be hooked!
- Insect Dishes: Among Cambodia’s specialties, the dishes that both frighten and intrigue many tourists are those made from insects. Fried dishes made from stink bugs, cockroaches, crickets, scorpions, and giant water bugs, combined with savory seasonings, are said to be the most delicious. Tourists can buy fried insects on skewers for only about 10,000 Vietnamese Dong.
Cost of Self-Guided Travel in Cambodia
When you travel to Cambodia independently, it means you’ll have complete control over all your expenses and itinerary. Typically, the cost of a trip to Cambodia will include travel expenses to Cambodia (which I’ve touched upon above), local transportation costs within Cambodia, sightseeing fees, food, and accommodation. Specifically:
- Transportation costs within Cambodia: If you’re doing a self-guided motorbike trip, you just need to fill up the tank and you can cruise all over the country. If you don’t have a motorbike, you can rent one for $6 – $9 USD per bike per day (fuel not included). Bus fares are quite cheap (around $10 USD per day), or you can take a tuk-tuk for an average cost of $1-$2 USD for 1-3km (it’ll be cheaper if you split the cost with a group).
- Entrance fees at Cambodian attractions: Admission prices for attractions in Cambodia are quite affordable, starting from just $1-$3 USD. The most expensive is a visit to the Royal Palace of Cambodia, at $6 USD per person.
- Food costs: Each meal here will average around $2 USD. Of course, eating at restaurants and hotels will be more expensive.
- Accommodation costs in Cambodia: The cost of accommodation in Cambodia depends on whether you choose a budget, mid-range, or high-end hotel or guesthouse. To save the most, you can rent a dorm room, which costs around 120,000 – 150,000 VND per person per night. 2-3 star hotels in Cambodia typically range from $15 – $30 USD per person per night, offering full amenities and excellent service quality.
Besides the mandatory expenses listed above, you might also spend some money on souvenirs for friends and family. Thus, based on the cost categories I’ve outlined, and depending on your personal spending habits and travel itinerary, you can calculate a relatively accurate estimate for your self-guided Cambodia trip.
That’s all the information you need to know if you’re planning a self-guided trip to Cambodia. I hope it helps make your experience in the land of temples easier and more enjoyable.
You can also explore more Southeast Asian travel destinations through my actual experiences here:
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If you’re interested, you can visit Tiktok and YouTube to discover more exciting trips across Vietnam and abroad with Tiêu Dao Tử!
