If you have stopped here it means that you are planning a trip to Cambodia. You are not going to regret your time in Cambodia as it features the most adventurous places, scenic views, and picturesque locations. Its rich cultural history and beautiful locations will make every penny spent worth it.
What will make your trip to the country memorable is its local people, food, and culture. A true home away from your home, you are not going to feel alien in this foreign land.
Before you visit Cambodia, go through these truly amazing facts about the country that will help you explore better.
List of the 18 Essential Facts to Learn Before Your Cambodia Adventure
1. Cambodia’s rich history
Cambodia is a land of rich history that can challenge your understanding of the world. Rooted deeply in slavery, killings, and an eventual victory, the country has spectacular museums that you do not want to miss out on.
2. Fall in love with sunset points
One thing that you would want to end your everyday life in Cambodia is chasing sunsets. Cambodian skies shift from orange and red to yellow and golden within minutes. Set to mesmerize you, the skies here are all things magical.
3. Magnificent Angkor Wat
You have probably heard about the charm of Angkor Wat. A must-visit place in Cambodia, Angkor offers a treat for history and architecture geeks.
From temples to historical monuments, the complex is spread across acres. Take a walk around the complex to closely observe the ancient architectural style.
4. Food in Cambodia
A vacation is not complete till the time you get to indulge in guilt-free food from both the streets and fancy restaurants.
What makes food in Cambodia stand out is the availability of unique items. Please your non-vegetarian soul with bugs, spiders, and scorpions if you want to go all wild.
5. Cambodia Beyond Monuments
While the country is well-known for its historical monuments, you must not confuse it for being just a place of monuments.
Gorgeous beaches, coastal lines, and amazing water sports are all waiting for you. Explore the country’s streets to capture the real essence.
6. Weather
Before you plan a trip to a foreign land, you should always check the weather beforehand. Cambodia is a land of hot and humid weather. Extreme climate conditions make it slightly difficult to explore cities during the day. However, you always have the option of local transport to beat the heat.
Fact: Cambodia does not have a season of Winter.
7. Currency
Travelling overseas requires you to be fully prepared when it comes to finances. Cambodia is a land that marks a huge amount of tourists every year making it possible for you to use both Cambodian Riel and US dollar.
8. Transportation
Commuting from one place to another has to always be a comfortable experience. Cambodia does not fail to deliver you the finest experience with its local buses and cabs that are both cheap and frequently available.
9. Siem Reap
Siem Reap is a must-visit city in Cambodia. Filled with colonial buildings, famous temples, museums, and theme parks, the city is also called the unofficial tourist capital of the country. Make sure you visit their expansive lakes and enjoy the most beautiful sunset you have ever seen.
10. Underdeveloped
If you are planning a trip to Cambodia to experience skyscrapers and tall modern buildings then you are probably going to be disappointed. The country is all about its raw essence captured beautifully in villages and cities.
11. Expensive than Vietnam
Don’t confuse Cambodia’s underdeveloped cities and village vibes with inexpensive stays. The country has emerged as a leading travel destination resulting in expensive stays, travel, and budget.
In fact, the overall budget for a trip to Cambodia sits similar to that of Vietnam if not more expensive.
12. Language
When in a foreign land, knowing a little about their language goes a long way. Khmer is the local and most spoken language in Cambodia.
However, you need not worry because thanks to tourism, you will find many locals speaking English as well.
13. A land of monks
Cambodia is a land that preaches spirituality and mindfulness hence the presence of monks becomes evident even on the streets.
Pro tip: Be mindful around monks as they are highly respected in the community and you might find some really interesting monks.
14. Beware of pickpockets
On a slightly negative side of the country that you must know for a safer trip- snatching is still very prevalent, especially in the interior parts of Cambodian villages and cities. Avoid carrying expensive items with you while walking around their cities.
15. Cambodian people
Be ready to be swept off your feet with the kindness and compassion of locals in the country. They truly believe in treating every visitor with respect and any person who has visited Cambodia can vouch that their people are the best hosts.
16. Temples of the country
Cambodia offers you the finest experience in its temples that were built decades ago and features an ancient style that in itself is a treat.
There are around 4,000 discovered temples in the country making it a jaw-dropping fact. Bayon Temple and Preah Khan Temple must be on your list.
Pro tip: Carry “temple clothes” when you visit Cambodia as they are strict with their dress code in temples.
17. Visas
While you are going to need a Visa for a trip to Cambodia, there are many countries to whom Cambodia offers the Visa on arrival policy including India. Make sure to check their updated rules to avoid last-minute hassle.
18. Additional facts for a safer trip
When in Cambodia you would want to avoid these little things to make a huge difference in your trip
- Don’t take food from children
- Avoid eating raw food
- Stay away from tourist scams
- Don’t take elephant rides
- Say no to drinking tap water
Wrapping up
A trip to Cambodia will make for an experience of a lifetime. Unlike your other overseas trip, here you are setting yourself up for a truly mixed essence which might change your ideas of travelling in many ways. Walk, shop, and eat in Cambodia with your friends and family.
Suggested Articles:
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- Cambodia’s Famous Places to See in January 2024
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- Top Reasons to Travel to Cambodia
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- How Safe Is Cambodia for Travel? 5 Travel Safety Tips
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