Cambodia Backpacking

From magical, ancient temples to chilled-out, peaceful beaches, and all surrounded by magnificent scenery, it’s easy to see why Cambodia is steadily gaining in popularity. Following three decades of a well-documented history of war and isolation, peace now reigns in Cambodia and its people embrace visitors with open arms.

Cambodia is a remarkably cheap place to visit and you can get by on just 10 US dollars a day. For double that, you can enjoy some relative luxuries. There is plenty of budget accommodation and eating out is incredibly good value. There are overland connections to Cambodia via Vietnam, Laos and Thailand and various border crossing points, where visas can be issued. Many travellers will enter Cambodia via bus or boat from one of these countries. Within Cambodia, there are plenty of reasonably comfortable buses connecting all the major towns and fast boats link many of the popular destinations. Alternatively, car and motorbike hire is cheap and offers you lots of flexibility. The best time to visit is between December and January. The rest of the year is hot, humid and wet. Aside from April/May time, when temperatures peak and regularly hit 40 degrees, the wet season doesn’t make travel impossible (unless you plan on visiting very remote areas); in fact the extra water can make the country even more beautiful, with flowing rivers and lush foliage.

The biggest and probably best known attraction in Cambodia would have to be Angkor Wat, commonly believed to be the world’s largest religious structure. This temple is the central feature of a UNESCO World Heritage Site at Angkor, containing awe-inspiring remains of the Khmer civilisation. Even if you are not a morning person, make the effort to visit the temples at sunrise – it will be a memory you’ll cherish forever.

Many visitors to Angkor will stay at Siem Reap, but this town has more to offer than simply being a stopover. It has a wonderful air of colonial charm, centred around a slow-flowing river. It’s a great place to spend a few days. You can discover some quieter, lesser-known temples, bamboo villages, a bird sanctuary and some forests. You can also enjoy some fine dining and a lively night scene centred around Bar Street.

Phnom Pehn is a chaotic yet charismatic capital, where extreme poverty and excess sit side by side. The incessant noise of motorbikes mixes with heady scents from market stalls – all set against the wonderful backdrop of the Mekong river. One of the many attractions is the Silver Pagoda at the Royal Palace, featuring a huge, crystal Buddha, sitting atop a gilded pedestal. The nightlife is legendary, with a number of excellent restaurants, bars and clubs to choose from.

For a spot of beach time, head to laid-back Sihanoukville, where four beaches surround the headland, or take a boat out to the idyllic islands of Koh Rong or Koh Smach.
One word of warning regarding your passport. Not only is it a requirement for entry, but it also has to be valid for at least six months beyond the end of your trip – otherwise Immigration will refuse you a visa.
Cambodia is a country steadily on a campaign to restore its former glory. The Khmer people are proud of their ancient empire, and always happy to host visitors to their beloved country.

Quick Facts

• Capital city: Phnom Penh.
• Borders: Vietnam (east), Laos (north), Thailand (northwest) and Gulf of Thailand (southwest).
• Time Zone: UTC+7
• Population: approx 14 million
• Languages: Khmer (official; 95%), French, English, Thai.
• Religions: Theravada Buddhist (95%), other (5%).
• Currency: Riel, though US currency is widely accepted (US$1 = 4000 Riel).

 

History
The Khmer empire was at the height of its power between the 12 th and 14 th Centuries BC. Angkor had been abandoned by 1431, and by the 19 th Century, the French colonized Cambodia until 1954. Political instability and civil unrest continued until 1993, when the UN sponsored elections which resulted in two prime ministerial figures: Hun Sen and Prince Ranariddh. By 1997 co-Prime Minister Prince Ranariddh is exiled, and Pol Pot denounced by the Khmer Rouge. By 1998, Pol Pot dies in the jungle, Prince Ranariddh returns to Cambodia, yet elections left Hun Sen in power. By 1999, Cambodia has joined ASEAN and continues to gradually develop its market economy. Elections from 2004 have continued to support Hun Sen as Prime Minister. Tourism into the country has especially helped its economy.

Hot Spots  

Phnom Penh
The capital of Cambodia, where you can visit the Royal Palace, as well as the Killing Fields memorial, about 17 km south of the city. The riverside area of Sisowath Quay along the Mekong has also flourished into an expat ‘hangout’ with many cafes, bars and ‘Happy Pizza’ eateries.

Siem Reap – Angkor Wat
Siem Reap is the gateway into the ancient city of Angkor Wat (now officially titled, ‘ Angkor Archeological Park’). A UNESCO listed World Heritage Site, the ancient temples of Angkor and all its hundreds of surrounding temples offers one, three or seven day long passes to its visitors (US $20, $40, or $60). Guides are available in almost all languages for US $20 a day.

Sihanoukville
A beachside town (about 3 hours drive from either Siem Reap or Phnom Penh) rapidly growing in popularity amongst tourists for its serene ocean views and abundance of fresh seafood.

Battambang
Cambodia’s second largest city, with many French colonial structures still intact – especially one French governor’s residence, and temples and statues from the ancient Khmer culture.

Shopping
The Central Market in Phnom Penh is an art deco style structure, offering anything from fruits to video games. The Russian Markets in Phnom Penh offer a variety of fake designer clothing, jewellery, and pirated CDs and DVDs.

Angkor Wat souvenirs are widely available, as well as textiles, and silverware.

Food & Drink
When travelling through the countryside, you will find yourself stumbling across sellers of fried insects, and, most notoriously, fried tarantulas. Other insect delicacies include spicy tree-ant paste, eaten as a dip with raw vegetables (or dip with cooked ones, if you’ll feel more comfortable).

Traditional Khmer food
Similar to Thai flavours with a mixture of spices, lime and rice-based dishes.

Happy Pizza’
Pizza with a sprinkle of Marajuana on top.

Angkor Beer
Cambodia ’s very popular national beer.

Other delicacies
Turtle’s eggs, sea coconut snails and raw prawns.

Transport

Train
Trains are slow and only available between Phnom Penh and Battambang.

Ferries
Ferries operate seasonally and are often cramped, and charge higher for foreigners. Routes run between Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and Siem Reap to Battambang.

Buses
Journeys between Phnom Penh to Siemp Reap take around five hours.

Tuk-tuk
Three-wheeled pedicab, can be hired for around US $10 to $15 a day around town.

Bikes
Available for hire, usually from guesthouses for US $1 (single speed) or US $2 (with gears) per day.

Motorbikes
Can hop on one for a short trip as a taxi service (around US $1 for short trip), or rent one for the day (prices vary).

Cars
Guesthouses offer arrangements of cars with drivers for around US $25 a day.

Taxi
Costs around US $7 from the city to the airport.