Travel to Cambodia

Cambodia is one of my all-time favorite places, if not my absolute favorite.  I even took my daughter there when she was twelve years old and she loved it.  I will probably continue to travel to Cambodia every time I get a chance because it’s such a special place.  I specifically recommend travel to the town of Siem Reap located in the northern part of the country.  The temples, countryside and people are absolutely beautiful. 

Siem Reap

The first time I traveled to Cambodia, I went to Phnom Penh on business.  Honestly, I did not like the city and probably won’t go back.  After my business was concluded, I hired a private driver who took me about five hours north to Siem Reap.  It was a great experience to drive through the country and see towns, homes and farmland outside of touristy areas.  In many countries, a private driver could be expensive, but in Cambodia it was affordable and worth every penny. 

To me, Siem Reap is a much better destination than Phnom Penh. There are flights going directly into Siem Reap, and the majority of sites I want to visit are within driving distance.  Ankgor Wat is the best known tourist destination in Cambodia and one of the wonders of the world.  It’s fantastic and a must see. But if you have additional time, there are many other beautiful sites not far from Siem Reap.  You should work in visiting Bayon
Temple with its amazing structures featuring the four faces of Buddha. Also see the ruins of Ta Prohm with massive tree roots growing down over the structure. Terrace of the Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King, Preah Khan and many other sites are worth a visit.

Private Driver and Tour Guide

I highly recommend hiring a private driver and tour guide.  Again, it sounds expensive, but it’s really not in Cambodia.  Having a driver will help you maximize the number of sites you can visit, and you’ll appreciate the air conditioning in between.  A knowledgeable tour guide is also helpful to show you the best parts of each site you visit.  You can make arrangements for a driver and guide before you travel by looking on sites such as Viator, Tours by Locals, or Trip Advisor for tour companies in Siem Reap.  It’s very easy to communicate with them via email and arrange your trip.  Our driver even picked us up at the airport late at night when we arrived and took us to our hotel.

I also recommend researching places you want to see before you travel to Cambodia.  I send the tour company a list, then they arrange an itinerary based on sites that are close together.  For example, driving to Kulen Mountain is a great place if you have time. However it is further than many other sites and will take an entire day.  A tour company can work in what you want to see, as well as make recommendations.  Look at travel sites for a tour company with good reviews, and make arrangements in advance. It will save you time and make your trip more enjoyable.

Siem Reap In Town Highlights

Not everything requires a guide. In town, there are many things to see on your own. It’s very easy to get a tuk-tuk from your hotel, and they are very inexpensive. In the town of Siem Reap, you will want to visit the Angkor National Museum.  It is a very well-done museum featuring some of the best statues and artwork from the country.  Also visit Artisans d’Angkor.  They give complimentary tours of their facility where you can see traditional painting and carving techniques.  Their work and proceeds from their shop supports local artists and youth.  There is also a Handicraft Association and central market for souvenirs.  Again, before your trip to Cambodia, you can research places in town and pick a hotel close to places you’d like to visit.

Safety in Cambodia

I consider Cambodia to be safe.  Of course, there are a few areas which are well-publicized as unsafe and they should be avoided.  There are areas close to the border with Thailand known for bandits, and Phnom Penh is like any other large city with certain areas you should avoid.  There can be petty crime and pickpockets anywhere in the world.  Just be smart and don’t flaunt cash or carry a purse that could be snatched from your arm.  It is true Cambodia still has unexploded mines left by the Khmer Rouge. These tragically kill or injure people walking through wooded areas.  Overall, however, if you avoid the areas people tell you to avoid and do NOT go wandering off well-marked trails, you should be fine. 

Special Considerations in Cambodia

Mobility Challenges: For anyone with walking or mobility issues, visiting some sites could be challenging.  As with any ancient site, stone pathways are uneven.  Some of the walks to get to a site are more of a hike than a “walk.”  Some sites, but not all, require climbing stairs.  

Heat: Cambodia is hot.  Combining the heat with a strenuous walk will limit some sites tourists with health conditions should go.  However, if you let your tour company know your limitations before you travel, they will be able to arrange an itinerary to help you get the best experience while you are there.  Also hiring a driver with an air conditioned car is a huge benefit.

Hotels: I’m updating this post in response to questions. I always check hotel reviews before I stay anywhere, and there are many safe, clean hotels in Siem Reap. On our last visit we stayed at the Sokha Angkor Resort. We loved it and would stay there again. However, there are many beautiful hotels to choose from. (We’re not making anything from this post or any recommendations here.)

Entry: Always check current country-specific requirements for visas and vaccines. This travel was conducted pre-covid 19.

Overall Recommendation

I highly recommend visiting Cambodia, if only to see Angkor Wat. Go at least once in your life.