Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
You should consider the following vaccinations for Cambodia:
- **Hepatitis A**: Recommended for all travelers.
- **Hepatitis B**: Especially if you might be exposed to blood or body fluids.
- **Typhoid**: Important if you’re planning to eat street food or stay with locals.
- **Rabies**: If you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors or interacting with animals.
- **Japanese Encephalitis**: Consider it if you’re visiting rural areas or staying for over a month.
- **Tetanus**: Make sure your booster is up to date.
Always consult with a healthcare provider for the most personalized advice.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Cambodia, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for CambodiaCulture & Customs
Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples; shoulders and knees should be covered. When entering someone’s home or a religious site, remove your shoes. Use your right hand for giving or receiving items. Avoid touching anyone on the head, as it’s considered sacred. Public displays of affection are frowned upon.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, Cambodia is generally tolerant but discretion in public is advised. Women should be cautious of unwanted attention and may want to dress conservatively to avoid it. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially monks.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Cambodia.
- Amok: A creamy, fragrant dish usually made with fish, coconut milk, and curry paste, steamed in banana leaves. It’s a staple at traditional festivals and showcases the country’s love for balanced flavors.
- Lok Lak: Typically featuring stir-fried beef served with rice, a pepper-lime dipping sauce, and a fried egg on top. It reflects Cambodian fusion influences and is beloved for its simplicity and taste.
- Kuy Teav: This is a popular breakfast noodle soup with a clear broth, often made from pork or beef bones, and flavored with herbs. It’s a go-to comfort food that locals enjoy to start their day.
- Nom Banh Chok: Known as ”Khmer noodles,” this dish involves rice noodles topped with a green fish gravy and fresh vegetables. It’s a breakfast staple and a testament to the country’s agrarian roots.
- Prahok: Fermented fish paste that’s used as a seasoning or a dip. It’s a cornerstone of Cambodian cuisine, adding a distinct umami flavor that’s cherished in many traditional dishes.
Most locals in Cambodia avoid drinking tap water, opting instead for boiled or filtered options. For tourists, it’s best to stick with bottled or filtered water to avoid any stomach issues. Remember, bottled water is cheap and widely available, so it’s a hassle-free choice for staying hydrated.
The main language in Cambodia is
Khmer. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Khmer skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Cambodia includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
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Get the Travel Guide - In Cambodia,
English is widely spoken, particularly in urban areas, tourist destinations, and among younger generations. In cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, many people in the hospitality industry, such as hotel staff, tour guides, and restaurant employees, are proficient in English, making communication relatively easy for travelers.
However, in rural areas, English proficiency may be limited, and locals might speak only Khmer, the official language. While many Cambodians are eager to practice their English, it’s helpful for travelers to learn a few basic Khmer phrases to enhance interactions.
Overall, while English is not universally spoken, travelers will find that it is commonly understood in key areas, facilitating a smoother travel experience.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Cambodia is KHR (៛).
When backpacking in Cambodia, it’s smart to carry a mix of cash and cards. ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist spots, but they usually dispense US dollars and the fees can add up. Always have some small-denomination riels on hand for local markets and rural areas, as they might not accept USD for small purchases.
US dollars are widely accepted, so no need to bring euros — it’s just extra hassle to exchange them. If you do bring euros, change them at banks or official exchange counters in bigger cities like Phnom Penh or Siem Reap for better rates.
Credit cards are accepted at large hotels, some restaurants, and shops, but don’t rely on them too much. Cash is king here, especially for street food, transport, and smaller establishments. Visa and Mastercard are more common than AmEx or Discover.
For exchanging money, steer clear of airport counters due to poor rates. Instead, look for banks or well-rated exchange offices in the city. Always count your cash before leaving the counter and keep an eye out for any sneaky fees.
Tipping in Cambodia isn’t obligatory but is appreciated, especially in the hospitality sector. In restaurants, leaving 5-10% is common if service isn’t included, while a small tip for hotel staff or guides is considered a nice gesture. Street vendors and tuk-tuk drivers typically don’t expect tips, but rounding up the fare is a friendly move.
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Best Backpacking
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.