Cambodia is known for its temples. If you have seen Tomb Raider, one of the most famous locations was the Ta Phrom and some Angkor temples. But if you don’t know, Cambodia is divided into two regions – Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, the capital.
Cambodia is considered easy to visit, very cost-effective, and picturesque. There are ways to visit Cambodia – go for a temple run adventure or learn about the recent past of the genocides.
Here’s a budget layout for a Cambodian trip.
Siem Reap
Siem Reap comprises more than 1000 temples (some of them hidden). During my visit, I could walk around more than 20 temples. These temples are enormous and can take a lot of time to walk.
Angkor Tour
Angkor Wat
It is highly recommended to come to Angkor Wat at the break of dawn. Many tourists will visit this magnificent temple for its beautiful sunrise view.
It is a must to visit Angkor Wat when in Seam Reap. You can take a tuk-tuk from your accommodation. It is also known as a UNESCO heritage site. You can enjoy half a day in this magnificent temple.
Angkor Thom
Angkor Thom is the magnificent site that once acted as the Khmer Empire’s gleaming capital.
Terrace of the Elephants
Stroll by the main Terrace of the Leper King and the Terrace of elephants.
Ta Prohm Temple
The photogenic and atmospheric mix of trees growing out of the ruins and the wilderness surroundings have made it one of Angkor’s most popular temples with visitors.
Srah Srang
Banteay Kdei
Banteay Kdei is a 12th-century Buddhist monastery close to Ta Prohm and Srah Srang.
Banteay Srei
See the well-preserved Banteay Srei. The elaborate reliefs on this shorter sandstone design are regarded as the finest, most expertly crafted in Cambodia.
Pre Rup
Built as the state temple of Khmer king Rajendravarman and devoted in 961 or before 962.
Ta Som
Ta Som is a little temple in Angkor, Cambodia, created by the end of the 12th century for King Jayavarman VII.
To get a ticket, you need to go to the Ticket Counters near the entrance to Angkor. Tickets cost are:
- USD 37 for a 1-day pass (valid for two entries during two consecutive days)
- USD 62 for the 3-day pass (valid for five entries during ten days)
- USD 72 for the 7-day pass (valid for ten entries during 30 days)
Phare, The Cambodian Circus
Experience Siem Reap’s most outstanding, genuine top-rated night entertainment. More than just a circus, Phare, the Cambodian Circus entertainers employ dance, music, theater, and modern circus arts to recount uniquely Cambodian stories. The young circus artists will amaze you with their vitality, emotion, confidence, and talent.
Phare Café and Phare Boutique open 3 hours before show time. Come early for the Cambodian Street Food Festival.
The entrance fee is USD18 – USD38, and the show will run for approximately one hour.
Cooking Classes in Siem Reap
If you are interested in joining a cooking class in Siem Reap, try learning from a Local’s home. So many offer a lesson on how to make authentic Khmer dishes like Fish Amok or Tom Yum. Learn the secrets behind well-known Cambodian cuisines through a fun culinary adventure.
The lesson starts at USD 28.
Tour by hiring a tuk-tuk driver
One-day tour costs around $12 to $15 if you’re single or with a companion. $18 if you’re a party of 3. To save money, create a group of 3 and split the cost so you pay $6 per person.
Currencies
You can use Cambodian Riel (KHR), US Dollars, or Philippine Pesos (yes, you heard me right). However, the US dollar is often utilized and widely received in touristy areas. You’ll find menu prices (even in street eateries) and tour rates both in riel and USD dollars.
Most restaurants and hotels accept credit cards, but many smaller establishments only accept cash, so make sure you have cash on hand.
Staying in Siem Reap
There are a lot of budget-friendly hotels in Siem Reap. Boutique hotels offer excellent services, and the accommodations also have a swimming pool and minibars.Hostels can cost around USD 10-12 and some boutique hotels can cost about USD 15-30. For higher class hotels, it can go as much as USD 50-100 a night.
Another reason to ponder when selecting a place to stay is how you intend to spend your time in the city. If you’re the type who likes drinking and dancing at the club, you might consider picking a hotel or hostel near Pub Street. I highly suggest this spot (around the Pub Street area) because there’s so much to do. The Angkor Night Market is a bustling place full of tourists and bars with cheap drinks.
You can enjoy a glass of beer for as low as $2 (check out the pop-out bars).
Warning: Since you are visiting temples, it is best to wear appropriate clothes. In the temples, you can find monks praying and offering to pray for you. For no specific price, they can share some prayer, give you a red bracelet of good luck and bless it.
Not excited about temple run adventures in Siem Reap? Check out my blog about Phnom Penh!
