Solo Travel in Cambodia
Types of Girl about the Globe (GatG) – Cultural GatG, Historical GatG, Nature GatG
Cambodia is an amazing country to explore especially if you like culture and history. Below is our guide to how to travel solo in Cambodia including where to stay in Cambodia, things to see in Cambodia, the best tours of Cambodia, a Cambodia sample itinerary, and how to get around.
Find out how to get from the airports and which cities to visit in Cambodia. All companies included have been recommended by solo female travellers and come with our Solo Female Friendly endorsement. Either listen to the podcast episode or read the full article for solo female travel Cambodia.
N.b. For every booking made through this article, I donate money to projects helping vulnerable girls about the globe. Thank you for helping to make a difference to their lives.
Contents
- Places to Visit in Cambodia
- Tours in Cambodia
- Accommodation in Cambodia
- Getting Around Cambodia
- Cambodia Itinerary
- Cambodia Travel Guide
- Best Time to go to Cambodia
- Travel Insurance For Cambodia
- Cambodia Airports
- Travelling Onwards
- How To Be a Conscious Traveller in Cambodia
- Frequently Asked Questions about Cambodia
- Map of Cambodia
- Plan a Trip to Cambodia

Monks in Cambodia
Solo Travel To Cambodia
Is Cambodia safe for female travellers? Cambodia is a relatively safe country for women travelling alone. That's why we've given it 4 out of 5 stars. Although there have been a few reports of harassment, foreign women are generally respected by the Cambodian people.
There is crime in Cambodia so keep your bag close to you in the city and on motorbikes. Aside from Siem Reap there are not as many tourists as you would find in Thailand but if you are backpacking Cambodia alone you will meet other backpackers in Cambodia on the same Cambodia travel route from Phnom Penh Cambodia to Sihanoukville and Siem Reap. You do need to be a bit careful in Sihanoukville. Be careful of your belongings here and don't wander anywhere at night.
Cambodian history is dark but despite the genocide that people suffered under the Khmer Rouge, they are smiling people who live well below the breadline, and seeing them begging can pull at your heart strings especially at tourist sites and markets. The children you encounter may overwhelm you with their curiosity for your attention and desire to touch your skin.
This country still has millions of undiscovered land mines from the Vietnam War which have disabled many Cambodians. Some victims of the land mines are seen begging or busking for money. Because of the mines don’t go off the beaten paths and always trek with a guide.
Cambodia is a wonderful country to explore independently but if you are unsure where to go in Cambodia, you may feel more comfortable in a group tour to Cambodia.

Bayon temple, Angkor Wat
Places to Visit in Cambodia
There’s something about Cambodia that draws you in, its soul, its tragic past and its people will leave a mark on your heart. It is a country that still ranks among the world’s poverty hot spots yet the people seem so happy.
For women travelling solo, Cambodia is cheap to travel through, has great value guest houses (with an honesty policy for food and drinks) and is miles away from the bustle of other Asian cities.
Cemented roads don’t really exist here and you’ll be travelling along dirt tracks past small villages with chickens and goats roaming around and children running out to wave and shout “hello.”
* Before you travel, check what paperwork or visas are required for Cambodia.
Things To Do in Phnom Penh
Cambodia tourism is no stranger to dark tourism and remnants of the rule of the Khmer Rouge three decades before are now tourist sites in the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh. Although they can be upsetting and moving, they are the must do things in Cambodia and provide you into an insight of the country's past.
The Killing Fields are now a tranquil place with a memorial of the 70,000 people killed here in a glass case of skulls. The S21 Prison, now a museum used to be a school until 1975 when the Khmer Rouge began their grisly regime.
Phnom Penh is one of the best cities in Cambodia. The capital is a centre of culture with a chilled riverfront, bars and restaurants, a bustling night market and a central market during the day where you can buy local cuisine from creamy coconut curries to fried maggots, locust and even tarantulas (apparently good for medicine).
Other things to see in Phnom Penh is the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. The National Museum and the Royal Palace are also all within walking distance and many restaurants which are run by NGOs to train the underprivileged youth. You can even fire an AK47 at the local shooting range (one of the Cambodia tourist attractions and crazy things to do in Cambodia) or take a cruise along the mighty Mekong from the Royal Palace.
Choose a guest house by the Mekong riverside to escape the noise and pace of the city. Phnom Penh guest houses also act as travel agents and can book your onward travel if you are travelling Cambodia alone.

Phnom Penh (photo @ Bernie Waite)
Things To Do in Siem Reap
The highlights of the country are in Siem Reap (one of the best places to visit in Cambodia). The Hindu temples of Angkor Wat are one of the largest religious monuments in the world. They were built in the 12th Century and are one of the most historical places in Cambodia.
It’s likely to be one of the most expensive costs you’ll encounter in Cambodia (£15 for 1 day or £25 for a 3 day pass) but a visit to these Khmer Angkor temples is simply magical especially at sunrise, and a must see in Cambodia.
The site is really easy to walk around and make sure you don’t miss the Ta Prohm temple (the ‘Tomb Raider’ temple) which is bound by the roots of a giant strangler fig tree, or the Bayon temple; a Buddhist Cambodia temple etched with smiling bodhisattva faces. Although it is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Cambodia, Angkor Wat is a UNESCO Heritage of Humanity and a living temple which is still used by many Cambodians today as a Buddhist site.
To visit the site you need to stay overnight in Siem Reap, the cradle of Khmer civilisation and the best place to stay in Cambodia if you're planning to visit Angkor Wat at sunrise.
But there is more to Siem Reap than Angkor Wat. Hire a bike and visit the red sandstone Banteay Srei temple and the Cambodia Landmine Museum and Relief Centre as well as the Butterfly Centre. You can buy Khmer ceramics, art or jewellery at the Khmer Ceramics Centre or even create your own piece of art!
For the party GatG, head to Pub Street, a well-known bar area and Cambodia tourist spot for Cambodia nightlife. It's a good area to meet others and experience some of the fun things to do in Cambodia. Pay a visit to the Old Market in the Old French Quarter whilst you're here too.

Angkor Wat (photo @ Leeanne Keogh)
Temples in Cambodia
Visiting Cambodia doesn’t just mean visiting the majestic temples of Angkor Wat. The country’s second UNESCO World Heritage Site is Preah Vihear temple, which sits on a cliff-top and offers stunning views of Cambodia and the Dangrek Mountains. Sambor Prei Kuk temples in Kampong Thom are even older than Angkor Wat.
Other temples are: the jungle temple of Beng Melea which can be combined with a trip to Koh Ker or Kbal Spean and Prasat Preah Khan, one of the remotest temples. Battambang is the second largest city and lies in the northwest with more ancient ruins. The city seems more like a town with rural villages close by. One attraction here is the bamboo train on the outskirts of town, originally built to transport rice from Phnom Penh. You can take the train to a local village but it is touristy and expect to get attention from sellers.
When you’re all templed-out, take a trip to the northeast where Eco-tourism lies. Visit Mondulkiri for the Bousra waterfall and Ethnic Culture Centre. If you’re feeling stressed from travelling take a trip to the Sea Forest, a natural healing place in Loa Ka which is proven to cure you (and is even better at sunrise or sunset).
Visit Ratanakiri for Yeak Lom volcanic lake and Virachey National Park then treat yourself to a gem within the mining province. One of the places to go in Cambodia to take your pick from sapphires, emeralds and rubies.
Also North is the unspoilt town of Kratie, a place off the beaten track on the route heading to Laos. Kratie is the place to visit in Cambodia for dolphins. Take a long tail boat to see the Irrawaddy river dolphins in the muddy waters of the Mekong (although you may only catch a glimpse of these unique mammals).
Or take the Mekong Discovery Trail through less-trodden paths across northern Cambodia. From here you can also travel further to the hill tribes for an understanding of indigenous life.

Koh Rong, the largest Cambodian island
Cambodia's Islands
If you’re searching for more exotic places in Cambodia, head to the islands. Koh Rong Samloem is one for the backpackers and the best area to stay in Cambodia if you’re looking for cheap hostels and Full Moon parties.
Koh Rong island is the country’s biggest island, and reachable via a boat ride from Sihanoukville (the journey takes 2.5 hours). It’s an island to meet others in its many bars and eateries and the place for a digital detox in a bungalow on the beach. Be careful of the sand flies here though.
If you need solitude when touring Cambodia, and want to avoid a party island, Bamboo Island will take you back to basics with no power after dark or hot water. Just take some dry shampoo with you!

Photo @ Leeanne Keogh
Other Places To See in Cambodia
For nature lovers, the East has dense forest and lush jungles ideal for trekking past local villages. See orangutans in the Koh Kong Province or trek the Cardamon Mountains (but not by yourself as there are illegal loggers here) to experience Cambodia’s natural beauty.
See silk worms (a Cambodia must see) at Phnom Srok, the only remaining silk village in Cambodia and watch how Cambodian silk is weaved by the riverside at Mekong Blue in Stung Treng whilst enjoying the best coffee in Cambodia and cuisine with a Laos flavour.
Head south for snorkelling and sunbathing at Sihanoukville, the beach area of Cambodia which can be more expensive than the rest of the country. The beaches aren’t as picturesque as Thailand’s (Serendipity Beach is a rocky area), and apparently they aren't as clean as they used to be. If you are heading here, Otres Beach is the less touristy of the four main beaches and has more of a backpacker vibe than the luxury resorts on the other beaches.
Kampot, Cambodia is great for those who love adventure and Kep, once an area where the rich used to frequent, is now one of the best places in Cambodia for fresh crab. Kep National Park is ideal for those wishing to hike its nature trails.
Tonle Sap Lake is Cambodia’s largest lake and home to floating villages. But the lake’s water levels have plummeted and are threatening the livelihoods of the fishermen who fish here. When you tour Cambodia, you can learn how the floating villages complete with schools and churches were built and how they plan to survive here.
Other places to visit in Cambodia are: Trapeang Roung for dense forests, waterfalls and river rapids and Chambok, one of the Cambodia destinations to experience of communities of rural life. However you choose to explore Cambodia whether that's trekking in forests, bird or wildlife spotting, visiting villages and meeting Indigenous cultures, Cambodia is definitely a Kingdom of Wonder.
Cambodia Tips:
- When you travel to Cambodia, be careful of the currents when swimming in rivers.
- Happy herb pizza does actually contain happy herbs.
Tours in Cambodia
If you feel more comfortable in a group for either part of your Cambodia trip or the whole duration, G Adventures is a responsible tour company which mainly caters towards budget travellers. Most small group tours to Cambodia have an average of 12 people and there is no upper age limit. Once you book your trip you pay extra for any Cambodia excursions you want to do when you’re there.
Their tours of Cambodia start from a 4 day Mekong River Adventure. They also offer tours to Cambodia and Vietnam such as a 41 day tour including Thailand and Laos. I have personally used G Adventures and recommend them as a solo female friendly company.
Intrepid Travel is similar to G Adventures with an average of 12 people on each tour. Over 50% of people using their trips are solo travellers. They tend to use hotels instead of hostels and have a more comfortable style of accommodation hence the tour of Cambodia can appear a bit more costly than G Adventures.
Intrepid Tours Cambodia are for any length of time from a 3 day Secrets of Angkor Wat tour to 25 days Indochina Unplugged including Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, covering the best of Cambodia. Read our Intrepid Travel Reviews
With both tour companies you share a room with someone of the same gender or you can pay extra for your own room.
For the backpacker solo, TruTravels offers a classic tour to Cambodia. Over 10 days you’ll travel to Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Kampot and Koh Tong Samleom. See stunning scenery, watch the sunrise over the temples of Angkor Wat, chill on gorgeous beaches and learn how to cook, Cambodian style. Trips have a maximum of 20 people with most travellers between the ages of 18 and mid 30’s. Prices start from £995 based on a twin share.
* Check prices & availability for TruTravels tour
More for the adventurous GatG, Stray Bus Asia is a hop on hop off bus tour offering bus passes around Asia. Hop aboard in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos or Bhutan. They also offer trips to Borneo where you can explore the world’s oldest rainforest, get up close and personal to orang-utans, and dive in some of the world’s top dive sites.
If you’re planning on travelling Southeast Asia in two or more months and want the flexibility to go with the flow and meet lots of other travellers, Stray is a ideal choice. If you visit during the peak season you may need to pre-book all sections of your trip before you go. Check the review here.
* Check prices, dates and passes and Stray passes
Cambodia Day Tours
The following day tour companies have been recommended by solo females:
- Biking Cambodia – Cycle along the Mekong or explore the Cambodian countryside.
- Discova – Discova offer a community development program where you stay with a Cambodian family and have your very own Cambodia tour guide to show you how to drive an ox cart, how to look after the community gardens and how to make traditional crafts.
Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide helps you to find top-rated activities, tours and day trips in worldwide destinations including Cambodia. Choose from one of the sunrise Angkor Wat tours, a Siem Reap city walking tour, or a Mekong River sunset cruise. There are several guided tours of Cambodia to choose from and it’s really simple to use. Just check the reviews, price and availability then book online. * Check all tours and prices here
Accommodation in Cambodia
Accommodation in Cambodia is really good value and you’ll find budget, mid-range and luxury hotels for a fraction of the cost you would pay in Western Europe or North America.
Find boutique hotels and lounges in Sihanoukville Cambodia, guesthouses and villas in Battambang or bungalows in Kampot. Whether you want to stay in an urban resort, a beach resort, a river view suite in Phnom Penh or one of the luxury Cambodia hotels, you'll find somewhere on Booking.com. If you are backpacking in Cambodia there are hostels in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Battambang and Kampot.
Other places to stay in Cambodia include Airbnb, where you can stay in a local’s spare room or rent their whole apartment. You can save $20 off your first stay with this Airbnb link.
All of the accommodation below have been recommended by solo female travellers from our Girls about the Globe community and come with a Solo Female Friendly endorsement. For all other accommodation Cambodia such as cheap hotels in Cambodia, or luxury accommodation Cambodia, click on the link below for Cambodia places to stay.
Phnom Penh – Onederz Hostel ($)
This Phnom Penh hostel is in a really great location on Sisowath Quay, just a few minutes walk from the Royal Palace. It is really clean and there is a 24 hour reception for checking in, and a laundry service so you can do your washing.
The rooftop bar is ideal to meet other travellers. They also offer massages too! If you can, get up early and watch the sunrise over the Mekong. Choose from a bed in a female-only dormitory room, a mixed dorm room, or a standard double room with your own private bathroom.
- Prices from £5 per night for a 12 bed female-only dorm
- To book, check prices or availability for Onederz Hostel
Phnom Penh – Okay Boutique Hotel ($$)
This boutique hotel is decorated in typical Cambodian-style decor. It is one of the best Cambodia hotels in Phnom Penh for location and perfect for those wanting to explore the capital city, being less than 0.5km from the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and other sites, and it comes with an outdoor swimming pool too.
They have a 24 hour front desk and currency exchange which is ideal if you are arriving late and also need to change money. The best part is that they hold an an afternoon Chocolate Hour – perfect for us solos with a sweet tooth! And there is an on-call doctor in case you over-indulge. Choose from a superior or premier double room which come with their own balconies, tea and coffee making facilities and flat-screen TV. If you are looking for boutique Cambodia accommodation Phnom Penh, this is a great choice!
- Prices from £30 per night for a superior double room
- To book, check prices or availability for Okay Boutique Hotel
Siem Reap – The Hideout ($)
If you are a budget girl about the globe and are looking for a sociable hostel in Siem Reap. The Hideout Hostel is a good choice. The staff are really helpful and can help with any transport or trips that you want to take. There’s a pool to chill out at and it’s easy to meet others in the common room. It can be a bit noisy though so stay if you are feeling sociable.
All dorm rooms have lockers for your study and there’s even a wardrobe in each private room so you can hang your clothes up. Choose from a bed in a 6-bed dorm room, a bed in a female-only dorm room or a standard or deluxe double room.
“I recommend the hideout hostel for Cambodia accommodation Siem Reap. Private rooms are so cheap and it is more like a hotel than a hostel. This accommodation in Siem Reap Cambodia is clean and big rooms with baths, gorgeous pool and really nice staff”– Emma Dickinson, solo traveller from Australia.
- Prices from £5 per night for a superior single room
- To book, check prices or availability for The Hideout
Siem Reap – Soria Moria Hotel & Spa ($$)
This cute boutique hotel Siem Reap is really great value. Eco conscious with friendly staff, it is close enough to walk to places, but in its own quiet oasis. Visit the magical temples of Angkor Wat during the day then hang out at the rooftop pool and enjoy some sunset views with food and cocktails. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and the free breakfast is great. They also do a free pick up from the airport.
- Prices from £30 per night for a superior single room
- To book, check prices or availability for Soria Moria Hotel & Spa
Sihanoukville – Onederz Hostel ($)
This hostel has properties all over Cambodia. The one in Sihanoukville is just a few hundred metres away from a beach. There’s a 24 hour front desk, a bar and a restaurant and each dorm room has air conditioning. The bathrooms are spacious and always being cleaned and you don’t need to worry about waiting for the shower either as there are plenty of them.
It is close enough to the main strip yet you can still get some peace and quiet. They provide padlocks for the lockers and there is a pool too! What else do you need in a hostel.Choose from a 6 or 8-bed mixed or female-only dorm, each with their own terrace.
- Prices from £5 per night for a 6-bed mixed or female-only dorm
- To book, check prices or availability for Onederz Hostel
Sihanoukville – Ren Resort ($$)
This 4 star resort is just stunning. A beautiful futuristic-style property situated on the beach with views of the sea, it’s close to the night market too (one of the free things to do in Cambodia) so you can relax in the day and listen to live music at night. The staff are really attentive and occasionally organise boat tours so you can meet other guests.
Or you can sail to the island in front of the resort yourself. Breakfast is also included. Choose from a standard double room, premier double or superior double either with pool access or sea views.
- Prices from £50 per night for a standard double
- To book, check prices or availability for Ren Resort

Photo @ Leeanne Keogh
Getting Around Cambodia
There are a few ways that you can travel around Cambodia. Tuk tuks are an inexpensive way of getting around Cambodia and a chance to test your bartering skills. If you're wondering how to get around in Siem Reap, motorbikes are amongst the cheapest and easiest way to get around. You can hire them by the day along with a driver to take you around all sites (the roads are really dusty so wear sunglasses and a scarf). They are also popular in other cities.
Public Transportation in Cambodia
For buses, both PSD Express and Giant Ibis are comfortable with air conditioning. They are a bit pricey but you do get the comfort and also free water and snacks. Travelling by night bus is a good option from Sihanoukville to Siem Reap. The bus is a sleeper bus and also has curtains for privacy. If you stay in hostels, your hostel can sometimes arrange your bus or transport for you.
You can also use trains for traveling in Cambodia. There are trains to Sihanoukville, Kep and Kampot. Check Royal Railway Cambodia for train times.
When you're travelling in Cambodia, you may notice that Cambodia safety doesn’t seem to exist on the ferries. You could find yourself squashed on the top deck as only Cambodians generally have tickets for indoors. The express boat is expensive but better than the slow ones and there are boat journeys along the Mekong from Siem Reap to Phonem Phen which takes 6 hours, as well as to Kratie.
Cambodia Angkor Air offers internal flights between Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville as well as international flights to Laos, Vietnam and China.
* To hire a car for your Cambodia travels, we recommend pre-booking car hire with Avis so you can collect your car when you arrive at the airport.
Itinerary For Cambodia
When you visit Cambodia, there are a few main areas in Cambodia which shouldn’t be missed such as Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap for the temples of Angkor Wat. Cambodia is enroute from Thailand to Vietnam so it depends whether you fly into the capital first or come via Thailand where’s it’s logical to visit Siem Reap first.
How Many Days in Cambodia?
If you only have a week in Cambodia, it’s definitely worth splitting your time between these two destinations. Phnom Penh is a good base for seeing the S21 Prison, and Killing Fields Cambodia. For longer, head to the costal city of Sihanoukville for some of Cambodia’s beaches. Whether you have 2 weeks in Cambodia or are looking for a Cambodia itinerary 1 week, below are our examples of a Cambodia solo travel itinerary.
Cambodia Itinerary 7 Days: Phnom Penh – 4 nights, Siem Reap – 3 nights.
Cambodia Itinerary 10 Days: Phnom Penh – 4 nights, Sihanoukville – 3 nights, Siem Reap – 3 nights.
Cambodia Two Week Itinerary: Phnom Penh – 4 nights, Sihanoukville – 3 nights, Ferry to Koh Rong Samloem – 2 nights, Battambang – 2 nights, Siem Reap – 3 nights
Cambodia Travel Guide
If you need a guide book on how to plan a trip to Cambodia, we recommend the Solo Girl’s Travel Guides. These guides are written specifically for women and cover every travel detail including exclusive access to off the-beaten-path destinations and secret South Cambodia beaches. The author, Alexa West, has lived in Cambodia and shares all her knowledge including hidden restaurants and how to avoid the scams. If you prefer Rough Guide Cambodia or the Cambodia Lonely Planet click here for all Cambodia guide books.
Cambodia: The Solo Girl’s Travel Guide
If you are planning on travelling to Cambodia for the first time, the Solo Girl’s Travel Guide to Cambodia covers topics such as: where to visit in Cambodia, what to do in Cambodia and the best things to do in Cambodia alone, what to pack, how to take public transport around the country without paying the tourist prices, and the most beautiful islands. They also include local markets with local prices and the best street food in Cambodia. For any girl considering Cambodia solo female travel, this is your travel Bible.
Best Time To Go To Cambodia
The best time to go to Cambodia for the weather is December to February although it is at least 25 degrees celsius all year round so the Cambodia climate is constantly warm. They do have a wet season from May until September with the most rainfall in August and September.
The country does get busy with crowds between November to March so you may want to opt for May to the beginning of October. The chart below shows the annual Cambodia weather and the maximum day temperature in Cambodia from January to December.
Travel Insurance For Cambodia
Cambodia is one of my favourite countries in Asia but the health and safety isn't up to the standard that you may expect at home. If you are planning a trip to Cambodia, travel insurance is definitely recommended especially if you are trekking or taking one of the motorcycle taxis to get around.
True Traveller and World Nomads are two insurance companies which can cover travel to Cambodia. True Traveller is available to UK and European residents, and World Nomads is available to over 100 countries worldwide, including the USA and UK. For digital nomads, Safety Wing is a nomad insurance that covers people from all over the world.
All companies allow you to buy insurance when you are already on the road and offer different plans depending on your needs including additional adventure cover.
* Check insurance prices and cover for True Traveller
N.b. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
Cambodia Airports
Cambodia has many airports but the main airports are Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville.
Phnom Penh – Taxis and tuk tuks run from outside the airport gates and are cheaper than booking one inside. A taxi will cost approx £7 and take 10 minutes into the city, and a tuk tuk £4 for the 5 mile journey. Bus number 3 also runs from the airport to Phnom Penh city and is the cheapest option costing £1 for the 30 minute journey.
Buses depart every 30 minutes. There is now a new train service from the airport to Phnom Penh. It's said to be free until 31st July 2018 and takes approximately 40 minutes.
Siem Reap – There doesn’t seem to be a bus from Siem Reap Airport so taking a taxi may be the only option. Taxis cost approximately £6 for the 7 minute journey into Siem Reap.
Sihanoukville – The only option from Sihanoukville Airport is by taxi. The price for the 20 minute journey is £13.
Check Rome2Rio for onward journeys.
* Feel more confident with someone waiting for you at the airport when you pre-book a transfer with Hoppa, a reliable and safe service for solo females.
Travelling onwards (check visas before you travel)
As soon as you enter the overland border into Cambodia, children will walk with you and offer you an umbrella for the shade in exchange for a small fee.
Cambodia To Thailand – You can travel from Thailand to Cambodia by road and vice versa. From Siem Reap to Poipet (the Thailand Cambodia border) is 7 hours by bus then 3 hours to Bangkok. Be careful about having to pay extra by a fake embassy here.
Cambodia To Vietnam – If you are planning to solo travel Vietnam and Cambodia, from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City by bus in 6 hours for £10. There are also comfortable buses such as Giant Ibis which cost more but you get free water and snacks.
Cambodia To Laos – Travel from Cambodia to Laos from Phnom Penh to Stung Treng (via bus or taxi) then a ferry (£3) or bus to the road border crossing.
Cambodia To Malaysia – Flights operate daily to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
Cambodia To Myanmar – Fly from Siem Reap to Yangon.
Where can I fly from here?
- Vietnam – 1 hour
- Laos – 1 hour 15 minutes
- Myanmar – 2 hours 15 minutes
How To Be a Conscious Traveller in Cambodia
If you are travelling to Cambodia here are some ways to be a conscious traveller. Buy artisan products from local sellers especially home-made instead of from shopping malls. This also helps preserve their cultural heritage. This includes souvenirs so avoid buying anything made from endangered species or hard woods.
Eat in local restaurants and buy food from street vendors instead of international chain restaurants. This way it supports the local businesses on your Cambodia solo trip.
Don’t volunteer in an orphanage and avoid any tours to visit schools. The number of orphanages have increased and many of these in Southeast Asia have become unethical businesses with children being removed from their parents to cater for the demand of people wanting to volunteer.
Social Impact Programs
Mad Monkey Hostels – This hostel has created their own Mad Monkey’s Education Fund. In collaboration with Cambodian Children’s Fund they help to raise funds for education in Southeast Asia, and provide clean water to rural villages in Cambodia. You can take part in the ‘crawl for school pub crawl’ every Thursday where $5 is donated to the hostel’s education fund.
If you are a wildlife Girl about the Globe, the Mondulkiri Project is an elephant sanctuary in eastern Cambodia that looks after elephants rescued from logging and tourist rides. You can stay at the Tree Lodge and help bath the elephants, hike or interact with the local tribe.
Artisans Angkor is a Cambodian company that was founded in order to help young rural people find work, due to transmitting skills or nurturing talent. They guarantee fair salaries and social benefits, as well as devoting themselves to keeping traditional Cambodian arts and crafts alive and thriving. At two of their locations, their silk farm and handicraft workshop (Siem Reap), tourists re offered free tours.
Stay Eco in Cambodia
Cultural Khmer Village – Homestays in Cambodia are a great way of helping the local communities. Established a way to alleviate rural poverty in the district, Khmer Homestay Baray is a community-tourism site that allows an immersion in the Cambodian way of life.
Visit the families in the village and learn how to make Khmer noodles, take part in a weaving and woodcarving workshop, or watch traditional Khmer dances. There are so many activities that you’ll need a few nights here to experience it all.
* To book, check prices or availability for Khmer Village Homestay
Issues Affecting Girls in Cambodia
- Human trafficking is still a present issue in Cambodia. Only recently has the Ministry of Social Affairs identified over a 1000 victims of human trafficking and exploitation; over half of the victims were underage girls. Read more
- Due to poverty and cultural norms, many girls who live in rural areas lack access to education. However, financial support from UNICEF and the World Bank Project are making positive progress in this area. Read more
- Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in South-East Asia, thus it is not uncommon for families to sell their daughters into the virginity trade. Many victims of this trade will be used by men who want to sleep with a virgin girl in order to not contract HIV. These girls are stigmatized in society and find it difficult to get out of this trade. Read more
- Videos on social issues in Cambodia: Cambodia's Virginity Trade. Cambodia's Scam Orphanages
Cambodia Facts & Questions
- Can I drink the water? Drinking tap water isn't advised so consider taking your own water filter with you.
- Is tipping expected? No but salaries are really low.
- Fixed price or barter? Barter.
- Any ATMs? Only in the capital and main towns.
- Which side of the road do they drive? The Right-hand side.
- Good for vegetarians? Yes.
- Any seven wonders of the world? No.
- What is the flight time UK to Cambodia? 13 hours
Map of Cambodia
Plan a Trip to Cambodia
If you are ready to solo travel Cambodia, here are some useful links to help you to travel to the country alone including airlines which fly there, Cambodia vaccination requirements, and local costs to help you plan your solo trip to Cambodia.
Budget Rating – £25 a day
Current Time in Cambodia: Phnom Penh
Cambodia Capital – Phnom Penh
Population – 13.4 million
Cambodia Language – The language spoken in Cambodia is Khmer. French and English in Cambodia are also spoken.
Currency of Cambodia – Cambodian Riel Find the Cambodia exchange rate in your own currency.
Do I Need a Cambodia Visa? How long you can stay in Cambodia as a tourist depends upon your nationality. This link is for visa requirements for Cambodia for UK citizens. On a British visa you can stay for 30 days from the date you enter Cambodia.
is There Malaria in Cambodia Asia?
Do I Need Injections For Cambodia?
Useful Info
Airlines to Cambodia – Flights to Cambodia
Events and Festivals in Cambodia
Prices in Cambodia – Cost of living in Cambodia
Cambodian Culture & Cambodia Etiquette
Did you know? A large proportion of Cambodians have mental problems as a result of the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975.
Stay Eco
Paradise Eco Resort in Siem Reap
Cultural Experiences
There are so many cultural experiences you can do in Cambodia such as learning how to recycle soap on an eco tour, how to prepare a local meal or watching the traditional Cambodian dance. Take a spiritual journey with the Angkor storyteller and get a spiritual insight into the local culture.
Mind Body & Soul
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This is really helpful. I am actually planning a Cambodia trip for my birthday on October. l might be flying in to Siem Reap and then travel to Phnom Penh. How long is the travel? Which mode of transportation in best? I will also be flying out from Siem Reap so I need to travel back from Phnom Penh. Any suggestions or recommendations as I plan my trip? Thank you.
Hi Czarina, I would say go by bus but I visited the country a long time ago. There are girls in our Facebook group who have been to Cambodia recently and can offer better advice. Here’s the link if you would like to join 🙂 https://www.tourismconcern.org.uk/animals-in-tourism-stay-safe-stay-insured-and-know-when-to-stay-away/
Thanks so much for sharing. I have about 5 days to spend in Cambodia, where would you suggest and how many days for each place? As for Angkor Wat, can it be a one day visit? Oh ya, traveling direct from Kuala Lumpur to Siem Reap.
Many thanks
That’s exciting that you’re going to Cambodia. This is my favourite country in Asia. If you stay in Siem Reap for a day you can do Angkor Wat in one day. I recommend seeing it at either sunrise or sunset. I would definitely see S21 the prison, and the Killing Fields so spend at least two nights at Phnom Phen then at least one in Siem Reap. I would say that other Asian countries have nicer beaches so maybe skip the beach? I was there over 10 years ago so I would recommend joining the Girls about the Globe Facebook group as some of the girls there have recently been or are heading there so they can offer you some better tips. Here’s the link to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/369115206621307/
Great post! I’m heading to Cambodia in just over a week and a half. I’m Canadian and I’ve never been to Asia so I’m very nervous about safety issues. It’s nice to know that many solo female travelers have gone and done well on their own. 🙂 Fortunately, I will be with my son (who lives there) for part of the time but I will also be going to Battambang on my own and to the coast (haven’t decided where).
Hi Joanne, I loved Cambodia and didn’t have any problems with safety there. Lots of the girls in our FB group have been to Asia. Join the group 🙂 https://www.facebook.com/groups/369115206621307/
Really informative, I also love the landscape of Cambodia and it’s so different from its neighbours. I loved the Islands too, we were there recently and swam in the sea with sparkling planton at night, one of the most magical things I have ever done or seen. Definitely a must do for Cambodia i think.
I love Cambodia. It’s my favourite country in Asia so far. Oh wow to the sparkling planton. Can you give me more details and I’ll add it to the page 🙂 x
Hi Girls!
I am heading to Cambodia in 10 days for a 5 days trip. I have planned to spend 3 days in Siem Reap and 2 days in Phnom Phen.
Please do suggest the best way to travel between Siem reap and Phnom phen which is not time consuming.
Also can you suggest some great home stays which is safe for solo female traveler. Its the first time i am visiting Cambodia,
Thanks
Shruti
Hi Shruti, when I visited Cambodia I took the bus between both places. HomeStay are a good site to find homestays. https://affiliate.homestay.com/cambodia?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=girl-about-the-globe-cambodia I would also recommend joining our FB group as soon of the girls may have been there recently. Here is the link to join https://www.facebook.com/groups/369115206621307/
Hi,
I will be going to Cambodia in approximately a week for around 10 days. I have planned 4 days between Phnom Penh and Siam Reap, do you have any other suggestions for a solo traveller? Im not looking for anything city/ adventure related. Do you have more info about Loa Ka? Itnsounds fascinating and I couldnt find anything on the net. Also if I plan a solo tuk tuk trip to places around Cambodia is it safe? Thanks! Will wait to here from you.
Hi Deviani, I haven’t personally been to Loa Ka and haven’t heard of it. Instead of a tuk tuk you could hire a motorbike driver who would take you around Cambodia. I did this and it was an amazing experience x
Hi! So many interesting info!
Regarding going to thw volcanic lake, the silk village, Kratie and the other remote areas on the north… How did you get there and moved around?
Thank you in advance!!
Hi Marta, I took a bus to Kratie. There are local tour operators that you can go into when you’re there and they help with bus tickets etc. Are you a member of our Girls about the Globe Facebook group? There are lots of tips for Cambodia in there too x
Such a great guide, thank you! I’m currently in Kampot and have found the most beautiful bungalows which are for women only! They’re part of a spa and yoga studio which helps empower Khmer women from disadvantaged backgrounds through vocational training. Awesome little vegan cafe on site too, highly recommend!
Fantastic! What was the name of the place? x
I am looking for a local guide that can help me with a specific Cambodia itinerary – both in Phnom Penh and its surrounds. I will be ending a 3 week Vietnam / Cambodia tour on Nov 16 in Phnom Penh. I will have visited Siem Reap, spent the morning in Phnom Penh at the palace and museum and have had the afternoon on my own to start an exploration of Phnom Penh. I want to spend 6 additional days (11/16/23 – 11/21/23) in southern Cambodia. I have selected an itinerary that goes from Phnom Penh to Kampong Cham – Kampot – Koh Rong – and back Phnom Penh. I can book hotels directly myself. I am looking for someone to help me confidently set up and reserve private drivers, local guides in each of the cities, provide more local tours when I return to Phnom Penh, and be a point of contact and support throughout the trip. Of course I will compensate someone for these “tour operator” services.
Can you provide such a service? (I am a single woman traveling alone.)
Hi Jan, thanks for commenting. That’s great that you are looking to travel to Cambodia. I can’t personally provide this type of service unfortunately but I recommend joining our Girls about the Globe Facebook group and asking the same question. Some of our community have recently travelled to Cambodia and may be able to recommend drivers. Here is the link to join https://www.girlabouttheglobe.com/GatGFacebookCommunity
Hello, do you have a recommended list of things I should bring? I am going backpacking in Cambodia for 10 days in March or April. One pair of jeans? Two shorts? Three shirts? Or even less? One pair of sandals? Thank you
Hi Cas, my packing list should help. Have an amazing time. It’s my favourite country in Asia so far! x https://www.girlabouttheglobe.com/solo-travel-essentials/