I am 18 and want to spend two or three weeks in Cambodia to get a feel for traveling before I start my Gap-Year proper. Just a few questions...
How much money would I need for 2-3 weeks not including airfare? I gather not much looking at some of the guides.
Which city would be the best to base myself out of between Phnom Penh and Seim Reap?
Are there any safety/corruption and crime issues I should be weary about?
Would an inability to speak Khumer or French be a liability for me?
Thanks for any info
Reply to this Hi,
we were in Cambodia about this time last year. We based ourselves in Phnom Penh which is the main backpackers city. I would suggest staying here as it's relatively central and plenty of buses to places like Siem Reap and Sinhoukville, which as far as I remember are the main places to visit. And these bus journeys aren't too long either (approx 6hours) as Cambodia is relatively small and round. Siem Reap for Angkor and Sinhoukville for the beach and beach front bars. Last year we budgeted for 25USD each per day, but with the exchange rates as they are now, your money may not go as far, so maybe 35USD a day. You can obviously live alot cheaper or alot richer than this but it all depends what kind of accommodation you want and how you eat/drink. Either way, it's not going to break the bank so make sure you just enjoy it to the max and worry about it later. Language wise, you'll be absolutely fine with english. Have fun, enjoy and I wonder if you'll be brave enough to try a fried tarantula!
PS - the service stations, if you can call them that, are pretty grim, so hold your nose and get food for the journey before you catch the buses.
Reply to this I budgeted around $30 per day which was usually too much. It all depends on where you want to stay and eat though. It can be much cheaper than this, it can be much more expensive. I stayed in rooms usually with my own bathroom and hot water. I ate a mixture of street food and cafe/restaurant food. Eating western style food will increase your budget, sticking to local cuisine will reduce it.
I would say not to stick to one base but divide your time. Siem Reap is where you need to be to visit Angkor. It is very tourist orientated and thus more expensive. Phnom Penh is cheaper but bigger. I found it a little daunting at first but soon got used to it. Sihanoukville is really nice if you fancy a few days by the beach.
The only advice I would have is to go with an open mind and if things are happening in a different way to what you are used to at home take it as part of the experience. The Cambodian people in general are some of the friendliest i have met and will try to help you if you need it. Don't worry about not speaking Khmer/French, you can get by fine with English. It is nice to try and pick up a little Khmer while you're there though - ask a waiter how to say things like 'that was delicious' and you will raise smiles and make friends wherever you go.
I hope you enjoy the country as much as we did. Feel free to take a look at our blog for more info.
Ant
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