Cambodia was one of my favourite destinations in Asia. I backpacked as a solo female traveller through South East Asia for 6 weeks only spending 4 nights in Cambodia which I regret (but also see it as an excuse to go back!). I stayed only in Siem Reap but if I went back I’d really want to spend time in Koh Rong and enjoy island life.
Is it safe for female solo travellers in Cambodia?
Cambodia was the place I felt safest out of Bali, Vietnam and Thailand. Not to say those other places weren’t safe (they are) but I didn’t realise before visiting that Cambodia is a matriarchal society and women are highly respected. Although this is only based on my experience I had no unwanted male attention which made the nightlife that much more enjoyable. I stayed in Siem Reap which has lots of tourists hotels and hostels so felt like there were enough people around but also not overwhelming.
Where to stay in Cambodia?
There’s various types of accommodation in Siem Reap from 5 star hotels to party hostels. I stayed in Mad Monkey Siem Reap, as I’d been to this hostel chain a lot throughout South East Asia and knew the facilities would be really nice and a good atmosphere to make friends. They have female only dorms too which I often preferred when backpacking as less likely to be woken up from snoring! Plus its a nice atmosphere of the girls getting ready together and easy to make friends when you’re travelling on your own. As usual, I booked through Booking.com as they offer lots of accommodation options that have free cancellation up to a day before in case my travel plans changed (which is known to happen when backpacking!)
What to do in Cambodia?
The main thing tourists come to Siem Reap for is to watch the sunrise at Angkor Wat temple which is a bucket list experience (a lot of people go to Vietnam for Ha Long Bay and Cambodia for this experience all in one holiday). It really was worth the hype. It’s an early start with a 3am pick up but totally worth it. Not just the sunrise but the tour and looking at the intricate detail of the temple.
Cambodia has over 1000 ancient temples and often your Angkor Wat tour will include a few other temples including where Lara Craft Tomb Raider was filmed.
As I grew up taking dancing lessons I always enjoy going to see traditional dance shows. For around £20 you can see a traditional Cambodian dance show with buffet dinner (includes pick up and drop off to your hostel).
I also heard really good review for the Circus which is a similar price (but doesn’t include transportation)
If you’re spending more than a few days in Siem Reap there is also a National Park you can visit.
Where to eat in Cambodia?
I often ate at Mad Monkey Siem Reap as the food was great quality and affordable (plus could pay by card!)
Old Beijing Dumpling House was delicious (but had to ask for European spicy as really packs a punch).
Top tips for travelling in Cambodia
There are plenty of Tuk Tuks and taxis I’d recommend asking your hotel/hostel to book you one to and from the airport.
Cambodia uses their own currency Cambodian Reel but prefer US dollars. As its not their national currency the dollars must be in pristine condition so if you’re getting dollars before you go make sure Currency Exchange give you good quality notes. I’d highly recommend you get all the cash you think you’ll need before visiting as the cash points only let you withdraw $100 notes which no bars or restaurants will change up for you.
I normally never advise carrying all your travel money with you but as I said Cambodia was the safest I felt, plus it’s very cheap so you don’t need lots of cash for your trip anyway. I would budget $50 a day in case of emergencies- plus as it’s US dollars you’re likely to use the currency again or easily change it up to another currency.
It can be confusing switching from Cambodian reels to US dollars (and other currencies if you’re travelling across Asia) so definitely download Currency Converter app on your phone to check you’re getting the right change/ not being ripped off.