What is the accommodation like?
All our Cambodia group tours are based on single room accommodation (unlike most our other destinations where twin share is the default with a single supplement available at extra cost).
Cambodia has a range of youth hostels to mid-range and luxury hotels. On an independent tour you can take your pick and on a group tour we use mid-range hotels.
What should I bring?
Cambodia is usually hot and humid and you will need light clothing most of the time. However, Cambodia is a culturally conservative country and off the tourist trail it is best to remember this and to keep shoulders covered.
For temples, it is sometimes required to have legs and shoulders covered and for jungle treks, it is best to keep skin covered with long trousers and sleeves to avoid mosquito or other insect bites.
Bring sun cream and insect repellent!
How much will I spend in a day?
In terms of spending money, it depends on how much you like to eat and drink, and how many gifts you would like to buy.
Average prices:
- Meals are $3-10 and can get up to $20 for Western-style meals.
- Beers: $2-5.
- Water is less than 50 cents
We encourage you to set aside a tip for the local guide(s) to give at the end of the tour, which is the custom and, as such, is somewhat expected
What plugs do they use?
Cambodia uses the following power outlets, but it is advised to bring a universal adapter.
As with most developing countries, blackouts do occur from time to time. It is advised to bring a torch or head torch as a precaution.
Can I get a SIM card?
Cheap SIM cards with reasonable data plans designed for tourists can be purchased in Manila Airport as well as in the city. Mobile coverage in Cambodia is tolerable, but not comparable to Western standards.
WIFI is readily available in restaurants and hotels. It might be harder to find a reliable connection in the smaller cities.
What is travelling in country like?
There will be several long bus trips on the tour, while they are comfortable buses it is recommended to bring a neck pillow, eye mask and ear plugs, especially if you like a nap!
We can expect long and sometimes bumpy rides. While our cars will have AC and be as comfortable as possible, group members prone to motion sickness would be well advised to bring medicine.
Is Cambodia good for vegans and vegetarians?
100% yes! Cambodian cuisine involves a lot of vegetables, and rice noodles and rice is the main base. Being next to the sea there is a lot of good seafood which is good for pescatarians. See more about the cuisine of Cambodia here.
Is Cambodia safe?
Cambodia is realtively safe but like all developing countries it is best to try to remain fairly inconspicuous – don’t go walking around major cities with a big camera around your neck and big, open pockets.
Likewise for solo women (and travellers in general) it is a safe country but it is always best to avoid walking around cities in sparsely populated areas alone at night.
Although it is a relatively conservative culture, Cambodia is also safe for members of the LGBTQI community, see here for more info.
Do I need any vaccinations?
The following information must be viewed as a guide only. It is not intended, nor implied, to be a substitute for professional medical advice.
Ensure vaccinations are up to date. Below is an example of what you should be vaccinated for: Diphtheria & Tetanus
- Hepatitis A & B
- Measles, Mumps & Rubella
- Polio
- Typhoid
- Varicella
- Rabies
The mosquito-borne diseases Malaria, Dengue Fever, Japanese Encephalitis, Zika Virus and Filariasis are endemic in many areas of Cambodia.
We recommend you take measures to avoid mosquito bites, including using insect repellent at all times and wearing long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing.
Do I need travel insurance?
Even though we bring you to “places your mother would rather you stay away from”, this doesn’t necessarily mean they are dangerous places! For many reasons though, we do strongly recommend that travellers to all our destinations have travel insurance.
Furthermore, in the case of serious treatment (such as surgery) being necessary, the United Nations recommends evacuation by air for treatment in a more developed country. This can cost upwards of 20,000 euro just for the airlift. Of course such situations are rare, but accidents or medical conditions can happen anywhere and it’s best to be prepared.
While Cambodians are often amongst the kindest and most hospitable people in the world, theft and other petty crimes against foreigners are common occurrence in the country so it doesn’t hurt to have your valuables insured. The right policy can also help you recover some of the cost if you need to cancel your trip at late notice, protect your valuable equipment, protect you from personal liability, provide emergency dental coverage and more.
YPT recommends using World Nomads to cover you for your trip. They provide a wide range of policy options, cover an incredible number of countries and they do it all at very reasonable prices. Last but not least, the subscription process can be done online entirely.
