Cambodia is a very easy destination for Vietnamese tourists. The reason I say that because the distance between the two countries is very close, Cambodian tourist facilities are also convenient, sometimes just by bus or motorbike has reached Cambodia. In addition, the cost of accommodation when traveling to Cambodia is as cheap as domestic (sometimes even cheaper). That is probably the reason that in recent years Cambodia has always been one of the most popular foreign destinations for Vietnamese tourists to travel.
For myself, Cambodia is not the country I love most of the countries I have visited but almost every year I come here. For the first time, I went with the attitude of a young person who wanted to explore everything, so I was eager to find out about attractions, food, culture, history and people to the nooks and crannies of life. .
Later I did not go with the same thickness as before but sometimes went just to change the wind and rest; Or go back to the old spots to find some nostalgia.
Sometimes a simple trip is to go find something new: maybe a cafe, a new feeling ...
In this article I would like to review a few things about traveling to Cambodia. More precisely, I will explain some questions related to Cambodia for those who are going to Cambodia.
Discover Cambodia with many new experiences
What is interesting in Cambodia?
History
Cambodian history also underwent many changes. At the beginning, Cambodian territory was a small kingdom, after which Chenla was formed. However, after a huge upheaval during the main tide, the result was that the country was split into two kingdoms, called Thuy Chan Lap and Luc Chan Lap.
In the 7th century, Jayavarman II stood up to restore the country, founded the kingdom of Angkor. Until the period of 12 -13 century, it flourished, creating the mightiness of the Khmer empire with the brilliant Angkor era. Cambodians from old to young, from young to old, have a deep pride in this glorious historical period.
Post-Angkor was a period when Cambodia must always confront the attack of Ayutthaya and neighboring countries.
In modern times, this country is one of the three Indochinese countries that suffered colonial domination of the French colonialists.
In the modern era, after being liberated from the French colonialists, Cambodia was again hit by the genocide of the Pol Pot regime from 1976 to 1979. These were 4 horrifying years in Cambodian history. An estimated 3 million people were murdered during this dark period.
Cultural
Cambodia is a Buddhist country with 90% of the population following this religion. It is known that Buddhism was introduced here in the 7th century, but Hinduism was the first religion to be present in Cambodia (long before that).
Along with his development, Buddhism has combined with kingship to develop. Therefore it was venerated as the state religion.
Therefore, in Cambodia, the destiny of the nation is also the destiny of Buddhism. When the state flourished, Buddhism followed suit, thriving. And vice versa.
Buddhism permeates the culture, ideology, lifestyle and behavior of the Cambodian people.
Cambodia is a Buddhist country with 90% of the population following this religion
Cuisine
Cambodian cuisine has a strange taste, a bit pale, with Chinese and Indian influences. Cambodians use rice as a staple food, fish is used more than meat. A special feature is that Cambodians use quite a lot of mixed dishes, in addition, every home has a soot sauce to eat all year round.
Impressive to foreign visitors, it is the dish made from insects. Regarding drinks, jaggery is the most popular.
Sight seeing
Cambodia does not have many attractive tourist destinations stretching from the North to the South like neighboring countries (Vietnam, Thailand). However, the topography of Cambodia is also full of seas, islands, snorkeling places to see corals, plateaus, craters ... so the natural landscape is also diverse.
In addition, tourists come to Cambodia to learn about the Khmer civilization - the mighty Angkor empire, so come to Siem Reap and visit the Angkor temple complex. There are also people who come to admire the remains of the colonial period on Orange land with many buildings and structures like in Phnom Penh ...
Should you travel to Cambodia or not?
Compared to many other destinations in Southeast Asia (let alone in Asia), perhaps Cambodia does not stand out in many ways. However whoever you are, at least come to Cambodia once. Here you can feel many things about culture, history, people ...
Not to mention, if you are Vietnamese, you should know because Cambodia is a neighboring country. In history, culture also has some very special things involved.
Where should travel in Cambodia
If anyone has come to Cambodia and go to famous tourist spots here, you will find that Cambodia does not have too many attractive tourist destinations. The most prominent is Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. After that, there are some other destinations but not as popular as the ones above: Battambang, Kep, Kampot ...
Cambodia is a destination suitable for adults, children, the elderly, going on vacation, going for cultural experiences, company trips ...
For those who like to resort, go to Sihanoukville, Koh Rong ... Those who like to learn about the culture and history of the Khmer civilization go to Siem Reap ... Who wants to understand the bloody history of Pol Pot and the period Cambodia was a French colony before it went to Phnom Penh, Battambang ... Those who like fresh, peaceful atmosphere go to Bokor plateau ...
Siem Reap
There are Angkor temple complex which is a place for those who like to explore culture, history or simply want to know what Angkor is. This is a destination that almost everyone who has come to Cambodia must come here. In Siem Reap, you can also explore Tonle Sap Lake - the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Next is to visit the floating villages, visit the museums to learn more about the history of Angkor and Cambodia. In the evening there are also many options. You can go to the night market to shop, visit a bar to drink a bottle of Angkor beer, listen to music or go to the Smile of Angkor show to learn about Cambodian history.
Angkor temple complex
Phnom Penh
The capital of Cambodia is more bustling than Siem Reap. It still has attractive attractions such as the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, temples. You should also visit Tuol Sleng prison to learn about the crimes of the Pol Pot genocide. Besides, you can wander in markets like Central Market (Cho Lon New Market), Phnom Penh night market, container night market ...
In the evening you can dine on the river cruise, watch the Apsara dance show or relax with casino games.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Sihanoukville
Known as the paradise of the sea, the Cambodian island with famous islands like Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem, Bamboo Island, Rabbit Island ... Sihanoukville is a great destination for tourists from all over to find. There are beautiful famous beaches such as Ochheuteal Beach, Serendipity Beach, Otres Beach, Sokha Beach, Independence Beach, Victory Beach ...
A special feature is that the beaches here are not only for bathing but also fun in the evening with fireworks, dancing ...
The casino is also a highlight here. Compared to Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, it seems that Sihanoukville has more casinos.
Beach paradise of Sihanoukville
Some other destinations:
Koh Rong Island:
As an island in Sihanoukville, Koh Rong Island has more developed tourism services (motels, hostels, bungalows, bars, etc.) and is cheaper than Koh Rong Samloem - another famous island in this area. . Koh Rong also has a larger area than Koh Rong Samloem.
Koh Rong Samloem Island:
This is the second largest island of Sihanoukville and has great fine white sand. Sea gentle, suitable for those who do not know how to swim frolic with waves. You can also take advantage of lying in the sun, reading here. Train trips to the island usually go on day trips or return the next day.
Bokor:
Located in southern Cambodia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, Bokor plateau is 1075m above sea level. This place is becoming an extremely attractive tourist destination by the cool air all year round, similar to the Lam Vien - Da Lat plateau (Lam Dong) in Vietnam.
Kep:
Kep is a coastal city of Cambodia and is the address of those who like to dive and see coral.
Kep has many beautiful and unspoilt beaches. In addition, there are many buildings bearing French colonial times. That's because in the past, this place was chosen by the French as a resort area (similar to Da Lat, Sapa ... in Vietnam).
Battambang:
As the second most populous city in Cambodia, Battambang was once a busy commercial center of the country in the 18th century. Therefore, if you want to learn Cambodian history, you cannot miss this place.
There are a number of buildings from the French colonial era. Besides, this city also preserves many temples with the architecture of Angkor and Buddhism.
Kampot:
Kampot is famous for growing and exporting pepper. There is black pepper known worldwide and loved by chefs everywhere.
In recent years, this place has begun to attract many tourists. It has a pleasant climate and lush tropical forests because it is the gateway to Bokor National Park.
When should I travel to Cambodia?
Cambodian weather is quite similar to Vietnam. Rather, it is very similar to southern Vietnam with two distinct dry and rainy seasons. Tourists can travel to Cambodia all year round but the good time is probably from the middle of the end of October to the beginning of December. At this time, you will probably only experience light rain. If going in early February to late March, the weather will be quite hot but in return the number of tourists is less, less crowded.
How to dress when traveling to Cambodia?
Cambodia has similar weather to southern provinces in Vietnam so the climate is divided into two distinct dry seasons. The climate is quite hot and humid, so you should wear light, comfortable clothes. However, there are many temples and pagodas in Cambodia, so be careful to wear discreetly, not to wear short skirts if you plan to visit the temple to show respect for the country's culture.
In the case of going to Cambodia in the peak hot season like around April, you should prepare more bandanas, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen ...
Wear long, discreet clothes when visiting temples
How many days to go?
Cambodia can go 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days or even 7 days, 10 days are okay. Depending on the itinerary, the time will be different and of course also due to the needs of each guest. For example, if you only go to Phnom Penh, you can go 2 days, 3 days. If going only Siem Reap or only Sihanoukville then go 3 days, 4 days. If you combine 2 points like Siem Reap - Phnom Penh or Phnom Penh - Sihanoukville, it is about 4 days, if you go all it takes about 7 - 10 days.
How is the money?
In Cambodia, people use the Riel currency as the official currency but still use foreign currency to trade. The most popular foreign currencies are US dollars, Chinese Yuan and Vietnamese currencies (formerly Vietnamese currency was more popular but now less common). One thing visitors should note is that when dealing with anything should pay the price.
Money exchange: you can exchange money at the border or any money exchange service.
Cambodian Riel
Food
I have tried food at markets, street food, or eating at popular restaurants and restaurants. In terms of taste, Cambodian food (here refers to traditional Cambodian dishes) is not too difficult to eat but not necessarily too delicious. Some strange dishes, a little difficult to taste.
Interesting experiences to try when coming to Cambodia related to eating: should try the food at the market at least once to know how Cambodian people eat their palates, eat upside down duck seeds, skewers and drink beer (sit on the mat, on the side of the road), enjoy an insect-related dish, enjoy a noodle dish ...
The attractive food found at the Cambodian night market
Human
Cambodian people are quite friendly, can speak Khmer (of course), English (compensation type), Vietnamese (not very common) ...
If you know a little English, there is nothing to be afraid of when traveling. If unable to communicate in English, use body language. In addition, if you use Vietnamese can also be exchanged. Some places where you can easily meet Vietnamese people or meet Vietnamese speakers are at markets.
Experiences not to be missed when traveling to Cambodia
Enjoy a dish from insects:
This is an interesting experience that must be tried when traveling to Cambodia. You may be scared and weird, but when you try it out, you will find it interesting that it is actually quite delicious.
In addition, this is a way to feel the historical culture of Cambodia when knowing that this practice was started in Cambodia when a great famine occurred in the late 1970s.
Enjoy strange and strange dishes from insects
Tuk tuk:
Going to Cambodia, the experience of tuk tuk to explore around the city is also an interesting experience. Tuk Tuk of Cambodia is different in Thailand as the driver drove much slower. So very safe.
However, my recommendation is that you also have to pay the driver in advance before boarding the car because it is often challenged. You pay down to half or ⅓ is reasonable.
Experience tuk tuk ride in Cambodia
Eat at the market / roadside:
If you have the opportunity to visit a traditional night market of Cambodia, you will realize that the markets have a culture characterized by a food-free dining area that allows guests to sit on mats. My feeling is very much like the western doctors spread out mats sitting and drinking in the middle of the field!
This is an interesting culture and gives people a sense of closeness, a space at the end of the day for people to get closer.
Visit Siem Reap and visit the Angkor temple complex:
Siem Reap is one of the 2 most famous cities in Cambodia. This is the location of the ancient capital of Angkor (Khmer kingdom) and the temple complex of Angkor (Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Temple of Bayon ...). Visiting Cambodia, you must definitely visit these points to learn and feel about the most brilliant period of development in the history of Cambodians - the time of the Khmer empire.
Unique dining style at Cambodian night market
See the show:
Coming to Cambodia, you should also spend time watching art shows. The subtlety and sophistication of the culture, the aesthetic taste of a nation are expressed there. It also gives you an overview of the country's historical culture.
In my opinion, if you come to Siem Reap, please take advantage of the Smile Of Angkor show. This show will bring the audience back to the flourishing period of Cambodia. Scenes of the palace, working life, daily activities, stone statues, mysterious temples ...
If you are in Phnom Penh, you should watch the Cambodian Living Arts show. You can also watch an Apsara dance show. Apsara Dance Dinner Shows to learn more about the cultural beauty of the Khmer people and this mesmerizing graceful dance.
Watch a show with the beautiful dancers
Visit the Dead Fields and Toul Sleng Genocide Museum:
It is also a great historical story of the Cambodian people, in the 70s of the 20th century, the country happened the Pol Pot Khmer genocide. It is estimated that about 3 million Cambodians were brutally murdered by the Pol Pot faction.
So far the site of the Dead Field and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh are the historical witnesses most accurately documenting the crimes of the Pol Pot regime. Therefore, visiting these two attractions is an indispensable experience when visiting Cambodia.
In addition to the above-mentioned experiences, you can go to the south of Cambodia (Sihanoukville, Koh Rong ...) to snorkel and swim. Go to places like Banlung to trekking.