Andrew Sullivan, Director of Don’t Forget Travel Group, has just returned from Cambodia and here he gives an update on what has changed on Cambodia travel itineraries and what you should include on your next trip.
I’m watching a cow run straight towards me, trying to decide whether I should stare at it like Crocodile Dundee, or turn around and run like the skinny chickens around me.
It is at moments like these that life flashes before my eyes and I wonder how, relying on logistics, I ended up in a remote village a few kilometers outside of Siem Reap.
I am co-hosting a charity tour in Cambodia with my client and 40 of his paying participants, all of whom have witnessed my imminent death.
However, the cows were safely roped off and I was out of danger, so I returned to the herd.
My clients and I have been running these rural-based charity tours for a few years now, but this is the first tour since COVID-19 and things have changed quite a bit. Here is the current situation in Cambodia:
Phnom Penh
Before COVID-19, the Cambodian capital was something of an afterthought for tourists (if they were even considered a tourist destination at all). But now it’s different: the city has improved and there’s a real feel to the whole city. Many new hotels have been built, new restaurants, cafes and bars seem to have sprung up, but it still seems to retain its Khmer identity.
A major reason to add Phnom Penh to your itinerary is to visit the Killing Fields and the S21 Genocide Museum and learn more about the atrocities committed by Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge. Today, with fewer tourists, these sites are even more chilling to see.
Siem Reap
The country’s tourist mecca is taking a little longer to recover. Many hotels are operating at skeleton staff and many shops are still closed. Even Pub Street, the city’s famous nightlife spot, seems to be recovering from a hangover. Many shops are still closed, but new ones are opening every day.
But now is the time to visit Angkor Wat. It’s rare that you can visit one of the world’s greatest wonders and have it almost to yourself. There’ll be no one there, and you can picture Angelina Jolie running around the “Tomb Raider temple” of Ta Prohm when she’s not busy adopting children. Seriously, go now before the crowds return.
Remember to dress modestly: avoid exposing your shoulders and wearing short shorts.
To enter the ruins you need an “Angkor Pass” – a one-day pass costs US$20, or you can buy a three-day pass for US$40 – but the sheer number of temples presents a very real problem known as “temple fatigue”.
Travel Tip: If you purchase a day pass in the late afternoon, you can use it to access some of the sunset viewing locations and your pass will be valid for the next day, eliminating the need to purchase a more expensive pass if you want to capture both the classic sunset and sunrise photos.
money
Cambodia was one of the first to adopt the “tap and go” payment method. Most hotels, restaurants, bars, etc. accept credit cards. However, it seems that no one accepts American Express.
Cambodia has a dual currency system, Cambodian Riel and US Dollar. Just ask and they will tell you how much you want to pay. It is not uncommon to pay in US Dollars and receive change in Cambodian Riel. However, it is very difficult to exchange amounts over US$20, so make sure you only bring small denomination notes.
Cambodians will not accept any torn or ripped US dollars or old US banknotes.
ATMs are found everywhere and will dispense both riel and US dollars, and although they accept Australian credit cards you can only withdraw US dollars.
Please be aware: There has been an increase in counterfeit US dollar notes in Cambodia, so be wary if you are given US dollar notes as change and be wary if the cash is “counted” out of sight as you may be tricked into giving them counterfeit notes.
visa
Australians need a tourist visa to enter Cambodia, which can be done online. https://www.evisa.gov.kh/ You can get a visa for 36 USD or on arrival at Phnom Penh or Siem Reap airports (among other locations) for 30 USD (no fees).
Cambodians are excited to have tourists back.
Andrew Sullivan is Unforgettable travel groupis a boutique travel agency specializing in custom trips to destinations around the world. His team are experienced travelers who are happy to share their knowledge, experience and tips to help you make the most of your next vacation.