Is Cambodia good for solo travel? My honest experience
I didn’t know much about Cambodia before I visited. In fact, I was a little apprehensive about going. I think that’s quite common among travellers. Many people include Cambodia as part of the classic South East Asia route, but it’s not a country that most of us from the Western world know much about. That was definitely true for me.
I wasn’t sure what to expect, but Cambodia completely exceeded those expectations. It’s such a beautiful country, with incredible people, rich culture and a deeply sad history. Every part of it surprised me, from the chaos of the cities to the calm of the coast and everything in between.
I only spent around ten days in Cambodia and honestly, I wish I’d stayed longer. I was on a bit of a time limit at that stage of my travels, but it’s one of those places that makes you want to slow down. You can definitely do Cambodia in a short trip, but if you have the time, I’d recommend staying a little longer in each spot to really enjoy it.
Is Cambodia good for solo travel?
Before I arrived, I wasn’t completely sure how easy Cambodia would be to travel alone. I’d met a few people who said they loved it, but it’s definitely one of those countries that can feel a little mysterious before you go.
Once I got there, I found it was actually brilliant for solo travel. There’s a really strong backpacker network and it’s easy to meet other travellers, especially in hostels or on day trips. Cambodians are incredibly friendly and welcoming, and I felt comfortable everywhere I went.
It’s not as built up as somewhere like Thailand, but that’s part of the charm. Things run on their own time here, and that’s something you quickly get used to. I never felt unsafe, even travelling between cities, though like anywhere, it’s good to stay aware and trust your instincts. If you’ve travelled solo before, you’ll find Cambodia both manageable and rewarding.
Where I went
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh was my first stop in Cambodia, and it’s a city full of contrasts. It’s busy, loud and a bit chaotic at first, but there’s so much to see and do (and eat) once you find your rhythm. I spent my time exploring the Royal Palace and wandering along the riverside, which is lovely in the evening when everyone comes out to eat and socialise.
One of the most moving experiences was visiting the Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. It’s not an easy visit, but it’s an important one, and it gave me a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s history and resilience.
Phnom Penh isn’t the place to come for peace and quiet, but it’s full of energy and culture. There are great cafés, rooftop bars and markets to explore, and I found the locals to be so warm and curious about travellers. It’s a good idea to find accommodation with a swimming pool, it’s the perfect way to cool down after exploring the city. I stayed in a Onederz hostel here (a chain in Southeast Asia) and would really recommend this hostel.
Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem
From Phnom Penh, I travelled down to the coast and took the ferry across to Koh Rong. It’s one of those places that feels like paradise as soon as you step off the boat – turquoise water, soft white sand and that laid-back island energy.
We stayed on both Koh Rong and the smaller, quieter Koh Rong Samloem. Koh Rong is a bit livelier with more hostels and beach bars, while Samloem is calm and peaceful, perfect if you want to switch off completely. I also stayed in Onederz hostel in Koh Rong, which was one of my favourite hostels ever. It was right on the beach and I honestly lived my best life while staying there. On the bigger island, Samloem, Nest Beach club is the place stay, especially if you like to party. This hostel holds Beach Olympics and Nestival weekly, which is not only fun but a great place to meet new people.
This was also the part of the trip where I was so thankful I had a backpack instead of a suitcase. When we arrived, we had to walk about a mile along the beach to reach our hostel, including wading through shallow water. I couldn’t imagine trying to do that with wheels on sand!
If you’re looking for a few days to relax, swim, or read in a hammock, this is the place. The sunsets were incredible and the nights were filled with stars.
Siem Reap
After the islands, I headed up to Siem Reap, which quickly became one of my favourite stops in Cambodia. It’s the gateway to Angkor Wat, but the town itself has such a great atmosphere. There are night markets, cafés, and plenty of budget-friendly restaurants including pub street, all with that classic backpacker vibe.
Of course, seeing Angkor Wat at sunrise was a huge highlight. It’s one of those moments that really stays with you. I also loved exploring some of the smaller temples like Ta Prohm, with tree roots twisting through the ruins, and Bayon, with its carved stone faces.
It’s easy to spend a few days here; the pace is slower, it’s very social, and you can meet travellers from all over the world. Siem Reap is where I stayed in my first LubD hostel, which is another chain of hostels that have become a favourite on my travels.
Other places to visit in Cambodia
If I’d had more time, I’d have loved to visit Kampot, a chilled riverside town famous for its pepper farms and French colonial buildings. It’s perfect for kayaking, motorbike rides and sunset drinks by the river.
Kep is nearby and known for its crab market and fresh seafood, while Battambang is a creative little city with art spaces, countryside bike tours and the quirky bamboo train.
For nature lovers, Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri in the northeast offer jungles, waterfalls and ethical elephant sanctuaries, a completely different side of Cambodia.
Getting around and getting there
Cambodia is part of the popular backpacker trail through South East Asia, and most people travel in from Thailand, Laos or Vietnam. I came through from Vietnam overland, travelling from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh. The journey took about six hours, and the border crossing was super easy.
Later, I travelled out of the country from Siem Reap to Bangkok on a daytime bus, which was also really straightforward. There’s a big network of buses and minibuses throughout Cambodia, and while the roads aren’t always the best, it’s a comfortable and affordable way to get around. We booked everything through our hostels, which made it simple, they even organised transfers to and from the buses and ferries.
Travelling between the islands and the mainland usually includes ferry tickets and lifts to the port, so it’s very backpacker-friendly. The only long journey was from Koh Rong to Siem Reap, which took twice as long because the road conditions require you to head back to Phnom Penh but it was all part of the adventure.
There are a few airports in Cambodia too, and even a train line that connects some major towns. I didn’t use it myself, but I met people who said it was a fun and scenic way to travel.
Etiquette and travel tips
Cambodia is quite relaxed, but there are a few things worth knowing before you go. Dress modestly when visiting temples, and remember to take your shoes off before entering homes or religious sites.
Cash is used almost everywhere, and US dollars are widely accepted alongside Cambodian riel. ATMs can be a bit unreliable in smaller towns, so it’s handy to keep some cash on you. It’s very common to recieve your change in both riel and dollars, even if you have only paid in one currency.
A backpack is much better than a suitcase, especially if you’re heading to the islands or anywhere off the beaten path. The streets and beaches aren’t as suitcase-friendly as other countries, and you’ll thank yourself later!
Be patient with transport, stay hydrated, and always travel with an open mind, that’s the best way to experience Cambodia.
Food to try
Cambodian food is simple but delicious. Definitely try fish amok, a creamy coconut curry steamed in banana leaves and beef lok lak, which is served with rice and a tangy lime and pepper sauce. Fresh spring rolls, noodle soups and fried rice are easy to find everywhere.
If you visit Kep, don’t miss the Kampot pepper crab; it’s famous for a reason. Wash it all down with an iced coffee or a cold beer and you’re set.
Cambodia was one of those countries that completely took me by surprise. It’s beautiful, emotional, and full of moments that stay with you long after you leave. The people are kind, the history is powerful, and there’s an energy that makes you slow down and appreciate where you are.
If you’re travelling through South East Asia, don’t just pass through Cambodia, spend some time here, meet the people and see it for yourself. It’s a country that might not be as loud as its neighbours, but it leaves the deepest impression.
