From exploring the mystical ruins of Angkor Wat to floating through villages on the Tonle Sap, follow my unforgettable Cambodian journey.

Welcome to Cambodia: A Journey Into the Unknown

The first thing I noticed as I stepped out of Phnom Penh International Airport was the heat—heavy and sticky, wrapping around me like a silk scarf. The scent of grilled meats and lemongrass filled the air, mixed with the distant hum of tuk-tuks and chatter from vendors selling fresh-cut mango.

“Mister! Tuk-tuk?” A man with a wide smile and a toothpick in his mouth gestured enthusiastically. I tossed my backpack onto the seat and hopped in, my adventure beginning with the roar of a two-stroke engine cutting through the chaotic streets of Cambodia’s capital.

Pre-Trip Preparations: What You Need to Know

Visa & Entry Requirements

Cambodia offers **eVisas** and **visa-on-arrival** ($30 USD for 30 days). I opted for the eVisa ((https://www.evisa.gov.kh/)), which saved me time at immigration.

Packing Essentials

- 💡 Lightweight clothing (Cambodia is HOT!)
- 👟 Comfortable walking shoes for temple hikes
- 🦟 Bug spray (trust me, mosquitos are relentless!)
- 🎒 A waterproof bag for boat trips and monsoons

Travel Insurance

**I learned the hard way that travel insurance is a must!** While hiking in Mondulkiri, I tripped over a tree root, badly twisting my ankle. Thankfully, my **World Nomads** insurance covered my medical costs.

Landing in Cambodia: Chaos, Culture, and First Impressions

As my tuk-tuk weaved through Phnom Penh’s streets, I absorbed the sensory overload—the scent of fresh baguettes from a street cart (a legacy of French colonialism), motorbikes stacked with entire families, and golden pagodas shimmering in the late afternoon sun.

I checked into a cozy guesthouse overlooking the Mekong River. That evening, I grabbed a beer at the legendary **Foreign Correspondents’ Club**, watching the boats bob on the river as the city lights flickered to life.

Where to Stay in Cambodia

Budget Hostels ($5–$20)
🛏 Onederz Hostel, Siem Reap – Rooftop pool, great for social travelers.

Mid-Range Hotels ($25–$50)
🏨 Angkor Pearl Hotel, Siem Reap – Best location, great value.

Luxury Resorts ($100+)
🌿 Shinta Mani Wild – Jungle safari experience.

Exploring Cambodia: My Ultimate Itinerary

🚲 Angkor Wat at Sunrise

At 4:30 AM, I pedaled a rusty bicycle toward **Angkor Wat**. The sky transitioned from deep violet to pink, then gold, as the sun illuminated the temple spires.
Inside, Buddhist monks chanted prayers, their voices echoing through the ruins. I felt like I had stepped into another world.

🏚 Floating Villages of Tonle Sap

Later, I boarded a wooden boat to **Kompong Phluk**, a village on stilts. Children waved from porches high above the water, and a floating school drifted past. Life here ebbed and flowed with the monsoon seasons.

Cambodian Food: Street Eats & Local Dishes

I followed the scent of sizzling garlic and fish sauce to a night market, where a woman handed me a steaming bowl of **Fish Amok**, Cambodia’s famous coconut curry.
"Eat, eat!" she insisted, watching my reaction with a proud grin.

Must-Try Foods

- 🍜 **Nom Banh Chok** – Khmer breakfast noodles
- 🍢 **Beef Lok Lak** – Stir-fried beef with pepper sauce
- 🦂 **Fried Tarantula** – Crunchy, surprisingly tasty!

Nightlife & Hidden Bars

I stumbled upon a secret speakeasy in Phnom Penh. Behind a bookshelf door, a dimly lit bar served cocktails infused with Khmer spices. A jazz band played in the background as I sipped my **lemongrass gin and tonic**.

Best Places for Nightlife

- 🍻 **Pub Street, Siem Reap** – Neon lights, cheap beer, wild nights.
- 🎶 **Jazz Club Phnom Penh** – Best live music in town.

Final Thoughts: Why Cambodia Stole My Heart

From temple ruins to secret cocktail bars, from tuk-tuks to floating markets—Cambodia left me breathless. If you crave adventure, history, and incredible food, **this is the trip of a lifetime**.