Cambodia Travel – Exploring One of Asia’s Best Destinations on a Budget
Traveling solo or join other travelers to soak in the sights and enjoy a historical tour of Cambodia and other exciting Asian destinations? Give in to the wanderlust in you and prepare yourself for an educational and enjoyable trip to make the most of the wonderful opportunity. Pack appropriate clothing and don’t forget comfortable shoes. Since a focal point of your trip will be seeing the impressive Angkor Wat and other treasures in the vast Angkor temple complex, you should have proper footwear to carry you across the moat (which surrounds the famous Cambodian religious structure) to the temple. If this is your first time traveling, you can check the internet for an overview of the many famous places you will be hiking to.
In Siem Reap, prepare to be amazed by one of the most photogenic temples: Ta Prohm. It stands out among giant fig trees and other giant vines that hide in the stone foundation of the structure. An incredible display of architecture that blends with nature, this is one of the picturesque locations featured in the Tomb Raider movie. Also worth exploring are the many colonnaded galleries, pavilions, courtyards and pools that give a reflection of the imposing temple.
Apart from Angkor Wat, there are small but attractive temples that you will probably see. Aside from the temples, prepare to be baffled by Phnom Penh (with its myriad cultural attractions and excellent food, unspoiled landscapes with rice paddies, small villages and lost temples all waiting to be explored); and then on to Sihanoukville for more exotic food, and a chance to enjoy the sun and sand; and Ban Lung, where the picturesque places and ethnic people beckon. You’ll be interacting with lots of lovely, friendly locals and excellent value Asian cuisine. It will also be an opportune moment to refresh yourself and quench your thirst with Angkor beer, which is simply divine.
Cambodian temples are located between six and ten kilometers from the city of Siem Reap proper. If you’re traveling solo on a shoestring budget, there are several budget accommodations in Siem Reap that strike a balance between comfort and value for money. There is one that is run by the west and is conveniently close to the Siem Reap River, a few minutes’ drive from the airport and about seven kilometers from Angkor Wat. Pick one that’s a stone’s throw from the main shopping and dining areas of Old Market and Pub Street, as well as some great waterfront restaurants. Phnom Penh also offers high-end hotels. Even with limited funds, a budget traveler can easily get by in Cambodia. Food prices are similar or even lower than in Thailand. The food from the street stalls is hygienic and delicious.
If you have arranged and booked yourself in advance and benefited from a special online hotel package rate, you can proceed to enjoy the exotic setting, excellent facilities and services, plus the best that traditional Cambodian hospitality has to offer.
Indeed, your trip to Cambodia is a journey like no other, and from the Khmer ruins of Angkor Wat, you can head to other must-see destinations that are among the world’s most fascinating heritage sites.
