Cambodia is a country that rewards travelers who slow down, go off the main tourist path, and embrace local life. Beyond Angkor Wat, there are authentic food experiences, quirky traditions, and hidden corners most tourists miss. If you want to travel like a local — not just skim the highlights.
These 25 expert tips will help you make the most of your journey in 2025.
1. Learn a Few Basic Khmer Phrases
Cambodians are incredibly friendly, and even learning how to say “Sua s’dei” (hello) or “Arkun” (thank you) can open doors. Don’t underestimate the impact of a smile with a few Khmer words — locals appreciate the effort deeply. You’ll often find shopkeepers, tuk-tuk drivers, and market vendors warm right up when you greet them in their language.
2. Don’t Just Do Angkor Wat at Sunrise
Sunrise at Angkor Wat is truly spectacular, but it’s also crowded. For a more unique experience, stay later in the evening and head to Pre Rup or Phnom Bakheng for sunset views — fewer tourists, golden light, and a far more peaceful atmosphere. Stretch your Angkor visits across multiple days to appreciate temples without burning out.
3. Get the 3-Day Angkor Pass — It’s Worth It
The single-day pass doesn’t do justice to the vast temple complex. With a 3-day pass, you can split your visits between the main circuit (Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm) and the “small circuit” and outlying temples like Banteay Srei. Taking your time means you’ll see temples at different times of day and truly feel their atmosphere.
4. Explore Temples Beyond Angkor
Angkor is incredible, but Cambodia has dozens of fascinating ancient sites. Preah Vihear, set dramatically on a clifftop on the Thai border, offers sweeping views and barely any crowds. Koh Ker, an earlier Angkorian capital deep in the jungle, feels adventurous — you’ll often be one of the only visitors.
5. Dress Modestly at Religious Sites
When visiting temples, cover your shoulders and knees. Cambodians are respectful of tourists, but dressing appropriately shows your respect for their culture and beliefs. Lightweight scarves and sarongs are perfect to carry in your bag — they also help with sun protection when walking between temples.
6. Tuk-Tuks Are Great, But Always Negotiate First
Tuk-tuks are the easiest way to move around Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and Battambang. Always discuss the price before hopping in — or use the Grab app for fixed rates. For day tours, hire drivers upfront and negotiate half-days or full-days; many are happy to also share local insights as guides.
7. Take Local Buses for a Real Cambodian Experience
Minivans are faster, but local buses give you a window into everyday Cambodian travel. You’ll see monks, families with baskets of produce, and kids heading to school. Trips are slower, but they’re cheaper and allow you to connect with locals — bus rides become part of the adventure.
8. Eat Fearlessly at Street Food Stalls
Cambodian street food is a highlight — delicious, fresh, and affordable. Try fish amok (creamy curry), kuy teav noodle soup, or lok lak beef with rice. Hygiene is often better than you might assume: pick busy stalls where locals eat, and your food is more likely to be freshly prepared.
9. Dive Into Local Markets for Authentic Meals
Forget tourist restaurants — go to Psar Leu in Siem Reap, Central Market in Phnom Penh, or riverside night markets in provincial towns. Dishes cost $1–$2, and you’ll share benches with locals. Beyond food, markets are a cultural experience: vendors shouting prices, kids playing in aisles, and the smell of fresh herbs everywhere.
10. Try a Village Homestay
In Kampong Cham or Kratie, staying with a local family lets you experience the rhythms of Cambodian rural life. You’ll eat meals cooked over open fires, ride bikes through rice paddies, and maybe even help in the garden. It’s both affordable and deeply memorable, offering insights into daily life you’ll never get at a hotel.
11. Watch the Bats in Battambang
Each evening at dusk, thousands of bats stream out of caves in Phnom Sampeau. Grab a cold drink from a local vendor, sit back, and watch the sky fill with this natural spectacle. It’s a free, unforgettable moment most tourists skip, yet it feels like a front-row seat to one of nature’s shows.
12. Catch the Early Ferry to the Islands
If you’re heading to Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem, book the morning ferry. Afternoon trips are frequently delayed by wind or rough seas, while mornings are calmer and safer. Plus, arriving earlier gives you more time to settle into island life with a fresh coconut in hand.
13. Snorkel the Quiet Beaches
Koh Rong Samloem’s Saracen Bay is beautiful but crowded. Head to Lazy Beach, Sunset Beach, or M’Pai Bay for smaller crowds, clear waters, and excellent snorkeling. Many guesthouses there offer cheap gear rentals or boat trips to reefs.
14. Learn About Kampot Pepper at the Source
Kampot pepper is globally famous — and visiting a pepper farm is both educational and tasty. Tours show you how the spice is grown, harvested, and preserved. Many farms let you sample dishes like crab with Kampot pepper, one of Cambodia’s signature meals.
15. Don’t Skip Kep’s Crab Market
Just 30 minutes from Kampot, Kep’s seaside crab market isn’t just about food — it’s an atmosphere. Watch as local fisherwomen wade into the sea to haul fresh crab, cooked on the spot with Kampot pepper. A meal here is inexpensive, authentic, and utterly unforgettable.
16. Reflect on History in Phnom Penh
The Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum are emotional but vital visits. They offer sobering insights into Cambodia’s past and resilience. Take your time here, move respectfully through the exhibits, and understand why remembering Cambodia’s painful history is important for its people.
17. Carry Plenty of Small Dollar Bills
Cambodia uses both US dollars and Cambodian Riel, but small bills ($1, $5) are essential — tuk-tuk drivers and shopkeepers often don’t have change. For purchases under $1, Riel is used. Bring a mix of both when withdrawing money.
18. Buy a Local SIM Card Upon Arrival
Smart and Metfone are reliable providers, offering data-heavy plans for $5–$10 a month. Having local data helps with Grab, Google Maps, and translating Khmer signs. SIM cards are available at airports, but cheaper if bought inside the city.
19. Stash Cash for Rural Travel
ATMs are common in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap but can be rare in rural provinces. Always bring enough cash before heading to villages, islands, or offbeat towns. Many small restaurants and guesthouses are cash-only.
20. Try the Slow Boat on the Mekong River
From Kratie to Stung Treng, slow boats provide a window into real Mekong life. Wooden ferries carry villagers, monks, and produce — with stunning views of river islands and floating homes. It may take twice as long as a bus, but it’s twice as rewarding.
21. Time Your Visit for Festivals
Plan your trip to coincide with Khmer New Year in April, when the whole country engages in joyful water fights and celebrations. Another great time is Pchum Ben (Ancestor’s Day) in September, when families bring offerings to pagodas. Festivals are a chance to immerse yourself in Cambodian joy and tradition.
22. Avoid Tourist Scams with Orphanages or Child Begging
Sadly, child begging and fake orphanages are tourist traps. Locals warn against donating to kids on the street — it keeps them out of school. Instead, donate or volunteer with reputable NGOs working directly with communities.
23. Slow Down in the Heat
Cambodia is hot and humid year-round, and “temple fatigue” is real. Don’t cram too many stops into one day. The best rhythm is 2–3 temple visits in the cool morning, a rest at midday, and another adventure in the late afternoon.
24. Bring a Filtering Bottle for Water
Tap water isn’t safe, but buying bottles daily creates waste. A filter bottle or purifier straw means you can refill in hotels, airports, and restaurants safely. It saves money over weeks of travel and helps reduce plastic use in rural villages.
25. Embrace Cambodian Time
Things here move at a different pace. Buses may be an hour late, ferries delayed, and timetables flexible. Don’t stress — instead, adjust to the slower rhythm and use the time to chat with locals, read a book, or enjoy the scenery. Traveling “like a local” means flowing with Cambodia’s unique pace.
Final Thoughts
Traveling in Cambodia like a local isn’t about ticking off sights quickly — it’s about taking your time, eating where Cambodians eat, and respecting traditions along the way. These 25 insider tips will help you avoid mistakes, discover hidden corners, and connect more deeply with the people and culture of this beautiful country.
