Cambodia Travel Guide for Solo Travelers

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Are you looking for a Cambodia Travel Guide for Solo Travelers ? Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Do you like being alone? Are you willing to explore solo?

If you are, here are some tips for your solo destination to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Let me show you Cambodia’s geography before you book your tickets. It’s in Southeast Asia (bordering Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam). This country is well known for its agriculture, garment, and tourism industries.

Angkor Wat Temple is a famous place to visit, which you can check on Google (located in Siem Reap Province). The capital city here is Phnom Penh. The total population here exceeds 15 million, and most residents in the town are fluent in English. Motorcycles are the most favourable commute for daily life.

Introverts can travel alone in Phnom Penh with ease, thanks to the recommendations below. Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

Food

There are many types of food, including Khmer, vegetarian, halal, Indian, Western, Thai, and Chinese. You can also taste local/street food at reasonable prices, especially sitting alone at the stall without worrying about space for a group of people. You eat alone and enjoy the taste slowly. That’s a solo mood in the middle of nowhere (I like to do it alone at street food stalls and local markets far from the city by riding my motorcycle). For online ordering, you can use Foodpanda, Grab, and nham24 (most apps are available in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Kampot, and Preah Sihanoukville). The famous morning breakfast is porridge and Bay Srob (steamed rice with egg and pork/chicken).

Drink

Coconut and sugarcane juice are famous non-alcoholic drinks you should not miss out on. You can buy it in local markets or along the local streets. For non-alcohol drinkers, the Bassac Lane area is crowded for socializing at night. I would suggest a place called “Uniga” that is open in the evening till 3 am. Be aware of your surroundings when ordering food or drinks, and remember to exercise caution when interacting with strangers. If something feels off, trust your gut and get out of there.

Accommodation

A dormitory or hostel is suitable for staying overnight if your budget is limited. You may spend $3-$5 per night, as other solo travelers do. Even though you come alone, you may accidentally meet some introverted new friends. You can join group tours, share food and tour activities, and build lasting bonds during your trip. Not only can you build relationships with strangers, but it can also save your budget. Win-Win situation 😉

The suitable room should be a female dorm, a male dorm, or a single room with a bed. If you prefer a dormitory, you will need to ask for a key lock to secure your belongings while you are away from your room, or if you choose not to carry them out. Money and a passport should be by your side. You can try Airbnb, Agoda, and Booking.com. Select a better option that suits your preference. The place you stay can indicate to your soul. Some people prefer to keep their belongings in separate areas—introverts tend to prefer staying in one place for more extended periods.

Transportation

The best commute for solo visitors is renting a motorbike. Otherwise, you can use the Grab, Pass app, or the Tada app to book your tuk-tuk/car. It’s a reasonable price for foreigners and a great alternative to the expensive tuk-tuks that don’t use any apps (most apps are available in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Kampot, and Preah Sihanoukville).

Famous places like Kampot and Koh Rong are popular tourist destinations, but other locations, such as Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, and Phnom Penh, have some areas that are considered dangerous. Always be aware of tourist traps while travelling alone. To stay safe while travelling in Cambodia, our travel tips for you are to do your research. There are numerous resources available to help you find the ideal destination for your trip, tailored to your specific needs and preferences. Lonely Planet is a great starting point. Or subscribe and follow us.

Where to Go ?

Here are things to do while you’re solo travelling in Cambodia.

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Wat Phnom Daun Penh, Independence Monument, Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, Royal Palace, and Russian market are selected points for your first experience. You can also jog/run along the riverside in front of the Royal Palace (you will feel fresh and relaxed).

Consider your interests. If you’re interested in history, consider visiting a place rich in historical landmarks, such as Angkor Wat Temple. If you’re more of an outdoorsy type, then head to a place with mountains or beaches.
Think about your budget. Research the average prices for food, transportation, and accommodation in different places worldwide.
People and Language barrier. Local people in the city can speak English as a second language, and some sellers also speak Chinese in the Phnom Penh area. You can use English to communicate and buy things. “Sur Sdei” means “hello”.
Place to buy. It is better to bargain the price before buying (at local markets). Suppose you need to learn how to deal with it. In that case, you can purchase food at Aeon Mall/Express, Lucky Supermarket/ Express, Super Duper, Bayon Supermarket, Thai Huot Market, Seven-Eleven, and other mini-marts.
Events. Mostly, the easiest way to stay informed about events (Phnom Penh-based) is through Facebook, which has a fantastic feature for it. You can ask to join some groups such as “Phnom Penh Expats & Locals”, “Events in Phnom Penh”, “Events Phnom Penh”, and “Weekend Market PP”.
Monetary. The Khmer riel and the US dollar are suitable currencies to carry here. Moreover, as technology continues to develop in this country, many sellers also utilize ABA bank apps to receive payments.

If you are a budget traveler looking to enjoy nature and adventure, Cambodia is a must-visit destination that won’t compromise your solo travel safety.

Budget-friendly trip, spend USD 25 per day

Accommodation: hostel or dorm room with shared bathrooms
Food: Street stalls
Tours: A couple of guided group tours per week
Transport: Tuk-tuk or on foot or motorbike
Drinks? Expect to get a couple of drinks a day (at $1.50 each)

Middle-range trip, USD 40 per day

Accommodation: 2-star hostel with air conditioning and shared bathroom
Food: Street stalls and restaurants
Tours: Book Multiple guided group tours + activities + Temple Pass at GetYourGuide
Transport: Private motorbike or a tuk-tuk
Drinks? At $1.50 each, you’ve got no limits.

For Luxury trip, USD 60 per day

Accommodation: 4 or 5-star hotels and resorts with breakfast
Food: Street stalls and restaurants
Tours: Extensive tours and high-end classes at GetYourGuide
Transport: Focus on convenience—flights, tourist buses, private taxis, etc.
Drinks? Absolutely

Safety

While walking or driving, you should be aware of your belongings. Robbery remains a significant issue in the capital city. Prevention is better than a cure for a disease, so be cautious with your actions to avoid any unfortunate events.

Watch out for scams.

You need to be aware of kids; sometimes fake monks will ask for donations or more money, and tourist traps, especially at the temples on the outskirts of Angkor Wat.

Stay Connected

One of the best aspects of solo travel is that it provides an excellent opportunity to disconnect from the world and focus on yourself. But that doesn’t mean you have to unplug completely. Stay connected with family and friends back home by sending updates or photos periodically. That way, you’ll feel less isolated and more connected to the people you love.

Download Apps & Buy a SIM Card

Having data on your phone is the best way to access Google Maps on the go and stay in touch with friends, or download apps to navigate directions for a safe trip.

Keep an eye on your drink and food.

Whether you join with other solo travel buddies at the bars, keep an eye on your drinks, and don’t accept them from strangers. Visiting bars and nightclubs in Cambodia is generally safe, especially in crowded areas. In some places, however, people only drink at night, which is too late. If you plan to visit Angkor Wat Temple, the entry costs USD 40. Avoid the souvenir shops that target tourists, and you can negotiate a lower price.

How to travel budget-friendly in Cambodia

Book Accommodation in advance via Agoda or Klook – Sometimes, you may get last-minute hotel deals or coupons to save on your stay.
Eat street food. Khmer cuisine is incredible and cheap—and you can try Khmer Lort Cha at the Kandal market for only $1.50.
Bargain. You can negotiate prices for everything from souvenirs to tuk-tuk rides and clothing.
Book tours through GetYourGuide or Klook – it’s the best place to book your joint tours for hassle-free solo trips, as you’ll likely find the best tours at the best price.

Cambodia is one of the fantastic places to explore as a solo traveller. Keep those travel tips in mind to have a fearless travel experience on your own.

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If you are willing to explore, why not here? So, join our community and please take a few days to experience our local cuisine. Feel free to contact to gosolox17@gmail.com. We will provide additional travel tips, a budget-friendly itinerary, and a travel plan to help you meet our people here. We are introverts and want to build a great community together.