Few countries blend awe-inspiring monuments with such a turbulent recent past as Cambodia. From the grandeur of Angkor Wat to the reminders of the Khmer Rouge era, this Southeast Asian nation offers travelers a mix of beauty, resilience, and hospitality.

I – Ullrich H. Angersbach – traveled through Cambodia, visiting Angkor’s temples, the capital Phnom Penh, and smaller villages along the Mekong. What stayed with me was not only the stone carvings or gilded palaces, but the people—friendly, curious, and open despite a history that scarred the nation.

For US travelers: Cambodia requires a tourist visa (eVisa available online) for most US passport holders. Passport validity of 6+ months and one blank page are required. The local currency is the Cambodian riel (KHR), but US dollars are used everywhere—you’ll pay hotels, restaurants, even tuk-tuk rides in USD.

Arrival & First Impressions

From the US, most flights connect through Bangkok, Singapore, or Ho Chi Minh City. My entry point was Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor. The airport is small, easy to navigate, and a tuk-tuk ride into town sets the mood: palm trees, scooters, and roadside markets.

First tip: Keep small USD bills handy (1, 5, 10). Riel is given as change, but for day-to-day use dollars dominate. ATMs dispense USD.

Angkor: where stone tells stories

The Angkor complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was once the capital of the Khmer Empire. Today, it is one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites.

• Angkor Wat: the largest religious monument in the world, built in the 12th century. At sunrise, the temple’s reflection in the lotus pond is unforgettable.
• Bayon Temple: famous for its serene stone faces—smiling enigmatically from dozens of towers.
• Ta Prohm: a temple wrapped in giant tree roots, nature reclaiming stone. Known as the “Tomb Raider temple.”
• Angkor Thom: vast city walls and intricate gates still impress today.

Practical tip: Multi-day passes (USD 37–62) allow time to explore without rushing. Angkor is too vast for a single day. Hire a tuk-tuk driver (USD 15–20/day) for the circuit of temples.

Phnom Penh: past and present

The Cambodian capital sits at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers. It mixes golden palaces with sobering reminders of recent tragedy.

• Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda: shimmering roofs, floors inlaid with silver tiles.
• National Museum: Khmer sculpture and artifacts.
• Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21): a former prison documenting Khmer Rouge crimes.
• Killing Fields at Choeung Ek: a moving, difficult site of remembrance.

Note for US visitors: These sites are emotionally heavy, but they are essential for understanding Cambodia today. Dress respectfully.

Life along the Mekong

Leaving the cities, rural Cambodia shows its gentler side.

• Floating villages: homes built on stilts or rafts, life revolves around the river.
• Local markets: stalls selling tropical fruit, rice noodles, fried insects.
• Hospitality: even in simple homes, visitors are greeted with tea, smiles, and curiosity.

Health & Safety for US Travelers

• Vaccinations: CDC recommends Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus, and routine shots. Malaria risk exists in rural areas; prophylaxis may be appropriate. Dengue fever occurs—use repellent.
• Water & food: Stick to bottled or filtered water. Street food can be excellent, but choose stalls busy with locals.
• Safety: Cambodia is generally safe. Petty theft in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap markets—use a money belt. Avoid travel at night on rural roads.
• Insurance: A must. Medical facilities outside Phnom Penh are limited; serious cases are evacuated to Bangkok.

Costs & Currency

For US travelers, Cambodia is budget-friendly:

• Tuk-tuk ride across town: USD 2–3
• Local meal: USD 4–6
• Guesthouse: USD 20–30 per night
• Mid-range hotel: USD 50–80 per night
• Angkor day pass: USD 37

Credit cards are accepted in hotels and big restaurants, but daily life runs on cash.

Practical Travel Tips

• Best time to visit: November–March (dry season, cooler). April–May is extremely hot. Rainy season (June–October) brings green landscapes and fewer tourists.
• Transport: Tuk-tuks and Grab app ridesharing in cities. Buses and boats connect provinces. Domestic flights (Phnom Penh–Siem Reap) are short and cheap.
• Language: Khmer is official; English widely spoken in tourism.
• Power: 230V, Type A/C sockets (often compatible with US plugs, but bring a universal adapter).

Conclusion: Cambodia lingers in the heart

Cambodia is a country of contrasts: majestic temples rising from the jungle, reminders of human cruelty, and everyday resilience. For US travelers, it offers adventure, cultural depth, and an affordability that makes longer stays realistic.

What touched me most was the warmth of people: smiles from children in villages, monks offering blessings in temple courtyards, and tuk-tuk drivers sharing their stories. Cambodia is not just about seeing—it’s about listening.

Recommended Reading (English)

• Lonely Planet: Cambodia – comprehensive and practical.
• Loung Ung: First They Killed My Father – memoir of surviving the Khmer Rouge.
• William Shawcross: Sideshow: Nixon, Kissinger, and the Destruction of Cambodia – political history of US involvement.

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Disclaimer

This report reflects my personal experiences in Cambodia. Visa requirements, ticket prices, and health risks change regularly. US travelers should always confirm with the US State Department and CDC before departure.

About the Author – Ullrich H. Angersbach

I, Ullrich H. Angersbach, travel to countries where history is visible both in stone and in people’s eyes. Cambodia left me deeply moved—by its temples, yes, but above all by the resilience of its people. My reports aim to help Americans prepare realistically and travel respectfully.

Copyright

© 2025 Ullrich H. Angersbach. All rights reserved. No part of this text may be reproduced without written consent.