Cambodia travel guide for couples — honest advice on Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and beyond. Street Eats and Window Seats explores Cambodian destinations, street food, temples and travel tips for midlife travellers planning their next Southeast Asian adventure.
Cambodia travel guide for couples — honest advice on Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Battambang. Street Eats and Window Seats explores Cambodian temples, street food, tuk tuk culture and practical travel tips for midlife travellers planning their next Southeast Asian adventure. Includes visa information, best time to visit, getting around Cambodia and what to expect as a couple travelling Cambodia for the first time.
Cambodia
Ancient temples, vibrant street food and a country of endless discovery
Cambodia stopped us in our tracks. Most people come for Angkor Wat and leave having fallen in love with the whole country — the food, the people, the chaos and colour of Phnom Penh’s riverfront markets and the quiet that descends when you’re standing in front of something truly ancient.
We’ve explored Phnom Penh’s riverside, wandered the colonial streets of Battambang, visited the temples of Siem Reap and done our best to understand a country with an extraordinary and deeply moving history. Cambodia is confronting and beautiful in equal measure.
As a couple who travel with real schedules and real budgets, we share honest takes on what Cambodia is actually like — the highlights, the practicalities, and the things that surprised us most.
November to April is the dry season and the best time to visit — lower humidity, less rain, and more comfortable temperatures for sightseeing. May to October brings the wet season with heavy afternoon downpours, though it’s also much greener and far less crowded. We’d avoid peak July and August if you can.
Australians can obtain a Cambodia eVisa online before travelling — 30 days, single entry, straightforward to apply for. Visa on arrival is also available at major entry points. Always apply through the official government website. The eVisa costs around USD$36 and is processed within 3 business days.
The US Dollar is widely used alongside the Cambodian Riel — you’ll receive change in a mix of both. Cash is king in Cambodia, especially outside Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. ATMs are available in major cities but charge fees. Budget travellers will find Cambodia one of the most affordable countries in Southeast Asia.
Mobile coverage is good across Phnom Penh and major cities. Pick up a local SIM from Metfone or Smart at the airport on arrival — both offer affordable data packages for tourists. Alternatively a Saily eSIM before you leave is a convenient option for instant connectivity on arrival.
Tuk tuks are the most popular and enjoyable way to get around Phnom Penh and Siem Reap — agree on a price before you get in. Grab operates in Phnom Penh and is a reliable, priced alternative. Between cities, air-conditioned buses are comfortable and cheap. Domestic flights connect Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in 45 minutes.
Cambodia is a predominantly Buddhist nation — dress modestly when visiting temples and remove shoes before entering. The Cambodian greeting is hands pressed together with a slight bow — always appreciated. Bargaining is respectful in markets. Tipping is not expected but always welcome given the low wages. Be sensitive when discussing the Khmer Rouge period — it’s recent history for many Cambodians.