Is Cambodia Worth Visiting? Our Honest Take
- Amy
- 2 days ago
- 17 min read
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So, Is Cambodia Worth Visiting?
Absolutely.
Cambodia surprised me in ways I wasn't expecting. I arrived thinking Angkor Wat would be the highlight, but I left with a much deeper appreciation for Khmer culture, something I knew very little about before this trip. What stayed with me most were the people we met along the way, our guide in Siem Reap, our driver from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, the gracious staff at Embassy Angkor, the trinket sellers at the night market, one particular schoolgirl in Kampong Phluk, and many others whose kindness left a lasting impression. I also came away with a greater understanding of the country's resilience and how its people have rebuilt their lives after one of the darkest chapters in their history. In the end, the memories that stayed with me had very little to do with temples and everything to do with the people, culture, and stories that brought Cambodia to life.
Is it worth paying the expensive flight prices? For me, yes. Without hesitation.
When people think of Southeast Asia, destinations like Thailand, Bali, Vietnam, Singapore, and Japan usually come to mind first. Cambodia, however, is often overlooked. For many travellers, it begins and ends with Angkor Wat. But beyond the famous temples lies a country rich in culture, history, food, and experiences that deserve far more attention.
Cambodia had been on my travel wish list for years. The image of Angkor Wat rising against the morning sky, the stories of the Khmer people, and the country's rich cultural heritage had always fascinated me. At the same time, watching First They Killed My Father introduced me to the horrors of the Khmer Rouge and sparked a deeper interest in Cambodia's history.
Once the flights were booked, now it was all about planning the itinerary because it involved waking up really early for some tours, mentally preparing to stay out for 7‑8 hours at a stretch, checking the availability of performances or tours etc. While planning the trip, I found myself diving deeper into Cambodia's history and culture. Wanting to understand the country beyond its temples, I spent time reading about its past before we arrived. I spent an entire month at The Hague library reading books like First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers and Lucky Child: A Daughter of Cambodia Reunites with the Sister She Left Behind also by Loung Ung. The books were eye-opening and left me with a deep sense of respect, sorrow, and hope for the Cambodian people.
This trip was incredibly special to me, a dream I had finally turned into reality. As we arrived in Cambodia, I felt a deep sense of gratitude, excitement, and reverence for a country that had captured my imagination for so many years.
Arriving in Cambodia
We landed at Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), Cambodia’s main international gateway. After the long journey, immigration was straightforward and the airport felt organised and efficient. We had pre-booked our airport transfer through Booking.com, and our driver was already waiting for us when we arrived. Within minutes, we were settled into an air-conditioned car and making our way into the city, grateful to finally be in Cambodia after years of dreaming about this trip.
The drive into Phnom Penh offered our first glimpse of the country. Given everything I had read about Cambodia’s past, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. But as we made our way through the city, I quickly realised that Cambodia was already beginning to challenge many of my assumptions.
What Surprised Me Most About Cambodia
How modern Phnom Penh felt
One of the first things that surprised me about Cambodia was Phnom Penh itself. Given everything I had read about the country's tragic history under the Khmer Rouge, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Instead, I found a city that felt modern, energetic, and fast-growing. Wide roads, gleaming high-rises, stylish cafés, and bustling restaurants stood alongside street food vendors, local markets, and tuk-tuks weaving through the traffic. The contrast felt natural rather than forced, as though the old and new had simply learned to coexist.
As we drove through the city, I noticed buildings inspired by traditional Khmer architecture sitting comfortably beside modern developments. Phnom Penh may not have the instant appeal of Siem Reap, and it can feel busy and chaotic at times, but spending a few days here helped me understand Cambodia beyond its temples. Through its museums, memorials, food scene, and everyday life, Phnom Penh offers a deeper insight into the country's history, resilience, and identity. Looking back, Phnom Penh ended up being one of the biggest surprises of the trip.
Much more on Phnom Penh and its discoveries in my separate blog post: 📍 Phnom Penh: Say It Right, See It All
How Affordable Everything Was Once We Arrived
One of the biggest surprises was how affordable Cambodia felt once we arrived. Given how expensive our flights had been, I expected the rest of the trip to be equally costly. Instead, it was the complete opposite.
That evening, we headed to Phnom Penh’s night market along Sisowath Quay. As we wandered through the stalls, I found myself constantly checking price tags twice. Clothes, souvenirs, food, transport, and even attractions felt remarkably affordable compared to what we were used to in Europe.
What stood out wasn't just the low prices, but the value for money. Whether it was a tuk-tuk ride to the night market, or our dinner at the local restaurant, or the Killing Fields day tour, everything felt reasonably priced without feeling cheap.
The night market itself was lively and full of energy. Families gathered on mats to share meals and the locals and tourists mingled freely. Street food is in abundance in Cambodia and its pretty safe to eat it. It felt authentic, relaxed, and unhurried. By the end of the trip, I realised that while Cambodia may not be the cheapest country to reach, it is one of the most affordable destinations to explore once you're there. That balance made the expensive flight tickets much easier to justify.
How Kind And Genuine The People Were
One of the things that stayed with me most was the warmth of the Cambodian people. Whether it was our guides, hotel staff, drivers, or restaurant owners, everyone seemed genuinely welcoming and eager to help. It never felt forced or transactional, just simple kindness that made us feel comfortable throughout the trip.
A special mention goes to the hotel staff in both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. They made us feel at home from the moment we arrived. Every evening, we were warmly welcomed back after our long day tours, and every morning they would ask about our plans, where we were from, and how we were enjoying Cambodia. Their interest felt genuine, not something they were saying because it was part of their job. They were especially kind to the kids and always quick to help with anything we needed, whether it was arranging a buggy, answering questions, or simply stopping for a chat. Nothing ever seemed like too much trouble.
I have travelled extensively across Europe and Asia, including countries known for their hospitality such as India, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, but the warmth we experienced in Cambodia genuinely stood out. It wasn't just good service; it felt like people truly cared about making visitors feel welcome. People were kind, down to earth, and always willing to help, often giving more than you would expect without making a big deal out of it.
Maybe it has something to do with Cambodia’s history. There is a quiet resilience in the people that you don’t always notice at first, but you feel it over time. Despite everything the country has been through, life today feels calm, welcoming, and forward-looking. People are simply getting on with their lives, and doing it with a kindness and generosity that stays with you.
It’s one of those things that’s hard to put into words, but it definitely changes how you experience the country. It’s not just temples or culture, it’s the people that really shape how you remember Cambodia.
Travelling With Children in Cambodia
As parents, there’s always a lot running in the background when you travel with children, not just safety, but also comfort, ease, and how well they’ll actually cope with everything.
Cambodia turned out to be surprisingly easy and very family-friendly. We walked through markets, explored temples, hopped into tuk-tuks, everything felt smooth and manageable. Of course, we still took the usual precautions, but overall it felt far more relaxed than we had expected.
One of our main concerns before the trip was how the kids would handle the long temple days. Between the heat, humidity, and hours of walking, it could easily have become overwhelming. Looking back, preparing them in advance made a huge difference. We talked them through what they would see, why the temples mattered, and made sure there were little things to look forward to along the way, like ice cream breaks or pool time back at the hotel. To our surprise, there were no tantrums or complaints, even on the longer days. Instead, they adapted really well, asked questions, and seemed genuinely interested in what they were seeing. That made the whole experience feel much easier and more enjoyable than we had imagined.
We also visited the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields, which some might find difficult to do with children. But there was no restriction from the sites themselves, and they even offer children’s tickets. We had prepared them beforehand in an age-appropriate way, explaining the importance of remembering history and why these places exist. We were mindful not to expose them to anything too traumatic, but on a broader level, it felt important for them to experience it in person. It became less about the details and more about understanding, awareness, and perspective at a young age.
Overall, Cambodia felt like a destination that worked surprisingly well as a family trip, not just manageable, but genuinely rewarding in a way that stayed with all of us.
What I Loved About Cambodia
The Feeling That Cambodia Still Feels Authentic
One of the things I loved most about Cambodia was how authentic it still felt.
As we drove from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, the scenery gradually changed from city streets to rice fields, stilt houses, small villages, local markets, and Buddhist pagodas. Life seemed to move at a slower pace here. The countryside felt untouched, giving us a glimpse of everyday Cambodia beyond the tourist attractions.
What struck me most was that, despite welcoming millions of visitors every year, Cambodia hasn't lost its character. Yes, places like Angkor Wat can get crowded during peak season, but they still feel like historical and spiritual sites rather than tourist attractions designed for social media. Unlike some destinations where every viewpoint, swing, or photo spot comes with an extra fee and a queue of people waiting for the perfect Instagram picture, Cambodia felt refreshingly genuine. The temples are the attraction themselves. They haven't been turned into backdrops for staged photos or overly commercialised experiences.
That authenticity stayed with us throughout the trip. Whether it was driving through rural villages, exploring ancient temples, or chatting with our driver and guides, Cambodia felt real, unfiltered, and proud of its heritage. As we approached Siem Reap, the signs of tourism became more visible, with beautiful resorts, restaurants, and hotels appearing along the roads. Yet even there, the city felt far more connected to its culture and history than many tourist destinations I've visited around the world.
Angkor Wat and Temple Complexes
Siem Reap is everything you imagine Cambodia to be, ancient, mysterious, and unforgettable. Walking into the Angkor temple complex gives you goosebumps. The crumbling stone, intricate carvings, and jungle roots wrapped around thousand-year-old ruins all add to the feeling that you’ve gone back in time to the era of the Hindu kings ruling the Angkor kingdom. The most impressive moment is the entrance itself, crossing the wide moat, with the towering gates of Angkor Wat rising right in front of you. It’s no surprise that Angkor Wat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest wonders of the world.
Angkor Wat, built in the 12th century and originally dedicated to Vishnu before becoming a Buddhist temple, is the largest religious monument in the world. We spent a couple of hours here slowly taking it in, and it still didn’t feel like enough. The carvings, especially the scenes from the Mahabharata, are incredible and bring the temple’s history to life. We skipped the sunrise. Waking the kids at 5 AM for a photo didn’t feel worth it. Some moments are better experienced without rushing them.
From there we moved into Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire. The entrance alone is unforgettable, crossing a bridge lined with gods and demons in the “Churning of the Ocean of Milk.” Inside, we visited Bayon Temple, with its hundreds of stone faces, and Ta Prohm, where the jungle has taken over the ruins in a way that feels both beautiful and surreal. Each temple has its own quiet character and made the day feel even more special.
Ta Prohm, the famed Tomb Raider Temple, is especially striking. And if you think Angkor Wat and the inner circuit are enough, think again. The next day we did the Grand Circuit. The same Angkor pass covers it, and it takes around eight hours. It covers some of Angkor’s more spread-out temples, including Banteay Srei, Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Ta Som, East Mebon, and Pre Rup. While equally impressive, it’s a longer and more tiring day with more driving and walking, especially with younger children.
These temples are less crowded than Angkor Wat and Bayon, and many travellers consider them some of the most atmospheric sites in the entire complex. The kids were still full of energy and completely up for another day of temple-hopping, so we decided to go for it.
By the end of it all, it felt like more than just ticking off temples. The scale, the detail, and the variety across the whole complex made it one of those places where the effort is easily justified. Even with early mornings, long days, and tired legs, nothing felt like too much. If anything, Cambodia really does feel worth it once you’ve stood in the middle of it all.
I’ve shared a more detailed account of this day in a separate post here: 📍 Temple Marathon in Siem Reap: A Complete Guide to Angkor’s Must-See Temples
Rich Heritage, History and Culture
Cambodia isn’t just temples and ancient ruins, it also has a more refined cultural side in its cities. In Phnom Penh, the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda stand out with their golden roofs, manicured gardens, and detailed architecture. The Silver Pagoda, with its floor made up of 5,000 silver tiles, is one of those places that quietly reminds you how rich and layered Cambodia’s history really is. Exploring the stunning architecture and intricate details of the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh.
I’ve shared a more detailed account of this day in a separate post here: 📍 Inside Cambodia’s Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, Phnom Penh
Next, we visited the National Museum of Cambodia, which houses ancient Khmer sculptures and relics from the Angkor period. It’s a quiet and well-kept museum, and easy to combine with the palace visit. What stands out here is how deep Cambodia’s history actually goes, it’s not just temples, but an entire civilisation that has evolved over centuries.
One of the best ways to experience that cultural side is through an Apsara dance performance. The graceful movements and colourful costumes bring ancient Khmer traditions to life. Many performances also include scenes from the Ramayana, telling the story of Lord Rama, Lakshmana, and the kidnapping of Sita by Ravana. For Indian travellers especially, it feels familiar yet different at the same time, a reminder of the shared cultural influence across this region.
By this point in the journey, it becomes pretty clear how naturally history, culture, and everyday life come together. And that’s really what makes you realise the answer to the question: yes, Cambodia is worth it.
Cambodia Is More Than Just Temples
One moment you are immersed in the heritage and architectural wonders of its temples, and the next you are dancing to retro music and sipping beer on the loud, electric Pub Street. The Old Market, which is basically the main shopping area in Siem Reap, sits right next to the lively Pub Street. Pub Street itself is exactly what it sounds like, a stretch of bars and restaurants in the old town, heavily lit up, playing loud music, and buzzing with energy all night. It almost feels strange at first, being in the middle of something so party-driven after spending the day at ancient temples. It’s hard to believe you are in the same city that is home to some of the most sacred Hindu and Buddhist heritage sites. It’s also not the easiest place to choose a restaurant because there are so many options trying to pull you in. In the end, we settled for a Mexican restaurant that also served Italian and Khmer food. The pizzas were great, the cocktails were strong, and the noise level was actually manageable, which made it perfect for us with the kids.
Another completely different side of Cambodia is the visit to Kampong Phluk, the floating village on Tonle Sap Lake. It’s one of the highlights of a Siem Reap trip and gives a real glimpse into life on the water. Floating schools, homes, and even temples stretch across the lake, and everything revolves around the water level. It’s especially striking during the rainy season when the lake expands and the whole village feels even more alive.
Life here is very simple and completely tied to the water. Most people are fishermen, and children go to local floating schools, moving through life in a way that feels very different from what we’re used to. There is clear poverty, but what really stays with you is how people still go about their daily lives with resilience and, often, a smile on their faces.
And this contrast is really what makes Cambodia so interesting. One day you’re surrounded by ancient temples, the next you’re in a full-on nightlife street, and then you’re on a lake watching a completely different way of life. It’s not what you expect, and that’s exactly what makes it feel worth it.
I have shared more details on this floating village tour in a seoarate post: 📍 Humbled by the Kampong Phluk Floating Village Experience in Cambodia
What I Didn't Love About Cambodia
Expensive international flights and a Long Journey
This South‑East Asian country has been at the top of my wish‑list for almost a decade. However, the cost of flight tickets were always what put me off. Whenever we checked ticket prices, either from Dubai, where we stayed, or from the Netherlands, where we moved, they were always so expensive that it felt as if it would blow a hole in our pockets. But this year we decided to take the leap of faith and booked our tickets with Etihad Airways from Amsterdam to Cambodia, with a stop‑over in Abu Dhabi on 22 December, returning 4 January, at €1,250 per person! That’s right, it’s incredibly expensive, but the accommodation, transportation, meals and tourism are thankfully all moderately priced and affordable.
After a 6.5-hour flight to Abu Dhabi, a transit, and another 6.5-hour stretch to Phnom Penh, our body clocks were completely out of sync. Immigration itself was quick, though a little puzzling. Despite having e-visas approved in advance and completing the electronic arrival registration, we were still required to queue and go through the traditional counters, photo, passport stamps, the whole routine. The smart gates were there, but not in use for us.
The heat and humidity
We specifically wanted to travel in the dry season, which in Cambodia runs roughly from October to April, when the weather is more manageable compared to the heavy heat and rain of the wet season. Exploring places like Angkor Wat in heavy rain wouldn’t have been ideal, so timing really matters.
But travelling in the dry season also comes with a cost, literally. Prices are higher, and it’s the peak tourist period. We still chose December, thinking it would be cooler, but Cambodia doesn’t really do "cool." Landing at night, the air was already around 28°C. Coming from 8°C in Amsterdam, it felt mild at first, almost deceptive. By daytime, it easily reached 32°C, though thankfully the shade and greenery around the temples made it manageable.
Some litter around tourist areas
One of the areas we spent time in was the Mekong riverside promenade in Phnom Penh, also known as Sisowath Quay. It’s a popular stretch for sunset walks, river cruises, street food, and views where the Tonlé Sap and Mekong rivers meet.
Sidd had suggested a river cruise earlier, but when we saw the boats up close, I wasn’t convinced. Plastic chairs, flimsy tables, and flashing lights made it feel more tacky than charming. I was actually glad we skipped it. The promenade itself also had patches of litter, which took away from what could have been a really beautiful riverside walk. At night, lit-up cruise boats drift along the river, but the experience still felt a bit underwhelming in parts.
Some parts of the riverside also blend into nightlife streets like Street 136 and Street 130, areas known for bars and adult entertainment. It’s the kind of scene that might have felt interesting years ago, but with kids, it just didn’t feel like our space anymore. We didn’t stay long and walked further along the river instead, where things were quieter. That stretch had small food stalls and simple seating, which felt more relaxed, but it still didn’t fully draw us in. In the end, we headed towards the embassy area and ended up on Bassac Lane instead.
Why Cambodia Deserves More Than a Quick Stop
Absolutely not. Everywhere I read, people said 2 days in Phnom Penh and 3 days in Siem Reap is more than enough, and then you should move on to Vietnam for 6 days. It really gives the impression that there isn’t much to see in Cambodia beyond a couple of cities.
But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Only after arriving and spending time here did we realise how much more there is. You could easily spend 3 days in Phnom Penh and at least 5–6 days in Siem Reap alone. Beyond Angkor Wat and the Inner Circuit, which already takes a full day, you have the Grand Circuit for another day, the floating villages and Apsara dance for a third, and then places like Kulen Mountain with the 1000 lingas, waterfalls, and natural pools for a fourth day. You could even add a day for markets, museums, and the food scene in Siem Reap itself.
And that’s just Siem Reap.
You could easily add another couple of days for places like Battambang, and at least 2 more days for the coastal areas like Kampot and Koh Kong, with their blue waters and slower pace of life. What people also underestimate is the travel time in between. It takes around 6 hours by road from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, or a short flight that still ends up taking close to 4 hours once you factor in logistics. Getting to Kampot or Koh Kong from Phnom Penh is around a 3-hour drive, and Siem Reap to Kulen Mountain is another 2 hours each way. So when you add it all up, Cambodia is not a quick stop, it’s a proper two-week destination if you want to do it justice. Especially when you consider that hotels, food, transport, and experiences are still relatively affordable, even if the flights are expensive.
The biggest mistake people make is treating Cambodia as a short stop between Thailand and Vietnam. It’s not that. It’s a country that slowly reveals itself the longer you stay. A mix of history, culture, nightlife, food, nature, and quiet moments in between. And honestly, the more time we spent here, the more we realised how much we still hadn’t seen.
Conclusion
After dreaming about Cambodia for almost a decade, I can honestly say it exceeded every expectation I had. Yes, the flight tickets were expensive. Yes, the weather can be hot and exhausting. But once we arrived, none of that seemed to matter. Cambodia gave us far more than temples. It gave us history, culture, perspective, adventure, and a deeper appreciation for the resilience of its people.
Angkor Wat was breathtaking, but what I will remember most are the stories we heard, the people we met, and the feeling of travelling through a country that has rebuilt itself with remarkable strength and dignity.
So, is Cambodia worth visiting? Without a doubt, yes.
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