Cambodia is, quite simply, one of the most captivating places you can travel to. Its temple-lined landscapes feel almost otherworldly, its history is as profound as it is moving, and the warmth of its people has a way of lingering long after you’ve returned home — often accompanied by an immediate desire to go back. Yet even the most exciting adventures benefit from a little thoughtful preparation, especially when visiting a culture that may feel beautifully unfamiliar at first.
By Alejandra Smith.
A few pre-trip nerves are perfectly normal, especially if this is your first time in Southeast Asia. There’s always that silent worry about feeling like a slightly bewildered tourist holding a guidebook upside down, and the culture may feel delightfully foreign.
The good news? A little preparation goes a very long way. Think of the following as the top three things to sort before departure to ensure a truly genius Cambodian visit — the kind where the only surprises are the wonderful ones.
First, take care of the paperwork early.
Your visa is the small but powerful detail that makes the whole adventure possible, and processing times aren’t something to gamble on. Thankfully, the process is straightforward and can be completed online. While visas on arrival do exist, arriving with everything already approved feels infinitely more civilised — and far more in keeping with the holiday mood.
Next, understand how money works.
Cambodia has a charmingly practical approach to currency. The US dollar is widely used, particularly in cities, which simplifies things for many travellers. At the same time, cash is still very much part of daily life. Card payments appear in plenty of places, but not everywhere, and some of the best meals you’ll ever eat are served at street stalls that value crisp notes over contactless optimism. Carrying a little cash isn’t old-fashioned — it’s simply good strategy.
Finally, don’t overlook the sensible essentials.
Solid travel insurance provides peace of mind for medical care, emergencies, and the occasional bold decision that seemed brilliant at the time. Pair that with reliable mobile data — something now easily solved with a Cambodia eSIM — and you have the quiet confidence that makes travelling feel effortless rather than uncertain. Navigation, translation, and sending smug sunset photos all become beautifully simple.
With those details handled, the rest of the journey opens up exactly as it should: temples glowing at sunrise, flavours you’ll spend years trying to describe, and moments of connection that no itinerary could ever plan.
All that remains is to pack your bags, board the plane, and let Cambodia do what it does best — surprise you in all the right ways.
Life Lovers Magazine® 