A Guide to a Solo Girl’s Trip to Cambodia
Cambodia - a land known for dense jungles, turquoise water bodies, magical sunsets, mystical temples, tropical islands, and many more. Needless to say, it holds a place on every traveler's bucket list. And if it is a solo trip, there is nothing more rejuvenating!
But as a girl, you could be apprehensive about traveling to a foreign land without knowing anything about its pulse. However, solo female travelers will be exhilarated to know that Cambodians respect foreigners and that there are hardly any cases reporting harassment. All they have to do is apply for a Cambodia travel visa and gear up for an incredible trip!
Cambodia welcomes solo female travelers to explore its beauty. While reading about the Vietnam War and Khmer Rouge can give you a glimpse into the dark Cambodian history, know that the country has come a long way. There are smiling and friendly locals in every corner who are willing to welcome you as one of their own. The children on the streets will be seen extremely eager to talk to you or even touch your skin in some instances!
Cambodia's history, tragic past, breathtaking locations, and even its people are sure to tug at your heartstrings and leave a mark on forever! As you begin planning an itinerary, the first thing to do is apply online for a Cambodia travel visa and then proceed with the rest.
How Safe Is Cambodia for Solo Travelers?
You will be glad to know that traversing through Cambodia will be a breeze. While most travelers are known to flock to Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, those are not the only places where you can visit. And as an alone female traveler, the biggest worries you might have are petty thefts or bag snatching! You are completely safe once you are careful with your phone and small knick knacks.
Note: As a female traveler, pack your luggage with a few modest clothes because you might need to keep your shoulders and knees covered as a sign of respect while entering temples.
Packing and Planning: Doing the Needful for a Solo Trip to Cambodia
Visiting a foreign land all alone requires you to be vigilant at all times. From planning the itinerary well in advance to making all the bookings to packing the right items, a lot happens before you take off on a flight.
Before going into the major steps, let us have a basic idea on the necessary items to pack.
- Passport
- A printed copy of the Cambodia travel visa
- Travel insurance
- Pepper spray
- A multipurpose knife
- Currency (US dollars and Cambodian riel)
- Debit and credit card
- Money belt
- Adapters and chargers with different plug types
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle
- SPF-protected sunglasses
- Mosquito repellent
Besides these, you pack clothing items and other necessary things. Set the luggage in place, and know about the other necessary steps that follow.
Step 1: Visa Application
A solo girl's trip requires caution in every aspect, no matter how safe the country is. Begin by having all documents in place for a seamless journey. With a visa application done well in advance, you eliminate the risk of facing any last-minute complication.
With 3-months validity, a 30-day Cambodia travel visa (Type T) will let you tour all over the country, get engaged in leisure and recreational activities, and explore the most popular destinations. All you have to do is log into our online portal, fill in the application form with the correct details, pay the fee, and submit the application form. You will receive the eVisa in your email ID in just a few days!
Step 2: Landing in Cambodia
It's a slim prospect to get a direct flight to Cambodia. If you are traveling from North America, Europe, Africa, or Australasia, you might have to reach Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur first. From here, you can go on to Phnom Penh International Airport, or if your destination is direct to Angkor Wat, reach Siem Reap International Airport. Carry a printed version of the Cambodia travel visa and present at the time of entry.
Solo travelers also cross the borders of neighboring countries of Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. You can either take a bus or train; you can easily book tickets online. If you are keen on slow-traveling and have time in hand, opt for a private boat ride along the Mekong River. Begin your boat ride from Ho Chi Minh and reach Phnom Penh.
Step 3: Finding a Place to Stay
Back in the 90s, Cambodia was hailed as a Backpacker's Retreat due to its affordable homestays and guest houses. The scenario has not changed much, and the country will offer you plenty of suitable accommodation options. And if you seek luxury stays, book boutique retreats in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Koh Rong Island, and Preah Vihear in the north.
However, consider your budget when booking a luxury hotel. Splurging on hotels is a personal choice, but if you do not want that, you can easily stay at a hostel. Share a room with someone or stay alone; do as you wish.
Step 4: Getting around in Cambodia
Air-conditioned buses are a great option to go around in Cambodia and visit the major sightseeing spots. It is absolutely safe for female travelers; you can book the bus online easily. And if your destination is within the city, avail motorized tuk-tuks or man-powered cyclos. If you are up for a beautiful ride with a little time in hand, take the boat from Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. You can also take the train from Phnom Penh and reach the northwest Battambang Province.
One thing that is not advisable is car rides. They are unnecessarily expensive, and the road conditions are not suitable as well.
Tips to Exercise Caution as a Solo Traveler
The world is not too friendly to a woman; she has to be on her toes wherever she goes. Even though Cambodia is considered a safe space for solo travelers, prevention is always better than cure.
Avoid sparsely-populated areas: Be careful if traveling alone at night. If in doubt, avoid dark places and travel to areas that are well-lit and full of people.
Carry some self-defense items: Carry the pepper spray and the multipurpose knife in your bag wherever you are going, and also keep an emergency number on your speed dial.
Trust your gut: Ladies, pay attention to that gut feeling, and do not visit places that may seem sketchy.
Keep your bag close: Carry a sling bag or something that remains secured to your body so that they do not get snatched while you ride on motorbikes or tuk-tuks.
Keep phone in your bag: Do not hold out your phone on busy streets as they might get snatched by someone on a motorbike.
Keep valuables in the hotel: Keep valuable belongings, extra cash, and important documents locked in the hotel, and do not carry them unnecessarily with you
Visit well-mapped areas: Do not waver from the defined roads and trails, especially in rural areas, as there are quite a few unexcavated mines in Cambodia
Document rentals: For rental motorbikes, take pictures of their condition before riding so that no one can charge you any extra money for any damaged part that already exists.
Keep your documents with you: Never hand over your passport or the printed version of the Cambodia travel visa to anyone.
Take note of money: Be sure of the money you have to pay before taking a tuk-tuk or a motorbike.
Ready to Take a Solo Trip to Cambodia?
With caution in mind and adventure at heart, the time has come for you to set off on a solo trip to the land of Angkor Wat! Pack your bags carefully with all the important items, and do not forget to apply for the Cambodia travel visa in advance. With a detailed itinerary planned, cover all the important sightseeing locations and see what Cambodia has in store for you! The land is sure to amaze you at every step!
For any query regarding the visa application, contact us right away.