One Month in Cambodia: My Honest Summary & Verdict

Ever wondered what it’s really like to experience Cambodia — whether for a short vacation or a longer stay?

If you're curious about what this country has to offer, and whether it's worth adding to your travel list, this article is for you.

Or you can watch video as well

About me

My name is Andrii, and I’ve been living a nomadic lifestyle since the summer of 2021.

Instead of rushing through destinations, I prefer to travel slowly and spend at least a month in each city — that way, I can see more than just the top tourist attractions. I try to get a real feel for daily life and understand whether it’s a place I could actually live in.

For Cambodia, my visa allowed me to stay for just one month. So, I decided to split my time between two cities: Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

me: This video is my honest summary of that experience — the good, the bad, and everything in between.

Why I Came to Cambodia

I didn’t prepare much for this trip. Lately, I’ve been trying to go with the flow — to discover each country more naturally, without a strict plan.

My plan was to visit all countries in Southeast Asia, and Cambodia was naturally on the list. I definitely wanted to see Siem Reap because of the ancient temples — I’ve heard about them so many times and felt like it’s one of those must-see places.

As for Phnom Penh, I picked it because it’s the capital, and I always want to see how people live in the biggest city of the country. I wasn’t expecting anything specific, and I think that helped me keep an open mind.

I also chose to come just after the high season, hoping for fewer tourists and easier accommodation. I didn’t know exactly what I’d find — but I was ready to explore.

Phnom Penh: The Real & Raw Side

When you look up what to do in Phnom Penh, most results point to the dark chapters of Cambodia’s history — the Killing Fields and genocide museums. These are important to understand the country’s past, but I decided to focus on the present: what does Phnom Penh feel like now?

Instead of following a tourist checklist, I explored the city on foot, taking a different route every day. This helped me discover parts of the city that weren’t mentioned online — like local parks, markets, and random quiet streets where life just happens.

One of my discoveries was the street markets. Here, you can find freshly made meals for $1–$2. In contrast, supermarkets were filled with imported products from Australia or the U.S., and the prices were much higher. So if you’re visiting on a budget — or just want to eat local — stick to the markets.

I also found a spot filled with birds — kind of like a little nature corner in the middle of the city. Locals sell bananas here (usually overpriced), but if you bring your own from a market, you can feed the birds and maybe even touch them. It’s a simple but fun experience, especially if you love animals.

Another thing that surprised me was how active the city becomes in the evening. Around sunset so many people go outside to walk, jog, dance, play football or badminton. There’s a social energy that’s really inviting. Whether you’re staying for a week or a month, just joining in or watching from the side can make you feel connected.

Also, Phnom Penh has its own temples, so feel free to visit them as well.

Siem Reap: The Magical Side

Siem Reap had been on my radar for a while — mostly because of the famous Angkor temples. I knew they were spread out over a large area, so I decided to rent a bicycle. Honestly, that was one of the best decisions I made on the whole trip.

With the bike, I had total freedom to explore at my own pace. I could visit temples early in the morning, late in the evening, or even stop somewhere quiet just to enjoy the views. It also helped me avoid crowds and save money compared to hiring a tuk-tuk.

One of my favorite moments was visiting the temples at night. While you can’t go inside after dark, you can photograph them from the outside, and it felt magical to be there with hardly anyone around.

Siem Reap also offers a surprising amount of nature. There are parks, a botanical garden, and even spots where you can watch wildlife. If you're someone who needs a nature fix during your travels, you’ll have plenty of options here.

At the same time, the city has a lively urban side — especially around the river and central area. Colorful lights, good cafes, and friendly energy make it a pleasant place to unwind in the evenings.

The Highs & Lows

Overall, I really enjoyed Cambodia. It's a colorful country with beautiful architecture, vibrant street life, and kind people.

One of the best things is how easy it is to connect with nature — even in the bigger cities. Parks, riversides, birds, and greenery are never far away.

Public transport between cities worked well for me. I found comfortable buses with Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Within the cities, tuk-tuks and taxis are easy to arrange through apps.

Now, a few things that stood out:

• Supermarket prices were a surprise. Most items are imported, so they can be very expensive. If you’re staying a while or want to eat healthier and cheaper, street markets are your best friend — especially for fruits and vegetables.

• I witnessed someone repairing electrical wires and it looked pretty risky, even from a distance. It’s not something that affects tourists but looks interesting.

• There’s a noticeable contrast between wealth and poverty, especially in Phnom Penh. You can see luxury cars like Rolls-Royces or Bentley parked next to small local shops or modest street stalls. It’s a striking visual that highlights the economic divide in the city — and something that really stands out when you’re walking around.

Would I Recommend It for a Visit?

Absolutely, yes.

I have mostly positive memories from my time in Cambodia, and I think it’s a destination that’s worth experiencing — whether for a short vacation or a longer stay.

The highlight for me was biking between the temples in Siem Reap. It gave me flexibility, saved money, and turned every day into a mini adventure. If you're active and enjoy exploring independently, I highly recommend it.

If you're considering moving to Cambodia, I’d suggest visiting during the hottest month first. The heat here can be intense — and it’s better to find out early whether you’re comfortable with that kind of climate.

Closing Words

Thanks for watching this video. If you enjoyed it, feel free to hit the like button and subscribe to the channel — it really helps.

While I’m working on the next video, I’d recommend watching this one next — it’s about my experience in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. You might find some helpful insights there too!