Backpacking offers you the freedom to see new things every day, meet new people, party as much as you want and celebrate a sense of freedom like no other. And Cambodia, the penultimate backpacking destination in Asia, pretty much seems to fit the bill. Backpacking through Cambodia is an experience like no other cheap, friendly and historical. It is host to memorable landscapes and beguiling contrasts of natural beauty to party scenes where you will never run out of things to do. Take a look at all that can keep you busy as a backpacker there.

1. Explore locales with an old-world charm

While most backpackers stop here for a couple of days before moving on to Thailand, they often wish they hadn’t. Despite its hard history, Cambodia is rich in wonderful times gone by with sleepy towns and cities, and is a delight with old-world charm and faded architecture. You can spend years exploring it!

2. The architecture is worth walking through

 If you’re the kind who likes taking pictures, there really isn’t any other place than the hinterlands of Cambodia to take some awesome photographs. It’s got some amazing architecture, including the monumental temples at Angkor Wat, majestic rivers and stunning, green, open plains for miles around.

3. Getting around is easy, so go and see all the major attractions

Travelling in Cambodia is going to be slow, but not uncomfortable. There are several buses for the major destinations and for those who want a private ride, there are the ubiquitous tuktuks. Otherwise, there are share taxis and pick-up trucks that offer you a ride. These are your best options to explore the country. If travelling on waterways, there are frequent and crowded boats plying these routes.

4. As a backpacker, you will have time to soak in some history

Cambodia is rich in history and has had a troubled past. You can learn more about this deeply fascinating place by visiting museums or walking through historic sites such as the Killing Fields and Royal Palace.

5. You will get to see mystical ancient temples

No visit to Cambodia is complete without visiting the Angkor Wat. It’s the only country in the world to have a building on their flag, which tells you how important this place is. Most people associate Cambodia with this network of ancient temples and with good reasons. It is mystical in the sunrise and will wow you with its structural beauty but when you are actually there, you’ll see thousands of other such Hindu temples and ponds that were built in the 12th century. Also try and visit some less frequented temples here, they offer a dramatically different experience, since they have been claimed by the overgrown jungle, thus making them quite mysterious.

6. Indulge without spending a fortune 

This place is amazingly cheap. Travelling in Asia often means that your money goes a lot further than in other places but in Cambodia it’s even better. This is a place that’s cheaper than its neighbours in every way from beer to food to stay. Particularly for Indians, since Rupee holds much weight against their Riel, thus making you feel ever so richer.

So it’s up to you to either save your money or spend the same amount and live much finer than you normally would have done. Dorm beds are super cheap at 3$ a night. You’re also going to be exposed to some crazy food so if you have a weak stomach, watch out as the local eat deep fried insects and other less savoury items. A tip here is to pay in local currency to avoid getting overcharged.

7. You can choose to get some peace or enjoy a crazy party

The buzzing history is one thing, but Cambodia also has forested highlands and splendid rivers along with remote islands, idyllic beaches and a lot of calm. But, there’s no need to miss the crazy party scene and Siem Reap with its bustling tourism industry and tequila shots! Phnom Penh, Siam Reap and Sihanoukville, all have pretty amazing nightlife, which can get a bit crazy with each town having its own different scene.

8. Get involved with their way of living

When you’re backpacking, you’re going to meet the locals and interact with them a lot more. This is one aspect where Cambodia really shines. Its people are the friendliest, most helpful and welcoming. This is really important to the backpacker community as they stay in small, local accommodations and not big multinational hotels. Living among the locals will give you a chance to observe their lifestyle.

Backpacking through Cambodia can actually be therapeutic, its does some good to cool your nerves and to slow you down. It is a rural society with some of its heartlands hardly changing in generations. The moment you step into Cambodia the pace of things suddenly slows down. Even when it’s tourist season it’s really peaceful and as you leave the capital Phnom Penh, you can feel the slow pace taking you back in time with the perfect landscapes. Once you are there, we’re sure you would never want to leave.

Nicole

A poet with a penchant for prose and the itch to travel, Nicole Reed is an assistant editor and features writer for a daily newspaper, struggling to find a way out of the concrete mess by dreaming of one day living and breathing off words in an idyllic country setting somewhere. Having been editor of her college magazine, written for a number of publications including Shamiana’s short film newsletter and as a current student of Literature from the University of London, Nicole sees writing like travel - an adventure – a journey to find her place, to define and redefine who she is over and over again and to live and learn through the process.

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