Backpacking Cambodia 

Accommodation in Cambodia

Places to stay at various locations all around Cambodia

Most budget travellers when Backpacking in Cambodia will be staying in local run guesthouses and these can range from cute and friendly places with clean dorms to the bug ridden huts with the old man with a gun for the concierge!

It is going to be a bit hit and miss for finding a nice place to stay in the country, especially in the more remote regions outside of the Cities. Guesthouses can come and go within months and so it is impossible to book ahead. Generally speaking the best guesthouses will fill up before mid-day, so it is advised to get your stay sorted early on. Always ask to see the rooms before committing yourself as many places look good from the outside, but as soon as you see the bed you start regretting your rashness!

Guesthouses in Cambodia are usually in the same price bracket and will be around $2 to $10 for the night, ideal when you are Backpacking. If you want that little degree more of comfort, then paying that extra dollar won’t really hurt, will it?

In Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang and Sihanoukville you will find budget hotels around, but these are sometimes of a dubious quality and for an inflated price. It some circumstances, a decent guesthouse are usually better value and a nicer place to stay. That said there are some comfortable options, but the price has been raised by the UN workers in the region. The average budget to medium range hotel in the larger Cities, cost in the region of $40 for the night.

Top end hotels are only present in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap and are extremely expensive. Some of these so called higher end hotels are dilapidated and seem to be direct form the Soviet book of tourism, whilst others are grander remainders form the colonial era.

Camping is not recommended as the danger of landmines is too great and equipment is impossible to find anyhow. Some travellers have reported seeing campers, but we really do not understand why people take risks like this.

It does not matter where you stay in Cambodia, there is a chance there will be no running water (not to mention hot water), air con or even fans. Some places will claim that they do have these certain amenities, but always ask them to show them to you. Better to be safe than sorry, is that not what they say?

It is also a good thing to remember that the Bathroom facilities will not be like those in your home countries either. Many are just holes in the ground, which you will have to squat over! Not very nice we know, so we advise that you always carry toilet paper with you. More and more hotels and even newer guesthouses are having western style toilets fitted, but at the moment you are likely to have to use the South East Asian variety!

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