Let’s face it, we all want to travel. Many of us have a desire to step outside our comfort zone – even if only a little bit – and bring home memories that can only be experienced once in a lifetime. However, the question always rises, “I want to travel somewhere new, but where should I go and what can I afford?”

You’re not alone. According to Internet Marketing Inc. 86 percent of millennials want to travel to experience a new culture different from their own, and 76 percent chose travel destinations based on recommendations. Millennials are also typically spending less on travel than other generations.

If you are a budget-conscious traveler but are looking for a way to bring out your adventurous side, then Cambodia should be next on your list.

Cambodia is located in Southeast Asia and borders Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. In recent years, Cambodia has become a beacon for tourism among the millennial generation, but many are still unaware of the treasures it holds. It’s such a versatile travel destination with many opportunities to satisfy the need for adventure for the more ambitious tourists who visit, all while still engaging those who are looking for simplicity. So, here are five reasons why the next time you travel, you should choose Cambodia as your destination.

1. Budget Friendly

You will find Cambodia offers so many options for travelers who want quality experiences while on a budget. The USD is one of the main forms of currency throughout the country and your money will go a long way. One of the most popular modes of transportation in Cambodia is the tuk tuk – a four-person cart pulled by a motorbike. This typically costs about one dollar per person to ride, and the drivers are usually up for negotiation when it comes to price. You will also find hostels along every street housing travelers from all over the world. Prices range from about two to 10 dollars per day. It’s a great way to meet new people all while saving money for other things like souvenirs! The markets are a wonderful way to experience the culture in Cambodia, and it’s a great opportunity to buy a variety of things for very low, negotiable prices.

 

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2. Plenty of Western Influence

Although Cambodia is perfect for the adventurous traveler looking to experience a culture shock, it also suits those who may be afraid to step too far out of their comfort zone. For the tourist who is still wary of traveling to a place with such a different culture, it’s not as contrasting as you may think. Cambodia has become a hot spot for western tourism in the last few years. For example, according to the 2017 Tourism Statistics Report, in 2017 alone 44,134 people traveled to Cambodia from the US, the UK, and France, and tourism has started to offer some commodities that many westerners may be used to. There are numerous western food options at nearly every restaurant in the major cities. They can even be found unexpectedly in the more rural areas. You will also find many hotels, hostels, and even public restrooms that have a more westernized feel to them.

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3. Breathtaking Sites

Cambodia is home to thousands of years of culture, with dozens of structures from the Royal Palace of Phnom Penh to the nearly thousand-year-old temples of Angkor. Here are some popular tourism sites throughout Cambodia:

 

Angkor Wat

Angkor, Siem Reap

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Visiting any of the temples around Angkor is an amazing opportunity to learn about Cambodia’s culture. Angkor Wat is one of the more touristy spots to see, but you’ll see from the Cambodian flag that this temple holds so much importance to the culture. You can visit by a guided tour or on your own. Either way, you’ll be able to get an up close and personal view of this magnificent structure.

The Royal Palace

Phnom Penh

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The Royal Palace, located in the capital city of Phnom Penh, is a great attraction to spend morning at. You will have a glimpse into the throne room (no pictures!). You will also have the opportunity to view some of the decades old traditional garments worn by members of the Royal Family. A word of advice when visiting the Royal Palace: for men and women all clothing must cover knees and shoulders or you will not be allowed inside.

Bayon Temple

Angkor, Siem Reap

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Bayon Temple is known to be one of the most stunning temples in the Angkor area. With large faces carved into all sides of the 13th century stones, it’s hard not to be mystified at the magnificence of this site.

Banteay Srei

Angkor, Siem Reap

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This temple is quite small, but its beauty is unmeasurable. Carved from pink sandstone in the 10th century, Banteay Srei is located a little farther from the other temples of Angkor. The atmosphere is quiet and serene, and it makes for a quick but memorable trip.

Cambodian Pepper Farm in the Kampot Province

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Cambodia is known for having some of the best pepper in the world. There are many pepper farms scattered throughout the Cambodian countryside. These farms usually hold tours where you can taste the peppercorns and learn about the ways they grow their pepper. This is a great opportunity to purchase pepper and other spices and support local farms.

National Museum of Cambodia

Phnom Penh

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The National Museum is located in Phnom Penh, and it holds hundreds of artifacts dating back to the beginning of Cambodia. Outside the museum is a magnificent garden which gives plenty of opportunities to relax and take gorgeous pictures.

Many of the popular sites in Cambodia are fairly close to cities and may only require an entrance fee or cheap transportation to the sites. Nevertheless, whether you decide to branch out and explore temples or simply stay within the city limits to experience the nightlife, you’ll find many options keeping you immersed in the culture.

4. Fair Trade

One of the most rewarding experiences when exploring Cambodia is to stumble across the fair trade shops scattered throughout the city. This is where all art, clothing, and other materials are handmade. Many of these shops employ the disabled. If you’re looking for a way to contribute to a good cause and local business, buying Cambodian fair trade will do that. These shops can be found all around Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, but they aren’t as common as the marketplaces and usually do not barter the wares.

 

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5. Beautiful Beaches

Cambodia is home to some of the most beautiful, untouched beaches in the world. Many tourists don’t know about the beaches there, or prefer to visit a place that’s more touristy or populated. Cambodia offers several housing options on the coastlines of its beaches for far less than you would find at any all-inclusive resort, and the views can be even more breathtaking.

Otres 1 Beach

Sihanoukville

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Many of the beaches along the coast are typically a 6-hour bus ride away from the capital city of Phnom Penh and there are many transportation companies to choose from that won’t break your budget (buses may range from eight to 15 dollars for a one-way ticket depending on the company). It pays off to do a fair amount of research on bus fares before choosing one, if you want to save as much money as possible!