Beyond Angkor Wat: 5 Surprising Truths About Traveling in Cambodia

Introduction

For years, Cambodia has been treated as an add-on, a brief cultural stopover for travelers primarily heading to the well-trodden paths of Thailand or Vietnam. But a dramatic shift is underway. With a staggering 139.5% year-on-year increase in tourism, Cambodia is rapidly emerging as a stand-alone destination in its own right—one of Southeast Asia's last hidden gems.

While the magnificent temples of Angkor rightly command global attention, they are only the beginning of the story. To truly understand Cambodia today is to look beyond the ancient stones and discover a country of compelling contrasts and unexpected realities. This article will share some of the most surprising and impactful truths you discover when you venture past the famous postcard pictures.

1. Its Greatest Appeal is Being the "Anti-Thailand"

While Thailand offers polished infrastructure and a seamless tourist experience, Cambodia's charm lies in its rawness and authenticity. For many, this is its greatest appeal. It is the experience of travelling Southeast Asia on a mode that isn't the "easy mode" of its more developed neighbor.

This difference is tangible in your wallet, where a mid-range daily budget of $20–$40 USD feels refreshingly light compared to Thailand's $30–$50. It's visible in cities that are "less developed" but possess a "more authentic feel," and it's felt on coastlines where the beaches are "less touristed" and significantly quieter than their bustling Thai counterparts. This raw, less-polished character is not a drawback; it is the core of Cambodia's appeal for a new wave of travelers who value authenticity over convenience.

2. Cash is King (Specifically, American Cash)

One of the most immediate surprises for visitors is the currency. While the official currency is the Cambodian Riel, the de facto currency for nearly all transactions—from hotel rooms and meals to tuk-tuk rides—is the US Dollar. Prices are almost universally quoted in USD, and it's the cash you'll need for your daily expenses.

This has critical practical implications, especially when leaving the main cities. The idyllic islands, for example, are a cash-only economy. If you're heading to Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem, planning ahead is not just a suggestion, it's a necessity.

"Remember to take cash with you, US Dollars are used everywhere, there are no ATM machines on the island and credit card is not well accepted."

3. The "Paradise" Islands Are in a Race Against Time

Travel blogs and guides paint a picture of Cambodia's islands as untouched paradises, but the reality on the ground is that these havens are in the midst of rapid and transformative development. "Massive construction" is already reshaping Koh Rong Samloem, and a new international airport planned for the larger island of Koh Rong will inevitably "increase tourism levels further."

For a cautionary tale, one need only look at the mainland port city of Sihanoukville. Once a popular beach town, it was "torn apart by Chinese investors, building a huge conglomerate of apartments, hotels, and casinos" and is now considered "very unattractive" with "Rubbish everywhere." This precedent creates a palpable sense of urgency for the islands.

This is not a distant threat; it is an ongoing change, leading many seasoned travelers to offer stark advice:

"You must travel to Koh Rong before is too late!"

4. The World's Largest Religious Site Can Feel Surprisingly Undiscovered

Given that Angkor Wat is the world's largest religious monument and draws millions of visitors annually, it's natural to assume it's perpetually overrun. However, it is surprisingly possible to experience this wonder "without the crowds." A well-planned visit, such as a small-group sunrise tour, can provide moments of quiet awe in a place of immense scale.

Furthermore, the Angkor complex is vast. Many travelers discover that some of the most memorable experiences are found at the ruins further from the main tourist route. Temples like Beng Mealea are "quieter, more consumed by jungle and far more atmospheric," offering a true sense of discovery. This unique combination allows you to witness one of the world's "greatest archaeological sites" with a feeling of personal exploration that is nearly impossible to find at other global landmarks of its stature.

5. The Cultural Rivalry with Thailand Isn't What You Think

Spend any time online, and you'll encounter heated arguments about whether Thailand "stole" from Khmer culture, especially in the comments section of videos comparing Muay Thai and Kun Khmer. The debate, however, is far more nuanced than a simple accusation of theft. The historical Khmer Empire was a dominant power whose cultural influence naturally spread into the lands that are now Thailand.

But the story doesn't end there. Thailand was never colonized and was able to preserve many shared traditions that were "nearly wiped out" in Cambodia during the devastating Khmer Rouge regime. In a fascinating historical reversal, some of these traditions were "later revived or reintroduced through Thailand, which had kept them alive." This complex, intertwined history defies simple narratives of cultural appropriation.

"It's not as simple as one country 'stealing' from another. Culture moves with people, trade, wars, and migrations."

Conclusion

Cambodia is a country of fascinating, powerful contrasts. It is home to one of the world's most magnificent ancient wonders, yet its greatest appeal may be its untamed, modern grit. It is one of the most popular emerging destinations, yet it still offers profound moments of solitary discovery. It is a nation deeply proud of its history, yet its cultural identity is a complex tapestry woven with its neighbors.

This is a country in motion—ancient, resilient, and modernizing at a breakneck pace. As Cambodia rightly steps into the global tourism spotlight, can it preserve the very authenticity and 'grit' that makes it so compelling today?