Backpacking through Cambodia is one of those adventures you simply cannot skip. The country has its own rhythm, slower and more grounded, and it invites you to slip into photographer mode with its endless scenes of temples, rivers and everyday life. The best bit? It is far cheaper than most of Asia, so your budget stretches further while the experiences feel richer.

Start in Siem Reap, where Angkor Wat rises like something out of a dream. The temples are vast, intricate and atmospheric, especially at sunrise when the spires glow against the sky. Beyond the ruins, Siem Reap has yoga retreats, meditation centres and a laid‑back vibe that makes it easy to linger. It is a place where you can balance cultural exploration with wellness, and where backpackers often find themselves staying longer than planned.

Head south to Kampot, a riverside town with a hippie spirit. Days here are slow, filled with kayaking, pepper farm tours, and evenings spent in cafés strung with fairy lights. Kratie offers something different altogether: dolphin watching on the Mekong, a reminder of Cambodia’s natural wonders. Night markets buzz with colour, bamboo trains rattle through the countryside, and the Cambodian islands tempt with beaches that feel blissfully untouched. Each stop adds another layer to the adventure, and each is easy on the wallet.

Phnom Penh, though, is where the real challenge lies. The city is hot, dusty, and crowded, yet within the chaos is a beauty you will not forget. Monks in saffron robes wander past colonial buildings, children play in the streets, and markets spill over with everything from tropical fruit to second‑hand jeans. Grab a blanket at the central night market, tuck into cheap eats, and share the picnic‑like atmosphere with locals and fellow travellers.

Phnom Penh’s history is sobering but essential to understand. The Royal Palace dazzles with Khmer roofs and gilding, while Wat Ounalom anchors Cambodian Buddhism. The Tuol Sleng Museum and the Killing Fields are difficult visits, reminders of the Khmer Rouge era, but they are important for anyone who wants to grasp the resilience of the Cambodian people.

Balance the heaviness with a trip to Tonle Bati, 35 kilometres south of the city. Coconut trees shade temples, the river invites you in for a swim, and the atmosphere is peaceful. It is the perfect antidote after a day of serious sightseeing.

Cambodia makes life easy for budget travellers. In Phnom Penh, Golden Street near Independence Monument is backpacker central, packed with hostels, pubs and tours. Riverside guesthouses offer quieter stays, while BKK1 has mid‑range digs with a lively bar scene. Even the Boeung Kak Lake area has simple rooms with views worth waking up to. Across the country, guesthouses and hostels are plentiful, cheap, and welcoming.

What makes Cambodia special is the serendipity. It is the kind of place where the best moments are unplanned, where cheap food and friendly faces make every day feel like a story worth telling. You might stumble across monks chanting in a temple, find yourself sharing rice wine with locals, or spend hours chatting with fellow travellers over noodles.

Backpacking here is not just about ticking off sights. It is about embracing the chaos, finding beauty in the challenge, and letting the country surprise you. Cambodia offers a million opportunities to create memories that will last a lifetime.

So sling on your backpack, dive into the adventure, and let your memories be your travel bag.