Cambodia Backpacking Route: Using eVisa for Budget Trips

Backpacking through Cambodia is a dream for many travelers seeking an affordable adventure filled with culture, history, and natural beauty. From the bustling streets of Phnom Penh to the serene beaches of Sihanoukville and the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, Cambodia offers a diverse experience for every budget traveler. Planning a route using the Cambodia eVisa ensures a smooth entry into the country, saving time at borders and allowing more focus on exploring. This guide will help you map out an exciting backpacking route that’s cost-friendly and unforgettable.

Starting Point: Phnom Penh—Cambodia’s Vibrant Capital

The majority of backpackers start their trip at the bustling capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh. The city provides some blend of culture, history and modern atmosphere. The riverside has affordable and conveniently located hostels or guesthouses where the budget travelers can stay. The places of interest are the Royal Palace, Wat Phnom, and the busy Central Market. There are cheap eats in the streets and they are tasty, whether it is noodle soup or fresh tropical fruits. With the eVisa, entry will be hassle free and you will have more time to enjoy the place than standing in long queues at the border. It will not take much time to explore the beauty of the city in 2-3 days before proceeding to the North or to the coastal areas.

Must-Visit Spots in Phnom Penh:

Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda: Explore stunning architecture and rich history.
Central Market: A perfect place for souvenirs, local snacks, and affordable clothing.
Wat Phnom: Offers insight into Cambodian culture and city history.
Tuol Sleng Museum & Killing Fields: Learn about the country’s tragic past (optional, but impactful).

Eating on the street: Phnom Penh has the cheapest and tastiest street food, including noodle soups, fried rice, and tropical fruits. The eVisa will give the traveler more time to enjoy the attractions in the city by avoiding the long queues at the border.

Siem Reap & Angkor Wat – Cultural and Spiritual Heart

Then, go to Siem Reap where one can enter the world-renowned temples of Angkor Wat. The comfortable and affordable hostels and guesthouses around Pub Street are budget friendly. Temples are not the only thing that Siem Reap offers, there are also colorful night markets, local cuisine, and cultural performances. Angkor Wat and other temple complexes are also a must visit and with an eVisa, you are guaranteed a stress free entry. Another popular way of visiting the temple sites at low costs is by way of renting bicycles or scooters by many backpackers. A 3-4-day stay is sufficient to visit some of the largest temples and not the least popular places.

Exploring Angkor Temples:

Angkor Wat: Sunrise visits are magical and worth the early wake-up.
Bayon Temple: Famous for its serene faces carved in stone.
Ta Prohm: Known as the “Tomb Raider Temple,” with trees growing through the ruins.
Angkor Thom Complex: Includes several historic and artistic temples.

Budget Travel Hints: To go round exploring the temples, rent out a bicycle or scooter that is cost effective. Siem Reap has street food stands and local markets that are affordable and offer traditional Cambodian food. With the e Visa, it is a hassle-free experience when entering the country and you can spend the time admiring the temples and not moving around with a bagful of paper.

Coastal Escape: Sihanoukville & Surrounding Islands

To spend some time in the beach, visit Sihanoukville and its adjacent islands such as Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem. Budget travelers would be welcome there as these islands are full of simple bungalows and local food which is cheap. You can spend time in the clean beaches, swimming in the clean waters or on the jungles. With an eVisa, it will be easier to travel between Phnom Penh or Siem Reap and Sihanoukville because there will be no border delays. However, 2-3 days here will give your backpacking trip a revitalizing sea adventure.

Things to Do on the Coast:

Relax on Long Beach or Otres Beach.
Take a boat tour to Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem.
Enjoy fresh seafood at local markets.
Explore jungle trails and hidden waterfalls on the islands.

Budget Ideas: Use local ferries or shared vans to save money. Food is cheap at the islands and small food joints. An eVisa would make it easier to cross land borders in case you are traveling to Phnom Penh or other inlands.

Northern Cambodia: Battambang & Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures

Tourists can also get a different experience in Cambodian north, especially in Battambang and the countryside near Siem Reap. Venture through battles and villages of local artisans as well as experience the tranquillity of countryside with a ride through the bamboo train in Battambang. The Cambodia eVisa will make sure that entry into the country is flawless even when traveling through the land boundaries and therefore it is easy to access these secrets. 2 days in north Cambodia is a very good addition to an otherwise complete backpacking journey as it has a mixture of city, culture, beaches, and countryside.

Highlights in Northern Cambodia:

Bamboo Train: A quirky, fun ride through rice fields and rural landscapes.
Village Homestays: Experience local life on a budget.
Phnom Sampeau: A hill with stunning views and caves.
Art and Street Scenes: Battambang has an emerging arts scene worth exploring.

The Cambodia eVisa is guaranteeing the ease of entry at the land crossings between neighboring countries or other cities of the Cambodian nation. This will enable budget travelers to spend their time on adventure instead of documentation.

Travel Tips for Budget Backpackers

Accommodation: Use hostels, guesthouses, and homestays. Book in advance for popular areas.
Food: Street vendors and small local restaurants are the cheapest way to enjoy Cambodian cuisine.
Transport: Tuk-tuks, buses, and shared vans are the most cost-effective ways to move between cities.
Daily Budget: $20–$30 per day is feasible for food, accommodation, and local transport.
Planning with eVisa: The eVisa simplifies entry, saving time and giving flexibility for spontaneous travel.

Suggested Backpacking Timeline

Day 1–3: Phnom Penh – Explore the city, markets, and cultural landmarks.
Day 4–7: Siem Reap – Visit Angkor Wat, temples, and local markets.
Day 8–10: Sihanoukville & Islands – Relax on beaches, explore islands.
Day 11–12: Battambang – Bamboo train, rural villages, and scenic views.

This 10–12 day route balances city life, culture, beaches, and off-the-beaten-path adventures for budget-conscious backpackers.

Conclusion

Cambodia is the country of the low-end tourists, with its colorful cities, ancient temples, peaceful beaches, and untamed adventures. The Cambodia eVisa service guarantees the hassle-free entry and more time to enjoy the trip. A trip that takes one through Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, the islands along the Cambodian coast, as well as the towns in the north gives one all the experiences without straining the wallet. Through proper planning, cheap accommodation and transportation available locally, Cambodia can be a great experience in your life as a backpacking destination.

FAQs

Q1: How long is the Cambodia eVisa valid? The eVisa is generally valid for 90 days, giving plenty of time for exploration.

Q2: Can I extend my stay with an eVisa? Extensions are possible in major cities, though planning to stay within the initial validity is recommended.

Q3: Is the eVisa accepted at all entry points? Yes, it is accepted at most airports and land borders, making travel convenient for backpackers.

Q4: How quickly can I receive the eVisa? Most travelers receive it within 3 business days, which is ideal for last-minute planning.

Q5: Should I carry a printed copy of the eVisa? Yes, it’s recommended to carry a printed copy to avoid any delays at entry points.