After Being Scammed 3 Times in Cambodia, I Compiled This "Anti-Scam Guide"

Folks! Who can relate? After falling into 3 major tourist traps in Cambodia, I finally cracked the code for budget-friendly yet fulfilling travel—$200 for a pool-equipped homestay, $50 for royal banquet-level feasts, and crowd-free photo ops at Angkor Wat... This guide digs into every detail, screenshot recommended✂️ 📅7 Days & 6 Nights Itinerary (Daily Costs Revealed) Day 1: Phnom Penh · Gallivanting Through French Charm ✈️Direct flight from Guangzhou to Phnom Penh (book 1 month early, round trip for $120)→ Visa on arrival ($30 + $1 tip, ignore "fast track" scams at the counter)→ Stay at "Phnom Penh Central Hotel" ($150/night, 10-min walk to Royal Palace, pristine pool) - Lunch: Cambodian sandwich at "Blue Pumpkin" ($8, crispy baguette with pickled papaya) - Afternoon: Royal Palace ($10, touch the silver tiles in Silver Pagoda!)→ National Museum ($10, Angkor-era goddess statues, free tour at 4PM) - Evening: Haggle at Russian Market (wood carvings slashed from $100 to $30—walk away to trigger discounts) 💰Daily spend: Flight $600 + Hotel $150 + Food $50 + Tickets $200 = $1000 Day 2: Phnom Penh → Siem Reap · Millennia-Old Wonders 🚌GST Bus ($16, choose front row for legroom)→ 5.5hrs to Siem Reap→ Stay at "Angkor Courtyard Homestay" ($100/night, free e-bike from Chinese host) - Sunset: Scout Angkor Night Market ($1 grilled squid + $3 mango shake by the river) - Hidden gem: Fish spa at "Angkor Palm" ($5/30min, ticklish nibbles!) 💰Daily spend: Bus $110 + Hotel $100 + Food $30 = $240 Day 3: Angkor Small Circuit · Crowd-Free Photography ⏰Wake at 4:30AM! E-bike to Angkor Wat ($37 1-day pass, saves $25 vs tuk-tuk)→ 5:15AM at lotus pond (avoid crowds—walk 100m right for temple reflections) - 7:00AM: Main temple (climb central tower later, explore bas-reliefs first) - 10:00AM: Bayon Temple (soft noon light for "Khmer Smile" photos) - 2:00PM: Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider site—follow guides to "tree-embracing-stone" spots) - 5:00PM: Phnom Bakheng sunset (arrive early! Left-side platform frames temples + jungle) 💰Daily spend: Tickets $250 + E-bike $5 + Food $40 = $295 Day 4: Angkor Grand Circuit · Hidden Temples 🛵Depart 9:00AM (sleep in! Fewer crowds)→ Banteay Srei (pink sandstone glows—close-up shots only, no touching) - Noon: Amok fish at "Lotus Restaurant" ($8, banana-leaf wrap with free baguette) - 3:00PM: East Mebon (twin reflections during rainy season) - 5:00PM: Pre Rup (serene sunset spot—listen to wind through ancient stones) 💰Daily spend: Food $80 + E-bike $5 = $85 Day 5: Tonlé Sap · Floating Village Life 🚤Half-day tour ($25, book via homestay for $5 discount)→ Depart 10AM - Floating schools/churches→ Kids sell coconuts (500 riel = great photo prop) - Pro tip: Shoot village layers from lake center - Afternoon: Herbal ball SPA ($15/hour, post-massage euphoria) 💰Daily spend: Tour $170 + SPA $100 + Food $40 = $310 Day 6: Siem Reap → Sihanoukville · Island Mode ✈️Angkor Air ($280, 1hr flight beats 6hr bus)→ Stay at "Sihanoukville Beach Hotel" ($180/night, steps from sand) - Sunset: Ochheuteal Beach ($10 buys 3 fresh lobsters for ginger-scallion stir-fry) 💰Daily spend: Flight $280 + Hotel $180 + Food $100 = $560 Day 7: Koh Rong · Private Crystal Waters 🚤Speedboat ($20, 30min)→ Snorkeling ($30 with GoPro footage) - Lunch: Beachside grilled squid ($5) + Cambodia beer - Afternoon: Claim empty beach (waves > white noise) - 5:00PM: Airport-bound with vacuum-packed cashews ($12) 💰Daily spend: Transport $140 + Snorkel $200 + Food $80 = $420 🍜Must-Eat List (With Local Hacks) 1. Amok Fish: "Khmer Kitchen" ($3 cheaper than tourist traps, customizable spice) 2. Cambodian Hotpot: "Friends the Restaurant" (profits fund charities, $10/person) 3. Baguette: Granny's stall at Old Market ($8 with double eggs/meat) 4. Red Beef Curry: Dip baguette! Try "Curry Walla" ⚠️Life-Saving Tips 1. Angkor Wat: Ignore kids offering flowers (they'll demand $1) 2. Shopping: State your price first ("I pay $XX") 3. Sihanoukville: Skip paid beach chairs—rocks are free (say "no thank you" to hawkers) 4. Water: Use bottled even for brushing (500 riel/bottle prevents stomach issues) Cambodia's magic lies in unexpected wonders—ancient temples or smiling children around every corner. This $2000 trip outshines many $10k+ vacations! Where would you go? Comment to win sunrise Angkor photos📸