Why solo travellers love Cambodian cycling tours February 24, 2020 Why Solo Travellers Love Cambodia Cycling Tours Cambodia is a great place to travel alone, whether you're male or female. It is largely considered safe with very low rates of confrontational crimes. We would consider it the same level of risk as most Australian cities. Is Cambodia safe to travel alone for women? What to look out for and precautions to take Crimes against tourists are low in Cambodia, but that’s not to say they never happen. The Australian Government considers Cambodia safe to travel and rates it equal to New Zealand. The most common type of crime that targets tourists is ‘snatch and grab’ crime, where a passing motorbike may snatch a phone or handbag. This is more common in Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. To avoid this, ensure your bag is over both shoulders and be vigilant when using your phone as a camera. Stand back from the street where a motorbike cannot easily access and then get snap happy.The chances of sexual assault are also quite low, but are increased when solo female travellers and perceived to be greatly intoxicated. In these cases, perpetrators are often fellow travellers as much as they are local men. It’s never advised to get let your hair down too much and get intoxicated in a foreign country, even just due to the increased risk of losing your wallet/purse, forgetting your hotel location or falling over and injuring yourself. Take extra caution in places like Pub Street, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville.Learn more about our 7 and 11 day Cambodia adventures here. Previous Next Getting around Cambodia by yourself Planes, trains and boats Cambodia is quite easy to get around by yourself, depending on how you like to travel. By far, the easiest and quickest way is plane. The most common route is between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, which takes about an hour, not including your airport times. The alternative is to take the public bus or a taxi. The driving time is approximately 7 hours, with the bus taking a little longer. A private taxi can cost US$70-US$100 for up to four people.You can also get a boat that will give you an insight into life on the Tonle Sap river. You can go between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh (US$35 and 10 hours), or Siem Reap and Battambang (US$20 and 6-8 hours). It’s a long day but much more interesting that the view from the bus window.Train is another option, with slow moving passenger and freight trains opening up in the last few years. You can get between Battambang, Phnom Penh and Kampot/Sihanoukville. Find out more information on the Royal Rail website. Tickets cost less than US$10 per ride.As far as we’re concerned, the best way to travel though Cambodia is by bicycle. The country is completely flat with the exception of Cardamom mountains, and theres always accommodation options within 100km from every direction you could take. If you choose to cycle however, we’d strongly recommend staying far away from all the major highways as there is little shoulder and lots of truck. Choose small roads between villages instead.Learn more about travel essentials, such as visas, packing lists, weather and much more. Previous Next Finding accommodation for solo travellers From backpackers to baby boomers There is an enormous amount of accommodation options to choose from in Cambodia, and hotels cater to every budget.High end: There is no shortage of international five star standard hotels. If you want to drop in excess of US$300 per night for a hotel, there’s an abundance of hotels lining up to take your money. You’ll find these only at Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville.Low end: You can’t walk more than fifty meters without a hostel offering dorm rooms for about US$8. They vary considerably in quality and atmosphere, with some offering local basic rooms and others catering to a party crowd. Do your research and find reviews in regards to safety.Sweet spot: In our opinion, the best value hotel is between US$30-US$50 per night. Chances are, the hotel will have a pool, clean, safe and secure rooms, 24 hour reception, a safe in the room and 24 hour security. If you’re only going to be in Cambodia for a week or two, this is worth spending your money on. Previous Next Joining a group tour Take the worry out of planning and see the best the country has to offer If you’re not sure about what to do and where to go, consider joining a tour group. There’s many companies offering group tours with a huge variety in the offer. Look beyond price and itinerary, as different companies attract different kinds of people. Some brands attract a party crowd, so if that’s what you’re looking for, then definitely consider that as an option.At Social Cycles, we offer a cycling experience that takes recreational riders into local villages via back roads. It’s aimed at the broader market, not specifically experienced cyclists or athletes. We believe you should have time to stop and take photos, drink coffee and meet locals along the way. We also strongly believe in meeting grass root charities along the way in a bid to learn more about social impact issues and what programs are in place to support the local community. As a result, we attract many like minded people, who are socially conscious, responsible travellers. Previous Next How far is help if you need it? Local health clinics, hospitals and tourist police Tourist Police: Contact: Phnom Penh (+855 012 942 484) or Siem Reap (+855 012 402 424). The tourist police exist to police the tourists, more so than to help them. Unfortunately, the police are quite low paid and as a result, they are often looking to supplement their salary. If you want the police to actually find something that has been stolen, you will need to offer a reward. ‘Face’ is very important too. If you lose your cool, chances are you will be fined for something. If you were to get into an accident with a local and you keep your cool and show respect to the police whilst the local loses it and shouts, chances are you will win the argument regardless of who was right or wrong.Health clinics and hospitals: The good news is that health clinics are everywhere, including some smaller villages in rural communities. International standard hospitals are in the major cities including Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. First aid is never far away, although it is not worth waiting for an ambulance should you need it. If you (or somebody else) was involved in a road accident need medical attention, the fastest way to deal with it would be to get local help from a passer by and get transported to hospital. Previous Next Share the journey Share on facebook Share on twitter Share on linkedin Share on whatsapp Share on email Feeling inspired? Cambodia Learn More Cambodia & Vietnam Learn More Vietnam & Laos Learn More Cambodia Learn More Cambodia & Vietnam Learn More Vietnam & Laos Learn More Laos Learn More Recent posts you might like to read... Bridging Worlds: How Social Cycles Combines Travel and Charity September 26, 2023 Bridging Worlds: How Social Cycles Combines Travel and NGOs In an era where the world is becoming increasingly interconnected, individuals are seeking more meaningful and transformative travel experiences. Travel is no longer just about sightseeing or leisure; it has evolved into a powerful tool for personal growth and global impact. 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Send Share the journey Share on facebook Share on twitter Share on linkedin Share on whatsapp Share on email Follow our ride Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram Pinterest Our latest posts Bridging Worlds: How Social Cycles Combines Travel and Charity Bridging Worlds: How Social Cycles Combines Travel and NGOs In an era where the world Read More » Hope Box Vietnam NGO HOPEBOX VIETNAM NGO A super brief introduction and snapshot to the wonderful programs withinHope Box Read More » Lone Buffalo Laos NGO LONE BUFFALO PHONSAVAN LAOS NGO A super brief introduction and snapshot to the wonderful programs Read More » The best cycling route from Vientiane to Luang Prabang Laos Our cycling routes from Vientiane to Luang Prabang in Laos Here are all the details Read More » Risk free travel in a post Covid world Social Cycles is Ready to Ride! 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