Phnom Penh is the capital city of Cambodia and makes for a nice weekend getaway from Ho Chi Minh City. It is about a 6 hour bus ride, including a stop at the border to get your Cambodian visa, which is only $25. If the bus driver decides to stop at the border for a snack break, this is a convenient place to get a Cambodia sim card for your phone and exchange money. It is best to exchange your money for US dollars, most vendors and restaurants prefer this over Cambodian Riel. The bus ride over also entails a ferry ride, providing a nice stretch break and a chance to buy fresh fruit or beverages.
Phnom Penh is similar to Saigon in many ways, most people drive motors bikes, there are street vendors everywhere, and every price is negotiable. The streets are less crowded though and most people abide by traffic laws. Tuk-tuks are also a very popular form of transportation, mostly for foreigners. It is important to negotiate a price with the driver before you get in for a ride though because they may try and charge an astronomical price. A benefit of traveling in Cambodia is that everything is very cheap, the US dollar goes further here than it does it Vietnam, but don’t be afraid to try and get a better deal despite the lower prices.
A popular place to hang out in Phnom Penh is by the river. Several restaurants and a night market line the street facing the river, which makes for a bustling nightlife. It is common to see young children trying to sell flowers, gum, or trinkets to foreigners here. It is important to remember not to buy from these children though because it encourages child labor and in most situations the children receive only a small portion of the money they make.
