Last Updated: 02/08/2020 | February 8th, 2020
Cambodia: it’s full of warm and friendly people, stunning coastlines, a vibrant nightlife, and it has a growing foodie scene. It’s also one of the least expensive countries in the world.
I didn’t have high expectations when I first checked out in 2006. Back then, all I understood about Cambodia was its awful history including the Khmer Rouge and that it was home to Angkor Wat.
But I was blown away by the people and their warmth, spirit, and hospitality; the stunning natural scenery; and the country’s long history. It was wonderful, and I ended up staying weeks longer than I thought I would (I especially liked Phnom Penh). I returned often, including spending over a month there when I was writing my first book. (It produced a terrific base of operations.)
In the last decade or so, Cambodia has grown by leaps and bounds. Sleepy bit towns I checked out before are now megacities, tourists (especially Russians and Chinese) check out en masse, there are more ATMs (there was exactly one in the country when I first went), and there’s a growing expat and foodie scene.
Cambodia still has problems, but it’s a lot more cosmopolitan today than when I first went.
What should you do when you check out Cambodia?
How should you plan your trip?
Below are some itineraries that include the best destinations in Cambodia. You can use them as a guideline to help you make the most of your trip!
What to See and perform in Cambodia: A One-Week Itinerary
Day 1 – Phnom Penh
The capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh has a Wild West ambiance, with dirty streets and a “devil may care” atmosphere. It has a few good attractions and an up-and-coming foodie scene.
The main attraction is the royal Palace. start there, and don’t miss the stunning flower gardens and the Silver Pagoda, whose floor is made up of more than 5,000 silver tiles; inside is an emerald-covered Buddha and a diamond-covered Maitreya Buddha. It also has murals around its outer wall that tell the story of the Ramayana.
On the palace grounds are five stupas, with the two largest to the east consisting of the ashes of King Norodom and King Udung (the two a lot of famous kings of modern Cambodia) and a statue of King Norodom on horseback. Admission is $10 USD for foreigners.
After seeing the palace, learn about the country’s tragic, not-too-distant history. The Tuol Sleng Genocide museum is a former school where the Khmer Rouge interrogated and tortured people in the 1970s. You’ll see rusty beds and abuse devices, in sharp contrast to the stunning trees and lovely jasmine smell in the gardens. Admission is $5 USD for adults and $3 USD for anyone under 18.
Afterward, head to the killing Fields, about 14km from Tuol Sleng. Although a check out to Choeung Ek (the best-known site) may not be the most pleasant way to spend an afternoon, it makes for a hallowed and unforgettable experience, a testament to the dangers of uncontested power. You won’t believe the memorial building in the center that is full of skulls. Admission is only $3 USD; expect to pay at least $15 USD for a return-trip tuk-tuk ride.
(Tip: check out the museum before heading to the killing Fields, as it will open your eyes to the atrocities that occurred here.)
Where to stay in Phnom Penh: Sla shop Hostel – This is a pretty nice hostel not far from restaurants, bars, and attractions. It’s clean, and the beds are comfy and have privacy curtains. The staff (especially Mr. Star) are super friendly, and they can really help you plan your trip.
Day 2 – Phnom Penh
Spend your second day wandering around the city, and start by seeing the independence Monument, created by architect Vann Molyvann and inaugurated in 1958. It was produced to mark Cambodia’s independence from French rule, though it also serves as a de facto war memorial. It’s one of the greatest landmarks in the city and a good place to start your day.
If you’re in the city on a weekend, try to catch an architectural walking tour with KA Tours, which has excellent guides who are trainees or professionals in architecture, plus they’re not very expensive at around $15.
Check out the Cambodian Living Arts Center, a traditional dance school and performance center where you can enjoy trainees in training and see traditional live theatre. This is a fun way to spend a couple of hours while learning about the artistic traditions of the country. You can also take part in a workshop, which last around 90 minutes and cost $15 USD per person.
Make sure you stroll along Sisowath Quay on the Mekong River. The 3km pathway is busy and full of restaurants, bars, cafés, and shops.
Day 3 – Sihanoukville
Get an early start and take a five-hour bus ride to Sihanoukville, named after the ruling prince of Cambodia in 1964. It was a lazy beach town until about 2010, when it took off with travelers (and tons of Chinese and Russian tourists on Paket Turlar)because of its white-sand beaches, nearby deserted islands, excellent diving, and tasty seafood. Its different nightlife full of low-cost booze makes it the premier backpacker party city in Cambodia.
If you’re seeking to absorb some sun, independence beach and Otres beach are probably your best bets. Serendipity beach used to be a terrific party spot, but there’s a lot of Chinese development going on now, so I wouldn’t stay there.
Where to stay in Sihanoukville: Monkey Republic – This hostel is awesome. It’s a happening place, with a bar, restaurant, and pool. The staff is really friendly, and they hold a lot of events. (Say hi to Aaron for me!) They can also organize a lot of day trips for you too.
Day 4 – Sihanoukville
Today is a day for day trips.
From Sihanoukville, hop on a boat and take a 45-minute ride to Koh Rong. While you can stay overnight, if you’re pressed for time, you can do it in a day trip. The beaches here are way better than on the mainland (and a lot less polluted). Snorkeling day trips cost approximately $21 USD and include lunch and equipment; there are PADI-certified institutions in the area that offer a variety of different dive trips for one or more days.
If you don’t feel like heading to Koh Rong, you could book motorbike trip to Bokor national Park (as well as longer, multiday trips if you’re interested). There, you can hike through a terrific rainforest or see the atmospheric ruins of the French aristocracy for whom Bokor was a big drawback in the day. You’ll have some fantastic views and find ruins, waterfalls, and temples all around.
You could also do a day trip to Kampot and the pepper fields in that area too.
Day 5 – Siem Reap
It’s gonna be a busy travel day. From Sihanoukville, you’ll need to return to Phnom Penh and then get on another bus to Siem Reap. I recommend Capitol Tours. It’s a 12-hour ride, so it’ll be evening by the time you get to Siem Reap.
(Note: It’s better to take the night bus so as not to squander a day. You won’t sleep well, but you also won’t lose a day!)
Siem Reap is found on the northeastern side of Tonle Sap Lake and is the main access to Angkor Wat. The center stays a rural old town, with French-style homes and shops. The area around the Old Market is congested with locals and foreigners all the time long.
Where to stay in Siem Reap: Topsky Hostel – This hostel uses basic accommodations in a pretty quiet area that’s not far from the action. try to get a lower bunk with a privacy curtain. The friendly staff will help you arrange a tuk-tuk and activities too.
Day 6 – Angkor Wat
Spend your day at Angkor Wat, the ancient city that was the center of the Khmer empire that once ruled a lot of of Southeast Asia. The temple was developed in the 12th century and covers over 500 acres.
The a lot of popular temples are Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Phrom, and Angkor Thom. I would recommend getting a multiday pass so you can check out a few of the outer temples where there are fewer visitors. You can hire a tuk-tuk for the day for around $20-25 USD or lease bicycles and explore on your own.
Angkor Wat is open daily from 5am to 6pm. Admission is $37 USD per person for a day pass, $62 USD for a three-day pass, and $72 USD for a seven-day pass.
Day 7 – Siem Reap
Enjoy your last day in Cambodia by checking out more of the Siem Reap area. Head over to the Angkor Wat complex for several more hours in the morning and then head over to astonishing Banteay Srei.
Known as “the city of women,” this temple was devoted to the Hindu god Shiva and features a number of impressive red sandstone statues. (You need an Angkor Wat Pass to visit.)
If you have time, check out Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. It is 52km (32 miles) from Siem Reap. Sailing down the river and around the lake provides you a look at how closely Cambodian life is connected to this major waterway. excursions start around $2.50 USD per person.
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What to See and perform in Cambodia: A Two-Week Itinerary
Want to spend more time in Cambodia? Harika! Malısın! There are tons of other places to visit. here are my suggestions:
Days 1 & 2 – Phnom Penh
Follow the Phnom Penh travel plan from above.
Day 3 & 4 – Sihanoukville
Follow the Sihanoukville travel plan from above.
Day 5 & 6 – Koh Rong
Head out to Koh Rong, which got its name after the legend of a giant King Kong–like ape that once called the island home. It’s a 45-minute trip from Sihanoukville and a terrific place to relax on the beach or go snorkeling. There are a lot of lodging options, and it’s a popular spot with backpackers.
Day trips costs around $25 USD and include lunch and snorkeling equipment, but since you have the time, spend a few nights here kicking back and enjoying beach life.
There are also other islands nearby if you want to stay longer and explore, including Koh Rong Samloem, which is becoming something of a backpacker paradise (there’s even a full Moon party there now).
Days 7 & 8 – Kep
In the morning, travel by bus to Kep, which is about two hours from Sihanoukville. This quaint beach town and fishing village is the quiet version of Sihanoukville: a nice place to relax near the ocean but without a party atmosphere. It’s famous for its pepper crab and empty beaches.
Consider taking two full days here. Sure, it’s quite sleepy and there’s not a lot to do, but it’s the perfect place to relax, eat all the tasty crabs the city is famous for, and read a book. You can also spend a long time on nearby Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay) too, a secluded and captivating escape from the world if you’re seeking to disconnect. basic bungalows can be rented for under $10 USD per night.
Where to stay in Kep: Khmer house Hostel – Kep is pretty spread out, so anywhere you stay, make sure you lease a bike or scooter. This hostel is a good option as it’s not far from the Crab Market.
Day 9 – Kampot
The southern region of Cambodia is full of pepper farms where you can learn about the history of the spice, see how it is grown, and pick up what is considered a few of the finest pepper in the world.
I’d spend one night in Kampot. It’s another quiet town on the coast. a lot of people come here to enjoy the picturesque riverside views as well as the rolling hills that surround the city. The area used to be a vacation for the French, so you’ll see old French design around.
At night, the street near the old bridge is lined with fruit shake vendors. try a million. The city is famous for them.
Also, if you only do one thing in this entire itinerary, make sure it’s eating the ribs at The Rusty Keyhole. They are a few of the best ribs I’ve ever had in my entire life. You have to buy them the day before. You’ll also get healthy side of mashed potatoes and coleslaw too. It’s one of the best meals I’ve ever had. I still dream of it.
Where to stay in Kampot: The Magic Sponge – This is one of my favorite hostels in Cambodia. Make sure you book early, as it has a tendency to sell out. It’s a really nice, kicked back guesthouse where you’ll get your own bed (not a bunk). You’ll feel at home here, and it’s a short walk to the center of town. The dorm spaces are very clean. They also have a bit mini-golf course too.
Day 10 – Kampot
Today, hire hire a tuk-tuk driver to explore the Kampot area. The Phnom Chhngok Cave temple has a religious shrine inside, or you can head out and spend the day in Bokor, as Kampot is relatively close to the park.
Days 11, 12, & 13 – Siem Reap
Follow the Siem Reap travel plan from above. Angkor Wat is best seen slowly, so use your days to explore it as much as possible. There are a lot of out-of-the-way temples to check out that are free of crowds.
Day 14 – Siem Reap
On your last day in Cambodia, why not take a cooking class? The class sizes tend to be around six people, and you will learn to prepare three different meals, as well as get recipe cards at the end. costs start around $20 USD per person; local guesthouses can help arrange a class.
What to See and perform in Cambodia: A Three-Week Itinerary
Have even more time for Cambodia? İyi! Cambodia has a lot more to it than the major areas on the backpacker trail.
Days 1, 2, & 3 – Phnom Penh and Kirirom national Park
Follow the above suggestions, but also head out to Kirirom national Park for a day trip. This park has all kind of walking trails, mountain biking trails, wat