Lauraspassport Our 2-week Cambodia itinerary will help those planning to spend two or three weeks in the country to create a balanced itinerary that makes the most of their time while prioritizing a responsible, sustainable, and experience-driven travel style.
It will enable you to discover virtually all the highlights of Cambodia: explore the majestic ruins of Angkor Wat at sunrise or sunset, discover the real countryside, relax on paradise islands that aren’t as touristy as we thought, revel in the vibrant greens, yellows, and pinks of the colonial quarters of Cambodian cities…
Whether you have two weeks or a little more, here’s the ideal itinerary for Cambodia.
Introduction
There are many reasons to visit Cambodia.
A fascinating history
The first thing that springs to mind when you think of Cambodia is the temples of Angkor. This archaeological city is still very well-preserved, and even if nature has reclaimed its rights, it offers a striking contrast between the grandeur of stone and the power of the forest.
The Khmer smile
Cambodia owes its reputation to the unrivaled warmth of its people. Indeed, it’s also known as “The Land of Smiles”, and believe me, it’s not called that for nothing! The Khmer people exude kindness, goodness, and joie de vivre.
The cuisine
Cambodia’s gastronomy is just as excellent as that of Thailand and Vietnam. It emphasizes the balance between aromatic herbs, such as lemongrass, spices, and seafood. Only to taste the Amok (the national dish), it’s well worth the trip.
Visiting Cambodia: The ultimate 2-week itinerary & practical info
When is the best time to visit Cambodia?
Cambodia’s climate is tropical. The best months to travel are January, February, March, and April, as well as November and December during the dry season. Avoid the rainy months of May, June, July, August, September, and October. Cambodia is hot all year round, with temperatures rarely dipping below 20°C.
Getting around in Cambodia
Thanks to the 12go site, you can easily book transport from one city to another. Use also the app Grab to book tuk-tuk or taxis to avoid misleading prices.
Do you want to combine this trip with Thailand or Laos? Discover my complete Laos guide and Thailand guide.
My 2 weeks itinerary in Cambodia
📍 Siam Reap (3 days)
📍 Phnom Penh (2 days) – Journey time: 6 hours by bus
📍 Koh Rong Samloem (4 days) – Journey time: 4.5 hours by bus + ferry
📍 Koh Rong (3 days) – Journey time : 1 hour by ferry
📍 Kampot (3 days) – Journey time: 5 hours by minivan (horrible road)
After Cambodia, we head to Vietnam. Find all my articles about this trip HERE !
📍 Step 1 – Siam Reap
Visiting Siem Reap is a must for anyone traveling in Southeast Asia. Siem Reap is the gateway to the world’s greatest wonders, Angkor Wat. This marvelous city should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
There are several passes available to visit the temples of Angkor. The 1-day pass costs $37, the 3-day pass costs $62 and the 7-day pass costs $72. You have 2 options for buying them online or on-site.
There are 3 ways to get around: bike, tuk-tuk or scooter.
📍Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh has been the capital of Cambodia since French colonization. It lies close to the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find some of the most beautiful river walks, bars, and local parks on its banks.
Things to do:
- Walking in the Palais Royal
- Visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (Prison S-21)
- Bassac Lane Bar Crawl
- Central Market Stroll
- See the Independence Monument
- Mekong River Cruise
Our accommodation: Phnom Penh House
📍Koh Rong / Koh Rong Samloen
Located off the coast of Sihanoukville, Cambodia, the islands of Koh Rong are famous for their serene beauty. Often described as an “island paradise” by visiting tourists, the island boasts pristine white sand beaches, warm, crystal-clear ocean waters, and a warm tropical climate.
Our accommodation on Koh rong Samloen: Bamboo Jam
📍Kampot
Once a little-known destination, Kampot’s quiet charm has spread and is now part of a standard Cambodian itinerary. The town’s relaxed atmosphere betrays the sheer number of things to do in the area, which can easily fill a few days of action or relaxation.
Things to do:
- Visit a Pepper plantation at La plantation
- Kep market
- Kampot village
Our accommodation: River tree villa
Practical guide: visiting Cambodia
- Paper: You need a tourist visa to enter the country, valid for 30 days. You can obtain it online or at the border. The passport must be valid for 6 months after the date of return. We recommend that you take out travel insurance to cover medical expenses and repatriation.
- Health: No vaccinations are required, but some may be recommended.
- History: The country has a shocking past, which took place not so long ago. During the four-year reign of the Khmer Rouge, around 2 million people were killed. That’s a fifth of the population. As a result of the genocide that took place from 1975 to 1979, 63% of the Cambodian population is under the age of thirty.
- Money: Cambodia has 2 currencies. The Cambodian riel (KHR) is the country’s official currency. However, the US dollar is widely accepted in most places. Rials are generally used for small transactions (e.g. cigarettes, fruit or drinks bought in a market), while dollars are used in restaurants, hotels and supermarkets. It is therefore common to pay in US dollars and receive change in riels. Strict laws prohibit the acceptance of cash, especially a torn and dirty $100 bill, so it’s best to make sure your money isn’t damaged. If it is, even stores may refuse it.
- Language: Khmer is the official language of Cambodia, and almost 90% of the country’s inhabitants can speak it. Most Cambodians also speak English.
- Holidays: Cambodians celebrate the New Year in April.
- Safety: Cambodia is safe, but you need to be careful with your belongings, probably more so than in any other Southeast Asian country. It’s a good idea not to take your phone out when you’re traveling in a tuk-tuk or even on the street, as thieves are always on the lookout for such opportunities.
- Buying: It’s common to bargain when shopping in the markets, taking motorcycles, tuk-tuks or cyclos. Prices at less luxurious hotels can also be reduced, especially if you plan to stay several nights or more.
- SIM card: Metfone is the country’s most popular SIM card provider. You can also contact Smart or Cellcard.
- International airport: Cambodia’s international airport is Phnom Penh.
- Religion: Buddhism has been the dominant religion in Cambodia for centuries.
- Cuisine in Cambodia: During your trip to Cambodia, let yourself be seduced by authentic cuisines such as Amok or Cambodian-style fish, Beef loc lac, Kep crab or kdam chaa,…
Practical guide: Some facts about Cambodia
- Cambodia’s flag is the only one in the world to feature a building.
- Angkor Wat is the heart and soul of Cambodia. A World Heritage site, it was built in the early 12th century and is the world’s largest religious complex.
- Angkor Wat is the largest religious structure on the planet.
- Millions of active landmines are still scattered across the country.
- The Tonlé Sap is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Covering some 10,000 square kilometers during the rainy season, this unique freshwater lake shrinks to just 3,000 square kilometers during the dry season.
- Locals believe that geckos can predict marriage. According to local superstition, counting the chirps of a gecko will tell you whether you’ll be lucky enough to get married.
Useful Khmer vocabulary
- Hello : Tchoumm riép sour.
- Thank you : Ankoun.
- Please : Som.
- Bye : Li Haîî ou Li aille.
- Yes : un homme dit : Bha, une femme dit : Thia.
- No : Arthè (le R se prononce à peine).
- No, thanks : Arthè Ankoun.
- How are you ? : Sok Sabaille ?
- Where are you going? : Neak tov na ? ( par politesse… Neak anh-tcheunh tov na ?)
- See you : Bântech teat tchuop knea.
- Hospital : Monti pét.
- Doctor : Peth.
- Restaurant : Haang bai.
- Water : Theuk.
- Sorry : Som toh..
- C’est combien ? : Tlai pon man?
- Money : Luy..
That’s the end of this itinerary and practical guide about the things to do in Cambodia! I hope you enjoy your trip as much as I did ! If you have any questions, feel free to ask under this article.
