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2World Travel & Tours is one of the leading tour operators in the Indochina Region and South East Asia specializing in online travel arrangements and air ticketing. We are fully licensed as tour operators, travel agent and recognized as a leading luxury holiday and vacation organizer arranging private and group/private individual tours to Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, China and in Cambodia. With in-depth local knowledge, our friendly tour operators provide holiday experiences that you will remember and treasure long after your holiday has ended. We tailor our tours to suit each traveler

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2WORLD TRAVEL (CAMBODIA)

2WORLD TRAVEL (CAMBODIA)   is the one of the leading travel agent & tour operator in the region specialize in online travel arrangements and worldwide air ticketing with  professional many year’s experience of our knowledgeable and friendly staffs that is specializing in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry  to make your trip more enjoy and feel satisfied with our arrangements and time being with us in Cambodia and Indochina region.

2WORLD TRAVEL (CAMBODIA)  is a fully licensed agency that  registered from the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Tourism, Patent tax, Capital of Phnom Penh and Member of Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA)  as well as the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) ,  as travel agency & tour operator recognized as a leading luxury holiday and vacation organizer in private & group tours in South East Asia.  We have well established contacts from numerous airlines, hotels/resorts, and ground operator that enable us to offer more comprehensive and competitive travel services.

We have competent staff, reliable business partners and round-the-clock customer service to ensure that passenger are in good hands. We commit to ourselves as well as to our valued guests the experience of a lifetime.

We do business to let our guests experience our culture, our people and our country so that at the end of their journey to the Cambodia of Kingdom of Wonder, they will think of coming back!

You know we are competent and you can trust us. Count on us to provide you with a vacation of the highest quality with the most value for your money. We look forward to serving your travel needs with integrity.

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2 Weeks in Cambodia: 2 Itineraries

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Cambodia is an ideal country to spend 14 days trip . During this time, you can cover the top-rated attractions and have extra time to go check out some less-known sights and get away from the tourists. Since it has some islands, you can finish off your trip by relaxing on the beach.

In this itinerary list, you will find 2 different options for spending 2 weeks in Cambodia. If it’s your first time here, do itinerary #1 , but if you want to avoid the tourist trail a little bit, check out itinerary #2 .

Of course, you don’t have to follow everything in each itinerary. You can also use this as a guide in creating your own travel plan. For example, you can swap Siem Reap for a visit to Krong Preah Vihear , then follow the rest of the itinerary.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING CAMBODIA

Apart from travel itineraries to help you plan your travel trip , you will also need some tips on basic things to know about visiting Cambodia the first time. Below, you will find a list of information such as when to go, how to get around, language and currency, and even a travel visa for Cambodia.

RELATED POST: 2 weeks in Laos itinerary

When is the best time to go to Cambodia

November to March is the best time to visit Cambodia . During these months, there are fewer chances of rainfall, and the temperature is not too hot. But keep in mind that Cambodia generally experiences a hot and humid climate.

It’s best to avoid coming from September to October when there are higher chance of rain, while April to August can bring really hot temperatures. If you want to avoid big crowds, go in November or in February .

Are 2 weeks enough for Cambodia

2 weeks in Cambodia is just the perfect amount of time . It’s not too little that you will have to rush everything while not too much that you find yourself with nothing else to do.

If you do f eel like you have too much time before flying home , you can either head to the south and enjoy the beach or stay in Siem Reap to devour street food.

Getting around

Getting around in Cambodia is pretty easy . Since the country is small enough, you probably only have to take one or two domestic flights during your entire stay. You can easily take the bus to hire a private driver for more convenience .

There are ride-hailing apps that you can use in Cambodia. This includes Grab (where you can also order food), PassApp, WGo, TADA, and Eagle. There are also taxis in Cambodia, but be mindful of using them due to scams.

Tuk-tuk is the most common way to go around the city , and their starting rate is $1 for a short ride. You can hire the tuk-tuk and the driver for a minimum of $20 for a short trip, around 2-3 hours and go higher if you need the service for more.

You can also rent a scooter or motorbike to drive around yourself . The rent for a scooter is somewhere between $5-$10 per day. Some people buy a motorbike and take it everywhere in the country and sell if before leaving. But with only 2 weeks in Cambodia, it’s not worth the hassle.

Language and currency

Khmer is the main language in Cambodia , but many locals speak English , especially those who deal with tourists. Many signs placed on attraction sites are also in English, while you can visit museums and use audio guides in English.

Cambodia has its own currency called Cambodian Riel (KHR). However, USD is used in daily life both around visitors and locals . The ATM will spit out both USD Riel, while you can easily find money exchange stalls everywhere.

Although Cambodia is generally affordable, using USD makes it a bit more expensive because you don’t get change when paying in USD.

For example, the price of the product is $0.50. Since there are no USD coins in Cambodia, this means that you either get 2 pieces of the items or forget about your change. Most prices, though, are priced in whole value instead of $1.50.

Average cost of 14 days in Cambodia

For a budget-style trip , you can expect to spend an average of up to $45 per day or $700 for 2 weeks . This includes accommodation in a basic hostel or backpacker-style guesthouse, local transport, and street food or inexpensive restaurants.

For a mid-range trip, you can expect to spend an average of $60-$80 per day or $850-$1200 for 2 weeks. This includes mid-range accommodation, local transport, and meals at mid-range restaurants. With this budget, you can also participate in adventure activities, like kayaking.

For a luxury trip, you can expect to spend an average of $150 per day or $2100 for 2 weeks . This includes luxury accommodation, private transport, and meals at upscale restaurants. You can also indulge in spa treatments, premium adventure activities, and other luxurious experiences.

Cambodia has one of the best visa policies in place . Pretty much everyone can enter Cambodia, you can either enjoy visa-free (if your passport is from an ASEAN nation), apply for an evisa online or receive a visa upon your arrival.

It’s better to get a visa online, so you can skip the long queue at the immigration when you arrive and save time. Getting an evisa in advance means skipping the long lines when you arrive at the airport or land border. Remember, if you plan to use your evisa, you can only use it to enter via specific entry points:

• Phnom Penh International Airport
• Siem Reap International Airport
• Sihanoukville International Airport
• Cham Yeam (Koh Kong Province) (from Thailand)
• Poipet (Banteay Meanchey Province) (from Thailand)
• Bavet (Svay Rieng Province) (from Vietnam)
• Trapeang Kriel (Stung Treng Province) (from Laos)

Other basic travel tips

When you finally have the dates and cities you want to see during your 2 weeks in Cambodia, it’s time to make some bookings. I like the following sites because I can easily cancel my booking without a fee or for a small fee if I change my travel plans.

I always book the accommodation and main flights first, then leave transportation and domestic flight bookings once I arrive in the country.

PINNED MAP OF TOP THINGS TO SEE IN CAMBODIA

Click the icon on the top right to enlarge the map. Credit: map data: Google

2 WEEKS IN CAMBODIA ITINERARY

Now that you know the things to remember before you pack your bags and head to Cambodia, it’s time to show you 2 itineraries for 14 days in Cambodia. After that part, keep reading to see the list of top things to do in each city, a list of recommended hotels, and must-try local dishes.

This guide is for anyone planning a 14-day trip to Cambodia and seeking a comprehensive itinerary that highlights the country’s top attractions and experiences, then this guide is for you.

Whether you’re travelling with friends, loved ones, or solo, these itineraries will help you create the perfect 2 weeks in Cambodia trip.

I’ve outlined the must-visit cities and provided recommendations for things to do in each for you to make the most of your time in this country. To help you craft your own itinerary, I’ve included two sample itineraries that can be easily tailored to your interests and needs .

Itinerary #1: First-time – Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Koh Rong

For first-time visitors to Cambodia, this itinerary is perfect for you . It highlights the must-see places in the country. It includes a long visit to the spectacular Angkor Wat, the grim genocide of Khmer Rogue, and finishing off your adventure on fantastic islands in the south.

You will start your trip in Siem Reap . Immerse yourself in history and culture at the iconic Angkor Wat Temple complex in Siem Reap, a world-renowned religious monument.

Next, head to the bustling capital city of Phnom Penh to pay your respects at the sobering Killing Fields of Choeung Ek and Tuol Sleng Museum.

Get your beach fix in Sihanoukville , a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts and beach lovers. And finally, unwind on the laid-back tropical paradise of Koh Rong , where you can soak up the sun on Koh Tui Beach, Long Beach, or Saracen Bay. Experience the best of Cambodia with this unforgettable itinerary.

Day-to-day overview:

• Day 1 : Land in Siem Reap, get transferred to your hotel from the airport . Get a local sim card with data and cash. Arrange your tickets to Angkor Wat (since there are limits on sold ticket per day).
• Day 2 to 4 : Explore Angkor Wat, the city, and plan a day trip to Battambang
• Day 5 : Travel from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh by bus or air
• Day 5 to 7 : Discover Phnom Penh
• Day 8 : Get to Sihanoukville from Phnom Penh by bus or minivan
• Day 8 to 10 : Enjoy Sihanoukville
• Day 11 : Take the ferry to Koh Rong
• Day 11 to 13: Book boat tours and go snorkelling around Koh Rong
• Day 14 : Travel back to the mainland (Sihanoukville will be the closest) to catch an international flight

Siem Reap for 4 days

The highlight of Siem Reap is the renowned Angkor Wat , a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing the Khmer Empire’s grandeur through hundreds of temples. If you have limited time, the top priority should be a visit to Ta Prohm, for its picturesque scene of partially collapsed buildings intertwined with tree roots.

I recommend you visit the Angkor National Museum to understand the various eras and kings of the Angkor period and their temple-building ambitions.

With direct flights from many international destinations, Siem Reap is easy to get to and serves as a gateway to numerous temples.

While Phnom Penh, the capital city, is also a popular starting point, travelling from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh allows for a more natural flow through the country, as it is located Northwest of Cambodia, while Phnom Penh is in the south.

Therefore, starting in Siem Reap can be a more practical and efficient way to see the highlights of Cambodia.

Phnom Penh for 3 days

The Royal Palace complex is a stunning sight and a must-visit for all tourists . Still, for those interested in delving deeper into Cambodia’s dark past, the city is home to two sobering sites that shed light on the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime.

The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek and Tuol Sleng Museum serve as poignant reminders of the nation’s tragic history . With over 1,800 fascinating exhibits, the Cambodia National Museum is a treasure of information for history buffs.

The quickest way to get from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh is a 50-minute direct flight with Cambodia Angkor Air . Alternatively, taking the bus or a minivan takes approximately 4 hours and 54 minutes (318 km or 198 mi) via the NR6 route. Another option is to go on a 5 hr 30 min bus ride.

Sihanoukville for 3 days

For beach lovers and adventure seekers, Sihanoukville is a must-visit since this city has earned its popularity for its beaches and endless water activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, and island hopping.

Some top tourist destinations include Otres Beach, Serendipity Beach, and Wat Leu Temple. If you’re looking for a true escape, take a 30-minute boat ride to the serene Bamboo Island.

The private transfer between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville will take approximately 2 hr 45 min , spanning a total distance of 214.6 km (133.3 mi) along AH11. On the other hand, the bus ride is 3 hr .

Koh Rong for 4 days

If you have 2 weeks in Cambodia, you must go to Koh Rong. Escape to paradise and discover the hidden gem of Koh Rong , a cluster of idyllic islands located near Sihanoukville with 23 pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters.

You can soak up the sun on Koh Tui Beach, enjoy some peace and quiet on Long Beach, or take a dip in the stunning Saracen Bay.

Whether you’re seeking a thrilling adventure or simply a unique way to experience the beauty of Koh Rong, the High Point Adventure Park offers numerous exciting activities, such as zip lining, swing bridges, and rope courses, all while taking in the beauty of the surrounding environment.

It is important to note that there are two Koh Rongs , namely Koh Rong Island and Koh Rong Samloem. Koh Rong Island is known for its lively atmosphere, with various bars, restaurants, and nightlife options, whereas Koh Rong Samloem offers a more relaxed and serene atmosphere.

These two islands are great places to conclude your 2 weeks in Cambodia because you can just relax and enjoy the sun. Travelling from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong can be done in 45 minutes via a ferry .

Travellers who plan to visit Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem will need to return to Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville to catch a flight home, or to continue their journey to Vietnam, as there are bus services connecting these cities.

Itinerary #2: Alternative – Siem Reap, Battambang, Kampot, Krong Khemara

Escape the tourist crowds and delve into the authentic side of Cambodia with this alternative itinerary . Kick off your journey in Siem Reap, then head to the hidden gems of Battambang, Kampot, and Krong Khemara. In Battambang, take a scenic ride on a special bamboo train and explore the charming countryside.

Discover the beauty of the small coastal city of Kampot, renowned for Bokor National Park and its prized Kampot Pepper Plantations. Wrap up your adventure in Krong Khemara, where you can marvel at the stunning Tatai Waterfalls, venture into the lush Cardamom Mountains, and experience the rich wildlife at Peam Krasaop Wildlife Sanctuary.

From traditional villages to colonial architecture and exciting activities, this itinerary offers a diverse range of experiences for the curious traveller .

• Day 1 : Arrive in Siem Reap, you can book a hassle-free airport transfer . If you arrive in the morning, use this day to get some cash and a sim card.
• Day 2 to 3 : Explore Siem Reap; Angkor Wat
• Day 4 : Travel from Siem Reap to Battambang by bus or minivan
• Day 4 to 5 : Discover Battambang
• Day 6 : Get to Kampot from Battambang by air via Siem Reap
• Day 6 to 9 : Travel around Kampot
• Day 10: Journey from Kampot to Krong Khemara/Koh Kong by private transfer
• Day 11 to 13 : Enjoy Krong Khemara and Koh Kong
• Day 14 : Travel back to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh to catch an international flight

Siem Reap for 3 days

You will begin your trip in Siem Reap . With its towering sandstone towers, intricate carvings, and well-preserved ruins, Prasat Thom provides a window into Cambodia’s ancient past, and you can even climb the steep staircases for views from the top.

Famous for its 216 massive stone faces , which are thought to represent the Buddhist deity Avalokiteshvara, The Bayon Temple is among the most photogenic temples in the country.

Step into a world of fluttering beauty and immerse yourself in nature at Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre, home to thousands of unique butterflies.

Siem Reap may not be the most attractive city, but it boasts a thriving café and restaurant culture starting to rival Phnom Penh’s cosmopolitan vibe.

The central city is also a great shopping destination , offering a mix of market stalls for affordable finds and upscale boutiques for unique gifts, making it an ideal starting point for any Cambodia trip.

Battambang for 2 days

Battambang, located in Northwest Cambodia , is known for its colonial-era architecture, vibrant street life, and stunning countryside scenery. Whether you’re looking for a unique activity or just a fun way to explore the area, the Bamboo Train takes you on a scenic journey through the countryside and provides an authentic glimpse into local life.

There are several noteworthy stops along the way, such as Wat Sampeau, located 18 km from town atop a limestone hill, and Wat Banan, nicknamed “Mini-Angkor Wat,” which boasts a magnificent view after climbing 359 steps.

To get from Siem Reap to Battambang , you can choose to hit the road and drive along either NR6 or the scenic AH1/NR5 route with an estimated 2 hr 46 min time of arrival. For a more leisurely option, go for a 4 hr bus ride with Virak Buntham Express or take a comfortable 4 hr van ride with Go Ho Travel.

While day trips are a great way to get a taste of the city, I highly recommend you stay at least a night in Battambang as it allows you to immerse in the local culture and experience the city more relaxed.

Kampot for 4 days

With its stunning riverside setting and backdrop of lush green hills, Kampot is a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of Cambodia’s larger cities . Popular tourist attractions include the Bokor National Park, which offers breathtaking views of the towering mountains and pristine forests.

You’ll also find the well-preserved colonial architecture of the Old Market and the famous Kampot Pepper Plantations, where visitors can learn about the history and production of this sought-after spice.

The town also serves as a launching point for exploring nearby caves and waterfalls , making it an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts. I really loved this part of my 2 weeks in Cambodia because of the amazing activities I did around nature.

The fastest way to get from Battambang to Kampot is by plane , with a flight duration of 1 hr on Cambodia Angkor Air.

Krong Khemara ang Koh Kong for 4 days

Krong Khemara Phoumin is Koh Kong’s capital . Among the popular tourist attractions is the stunning Tatai Waterfall, where visitors can swim in the calm, refreshing waters and enjoy the natural beauty.

The Cardamom Mountains, with their diverse flora and fauna, offer plenty of opportunities for trekking, wildlife observation, and adventure sports.

For animal lovers seeking an unforgettable adventure, you can explore Peam Krasaop Wildlife Sanctuary by boat through its mangrove forests and observe its diverse bird species . If you’re lucky, you might come across monkeys. 

I recommend having Krong Khemara as your base , and from there, you can embark on day trips or boat rides to visit Koh Kong Island, Peam Krasaop Wildlife Sanctuary, and Tatai Waterfall.

If you’re planning to get from Kampot to Krong Khemara, book a private transfer and drive through route AH123 with an estimated travel time of 4 hr 51 min that spans 239.4 km (148.8 mi). 

Ending your trip in Krong Khemara and Koh Kong provides a chance to unwind and soak up the tranquil atmosphere of this peaceful region.

You have to travel back to Siem Reap to catch your international flights once you’re at the end of your trip.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN CAMBODIA

It’s time to show a list of must-sees and must-dos while in Cambodia. You’ll also find a list of recommended tours that you can book to save you time and make your trip more convenient.

• Angkor Wat – book a full-day sunrise tour or 2-day tour sunrise or 2-day sunrise and sunset tour or this small group sunrise tour
• Book a traditional Cambodia massage
• Angkor Thum/Thom
• Kulen Waterfall – combo tour with 1000 Lingas
• 1000 Lingas
• Ta Prohm Temple
• Watch a Cambodian Circus Show – read the reviews
• Tonle Sap Lake Floating Village or Kompong Phluk Floating Village
• Angkor National Museum
• Join a food tour or cooking class
• Bayon Temple
• Day trip to Battambang to ride the bamboo train – look at the tour price first
• Boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake and visit the floating villages
• Phnom Kulen Waterfall
• Old Market for souvenirs and local crafts
• Private transfer from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
• Ride the Bamboo Train – you can book a tour that leaves from Siem Reap
• Well of Shadows
• Wat Samrong Knong
• The Killing Cave
• Phnom Banan Temple
• Killing Field at Wat Samrong Knong
• Royal Palace
• Killling Fields/Choeung Ek Genocide Centre
• S-21 Prison/Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum – you can book a combined tour for S-21 and Killing Fields
• National Museum of Cambodia
• Shop at the Central Market (Phsar Thmei) or the Phsar Chas (Old Market)
• Join a city tour or city tour and Mekong River boat trip or a full-day city tour
• Visit Wat Phnom
• Book a sunset cruise along the Mekong River – with unlimited drinks and alcohol
• Party and nightlife in the Bassac Lane area
• Join a food and drinks tour by tuk-tuk – look at the price first

Sihanoukville

• Queenco Hotel and Casino – if you want to play some games
• Independence Beach
• Otres Market for local food and crafts
• Serendipity Beach – for the nightlight and late-night restaurants
• Water sports at Ochheuteal Beach
• Boat tour to Koh Rong
• Kbal Chhay Waterfall on a day trip
• Hike to the Wat Leu Temple
• Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem – they are 2 different islands but right next to each other
• Bioluminescent Plankton snorkel tour (Koh Rong Samloem)
• Kampot Day tour to Bokor National Park – read the tour reviews
• Combo you tor Bokor Mountain, Pepper Farm, Salt Field, and Crab market – look at the price

MUST-TRY CAMBODIAN DISHES, DRINKS, AND SNACKS

Cambodia has a very unique cuisine rich in flavour. Although along the touristy places, you’ll notice that most restaurants have a massive and thick menu offering various international dishes.

The Cambodian food listed below should be available in all restaurants throughout the country, but the best place to try them is in local markets and rural areas. But if you’re feeling adventurous, try these unique Cambodian street food that you’ll find in busy cities in the country.

• Amok – a popular Cambodian curry
• Beef Lok Lak – stir-fried marinated beef
• Bai Sach Chrouk – a breakfast dish consisting of grilled pork served over a bed of rice
• Kuy Teav – a Cambodian noodle soup
• Nom Banh Chok – a rice noodle dish
• Prahok Ktiss – a traditional Cambodian dip made from fermented fish and spices
• Num Pang – a Cambodian-style baguette sandwich
• Cha Kway Teow – a stir-fried rice noodle
• Bai Chh a – a stir-fried vegetable dish
• Lap Khmer – a spicy salad
• Num Ansom Chek – a dessert made from sticky rice
• Num Korm – a type of Cambodian cake
• Tirk Pahok – a dessert made with a fish paste mixed with sugar, then formed into small balls and rolled in roasted peanuts
• Cha Houy Teuk – a dessert made with jelly noodles
• Fawork – Cambodian doughnuts
• Nom Krauch – a Cambodian sweet snack made from mung bean flour

ACCOMMODATIONS

To help you finish off your planning for 2 weeks in Cambodia, here’s a list of places to stay in each city. You can see different options depending on your budget.

• Affordable: The Twitz Hostel or Lub d Hostel or Siem Reap Chilled Backpacker or Mad Monkey Hostel
• Mid-range: Central Corner Suite or The Urban or Home Indochine D’angkor Hotel
• Luxury: Two Seasons Hotel or Angkor Village Hotel or Memoire d’Angkor Boutique Hotel or Bayon Modern Residences
• Affordable: Villa Papillon or Mad Monkey Hostel or The Big Easy Hostel
• Mid-range: Ohana Palace Hotel or Aquarius Hotels & Urban Resort or Vacation Boutique Hotel
• Luxury: Sun & Moon Riverside Hotel or Citadines Flatiron or Glow Park Hotel or Plantation Urban Resort & Spa
• Affordable to Mid-range: Manoha Villa or Om Home or Villa Blue Lagoon or Onederz Hostel
• Luxury: Queenco Hotel & Casino or Independence Hotel Resort & Spa or Star Bay Residences

Koh Rong Island

• Affordable: Coconut Beach Bungalows or Lonely Beach or Mad Monkey Hostel
• Mid-range: Soksan Natura Beach or Nest Beach Club or Tree House Bungalows
• Luxury: White Beach Bungalows or Long Set Resort or Anaya Koh Rong

Koh Rong Sanloem

• Affordable to Mid-range: Robinson Bungalows or Kumaku Bungalows or Beach House or Tube Resort or Sunny Bungalow
• Luxury: Bamboo Jam or Sara Resort or Eden Beach Resort or Sara Sea or La Passion by Achariyak or Saracen Bay Resort
• Affordable: Retro Guesthouse or Bamboo Bungalow or Montage Regency or Fish Island Bungalows
• Mid-range: Hotel Five S or Pippali Bouqitue Hotel or Hotel Old Cinema or Sabay Beach
• Luxury: RiverTree Villa & Resort or Rikitikitavi or Kampot Sweet Boutique or Boutique Kampot Hotel

SUMMARY OF 2 WEEKS IN CAMBODIA

From the iconic temples of Angkor Wat to the bustling streets of Phnom Penh, Cambodia has something to offer everyone. In addition, the country’s close proximity to the ocean also makes it a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts, who can enjoy kayaking, sailing, and snorkelling.

Whether you’re interested in exploring the country’s ancient ruins, taking in the breathtaking scenery, or immersing yourself in the local culture, you won’t be disappointed.

Cambodia is a country full of contrasts, with modern cities sitting alongside rural villages and traditional practices still being carried out today. This combination of old and new makes for an incredibly unique and fascinating destination.

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• Angkor Discovery Tours
• Classic and Hightlight
• Honeymoon Perfections
• Cambodia Trekking Tours
• Boat Adventure Tours
• Cambodia Biking Tours
• Cambodia Day Trips Travel
• Cambodia Private Car
• Mountain Bike Rental
• Cambodia Experience
• Small Tour Daily Trip with Tuk Tuk
• Small Tour Daily Trip with Car
• Grand Tour Daily Trip with Car
• Small Tour Daily Trip with Mini Van (12 Seats)
• Banteay Meanchey Attractions
• Battambang Attractions
• Kampong Cham Attractions
• Kampong Chhnang Attractions
• Kampong Speu Attractions
• Kampong Thom Attractions
• Kampot Attractions
• Kandal Attractions
• Kep Attractions
• Koh Kong Attractions
• Kratie Attractions
• Mondulkiri Attractions
• Oddar Meanchey Attractions
• Pailin Attractions
• Phnom Penh Attractions
• Preah Vihear Attractions
• Prey Veng Attractions
• Pursat Attractions
• Ratanakiri Attractions
• Siem Reap Attractions
• Sihanoukville Attractions
• Stung Treng Attractions
• Svay Rieng Attractions
• Takeo Attractions
• Cambodia International Flights
• Bangkok Airways Ticket
• Vietnam Airlines Ticket
• Cambodia Angkor Air Ticket
• Cambodia Domestic Flights
• Bus Tickets From Siem Reap
• Night Bus from Siem Reap
• Mekong Express Bus
• Bus Ticket to Oversea
• Siem Reap - Phnom Penh Taxi
• Angkor National Museum
• Smile of Angkor Show
• Cambodian Cultural Village
• Apsara Theatre Show
• Kulen Mountain Waterfall
• Angkor Express Boat Trip
• Bouva Sea Boat
• Tonle Sap Boat Trip
• Kompong Phluk Boat Trip
• Kampong Kleang Boat Trip
• General Information
• Cambodia Tradition & Culture
• Cambodia Population
• Cambodian Art & Handicraft
• Cambodian Food & Drink
• Cambodia Geography
• Cambodian Economy
• Ak Yom Temple
• Angkor Thom Temple
• Angkor Wat Temple
• Baksei Chamkrong Temple
• Banteay Kdei Temple
• Banteay Prei Temple
• Banteay Samre Temple
• Getting there & away
• When to go & Weather
• Restaurant & Dining Guide
• Photograph Tips at Angkor
• Health & Safety Tips
• Money Matter Tips
• History of Siem Reap
• Overview of Siem Reap
• Getting There & Away
• Money & costs
• Health & Safety
• Thing to do in Siem Reap

• Siem Reap Travel Agent Web Directory

2World Travel Cambodia

Business Overview

No.0275 Group 1, Wat Bo, Salakamreuk, Siem Reap, Cambodia

2World Travel Cambodia inspires to be one of the leading online travel agency and tour operators and being a first youngest Cambodian online responsible that be able to satisfy customers for all travel arrangement in the global.

Overview of 2World Travel Cambodia

2WORLD TRAVEL (CAMBODIA) is the one of the leading travel agent & tour operator in the region with specializing in online travel arrangements and worldwide air ticketing was found since late 2009 with professional experience staff specializing in the tourism field almost 10years. We are a fully licensed agency that registered from the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Tourism, Patent tax, Capital of Phnom Penh and Member of Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA), as travel agency & tour operator recognized as a leading luxury holiday and vacation organizer in private & group tours in South East Asia.  We have well established contacts from numerous airlines, hotels/resorts, and ground operator that enable us to offer more comprehensive and competitive travel services.

We have competent staff, reliable business partners and round-the-clock customer service to ensure that passenger are in good hands. We commit to ourselves as well as to our valued guests the experience of a lifetime.

We do business to let our guests experience our culture, our people and our country so that at the end of their journey to the Cambodia of Kingdom of Wonder, they will think of coming back!

You know we are competent and you can trust us. Count on us to provide you with a vacation of the highest quality with the most value for your money. We look forward to serving your travel needs with integrity.

About 2World Travel, Cambodia

2WORLD TRAVEL CAMBODIA is a duly licensed travel agent & tour operator that provides international and domestic airline and vessel ticketing, corporate tour/outing and incentive tour packages, vehicle rentals, visa assistance and passport processing, cruises and events management. Our packages and services are designed to expertly cater to the discriminating taste of every client to satisfy and fulfill their travel and events requirements thereby producing a successful result based on mutual agreement. Our team is composed of young and dynamic leaders in the business with extensive training and known expertise in the field.

VISION STATEMENT

2World Travel inspires to be one of the leading online travel agency and tour operators and being a first youngest Cambodian online responsible that be able to satisfy customers for all travel arrangement in the global.

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Cambodia Itinerary: Epic 2-Week Backpacking Route

Home » Blog » Travel Itinerary » Cambodia Itinerary: Epic 2-Week Backpacking Route

While traveling for two weeks in Cambodia, we felt like we were constantly smiling.

The children, with grins on their faces, waved and shouted, “Hello! Hello! What’s your name?”. It wasn’t just the children who were adorable. We passed grown men, giggling and playing friendly tricks on each other on a regular basis.

But there’s another side to Cambodia. A raw and very real side that is unavoidable. Cambodia is a country that has been ravaged by Khmer Rouge regime that wiped out nearly two-fifths of the country’s population and instilled fear into the survivors.

Today, you’ll see people with missing limbs in the streets – a very real effect of the millions of landmines that were planted in the country’s rural area. And the Khmer Rouge’s distaste for intellect has left a mark on the citizens’ perception of education.

But despite the heartbreaking history, Cambodia is flourishing in many ways. People almost seem to ignore their country’s painful past and are unexplainably joyful. And the tourism industry in Cambodia is growing rapidly.

We’ve created an itinerary for 2 weeks in Cambodia that takes you to the most sought-after temples at Angkor Wat (can’t miss ‘em!) and also to some less-traveled spots, so you’ll really get to know this country. 

First things first: Before you travel to Cambodia, we highly recommend reading up on the history. It will make your time there and your interactions with locals so much more meaningful. Also, check out our tips for traveling ethically in Cambodia . There are so many great organizations, and this country really relies on the support of tourism. Make sure your money is going to the right places.

Day 1: Phonm Penh

Start your tour in the capital city of Phonm Penh. This surprisingly contemporary metropolis is made of two extremes – there is an abundance of sleek cafes and modern charm, but is also a place with a deep and painful history.

On your first day you might want to take it easy and explore the city. Victory Monument at night is a nice stroll where locals hang out together under the lit up trees. Continue exploring and visit the Royal Palace which is close to the popular riverside promenade.

Where to Stay: Mad Monkey Hostel Phonm Penh

This hostel is located in a very safe, almost ritzy, neighborhood of Phnom Penh. The onsite restaurant serves up some fantastic food (try the Mediterranean Cous Cous Salad) and the rooftop bar has daily specials and is a perfect place to socialize with other travelers.

The staff is friendly, well-trained, and can answer just about any questions about the city. They are also pros at making travel bookings, so you can arrange your transportation and accommodation for the next leg of your journey without a hassle. The dorms have some of the biggest beds we’ve seen in a hostel dorm, and the A/C is super strong (which is much needed in this scorching city).

Day 2: Killing Fields and S21 Genocide Museum

Cambodia has a tragic past. In 1975 to 1979 about two-fifths of the country was brutally slaughtered by an organization that overthrew the government called the Khmer Rouge. They attempted to create a society based solely on extreme work in rural areas.

City people were transported to the fields to labor in brutal conditions. Even more horrific, if you had a high school education, wore glasses or had soft hands, you were brought to the killing fields where you had only one fate.

Not learning about the Khmer Rouge while in Cambodia is like not learning about the Nazis while in Germany. It’s part of their history and awareness should be spread so something like this will never happen again.

There are killing fields all throughout Cambodia, but the one near Phnom Penh is the most well-known and is easily accessible.

The killing fields has an audio tour that exceeded our expectations. It told the complete story of the area with different audio points to follow along. It is $6 to enter with the audio tour included, and well worth the price.  

After the heaviness of the killing fields, continue on to the S21 Genocide Museum. It is $3 to enter and an additional $3 for the audio tour. S21 was a school before 1975, but Khmer Rouge transformed it into a prison camp where they tortured and interrogated nearly 9,000 people before transporting them to the Killing Field where they all met the same fate.

Do it yourself: Hire a tuk tuk and split the cost with other travelers and go to both the killing fields and S21 Genocide Muesum (tuk tuk cost for day is $20 USD).

Tip: Don’t forget to hit up the ATM before the night is over because you won’t be able to get cash anywhere on Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem.

Day 3: Travel to Koh Rong

Take an early morning bus to Sihounkville and then the ferry to Koh Rong. There is a speed ferry that takes 45 minutes which is a pretty wild ride, or there is a slow ferry that takes 2 hours.

There’s hardly any online presence of hotels on Koh Rong (at least at the time of wroting this article) because the electricity is limited and therefore no internet to book rooms. Once at Koh Rong, take a right after the pier and find a good bungalow.

Make sure it has a good working fan (again, limited electricity on the island so A/C is scarce). We landed on Smile Bungalows because they had a simple fan room ensuite that was reasonably priced. Definitely nothing special, but it worked for us!

Have dinner at one of many restaurants near the pier. Simple meat and rice dinners are about $3-4 USD or enjoy a BBQ for $5-6 while being mesmerized by the nightly fire dance show. 

Day 4: Venture to Long Beach

Long beach is a 7 km beach on the west side of Koh Rong. It’s completely undeveloped side of the island with pristine flour-like sand (it is so untouched, the sand squeaks as you walk!). It’s the perfect place on the island to watch a sunset.

There are two ways to get there. First, you can take a taxi boat from the pier for about $5 per person and the ride take about 45 – 60 minutes. Second, for the more adventurous-hearted traveler, you can hike to long beach through the jungle.

The easiest way to get from the main beach to Long Beach is to head up to Sky Bar and then follow the path leading northwest through the jungle. There are a few forks in the path and it’s hard to tell which way, but simply follow the black electrical cord that is visible in the ground.

The hike is doable in flip flops, but shoes are recommended because there’s a spot where you have descend down boulders and it can get slippery.

Walk about halfway on Long Beach and you will find Coco Blvd restaurant, you can’t miss it, it’s the only one there. They have good Khmer food and tasty drinks. Lounge here for sunset and then take the boat taxi back to the main pier after the sun goes down.

Everything you need to pack for Cambodia

Day 5: Relax

Enjoy a day at the beach, you’re on vacation after all! Try some good eats at the White Rose Café or the Monkey Inn restaurant. Don’t forget to book a ferry for the next day to Koh Rong Samloem.

After the bars close on the main beach, around 11 p.m., head to Police Beach for the after party. No, there are no police here. The name comes from the old police station that’s been converted into a DJ hub.

It’s a small beach, but grab a log or just plop down in the sand and chill. Grab a Klang beer from the “bartender” (aka man with the cooler in a hut) and make some new friends as the water laps against the sand.

Day 6: Travel to Koh Rong Samloem

Koh Rong Samloem is the smaller, calmer sister of party child, Koh Rong. There’s an 8 a.m. ferry from Koh Rong that takes 1 hour, or a 12 p.m. ferry that takes 2 hours with a stop for snorkeling and jumping off the boat.

Once at Koh Rong Samloem, enjoy the main beach on Saracen Bay until the 4 p.m. ferry to Mad Monkey arrives.

Where to stay:  Mad Monkey Hostel Koh Rong Samloem

Imagine waking up to the sound of the tide crashing on the shore as you stare out your bungalow onto your own secluded beach. This place is paradise on a backpacker’s budget!

The only downfall is it’s a bit difficult to get to; but what more could you ask for on your private side of the island. On Tuesdays and Saturdays they have a pizza party and fire dance show, and once a month there’s a full moon party in the jungle nearby.

Whatever the day, it’s seems like there’s always good conversation and new friends to meet.  Take a look at our full review here.

Day 7: Explore Koh Rong Samloem

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Mad Monkey and take the early boat over to Saracen beach. Enjoy a full beach day or take the 1.5 km trek to Lazy Beach. It’s not much of a beach, but the pier is pretty rustic and the restaurant is incredible.

Take the 4 p.m. ferry back to Mad Monkey for the night’s festivities. There is never a dull night at Mad Monkey! (Don’t forget to organize your ferry in advance for the next morning. The staff at Mad Monkey can do all this for you.)

Day 8: Travel to Kampot

Wake up and head back to Saracen Beach on the early boat. 

Warning #1:  If you’re unlucky like us, the waves will be too big for any boats and you will have to walk 45 minutes through the jungle to the main beach with your luggage.

Warning #2:  If you book the speed ferry, be prepared for a roller coaster on waves. Nearly everyone on the ferry was feeling sick from the constant up and down ride. It may feel like forever and a half, but remember it’s only 45 minutes.

Grab a bite to eat at any of the local shops on the main street (the Big Easy Hostel has a pretty killer menu). 

Pre-arrange your bus transport with Mad Monkey the night before for Kampot. The trip should take about 2 hours and cost about $5 USD.

Kampot, Cambodia

Kampot is a quaint riverside town full of character and history. It’s small enough to walk everywhere so once you get dropped off, you can find your way on foot to your hostel.

If you are not sure where your accommodation is, you can always support the local tuk tuk drivers, and for around 4000 riel ($1 USD) per person they can get you where you need to go.

At night, walk the town from the river walk to the giant durian roundabout to the old market restaurants. This city comes to life at night in a family-friendly sort of way.

For dinner, try a local place to enjoy the local Khmer food. Darwin Restaurant, in between the old market and the river walk, is a great and inexpensive place to dine alongside the locals. Enjoy a beer on the rocks and order the chicken skewers and papaya salad – you won’t be disappointed.

Where to stay:  Mad Monkey Hostel Kampot

We love Mad Monkey hostels, can you tell? While staying here, you can relax by the pool and tan in the sunbeds during the day. At night, order a sizzling pizza from the wood oven and play darts or billiards while sipping on nightly drink specials.

As with all Mad Monkey locations , the dorm beds are humongous and the privates are elegant with a balcony. The only downfall is the Kampot hostel is about a 20-minute walk down the river from the city center, but it’s a pretty stroll any time of day.

Alternative: Another unique place to stay is Arcadia . Located a bit out of town, this hostel/restaurant/bar is on the river and has a dock and slide to play around in. Even if you don’t end up staying here, having a couple drinks here is an experience to be had in Kampot.

Day 9: Motorbike to Bokor Mountain

Rent a motorbike from the hostel and head up Epic Arts Café for breakfast near the old market. We really loved Epic Arts because they are doing great things for the community. This cute café promotes local kids’ artwork by putting their art on the walls, and they even have some for sale (great souvenir alert!).

They also hire deaf or hearing impaired staff that otherwise would be out of a job in the tough Cambodian economy. The menus even illustrate some sign language for customers to interact with the staff.

Tip: Try the Crisp Moroccan Eggplant Rolls and the Breakfast Bruschetta. You’ll thank us.

After breakfast, make sure you have a full tank and take the motorbike up the twisty turns to Bokor Mountain National Park. Get there by heading west out of town for about 10 km, and then turn right when you see a giant gate and rows of beautiful flowers. The cost to enter is 2000 riel ($0.50), so it’s well worth it.

Caution: There is only one road to Bokor Hill Station, but it is extremely curvy and steep at times. It’s nicely paved, but where are some tight spots where there is construction. Just take it slow and be careful for oncoming traffic. We met a few travelers that took a spill on this road and it ruined the next few days.

The Bokor Hill Station, before the Khmer Rouge, used to be a place where the rich would go and get away from the heat. It’s eerie how empty it has become in the past few decades. Check out the old Catholic Church and explore in the completely empty 5-story casino.

In the backyard of the abandoned casino, you’ll find an amazing view. Also on top of the hill, you can check out the new casino if you’d like (it’s so big, you can’t miss it). However, when we were there, parking lot was almost completely empty.

There’s also a waterfall about 17 km away from the top that is nice when it is not dry season. Once you are done exploring, drive back down the mountain (again, use caution) and head back to town in time for your sunset river cruise. The round trip from Kampot took about 4 hours.

The sunsets in Kampot are phenomenal and why not treat yourself to a leisurely ride on a boat that slowly trolls down the river. There are many places that offer a sunset dinner cruises, but we hear good things about the one Mad Monkey organizes. And at $5 a piece, it’s a steal.

Day 10: Motorbike to Pepper Farm and Kep

Spend another day exploring via motorbike but this time, go east of Kampot to the Secret Lake, Sterling Peppercorn Plantation, and the town of Kep.

Peppercorn Farm

Grab a map from the hostel desk and head east out of Mad Monkey until the major Highway 33. Take a right and travel on the Highway 33 for a few kilometers, until you see Tourist Area Signs. There will be a small road off to your left that your will turn on.

It’ll turn into a dirt road and take you through small villages with people going about through daily routines. About 2 km after the highway, there will be an intersection with a sign pointing right to Sterling Peppercorn Plantation.

It’s about 13 more kilometers down a dusty dirt road, but it’s worth it. Along the way you’ll drive by “Secret Lake”. It’s nothing too spectacular, but kind of a nice change of scenery.

The Sterling Peppercorn Plantation is a diamond in the dust, literally. There’s nothing for miles around it. But once you arrive, you’ll be overwhelmed by how nice it is.

In addition to the rows upon rows of peppercorns that you can walk through (which is pretty cool), there’s an infinity pool with lounge beds overlooking the farm, a fancy restaurant and luxurious bungalows ranging from $25 to $50 per night. There’s also a gift shop and a pepper-packaging factory onsite.

Tip: We only split one dish at the restaurant because we just wanted a snack, but the vegetables and fresh peppercorn (grown onsite, obviously!) was delish.

After you’re finished exploring the farm and tasting a few fresh peppers, drive back to the main highway and head toward the seaside town of Kep.

Kep, Cambodia

Before the time of the Khmer Rouge, Kep was a mansion-lined beach resort town that the rich from Phnom Penh would escape to on the weekends. During the hard times, the mansions were pillaged and destroyed. There are still many that remain today – abandoned with broken glass and covered in graffiti – a ghostly reminder of the past.

After the fall of the Khmer Rouge, Kep has turned into a seafood hot spot, most famously known for their crabs. Drive your motorbike down to the seaside market and pick out any assortment of seafood to be brought to the restaurants nearby to cook.

Or you could just skip the market and order anything seafood-related at the restaurants. We recommend the blue or rock crab amok (local dish) and the peppercorn crab.

After stuffing yourself with seafood, scoot through Kep and peer into some of the abandon mansions. Once you had your fill, ride back to Kampot. Book your night bus to Siem Reap for tonight through Mad Monkey. The bus will take you back to Phnom Penh, rest for a hour or two and then continue through the night to Siem Reap.  

Day 11: Angkor and Phare Circus

Angkor Zipline

What a better way to wake yourself up after a night bus than zipping at high speeds through the jungle. Imagine crisscrossing the jungle on 21 platforms traversing 4 wire bridges and 10 zip lines – the longest one being 300 meters! And all of this is 45 meters above the ground!

Make sure to book at least a week in advance because they only allow 10 people per group. Check out our full review and video on our Angkor Zipline article .

Phare Circus 

During the sad history of Cambodia, the Khmer Rouge did more than take lives. They nearly destroyed an entire culture, including any artistic expression. 

The Phare Circus is an organization that is reviving the arts that was nearly destroyed. They provide an education for the poor children of Cambodia and give them the opportunity to learn acting and high-flying tricks by joining the Phare Circus – how cool is that? The students are enthusiastic and put on a great (and interactive!) show.

Tip: There is limited seating so be sure to book at least a day before.

Note: The Phare Circus has relocated and it is a bit of a way outside of town. You will need to hire a tuk tuk driver to take you there, wait for you during the show and bring you back. It should cost around $4 USD. There is a small restaurant onsite that sells snacks and food that looked pretty good.

Where to Stay in Siem Reap: Naga Angkor Guesthouse or Mad Monkey Siem Reap . Take a look at our reviews of Mad Monkey Hostels here .

Day 12: Sunrise at Angkor Wat and Inner Loop

Today will be a long day, but oh so worthwhile. Angkor Wat is undeniably one of the most impressive religious sites in Asia and it is steeped in equal parts history and beauty. I studied this Hindu temple complex for the better portion of 2 weeks in my university’s Asian Art History class. So it was truly a dream come true to visit it in real life.

We’ve put together some of our top tips for making your visit to Angkor Wat amazing:

Arrange a tuk tuk the night before to pick up at 4:30 a.m. (eek!) to drive you to the Angkor Wat. A fair price for you and the tuk tuk driver for the inner loop is $30 to $35 USD. (Prices Updated August 2018)

If you need to buy a ticket for the park, it is $37 per day, or $62 for three days (we opted for the three day because it was the same as two one-day passes, and we did the Angkor Zipline, which required a pass).  (Prices Updated August 2018)

Bring water, your camera and a headlamp as you enter the ruins walking carefully on the cobblestone. The classic shot is from the left pond in front of Angkor Wat, because that’s where you can capture the temple and it’s dawning reflection. But that’s where EVERYONE else is going to be too, so if you want that shot, be prepared for a crowd.

A note on sunrise at Ankor Wat: Let’s just say that sunrise at Angkor Wat is one of those tourist attractions that may leave you disappointed. We heard how hectic it can get, but no matter how many people warned us of its chaos, we still felt like we had to go.

I’ll say this: if you aren’t too bothered to get to Angkor Wat at sunrise, you may be better off skipping it. It can be straight-up annoying to be surrounded by such a massive crowd with selfie sticks and people who know no personal space.

We even saw a fight break out as people were trying to get a prime spot. That said, if you feel the need to go to Angkor Wat at sunrise, GO. We did – no shame. It’s a bucket list experience at one of the most incredible historic places in the world , after all.

Just know that those tranquil pictures you see are deceiving. It will be madness. Yes, even if you arrive super-duper early.

Tip: Our best advice is to leave immediately after the sun peeks above the temple (or once you are fed up with everyone around you). Don’t go into the temple. I repeat… DO NOT go into Angkor Wat. Instead, hurry back into your tuk tuk and hustle to the nearby Bayon Temple. If you’re lucky you may be one of the only ones there, like we were. Watching the sun continue to rise while amongst these ruins was far more impressive to us than standing in a shoulder-to-shoulder crowd with shutters clicking all around us at Angkor Wat.

Our Reasoning: Angkor Wat will always be packed with people no matter what time of day you go. Leave early to get ahead of the hundreds of people doing the same route you are. That way you will be ahead of the pack and exploring empty temples all day.

Angkor Wat Inner Loop

Bayon Temple is one of our favorites. There are hundreds of cheeky smiling Buddha faces built into the temple, and because you’re there early, the sun will slowly creep down brightening each face one by one. 

Continue on the inner loop, staying ahead of the tour buses. One of the more well known temples is Ta Phrom Temple . Commonly called the “Tomb Raider” temple, this one is especially crowded.

Nature has reclaimed this temple with enormous teak wood trees towering over walls and fallen bricks. Cool, for sure, but maddeningly crowded.

It’s amazing to see how nature can take over a places after centuries of time. We got similar feelings when we visited the Guatemalan temples in Tikal . 

Finish your inner loop by seeing Ankgor Wat last. Explore the preserved bas-relief on each of the outer walls. If you have time, head up to the third level for an incredible panoramic view of the temple and surrounding areas. However, be prepared for up to a 45-minute wait in the scorching sun as there is only limited space.

Once you had enough temples for the day (trust us, you’ll get to that point), head back to your hotel and take a much-needed nap. Then it’s time to hit the town. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from in Siem Reap, but we would recommend trying out a few that are giving back to the local communities .

After dinner, head to Pub Street to check out the nightlife. This is one of those areas you’ll either love or hate. It’s packed with drunken foreigners and souvenirs – so if that’s what you’re after, you’ll love it. And even if you hate it, you can’t dispute the fantastic people-watching.

Be sure to see the free Ansana dance at Temple Bar. The show starts a little after 7 p.m., but get there around 6:30 p.m. to get a good table. Their jugs of beer are decently priced and the cocktails are fun.

Day 13: Outer Loop and Landmine Museum

Get picked up by your tuk tuk driver at a much more reasonable hour (8 a.m. or 9 a.m.) and head off toward Bantari Suray. A fair price for you and the tuk tuk driver for the outer loop including Bantari Suray is between $35 and $45 USD.  (Prices Updated August 2018)

Landmine Museum

On the way, you should spend about an hour at the Landmine Museum. Aki Ra, a former Khmer Rouge child solider, has been removing landmines and other unexploded bombs for years, some of which he was forced to plant himself.

The museum tells the story of Aki Ra and the horrible things the Khmer Rouge did. He has removed more than 50,000 mines throughout Cambodia, and continues to bring awareness to the tragic issue. Read more on this place and other ethical companies in Cambodia here .

Angkor Wat Outer Loop

Head north to Bantari Suray next. This temple is not the biggest in the park, but what it lacks in size, it makes up in detail. Bantari Suray temple is covered with intricate biased reliefs, which led to its nickname “the woman temple” because it was thought that only women could create such ornate designs.

Continue on the outer loop, stopping at Ta Som Temple which is similar to Ta Phrom and has an incredible tree over taking a doorway on the backside. Also see Neak Pean which you have to take a bridge to get to.

But one of our favorites for the day was Phnom Khan Temple. This labyrinth of sandstone could take you days to explore and was actually where King Jayavarman VII lived while he was building Angkor Thom. Make your way near the east side of the temple for giant trees soaring over the ancient temple walls.

Many people make their way to Phnom Bakheng hill to watch the sunset, and when I say many, I mean everyone in the park! It’s so outrageously crowded it is basically unbearable, and only 300 people can go up to the top of the temple.

From then it is one in, one out. And to be honest the sunset view is decent at best, there is nothing in the foreground to make it special.

Instead, we’d recommend staying at Phnom Khan or going to Bayon Temple and watch the sunlight fade over the temple walls. The lighting will make some incredible pictures and there will be no one there to spoil them. 

On this night, skip the overcrowded tourist Pub Street and head to Khmer Pub Street for a more cultural experience. Oh and did I say that the pitchers are only $1.75! (Compare that to tourist Pub Street where pints are about twice as much!)

The music will have to grow on you but befriend the locals who are always happy to talk to foreigners, order some cheap food and enjoy your last night in Cambodia.

Day 14: Blind massage & Saying Goodbye to Cambodia

Just before your flight out, support the local community and try out a blind massage. Seeing Hands is a chain massage company throughout Southeast Asia that employs blind masseuses that would otherwise not be able to support themselves.

We’ve had a few good massages while in SE Asia, especially Thai massages , and we really wanted to like this one, but to be totally honest, it was’t the best. There was more poking than massaging, but we still recommend it for the experience and the cause it supports.

Read about our other favorite socially responsible companies throughout Siem Reap and Cambodia . Try one of these restaurants before you head out of town.

Alterations to this 2-Week Cambodia Itinerary

Is your trip to Cambodia more than 2 weeks? Or do you have a shorter amount of time? We’ve got some ideas of places to add or cut depending on how much time you have to travel in Cambodia.

If you have more than 2 weeks in Cambodia:

There’s many more places that are seriously off the tourist path that we’ve heard great things about. Keep in mind that transportation can take longer than you may expect, and getting to some of these places will not be a simple feat.

Battambang – At dusk everyday, millions of bats fly out of the caves all in a line and spread out into the fields. It’s a spectical that take hours to complete and should not be missed if you have an extra day!

Koh Tonsay “Rabbit Island” – Just 25 minutes by boat from Kep, this chill out island is all about relaxing and catching some Vitamin D. 

If you have less than 2 weeks in Cambodia:

You might want to choose between Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem and only put one island on your itinerary. If you are not so much of ancient history buff, spend less time exploring the Temples of Angkor in Siem Reap and more time in the Koh Rong.

Cambodia will always hold a special place in our hearts

From the beaches, to the temples, the history, the food, and the people, our time spent here was remarkable. Let us know what you liked about Cambodia or what other additions you would make to this itinerary in the comments below.

You might also like…

9 Unique and Socially Responsible Experiences in Cambodia

Flight of the Gibbon Angkor: Flying Above the Temples in Siem Reap

Where to Stay in Siem Reap: Boutique Hotel & Clean Water Project

Where to Stay on Koh Rong Samloem: Private Island Hostel

Where to Stay in Kampot Cambodia: Stylish Hostel & Inspiring Education Project

Planning a trip to Cambodia? Save this post to Pinterest!

We want to hear from you!

What do you think about this 2 week itinerary in Cambodia? Are you planning a trip to Cambodia soon? Do you have any questions? Comment down below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!

Comments (29) on “ Cambodia Itinerary: Epic 2-Week Backpacking Route ”

Your 2 week trip sounded amazing! I hope you both had a wonderful time! I really wish I was able to spend more time in Cambodia. There’s lots on your list that I didn’t have time to do, so i’ll definitely be returning soon! Great post!

Perfect blog with suitable explanation!! I haven’t been there but these pics are tempting me to visit.

Hey awesome blog…..can you let us know more about the food there?

Awesome everything!

Aww Thanks so much Eric!

Hi! I’m flying to Cambodia on thursday for 2 weeks . Your blog was very helpful . thank you :)))

Aww, thank you Ana! We hope you had a great time traveling in Cambodia!

Hey guys! I’ve been in Siem Reap for a few days exploring Angkor and I just wanted to update you on prices cause they have skyrocketed since you were here. The 3-day pass for Angkor Park is now $62 and a fair price for a Tuk Tuk full day, sunrise, sunset and small loop is around $30. I can’t remember what the 1-day pass was but I know more than $20. Just a heads up for future readers.

Thanks for the update, Jason! That’s kind of the trend, huh, prices raise every year or so. We’ll be sure to update it soon!

Hey there guys! Great stuff! Exactly what we were looking for! Great information on how to escape the crowds, and oh boy, I hate packed places, even though I love beautiful pictures!

Will take your advice on all of the temples!

We write a travel blog as well, http://mytravellit.com/ , and this is such an inspiration for our upcoming Cambodia trip and blogs!

Cheers guys.

Hey Linda, Thanks for reaching out. Let us know if you have any questions about traveling in Cambodia. We would be happy to help!

Hello! This itinerary is amazing, and so well wrote! My boyfriend and I are traveling to Cambodia from Laos in a couple days and just booked a stay at the Mad Monkey hostel. We can’t wait to start our trip traveling to the islands and relaxing by the ocean water. Thanks for all the great insight! We might just stay on the islands for weeks since you made them sound so amazing!

-A fellow Traveler

Hey Katie! Thanks, glad you like the article. Mad Monkey Hostels are awesome, you will love them. And be careful, island life might just keep you stuck there 😉 Safe Travels!

Thanks for the two week itinerary. We are travelling to Cambodia later in the year, and see you used motorbikes through your trip. Were they difficult to ride, and did you need a license to rent them?

If so, did you get your license before leaving the U.S?

Thanks, Stefan

Hey Stefan. You’ll have a great time in Cambodia, there are so many things to do there! I had a little practice riding motorbikes in Thailand and Vietnam before we rented them in Cambodia, so I was pretty comfortable driving them by then. But they are really not that difficult to drive. I would recommend test driving out in the country if possible or in a place where it is less crowed. You do not need a license to drive them in Cambodia (I think technically you do, but many travelers do not have one). I hope this helps, let us know if you have any more questions. Cheers!

Hi guys, awesome blog, thanks for all the info, good to know I’m traveling alone to Cambodia and I wonder ( just out of curiosity) why u didn’t take a flight from Kampot to Siem Reap? I wonder if the price of the bus might be similar or close to the flight ticket?

What month did u visit Cambodia?

Didnt u do the floating villages near siem reap?

Do u know if they offer students tickets to visit Angkor temples pass?

The last question, I wonder if it would be better to stay on the beach or close to the pier on Kog Rhong island?

Thanks a lot guys

:)) Sebastian

Hey Sebastian, I’m going to try to answer all your questions the best I can: – We bused from Kampot to Siem Reap because there is no airport in Kampot, closest on is in Sihanoukville. And we were on a tight budget and didn’t mind the overnight bus (although we never really enjoy them. – We were in Cambodia in January-February 2015 – I don’t think they offer student tickets for Angkor Wat temples. Just 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day passes, but it might have changed since then. – Koh Rong is a small island so most everything is walkable. I would stay on in a bungalow further down from the pier so you can’t hear the music at night. Hope this helps!

What a great looking trip! My boyfriend and I plan on going in January for about 10 days. What would you say is worth seeing/what would you cut out on limited time?

Hey Kate. We really loved all of our days spent in Cambodia, so it is really hard to choose which days to leave out. If you only have ten days, I would cut one of the islands out (go to Koh Rong if you want a nightlife and fun, go to Koh Rong Samloem if you want more of a beach and relaxation). You could also cut the outer loop of Angkor temples (but that is up to you, we really enjoyed that day). If you really really needed to cut more time, you could skip Kep all together. It’s really up to you. Hope this helps.

Great post! I couldn’t have planned it better myself. There really is so much to explore in Cambodia if you have the time, energy, and (just enough) resources.

Thanks! We Cambodia and would love to go back!

Such an amazing and detailed post, cant thank you enough. Happy travel.

Thanks Ram! Happy travels to you too!

Thanks for all of the itinerary tips about Cambodia .. looking forward to treading in some of your footprints when we go…

Tread away Jay! That’s what this is here for. Hope you have a blast in Cambodia, we loved it there!

Your trip is great. I live in Cambodia and you make me discover many things. Yours pictures are also great.

Thanks so much, Sam. We truly fell in love with Cambodia!

Great itinerary guys! At first we we kinda ‘meh’ about going to Cambodia, but this post has completely changed our minds!! We’ll definitely look into travelling here in the next year or so.

Wow, what a compliment. Cambodia is definitely a special place, and I think you’ll be surprised by how much you like it (especially if you venture outside of Siem Reap – not that it’s a bad place – it’s just that there’s so much more to the country that’s worth visiting.) Let us know what you think if you make it there 🙂

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There's a magic about this charming yet confounding kingdom that casts a spell on visitors. An adventure to Cambodia will inspire travelers to contemplate what happens when ancient and modern worlds collide.

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Considered by many to be the jewel in the crown of Angkorian art, Banteay Srei is cut from stone of a pinkish hue and includes some of the finest stone…

Beng Mealea

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Northwestern Cambodia

Beautiful, peaceful and covered in astonishingly intricate bas-reliefs, Banteay Chhmar is one of the most impressive temple complexes beyond the Angkor…

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Two weeks in cambodia itinerary for first-timers.

The South East Asian Kingdom of Cambodia is one of my favourite countries, and is such an enriching and wonderful travel experience. It has one of the most impressive temple complexes in the world, beautiful beaches, stunning countryside, and wonderful people.

There is, however, a darker side of Cambodia that must be acknowledged when exploring the country as well. Just 40 years ago, it was victim to one of the most brutal genocides in recent history. I’ll go into this in more detail later in the post, but it’s very important to be a mindful traveller in Cambodia.

That being said, the country is rebuilding – and the right kind of tourism really does benefit it doing so. This is why I’d highly recommend spending two weeks in Cambodia – or even longer.

How to Get to Cambodia

If you’re visiting Cambodia on an extended South East Asia trip, you can travel from many places overland.

• If you’re visiting Cambodia from Vietnam, night buses leave Ho Chi Minh City for Phnom Penh (then you can complete this Cambodia itinerary in reverse).
• From Laos, you’ll want to get to the city of Pakse , and then you can head to Siem Reap to begin the Cambodia travel itinerary.
• From Thailand, buses leave Bangkok for Siem Reap, Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh. 

Click here to buy tickets for your buses in Cambodia.

There are international airports in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, but the destinations are limited, and prices can be high. It’s definitely better to fly into Bangkok and overland to Cambodia.

If you’re visiting Cambodia from its neighbouring countries, make sure to check out my other itineraries! I have a Vietnam itinerary , a Laos itinerary and a Thailand itinerary ready and waiting for ya. If you’re heading further south, check out my Bali itinerary and Singapore itinerary , and stay tuned for my Malaysia itinerary (coming in 2020!). All are filled with helpful travel advice, tips on being a more sustainable traveller and the odd witty joke thrown in for good measure.

Visas for Cambodia

Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival at a Cambodian air or land border. The price varies but is around $30-$40 (must be paid in USD), and it is valid for one month.

You can also get an e-visa online before visiting Cambodia.

Make sure you keep your immigration form and your passport is stamped correctly when entering Cambodia – otherwise you could encounter problems when trying to leave!

WiFi in Cambodia

WiFi in Cambodia isn’t as strong as its neighbouring countries, but is still fine for most purposes. Siem Reap and Phnom Penh both have good connectivity – other regional areas vary, but you’ll normally be able to find a good connection somewhere.

Many travellers choose to get a local SIM card to make travelling around a little bit easier.

When to Visit Cambodia

Cambodia is best visited during the dry season – from around November to April. It does, however, get very very hot from February until April, as it is the build-up to the wet season; so do bear that in mind.

That being said, if you can only visit during the wet season, it’s still worthwhile. Travel might take a bit longer, but all of the destinations on this 2 week Cambodia itinerary should still be accessible.

Health and Safety in Cambodia

Being a tropical country, there are some health considerations that you should take into account when visiting Cambodia. Dengue is a real threat in the country, so make sure to bring high-quality insect repellant and go to the doctor straight away if you feel any flu-like symptoms.

Malaria is also a possibility in some areas – I’m definitely not qualified to give medical advice on this blog, so do your own research and decide whether you want to take malaria pills or not. I did take them, but I met lots of people who didn’t.

Other vaccinations that you should consider are tetanus, rabies, typhoid and hepatitis A and B. Watch out for monkeys and stray dogs and cats – if you are bitten by one of these you’ll need to see a doctor quickly for rabies treatment (even if you’ve already had the pre-exposure shots, post-exposure shots are still needed). Check out fit for travel’s Cambodia page for more information about jabs.

Money in Cambodia

Cambodia has its own currency – the riel – but as a tourist, you’ll only be quoted prices in USD. You can pay in riel (there are 4,000 riel to the dollar), but locals expect tourists to always pay in USD. If you’re due 50 cent change, however, you’ll get that back in riel. It’s also completely feasible to pay part riel, part USD, if you have some small riel that you want to use up.

Is Cambodia Safe for Travellers?

The question of ‘is Cambodia safe’ seems to come up quite a bit when researching travel in the country. While Cambodia is less developed than its surrounding countries, there’s nothing that makes it unsafe, apart from the roads.

There were a few times where I felt like the buses were a little sketchy; although the roads aren’t mountainous like Northern Laos , and the drivers are of course, used to these roads.

Many tourists hire out motorbikes; if you’ve got experience and are confident in your abilities, go for it – but I wouldn’t recommend driving one of these if you’re inexperienced – they really are quite dangerous.

Social-wise, Cambodia is fine. There is pickpocketing in central Phnom Penh – I was actually told by several locals to put my phone away because of snatchers. I never actually met anyone who’d experienced their phone being snatched, but I’m sure the local’s concerns were not unfounded. So just take care of your belongings, however , violent crime is very very low.

Many Cambodians speak excellent English and are very helpful, whenever I had any problems or concerns I always found someone to help me out.

Where to Stay in Cambodia

There are all sorts of different places to stay in Cambodia. From backpacker hostels to beachside camping to five-star hotels, there are places to accommodate anyone in this country.

I’ll go into some of the best places to stay in Cambodia throughout the post, with links to individual accommodation providers, but you can also search on Booking.com by clicking here.

What to Eat in Cambodia

You can find all sorts of South East Asian specialities in Cambodia – generally I ate curries and soups with lots of spice. Rice is plentiful and very cheap (and served with every meal!). There’s also a lot of Western food on offer, due to the amount of tourists in the country. Being vegetarian or vegan is easy in the tourist areas of Cambodia, but might be a little bit harder in the less-visited areas.

How to Get Around Cambodia

Getting around Cambodia is rather… slow. While its neighbours Vietnam and Thailand have great train connections , Cambodia mainly relies on buses and minivans to get from A to B. Taxis between cities can also be inexpensive, if you have a few people in your group to split the costs.

There are tourist connections between all of the destinations mentioned on this post – if you want to go off the beaten track, you might have to ask around a bit more but there are normally local buses. Transport in Cambodia can be booked through Bookaway – click here to check it out or use the search bar below.

Obviously, to get to the islands, you’ll need to take boats. There are also internal connections between Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville – but as this is an overland itinerary, I’ll always recommend ways to do it without flying!

How Long to Spend in Cambodia

For this Cambodia itinerary 2 weeks is the optimum amount, but you could definitely add on other destinations and increase your time in the country – or spend extra time at each stop.

Two weeks to a month is a great amount of time to stay – after a month you’ll need to renew your visa anyway, and any time under 2 weeks means that you’ll be spending too much time on buses!

Where to go in Cambodia for Two Weeks: Two Week Cambodia Itinerary

Siem reap – 3 days.

Siem Reap is a touristy, backpacker town with far too many foreign-owned bars. So why am I recommending you spend three days here? Because of Angkor Wat. You might have heard of her, she’s kind of a big deal.

Most people get around Cambodia by tuk-tuk. It’s likely that your tuk-tuk driver will ask if you want a tour around Angkor Wat the following day. It should cost $15 to do the small circuit and $20-25  for the large circuit. That’s the standard price, so I’d advise to just go with the first person who offers you.

You can also arrange someone from your accommodation, but I’d probably go with the tuk-tuk driver who approaches you first.

Where to Stay in Siem Reap

Hostel:  I stayed at Mad Monkeys Siem Reap, which is a party hostel. I’m not generally a fan of party hostels, I find them quite out of touch with the community around them, but Mad Monkeys gives parts of its profits to helping projects in the local area, and gives fair work to their staff – I really can’t fault them on their ethics. Plus it’s a nice hostel, with spacious dorms, a great restaurant and bar, and lovely staff. You can read my full review of it here.

Being the party hostel it is, it does attract some not-so-savoury guests, but I did meet some really nice people there too (and of course, the actual hostel can’t control what the guests do). Click here for more information and to book.

Budget Hotel:  The Amazing Residence is a great budget-friendly option in Siem Reap, with a swimming pool, restaurant and bar on-site and large, spacious rooms with plenty of natural light – it’s great value for the price. Click here for more information and to book. 

Mid-Range Hotel: eOcambo Resort & Spa has well-furnished rooms with comfortable beds, looking out over a courtyard area. Each room has a deluxe attached bathroom and guests can make use of the restaurant, pool and bar facilities. Click here for more information.

Luxury Hotel: With facilities like a luxury pool with waterfalls and roll-top baths in the rooms, Golden Temple Retreat is one of the most impressive hotels in Siem Reap. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, some which open right out onto the pool. There is also a spa, bar and restaurant on site. Click here for rates and to book.

Day One: Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and other temples

Your driver will recommend a three day Angkor Wat temples itinerary, and of course, they know a lot better than I do, so take my suggestions with a pinch of salt. This is just what I worked out with my driver and what worked well for what I wanted to do and see.

But first things first, you need to purchase a pass. Your driver will take you to where you need to buy it from. You can buy a 1 day pass or a 3 day pass (or a more day pass, but if you only have 2 weeks in Cambodia you might need to stop at just three days!).

There’s a big circuit and a small circuit in Angkor Wat. Your guide will probably recommend visiting Angkor Wat itself first, and then travelling around all the most popular temples on the small circuit. These include:

• Angkor Thom – the second most popular temple, after Angkor Wat.
• Bayon – one of the most majestic temples in the Angkor area, with many steps to go up!
• Elephant Terrace – this was used by the King to address citizens in the area.
• Ta Prohm – this is the tomb raider temple.

Day Two: Angkor Wat Sunrise

Waking up at 4am is often pretty painful, but in this case, it’s worth it. The Angkor Wat Sunrise is one of the most beautiful scenes you’re likely to ever see – you’ll see the majestic temples silhouetted against gorgeous red and gold skies, then once the sun comes up have the whole day ahead of you to see more of the complex.

Just so you know, this isn’t a hidden gem, at all. It will feel like all the tourists in South East Asia are there watching the sunrise with you, but it still is worth doing.

Take a tuk-tuk there – your tuk-tuk driver from the day before will most likely offer their services again – and try to get there as early as possible, as it really does get incredibly busy!

After that, the day is yours to explore the rest of the ruins. I did the ‘big lap’ on this day, taking in sights like East Mebon and Ta Som, which took about 7 hours.

Later that night, I recommend checking out the Cambodian Circus. Don’t worry, there are no animals here – it’s all acrobats doing things with their body that you wouldn’t believe possible. You can purchase tickets here.

I’d recommend spending day three in Siem Reap seeing some of the other temples, that are a bit further away. A tuk-tuk will take you all the way out here, but it will cost slightly more than trips to the other Angkor Wat temples.

I went to Banteay Srey Temple and it was lovely, so much quieter than the other temples – there were times when me and my travel mate had the whole place to ourselves.

Also in the park is the Landmine Museum, which details a bit more into the tragedy of the wars that have shook South East Asia in the last half-century.

When visiting Angkor Wat, remember it is a religious site – the largest in the world, in fact. So pay the same respects here that you’d pay when visiting any other temple, church or mosque in the world. Here’s a good article with some resources about how to be respectful in Angkor Wat.

Take a night bus from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville – click here to book it.

Sihanoukville – 1 day

You’ll arrive in Sihanoukville on a night bus early in the morning – and I wouldn’t recommend spending much time here. It used to be a pretty crazy party place – nowadays, it’s a pretty crazy Chinese gambling city .

Walking around, I kind of felt like I was in a post-apocalyptic world, with some neon flashing signs and others still being built – but honestly, it’s not a very nice place. I’m only recommending that you pass through here so you can quickly scoot on over to Koh Rong, where this Cambodia itinerary resumes.

Day Four: Get the heck out of Sihanoukville

Luckily, there are lots of boats heading to Koh Rong. Once you get off the bus, you’ll have a lot of offers of tuk-tuks and scooters. Just hop on one of these and they’ll take you to the place to buy your boat tickets. You might need to wait around for a little while, but it shouldn’t be too long. Make sure you specify where you want to go to on the island, as some boats go to different places.

If you decide to go to Coconut Beach and stay at Coconut Beach Bungalows, you’ll be advised to get a certain boat which is operated by Coconut Beach Bungalows themselves. Here is the Google maps location of the shop selling their tickets.

Koh Rong – 3 days

Once you’ve arrived in Koh Rong, you can kick back, find a coconut and watch the sunset. This island paradise is your home for the next three days!

Where to Stay in Koh Rong

Hostel:  I’m not sure if it can be classed as a hostel, but Coconut Beach Bungalows is a great budget place to stay. You actually stay in tents right by the sea, which is so relaxing and serene. There’s a good restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and the owner gets everyone involved in activities like finding glowing plankton at 4am. Click here for rates and to book.

Mid-Range Hotel:  Ariya Resort has air-conditioned huts with mosquito nets, with each room offering a private bathroom and free WiFi throughout the whole property. Click here for more information and to book.

Luxury Hotel: Tamu Koh Rong is without a doubt one of the most luxury hotels in Koh Rong with rustic yet deluxe ‘glamping’ style rooms. The four-star property has outdoor showers, and a pool and restuarant on site. Click here for rates and more information.

Day Five – Hang Out in Koh Touch

Koh Touch Beach is the biggest and most developed of Koh Rong’s beaches by far. There are lots of bars, pubs and restaurants in the area and it’s always very busy. It’s a fun place just to hang out, have some drinks and see who you meet, although it can be rather rowdy at times! You can also walk around the jungle that backs onto the beach; Long Set Beach is just 10 minutes away through the forest.

Day Six – Trip to Coconut Beach

Coconut Beach is on the quieter side of the island; it’s a small bay with just a few restaurants, bars and places to hang out. It’s a super chill out spot and is definitely worth visiting for some R&R. I spent most of my time on Koh Rong at Coconut Beach, and I can attest that it’s a wonderful place to spend a day or more, with all you’ll need. Here’s my full Coconut Beach guide .

Day Seven – Snorkelling or Diving Around the Island

The beaches and forest on Koh Rong are beautiful, but what makes it even more special is the marine life in the surrounding seas. These can be enjoyed on a snorkelling or diving trip with Koh Rong Dive Center . You can do try dives, fun dives, PADI qualifications or snorkelling trips, so there’s something to suit everyone! Snorkelling trips are also bookable here.

Day Eight – Travel from Koh Rong to Kampot

You’ll first need to travel back to the mainland, and then make your way to Kampot. There are a few ways to get from Sihanoukville to Kampot, including:

• A minibus which takes 2-3 hours and costs about $6.
• A taxi which takes around 2 hours and costs about $45.
• A train which takes around 3-4 hours and costs about $8, but only leaves a few days a week.

The easiest way to arrange transport is to book it with your hotel, but here are the train timetables.

Once you arrive in Kampot, you can take a tuk-tuk to your accommodation, which will cost between $2 and $5.

Kampot – 3 days

The best advice I’d give to anyone who is planning a trip to Cambodia is to not miss Kampot. This is probably my favourite place in South East Asia: I love how chilled out and relaxed it is, as well as the fact that a lot of businesses here are really doing good. It’s also absolutely beautiful, with palms overlooking the tranquil river. It’s not the place to party, but definitely somewhere to recharge for a few days.

Where to Stay in Kampot

Hostel:  Bohemiaz Resort is a perfect chill-out space, with a spa, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna – it may well be the most luxurious hostel you’ve ever stayed in. There’s a restaurant and bar on site, and you can choose to stay in one of the dorm rooms or the hobbit huts. Click here for rates and to book. 

Mid-Range Hotel:  I loved loved LOVED Eden Eco Village. It was possibly the best place I’ve ever stayed. You stay in beautiful rustic huts which overlook the river and a scenic view of palm trees, there’s free yoga, the food is incredible and it’s in a wonderful tranquil setting. Book it, you won’t regret it. Click here for more information.

Luxury Hotel: Le Bokor Palace is one of the most imposing and luxurious places to stay in Kampot. With period decor, friendly and helpful staff, and a bar and restaurant on-site, you’ll feel like you’re in the lap of luxury at Le Bokor Palace. Click here for more information and to book.

Day Nine – Cycle Tour Around Kampot

It’s very easy to do a self-guided cycle tour around Kampot, and there are many places to visit in and around the town. I used a bike provided by my accommodation and saw the following:

• Toek Vil Pagoda – a lovely riverside church where you’re likely to be the only tourist
• Banteay Srey Spa – a wonderful project that employs young women and trains them to be masseurs and beauty therapists
• Farmlink (pepper farm) – a place where you can learn all about the production of Cambodian black pepper, which is a booming local business
• The durian roundabout – pretty self-explanatory… it’s a roundabout with a huge durian on it!
• The colonial buildings of the town centre – these are from the French colonial period and are a typical style of architecture

Remember to pack your camera (there are so many amazing places to take photos!), lots of suncream, a big bottle of water and mosquito repellant.

You can get food at Banteay Srey Spa, so I’d recommend visiting around lunchtime – it’s really delicious. I had a vegan English breakfast – yes, you can get that in Cambodia! – and it was wonderful.

You can check out my video of my day in Kampot here

In the evening, there are some fun bars to check out in Kampot with great happy hour deals.

Day Ten – National Park Tour

Bokor National Park is close to Kampot and makes for a perfect day trip. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could rent a bike and explore it yourself (I would only recommend doing this if you have experience though!), or you could jump on a tour from Kampot.

The park has beautiful lookouts, a moutain to climb, abandoned buildings and amazing tropical scenery. It’s well worth a day trip from Kampot!

In the evening, check out the night market for some local food and drinks.

Day Eleven – Relax in Kampot

Spend the next day relaxing in Kampot. There’s just so much to take in here – beautiful Cambodian countryside, wonderful food and amazing people. You might want to swim or kayak on the river, or cycle through the countryside again, or maybe just kick back in a hammock and relax.

I would definitely recommend doing a sunset boat tour along the river though. There are a few options leaving from town, and when the fireflies come out it’s really magical.

Day Twelve – Travel Kampot to Phnom Penh

Travelling from Kampot to Phnom Penh doesn’t need to take all day – it’s a 2.5 hour journey, although there is some waiting around. You can book a time that suits you online or at your accommodation, and either spend some extra time in Kampot in the morning or head to Phnom Penh and walk around the city in the afternoon.

Phomn Penh – 2 days

Phnom Penh is an important part of your Cambodia itinerary, but it’s not going to be an easy part. It’s where you’ll get the chance to learn all about the Cambodian genocide through various memorials, and it’s as sickening and as shocking as you can imagine.

There are, however, other things to do in Phnom Penh – I’d recommend dedicating a day to the memorials, as you won’t feel like doing much else after seeing them, and then spending a day learning about the more positive side of Phnom Penh’s history and culture.

I’d recommend checking out the central market in Phnom Penh when night falls, there are some great clothes there that are actually much more durable than most trousers from South East Asia (I still have a pair that I bought there and have worn about 100 times – if you’ve ever bought trousers/ pants in South East Asian markets you’ll know how impressive that is!). There are also places to get dinner and AMAZING coconut ice cream.

You could also spend some time checking out the best cafes in Phnom Pehn like the lovely Connecting Hands which is an NGO and supports worthwhile causes.

Where to Stay in Phnom Penh

Hostel:  I stayed at Coolwrong Hostel and really enjoyed it. The rooms are squeaky clean, beds have a good amount of privacy, it’s very laidback and relaxed and there is a restaurant downstairs. The family who run the hostel are very sweet as well. Click here to learn more and to book.

Mid-Range Hotel:  Aquarius Hotel and Urban Resort has trendy, minimalistic rooms with luxurious bathrooms – some with bathtubs. Enjoy an outdoor pool and a spa on-site. Click here for more information and to book.

Luxury Hotel:  The Palace Gate Hotel and Resort is an oasis in the middle of the city. With a pool surrounded by day-beds, an on-site spa, and gorgeous rooms with a mix of period and modern features, it’s a great luxury pick in Phnom Penh. Click here for more information and to reserve your room.

Day Thirteen – The Killing Fields and S21 Prison

This is a horrible day, but it’s very very important. Cambodia was victim to a huge genocide, not long ago. From 1975-1979, the Khmer Rouge took brutal control over the country , killing 25% of its citizens. An estimated 1.6 – 1.8 million people were murdered or perished during this dark time, and it went from being a rather developed South East Asian nation to a poverty-stricken country.

I believe that it’s really important to learn about this side of Cambodia’s history because educating ourselves in this kind of history hopefully helps it not repeat itself. It also gives visitors a key education into how Cambodia was like as a country then, and subsequently what it is like now – it definitely changed the way I looked at the country, and travelling in South East Asia as a whole, and helped me be a more respectful traveller.

That being said, it’s so important to visit these places respectfully – it’s asked to not wear revealing clothes as it’s a memorial site, and obviously don’t be noisy, take selfies or do anything else that might be seen as disrespectful. I read this article that states that ‘too many tourists’ are visiting the Killing Fields – or, to be more exact, too many tourists are visiting for the wrong reasons.

It’s really important to go to these sites to learn about what happened and want to know what we can, as a whole, learn from it – not to just tick something off a list.

You can take a tuk-tuk to the Killing Fields and S21 Prison; there will be plenty of people offering, and it should cost you $15 for the whole day. The driver may or may not chat to you about it on the way, just go with what they’re obviously comfortable with.

The Killing Fields are about half an hour out of town, and they’re a truly harrowing site. Take the audio guide, take your time, listen to the stories.

The S21 Prison is back in town, and again is best experienced with an audio guide. Again, it’s a shocking, brutal place – but I do think humanity can collectively learn so much from both of these places.

I’ve written a longer, more detailed blog post about my thoughts on the Phnom Penh Memorials – you can click here to read it.

For the rest of the day, you’ll probably just want to quietly pay your respects. Maybe take a stroll along the Phnom Penh river and reflect.

Day Fourteen – The Rest of the City

Your driver will probably be willing to take you to some other spots around the city the next day – if they’re not, there will be lots of people who will. While much of Phnom Penh’s history is very sad, there is a happier side, and this can be shown through the other spots of the city.

Some places I visited with my tuk-tuk driver were:

• The Silk Farm – silk is a growing industry that has helped Cambodia a lot since their country was devastated. You can take a guided tour of the silk farm with a local guide – there’s also a swimming pool there if you want to cool off in the sweltering Phnom Penh heat – and the option to purchase items. I didn’t want to buy any silk, but there was also some products made of Cambodian cotton to buy so I got a cotton headscarf.
• Yellow Temple – this temple was far out of the tourist trail, and somewhere that I would never have found if it wasn’t for my tuk-tuk driver.
• Royal Palace – the Royal Palace is a huge complex that details the story of the monarchs of the country. I would recommend
• Museum of Cambodia – this museum tells the story of Cambodia from ancient times

Your tuk-tuk driver will also happily recommend restaurants and answer any other questions that you might have – generally they speak very good English. I paid $20 for my tuk-tuk driver to drive me around all day.

Where to go from Phnom Penh

From Phnom Penh, you have a few options. It’s easy to head into Vietnam from here, either on a sleeper bus to Ho Chi Minh City or a day bus to the Mekong Delta (which goes via Kampot). You can also take a sleeper bus to Bangkok. Or head north, to Pakse in Laos and start a Laos adventure .

You can book all of your travel on Bookaway .

What to Pack for Cambodia

I’m going to write a full South East Asia packing list soon – stay tuned – but some Cambodia essentials that you might want are:

• Loose, light clothes – it doesn’t often get cold in Cambodia! However, make sure that you have some modest clothes for temples and memorials. Cambodia a conservative country and it’s not respectful to walk around non-touristy places in super short shorts – I’d recommend taking a few pairs of light trousers and saving the shorts for the beach.
• A Cambodia guidebook – this will be very helpful when you’re exploring all the different attractions. Buy Lonely Planet Cambodia here.
• A travel adaptor – Cambodia uses European-style adaptors. So if you’re coming from anywhere else in the world, you’ll need your own adaptor. Purchase an international adaptor here.
• Suncream – Cambodia can be absolutely roasting, and many suncreams sold here have whitening in them. Plus suncream is one of the only things that’s a lot more expensive in Asia than back home. Purchase some suncream by clicking here.
• A Water-to-go-Bottle – You can’t drink the tap water in Cambodia – unless you have one of these jazzy gadgets. After flushing the filter initially, you’re good to drink tap water from it for up to 2 months – then you’ll need to change the filter. Click here to buy a Water-to-Go-Bottle .
• Metal Straws – South East Asia does have a plastic problem. Be part of the solution by using reusable straws rather than plastic straws. Click here to purchase metal straws before you go go.
• Power bank – You’re likely to take some long bus journeys in Cambodia, so you’ll probably want to keep your device charged. Click here to purchase one.
• Camera – you’ll want a good camera for all your Cambodia pictures! I use and recommend the Fujifilm x-a3 – click here to purchase one.

Being Respectful in Cambodia

As I’ve mentioned a few times, this country went through four years of absolute hell under the rule of Pol Pot, and is still rebuilding and healing today. The whole country is suffering from first or second generation PTSD, and while tourism has helped them a lot financially, the wrong kind of tourism can really damage the country.

Some ways to be respectful in Cambodia include:

• Learning about the genocide. Don’t impose yourself onto locals with questions (unless they broach the subject first and you can tell they want to talk about it), but read about it, visit the memorials, and understand the enormity of what happened.
• Use local businesses. Cambodia has a big problem with foreign-owned businesses who are setting up places that don’t help the local people. Using businesses that are run by Cambodians and employ Cambodians help this enormously. I’ve tried to recommend as many local businesses in this post as possible – let me know if you find any others that are worth a shout out.
• Dress respectfully. As mentioned above, Cambodia is a modest and religious country – but for some reason, many backpackers and tourists don’t seem to think it applies to them. Just because Cambodia is a popular, cheap place to travel, it doesn’t mean that it’s somewhere where we can do whatever we want. The punishments for being provocative and disrespectful are high , but they can easily be averted by just being a bit more modest.

Useful Khmer Phrases

I’ll be honest, the English level in Cambodia is generally pretty good and because it is such a different language to English, it’s not expected that you’ll speak Khmer. However, Cambodians really love it if you speak a little of their language – here are the words I learned…

Hello – suostei Thankyou – arkoun Goodbye – leahaey Please – saum

Books to Read About Cambodia

Your Ultimate Cambodia Travel Itinerary

I hope that this 2 weeks in Cambodia itinerary has shown you exactly how you can spend 14 days travelling around Cambodia! It’s not quite long enough, but it’s still plenty of time to enjoy some of the best things that this fascinating South East Asian country has to offer. I can guarantee you’ll be back for more!

Check Out My Other South East Asia Itineraries

• 3 days in Bangkok itinerary
• 3 days in Hanoi itinerary
• 1 month in Vietnam itinerary
• 10 days in Vietnam itinerary
• 1 month in Laos itinerary
• 2 weeks in Thailand itinerary
• 2 days in Singapore itinerary

If you have any questions or want to connect, I’m over on Instagram and YouTube !

One thought on “ Two Weeks in Cambodia Itinerary for First-Timers ”

Cambodia is one my absolute favorite countries in the world!! As I was looking at the list I was happy I got to see some of these beautiful places, but realized there are so many more to visit!!

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Traveling to Cambodia: Essentials to Know

What You Need to Know Before Visiting Cambodia

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove

Traveling to Cambodia is easy, but knowing a few essentials before arrival will help you navigate the tangles and traps that often snare tourists on their first visits.

Tourism in Cambodia is on the rise. With double-digit growth in recent years, over 6 million tourists visited Cambodia in 2018. Not bad, especially considering Cambodia's population was estimated to be 16.2 million in 2018. Many of those international tourists proceed directly to Angkor Wat near Siem Reap .

But along with practical information for visiting Cambodia, you should know a little about Cambodia's struggle to recover after decades of war and bloodshed. Grab a copy of the book First They Killed My Father by Loung Ung for a moving, firsthand account of the atrocities Cambodia faced not too long ago. Instead of comparing the infrastructure to that in Thailand—a bigger, never-colonized neighbor— be amazed at what Cambodia has accomplished .

Cambodia Travel Essentials to Know

• Official Name: Kingdom of Cambodia
• Other Names: Kampuchea (Cambodge in French)
• Population: 16.2 million (per 2018 census)
• Time: UTC + 7 (12 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time)
• Country Phone Code: +855
• Capital City: Phnom Penh (also the largest city)
• Primary Religion: Theravada Buddhism

Cambodia's Difficult Past

Cambodia, home to the once-powerful Khmer Empire, has literally taken a beating in the last 500 years. Despite being the most dominant power in the region for centuries, Cambodia fell to Ayutthaya (modern-day Thailand) in the 15th century. Since then, a number of conflicts were fought in or around Cambodia, leaving far too many orphans, land mines, and unexploded ordinance behind.

Cambodia was made a protectorate of France between 1863 and 1953; further suffering was brought on by the Vietnam War. Pol Pot and his bloody Khmer Rouge are attributed with the deaths of over two million people between 1975 and 1979.

Along with war, a mending economy and extreme poverty gave rise to a real problem of corruption. Tourists who begin their Southeast Asia travels in Thailand often make the mistake of comparing Cambodia's infrastructure, cuisine, and other aspects of culture to what they experienced in Thailand.

Angkor Wat in Cambodia

Although there is much more to see when traveling in Cambodia, the ancient ruins of Angkor temples dating back to the 12th century are the crown jewel for tourism. Angkor Wat is considered the largest religious monument in the world and even appears on Cambodia's flag.

Located near modern-day Siem Reap, Angkor was the seat of the mighty Khmer Empire that peaked between the 9th and 15th centuries until the city was sacked in 1431. Today, Angkor Wat is protected as one of Southeast Asia's most impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Containing both Hindu and Buddhist temples spread over many miles of jungle, the bas-reliefs and statues depict scenes from mythology, providing a small glimpse of the ancient Khmer civilization. Although the main site is impressive, it is also perpetually busy—especially during high season between November and April. Fortunately, intrepid travelers still have the option to visit the many unrestored temples located away from the main site.

Getting to Cambodia

Cambodia has around a dozen overland border crossings with neighboring Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. But the easiest way to reach Cambodia with the least amount of hassle is via a budget flight to Siem Reap or the capital, Phnom Penh. Plenty of inexpensive flights are available from Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur .

If your primary plan is to see Angkor Wat, flying into Siem Reap is easiest, although flights tend to be more expensive relative to the short time spent in the air. Phnom Penh is connected to Siem Reap via bus (5–6 hours) and speedboat.

Cambodia Visa and Entry Requirements

A visa for Cambodia can be arranged online before travel via the Cambodian e-visa website . Citizens from many approved countries can also get a 30-day visa on arrival at the airport in Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. Visa on arrival is available at some of the major land border crossings but not all.

Two passport-sized photos are required as well as the application fee. The official price for a visa should be around US $30–35. Officials prefer if you pay the application fee in U.S. dollars. You may be charged more for paying in Thai baht.

Tip: Some of the oldest scams in Southeast Asia happen to travelers crossing into Cambodia. Border officials have been known to change the visa application fees on a whim; all prefer if you pay with U.S. dollars. If paying with Thai baht, be mindful of the exchange rate you are given and hold out for the official entry fee. Your change will be returned in Cambodian riels and subject to the exchange rate in an official's head. It's better to pay the exact fee if you can.

Money in Cambodia

The official currency in Cambodia is the Cambodian riel (KHR), but U.S. dollars are widely accepted and circulated. Both are accepted interchangeably, however, dollars are preferred in many cases. You'll see prices in urban and tourist areas quoted in dollars. Thai baht is used in some places, particularly nearer the borders.

Try to carry smaller denominations of Cambodian riel and U.S. dollars at all times. Horde your small change! Your U.S. dollars should be in relatively good condition without tears or excessive damage. Instead of U.S. coins, you'll usually be given change back in riel, meaning you'll have to keep an eye on whatever exchange rate is worked out for each transaction.

Western-networked ATMs are widespread throughout Cambodia; the most common networks are Cirrus, Maestro, and Plus. Expect to pay a fee between of up to $5 per transaction on top of whatever your bank charges. Credit cards are only accepted in large hotels and at some tour agencies. It's always safer to use cash (card skimming can be a problem in Cambodia) and stick to using ATMs in public places, ideally those attached to bank branches.

Like most of Asia, Cambodia has a culture of haggling . Prices for everything from souvenirs to hotel rooms can generally be negotiated. Plan to use up your Cambodian riel before leaving the country because it cannot be exchanged. The riel is practically useless outside of Cambodia.

Vaccinations for Cambodia

Although there are not any officially required vaccinations to enter Cambodia, you should have the usual, recommended vaccinations for Asia . Hep A, Hep B, typhoid, and tetanus (often combined with others into a Tdap vaccination) are generally recommended.

Mosquito-borne dengue fever is a serious problem in Cambodia. The vaccine for dengue fever is currently only recommended for people who have already had a bout of the fever. You should protect yourself by learning how to avoid mosquito bites.

When to Visit Cambodia

For the most part, Cambodia has two dominant seasons: wet and dry. Unless air conditioning is to blame, rarely will you ever be cold while in Cambodia. The dry season and peak months for visiting are between November and April. Temperatures in April can exceed 103 degrees Fahrenheit! The rain begins sometime in May or June after the hottest months to cool things down. Heavy monsoon rains make a lot of mud, shut down roads, and greatly contribute to the mosquito problem.

The best months for visiting Angkor Wat are also the busiest because of the number of sunny days. January typically has the least number of rainy days.

Cambodia Travel Tips

• Avoid mentioning or asking questions that may cause locals to become uncomfortable. Controversial topics include: war, politics, the Khmer Rouge, the problem of land mines, and other subjects that could trigger dark memories.
• Avoid supporting unsustainable practices such as child begging or the many children selling souvenirs to tourists. Don't buy souvenirs made from insects, shells, or wildlife; these cause further damage to the environment. Practicing sustainable travel is especially important in Cambodia.
• The water in Cambodia is unsafe to drink. Bottled water can be purchased everywhere; always check the seal before drinking.
• Although marijuana is very easy to find (you can order it on pizzas in Siem Reap), all drugs are illegal in Cambodia just as they are in Thailand.
• Petty theft (most often in the form of motorbike-based bag snatching) can be a nuisance in Cambodia. Don't keep your smartphone sticking out of your pocket, and watch out for your purse or daybag while riding in tuk-tuks.
• Although busy with tourism, Angkor Wat is still a religious monument used by worshippers. You will encounter many monks there. Dress appropriately and follow the usual rules of temple etiquette .
• The entrance fees for Angkor Wat increased significantly in 2017. You can now pay for passes by credit card at the ticketing counter (hours: 05:30–5 p.m.). You'll need a single passport photo.

Where Is Angkor Wat?

Cambodia Guide: Planning Your Trip

Phnom Penh, Cambodia Guide: Planning Your Trip

A Beginner's Guide to Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap International Airport Guide

Cambodia Travel Requirements

What $100 Can Get You in Southeast Asia

The 13 Best Things to Do in Siem Reap

Traveling to Vientiane in Laos

Visa Requirements for Cambodia

How to Visit the Must-See Temples in Angkor, Cambodia

What to Know Before Traveling to Laos

8 Sacred Sites in Southeast Asia

The Best Time to Visit Angkor Wat

How to Plan a Vacation in Thailand

Cambodia is a country I always find myself returning to. There are many reasons to love this country and I’m going to spill the beans on all its treasures with this ultimate 2 week Cambodia itinerary.

When you travel to Cambodia, it’s a journey into a land of ancient wonders, natural beauty and warm Cambodian hospitality. Cambodia is most famous for the ancient Khmer Rouge ruins – Angkor Wat – but these magnificent ruins are not the only reason to visit this Southeast Asian nation.

Idyllic white sand beaches can be found on the islands in the south and a lively nightlife can be expected when you explore the capital. The Cambodia culture and the people are more than enough reasons to fall in love with this beautiful country.

In this article, I’ll go over all the details of this Cambodia 2 week itinerary, let you know the best ways to spend your time in Cambodia and offer any tips that will aid planning your adventure.

For full transparency,  I have sprinkled some affiliate links in this post which gives me a small commission at no extra cost to you if you decided to make a purchase. As always, I would never recommend a product or service that I didn't truely believe in. If you find this post useful, you can also treat Jess to a cup coffee by clicking the icon on the bottom of the page. This will allow me to continue to create more content for you to enjoy ☕️. 

Table of Contents

2 Week Cambodia Itinerary

The best way to travel around Cambodia is on the tourist buses/shuttles that is set up in the country. Minivans are frequent, well connected to the major cities in the country and it’s very affordable.

Bookaway and 12Go are the two main sites I use to book my buses, trains, ferries and shuttles across Southeast Asia. They are convenient and reliable. Although sometimes uncomfortable.

This 2 week Cambodia itinerary will rely on tourist buses and minivans to get you from one destination to the next. Just remember, the journey is just as good as the destination.

Below is a quick outline of what the Cambodia trip itinerary looks like. For more information about a specific location or activity, click on the blue links below.

Day 1: 

Arrive in Siem Reap

• Book Accommodation in Siem Reap for 4 nights
• Explore Angkor Wat Small Circuit
• Full Body Massage
• Sunrise Tour in Angkor Wat
• Angkor Wat Grand Circuit
• Foot Massage
• Explore downtown Siem Reap & Pub Street
• Relax by the Pool
• Phare Circus
• Travel to Battambang
• Book Accommodation in Battambang for 2 nights
• Ride the Bamboo Railway
• Travel to the Cambodian Islands – Koh Rong or Koh Rong Sanloem
• Book Accommodation on Koh Rong Island for 3 nights

Day 8 & 9:

• Lounge in a hammock, drink a pina colada and enjoy your vacation.
• Day Trip to Koh Rong Sanloem
• Travel to Kampot
• Book Accommodations in Kampot for 2 Nights.
• Bokor National Park
• Tour a Pepper Plantation
• Explore Kep

Kep Crab Market

• Travel to Phnom Penh
• Book Accommodations in Phnom Penh for 2 Nights
• Explore the Royal Palace
• Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum & the Killing Fields
• Fly home or onto the next adventure

Is Cambodia Worth Visiting

Before we get started with all the details on this itinerary for Cambodia, let’s go over a few questions I know we all have burning in the back of our heads. Is Cambodia worth visiting?

Cambodia offers travelers a chance to roam around mystical ruins, lounge in hammocks on secluded white sand beaches and experience a little bit of city life in modern day Cambodia.

After you’ve read through this Cambodia travel itinerary, you’ll know the answer to that question is a yes, Cambodia is definitely worth a visit.

How Many Days in Cambodia

How many days in Cambodia ?  Now, you’re probably wondering how long to travel Cambodia. A well-rounded Cambodia itinerary ranges from 7-14 days.

This timeframe allows you to enjoy the culture, history, and natural beauty of Cambodia without feeling rushed. If you don’t have the gift of time, you can make this a 10 days Cambodia itinerary or even a 1 week Cambodia itinerary, you’ll just have to cut out a stop or two.

This 2 week Cambodia itinerary takes you through the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, to the tropical islands in the south, through sleepy fisherman villages and eventually to the capital to delve into the history and the Royal Palace.

Day 2: Angkor Wat Small Circuit

Angkor Wat is the largest religious complex in the world and exploring the complex and the surrounding temples will be a highlight on your 2 week Cambodia itinerary.

You can buy a 1, 3, or 7 Day Pass to explore the ruins. For this Cambodia 2 week itinerary, I recommend you purchase the 3 day pass which costs $62. This will give you plenty of time to explore the temples at your own pace and avoid the crowds.

Today you’re going to explore the most iconic temples on the Angkor Wat Small Circuit. On this circuit you can drive through the striking Angkor Thor Gates, witness the hundreds of Buddha faces at Bayon Temple, play Tomb Raider at Ta Prohm Temple.

If you only have 1 day to visit Angkor Wat , you’ll hit all the above mentioned and then some. It will be a long, day of exploring but you’ll feel satisfied that you saw as much you could in such a short time.

Arrange a private tuk tuk driver for the day so they can drive you around to all the temples. Exploring Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples is by far the top thing to do in Siem Reap.

Book a Private Tuk Tuk Driver →

Day 3: Angkor Wat Sunrise & Grand Circuit

Today starts with an early wake up call for an Angkor Wat Sunrise. Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s iconic and a must do on this Cambodia itinerary. The iconic silhouette of Angkor Wat against the sunrise creates a breathtaking spectacle.

Cambodia Itinerary | Days 5 – 7

Today you will journey to Cambodia’s second largest city Battambang. The bus from Siem Reap to Battambang takes about 4 hours and runs frequently.

Explore the city and check out the temples Piphithearam and Dhum Rey Sor which are located inside the city. There are the best places to stay in Battambang.

Where to Stay in Battambang

• Cambana La Rivière Hotel is the top pick of where to stay in Battambang.
• Lotus Blanc Homestay  – Lovely homestay and great place to stay on a budget.
• Battambang Resort has a lovely pool and garden area. Great value for the price.
• Oh Battambang Boutique Hotel is one of the nicest boutique hotels in Battambang.
• THE PLACE Hostel & Rooftop Bar – Budget friendly, social hostel in Battambang.

Koh Rong Sanloem

A day trip to Koh Rong Sanloem from Koh Rong cost $5. On Koh Rong Sanloem you can expect to find similar things like hammocks in the ocean where you can laze all day and enjoy the warm tropical waters.

Both islands are beautiful and undeveloped. Koh Rong is the bigger of the two and Koh Rong doesn’t have motorized vehicles.

Book Transportation to Kampot →

2 Week Cambodia Itinerary | Day 10 & 11

You’ve gotten your tan, now let’s head to the sleepy coastal town of Kampot, where you will experience some Cambodian culture. Take the ferry back to Sihanoukville. From there, its a two hour bus ride to Kampot.

Kampot is a charmap, riverside town filled with French influenced architecture. The best way tot explore the town is by renting a moped. It’s a small town so zipping around is user friendly and enjoyable.

Renowned for its world-class pepper, a trip to Kampot is incomplete without exploring the nearby Kampt pepper plantations.

Book a Pepper Tour →

☕️ Read Next: 2 Day Kampot & Kep Itinerary 

Where to Stay in Kampot

These are the best places to stay in Kampot or you can read this article for more details of where to stay in Kampot .

• Castle Bayview Resort & Spa is the best luxury hotel in Kampot.
• Hotel Old Cinema is a stylish and comfortable hotel located close to the waters edge in Kampot.
• Ecran Riverfront Guesthouse is a peaceful retreat with a front-row seat to the town’s picturesque landscapes.
• Pippali Boutique Hotel has a large pool perfect after a day of exploring. The bar and restaurant on site are as cute as can be.
• Le Bokor Palace the most unique place to stay in Kampot.

Kep is a 45 minute moped ride from Kampot, but prepare for a dusty and bumpy ride. Kep is a small seaside fishing village and the main attraction the Fre sh Crab Market.

Wandering through Kep’s Crab Market is a great way to spend the morning. You can have lunch at one of the wooden shack restaurants that line the beach or if you’re on a tighter budget you can pick your seafood, they will make it to your liking and you can enjoy it right there in the crab market.

Next, check out Kep beach and journey down the coast and take in the beauty. We found this cool pier as we were zipping around. If you’re feeling up for it, jump on the ferry and journey to Rabbit Island.

Book Transportation to Phnom Penh →

2 Weeks in Cambodia | Day 12 – 14

Your final stop on the ultimate 2 week Cambodia itinerary is the capital city of Phnom Penh. It’s about a 4-5 hour bus ride from Kampot. Buses are frequent and direct.

Most travelers pass through Phnom Penh on their way in or out of the country. Top sights not to miss in Phnom Penh include the Royal Palace, with its intricate architectures, and the nearby Silver Pagoda.

The solemn yet essential Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields provide a small glimpse into the country’s recent past. Wander through the Central and Russian Markets to immerse yourself in the local life and flavors.

Where to Stay in Phnom Penh

If you would like more details check out 12 Best Hotels in Phnom Penh

• Bale Phnom Penh by LifestyleRetreats offers luxurious 5 star accommodations on the shores of the Mekong.
• iRoHa Garden Hotel & Resort is a hidden gem tucked inside the busy part of the city
• Raffles Hotel Le Royal is one of the best hotels to stay in Phnom Penh
• Vacation Boutique Hotel is a budget friendly accommodation in Phnom Penh.
• Penh House & Jungle Addition has not one but two amazing pools.

When is the Best Time to Visit Cambodia

Cambodia basically has 2 seasons. December and January are the best months to visit Cambodia.

May to October is rainy monsoon season. There will be heavy rains and the humidity will be off the charts. Expect it to heavy down pour for a couple hours each afternoon.

November to April are the dry months in Cambodia. The average temperature will be in the 80’s.

How to Get to Cambodia

There are several budget airlines that fly into Cambodia so getting here is not only friendly on your wallet but also convenient. I use Skyscanner to book most my flights. It’s super easy to find the best deals for the fraction of the price.

Traveling to Cambodia via overnight bus is a great option for budget travelers. The overnight buses are better in Cambodia than most countries in Southeast Asia.  

Before you Travel to Cambodia

• 🛂 Visa: A Visa is required by most countries to enter Cambodia. You can get an E-Visa here before you go or get one on arrival. Make sure you have at least 6 months validity on your passport and a blank page for the Visa.
• 💸 Currency:   The Cambodian Riel is the official currency of Cambodia but US dollar will be your main source of money.    4,000 Riel = roughly 1 USD.
• 🙊 Language: Khmer is the official language of Cambodia but English is widely spoken especially in Siem Reap.
• 🪂 Purchase Travel Insurance – It’s very affordable when you consider the alternative.
• 📖 Read: The Ultimate Guide to Cambodia

Onward Travel from Cambodia

If you only have 2 weeks in Cambodia, your time has come to an end. If this is just the start or somewhere in between, here are some suggestions on where to head to after Cambodia.

• Vietnam: Cross the border into Vietnam to explore diverse landscapes, from the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay and the romantic streets of Hoi An .
• Thailand: Travel overland to Thailand , where you can discover the quirky side of Bangkok, spend the night in an overwater bungalow , relax on the beautiful beaches in Thailand or bath with elephants in the north .
• Laos: Head north to Laos , where you can experience the laid-back atmosphere of Luang Prabang , catch a slow boat down the Mekong River , or explore the 4,000 Islands in Don Det .
• Myanmar: Venture westward to Myanmar , uncovering the history of Yangon, exploring the ancient temples of Bagan, or the unique culture of Mandalay.
• Philippines: Book a flight to bask on the beaches of in El Nido , go on boat tours , gawk at the towering rock formations and go chasing waterfalls on Cebu .

Final Thoughts on 2 Week Cambodia Itinerary

Cambodia invites exploration of its history, from the tragic chapters of the Khmer Rouge era to the resurgent spirit of its resilient people.  The warmth of Cambodian hospitality and genuine smiles make visitors feel welcomed.

The county’s diverse landscapes offer a variety of experiences. Whether you seek ancient wonders, Cambodian culture, or natural beauty, Cambodia’s unique charm promises an unforgettable journey.

If you found this article about the ultimate Cambodia 2 week itinerary useful, let fellow travelers know in the comments below 👇. It helps me to continue to create free content for you to enjoy.

Southeast Asia Travel Guides ↓

Planning a trip through Southeast Asia? Check out the travel guides below to help plan your travels through the region.

The Ultimate Guide to Laos 

Best Things to do in the Phi Phi Islands 

Vang Vieng Laos Travel Guide 

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Thanks so much for your comment on my Cambodia Itinerary. Cambodia is by far one of my favorite countries and traveling slow is the way to go if you got the time. Looks like you were able to experience Siem Reap and explore Angkor Wat which both hold special places in my heart.

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A 2 Week Cambodia Itinerary For Temples, Nature & Idyllic Beaches

While the world-famous ancient temples of Angkor may be the crowning jewel of Cambodia , this confounding kingdom has so much more to offer. Scratch beneath the surface and you’ll find that Cambodia is also home to scenic riverside towns, pristine tropical islands, and mountainous landscapes home to an abundance of wildlife.

There’s a lot to see and do in Cambodia, so it can be a challenge to decide where to go with a limited time frame. This 2 week Cambodia itinerary for backpackers will help you to see the very best of the country, with a mix of temples, nature and beaches.

Given the roundish shape of Cambodia, I’ve arranged this itinerary so that you travel around the country in a circle (well, really more of a triangle). The itinerary begins in Phnom Penh and follows the circular route in an anti-clockwise direction. However, you can begin anywhere along the route (many people arrive into Cambodia at Siem Reap, for example) and complete the circle from there.

2 week Cambodia itinerary overview A) Phnom Penh B) Kratie C) Siem Reap D) Koh Rong Samloem E) Kratie

Phnom Penh: 1-2 days

Where to stay in Phnom Penh: Pooltop

I’m going to assume you’ll be starting this Cambodia itinerary from Phnom Penh — the bustling capital city. You may want to take it easy on your first day, so I suggest you explore at your leisure, hitting up some of the many cafes and markets that dot the city. Don’t forget to visit the Royal Palace, the river promenade and the Phnom Penh Night Market to try some authentic Cambodian street food, such as Amok and Mee Kola!

The main reason why you should spend time in Phnom Penh, though, is because it’s the epicentre of Cambodia’s tragic history.

During the 1970s, the Khmer Rouge, a political party led by Pol Pot, inflicted a barbaric regime across the country. This regime aimed to entirely eradicate capitalism, enforcing a mass “ethnic cleansing” campaign across Cambodia, where political opponents, intellects and minority groups were executed. 1 in 4 people in Cambodia died during this time.

While it’s not a pleasant subject, I feel it’s important to learn about this part of Cambodia’s history before exploring the rest of the country. Visit the Killing Fields and S-21 Genocide Museum ; two locations which have been turned into museums depicting the horrors of the Khmer Rouge.

Kratie: 2 days

Where to stay in Kratie: Sorya Guesthouse — great location with both dorms and private rooms available.

Now that you’ve explored some of Cambodia’s history in Phnom Penh, head to Kratie for a dose of nature and wildlife. Many Cambodia itineraries I’ve seen don’t include Kratie — I think this is a huge shame, as it was one of my favourite places in the country. As it’s a little off the main tourist trail, it does require some effort to get to, but it’s absolutely worth it.

The key reason why most people visit Kratie is because it sits on the banks of the Mekong River, where a pod of about 20 endangered Irrawaddy dolphins live. The dolphins can be found about 15 kilometres north from Kratie, near a small village called Kampi. From here, you can take a boat onto the river for about 7 USD and watch them frolic in the water.

Just opposite Kratie Town, you’ll find Koh Trong , a beautiful, rural island sitting on The Mekong river. You can access Koh Trong by catching a ferry from the Jasmine Boat restaurant all day, every day, until 18:30. The ferry driver simply waits for the boat to fill up, then heads across.

There’s a tiny tourism centre up the beach from where you disembark the ferry — I recommend that you rent a bicycle from here and explore Koh Trong that way. You’ll find bamboo huts, rice paddies and beautiful beaches on your bicycle ride, and, if you’re lucky, you may spot a Mekong snail-eating turtle.

Siem Reap: 2-3 days

Where to stay in Siem Reap: Onederz

Head to Siem Reap next. The main reason why most people visit Siem Reap — and Cambodia in general — is because it’s home to Angkor Wat.

The most iconic symbol of Cambodia, Angkor Wat is the largest religious site in the world. Once the capital of the Khmer Empire, this ancient temple complex is now the biggest attraction in the country, with over 2 million visitors each year.

The Angkor temples were built in the 12th century and comprised a fully functional city spread out over 400 square kilometres. Given this, there is so much more to Angkor than just Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is the main, most famous temple that most people will recognise, but there are over 1000 smaller temples scattered around the area.

You’ll need a whole day to explore the temples, and those who are temple-mad may even want two or three days. Entry to the complex costs 37 USD.

Temples aside, Siem Reap is a fabulous city in its own right. It’s packed with culture and history, so make sure to soak it all in! I recommend a street food tour to experience the many markets, visit some of the local museums, and enjoy drinks at the lively backpacker strip of Pub Street.

Siem Reap also isn’t far from Tonlé Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Around its waters, you’ll find several floating villages. These villages comprise stilted houses that rise above the water, so they are protected when the monsoon season brings heavy rainfall. It’s amazing to see how these people live, so I recommend taking a day trip from Siem Reap to visit one of the villages.

Koh Rong Samloem: 2-3 days

Where to stay in Koh Rong Samloem: The Cliff Hostel

Koh Rong Samloem is a beautiful island just offshore from the town of Sihanoukville. Many people rave about Sihanoukville and spend a night or two here before heading to the island, but I didn’t personally warm to it so recommend heading straight to Koh Rong Samloem.

As Koh Rong Samloem is an island, you’ll need to get a bus to Sihanoukville and then a boat to the island. Koh Rong Samloem is all about relaxing on a beautiful beach paradise. So, kick back and unwind on this stunning island; drink coconuts, explore all the little beaches and swim in the sea. Lazy Beach was one of my favourite beaches — spend a few days relaxing with cocktails and fresh coconuts in hand.

I never really pictured Cambodia as the sort of place where you’d find paradise islands, but it really does have some gorgeous beaches. Most of Cambodia’s islands are quite undeveloped and barely warming up to tourism, so are perfect for relaxation.

Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem are the most visited, so are ideal for those who prefer more infrastructure and tourism, whereas islands such as Koh Thmei, Koh Ta Kiev and Koh Kotang are perfect for those looking to disconnect.

Kampot: 3 days

Where to stay in Kampot:  I can’t recommend Karma Traders  enough. Easily one of the best hostels I’ve ever stayed in.

Swap the sea for the river and head to Kampot next. It’s a relaxed riverside town with beautiful countryside comprising farming communities, pepper plantations, rice paddies, caves and mountains. I recommend hiring a bicycle to get out and explore it all — at only 2 USD a day for a rental, it makes for a wonderfully cheap day out.

Kampot is famous for its pepper plantations. La Plantation is probably the most famous in the area, so I would recommend including this on your bicycle itinerary. You’ll get a free guided tour of the plantation and can choose to have lunch there.

Be sure to visit some of the caves too, as many of them have temples or shrines inside them — I recommend Phnom Chhngok and White Elephant Cave.

The river Prek Tuek Chhuo runs right through Kampot and out across the surrounding countryside. You can walk along the boardwalk in the city which runs right by the river, but I recommend some boating activities to enjoy the river at its best. Hire a canoe and spend the morning canoeing or take a sunset boat trip.

You could also hire a motorbike (around 5-10 USD for the day) and head out to explore Bokor Mountain. This mountain is home to the abandoned Bokor Palace Hotel, also known as the “old casino” and an abandoned Catholic church, which are really interesting to see. The drive up to the top of the mountain is about 40km from Kampot and provides some stunning views, so you’ll probably want to stop a lot to admire the scenery.

Additions and alterations to your 2 week Cambodia itinerary

If some of the above destinations aren’t right for you, or if you have more than 2 weeks to spend, I highly recommend adding the following to your Cambodia itinerary.

A less visited destination, Mondulkiri is a mountainous area about 8 hours north of Phnom Penh. This is the place to go if you love elephants! The  Mondulkiri Project  is an ethical elephant sanctuary where tourists can feed and learn about elephants. The sanctuary offers a day tour at 50 USD or an overnight tour at 80 USD. Alternatively, visit  The Elephant Valley Project , where you can choose to volunteer with the elephants for 5 days!

Despite being one of the largest cities in Cambodia, Battambang retains a town-like feel, thanks to its bohemian vibe and low tourist numbers. While the city itself is nice to wander, Battambang is best known for the “bamboo train” — a small railroad cart capable of travelling up to 40km per hour. At just 5 USD for a ride, it’s a fun way to see some of the surrounding rural landscape. Cycling around the countryside or hiking Mount Phnom Sampov are other great things to do in Battambang.

Cardamom Mountains

An impressive 40% of Cambodia is covered by protected areas and national parks, which means that the country is a haven for wildlife. The largest of these national parks is the Southern Cardamom National Park at 1584 square miles, home to Asian elephants, sun bears, gibbons, pangolins and more. This national park does require effort to get to, but once there, opt to trek through the jungle, go wildlife tracking, or get involved in some community ecotourism programs.

Sihanoukville

Most Cambodia itineraries recommend Sihanoukville, which is a popular beach town on the southwest coast. I disliked Sihanoukville — it had weird vibes and was kind of smelly — so I don’t personally recommend it as a place to visit. That being said, many people  do  like Sihanoukville, so you may want to look into it. It’s a good place for partying and hanging out on the beach.

Planning your trip to Cambodia

I hope my 2 week Cambodia itinerary has given you some idea of how you might like to spend your time in the country. Keep reading for my travel tips on what it’s like to travel in Cambodia, including budgets, cuisine, visas, getting around, and more.

Currency:  The  riel (KHR)  is Cambodia’s official national currency. However, USD is widely accepted and generally preferred — I almost always used USD. When your change comes to less than 1 USD, you will receive it in riel, which can get rielly (see what I did there?) confusing. 1 USD = 4,100 KHR.

Capital:  The capital of Cambodia is Phnom Penh.

Voltage:  Cambodia operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Language:  Khmer is the official language in Cambodia. English is widely spoken and some Cambodians also speak French.

Do you need a visa for Cambodia?

The majority of nationalities can obtain a 30-day tourist visa for travel in Cambodia. E-visas can be purchased online in advance, or you can get a visa on arrival into the country.

Please note that e-visas are only valid for entry through Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville airports, and Cham Yeam, Poipet, Bavet and Tropaeng Kreal land borders. If you are arriving at a different land border, you’ll need to obtain an on-arrival tourist visa. On-arrival tourist visas cost about 30 USD and you will need to provide a passport-sized photo.

When is the best time to visit Cambodia?

Cambodia is hot all year round, particularly in April and May when temperatures reach 38 Celsius, although it has some distinct seasons.

May to October brings about 75% of the country’s annual rainfall. This rainy season can be uncomfortably hot, humid and wet. On the plus side, Cambodia’s countryside will be lush and green. And, at the end of the rainy season, Cambodia’s floating villages really come to life!

The dry season in Cambodia lasts from November to April, when there is little to no rainfall.

Within this dry season sits a cool season, which lasts from November to February. Temperatures during this cool season can still be high (rarely dipping below 20 Celsius) but humidity is much lower than in March and April. Therefore, the  best time to visit Cambodia is between November and February , when the temperatures and milder and there is very little rain.

Typical costs of travelling in Cambodia

Cambodia is a very cheap country to travel in — especially if you’re travelling as a backpacker and choose to stay in hostels and eat local food. I personally spent about 25 USD per day, which included accommodation, food, transport and activities.

If you have more money to spend, a daily budget of 40 USD will get you a budget hotel room with air conditioning, some sit-down meals at restaurants, and lots of tours and excursions! Your money goes a long way in Cambodia.

Accommodation:  Cambodia has some of the cheapest hostels in all of Southeast Asia, starting at around 5 USD per night.

Food:  Food can be incredibly cheap in Cambodia, with street food costing as little as 1 USD for a huge plate of noodles. If you eat locally, you can easily get by on about 3 USD a day.

Transport:  Buses are the best mode of public transport in Cambodia as they don’t have the best rail infrastructure. Intercity buses cost as little as 10 – 15 USD and public city buses in Phnom Penh are just 0.37 USD.

Activities:  Cambodia is home to a ton of amazing, free activities. However, it’s likely that you’ll want to do some activities which cost. For example, a single-day pass to Angkor Wat is 37 USD, an elephant sanctuary visit is about 50 USD and trekking with a guide could cost about 50 USD a day.

Getting around in Cambodia

The easiest and cheapest way to travel around Cambodia is by  bus.  A bus will take you everywhere and anywhere you want to go, no matter how far. The backpacker trail is so worn that there is a very well-established tourist bus system to take you almost anywhere. That being said, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville are the main transport hubs, so you may have to layover in one of these destinations if you’re wanting to head a little more off the beaten track.

There are lots of travel companies offering bus transfers, but some of these have pretty questionable comfort standards. I suggest you use Giant Ibis . Bus rides from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, for example, start at about 10 USD one way.

Minivans can also be arranged to get you around the country, although these can get cramped as they pack people in. Cambodia’s rail infrastructure is quite limited and can be slow, but you can see a map of Cambodia’s railway here.

Food & drink in Cambodia

Cambodia shares many dishes with its neighbouring countries. You’ll find noodle soups similar to Vietnamese pho, refreshing salads similar to those in Thailand, Indian-inspired curries, plus noodles and stir-fries not unlike those you would expect in China.

That being said, Cambodians do put their own spin on things, so here are some tasty Khmer dishes you should definitely try.

Amok:  A delicious curry seasoned with coconut milk and cooked in banana leaves. Usually served with fish but can be made with other proteins.

Mee Kola:  A vegetarian noodle dish.

Samlor Machu Trey : A sweet and sour soup made with pineapple, chilli garlic and lemongrass.

Bai Cha:  Cambodia’s take on fried rice, made with soy sauce.

Khmer Laksa:  Thin rice noodles added to a red curry soup with vegetables and fish sauce.

Vegetarian diet:  As a vegetarian ,  I found eating in most of Southeast Asia to be no problem. It was a little more difficult in Cambodia, as a lot of their dishes contain fish. Rice, noodles, tofu, stir-fried vegetables and fresh fruit made up a large part of my diet in Cambodia.

Water:  Don’t forget, you  cannot  drink tap water in Cambodia, but bottled water is cheap to buy from shops at 0.50 USD.

Alcohol:  Cambodia has a large selection of beers available in shops and bars. Their most popular local beer is Angkor, which you can buy for as little as 0.50 USD. Other easily accessible beers include Klang, Bayon and Cambodia Lager. Imported beers, such as Heineken and Carlsberg are widely available too, but you’ll pay more for them.

Tea & coffee:  A cup of Western coffee, such as a cappuccino, is relatively cheap at about 2 USD.

Travel safety in Cambodia

Cambodia is a safe place to travel in.

Violent crime is rare, especially towards tourists. That being said, tourists can be the target of petty theft crimes such as pick-pocketing and bag snatching. Always be aware of your surroundings, especially in busy tourist hotspots, and keep your valuables out of sight.

Tourist scams are also sadly fairly common in Cambodia — I suggest watching out for the following:

• If you’re renting a motorbike, be sure to  take photos , as it’s been known that vendors will try to charge you for pre-existing damage to their bike.
• Be aware of shady or  fake police officers  who demand to see your passport and ask for a fine in order for you to get it back.

Nonetheless, Cambodians are generally very nice people and it’s a safe country to travel in. That being said, I always say that if you can’t afford travel insurance, then you can’t afford to travel. For backpacking trips, I always go with  World Nomads  as they are flexible and cover a wide range of outdoor/adrenaline activities.

About The Author

Lauren Pears is a freelance travel writer and blogger based in London. She writes about active adventure travel, aiming to encourage and inspire travellers to make the most of the great outdoors.

Thank you for reading! If you found this post useful, I’d be grateful if you would consider using the affiliate links below when planning your travels. I’ll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This will help me to keep this blog running. Thanks for your support – Lauren. Hotels –  Booking.com Hostels –  Hostelworld Cheap flights –  Skyscanner Travel insurance –  World Nomads Outdoor gear –  Decathlon  /  GO Outdoors Cycling gear –  Chain Reaction Cycles Alternatively, you could buy me a coffee to say thanks!

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Ideal cambodia itinerary: 2 weeks to see it all.

Want to discover the perfect 2 week Cambodian travel itinerary in a handy, day by day format?

Then this post is for you!

There’s many great reasons to travel Cambodia, after all this southeast nation is filled with historical gems, cultural curiosities, unique UNESCO spots and some seriously beautiful landscapes.

And not to detract from any of this, but another great reason to travel Cambodia is because it’s fairly small and easily manageable, meaning if you’ve only got 2 weeks to get a flavour of Southeast Asia, it makes the ideal country.

Plus, who can forget, it allows you to tick a major treasure, the UNESCO-listed Angkor Wat, off your bucket list too!

So if you’re looking to head somewhere warm for a couple of weeks and want to cram in culinary feasts, cultural delights, beautiful beaches and some seriously superb temples, look no further than my ideal Cambodia itinerary – it will have you seeing all the sights in just a fortnight… promise!

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Beginning Your Cambodia Itinerary

To start this itinerary, you first need to arrive into Cambodia  – an obvious but important point!

Most people arriving into Cambodia do so by air, and this country conveniently boasts 3 international airports – one located in the capital Phnom Penh, one in the city of Siem Reap near to Angkor Wat, and one in the coastal city of Sihanoukville.

Long haul flights generally arrive into the capital, while flights from other areas in the Southeast Asia region also arrive into Siem Reap and Sihanoukville.

Regardless of whether you’ve travelling to Cambodia from a far flung international airport, or a closer regional one, I highly recommend using Skyscanner to find the best flight prices.

Alternatively, if you’re coming to Cambodia from Bangkok, which may have cheaper international flight prices (it’s a major airport hub in the area), then you can easily travel to Siem Reap in a day overland too.

Check out how I crossed the border from Bangkok to Siem Reap by bus – I definitely recommend this option over flying if you’ve been travelling in central Thailand already.

Once in Cambodia, you then need to get to Siem Reap to begin this itinerary.

For those flying into Siem Reap airport, a taxi is the easiest way to travel the short distance to the city and your accommodation.

Otherwise, if you are landing in Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville, then I suggest getting an internal flight (or a good luxury bus if you’re trying to be eco-minded) to Siem Reap.

If you’re going for the bus option, then check out 12Go , who make comparing and booking your Southeast Asian bus journeys, online and in advance, a breeze.

Once in Siem Reap, you’re then ready to begin your 14 day adventure!

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Ideal 2 Week Cambodia Itinerary

Day 1 – 4: siem reap.

Recommended Hostel: Hostel Onederz

Recommended Hotel: IBIS Styles

And now to begin this Cambodia itinerary for reals, starting in the country’s second-largest city, Siem Reap.

Obviously, this place is most famous for the ruins that lie just beyond it – those of Angkor Wat – but the town is a lively, cultural place in and of itself and definitely worth a day to explore.

For that reason, and because you’re likely to have just arrived into Cambodia, I’d allow yourself a day here to adjust and get your bearings in this new country.

During your first day in Siem Reap you can also check out the city temples, visit the night markets, hit Pub Street if you really fancy it, and also organise your Angkor Wat excursion if you haven’t already.

Learn more in this post I wrote about the 10 best things to do in Siem Reap .

Alternatively, check out these Angkor Wat tours you can book in advance – a great idea if you’re on a tight schedule for your Cambodia itinerary.

You’ll likely also want some time to chill by a pool on your first day, as that Cambodia humidity is going to hit you hard!

Thankfully, both my well-priced recommended accommodation options (the Ibis Styles Siem Reap and Onederz Hostel), have pools, so you can also relax, unwind and get accustomed to the jungle humidity.

During the remainder of your time in Siem Reap, you’re going to want to explore the amazing place that is Angkor Wat.

There’s loads of details, including how and where to buy tickets , how to see the best sunrise there and the top Angkor Wat tours to take in other articles I’ve written, so I’ll spare you the repetition of details here – the best thing is to do is click on the links to learn more about each topic.

The top-line details if you want them however are… get a 3 day ticket to this huge temple complex if you can, as it’s just too massive to cover in one day.

Spreading your visit here over multiple days will also allow you to experience both a sunrise and a sunset within the temple complex (without falling over from exhaustion) and give you the opportunity to walk, cycle and tuk-tuk around the ruins, so that you can cover the close, as well as the further away, temples.

For cycling tours in Angkor Wat as part of your Cambodia itinerary, I recommend TakeMeTour who provided me with a great day trip.

For tuk-tuk tours, check out Onederz Hostel , who have daily departures that team you up with other travellers. Allowing you to access the site on 4 wheels for under $10 USD, they have a couple of different routes you can enjoy as well!

Day 5: Battambang

Recommended Hostel: Pomme

After 4 days, it’s then time to move on from Siem Reap to the quieter city of Battambang, a few hours away either by bus or boat.

If you’re travelling in high season, when the water levels in Lake Tonle Sap are still quite high, then combining a boat trip with your journey to Battambang is a great way to see how the local people live amongst their floating villages.

You can even enjoy a sunset dinner tour there too!

Otherwise, take an early bus from Siem Reap to Battambang so you have the afternoon to explore this new destination.

Must-sees in Battambang include the heritage walk, which is self-guided and takes in the beautiful faded French colonial architecture this destination is famous for, as well as the good café scene here.

After that, you can ride on the traditional bamboo train, before heading to the famous bat caves in the evening.

For around $10 USD, a local tuk-tuk driver can offer you a return journey from central Battambang to the cave and also wait for you there too, before giving you a ride home.

It’s worth doing the hike around the cave to see the temples at the top, before returning to watch the sunset spectacle when thousands upon thousands of bats exit the cave mouth at the same time.

Don’t worry about not finding the place, you’ll easily see the assembled tourists and rows of chairs laid out!

Despite how awful I’ve made this sound, it really is quite the spectacle and definitely a must on this Cambodia itinerary, trust me!

Day 6 – 7: Phnom Penh

Recommended Hostel: Feliz Hostel

After a bit of quiet downtime in Battambang, it’s then straight back into the Southeast Asian chaos, as the next place to head on your Cambodia itinerary is the country’s capital Phnom Penh.

This certainly isn’t the greatest city in the world, but it is definitely worth a couple of nights on your itinerary.

Coming from Battambang, the bus to get to Phnom Penh will take you a few hours, so on your arrival in the capital I’d suggest just spending some time to get acquainted with the city, especially its riverside promenade, which is the best place for a stroll and to get a feel for the place.

There’s also several good cafes in the capital to check out including Vibe, Backyard, Feel Good and Daughters.

You might also want to use this first day in the capital to plan your trip to Phnom Penh’s main highlights… although highlights is definitely the wrong use of the word, seeing as the sights I’m talking about refer to Cambodia’s horrific genocide.

If you weren’t in the know about this tragic and horrendous event, then this is the time to educate yourself as you visit the aptly-named Killing Fields and the infamous S-21 prison, which now acts as the genocide museum.

You’ll want to allow a full day to soak in the visceral and confronting nature of visiting both these 2 sites, and to do them and the victims, justice.

Onederz Hostel in Phnom Penh organise daily tuk-tuk transport to both sites for under $10 USD per day, and pair you with other travellers to share the ride and keep costs down. This is a great option for budget, solo visitors come moi.

Day 8 – 10: Kampot & Kep

Recommended Kampot Hostel: Ganesha Eco Lodge

After 2 days in the capital, it’s then time to move onto a quieter spot, so next up on this Cambodia itinerary are the semi-twin towns of Kampot and Kep.

Located out to the east of the country, near the southern Vietnamese border, Kep is on the coast, while Kampot (about an hour away) is situated on a river inland.

Many travellers base themselves in one of the towns (normally Kampot) and day trip to the other from there.

I’d allow 3 days to see both these destinations – 1 day to arrive from Phnom Penh and get your bearings, 1 day to explore Kampot and the other to explore Kep, including the nearby Rabbit Island.

In Kampot, a quiet country town, you can enjoy kayaking on the river, cycling in the surrounding countryside or hiking to nearby waterfalls.

You can also check out the local pepper farms – Kampot pepper is famous the world over – enjoy some time in the local cafes (Simple Things was my fav), snap the crumbling colonial architecture or go for a sunset river cruise.

There’s also a number of good spas in Kampot if you need a massage or a yoga class (Banteay Women’s Spa is great for both) or you can head out of town on a day trip to explore the Bokor Hill Station and other natural areas around .

Day 11 – 14: Koh Rong Sanloem

Recommended Hostel: Hornbill Guesthouse

And last but not least on this 14 day Cambodia itinerary, we get to my favourite spot in the country!

Yes Koh Rong Sanloem really is the jewel in Cambodia’s crown as far as I’m concerned and if you can allow longer than 4 days here you should!

But don’t get me wrong, that’s not because of the huge amount of things to do here, instead it’s because this place really is all about chilling the heck out.

So kick off your flip flops, roll out your towel and get ready to enjoy the beach life in this patch of paradise.

The smaller of the 2 islands in southern Cambodia, I’d definitely recommend visiting Koh Rong Sanloem over its larger neighbour (Koh Rong – confusing I know!) and you can easily get boats here from the mainland city of Sihanoukville.

If you accidentally miss the last boat and have to stay in Sihanoukville (which you should avoid at all costs if you can!), Onederz Hostel is the place to rest for the night here.

Then, in the morning, hop on the first boat and get to the island asap, where hammock lying, sunset watching, beer reclining and sea swimming all await you!

There is some snorkelling and hiking to do on the island too if you’re feeling active, otherwise kick back and enjoy the last few days of your Cambodia itinerary in style!

For more info about this island, check out my full guide to visiting Koh Rong Sanloem .

Ending Your Cambodia Itinerary

And now it’s time to make your way back home.

Head to Phnom Penh to grab your international flight out of Cambodia, or you continue your journey into Vietnam and the amazing city of Ho Chi Minh City – I absolutely loved this place!

Learn more about how I travelled overland by bus from Kampot in Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam here.

Mini Cambodia Travel Guide

When to Visit Cambodia?

The best time to visit Cambodia is during the drier, cooler season between the months of November and April.

Once you start getting into May, the humidity really starts building and after that, the rains definitely don’t make the country nearly as fun to travel in.

How to Travel Around Cambodia?

You can book bus tickets both across borders into Cambodia, as well within the country itself, online via the secure website 12Go.

I used this site throughout my time here and highly recommend it for ease, convenience and peace of mind.

Travel Insurance for Cambodia

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

5 Cambodian Packing Essentials

#1 Lonely Planet Guidebook – The Cambodia Lonely Planet is excellent and very helpful for any trip to this part of the world with lots of top tips and helpful information.

#2 Birkenstocks – A good pair of sandals are king in Cambodia and I love my Birkenstocks which are perfect for keeping my feet cool, supported and for kicking on and off easily when you visit temples or hit the beach. Literally wore them all day every day in Cambodia!

#3 European & British Power Adapters – Cambodia use a mix of power outlets, but generally opts for a mix of European and British ones, so make sure you come prepared with a skross world adapter .

#4 Camera and Lens – I love my Sony A6000 mirrorless , which was ideal for capturing this crazy and beautiful country.

#5 Sarong – A great multi-purpose travel item that can be brilliantly used in Cambodia as a beach towel / dress, a pillow / blanket on bus rides and for covering shoulders when you visit temples. A good sarong is a Southeast Asia travel must-have in my book.

SAVE THIS TO PINTEREST!

And so there you have it, my ideal 14 day Cambodia itinerary.

Have you travelled to this Southeast Asian gem of a country?

Do you have any advice (or fav destinations) to add to the above?

If so, please help other travellers out, by leaving your thoughts in the comments below…

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

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More Cambodians traveling abroad as tourists

• 15 August 2016
• Khmer Times
• Ministry of Tourism / Tourism
• 2 World Travel Cambodia / Cambodia’s National Tourism Federation / Ho Vandy / Kong Sophearak / Veang Chivuth / World Bank

The number of Cambodians traveling overseas as tourists increased to nearly 700,000 in the first half of the year, up 26 percent compared to the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Tourism. Experts in the industry welcomed this trend and pointed out ...

 Chea Vannak http://www.khmertimeskh.com/news/28454/more-cambodians-traveling-abroad-as-tourists/

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Cambodia Wins 2 World Travel Awards

• By Xinhua News Agency
• October 22, 2023 5:10 PM

PHNOM PENH -- Cambodia has won two prestigious awards from the World Travel Awards for 2023, the country's Ministry of Tourism said in a news release on Sunday.

It emerged as the winner of "Asia's Leading Cultural Destination" and "Asia's Leading Youth Travel Destination," according to the release.

Ministry of Tourism's Secretary of State and Spokesman Top Sopheak said Cambodia is a cultural and ecological tourism destination.

"We are well known for the Angkor Archeological Park, a world heritage site in northwest Siem Reap province, and a beautiful bay in southwest Sihanoukville," he told Xinhua.

Tourism is one of the four pillars supporting Cambodia's economy.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, the Southeast Asian country recorded some 3.5 million international tourists during the January-August period of 2023, a year-on-year increase of 250.8 percent.

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Cambodia Itinerary: The Ultimate 2 Weeks In Cambodia (2024)

Come check out the perfect 2 weeks in Cambodia Itinerary for first-time visitors, hitting up all the top destinations. Let’s talk about the best route, things to do, transportation, accommodation, and more during your time in Cambodia!

Welcome to one of my favorite countries, Cambodia . I know it is quite less visited than neighboring Vietnam or Thailand . Though it is honestly one of the best countries to backpack .

Luckily it is not too large, nor too small, you can spend a good 2 weeks in Cambodia and explore the main tourist trail taking you to all the highlights. You may find your Cambodia itinerary to be more or less than this, though in my eyes this is the perfect amount of time to get a taste of what the country has to offer.

Now I have traveled Cambodia twice, basically following the exact same route both times, and that is simply because you cannot fault it.

You will get to experience city living in Phnom Penh, island life in Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, the more quaint side in Kampot and Battambang, and the magnificent Angkor Archeological Park in Siem Reap.

If you are looking at getting off the beaten track and away from other travelers, then I will say it now; this is not the itinerary for you. This is assuming you are visiting Cambodia for the first time and want to see some of the best places it has to offer.

We will keep you on the well-trodden backpacking Cambodia route. Though with a few extra tips and tricks are thrown in to take your adventure to the next level. Though like I said I have done this route twice, and honestly would do it a third time.

Be aware that this itinerary does not start and finish in the same location. Instead, you will be starting in Phnom Penh and finishing in Siem Reap, though it can also easily be done the opposite way as well.

Both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have international airports so you shouldn’t have an issue flying in, and perhaps if you are coming overland from Vietnam or Thailand , this will also work well for you.

Now, let’s get into this 2 weeks in Cambodia itinerary with all the information you need to know to have the ultimate adventure.

2 Weeks In Cambodia: The Perfect Cambodia Itinerary For First Timers

• Phnom Penh (Day 1 – 2)

Koh Rong (Day 2 – 4)

Koh rong samloem (day 4 – 6), kampot (day 6 – 8), phnom penh (day 8 – 9), battambang (day 9 – 11).

• Siem Reap (Day 11 – 14)

Extend Your 2 Weeks In Cambodia Itinerary

Phnom penh (day 1- 2).

Phnom Penh is a huge city and honestly, it can be a bit overwhelming when you first arrive. Nevertheless, it is well worth spending a couple of days in Phnom Penh during your adventures around Cambodia.

This will give you time to get adjusted to the city, and over any jetlag if you are traveling from further abroad. Though if you happen to simply be coming across from Vietnam, I recommend checking out my post on traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh to find out what to expect.

In my personal opinion, it is actually a must to do this to check out some of the historic sights around the city. If you are not aware, Cambodia has quite an unfortunate past that happened not so long ago in the 1970s.

This includes visiting the Killing Fields and S21 Prison. It is easy enough to find a tuk-tuk driver on the street who will take you to both locations from $14.00 to $20.00. Just be aware you will need to haggle for a cheaper price.

Where To Stay In Phnom Penh

You are spoiled with choices when it comes to choosing where to stay in Phnom Penh. There are countless luxury 5-star resorts, locally run guesthouses, and modern hostels. Though what I have personally had issues with in the past is figuring out where exactly in this city I should be booking my accommodation.

Sure, it’s easy even to look at a map and figure out what is the city and what is not. Though your girl ended up staying in the red-light district during my second trip here.

I honestly have no idea how it happened, but it may have been the super affordable hotel with a rooftop pool. I mean it was okay for one night, but it was certainly a bit seedy venturing out trying to find somewhere for dinner.

Nevertheless, simply make sure to check out reviews and other travelers’ opinions thoroughly. This city is full of budget deals for travelers, some even too good to be true.

Overall I would budget to spend around $7.00 per night on a dorm room or $20.00 per night for a basic private room. Check out my post on the best hostels in Phnom Penh to find the perfect stay for those who are on more of a budget.

How To Get To Phnom Penh

As I said at the start you can either start or end your itinerary in Phnom Penh, depending on which way you decide to do this itinerary. If you are traveling from your home country straight to Cambodia one of your best options will likely be to catch a flight from Hong Kong, Vietnam , Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia.

These airports are international hubs connecting to many regions around the world and offer direct flights to Phnom Penh. I recommend checking flights on SkyScanner to ensure you find the best price for your journey.

You could also have just finished your Vietnam itinerary and be making your way to Cambodia.

The best way to do this overland is by taking a bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh . My preferred company servicing this route is the Giant Ibis which caters to tourists and will help you during the border crossing .

Don’t stop at Sihanoukville instead head straight to the islands. You either have the choice of traveling to Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem . Personally, I have always chosen to visit both islands, though I will travel from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong first.

This is because it is the busiest island so boats are always heading in that direction (most of the time), and it is a bit further away so I like to get the longest journey over with first.

One of my favorite spots to chill beachside with clear waters and squeaky sand in the entire world has got to be Koh Rong. No matter where you go you will no doubt discover some of the best beaches on Koh Rong .

Once on the island, you will arrive in the area known as Koh Toch Village. This is where the main town on the island is located and where you can catch a boat to other parts.

The roads here are simply made of dirt paths through the green jungle. You will notice an absence of cars on these roads as most locals travel by motorbike instead.

Seriously there is nothing better to do here than to simply relax beachside so buckle up for a chill time lying on the shoreline.

Where To Stay On Koh Rong

Once again there will be plenty of choices for where to stay on Koh Rong . Though you are just here for two nights so I don’t recommend staying somewhere on the complete other side of the island as a lot of time will be eaten up simply traveling there.

Instead, I advise you to stay on either Sok San Beach or Long Set Beach. Both are beautiful options and have a mixture of hostels, guesthouses, and resorts. This means no matter your budget you should find something to fit.

Also, I don’t recommend staying in the main village of Koh Touch where the boats arrive, but instead, somewhere a 10 or 15-minute walk away. This will still allow you to access all the amenities, but also have some privacy and a quiet beach to relax on.

For something, more lux check out Long Set Resort , for mid-range prices you have Tree House Bungalows , and for dorms, Nest Beach Club (though it is a party hostel).

How To Get To Koh Rong From Phnom Penh

The journey to travel from Phnom Penh to Koh Rong is done in two parts. The first is from Phnom Penh to the coastal city of Sihanoukville from which the ferries depart. The second part is actually catching the ferry from Phnom Penh to Koh Rong.

Be aware you will want to leave Phnom Penh relatively early in the day to ensure you don’t miss the afternoon boats.

Here is a quick overview of the various travel options available to book:

Though personally I would recommend either taking a minibus or a flight depending on your budget. The distance from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville in Cambodia is approximately 227 kilometers.

I know this doesn’t sound like a lot, and in all honesty, it is a pretty easy and decent drive. The roads are well paved and you will be traveling on the busy highway the majority of the distance.

Once you have arrived in Sihanoukville it is time to make your way to the ferry terminal where the boats depart from. Depending on what beach you decide to stay on will basically determine what time and which boat to go with.

I recommend checking out my article on traveling from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong which breaks down all destinations, prices, times, and more. I recommend booking your journey in advance online with 12.Go Asia.

The smaller sister of Koh Rong is called Koh Rong Samloem, located just 4 kilometers away. Though just because it is smaller doesn’t mean it is any less spectacular.

Ten or so years ago this was definitely the less ventured between Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem. Though in more recent years we have seen a huge influx of resorts, hostels, and cheaper accommodation options, bringing with them a new influx of travelers.

The main tourist area of Koh Rong Samloem is called Saracen Bay and this is where the ferry will arrive from Sihanoukville. Be aware there are not actually any roads on Koh Rong Samloem.

Therefore many people choose to stay in Saracen Bay which will just be a short walk from the ferry pier to your accommodation. Though if you are looking for a more secluded experience there are numerous accommodation options that you will need to take another boat or go on a jungle trek to access.

All in all Koh Rong Samloem is an absolute paradise! Seriously you will be amazed by the impressively clear shores, white sand, and calm lapping water. This of course is another one of my favorite spots, with beautiful beaches and a chill atmosphere, and once you arrive you will understand why!

Where To Stay On Koh Rong Samloem

Even though this is a less populated island, you can still find an assortment of restaurants, cafes, and types of accommodations. Whether you want an all-inclusive 5-star resort or a cheap dorm room, you can easily find it here.

It may be surprising but there are actually more hostels here on Koh Rong Samloem than there are on Koh Rong. This includes a lot of large chain hostels that you will also find on the mainland.

Honestly, there is nowhere that I would stay “don’t stay in this location” etc, all the beaches here are pretty good spots to stay at. Though instead, it is a matter of booking somewhere that meets your needs. Whether that may be air conditioning, wifi, a hostel, an onsite restaurant, or a deserted beach.

I have personally stayed at both Sleeping Trees and Sara Resort while staying on Koh Rong Samloem. They both provided different experiences with the latter being more of a luxe option but were equally excellent for what we were requiring at the time.

How To Get To Koh Rong Samloem From Koh Rong

I know it may be simple enough to get from Koh Rong to Koh Rong Samloem . Though unless you have infinite money to wander down to the pier and ask a fisherman for a ride you will be like me and instead be needing the ferry schedule.

Luckily enough this journey is relatively simple, though there is some information you need to know.

The distance from Koh Rong To Koh Rong Samloem is approximately 6 kilometers. Though this is from Koh Toch, the main beach in Koh Rong, to M’Pai Bay which is a busy local village on Koh Rong Samloem. Most travelers will stay between here, Saracen Bay, and Sunset Beach.

If you are interested in taking the supply boat from Koh Rong To Koh Rong Samloem then there are two separate boats each day. The first one leaves Koh Toch on Koh Rong at 8 a.m., making its way to M’Pai Bay at 830 a.m., EcoSea at 9:15 a.m., and finally Saracen Bay at 10 a.m.

After this, it makes its way back to Koh Rong. The second boat starts at Saracen Bay at 4 pm, then to M’Pai Bay at 5.30 pm, EcoSea at 5.45 pm, and then on to Koh Rong.

Be aware these times can change quite often and there is no way to book this journey online. Instead, you will need to wait until you are on Koh Rong, though best to book your tickets the day before your desired departure date.

For example, the last time I visited Koh Rong the boat actually departed Koh Toch at 1pm which worked perfectly for check out at our previous accommodation and check in at the next place.

Time to slowly reintroduce ourselves back to city life after an incredible few days in the most dreamy islands. Kampot is the perfect spot for this! It is actually a really awesome backpacker hangout which really put it on the map as a must-visit destination.

It also makes the perfect stopover for a few nights in between the journey from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville or vice versa. This city is located alongside the Kampot river, which helps add to the chill atmosphere. Some of the most popular things to do here are:

Pepper Farm Visit: I know it does sound a bit random, but you may be surprised to learn Kampot is well known for its pepper. One popular thing to do here in Kampot is visit La Plantation Pepper Farm.

You will be guided through the black pepper forests as you sample and learn all about the produce. You will need to pay for a tuk-tuk there, though the tours are actually free of charge. Even better is that there is a restaurant on site serving up the freshest dishes.

Cruise On The Kampot River: For a chill evening head down to the river by the old colonial bridge and jump on one of the boats to enjoy a cold drink and some epic views. Watch the sunset dip below the jungle as nightfalls and fireflies fill the sky. This is certainly a unique experience and one I recommend doing while in the city.

Arcadia WaterPark: Also a hostel, this is a popular spot with travelers looking to cool off. Grab a cold beer, have a game of beer pong, and be flung off the giant blob. There is even a floating pontoon with a 3-meter diving board.

Where To Stay In Kampot

Kampot is a relatively small chill place, though you will still be spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation. There are some really cute riverside lodges, backpacker hostels, and modern hotels.

I know if I were to visit Kampot again I would definitely spend a night or two in one of the riverside bungalows. Seriously there are some awesome eco-friendly spots here so if you are looking for a unique accommodation experience in Cambodia I definitely recommend trying it out in Kampot .

Though we stayed at a small guesthouse a 10 or so-minute walk away from the action of the city. Though it doesn’t seem to still be open, and that is not the worse thing.

Honestly, I wouldn’t have recommended it with barely working air conditioning, even though you pay extra for it, hard as rock beds, and nonexistent wifi. In all honesty, we spent the majority of our time next door at a hostel called The Magic Sponge .

This is a popular backpacker spot that has everything a traveler needs such as a clean place to sleep and freakin delicious huge meals. This spot has a truly homely feel.

You are also able to find a few hostels here that are also waterparks. Think slides, rope swings, tubing, and more. This is a great way to cool off and meet some other travelers.

How To Get To Kampot From Koh Rong Samloem

Once you are finished relaxing beachside it is time to make your way back to Sihanoukville on the mainland. Luckily tickets are super easy to book online with 12.Go Asia .

There are plenty of boats traveling in this direction throughout the day and Kampot is relatively close to Sihanoukville so there is no need to head off crazy early.

Here is a quick overview of the various methods to travel from Sihanoukville to Kampot :

Honestly, you are just best off booking a bus for the journey. It is relatively short being only 3 hours long, so you really are not saving any money by doing it visa train or private transfer.

I know, I know, you already went to Phnom Penh so what gives! Well, you are best off staying 1 night here between Kampot and Battambang. Unfortunately, you cannot travel between these destinations directly without stopping in Phnom Penh.

Technically you would be able to do it in one day, setting off on the first bus out in the morning, and taking an afternoon bus from Phnom Penh.

Though doing this you won’t be getting into Battambang until 9.30 pm at the latest. It will be well over a 12-hour travel day, and unfortunately, these parts of Cambodia are notorious for delays and breakdowns. So there is no knowing whether or not you will actually make your connection bus in Phnom Penh to start with.

Better off cutting your losses, book somewhere nice to stay and enjoy big-city living before venturing into the quaint town of Battambang.

How To Get To Phnom Penh from Kampot

Luckily enough it is super easy to travel from Kampot to Phnom Penh. The journey is relatively straightforward forward taking approximately 3 hours. Though as I said above delays are notorious, so no promises on this timing.

The best way to get to Phnom Penh from Kampot is by bus. There are numerous companies servicing this route so you will have no problem finding one to leave at a suitable time that works with your day’s plans.

I can recommend booking this journey with 12.Go Asia . On their site, you will see all the companies available and be able to check out other travelers’ reviews so you know exactly what to expect.

The town of Battambang isn’t super popular with the average traveler backpacking Cambodia route. Also, if I am honest, I saw a video online of the Battambang Bamboo Train and decided I had to go and check it out. Nevertheless, the town also has a lot more to offer as well, so don’t worry.

Some other things to do here include:

Killing Cave : Why not learn about some of the history and venture to the Killing Cave? It is a rather nice walk where you can see monkeys and even swarms of bats during sunset. Though once you reach the caves prepare to learn about the past and the horrors many people suffered.

Kampon Pil Pagoda: Make your way across the long bamboo bridge and to Kampon Pil Pagoda. Have a wander around the grounds and marvel at the impressive golden roof in contrast with the white walls.

Central Market: Right in the center of the town you will find Central Market, also known as Phsar Nath Market. Here is much more of a local market than for tourists. Though it is an interesting walk-through to see the different goods for sale.

Free Walking Tour: An excellent way to discover a new destination is on a free walking tour. It departs from the Central market at 4 pm the hottest part of the day is over. The guide will take you around the central area pointing out French architecture and historical sites. Be aware that even though it is a free tour, if you found it worthwhile it is always appreciated to leave a tip.

Bat Cave: For another unique experience in Battambang head to Phnom Sampeaou Mountain about 12 kilometers outside of the city. A lot of tuk-tuk drivers will know about the location so you won’t have an issue getting there.

What makes it worth visiting is the insane amount of bats that fly out when the sky starts going dark. It is a continuous stream for about 20 minutes, seriously my mind can’t even comprehend how many there must be!

Where To Stay In Battambang?

Honestly, did I fall in love with Battambang as a town and the accommodation on offer? Not particularly. We stayed in a small super cheap guesthouse with a fan room.

Though I am not going to recommend it simply due to the fact that there was a constant stream of bugs that seemingly appeared from nowhere during our stay.

Instead, I advise you to check out a couple of the below options:

How To Travel To Battambang From Phnom Penh

Once again it is time for the good ol’ bus when it comes to traveling from Phnom Penh to Battambang. Though this will be one of your long travel days, so I recommend bringing along some snacks and downloading a few movies.

The total travel time can be anywhere from 6 hours to over 7 hours depending on how many stops your bus makes and what traffic is like.

Just don’t make the same mistake I did on this route, where I rocked up to a random travel agency and booked whatever without looking into it. Instead, book online through a platform like 12.Go Asia , read reviews and weigh up what company is going to be best for you versus price.

Siem Reap (Day 11- 14)

Finish your 2 weeks in Cambodia itinerary in one of many travelers’ favorite spots in the country, Siem Reap. Personally, it has got to be one of my favorite budget-friendly cities.

This is an awesome place with so much history to explore, delicious spots to try, and plenty of shopping to be done at the numerous markets.

While backpacking Siem Reap you will be amazed at all the incredible things to do here. Though obviously, a highlight for many travelers is the incredible Angkor Archeological Park. The best way to see all of these magnificent temples is by doing a tour.

You either have the option of the small circuit , which takes you to all the well-known temples, or the grand circuit , which visits a lot of the more underrated temples. If you have enough time to spare in your Siem Reap itinerary why not do both?

To give you a lot greater understanding of what you see in front of you, and a greater appreciation for it all a visit to The Angkor National Museum is highly recommended. Here they focus on the collection, preservation, and education of Angkorian artifacts.

While at it also hit up the Cambodia Landmine Museum and APOPO Center. You may find it surprising to learn that Cambodia has nearly the most landmines in the world.

Of course, there is no better way to finish off your day in Siem Reap than visiting Pub Street. Now depending on what type of traveler you are will certainly determine how your night is going to go. Nevertheless, I recommend hitting up some of the local street food stalls before tucking into any $1.00 or 50-cent beers.

Where To Stay In Siem Reap

Siem Reap is a popular destination for travelers of all types so you will find accommodation for all budgets. Whether you are looking for a taste of 5-star luxe, an affordable guesthouse, or a hostel where you can meet other travelers.

My personal favorite place to stay in Siem Reap is called the Royal Crown Hotel & Spa . They have two different pools you can use, a quick 5-minute walk from the Old Market, beautiful rooms, and delicious food options on-site. I actually got quite sick in Siem Reap and we ended up bunkering up here in this hotel for a week.

Though in my eyes, there are two things you need to be aware of when booking accommodation in Siem Reap . The first is I highly HIGHLY recommend booking a room with air conditioning.

Secondly is that there are a heap of power cuts in Siem Reap like A LOT. Therefore depending on where you book, if the power goes out, there goes your air conditioning. Now I don’t mean to sound like a princess, but I have had the power go out here for 24 hours.

Nicer hotels will have generators that will boost into action in a power cut.

How To Travel To Siem Reap From Battambang

Last bus trip of the journey! Yay! Thankfully to celebrate it being the last one the total travel time between Battambang and Siem Reap will take you approximately 3 to 4 hours. Which compared to some of the other journeys is not too bad. Once again I am going to recommend 12.Go Asia for booking this journey. That way you can check out the reviews of the various companies before deciding to book and you will know what to expect.

Why not stay a little longer while you are here in the country? Make the most out of that 30-day visa and do some more exploring! More popular destinations include:

Kep: Another spot in Cambodia worth visiting if you have time. This is a cute seaside village just 2 kilometers away from Kampot. Make sure to try out the famous Kep Crab! There are also some awesome accommodation spots with cute bungalows overlooking the jungle or river.

Koh Ta Kiev: If you are looking for something off the beaten track with minimal other travel then check out Koh Ta Kiev. This island is equally as stunning as the others, though a lot less built up.

One of the top places to stay here is called Kactus where you can find basic bamboo huts and dorm rooms. You won’t be able to find any super glamorous accommodation here. This spot is like the rest of the islands 20 years ago, with just what you need and nothing more.

International: If you want to get to other neighboring countries from Siem Reap it is super easy to travel to Bangkok . There are plenty of bus connections available. Another option is Pakse in Laos , though bus connections are a lot less common as it is a less frequented route. This one may take a bit more planning.

Though apart from the above I would also recommend staying a few extra days in the islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem as well.

Any Questions? Let me know in the comments!

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Want more Cambodia Inspiration? Check out….

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• HOW TO TRAVEL KOH RONG TO KOH RONG SAMLOEM
• BEST BEACHES ON KOH RONG
• SIHANOUKVILLE TO KAMPOT
• COST TO TRAVEL CAMBODIA
• KOH RONG OR KOH RONG SAMLOEM- WHAT IS THE BEST BEACH GETAWAY
• BEST HOSTELS IN PHNOM PENH
• BEST HOSTELS ON KOH RONG & KOH RONG SAMLOEM

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How to Travel to Cambodia and Laos in 2 Weeks

Southeast Asia is one of our favorite places to visit. The rich culture, food, history, and affordable travel are the top reasons to visit the area. If you have only two weeks, plan a trip to Cambodia and Laos!

Why a 2 week trip to Cambodia and Laos?! Cambodia and Laos are next to each other, so it’s easy to travel between the two countries. Two weeks is the perfect amount of time to learn about Cambodia’s history, see beautiful temples at Siem Reap, experience Laos’s laid-back culture, and visit Luang Prabang, the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Our 2-week itinerary to Cambodia and Laos has the following stops: Phnom Penh – Battambang – Siem Reap – Luang Prabang – Vientiane. What is great about this plan is that you can visit either country first depending on your initial departure location. We suggest going to Cambodia first as the environment is more chaotic and hectic versus Laos. This plan starts in Cambodia and includes 2 travel days. Feel free to change around your travel locations and add more days based on your interests.

The itinerary also includes things to see, places to eat, and accommodations for Cambodia and Laos. If you don’t want to travel to two countries, consider staying in Laos or Cambodia for two weeks . Don’t forget to check out these helpful tips for planning a trip to Cambodia .

Although we didn’t get the chance during this trip, we have several places that we want to visit in the future – Tonle Sap and Koh Rang in Cambodia. Check out this guide to Koh Rang for more information. For Laos, we still want to stop by V ang Vieng for river tubing and adventures and the southern part of Laos.

We hope you get some inspiration to travel to Cambodia and Laos. You’ll have a fabulous time between the two countries no matter what.

Isn’t the countryside of Laos beautiful? Photo credit: AdrianBe via Pixabay

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General Information For Cambodia and Laos in 2 Weeks

Visas for cambodia and laos.

Cambodia and Laos require a tourist or business visa which can be obtained on arrival at the airport or international checkpoints. Visas are valid for 30 days.

• Cambodia: Learn about Cambodia’s visa here and how to receive a visa on arrival . Consider applying for an e-visa prior to arrival.
• Laos: Laos implemented a new e-visa process for over 120 locations, including those from the U.S. Use this site to apply for an e-visa . 

*Update: We’ll continue to monitor this area as an entry for tourists may change due to the current travel situation.

Currency in Cambodia and Laos

Cambodia and Laos use different currencies, so you’ll need to use the ATM or exchange money at a currency exchange store or at the airport. Both countries are cash-centric. Credit cards aren’t as widely accepted except at the larger hotel chains, such as Marriott.

• Cambodia: Accepts U.S. dollars and Cambodian riels. If you buy something in U.S. dollars, you may receive Cambodian riels for change. Make sure that you have small bills such as $1 and $5 USD for tipping, shopping, and restaurants.  The exchange is 4 riels to $1 USD.
• Laos : Accepts Laotian kip. Some vendors may accept U.S dollars or Thai baht.

Best Time to Visit Cambodia and Laos

Cambodia is hot all year round. The dry season is from November – April (or to February if closer to the Southern part of Cambodia), while the rainy season is May – October. The rainy season in Battambang is September and October.

Laos has a similar dry and wet season as Cambodia. If you’re thinking about visiting Laos during the rainy season , definitely go for it!

We went during the December time frame and it was a lovely time to visit.

Accommodations in Cambodia and Laos

Each country has various accommodations from hostels, guesthouses, to large hotel chains. We prefer to stay at local Airbnbs or guesthouses when possible. Many of the guesthouses that we stayed at were clean and served a hearty breakfast, which reduced our food expenses. We’ll share where we stayed in the various sections below and also share a splurge option if you’re interested.

Transportation in Cambodia and Laos

• Plane:  You can easily travel within the country by airplane. However, it can get pricey. We used planes to travel into Cambodia, between Cambodia and Laos, and out of Laos.
• Bus: Taking the bus is one of the more affordable ways to travel. We used buses in Cambodia and Laos to travel between cities. The buses were great with reserved seatings, air conditioning, and comfy seats. There were several stops along the way for a bathroom/eating break. We went to the local bus station 1-2 hours before to purchase tickets in person. Bus rides were very cheap. Our bus from Phnom Penh to Battambang was $5.50 USD per person for a 6+ hour ride. You can also take mini-vans but it’ll cost a bit more starting at $8 USD for a ride (between Phnom Penh to Kampot).
• Tuk Tuks: Taking tuk-tuks is a fun way to see the city. Although it may be hot and dusty on the road, it is quite an adventure. Don’t forget to negotiate the price ahead of time if you plan to go for a longer distance (ie: Killing Fields and S21 tour). You may want to bring a face mask so you don’t ingest dust.
• Cambodia: Grab is available for cars and tuk-tuk. It is our go-to app during our Southeast Asia travels. Download the app for iOS or Android . Another option is the Pass App for tuk-tuk rides which we heard is slightly cheaper than Grab. Download the app for iOS or Android .
• Laos: LOCA is a new rideshare app. Download the app for iOS or Android .
• Slow Boat: If you’re headed to Luang Prabang directly, a unique way is to travel is via a slow boat over 3 days.
• Pre-booked transportation: If you’re not comfortable with any of these options, pre-book your transportation ahead of time.

Need a ride in Cambodia?

Travel Day & Arrival (1 Day)

Depending on your departure location, it may have taken you a whole day to arrive in Cambodia. We’re starting out in Phnom Penh, Cambodia so you’ve landed at the Phnom Penh International Airport.

Head to your accommodations by tuk-tuk, taxi, or pre-booked transportation to freshen up and/or rest. If you’re not jet-lagged, explore the area in the evening.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia (2 days)

Now that you’ve rested for the day. It’s time to explore Phnom Penh. If you enjoy the hustle and bustle of the large city with crowds and traffic, then Phnom Penh is your city. As the capital of Cambodia, the environment is gritty with pollution, unmaintained sidewalks (or no sidewalks) and streets, and an occasional sighting of garbage burning. It took some time to warm up to the city, however, we gained more compassion and understanding after learning about the Khmer Rouge regime and what the people went through just a few decades ago.

Things to Do in Phnom Penh in 2 Days

• Visit the Silver Pagoda (also known as Wat Preah Keo Morakot) and Royal Palace . It’s one of the highlights of Phnom Penh. You’ll love the beautiful architecture and temples. The king may be staying over at the Royal Palace when you visit. Remember to dress conservatively as you’re entering the spiritual area and respect the local customs.

Reserve a half day tour of the Royal Palace, National Museum, and Wat Phnom .

We jumped for joy as we started our 2 week trip to Cambodia and Laos!

• Walk to the main park area to see the Cambodia/Vietnam Friendship Museum , Statue of King Norodom Sihanouk , and the Independence Monument . Join the fun with the locals walking or running laps around the park in the late afternoon/early evening as the weather is cooler.
• Hire a tuk-tuk or pre-book a tour for the day and learn about Cambodian history. Visit the Killing Fields ( or the “Choeung Fields”) and Toul Sleng Museum (or “Security 21 or S21”), and to listen to the audio tour (included in your admission ticket) in your native language. It’s tragic to hear about the Khmer Rouge’s genocide and victims’ stories. Seeing the Choeung Ek at the Killing Fields with the glass encasing full of skulls is chilling. Although heartbreaking to listen to, it’s an important part of history. These two places are on the outskirts of Phnom Penh center. The Killing Fields is 15km away from the Phnom Penh city center. The roads are a bit dusty. You may want to bring a face mask for the tuk-tuk ride.

The heartbreaking rules that one must follow when housed at Security 21/S21.

• Take a shopping break at the various markets around the area – Russian Market, Central Market (Phsar Thmei), Old Market (Psar Chas), or the Night Market . Or, head to Street 240 , which is nearby the Royal Palace for stylish clothes at boutique stores along the street. You’ll find some unique Cambodian souvenirs that will be perfect as gifts for family members and friends. 

Where to Stay in Phnom Penh

• Alibi Guesthouse – We stayed here and enjoyed our visit. Room was affordable and came with a complimentary breakfast with toast, eggs, and juice. Plus, it’s close to the Royal Palace. Find availability and make a reservation for Alibi Guesthouse here .
• Rosewood Phnom Penh – If you want to splurge, consider staying at Rosewood. You’ll love the views of the Tonle Sap River. Find availability and reserve a room at Rosewood.

Research and book hotels in Phnom Penh here .

Where to Eat in Phnom Penh

• Night Market – What is not to love about eating street food? The area can be a bit touristy but you can get affordable Cambodian cuisine here.
• Khmer Surin – If you’re looking for traditional Cambodian food, visit Khmer Surin. Consider sitting on the second level and you can even sit on the ground with pillows. We enjoyed the moist and flavorful fish amok at the restaurant.

Read More: Learn How to Cook Cambodian Food

Battambang, cambodia (1 day).

Battambang is less visited by tourists even though it is the city with the second largest population in Cambodia. The sleepy, small-town is a 6+ hour bus ride from Phnom Penh. From the bus stop, you’ll take a tuk-tuk to the main area for a $2 USD ride.

With only one day in Battambang, we were limited to what we could do. Definitely check out the main area with shops and restaurants with colonial architecture and cool street art. We hope to come back to spend more time at Battambang.

Things to Do in Battambang in 1 Day

• Ride the Bamboo Train (also called “Norry” by the locals) in Battambang. We know, it’s touristy, yet so much fun to sit on a makeshift train out of bamboo and watch the countryside pass by.
• Explore the street art along Pub Street. During the afternoon, it’s a quiet street, yet has hidden gems with finding street art along the way. Otherwise, admire the architecture in the area.
• Browse through Phsar Nhat Market , one of the local markets that sell produce and has food stalls. You may be encouraged by the sellers to enjoy a meal at their kiosk.
• Walk along the Mekong River . During the evening, there are several vendors who set up shop on the sidewalk. Enjoy a meal and a drink.

Where to Stay in Battambang

• The Place – With hip decorations and one of the cheaper options, consider staying at “The Place.” Read reviews and book a room at The Place here.
• Sanctuary Villa Battambang – If you want to the full-on pampering, come to this place. It has a swimming pool, restaurant, and massages on-site. Find availability and reserve a room at Sanctuary Villa here .

Reserve a hotel room in Battambang here.

Where to Eat in Battambang

• Khmer Delight – If you want delicious Cambodian food, come to this place! The Khmer tom yum soup had a good kick to it.
• Battambang Town Restaurant – It’s where the locals eat for a cheap meal. We went here for breakfast and the place was packed with people. You can’t beat an affordable meal for $2-$3 USD.

Siem Reap, Cambodia (4 days)

It’s time for a few days of temple hopping. Siem Reap is a 3-hour bus ride from Battambang. The first thing that you’ll notice is the scorching hot weather at over 86+℉ / 30+℃. Prepare yourself for an afternoon break or to leave the temples early due to the heat. Don’t forget to hydrate often!

Things to Do in Siem Reap in 4 Days

• It’s time to go temple hopping at Siem Reap . Hire a tuk-tuk driver and spend 3 days at Siem Reap seeing the various temples. Purchase a 3-day pass for $62 USD). Three days is sufficient to prevent temple fatigue. One helpful trick is to purchase your ticket at sunset (after 5pm) on the day before you start the full day of temples. You’ll have access to go to the temples, specifically Angkor Wat, to view the sunset. The visit won’t count towards one of your ticket days. If you’re interested in a tour, book this day one:

If you have one day to explore Siem Reap, book a one day tour of the temples here .

Watching the sunset at Angkor Wat is a highlight to add to your 2 weeks in Cambodia and Laos.

• Take a hot air balloon ride at Angkor Wat . It’s an incredible way to see the view of Siem Reap during the sunrise or sunset.
• Visit the Old Market ( Psah Chas) . Similar to the other local markets that you’ve been to in Cambodia, it provides an insight into what locals buy from produce to clothing and more. A few streets over is Pub Street where you can visit at least once. If you want to see the nightlife of Siem Reap, visit Pub Street. Although it’s not the authentic Cambodian lifestyle, you can get cheaper foods, drinks, and meet other foreigners.
• Find a location with a swimming pool . You’ll need to have an afternoon siesta break to cool down from the heat.

Where to Stay in Siem Reap

Siem Reap has incredible places to stay depending on your budget. Some recommendations are below:

• Onederz Siem Reap – Want to be near Pub Street and also have access to a swimming pool for the sweltering heat? Check out this hostel which has bunk bed accommodations and also private rooms. Learn more about this place and reserve at Onederz .
• Le Méridien Angkor – If you want to splurge for accommodations, stay here in Siem Reap. It’s the closest hotel to the entrance of Angkor Wat. We stayed here for four nights and had a lovely time at this beautiful hotel. The downside is that there aren’t a lot of restaurants in the area. Find availability and book a room at Le Méridien Angkor .

Find hotels in Siem Reap here.

Where to Eat in Siem Reap

• Head to the main area and Pub Street for affordable, local cuisine, and also Western foods. If you’re adventurous, try various insects !
• Maom Restaurant – If you want some local Cambodian food and are staying nearby Le Méridien Angkor, come to this place. It’s cozy and the waiters are very friendly.

Luang Prabang, Laos (4 days)

You’ll take a plane ride from Siem Reap, Cambodia to Luang Prabang, Laos. The town of Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site . With the numerous reasons to visit Luang Praban g and things to do, you’ll never be bored in Luang Prabang. The easy-going and extremely walkable town has plenty of activities to keep you occupied for a few days.

Things to Do in Luang Prabang in 4 Days

• Take a half-day cooking class. We’re fans of taking cooking classes around the world . Take a tour of the local market, learn how to make Laotian food, and eat your own creations. Come hungry as there will be a lot of food for you to eat.
• Spend a few days at the elephant conservation , such as at Elephant Conservation Center . You can stay overnight, see the elephants, watch them bathe, or even stay longer and volunteer there.
• Visiting the Kuang Si waterfall (one of our favorite waterfalls in Asia !) to observe this beautiful waterfall. You can swim in the waters if it’s not too cold. During your visit, you’ll also pass through the Bear Rescue Center.

Kuang Si Waterfalls is one of our favorite waterfalls!

• Visit Pau Ou caves since it’s one of the magnificent caves in Asia .
• Learn about the Luang Prabang and see the ornate decor at the Royal Palace Museum . During our last visit, photography isn’t allowed inside the museum.
• Hike up Mount Phousi for sunrise or sunset.
• Visit the daily Night Market to shop and eat your way throughout the evening.
• Witness the morning alms by the Buddhist monks.
• Take a sunset cruise along the Mekong River. Book a tour here .

Where to Stay in Luang Prabang

• Sita Norasingh Inn – Super basic room that was enough for our stay. Shoes aren’t allowed in the hotel rooms. Find your dates and reserve a room at Sita Norasingh Inn here .
• Sofitel Luang Prabang – Want to stay at a luxury hotel in Luang Prabang? Consider staying at the Sofitel. With the French architecture, fine dining, and stunning views, you won’t be disappointed with this stay. Read more about the highlights of Sofitel Luang Prabang .

Find the availability of hotels in Luang Prabang here.

Where to Eat in Luang Prabang

• Night Market – It’s a daily market that has amazing street foods to try. Go for skewered foods, grilled fish, and top the meal off with coconut cake.
• Xieng Thong Noodle Shop – Crave homemade noodles and noodle soup? Check out this place to get your fix. We went here a few times during our trip. Remember to go early. Once the soup runs out, the shop is closed.

Don’t want the stress of planning a trip to Laos? Book a 5-day tour of Vientiane and Luang Prabang .

Vientiane, Laos (1 day)

Vientiane, the capital of Laos, has a large city/capital environment. The city is clean and had a robust local city bus system in place.

With our limited time in Vientiane, we didn’t get to explore much. It takes over 10 hours to get here by bus from Luang Prabang. There aren’t as many tourist attractions in Vientiane compared to Luang Prabang.

Things to Do in Vientiane in 1 Day

• Visit Buddha Park , an unusual sculpture that depicts Hinduism and Buddhism. It’s located near the border of Laos and Thailand. Learn about Buddha Park and how to take public transportation.

• Admire the architecture of the Patuxay Monument or take an elevator up to see the views of the city from above.

• Visit the Night Market along the Mekong for souvenirs and lots of stylish clothing. You can also find desserts and food around the area.
• Shop at Talaat Sao (also called the “Morning Market”). This mall is nearby the bus stop and is a good place to take a break from the outside heat. You can find various items such as household goods and souvenirs at this place.

Where to Stay in Vientiane

• Lucky Backpacker Hostel is a no-frills type of place. The hostel is nearby the Mekong River and the Night Market. Private bedrooms with bathrooms are available, although space is tight. This place comes with breakfast. Reserve a room at Lucky Backpacker Hostel here .
• Muong Thanh Luxury is a fancier hotel that has tennis courts, massages, swimming pools, and restaurants for guests. The rooms are gorgeous and will satisfy any traveler. Find availability and book a room at Muong Thanh Luxury here .

Find accommodations in Vientiane here .

Where to Eat in Vientiane

• Night Market – You can easily find some dessert and noodle stalls to check out.
• Jamil Zahid Punjabi – This is a change from Laotian food, yet this place has amazing Indian and Pakistani food. Authentic flavors and reasonable prices for their food. The curries and naan are delicious. Just note that the owner loves to take photos and videos of his guests and publish them on Facebook.

Travel Day & Departure (1 Day)

We have to say goodbye to Cambodia and Laos and head back to your next destination or hometown. It’s been an epic journey through Cambodia and Laos for two weeks! We hope you have good memories, learned more about the countries’ history, and come back home with more knowledge and positive experiences from these places.

If you’re heading to Vietnam for your Southeast Asia, check out these fun things to do in Vietnam and learn how to spend 2 weeks in South Vietnam .

What are some of your top places to visit in Cambodia and Laos? Where should we visit next time?

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Featured photo & pin #1 photo credit by DEZALB via Pixabay

Pin #2 photo credit by rmac8oppo via Pixabay

I'm Jackie - world explorer, hiker, and wanderer. I love planning things whether it is a trip or an upcoming event, exploring nature, hiking up mountains, and seeing new places. I'm notorious for getting lost, so you may see me circling a place a few times.

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Very detailed and useful tips. I had already visited Cambodia but still have Laos on my list. Buddha Park looks amazing I didn’t know about it, albiet I am guilty of not researching enough.

Thanks Arunima. You’ll love Laos as it’s such a different vibe compared to Cambodia. Definitely check out Buddha Park for its quirkiness. Let us know if you have any questions during your future holiday in Laos.

Cambodia has been on our “We have to go here” list for like forever. This is such a detailed post – I am going to refer to this whenever I plan my trip to Cambodia.

Thank you Richa. We’re glad that you enjoyed the Cambodia and Laos post! You’ll have an amazing time in both places.

This is a great post. Can you advise how to fly from Siem Reap to Luang Prabang? Also, if we had to skip Vientiane would we be missing much?

Hi Allan – You can easily fly from Siem Reap to Luang Prabang via an airplane. We took Vietnam Airlines, but there are Bangkok Airlines and Lao Airlines as other options. Skipping Vientiane is fine as you’ll have plenty of activities at Luang Prabang. Enjoy your upcoming travels!

I love how easy it is to travel between Cambodia and Laos. The Buddha Park looks so interesting, I love the statue! And I want to visit Angkor Wat so bad, a hot air balloon would be amazing!

Hi Melissa. Hope you can visit Cambodia in the future! We would love to go back to Siem Reap to explore Angkor Wat again.

Kuang si Waterfalls looks amazing!!

Hi Mimmie. Kuang Si Waterfall is gorgeous and was one of our highlights when visiting Luang Prabang, Laos.

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Cambodia wins 2 world travel awards.

PHNOM PENH, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia has won two prestigious awards from the World Travel Awards for 2023, the country's Ministry of Tourism said in a news release on Sunday.

It emerged as the winner of "Asia's Leading Cultural Destination" and "Asia's Leading Youth Travel Destination," according to the release.

Ministry of Tourism's Secretary of State and Spokesman Top Sopheak said Cambodia is a cultural and ecological tourism destination.

"We are well known for the Angkor Archeological Park, a world heritage site in northwest Siem Reap province, and a beautiful bay in southwest Sihanoukville," he told Xinhua.

Tourism is one of the four pillars supporting Cambodia's economy.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, the Southeast Asian country recorded some 3.5 million international tourists during the January-August period of 2023, a year-on-year increase of 250.8 percent.

Xinhua 22nd October 2023, 17:18 GMT+11

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