If you’re looking for a Cambodia itinerary, you’re in the right place. Cambodia is a fascinating destination that blends ancient cultural heritage with stunning landscapes. Its ancient temples, paradise beaches, and rich history make it a unique destination in Southeast Asia. We visited Siem Reap in 2019 mainly to explore Angkor Wat, and the remaining locations in 2025 during our second trip around the world.
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Why Visit Cambodia?
Each trip to Cambodia brought us something new. The first time, we went for the grandeur of Angkor. The second time, we wanted to explore the paradise beaches and more rural areas like Kampot, where life moves at a different pace. But there are many more reasons to include this destination in your itinerary:
- The stunning temples of Angkor: Nothing prepares you for the feeling of seeing Angkor Wat at sunrise.
- Crystal-clear beaches in Sihanoukville and Koh Rong: White sands, turquoise waters, and that laid-back tropical island vibe.
- The rich Khmer cultural heritage: From traditional dances to hidden temples, there’s always something to discover.
- Authentic experiences in rural villages: Meet locals, explore markets, and see the less touristy side of the country.
- The local cuisine: Unique flavors like Kampot pepper, amok, and, for the more adventurous, even crispy insects!
If you love authentic destinations full of contrasts, you’ll love exploring Cambodia!
14-Day Itinerary
Sihanoukville (1 night)
We entered Cambodia through Sihanoukville for convenience, as it provided access to Koh Rong Sanloem. We found a flight from Kuala Lumpur and started our itinerary from there. We didn’t plan to explore the city, so we stayed just one night before catching the boat to Koh Rong Sanloem the next day.
The city is dominated by Chinese culture, restaurants, and businesses, and some consider it the ugliest city in the world. However, we actually thought that, at least at night, it had a certain charm, with streets illuminated by shop and restaurant signs.
Moreover, Sihanoukville has beaches with excellent seaside restaurants, perfect for watching the sunset.
Check out where we stayed in Sihanoukville.
Koh Rong Sanloem (3 nights)
Koh Rong Sanloem is a hidden paradise in Cambodia – with some of the clearest waters we’ve ever seen and white sandy beaches. It’s the perfect place to spend a few days in pure relaxation, far from the hustle and bustle.
And if you’re wondering where to stay, we have some suggestions for you. See here.
Don’t forget to explore the best activities on the island. Check them out here.
Want to know how to get there? Find out how to buy boat tickets from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Sanloem. Check it out here.
Kampot (3 nights)
From Koh Rong Sanloem, we headed to Kampot. The most convenient way is to take a boat to Sihanoukville and then travel by train or van. Now, there is also a direct boat option to Kampot.
In Kampot, we stayed for three days to explore the local cuisine, colonial architecture, countryside, and even took a short trip to Kep.
Looking for a place to stay in Kampot? See here.
Curious about what to do in Kampot and Kep? Find out here.
Want to know the transport options to get to Kampot? Check them out here.
Phnom Penh (3 nights)
From Kampot, we traveled to Phnom Penh by bus, a journey of about 4 hours that took us straight to the heart of the capital. We stayed for 3 nights, enough time to explore the must-see attractions, discover unique restaurants, and experience staying at one of the city’s most luxurious hotels.
Looking for the best areas and hotels to stay in Phnom Penh? Check here.
What to do in Phnom Penh? Check here.
And if you’re wondering about transportation options from Kampot to Phnom Penh, we have the answers for you here.
Siem Reap (4 nights)
We didn’t visit Siem Reap this time, as we had already been there in 2019. Still, if we had decided to include this city in our itinerary, we would probably have taken a flight to Siem Reap and stayed for at least three full days. Just like in 2019, we would have hired a tuk-tuk to take us around and guide us through the Angkor temples, and on the last day, to visit the floating villages and the more distant temples.
Tickets for Angkor can be purchased on-site, with the driver stopping at the beginning of the first day for the purchase, or they can be bought online, on the same official website where we applied for the Cambodia e-visa.
And if you’re wondering about transportation options from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, we have the answers for you here.
Essential Tips
- Best time to visit: Avoid the rainy season (May to October), which can make some areas harder to explore.
- Visa: Required for most tourists and can be easily applied for online. Don’t forget to also fill out the e-arrival card.
- Transport: Tuk-tuks are a practical and traditional way to get around. Grab operates in several cities, making transportation even more convenient.
- Currency: The US dollar is widely accepted throughout the country, even for card payments. For digital payments, you can use the Bakong system.
- Mobile data: To stay connected, we recommend the eSIM from Holafly, with a 5% discount using our code.
- Travel insurance: For a worry-free trip, Heymondo insurance is a great option. You can get a 5% discount with our code.
- Water consumption: In Cambodia, tap water is not safe to drink. Bottled water is recommended. Most hotels, restaurants, and cafés provide bottled water, and it’s easy to find in local stores.
