Cambodia was the fourth country on our journey through Southeast Asia. We arrived from Vietnam by bus, traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh in approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes.
We spent around 20 days exploring Cambodia, starting in Phnom Penh, then moving on to Kampot, visiting the Koh Rong islands, and ending in Siem Reap. However, since we know not everyone can travel for such long periods, we’ve put together a 12-day itinerary to help you make the most of everything this incredible country has to offer.
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12-Day Itinerary for Cambodia:
Phnom Penh: 2 days
Kampot: 2 days
Koh Rong: 3-4 days
Siem Reap: 3-4 days
Phnom Penh: 2 days
We started our journey through Cambodia in the capital, Phnom Penh. On the first day, we explored the Central Market, where you can find a bit of everything, from clothing and spices to handicrafts. In the evening, we went to the Night Market and had dinner there—don’t miss out on the street food, which is both delicious and very affordable.
On the second day, you can visit the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, two important icons of Cambodian culture and architecture. Pay attention to the dress code: avoid wearing revealing clothing such as short skirts, shorts, or sleeveless tops. In the afternoon, we visited the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a powerful and emotional experience that sheds light on Cambodia’s tragic past.
To end the day and unwind a little, we took a stroll along the Mekong River, where you can relax at one of the many riverside cafés.
During our stay in the capital, we chose to get around by tuk-tuk, an affordable and practical option in the city.
Kampot: 2 days
We continued to Kampot, a small town with a relaxed riverside vibe. The journey from Phnom Penh to Kampot took around 3 hours, and we purchased our bus tickets through the 12Go Asia platform.
One of the highlights in this region is kayaking through the Green Cathedral, a scenic route along the Praek Tuek Chhu River, surrounded by lush greenery and peaceful landscapes. Other attractions worth visiting include the Kampot pepper plantations and Phnom Chhngok Cave.
Koh Rong Islands: 3-4 days
Time to enjoy the beaches!
We took a van from Kampot to Sihanoukville, a journey that took about 3 hours, with much of the route on dirt roads. When we arrived in Sihanoukville, we stayed near the port, where we caught a ferry to Koh Rong. The round-trip tickets cost $25, and we bought them at the pier through Buva Sea Cambodia. The ferry ride takes about 45 minutes.
There are two main islands: Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem. We chose Koh Rong, which is larger and slightly more developed in terms of tourist infrastructure. Koh Rong Samloem is smaller and offers a quieter atmosphere, perfect for those looking to relax.
For the first few nights, we stayed in Koh Touch, the main area of Koh Rong, where you'll find plenty of hotels, hostels, restaurants, and bars. If you choose to stay here, you can rent a motorbike to explore the rest of the island. Other great accommodation options include Long Set Beach and Pagoda Beach, both with stunning beaches.
Our days were spent relaxing on white sandy beaches and swimming in crystal-clear waters.
Siem Reap: 3-4 days
We took the ferry back to Sihanoukville and from there, we boarded an overnight bus to Siem Reap, a journey of about 10 hours.
We arrived early in the city, which quickly charmed us with its peaceful and welcoming atmosphere. We started by exploring the streets and local markets, visited the Old Market, and in the evening, we headed to Pub Street, a famous spot to experience the nightlife.
The highlight of Siem Reap is undoubtedly the temples of Angkor Wat, one of the greatest archaeological wonders in the world. To visit them, you can choose between 1-day, 3-day, or 7-day tickets, each with different prices. We opted for the 1-day ticket and visited temples such as Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, with its mysterious carved faces, and Ta Prohm, known for the giant trees intertwined with the ruins. The complex is vast, and to explore it, we recommend renting a motorbike or a tuk-tuk. You can also choose a guided tour, with many guides available at the temple's main entrance, or booked in advance.
In the evening, we suggest watching a traditional Apsara dance performance, which portrays Cambodian myths and cultural stories.
Important Tips for Your Trip to Cambodia:
Culinária Local: Não deixes de experimentar pratos tradicionais, como o Amok (um curry típico), o caranguejo com pimenta de Kampot e o Lok Lak.
Local Cuisine: Don't miss the chance to try traditional dishes such as Amok (a typical curry), Kampot pepper crab, and Lok Lak.
Transportation: For getting around within cities, we recommend using taxis or tuk-tuks. For intercity travel, buses are an affordable option. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season.
Schedules & Holidays: Pay attention to the opening hours of tourist sites, as they may vary, especially during holidays.
Respect Local Customs: When visiting temples or other religious sites, wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
How to stay connected
If you plan to visit Southeast Asia, don't forget that mobile data does not work outside the European Union!
The best solution to stay connected to the Internet is to buy an eSIM or a local SIM. This time we bought an eSIM at Holafly, and it always worked well. Just have a phone compatible with eSIM and buy the card through the Holafly app. It's very easy!
Get Travel Insurance
It is essential to be prepared for any trip you take, especially outside of Europe. Unexpected events happen, and no one wants to come back from vacation with a huge hospital bill to pay. That's where travel insurance comes in, an indispensable ally to ensure tranquility and safety for your holidays.
IATI offers numerous types of travel insurance depending on your type of trip and various coverages. Moreover, by purchasing insurance through our link, you get a special 5% discount.
Don't let unforeseen events ruin your adventure!
Click here to get your discount.
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