Day 1: Arrival in Phnom Penh
Welcome to Cambodia! Start your journey by landing in Phnom Penh, the capital city. After checking into your accommodation, spend some time walking along the riverside. It’s a great introduction to the city’s charm.
If you arrive early in the day, visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. They’re some of the most beautiful examples of Khmer architecture. You can spend the rest of the afternoon at the National Museum, which houses many artifacts from Cambodia’s rich history.
Day 2: Phnom Penh – Tuol Sleng and Killing Fields
On your second day, it’s worth diving into Cambodia’s history with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Killing Fields. These places are sobering but vital to understanding the country’s recent past.
After the tour, take some time to relax with a sunset cruise along the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers. It gives you a peaceful view of the city from the water after an intense day of learning.
Day 3: Phnom Penh – Local Market and Street Food Tour
Start your morning with a visit to the Russian Market (Toul Tom Poung). This market offers everything from local crafts to fresh fruit. You can grab a few souvenirs here before strolling around downtown.
In the evening, take a street food tour to taste dishes like prahok, amok, or Cambodian BBQ. It’s the perfect way to try local food while learning about the culture from a local guide.
Day 4: Bus to Kampot
Take a 3-4 hour bus ride from Phnom Penh to Kampot. This laid-back riverside town is known for its Kampot pepper and relaxed vibe. Spend the afternoon wandering by the river, taking in the charming French colonial architecture.
If you’d like, rent a bicycle from a local shop and explore the nearby countryside. It’s a nice way to ease into the slower pace of life here.
Day 5: Kampot – Bokor Mountain and Pepper Farms
Head up to Bokor National Park for a day trip. The mountain is home to an abandoned French hill station and offers incredible views from the top. There’s also a large statue of Lok Yeay Mao, a protector spirit people pay tribute to.
In the afternoon, visit one of the Kampot pepper farms. Kampot is famous for producing some of the finest pepper in the world, and you can learn about the cultivation process during a tour.
Day 6: Kampot – Kayaking or Floating Villages
Today, you have a couple of options. For adventure lovers, go kayaking on the tranquil Preaek Tuek Chhu River. If relaxation is more your style, visit the nearby floating villages and learn about traditional life on the water.
Enjoy the casual vibe of Kampot for one more night before moving on to your next destination.
Day 7: Bus to Sihanoukville, Then Boat to Koh Rong
Take an early bus to Sihanoukville (around two hours) and then catch a ferry to Koh Rong Island. Koh Rong is known for its pristine beaches, so you can spend the rest of your day relaxing on the sand.
Use this time to unwind. After a week of sightseeing, some beach time is the perfect break. Enjoy the clear water and warm sun with a cold drink in hand.
Day 8: Koh Rong – Beach Day or Snorkeling Trip
Koh Rong offers plenty of activities or complete relaxation: it’s up to you! You can either spend the day lounging on the beach or book a snorkeling trip around the island. The coral reefs are beautiful and full of marine life.
In the evening, don’t miss the chance to swim with bioluminescent plankton. These tiny organisms light up in the water when disturbed, creating a magical effect.
Day 9: Koh Rong – Hiking to Long Beach
For a more active day, take a hike across the island to Long Beach. It takes about 45 minutes and you’ll be rewarded with stunning white sand beaches far from the crowds.
Don’t forget to pack some water and snacks before you set off. It’s a great spot to watch the sunset before heading back to your accommodation.
Day 10: Return to Sihanoukville, Then Bus to Siem Reap
After breakfast, catch the ferry back to Sihanoukville and then take an overnight bus to Siem Reap. It’s a long journey (10-12 hours), but traveling overnight will save you a day of sitting still and allow you to rest up for the days ahead.
If you prefer to skip the long bus ride, you can book a quick one-hour flight to Siem Reap instead.
Day 11: Siem Reap – Angkor Wat at Sunrise
Wake up early and catch the sunrise at Angkor Wat. It’s the most iconic attraction in Cambodia, and seeing the sun rise behind the towering temple is an unforgettable experience.
Spend the rest of your day exploring the complex, including temples like Bayon and Ta Prohm (the one famous for its trees growing through the walls). Don’t try to rush: there’s so much to see here, and it can get quite tiring, so pace yourself.
Day 12: Siem Reap – Further Exploration of Angkor
With over 1,000 temples, Angkor is vast. Today, explore lesser-visited temples like Banteay Srei, known for its intricate carvings, and the smaller Preah Khan.
In the evening, attend a traditional Khmer dance performance. It’s a fun (and cultural) way to end your day.
Day 13: Siem Reap – Tonle Sap and Floating Villages
Today, take a trip to Tonle Sap lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Visit the floating villages of Kampong Phluk or Chong Kneas, where people live their lives entirely on the water.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even book a boat tour to explore the mangrove forests. Back in town, grab a tuk-tuk and enjoy this lively city one last evening before departure.
Day 14: Departure
If your flight is later in the day, visit Artisans Angkor, a workshop where you can watch artisans create traditional handicrafts. It’s a great spot to buy last-minute souvenirs.
Take a final stroll through the Old Market (Phsar Chas), grab some fresh fruit for the road, and then say goodbye to Cambodia as you head to the airport.
Safe travels!
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