The BEST 2 Week Cambodia Itinerary For First-Timers

2 Week Cambodia Itinerary Overview

This 2 weeks in Cambodia itinerary starts and ends in Phnom Penh. If you’re flying to Cambodia it is the cheapest to get a round ticket to Phnom Penh.

DAY 1-2: Phnom Penh
DAY 3-6: Siem Reap
DAY 7: Battambang
DAY 8-11: Cambodian islands
DAY 12-13: Kampot
DAY 14: Phnom Penh

Things To Know Before Traveling To Cambodia

• Currency: Cambodia uses two currencies, meaning you can pay in Cambodian Riel or US dollars. 
• Travel Times: Travel between Cambodian cities takes a long time. If you want to get from Siem Reap to Kampot, you’ll spend 12 hours on a bus!
• Language: Many Cambodians in tourist areas speak English, so it is easy to get around!
• Grab App: You’ll want to download the Grab App to get tuk-tuks in Cambodia. You can even pay in-app, so you don’t have to worry about cash.
• SIM Card: Having a local or an e-SIM card will come in handy when you want to order a tuk-tuk, or generally just to get around!
• Temple Attire: You need to cover your knees and shoulders when visiting temples in Cambodia. That includes the Angkor Wat temples, so remember to pack a temple outfit when packing for Cambodia.
• Travel Insurance: You need travel insurance when traveling to Cambodia, as you don’t want to be denied healthcare services in case of an emergency. 

DAY 1: PHNOM PENH

Your journey begins as you touch down in the bustling capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh.

Depending on where you’re flying in from, there might be a time difference to get used to.

Take this first day to acclimate to the new time zone, or relax after a long bus ride if you’re coming from Vietnam.

There are many things to do in Phnom Penh, as this vibrant city is full of life and history.

You can browse local markets, stroll along the riverside, or visit the Royal Palace.

As the day winds down, a sunset cruise along the Mekong River offers a splendid way to close the day.

As I was traveling in Cambodia solo, I stayed in a hostel to meet other backpackers.

Where To Stay In Phnom Penh

• TOP Pick: Plantation Urban Resort & Spa
• Best Mid-Range Option: Aquarius Hotel and Urban Resort
• Best Hostels: Mad Monkey Phnom Penh, Onederz Phnom Penh

Day 2: Killing Fields And S-21

Start your day bright and early as you venture out to visit two of the main historical sites in Phnom Penh – the Killing Fields and S-21 Prison.

I joined this tour that took us to both sites, and I think it is the best to visit in that order.

These sites illuminate the chilling history of the Khmer Rouge regime, and while it may be a difficult subject to delve into, it’s essential to understanding  Cambodia’s recent past.

After immersing yourself in these intense historical experiences, you’ll likely need some time to reflect and relax.

In the afternoon, consider indulging in a tranquil activity like visiting one of Phnom Penh’s temples. I went to Wat Phnom, a beautiful temple located on a small hill in the city.

Everybody backpacking Cambodia should head to Bassac Lane for a taste of Phnom Penh’s nightlife. It is also a great spot to grab dinner – I loved Mama Noodles.

Day 3: Siem Reap

On Day 3, board a morning bus from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. It is about 5-6-hour journey and you’ll arrive just in time for lunch.

The afternoon is yours to spend as you wish. 

If you want to relax, pick a hostel in Siem Reap with a pool, and spend the afternoon soaking up the sun.

If you’re ready for another activity, visit the APOPO Visitor Center! 

Here, you can see how trained HeroRATs detect landmines, improving the safety of rural areas and the lives of local communities.

If you want to discover Siem Reap nightlife, head straight to Pub Street. It is known for its colorful array of bars, restaurants, and night markets.

Where To Stay In Siem Reap

• TOP Pick: Shintana Saya La Maison
• Best Mid-Range Option: The Jungle
• Best Hostels: Lub D Siem Reap, Mad Monkey Siem Reap

Day 4: Siem Reap Cooking Class

Kickstart your day by exploring the city center of Siem Reap. Stroll down the bustling streets, absorb the local atmosphere, and stop by the charming cafes and boutique shops that dot the area. I liked exploring the temple.

Although Siem Reap may not be the most picturesque city in the region, it offers a captivating window into the daily lives of the locals.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Cambodian cuisine with a local cooking class!

I love joining local cooking classes when I travel, and this Khmer cooking class was one of my favorites.

You’ll make 4 different dishes, and they also have vegan Cambodian options! Learn about the traditional spices, ingredients, and cooking techniques that shape the unique flavors of this region’s food.

After a delicious self-made dinner, have an early night. With tomorrow’s wake-up call set for 4 am, you’ll appreciate a good rest.

Day 5: Angkor Wat Temples

Today is the day you’ve been eagerly awaiting – it’s finally time to tick off that Cambodia bucket list experience: discovering the world-renowned Angkor Wat Temples. 

You can organize the visit yourself, allowing you the freedom to explore at your own pace and focus on the areas that interest you most. 

A fun way to explore the area is to rent a bicycle! 

However, I chose to join this guided tour, and it was a great way to see the temples with a small group and a friendly guide.

You need to start with a sunrise over Angkor Wat. It is touristy but for a good reason! Winter is probably the worst time to visit Cambodia if you want to escape the crowds though.

This UNESCO World Heritage site covers an area of about 400 km2 with over 100 temples to discover. 

You can easily spend the whole day temple hopping, seeing popular sites like Bayon Temple or one of hundreds of forgotten temple ruins.

Day 6: Siem Reap Day Trips

There are many fun day trips to choose from on your sixth day in Siem Reap.

One of the most popular options is to visit the floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake.

I didn’t visit them as I had already seen floating villages in Vietnam. But it is a cool experience to observe the locals going about their daily activities in homes on high stills over the lake.

Another idea is visiting a local lotus farm! Several of my friends visited the farm where they learned more about the various ways lotus flowers are used in Cambodia. They loved the experience and even got to make bracelets and other trinkets! 

Lastly, for the more adventurous, you can join a trekking tour to Mount Kulen. 

The journey offers breathtaking natural scenery, and atop the mountain, you’ll find a large reclining Buddha statue, a cascading waterfall, and ancient Khmer ruins.

The waterfall is especially stunning during Cambodia’s rainy season!

Each of these trips provides a different perspective of Cambodia’s rich and diverse culture and natural beauty.

Day 7: Battambang

Next up is Battambang – a charming city located in northwestern Cambodia.

Battambang is one of the most picturesque cities in Cambodia. It is known for its French colonial architecture and has a lovely riverfront lined with quaint cafes and restaurants.

With one day in Battambang, you should take a ride on Battambang’s famous bamboo train, called “Norry.”

These makeshift trains are basically bamboo planks on wheels that run along abandoned railway tracks and offer an exciting way to explore the Cambodian countryside.

Where To Stay In Battambang

• TOP Pick: Maisons Wat Kor
• Best Mid-Range Option: Muni Residence
• Best Hostel: THE PLACE Hostel & Rooftop

Day 8: Travel To The Islands

Today is a long travel day from the north of Cambodia to the coast.

You need to know that the last ferry to the islands departs around 17:00.

Therefore, unless you opt for an overnight bus journey from Battambang, it is highly unlikely you’ll be able to catch it without spending a night in Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville.

So, you have two options to reach your next destination, Koh Rong.

One is to take a bus or train to Phnom Penh and spend a night there. Then you can take an early bus and ferry combination the next morning, which allows you to skip spending a night in Sihanoukville.

Alternatively, you can embark on a long bus journey to Sihanoukville and stay overnight there. The next morning, you can take a ferry to the island of Koh Rong.

Day 9: Koh Rong

After the lengthy travel day you endured yesterday, today is all about relaxation.

Enjoy the sunshine on the lovely beaches of Koh Rong as you sink your toes into the soft, white sand.

Koh Rong beaches are white sand beaches, with crystal-clear waters. Perfect for relaxing and soaking up the sun.

It’s the ideal setting to unwind, perhaps with a good book in one hand and a refreshing tropical drink in the other.

Koh Rong is also a popular party destination, with beach parties nearly every night, especially if you stay in a party hostel.

Where To Stay In Koh Rong

• TOP Pick: The Secret Garden Koh Rong
• Best Mid-Range Option: Amor Resort Koh Rong
• Best Hostel: Mad Monkey Koh Rong

Day 10: Koh Rong

The second day in Koh Rong you can spend relaxing on the beach or joining some of the activities on the island.

Koh Rong is a popular diving and snorkeling spot, so you can join one of the tours and spend the day on the sea.

If you prefer staying on the land, you can go trekking and visit Varisan Nureach or Prek Svay  Waterfall.

Day 11: Koh Rong Samloem

You could spend another day enjoying the beaches of Koh Rong, but why not take a short ferry ride to the neighboring island?

Koh Rong Samloem is the smaller, more secluded sister island of Koh Rong.

It boasts even more stunning beaches and a quieter atmosphere, perfect for those looking for a peaceful retreat.

Spend your day snorkeling in the vibrant coral reefs, kayaking around the island’s coves, or simply lounging on the beach.

Where To Stay In Koh Rong Samloem

• TOP Pick: Eden Beach Resort By EHM
• Best Mid-Range Option: SunBoo Beach Bungalows
• Best Hostel: Onederz Koh Rong Sanloem

Day 12: Kampot

Next up on your Cambodia itinerary is the charming town of Kampot.

This sleepy riverside town offers a charming mix of colonial architecture, friendly locals, and a laid-back atmosphere.

People like to spend several days here enjoying the countryside, but you can see all the main tourist attractions in Kampot in half a day.

I spent a night in Kampot before I went on my yoga retreat, and it was a lovely place to walk around and admire the architecture. Also, the Durian roundabout is a fun thing to see!

Where To Stay In Kampot

• TOP Pick: Villa La Plantation
• Best Mid-Range Option: Kampot Sweet Boutique
• Best Hostel: Onederz Kampot

Day 13: Kampot

On your second day in Kampot, you can take a day trip to the countryside.

Kampot is renowned for its pepper farms, offering a unique opportunity to witness the cultivation of Cambodia’s world-famous Kampot pepper firsthand.

Enhance your experience by combining a visit to these farms with a journey to the charming seaside town of Kep.

This quiet coastal town is particularly famous for its seafood. I’m vegan, so it wasn’t something that I was particularly interested in.

Another popular activity in Kampot is river kayaking. You can rent a kayak and gently paddle upstream, taking in the lush greenery, vibrant wildlife, and the occasional traditional Khmer house lining the river banks.

Day 14: Phnom Penh

On the final day of your two weeks in Cambodia, you’ll board a bus or train for the journey back to Phnom Penh.

The trip from Kampot to the capital takes approximately 5 hours.

Depending on the timing of your departure flight, you may have time to take a stroll around Phnom Penh and soak up the unique atmosphere of this Southeast Asian capital.

Are 2 Weeks Enough For Cambodia?

Yes, 2 weeks is enough to visit all the main tourist attractions in Cambodia.

As you only have two weeks, and Cambodia is a large country with long travel times, you’ll have to stick to an itinerary. 

You won’t have much time to get off the beaten path and discover the less visited northern regions of Cambodia.

I wish I had 3 weeks in Cambodia to get away from the usual tourist routes and see more nature and rural areas.

However, this 2-week itinerary covers the main highlights of Cambodia and gives a taste of its culture, history, and stunning landscapes.

Getting To Cambodia

The easiest way to reach Cambodia is by flying into one of the main international airports in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. 

Ideally, you would fly into one airport and fly back from the other. 

However, I know return flights are cheaper when you fly in and out from the same place. 

In that case, I recommend flying to Phnom Penh Airport like I did.

Siem Reap has a new airport that is about 50km from the city. Phnom Penh Airport is about 10km from the city center.

You can also enter Cambodia by crossing the border from neighboring countries if you are already in the region. It is easy to get to Siem Reap from Thailand or Laos, and Phnom Penh from Vietnam.

However, depending on the rest of your Southeast Asia itinerary, you might not do a circle route from Phnom Penh.

Cambodia Visa Requierments

Most people will require a visa to enter Cambodia. Luckily, getting a visa for Cambodia is quite straightforward.

You can simply get a visa on arrival at most border crossings. You’ll need $30 USD in cash, and sometimes they ask for a passport-size photo – they didn’t ask me at Phnom Penh Airport.

The bills need to be in good condition, with no chips, marks, or strong creases. Immigration officers are very strict when assessing the condition of your bills, and they will not take them if they are damaged! 

Alternatively, you can also apply for an e-visa beforehand, which is a convenient and hassle-free option if you don’t have pristine US dollar bills with you.

Getting Around Cambodia

The most common way to get around Cambodia is by bus, and numerous bus operators offer routes to different parts of the country.

There are also trains and domestic flights available. Flights are obviously much more expensive than buses, while trains only serve 3 routes.

Within the cities, you can usually just walk or grab a tuk-tuk or taxi for longer distances. There is no Uber in Cambodia, instead, you can use Grab or PassApp!

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a motorbike to explore the country at your own pace. Just make sure to have your international driver’s license with you and stay safe.

Driving in Cambodia is not like driving in Europe!

Summary: 2-Week Cambodia Travel Itinerary

If you have 2 weeks to explore a destination, Cambodia is well worth visiting!

Starting from the vibrant city of Phnom Penh, you’ll dive into the nation’s rich history and vibrant culture. You’ll get to admire the majestic Angkor Wat temples and fascinating bamboo train in Battambang before making your way south to the Cambodian islands.

During 2 weeks in Cambodia, you’ll traverse through stunning landscapes, ancient temples, bustling markets, and serene countryside!

I’m sure you’ll love the country as much as I do!

Now that you have your Cambodia 14 day itinerary, it’s time to plan your Cambodia travel budget!