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Itinerary Cambodia 2 to 4 weeks | Hints and Highlights

Are you planning a trip through Cambodia† Certainly do! To help you on your way Cambodia itinerary I give my tips below. Are you skipping a destination from the route below? Then you can easily see the highlights of Cambodia in 2 weeks. However, I advise you to take a little longer, for example 3 or 4 weeks. Cambodia is a beautiful country full of beautiful nature & culture, if you have a little more time you can visit more beautiful places and you don't have to move every day.

Our advice for traveling to Cambodia
Cambodia travel by rickshaw

Build your own trip with building blocks or choose one of the individual or group trips. Riksja has decades of experience in Cambodia with many thousands of satisfied customers.

With the building blocks, choose what you want to do. They will then put together the most logical route for you. Accommodation, transportation and activities are included.

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By using these affiliate links you support us at no extra cost. Thank you!

Plan your holiday to Asia here

The itinerary on the map

Cambodia
Cambodia

Start of your Cambodia itinerary

Where you start your journey depends very much on your planning before and after. For example, do you combine your trip with ThailandLaos.  of Vietnam † Then of course you first take the place closest to the border crossing. Are you only going for Cambodia? Then you will most likely start your journey in Siem Reap† This is the cheapest way to fly from Bangkok.

Locals-in-Cambodia
Local Children in Cambodia

Siem Reap

Day 1 to 4 † Siem Reap is a super fun city with a lot to do. You really cannot miss this city, because here you will find the biggest attraction of Cambodia: the temples of Angkor. I chose a 3 day pass and in my opinion this is perfect. The Angkor complex is very large and in the heat you can't last much longer than half a day. That's why it's perfect that you can just come back the day after!

Things to Do in Siem Reap | 4 tips

  1. Discover the entire temple complex of Angkor Wat by tuk tuk.
  2. Spend your evenings on Pub Street.
  3. Stroll through the Old Market.
  4. Stay in the underderz hostel (believe me, really a great hostel!).
  5. Visit the Angkor Wat complex
Monk at Angkor Wat
Monk at Angkor Wat
The largest temple complex of Angkor: Angkor Wat
The largest temple complex of Angkor: Angkor Wat
The Gate of Angkor, Cambodia
The Gate of Angkor, Cambodia

Temple of Preah Vihear

Optional to add to your itinerary† This breathtaking mountain temple is the source of conflict with neighboring Thailand, which also claims the place as its own. The journey here is not easy, but still worth going here if you have more time. The green mountain region is beautiful to see and experience. Expect an entrance fee of 10 euros for foreigners.

Tonle Sap

Optional to add to your itinerary† As you cruise this river, you can see how closely Cambodian life is linked to this important waterway. You can take a boat all the way down or just take a day trip. Tours start around 3 euros per person. Multi-day tours including food and overnight stays start from 25 to 50 euros.

Battambang

Day 5 to 7 † From Siem Reap you can be in the beautiful, quiet area within 6 hours Battambang† Many backpackers skip this destination during their Cambodia trip, but I certainly wouldn't skip this destination. You can rent a tuk-tuk in Battambang for a day and see all the highlights!

Things to Do in Battambang | 5 tips

  1. Take a ride on the bamboo train.
  2. Experience the history of Cambodia during a visit to the Kill Cave.
  3. Watch hundreds of bats fly out of the Bat Cave during the sunset.
  4. Experience the local life.
  5. Stay for 9 euros in the Pome Hostel (9,2) or for 30 euros in the beautiful Sanker Villa (9,1)
Battambang Bamboo Train
Battambang Bamboo Train
Battambang Locals Cambodia
Battambang Locals Cambodia

Phnom Penh,

Day 8 to 9 † Visiting Phnom Penh is not a feel-good trip. The capital has a grueling history and you can't help but dive into it when you're in Phnom Penh. During my trip through Cambodia I also heard many stories of pickpockets in Phnom Penh. For this reason, I did not walk through the city on my own.

Things to Do in Phnom Penh | 4 tips

  1. Visit the Tuol Sleng Museum
  2. Go to the Killing Fields
  3. Visit the Royal Palace
  4. Stay in the billabong hostel (incl. swimming pool!)
Killing Fields Cambodia
Killing Fields Cambodia

Kampong cham

Optional to add to your Cambodia itinerary. Although it is Cambodia's third largest city, most skip Kampong Cham. A shame, we think. The city retains much of its old French colonial atmosphere and is a great place to really get to know Cambodia. While the city is something to discover in itself, you should also visit the ruins of Nokor Wat see. One of the highlights here is a detailed series of murals depicting religious torture scenes.

Kampot

Day 10 to 12 † Kampot is a very relaxed town located on a river where you will immediately feel at home. It feels authentic because there is no mass tourism yet.

Things to Do in Kampot | 5 tips

  1. Rent a scooter and go to Bokor National Park
  2. Visit the old church on Bokor Mountain
  3. Take a boat trip on the river
  4. Take a trip through the Mangrove
  5. Stay for 16 euros per night in a beautiful private bungalow at Fish Island Bungalows.
Bokor National Park
Bokor National Park
Kampot Cambodia
Kampot

Krong Kaeb (Kep)

Optional to add to your Cambodia itinerary. This quaint beach town is the quiet version of Sihanoukville. It's a nice place to relax by the ocean without the party atmosphere of Sihanoukville. This city is known for its pepper crab and empty beaches. It's pretty quiet and there's not much to do here, so it's also a good day trip if you don't like chilling out for a few days.

Koh Rong Samlon

Day 13 to 17 † The PERFECT ending to your Cambodia trip: Koh Rong Samloen. From Kampot you travel by bus to Sihanoukville, where you can take the boat to Koh Rong Samloen. Pearly white beaches, clear blue sea and back to the basics is what you can expect here! Koh Rong Samloen is known for its quiet character. There is more to experience in Koh Rong (the island next door). You can also perfectly combine these 2 with each other. There is a boat every day. I chose Koh Rong Samloen myself because you really get the uninhabited island idea here! (of course it isn't ;) )

Things to Do in Koh Rong Samloen | 5 tips

  1. Go diving or snorkelling
  2. go kayaking
  3. Do a jungle trek
  4. Go to Saracan Beach and Lazy Beach
Lazy Beach Koh Rong Samloen
Lazy Beach Koh Rong Samloen
Saracan Beach Koh Rong Samloen
Saracan Beach Koh Rong Samloen

Combining Cambodia travel route?

Thailand

If you want to combine your Cambodia travel route by, for example, continuing to Thailand then I advise you to take the bus from Phnom Penh,  of Siem Reap to book.

Vietnam

Do you want to travel on to Vietnam? Then you can start from Kampot easy travel to the island Phu Quoc (a must see in Vietnam). Cross the border by bus and then continue your journey by boat. Our tips for Vietnam  can be found here.

Laos.

neighboring country Laos. visit in combination with Cambodia? Certainly do! In my opinion, Laos is the most authentic country in Southeast Asia, because tourism has not yet taken hold. Laos is one of the most sparsely populated countries in Asia with only seven million inhabitants. More tips tips for being Laos here to find.

How much does traveling in Cambodia cost?

Accommodation – Dorms in hostels start at about 4 euros per night. Private rooms in hostels and guesthouses generally cost 5 to 10 euros per night, depending on where you are in the country. Free Wi-Fi is the norm for hostels these days, and some also include free breakfast. You can get comfortable guesthouse rooms for 15-20 euros with air conditioning, TV and other amenities.

Beyond that, the sky's the limit, but I've never had to spend more than $25 a night on luxury in this country! Airbnb is available in major cities, with prices starting at around 10 euros per night for shared accommodation. Expect to pay closer to 30 euros per night for an entire house or apartment.

Food – Food is very cheap in Cambodia. Local street vendors will cost you around 1-2 euros per meal, and simple meals in a restaurant will cost between 3 to 5 euros. Western meals in nice restaurants cost between 5 and 15 euros per person.

If you plan on doing your own shopping and cooking your own meals, expect to spend between $20 and $25 a week. Stick to local markets for the cheapest produce.

Transportation – Local city transport is cheap and costs only a few dollars. Tuk-tuks can be found on every corner in the major cities, but be sure to negotiate a price in advance (usually no more than 5 euros depending on the distance). Hiring a driver for the day will cost you between 15 and 25 euros, and most hostels can help you find one.

Pnomh Penh
Pnomh Penh

In general, you can get a bus anywhere in the country for less than 20 euros. For example, buses depart regularly from Siem Reap to Thailand for just 15 euros each way. Both buses and minibuses also make the daily journey from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh for 10 euros per person.

Activities – Those who are planning to visit Angkor Wat (and you should be!) should consider the cost of the entrance fee, which is about 40 euros per day. Also keep in mind the cost of getting there. Other tours, walks and entrance fees are between 10 to 20 euros, depending on the length and popularity of the activity.

Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat

What is the recommended daily budget for Cambodia?

low budget – How much does it cost to visit Cambodia? Not much! It's a super cheap place to travel. Traveling through Cambodia, you will spend approx 25 euros per day† This will get you a dorm (or in some cases even a private hostel room if you cut your other costs), food from the street stalls, a few drinks a day, a few tours, day trips and local transportation around the country. If you visit Angkor Wat (probably you will), keep in mind that the entrance fee is 40 euros. If you stay in dorms, you may be able to travel for even less.

Average budget – With an average budget of 40 euros per day you get a cheap air-conditioned hotel room, some meals in a nice restaurant, as many drinks as you want, and also all the tours and excursions you want! This amount goes a long way in Cambodia and you really won't have any problems doing whatever you want. You still won't be in the nicest places or eating the fanciest meals, but you'll lack nothing.

Big budget – With a "luxury" budget of 60 euros or more per day the sky is the limit! You can stay in nice chain hotels, full apartments, resorts, eat world class meals or opt for private tours! This country doesn't cost a lot of money and for 60 euros each or more you can get everything you need! The more you want to spend, the more fun it will be!

Note: Cambodia uses USD. It is not really necessary to bring the local currency, Cambodian Riels (KHR), unless you are paying for very small things on the street.

Travel tips and travel information Cambodia

Travel Tips for Cambodia
Travel Tips for Cambodia

When is the best time to travel to Cambodia?

The best time to travel in Cambodia is November to May, the drier season. The temperatures are not too high in these months. In April temperatures of more than 40 degrees can be reached. The rainy season runs from June to October and is very wet, but it is also less dusty. There are more fruits, the landscape is deep green and there is plenty of water in the waterfalls and rivers. During this time, the temperature during the day also remains around 24ºC, in the evening it can be a bit cooler. During the rainy season, the most rain falls in the months of September and October. During the rainy season, there is often a heavy shower, especially in the afternoon. During the rest of the day, sun and clouds often alternate.

Do you need a visa for Cambodia?

You need a visa to travel through Cambodia. For most travelers a regular "tourist visa" is sufficient. This visa is easy to get 'on arrival' at the airport and costs between 30 and 40 euros (2020). This allows you to travel around Cambodia for 30 days. You can apply for this visa online or at the border. The tourist visa can also be extended once. There is no such thing as a double entry visa or multiple entry visa for Cambodia for regular travelers. You can leave Cambodia and buy a visa several times to enter Cambodia.

Arranging a visa in advance: You can do this online on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cambodia: https://www.evisa.gov.kh† This is the cheapest way to arrange your visa online and costs about 30 euros.

Is there a dress code in Cambodia?

The best clothes to bring to Cambodia are comfortable, light casual clothes. Natural fabrics such as cotton are very suitable to wear in a tropical country. The sometimes scorching sun requires protection, such as a cap and sunscreen. For a single cool evening and protection against mosquitoes, a warmer garment is recommended. Long pants or long skirts are required to visit a temple. Shoulders and knees must be covered and you often have to take off your shoes.

Please note that a scarf around the shoulders at the temples of Angkor is not enough. You really should wear at least a T-Shirt. It is always useful to bring an extra piece of clothing if you are not sure. Are you going to do a trekking during the trip? Then good walking shoes and long pants are necessary.

Do you need a power plug in Cambodia?

Yes, you need a world plug in Cambodia. The standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz, just like in the Netherlands. In Cambodia the power plugs and sockets are of type A, C and G. Type C is the socket we also know in the Netherlands, but unfortunately you don't come across it very often in Cambodia. So make sure you have a world plug or type A and G plug with you.

Can you drink tap water in Cambodia?

The tap water in Cambodia is not drinkable, it is recommended to use bottled water. If there is no potable tap water available, it is best to boil the water well first or use water purification tablets or water filters.

Ice cubes: Besides drinking the water, the water is often also used to make ice cubes or ice. It is not recommended to use ice cubes or ice creams in Cambodia that are made from tap water or where you are not sure.

What is the currency of Cambodia?

The Cambodian currency is the riel (KHR). Cambodia has become a dollar economy in recent years and amounts are often rounded to whole dollars for tourists. In the cities and tourist spots you can pay with dollars everywhere, but in the countryside and in local markets the riel is often the most important currency.

Are credit cards accepted in Cambodia?

With a credit card you can go to the better hotels and restaurants, and at some travel agencies. However, make sure you always have cash with you, as Cambodia's economy is mainly cash-based.

Can you withdraw money in Cambodia?

Yes. In cities such as Phnom Penh and Siem Reap there are plenty of working ATMs where you can withdraw dollars. Sometimes you can also pin riel, but because this currency is worth nothing outside Cambodia, that is not recommended.

What public holidays are there in Cambodia?

January 1 – New Year
January 7 – Day of Victory over Genocide
April 14-16 – Cambodian New Year
May 13-15 – Birthday of King Sihamoni
May 24 – Bonn Chroat Preah Nongkoal (start of planting season)
All of May – The Birth of Buddha
June 18 – Birthday of the Queen Mother
September 24 – Constitution Day
late September – Bonn Pchum Ben (Ancestors' Day)
October 23 – Celebration of Peace with France
October 30 – Birthday of the King Father
November 9 Independence Day
Early November – Bon Om Touk (water festival due to rainy season)

Is tipping common in Cambodia?

Tipping is not expected in Cambodia, but it is always appreciated. Many service workers in Cambodia earn low wages, so if you're happy with the services of waiters, drivers, guides, or others, leaving a small tip depending on the service is a good way to show your appreciation.

Do you have to negotiate prices in Cambodia?

Yes, in Cambodia it is customary to negotiate prices. Especially on the market and the small shops on the street.

Our advice for traveling to Cambodia
Cambodia travel by rickshaw

Build your own trip with building blocks or choose one of the individual or group trips. Riksja has decades of experience in Cambodia with many thousands of satisfied customers.

With the building blocks, choose what you want to do. They will then put together the most logical route for you. Accommodation, transportation and activities are included.

View offer
By using these affiliate links you support us at no extra cost. Thank you!

Plan your holiday to Asia here

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Ilse & Nick

ILSE & NICK - OUR TRAVEL LIFE
- Travel addicts from #netherlands
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