The Ultimate Cambodia Itinerary (This Covers EVERYTHING)
Of all the countries in Southeast Asia, Cambodia is one of my personal favorites. From the kind and welcoming locals, to the beautiful Angkor temples, to the thick forrested jungles, the white sand beaches with a gorgeous color of blue ocean water, and the deep history of the country, there’s truly something for most everyone to appreciate. This ultimate Cambodia itinerary is a thorough guide of everything to see and do, and how best to spend your time in this incredible country. You won’t want to miss any part of it!
Getting to and Around Cambodia
Cambodia is easily accessible by plane and ground transportation. Major airports are in Siem Reap (SAI) and Phnom Penh (PNH). As for long distance ground transportion to and within Cambodia I recommend the app “Camboticket.” It’s easy to use and you can purchase your tickets within the app. As for local transportation around the destinations you’re visiting in Cambodia, I recommend using the app “Grab.” It’s the “Uber” of Cambodia and it works in the exact same way the “Uber” app does. Meaning it locates a driver for you and sets the price in advance which then saves you from having to find a tuk tuk/taxi driver and haggle for a fair price. (HUGE game changer for someone [like ME] who’s HORRIBLE at haggling 😄). For this ultimate Cambodia itinerary I’d recommend starting your journey in Phnom Penh.
Phnom Penh
Plan to spend about 1-2 days in Phnom Penh. This is what to see while you’re there:
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
This building started first as a high school. It was eventually taken over by the Khmer Rouge and used as the S-21 prison and detention center from 1975-1979. Today it’s a museum and memorial site that preserves and tells the history of the Cambodian genocide. While this museum is highly informative and respectfully presented, I would note that it can be deeply disturbing for some visitors. I’d recommend doing a little research on the museum beforehand to determine if visiting is the best choice for each individual.
Choeung Ek Genocidal Center (Killing Fields)
The Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, known also as the killing fields, is an extension of the Tuol Sleng prison. It’s where numerous political prisoners in partiular were executed after being detained at the S-21 prison. Today it’s a mass grave and memorial to the victims of the Cambodian genocide. As with the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center (Killing Fields) is also a site that may be disturbing for some visitors. I recommend doing a little research on the site itself to determine if visiting is the best choice for each individual.
National Museum of Cambodia and Royal Palace of Cambodia
I haven’t been to these places myself, but they may be of interest to some visitors.
Battambang
Your next stop on the ultimate Cambodia itinerary is Battambang. Use the “Camboticket” app to book your transportation to get here from Phnom Penh, and plan to spend 1-2 days seeing and doing these things:
Bamboo Train
The bamboo train was created as an improvised means of transport. The vehicles that run along the track are made with a steel frame, bamboo slats, and small motor. If two vehicles traveling in opposite directions meet on the track, one of them is disassembled, moved around the other, and reassembled on the track once more. This simple little train experience is honestly one of the highlights of Battambang.
Wat Banan
While this Angkor era temple pales in comparison to the Angkor temples in Siem Reap, Wat Banan is the best preserved of these temples in the Battambang area. It’s still worth a visit.
Killing Caves of Phnom Sampeau
A steep declining staircase leads you into the cave where numerous victims were killed in the Cambodian genocide. Today it’s a peaceful place of rememberance consisting of a golden reclining Buddha lying near a glass case filled with bones of some of the victims who died here. Visitors take heed, this is another site that weighs heavily on the heart.
Bat Cave of Phnom Sampov
Plan to be at the base of Phnom Sampov (where the Killing Caves are also located) at dusk to see the mass flight of bats exiting the cave. I’ve heard its thousands of bats, I’ve also heard it’s MILLIONS of bats… Either way, the general concensus is that it’s a cool sight to see.
Siem Reap
To get to Siem Reap from Battambang you can take either a bus (3-4 hours) or boat (6-8 hours). The draw to taking the bus is that it’s more comfortable, air conditioned, and a shorter journey. The draw to taking the boat is that it’s a unique experience, and passes through local floating villages. While I don’t regret taking the boat, I will say it got HOT and uncomfortable a few hours in. If you opt to take the boat, make sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks. Both the bus and boat tickets can be purchased on the “Camboticket” app. Plan on spending 3-4 days in Siem Reap.
Angkor Temples
The highlight and crown jewl of ANY trip to Cambodia is visiting Angkor Wat and its surrounding temple complex. Stay tuned for my detailed Angkor Temple itinerary to come! For now, make sure you’re familiar with the Angkor Wat dress code.
Mondulkuri
The journey from Siem Reap to Mondulkuri will be your longest, but I promise it will be worth it. Plan on spening 2-4 days here.
Elephant Valley Project
The #1 reason to go to Mondulkuri is to visit the Elephant Valley Project. Located within the jungle of the province, the Elephant Valley Project works to provide a peaceful sanctuary and care for previously working elephants, conserve their natural habitat, and provide employment to locals in the area (among a handful of other goals). At this sanctuary the elephants don’t give any rides, perform any tricks, or get fed by visitors. They live their best little elephant lives while wandering around the jungle, snacking on greenery, and feeling completely unbothered by the visitors watching them from several feet away. If you have the time to, I highly recommend booking the “Taste of the Jungle” 2 day/1 night tour. It involves a good mix of trekking to see the elephants, exploring the jungle, and enjoying several delicious meals made by local women who work there. The bungalow accommodations are humble, but they do have (cold) running water, and western style toilets. For a day visit I’d recommend the “Ele Lover” full day option which includes two elephant treks and lunch in between. Regardless of how many days you spend at the sanctuary itself, be sure to add an extra day before and after your visit to account for travel days to and from Mondulkuri.
Koh Rong
If you’d like to add a little beach visit to your Cambodia trip, Koh Rong is the place to do it. I’d imagine most any beach on the island would be beautiful, but a few favorites include Long Beach (where I personally stayed), Sok San Beach, and Coconut Beach. If you have the time for it, consider hopping over to Koh Rong Sanloem, Koh Rong’s small sister island, to check out the beaches it has to offer. (Favorites include Saracen Bay and Lazy Beach).
Final Thoughts
And that completes this ultimate Cambodia itinerary! As you can see, Cambodia is a country with a wide variety of SO much to offer. That will become even more apparent when you visit. Safe travels and I hope you enjoy your time in this beautiful country as much as I did!
