Cambodia Trip Itinerary: The Best Places To Visit

Cambodia is one of those rare destinations that offers a little bit of everything. Ancient ruins, quiet beaches, lively cities, and endless opportunities to explore.

Whether you’re navigating the bustling streets of Phnom Penh, riding a motorbike to remote temples, or kicking back on an island with no roads, Cambodia delivers adventure without the hefty price tag.

If Cambodia isn’t already on your travel list, it should be. Here are some of the best places to add to your Cambodia Trip Itinerary.

Overview of Places to visit in Cambodia

Brief History of Cambodia

Cambodia’s history is marked by the rise and fall of great empires, colonial rule, and resilience through hardship.

The Khmer Empire (9th-15th century), centered at Angkor, was one of Southeast Asia’s most powerful civilizations, leaving behind architectural wonders like Angkor Wat. After its decline, Cambodia fell under Thai and Vietnamese influence before becoming under French protection in 1863.

Gaining independence in 1953, Cambodia faced turmoil during the Khmer Rouge regime (1975-1979), which led to devastating genocide with the deaths of millions of people.

Since the 1990’s, Cambodia has rebuilt, transitioning into a rapidly developing nation while preserving its cultural heritage.

Getting to Cambodia

If you’re flying from the United States, Europe, or pretty much any country outside of Southeast Asia, you will likely need to fly to one of the larger nearby countries like Vietnam or Thailand. Currently, there are no direct flights to Cambodia from North America, Europe, or Australia.

Flying to Cambodia

Cambodia has three international airports: one in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville. With Phnom Penh being the capital of Cambodia, the Phnom Penh International Airport is the largest and busiest in Cambodia.

So, to get to Cambodia, your best option will likely be to fly to either Bangkok, Thailand or Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Those are the closest international airports to Cambodia. From there it’s a quick and inexpensive flight.

Bus or car to Cambodia

If you’re visiting Thailand or Vietnam before traveling to Cambodia, the fastest way to get there is by flying but another option is to take the bus or a minivan. The bus or minivan from Bangkok to Siem Reap will take approximately 8-9 hours and will cost between $20-$35 per person.

If you take a bus from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh, it will take around 6-7 hours and cost about $25-$35 per person.

I once did a day trip from Bangkok to Angkor Wat by hiring a private driver. My trip was only for Thailand but I was sooooo close that I just HAD to see Angkor Wat. It was a very long day and I do not recommend doing it but I don’t regret it one bit!

Tip: Opt to take an overnight sleeper bus to save the cost of one night’s accommodation.

Getting Around Cambodia

The cost to get around Cambodia is pretty inexpensive so I don’t recommend renting a car. First, it can be very stressful driving in the capital of Phnom Penh. Second, while the main highways are decent, secondary roads will be questionable.

You’ll have to deal with potholes, small lanes that you may have to maneuver, and you will need to drive on the left side of the road. If you’ve never done that before it can be stressful. You’ll have to constantly remind yourself which side of the road to drive on.

Instead, take local transportation such as taxis or tuk-tuks within the town you’re in. They are inexpensive. Getting from one city to another by bus or hiring a private driver is another affordable and easy option.

Outside of Phnom Penh, you can also rent a scooter to get around if you feel comfortable. Depending on the town, you’ll pay just $5-10 a day for a motorbike. Just opt for the kind that you don’t have to shift gears, like a Vespa. We rented one in Siem Reap for 4 days and it was a lot of fun and the best way to get around.

Cambodia Travel Routes

Once you figure out exactly which places in Cambodia you want to visit, you’ll need to decide on the best travel route in Cambodia to take. Half of the places on the list are in the southern region of Cambodia while the other half is in the northern region.

The Cambodia travel route that I think is the best is to start with the northern areas and move south. My reasoning for that is the southern part of Cambodia is where the beaches are and I think it would be better to get the history and cultural stuff done first and save the relaxing for the end of the trip.

You could fly into the capital of Phnom Penh and immediatly fly to Siem Reap and start your trip there and work your way back down.

Another option is to fly to Phnom Penh, spend 1-2 days there before traveling to Siem Reap either by bus or flight.

If you’re coming from Thailand or Vietnam, you can just fly to Siem Reap from either one of those countries.

Places to add to your Cambodia Trip itinerary

So you’re planning your Cambodia itinerary and you probably already know that Siem Reap (where Angkor Wat is) will be on your list. It’s generally the main reason people visit Cambodia. But, there’s a LOT more to Cambodia than Siem Reap and Angkor Wat.

So, here’s a list of the most popular destinations in Cambodia that you might want to consider adding to your Cambodia Trip Itinerary and how many days you should spend there.

I have a 5 day Cambodia Itinerary and a 2 Week Itinerary for Cambodia to help you plan your trip.

Phnom Penh

It would be hard to travel to Cambodia without passing through its capital, Phnom Penh, but many people tend to skip it. It might not be the most exciting place in Cambodia but it’s definitely worthy of adding it to your places to visit in Cambodia.

You can’t come to Cambodia without visiting the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. It’s a difficult part of Cambodia’s history but it definitely needs to be remembered.

Other must see places in Phnom Penh are the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, the Cambodian National Museum, and a sunset cruise on the Mekong River. There’s much more that you can add to your Phnom Penh itinerary so take a look at the list of things to do in Phnom Penh to see what appeals to you.

If you have time to spare in your schedule, try to devote 2 full days to Phnom Penh. At the very least you’ll want to visit the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Museum.

Krong Siem reap

Siem Reap might be one of my favorite places I’ve visited! You know those places you visit and you start to picture yourself actually living there? Yeah, that was me. To be fair, anytime I travel I always ask myself if I could live wherever I’m traveling but the answer isn’t always a yes.

Siem Reap is where Angkor Wat is located and the most visited place in Cambodia with about 2.5 million visitors a year. The Angkor Wat Archeological Park has 72 temples waiting for you to visit! You probably won’t see them all but you can definitely see a lot of them. You’ll definitely want to plan for seeing the Angkor Wat sunrise!

You should try to spend no less than 5 days in Siem Reap. Buy a three day Angkor Wat ticket and make a list of which ones you really want to see and then add to it if you get done early.

There is a LOT to do and see in Siem Reap. With the other 2 days, you can visit places in Siem Reap that aren’t temples such as the Cambodia Landmine Museum, Phare Cambodian Circus, a cooking class, or a day trip to places nearby. I’ll talk more about those places below.

Tonle Sap

Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, Tonlé Sap, is a lifeline for millions of Cambodians. It’s famous for its floating villages, such as Kampong Phluk and Chong Khneas, where homes, schools, and markets float on the water.

Located just 31km from Siem Reap, you can take a boat tour and learn about the local fishing communities and the lake’s unique seasonal changes. You can take a half day tour to Tonlé Sap or take a full day tour that includes several places.

Kulen Waterfall

If you’re wondering where to go in Cambodia where you can take a break from temple-hopping, head to the Phnom Kulen National Park. Here you’ll find the Kulen waterfall, a favorite among locals and travelers.

The area is considered a sacred site, home to ancient reclining Buddha carvings and the “River of a Thousand Lingas,” where intricate carvings adorn the riverbed. It’s a refreshing break from the temples.

Banteay Srei

If you do go to Kulen National Park, you might as well visit Banteay Srei temple. It’s located nearby and worth a visit. This 10th-century temple is often called the “Jewel of Khmer Art” and is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.

It stands out for its intricate pink sandstone carvings, which are remarkably well-preserved. Unlike Angkor Wat’s grand structures, this temple is small but stunning in detail, making it a must-visit for architecture and history lovers.

Koh Ker

A remote and lesser-visited temple complex, Koh Ker was once the capital of the Khmer Empire in the 10th century. The highlight is Prasat Thom, a seven-tiered pyramid-like temple rising above the jungle.

It is further away, about 2 hours and 15 minutes by car but if you have the time and want to see more temples, definitely add Koh Ker (also spelled Kaoh Ker) to your Cambodia trip itinerary.

The site’s isolation adds to its mystique, making it a great alternative to the busier temples near Siem Reap.

Battambang

Three hours by car from Siem Reap is the charming riverside city of Battambang. I wouldn’t come here for a day trip but instead try to spend at least 2 days in Battambang.

You can explore its colonial-era architecture, thriving arts scene, and the surrounding countryside filled with rice paddies and ancient temples. Battambang is mostly known for the famous Bamboo Train which offers a quirky ride through the countryside.

Nearby sites include Phnom Sampeau with its Killing Caves from the Khmer Rouge era as well as its Bat Cave where visitors can watch thousands of bats fly out at sunset.

Just 20 minutes from town is the hidden gem of Ek Phnom, an 11th-century temple ruin. While it’s not as grand as Angkor’s temples, it’s off the beaten path and is a great spot for photography.

You’ll travel through rural villages and rice fields to reach it (a photographer’s dream) and you can either go on your own – morning or afternoon is best for lighting – or you can take a half-day tour alongside the Bamboo Train or other local sites.

It’s a great place to experience Cambodia’s rural life and local culture.

Kirirom National Park

A highland escape from Cambodia’s lowland heat, Kirirom National Park is known for its cool pine forests, waterfalls, and wildlife. Located a few hours from Phnom Penh, it’s a great spot for hiking, camping, and enjoying nature, with viewpoints overlooking rolling hills and valleys.

Sihanoukville

I’m including Sihanoukville not because I think you should spend a lot of time there but mainly because you will need to travel there to reach the islands.

Once Cambodia’s premier beach destination, Sihanoukville (also known as Kampong Saom or Preah Sihanouk) has undergone rapid development in recent years, with an influx of casinos and construction.

While the town itself has lost some of its charm, it remains a gateway to the country’s best islands, including Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem.

For those seeking quieter beaches, nearby Otres Beach still offers a more relaxed, backpacker-friendly vibe.

Koh Rong

A tropical island paradise, Koh Rong is known for its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and laid-back atmosphere. Located off the coast of Sihanoukville, this island offers a mix of backpacker-friendly hostels and more luxurious resorts.

Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, diving, and bioluminescent plankton that light up the water at night.

Koh Rong Sanloem

Often considered Koh Rong’s quieter sibling, Koh Rong Samloem is ideal for travelers seeking tranquility. The island features stunning beaches, such as Saracen Bay and Lazy Beach, with calm, crystal-clear waters.

It’s perfect for relaxation, jungle trekking, and enjoying Cambodia’s coastline without the party scene of Koh Rong. Plan to spend 2-3 days at either Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem.

Kep

A small coastal town with a French colonial past, Kep is known for its fresh seafood, especially the famous Kep crab. The town’s quiet beaches and the nearby Kep National Park make it a peaceful escape.

The abandoned villas from the Khmer Rouge era add a haunting yet intriguing element to its charm. Spend 1-2 nights here.

Koh Tonsay

Just a short boat ride from Kep, Rabbit Island, aka Koh Tonsay, offers a rustic escape with simple beachside bungalows and no-frills charm. It’s a place to unplug, enjoy fresh seafood, and relax on the sandy shoreline without the crowds found on other Cambodian islands.

Kampot

A riverside town with a relaxed vibe, Kampot is best known for its world-famous pepper farms, colonial-era architecture, and the scenic Preaek Tuek Chhu River.

Visitors can explore the nearby Bokor National Park, take a sunset cruise on the river, or visit salt fields and caves in the surrounding countryside.

Bokor National Park

Located near Kampot, Bokor National Park is famous for its eerie, abandoned French colonial buildings, including the ghostly Bokor Hill Station and the old Catholic church. The park itself is home to lush rainforests, waterfalls, and stunning views over the Gulf of Thailand.

The mix of history, nature, and a cooler climate makes it a fascinating stop for travelers exploring southern Cambodia.

Final Thoughts: Cambodia Trip Itinerary

No trip to Cambodia is complete without experiencing its diverse landscapes, ancient ruins, and vibrant culture. From the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor to the peaceful countryside of Battambang, the colonial charm of Phnom Penh, and the coastal beauty of Kep and Kampot, there’s something for every traveler.

By carefully selecting the best places to visit in Cambodia, you can create an itinerary that blends history, adventure, and relaxation, ensuring a truly unforgettable journey through this fascinating country.