2-Week Cambodia Itinerary: Roam Beyond Angkor Wat

Sandwiched between Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand, Cambodia is yet another Southeast Asian country that is gorgeous and has lots to offer. Tourists flock here to explore Angkor Wat, a temple complex and the largest religious structure in the world. However, the Khmer Country has much more to see. 

If you really want to get to know the country and truly soak up the history and culture of this fascinating place, plan to spend at least two weeks traveling around. 

Check out our recommendations for the perfect 2-week Cambodia itinerary.

Phnom Penh

Start your journey in the capital city.

Phnom Penh is known for its rich history and fantastic location along the Mekong River. You can easily stroll along the waterfront or spend an afternoon people-watching at one of the charming cafés. 

One must-see spot is the stunning Royal Palace, right in the city center. This has been the residence of all the kings of Cambodia, dating back to the 1860s. 

You should also visit the various markets, selling everything from fresh seafood to clothing and jewelry. The night markets are also incredible and one of the best places to try local food.

While the city has laidback, riverside vibes now, its history as the epicenter of the Cambodian genocide tells a gruesome tale of the past. No trip to Cambodia would be complete without visiting the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields. These two sites are essential in understanding Cambodia’s challenging past and shed light on the difficulties the country still faces today.  

The museum is in town, but the Choeung Ek Killing Fields are a 30-minute tuk-tuk ride away. It is easy to organize a day trip but be mindful that you should dress modestly in respect to the victims and their families. Also, visiting these sites, while important, can be very emotional. Both locations are worth visiting but not suitable for children.

Getting to Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is the international hub of Cambodia. All international flights land here.

Siem Reap

From Phnom Penh, head to Siem Reap. No trip to Cambodia is complete without visiting this lively and vibrant town.

While most people plan their stop here just to see the world-famous temples, there is so much more to offer in this charming Southeast Asian town. You can immerse yourself in Cambodian culture by taking a Khmer cooking class or visiting the Apsara Theater to watch a local dance show.

The Kompong Phluk Floating Village, built on the Tonle Sap Lake floodplains, is also nearby. During the rainy season, from May to November, the entire village floats on stilts. If you visit during this time, you can take a small boat with a local fisherman and see how people live. There are also people selling fresh produce and small trinkets, an excellent way to support the local economy. 

A trip to the Cambodian Land Mine Museum is another excellent way to learn about the country’s harrowing past. While this won’t be an uplifting way to spend an afternoon, it is crucial to understand the country’s history.

Finally, spend some time at Siem Reap’s Pub Street in the city center. There are many great spots for food throughout the day and pretty terraces to sit out for a sundowner. In the evenings, it’s transformed into a vibrant party street. 

Of course, you should visit the Angkor Wat temple complex, Ta Prohm, and the Bayon Temple. Give yourself at least a full day to wander through the temple complexes and marvel at the mindblowing architecture. 

All three locations can be visited on a day trip from Siem Reap. Be ready for some stellar photo opportunities!

Getting to Siem Reap

You can easily get from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap via bus. The ride takes about five hours and is very affordable. 

Poipet

Poipet, also known as Poi Pet, is the next stop on your journey. Nestled right along the Thailand-Cambodia border, this vibrant city is a cultural melting pot.

What was once a small trading post has now grown into a bustling city with exciting casinos, lively markets, and fantastic restaurants. It is the perfect place to stop for a night or two while traveling around Cambodia.

While you’re here, plan to stop by the Rong Kluea Market. Due to its location near the border, you’ll find plenty of Thai and Cambodian influences in everything from the food to the handicrafts for sale. 

Another must-see is the astonishing Banteay Chhmar temple. This hidden gem rivals Angkor Wat but is often overlooked. 

The vast temple complex has impressive stone carvings and awe-inspiring architecture set against a tranquil, rural backdrop. Visiting Banteay Chhmar will offer you the same grandeur as Angkor Wat, but you won’t have to contend with the massive crowds. Sounds like a win-win!

Getting to Poi Pet

Buses go from Siem Reap to Poipet daily and take about three and a half hours. 

Battambang

After taking in all of the sights in Poi Pet, head to rural Battambang. The quiet city is the perfect base to explore the countryside on this 2-week Cambodia itinerary.

The number one thing to do here is to ride the Bamboo Train for 4 miles (7 km) through the rice paddies. Years ago, this was the most popular way to get around. However, the ride was slow and often unreliable, eventually falling out of favor. Today, the train operates for tourists to catch a glimpse of life in the past.

Another must-see just outside of Battambang is the Killing Caves, where the Khmer Rouge took more than 10,000 people to be killed. Again – not an uplifting place – but another critical spot in Cambodia’s history. 

To visit the Killing Caves, take a tuk-tuk to the small settlement at the base of the Phnom Sampeu Mountains and then hike for about 1 hour to the caves. But if hiking isn’t your thing, you can also take a 4×4 with a local driver to reach the top. The caves are memorial to the victims who died here.

Getting to Battambang

Getting to the countryside during your time in Cambodia is very easy. There is a luxury bus that travels from Poipet to Battambang once per day. This is the most convenient and affordable way to travel between the two towns. 

Kampot

The second to last stop on this epic 2-week Cambodian itinerary is Kampot. 

This peaceful riverside town is the perfect relaxing oasis away from the city and a great place to unwind after a hectic two weeks of travel. It is also an up-and-coming digital nomad hub and the ideal location to break up a journey from Phnom Penh to the islands in the south.

Kampot is located along the banks of the Preaek Tuek and is as laid back as it gets. 

There is a range of bungalows to rent, and the most popular thing to do here is take a sunset cruise. The city is packed with stunning French colonial architecture, so plan to spend some time wandering through town.

If you are looking for a little more action, fear not! You can visit some impressive art galleries featuring local creatives and enjoy some fantastic cafés and restaurants. It is also possible to rent bicycles and ride through the salt pans and pepper plantations. 

Getting to Kampot

Getting to Kampot from Battambang is a little complicated but totally worth it. There isn’t a great way to get from northwest Cambodia to the south (or vice versa) unless you have your own car.

So, if you’re taking public transport, the best way to get to Kampot is to travel back through the capital city, as there aren’t buses directly from Battambang. You can take a five-hour bus to Phnom Penh and plan to spend the night before heading south. 

There is a standard bus that goes between Phnom Penh and Kampot. The drive takes about three hours.

Sihanoukville + Islands

Finally, you’ll need to head south to Sihanoukville and the islands in the South China Sea. The city is a popular party destination for backpackers and has changed significantly recently. However, it is a great jumping-off point to reach Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem.

If partying is not your thing, you can still enjoy yourself in Sihanoukville. Otres Beach is a lovely spot to swim and soak up the sun. The water is clear and calm, and the surrounding area is more relaxed than other places in the city, making it the perfect place for a peaceful day by the sea. 

The main draw to visiting Sihanoukville is heading to an island. Unlike Thailand, Cambodia’s islands still haven’t seen mass tourism. This means the islands still hold their unique charm, and you can truly relax here. 

Koh Rong, also called Monkey Island:

Cambodian legend states that this island was once inhabited by their version of King Kong. Spend time looking for this magical creature or relax on one of the stunning beaches. It’s a 30-45 minute ferry ride.

Koh Rong Samloem:

This is essentially a smaller version of Koh Rong. The island’s eastern side has breathtaking beaches and is an excellent place for diving or snorkeling. It’s a 30-45 minute ferry ride.

Getting to Sihanoukville

Getting to Sihanoukville is a breeze since you’re already down south. It takes about three hours to get the bus from Kampot to Sihanoukville. 

Keep in mind that you can also do this trip in reverse. Some buses run in the opposite direction, so if you prefer to explore Kampot and Sihanoukville at the beginning of your journey, that is absolutely doable. 

You’ll have to head to Phnom Penh when you are ready to leave Cambodia, so plan on taking the three-hour bus back to the capital to start your next adventure.

Map of Cambodia

Phnom Penh is located in the south of Cambodia and is a great place to start any road trip. You can visit many exciting cities, all within a few hour’s drive from one another. Check out this map for logistics.

Weather in Cambodia

Thanks to its tropical climate, Cambodia is a fantastic place to visit for most of the year. 

The best time to visit is between November and February. 

The dry season lasts from November to May. It is cool from November to February, making it the ideal time to travel around the country. Temperatures average 70-86℉ (21-30℃), perfect for hiking or beach days. 

This also happens to be peak season for tourism, so prepare yourself for larger crowds. Book accommodations and tours in advance if you plan to travel during this time. 

March through May sees intense heat with little rain. Expect temperatures around 95℉ (35℃) and extremely humid days. Oddly, The crowds haven’t decreased, so you’ll still be sharing the famous tourist spots with many other visitors. Avoid booking a trip if higher temperatures and crowds aren’t for you. 

The monsoon season lasts from May to October. You won’t want to travel during this time if you can avoid it. 

Packing list for your 2-week Cambodian itinerary

Traveling through Cambodia is similar to many countries in Southeast Asia. You’ll want to pack the following to ensure you’re prepared for an excellent trip:

• Light, flowy clothing
• Long skirts/linen pants to cover your knees to enter temples
• Scarf/shawl to cover your shoulders to get into the temples
• Rain jacket
• A great book/podcast for long bus rides
• Portable phone charger
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Bathing suit
• Sunscreen 
• Sun hat/ sunglasses 
• $USD

How to get to and around Cambodia

Cambodia has become more accessible in recent years, thanks partly to the rise in tourism. Phnom Penh has an international airport, but you will most likely need to travel through Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Hong Kong before arriving. 

Once you arrive in Cambodia, get from city to city with local bus companies. There are plenty of routes that will get you between these cities on your ultimate 2-week Cambodia itinerary.

Final thoughts on your 2-week Cambodia itinerary

Cambodia is so much more than Angkor Wat, and so many people miss out on the most beautiful parts of the country. Planning a slow trip through the country lets you understand the rich culture and history that seeps into every town and village.

Not ready to leave? Here are all the places we can take you in Cambodia.

FAQ