The best route through Cambodia in just 2 weeks
Located in South East Asia in between Vietnam, Thailand and Laos you will find Cambodia. A country with a dark history most people are not even aware of, but at the same time a country with a diverse and colorful culture. The ancient town of Angkor Wat seems to characterize Cambodia like no other place. While most travellers do put Vietnam or Thailand on their list, Cambodia is getting more and more popular. But what is the best route through the country in just 2 weeks? And what highlights should you not miss on your trip?
Yes, Cambodia might be a little off the beaten path. Tourism is just about to evolve and more travellers are adding their country to their route through South East Asia. While places such as Siem Reap and Angkor Wat are the tourist highlights, the country has to offer even more. If you have been waiting for a sign to travel Cambodia, this is it!
How to travel Cambodia
Before actually getting to the best route through Cambodia in just 2 weeks, another question needs to be answered: How do you even travel Cambodia? Just like any other country in South East Asia, there are two main means of transportation – the bus and the motorbike.
For travellers, the most common way to travel the route through Cambodia is by bus. You will find the main routes connecting the popular spots throughout the country. From Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, from Siem Reap to Kampot or to Sihanoukville – you can be sure that you will find a bus bringing you to your next destination.
For a little more luxury, you can as well book a domestic flight or fly in from the neighbor countries. Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville have international airports.
Another option, which is mainly used by long-term travellers or adventure lovers is to explore the country by motorbike. Especially, if you are coming from Vietnam this can be a great choice. But still, be aware that (in comparison to Vietnam) Cambodia is more remote and you will drive through very local areas with no accommodation or restaurant for a while. This is definitely a big adventure, but another way to travel Cambodia.
Where to start the best route through Cambodia
The good news is that the best route through Cambodia in just 2 weeks could not be any more flexible and adjustable. You can basically start your journey from anywhere in the country. The most common option is starting in the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh. Phnom Penh can easily be reached by plane from other countries in Asia or by bus from Vietnam, Laos and Thailand.
This route will therefore start in Phnom Penh and continue its way through the country. Please note, that you can simply switch the starting point and make the best route through Cambodia fit into your plans. It´s as easy as it sounds and you will for sure not miss out on any highlight.
If you have more time to explore Cambodia than just 2 weeks, you can easily extend your stay at the different stops. Especially your time down South on one of the paradise islands can be as long as you want it to be. Therefore, this route can fit into anybody´s plans and travels and is simply a great inspiration for planning your Cambodian adventure.
Day 1-3 on the route through Cambodia: Phnom Penh
Arriving in Phnom Penh on the beginning of your journey through Cambodia can be quite exciting. Phnom Penh is the capital of the country and the center of basically everything. You will find yourself in a colorful chaos of tuk-tuks, cars, local markets, historical places and restaurants.
Make sure to find a hotel or hostel in the center of the city. This allows you to be close to the sightseeing highlights and to experience the best of Phnom Penh. But what should be on your list of things to do when in Phnom Penh? And what can absolutely not be missed when exploring the city?
The best things to do in Phnom Penh
As already mentioned, Cambodia has quite a dark past. And Phnom Penh is the place where you can get to know more and dive deep into the history of the city and the country itself.
- Visit the Killing Fields
- Visit the Tuol Sleng Museum
These two places will give you the best insight into the history of the country. For travellers, this is a clear must-do. If you want to get to know Cambodia and the locals, you need to understand what had happened and why the country is what it is today.
Another (not so shocking) thing to do is:
- Explore the King´s Palace in Phnom Penh
- Visit the Central Market
- Stroll over the local markets
- Enjoy the street food
Recommended days to spend in Phnom Penh: 2-3 days
Day 4-7 on the route through Cambodia: Siem Reap
From Phnom Penh you can book a bus to your next destination. As most travellers cannot wait to explore Angkor Wat, Siem Reap is next on the route. The cheapest way to travel to Siem Reap is by bus. As this is the most common choice, you can easily book your bus ticket with your hotel or hostel.
Another option is to book a private taxi (about 80 Euros) or go by plane which takes only about 40 minutes. The bus ride will take, depending on the day you are travelling, in between 5 and 6 hours. Do not forget to look out the window during the drive and enjoy the view over the Cambodian countryside.
Arriving in Siem Reap, you need to organize everything for your following days in the area. Siem Reap is famous for the ancient temple town of Angkor Wat and the base for your exploration of the historical site. Get your personal Angkor Wat Pass and spend up to 7 days in the ruins of the former ancient kingdom.
The best way to both see the different temples and explore the surrounding areas of Siem Reap is to hire a tuk-tuk driver for your stay. This will allow you to see the highlights of Angkor Wat and to get to know the Cambodian countryside a little better.
The best things to do in Siem Reap
- Explore the different temples
- Watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat
- Spend a night in the Pub Street and enjoy the drinks and food
Recommended days to spend in Siem Reap: 4 days (book the 3-day Angkor Wat Pass)
The ultimate guide to Angkor Wat is your choice for the best planning of your trip.
Day 8-13 on the route through Cambodia: Koh Rong (Samloem)
After your adventure in Angkor Wat, it is time to see a totally different side from Cambodia. The route through the country continues South to the Cambodian coast line. From Siem Reap you can book an overnight bus to Sihanoukville. You will be leaving in the early evening and arrive in the early morning. From Sihanouville you book yourself a boat ticket to one of the beautiful islands.
The probably most popular destinations are either Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem. Both islands invite you to see the tropical paradise of Cambodia and get some relaxing time by the beach. And you will be surprised about how beautiful and peaceful those islands actually are. This really is one of the best parts of Cambodia and cannot be missed on your route through the country.
The best things to do on Koh Rong:
- Spend your days at the beach
- Watch the sunset over the ocean
- Go for a dive or rent some snorkeling gear
- Have a (happy) pizza
Recommended days to spend on Koh Rong: at least 5 days (as the journey to the islands can be quite exhausting and long, it is recommended to stay for a few days before continuing your journey)
You want to know more about Cambodia´s paradise islands? Check out Where to find a tropical paradise in Cambodia and how to get there
Day 14 on the route through Cambodia: Kampot
This is an additional stop when travelling the country. Some travellers decide to go back to Phnom Penh after their adventure in the South to continue their travels to other destinations in South East Asia. Others are flying out to Bangkok from Sihanoukville. But if you simply cannot get enough of Cambodia and got some time left, Kampot is the next stop on your itinerary.
Kampot is a rural area in the South of the country where you can learn more about the life of the locals and their everyday life. It is mainly known for its pepper farm and laid-back lifestyle. As it is as well located on the coast, you can enjoy some quiet time while getting to know the history behind the pepper farms for the locals.
The best things to do in Kampot
- Visit the beautiful Bokor-Hill National Park
- Bike in the jungles of Kampot
- Visit a pepper farm
- Go for a paddling adventure on the Kampot River
Recommended days to spend in Kampot: 1-2 days
After exploring Kampot, it is best to travel back to Phnom Penh. This will take you approximately 4 hours until you reach the capital and your former starting point of the route through the country. From Phnom Penh you can either catch a bus to Vietnam, Laos or Thailand or you can drive directly to the airport to catch your plane.
