Cambodia in 2 weeks: the ultimate backpacking in Cambodia itinerary
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Are you considering backpacking in Cambodia or seeking inspiration for your trip to Cambodia in 2 weeks?
Look no further! This amazing country offers many unique experiences, from exploring the ancient temples of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap to riding on a bamboo train and learning about the country’s tumultuous history under the Khmer regime.
During my world trip, I embarked on a journey through this stunning country, which was a perfect blend of culture, adventure, and relaxation on the picturesque beaches of Koh Rong.
In this article, I will share the places I visited during my two-week stay, including tips on how to get there, where to stay, and the best activities to do.
READ ALSO: Backpacking in Laos: the best 2 weeks in Laos itinerary
How to get to Cambodia?
The easiest way to reach Cambodia is by flying to the airport of the capital Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. However, for this itinerary, it is best to start in Siem Reap and travel with local transport to the other places.
A return flight ticket to Cambodia from a European destination will cost you about €600-800, while you can find a one-way flight from Thailand, Vietnam or Malaysia for €50 per person.
This is great if you want to go backpacking through multiple countries in Asia.
I flew from Phuket in Thailand to Siem Reap and paid €60 per person, which was definitely a time saver as the bus would take nearly 2 days to get there.
Below I listed other options to get to Cambodia:
You can also take a night bus from Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City to either Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. These will cost you somewhere in the range of €30-50, and it’s a great way to meet other backpackers on your journey.
How to get around Cambodia?
In Cambodia, it’s easy to get from one city or village to another because there are local agencies everywhere that can help you buy bus or minivan tickets.
For example, at a local office in Siem Reap, I arranged a minibus to Battambang for only €5 per person.
and I made a reservation in Sihanoukville for transportation to Koh Rong, which included both the ferry and bus from Sihanoukville to Koh Chang in Thailand for €25 per person.
On the other hand, you can easily arrange tickets for yourself online these days, and many websites give you the option to cancel or change them.
The best time to visit Cambodia
Cambodia is a beautiful country situated in Southeast Asia that is known for its rich history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year.
However, to enjoy the country’s beauty to the fullest, it is recommended to plan your visit according to the weather, festival seasons, and peak tourist periods.
From November to March
This is the ideal time to visit Cambodia as the temperatures are mild, and the sky is clear, providing beautiful backdrops and sceneries for your travel photos. November is the most pleasant month to backpack in Cambodia, with an average temperature of around 25 degrees Celsius, and the air is generally dry, allowing you to explore the cities without much hustle.
April to June or September to early November
Alternatively, if you are looking for a reasonable time to travel to Cambodia, you can consider visiting during the shoulder seasons. During these periods, the weather is generally warmer, and there is low rainfall, allowing you to enjoy various outdoor activities.
Where to stay in Cambodia?
When it comes to places to stay, Cambodia has a lot to offer. There are guesthouses, hostels, hotels, and resorts all over the place, and the best part is that they are all very affordable.
The boutique hotel in Siem Reap had a good location and for only €25 per night, I had a private room, while the river lodge in Kampot was only €20 per night with amazing views.
Of course, you can spend as much as you want on your trip, and if you’re still looking for a nice place to stay, be sure to read my other article about the best hotels in Cambodia
READ ALSO: 18 x best hotels in Cambodia
Map of Cambodia
On the map of Cambodia below you can see the itinerary that I describe in this article.
2 weeks Cambodia itinerary
Siem Reap
Where to stay: Khmer House Boutique
Recommended stay: 3-5 days
Although you can easily get to Cambodia from Bangkok by bus, I wanted to save time and decided to fly to Siem Reap. Thanks to its international airport, it’s very easy to reach this city, making it an excellent place to start your journey.
This vibrant city boasts a unique atmosphere, with its stunning Buddhist temples and lively nightlife scene in the Pub Street district but also its incredibly affordable accommodations.
Exploring the ancient temples of Angkor Wat – a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most iconic attractions in Southeast Asia is one of the main reasons to visit Siem Reap.
However, a stroll along the buzzing night markets in town and trying the local street food like Amok Curry or fried insect snacks is something you can’t miss.
Don’t forget to hop on a tuk-tuk and explore nearby villages, rice paddies, and floating markets that provide a glimpse into everyday life in rural Cambodia such as Battambang, which was my next stop.
How to get to Siem Reap
- This itinerary begins in Siem Reap, and flying is the most convenient way to get there from abroad. Flights from Bangkok or Hanoi are reasonably priced, with one-way tickets starting at €35.
- However, you can also take a night bus from Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance through 12GoAsia or a local office.
Battambang
Where to stay: The Place Hostel
Recommended stay: 1-2 days
Battambang is a vibrant city located in northwestern Cambodia, and despite its small size, it has so much to offer. The city is renowned for its rich history, beautiful architecture, cultural landmarks, and mouth-watering food.
It’s a great place to explore the local culture by visiting various temples, and traditional craftsmen shops or watching millions of bats coming out of the caves at night.
However, the most spectacular highlight is the Bamboo Train which takes you through beautiful countryside surrounded by rice paddies and villages.
A visit to Battambang is not complete without tasting their delicious street food such as Num Banh Chok or grilled skewers served with peanut sauce on the side.
Battambang was an amazing place to explore and I would recommend hiring a local driver on the street, on Facebook, or through your accommodation to get you around, just like I did. It saves you a lot of time and you support the local community.
How to get to Battambang
- For my trip from Siem Reap to Battambang, I booked a seat in a minibus and paid about €8
- However, you can choose to arrive in a somewhat unique way, namely by boat. The boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake takes about 8 hours and costs between €25 and €45, but it is breathtaking.
Phnom Penh
Where to stay: House Boutique Eco Hotel
Recommended stay: 2-4 days
Phnom Penh is the bustling capital city of Cambodia, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and unique blend of modern and traditional elements. With its charming colonial architecture, lively markets and street food stalls, and sprawling riverfront promenade, Phnom Penh is a city that you undoubtedly will love!
A must-see attraction in the city is the Royal Palace, home to the Cambodian monarchy since the 1860s and an architectural marvel with its glistening golden roofs and intricate carvings.
Another popular and eye-opening place is the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, which provides a sobering reminder of Cambodia’s tragic past under the Khmer Rouge regime.
I spent a few days in the city to explore these sights and enjoy its amazing cafes and restaurant before heading to the rural town of Kampot.
How to get to Phnom Penh
- It’s a long journey from Battambang to Siem Reap because it takes nearly 6 hours in a minivan and costs about €10.
- If you are coming from outside of Cambodia, flying to Phnom Penh International Airport is the fastest way to get there. One-way tickets from Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok start from €50.
Kampot
Where to stay: Eden Eco Village
Recommended stay: 1-2 day
Kampot is a small and charming riverside town in southern Cambodia, known for its laid-back vibe and stunning natural beauty. It’s surrounded by lush green hills and pepper plantations that produce some of the best pepper in the world.
Strolling through the old town, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of its bustling riverside market, or taking a boat trip along the Kampot river to admire picturesque views of mountains and tropical forests are among the best things to do in Kampot.
There are plenty of live music venues, bars, pubs, and restaurants which makes it a perfect destination for travelers seeking a relaxed retreat combined with an authentic Cambodian culture experience.
I had a wonderful time staying in a wooden bungalow by the river, where I could relax with a book during the hot afternoons and watch the gorgeous sunsets.
How to get to Kampot
- .In Asia, you can easily arrange buses and minivans through 12GoAsia. For example, I could book tickets for this itinerary and from Phnom Penh to Kampot for only €7 per person.
Sihanoukville (Otress)
Where to stay: White Boutique Hotel
Recommended stay: 1 day
Sihanoukville wasn’t very interesting to me because it was mainly focused on rich Asian tourists and there were constructions everywhere around the town. However, in recent years, it has grown tremendously and become more popular as an ideal beach vacation destination, with numerous resorts and restaurants.
As I needed to catch a ferry to Koh Rong Island, I decided to stay in Otress for a night and when I returned from Koh Rong Island, I spent another night here so I could take a bus to Koh Chang in Thailand from here.
How to get to Sihanoukville
- A minivan from Kampot to Sihanoukville is the easiest way and it takes 2 hours and a half. I purchased the ticket at Kampot Tour & Travel, located on the street next to the Simple Things restaurant. (which is also recommended, by the way)
Koh Rong
Where to stay: The Secret Garden
Recommended stay: 3-5 days
I loved Koh Rong for so many reasons! The white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters are a true paradise. It was absolutely breathtaking to wake up each morning and walk out onto such pristine beaches. The island had an amazing laid-back vibe, and there was something so charming about the rustic beach bars and restaurants.
Koh Rong is the ideal destination in Cambodia for those looking to completely unwind and take in the stunning natural beauty of the island and the surrounding area.
You can go boat tour around the island, scuba diving along the stunning reefs, or you can just stroll around and look at the local fishermen on the pier.
I guess it was my favorite place in Cambodia!
How to get to Koh Rong
- The easiest way is with the ferry from Sihanoukville but you’ll need to buy a ferry ticket. A round-trip ticket costs between €13 and €15, and you can do this easily online or at one of the many offices in Sihanoukville.
In conclusion, a 2-week itinerary for Cambodia is an excellent way to explore the country’s top highlights without rushing things. The suggested itinerary above provides a good mix of cultural immersion, architectural marvels, and natural beauty, including an insight into the grim past.
It is a country that is worth discovering, and this itinerary is the perfect outline for that journey. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments.
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Cambodia in 2 weeks: the ultimate backpacking in Cambodia itinerary
Plan your itinerary for Cambodia in 2 weeks with my favorite travel apps
To plan my adventures, I use these FREE websites and apps as they provide the best information, the best deals, and they are user-friendly.
- Trip – Flight deals
- Booking.com – Hotels and accommodation
- TourRadar – Group trips
- TripAdvisor – Reviews and activities
- HostelWorld – Hostels
- GetYourGuide – Activities and excursions
- RentalCars – Car rental
- Omio – Transport
- iVisa – Travel documents
- Wise – Money transfer
- VisitorCoverage – Travel Insurance
PICTURES AND EDITING
All the pictures on this page are made and owned by me. If you are interested in some pictures to use for your magazine, website, blog, or any other purpose, just send me an email and we’ll figure it out.
Do you like the edits? My Presets will be online soon so you can edit your pictures in just one click!
The camera gear I used for this trip
I never go out without my camera and many people ask me which gear I use. So to make it quite easy, I listed all the gear I used for this trip below.
Most of the time, I travel with the Sony A7III and the Sony 24-105mm/f4 as my primary lens but depending on the location, I change to another setup. However, I love the Tamron 17-28 to shoot in the big cities.
