Cambodia Itinerary – 10 Days, 2 Weeks & 1 Month!

Cambodia, ‘Land of the Khmers’, is best known for Angkor Wat. And no Cambodian itinerary is complete without a few days exploring the largest religious complex in the world. But there is far more to this Southeast Asian country than an impressive collection of temples! 

Cambodia is my favourite country in Southeast Asia. I’ve visited multiple times, spending months in the country in total. I’ve experienced hectic cities, sleepy villages and everything in between. I’ve trekked with elephants, kayaked with dolphins, hiked through jungles and lounged on beaches that rival those in Thailand!

Get your Cambodia itinerary right and you’ll have the trip of a lifetime. But get it wrong and you could spend more time trying to navigate the country’s limited transport infrastructure than actually enjoying your trip. 

Learning from my own experiences and mistakes, I’ve put together these four unbeatable itineraries for Cambodia! (If I do say so myself… 😉)

Related: (links open in a new tab)

• 🇰🇭 Backpacking Cambodia Travel Guide
• 🌤️ Best Time To Visit Cambodia 
• 🗺️ Cambodia and Thailand Itineraries

Amazing Cambodia Itineraries 

Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. We always write our articles before checking if affiliate links are available.

📸 10-Day Cambodia Itinerary – The Flying Visit

This 10-day Cambodia itinerary will give you a snapshot of the country. There is a small amount of travelling between different locations but you’ll have enough time to relax and enjoy what Cambodia has to offer. 

If you prefer cities to beaches, consider spending more time in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. You can spend the whole ten days in just these two cities – there’s plenty to do in both!

🛕 Day 1-3: Siem Reap:

Recommended accommodation: Somadevi Angkor

Siem Reap is the beating heart of Cambodia’s tourism scene. Home to the epic Angkor Wat, Pub Street and the world-renowned Phare Circus, Siem Reap offers a lot for travellers! It’s also just a short journey from some amazing floating villages! 

Fly into Siem Reap via the new Angkor International Airport. International flights are plentiful but if you’re travelling from as far as the USA or Europe, you’ll likely need to transfer via Singapore or Bangkok. 

“Siem Reap is a great city. There are no high-rise buildings, so the city feels more like a small (albeit busy) town. Angkor Wat is just a short ride away and there are plenty of activities on offer in the city too!”

Tim Ashdown, Writer at South East Asia Backpacker

While in Siem Reap, don’t miss:

• Angkor Wat – Spend a few days exploring this epic collection of temples. Most hostels and hotels can arrange 1-5 day tours around the site. Or, if you’d rather strike out on your own, get chatting with some tuk-tuk drivers around the city. They’ll be more than happy to take you around for a few days. Make sure you save the main Angkor Wat temple until the final morning – most other temples pale in comparison! 
• Pub Street – Whether you’re looking for a heavy night or a couple of quiet beers, Siem Reap’s Pub Street is the place to go. There are a bunch of bars, clubs and restaurants catering to all types of traveller! 
• Visiting a floating village – While some of the floating villages closest to Siem Reap are notorious for travel scams and unethical travel experiences, those further afield offer a more authentic look at local life! Be careful to choose the right floating village for you! 
• Siem Reap’s Museums – The city plays host to a fascinating array of museums of all stripes. The Cambodia Landmine Museum, Angkor National Museum and APOPO Visitor Centre are among the highlights! 
• Going to the circus – Cambodia’s Phare Circus is more than just watching acrobats fly about the stage. The circus is an enterprise with all profits going towards offering free education and social programs for disadvantaged kids in Cambodia. 

👉 More Info About Siem Reap: Where to Stay In Siem Reap | Angkor Wat’s Thom Wall Trail  | Top Hostels in Siem Reap

🚌 Day 4: Transfer to Phnom Penh 

The most cost-effective way to travel between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh is by bus. It takes around six hours and costs $8-14USD depending on the quality of the transport you opt for. 

Minivans also make the journey, which tend to be slightly faster but only just. They take five to six hours and cost around $14USD. 

Flights from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh take less than an hour but cost around $80USD. Once you factor in time spent in the airport, you’re only saving about three hours but spending much more money and increasing your carbon footprint dramatically. Plus, there’s a real joy in Southeast Asian bus travel – especially if you get the window seat! 

🌆 Day 4-6: Phnom Penh

Recommended accommodation: Onederz Hostel Phnom Penh

With a population of over two million people, Phnom Penh is easily Cambodia’s largest city. It’s loud, hectic and a little gritty. Most travellers use Phnom Penh as little more than a travel hub but spend a few days getting to know Cambodia’s capital and you might just find yourself falling in love. 

While in Phnom Penh, don’t miss: 

• The Killing Fields and S-21 – Sadly, two of Phnom Penh’s most popular tourist attractions are closely linked with Pol Pot and his genocidal regime. These harrowing sites tell the story of Cambodia in the 1970s: death and destruction. The Choeung Ek Killing Field is one of countless Khmer Rouge killing fields in Cambodia. S-21, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, is a former school turned prison, that housed anyone that disagreed with the Khmer Rouge. Very few people survived their time at either of these sites. You won’t leave feeling good, so do both on the same day and spare a moment to reflect on the bravery of those willing to share their stories.  
• The Royal Palace – This epic collection of buildings has to be seen to be believed. Built in the late 1800s, the palace is the current residence of King Sihamoni and offers a nice escape from Phnom Penh’s hectic streets! 
• The National Museum – A celebration of all things Cambodian with a focus on the ancient Khmer Empire that stretched across much of Southeast Asia. 
• Wat Phnom – Phnom Penh’s highest point is a whopping 27 metres above the surrounding streets. Atop the hill is a temple but the real draw are the Great and Wreathed Hornbills that have taken up residence – keep your eyes on the treetops! 

👉 More Info About Phnom Penh: Where To Stay in Phnom Penh | How To Get From Phnom Penh International Airport to the City | Safety In Phnom Penh

🚤 Day 7: Travel to Sihanoukville and the Islands

Sihanoukville has seen better days. Once a backpacker hub on Cambodia’s coastline, it’s been taken over by casinos and seedy bars. Honestly, it’s not a city worth spending much time in. When you arrive, head straight to the dock and jump on a boat towards Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem. 

To get from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, you have a few options. Buses take three to four hours and cost around $11-18USD. Minivans are slightly faster and cost approx. $15-20USD. The train is slower, taking around seven hours (assuming it leaves on time), but it’s fractionally cheaper at approx. $11USD per ticket. 

You can’t fly between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville without transferring through Siem Reap, which makes the journey time at least three hours. It’s also quite expensive, with tickets beginning at $80USD each, so in my opinion, is not worth it. 

A boat from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong takes anywhere from 45 minutes to a couple of hours, depending on the vessel and sea conditions. It costs around $10-20USD.

A boat from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Samloem costs pretty much the same and takes the same amount of time. Sometimes boats go to both islands or stop off at different locations on the same island. Your journey time may be longer if you’re getting off on the second, third or even fourth stop! Make sure you tell the captain exactly where you are going are some stops (such as M’Pai Bay on Koh Rong Samloem, are often only serviced by request).

Travel between the two islands is easy, with boats running regularly. These tend to cost around $5USD and take thirty minutes to an hour depending on sea conditions. 

🏝️ Day 7–9: Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem

Recommended accommodation: Sleeping Trees (KRS), Palm Beach Bungalows (KR)

Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem are Cambodia’s answer to popular Thai islands like Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. While KRS is quieter, both offer idyllic beaches and amazing scenery. KR is busier and is easier to get around thanks to better infrastructure. To get around Koh Rong Samloem you’re relying on walking or boats whereas Koh Rong has good roads! 

On this 10-day Cambodia itinerary, you’re going to need to choose between Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem – sadly you won’t have time for both which is why we’d always recommend visiting Cambodia for longer than ten days!

While in Koh Rong, don’t miss: 

• Relaxing on the beach – Did you even visit a tropical island if you didn’t lounge on the beach?! Koh Rong is home to some stunning stretches of sand. Long Set Beach (4 km Beach), Long Beach (Sok San Beach), Koh Tuch Beach and White Beach are some of our favourites! 
• Swimming with bioluminescent plankton – On a dark night, find an area with little light pollution and make your way into the water to experience a light show like no other. Tours run to isolated bays where the bioluminescence is at its best!
• Kayaking in the mangroves – Managed by the Prek Tasok Ecotourism Community, Koh Rong’s mangroves are a beautiful example of this kind of ecosystem. Hike along the boardwalk or jump in a kayak for a real up-close look! 

While in Koh Rong Samloem, don’t miss:

• Hiking to the old lighthouse – Offering amazing views of the island, the 5 km hike from Saracen Bay is a great way to get the blood pumping on your visit to KRS. The hike is best tackled in the morning before temperatures get too high! 
• Clocking onto island time – With less infrastructure than its neighbour, Koh Rong Samloem is the island to unwind on. Just relax on the beach and enjoy the beautiful setting! 
• Visiting M’Pai Bay – The backpacker hub of M’Pai Bay is the place to go if you’re looking for old-school Southeast Asia hippy vibes! Time your visit with the 23rd of the month for one of M’Pai Bay’s 23 fundraiser parties! 

👉 More Info About Koh Rong & Koh Rong Samloem: M’Pai Bay Guide | Cambodia’s Islands – Where Are They Now?

✈️ Day 10: Return to Siem Reap and Fly Home

Depending on the time of your flight, you may need to leave the islands in the evening of your ninth day to get a night bus back to Siem Reap. The journey time from Sihanoukville to Siem Reap is 10-12 hours and costs around $15-20USD. Remember you’ll need to get a boat back to Sihanoukville first! 

Alternatively, you can fly from Sihanoukville to Siem Reap. It takes 45 minutes to an hour and costs around $80USD. It’s a good option if you’re short on time and want some extra time on the island before heading home! 

🏝️ Two-Week Cambodia Itinerary – Beaches and Culture

🛕 Day 1-3: Siem Reap

Recommended accommodation: Noni Tree Hostel

As with the ten-day Cambodian itinerary, you’ll begin your trip in Siem Reap. Explore Angkor Wat and get to know the city’s incredible food scene for a few days! 

🚤 Day 4: Travel to Battambang

There are two ways to travel from Siem Reap to Battambang – bus or boat. As long as it’s not the dry season, when water levels drop significantly, taking the boat is much more fun! You’ll stop off at a floating village and experience the Tonlé Sap from water level! 

🌳 Day 4-6: Battambang

Recommended accommodation: O’Hamok Homestay

Located southwest of Siem Reap, Battambang (pronounced ‘Battambong’) is a small, tranquil city surrounded by beautiful countryside that draws back visitors time and time again! 

While in Battambang, don’t miss: 

• Cycling – One of the best ways to explore Battambang’s surrounding countryside is on two wheels – hire a bike for a couple of dollars and head to the fields! If you don’t fancy exploring on your own, there are cycle tours available. 
• Visiting the Killing Caves – Another example of the Khmer Rouge’s genocidal tendencies, the Phnom Samphou Caves are a site of mass slaughter at the hands of Pol Pot’s wicked regime. 
• Witnessing the bats – After visiting the Killing Caves, stay for sunset when nature puts on a profound display – millions of bats leaving the cave to head out on their nighttime hunt! The ribbon of flying mammals appears to go on forever! 
• Riding the bamboo train – Sure, it’s a bit of a tourist gimmick these days but the bamboo train is a fun way to spend half an hour! 

🚌 Day 7: Take the Bus to Phnom Penh

Buses from Battambang to Phnom Penh cost around $10-15USD and take around six hours. Minibuses are slightly faster, taking around five hours and costing about $15USD per person. 

🌆 Day 7-9: Phnom Penh

Recommended accommodation: Sarina Hotel and Villa

As with the ten-day itinerary for Cambodia, visiting Phnom Penh is a must. Not only is the country’s capital an important travel hub but it’s a fascinating city in its own right! 

🚤 Day 10: Travel to Sihanoukville and the Islands

On this itinerary, you have time to explore more than one island – or you can head to Koh Ta Kiev instead of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem. 

🏝️ Day 10–13: The Islands

Recommended accommodation: Bong’s Guesthouse (KRS), Long Set Resort (KR), Kactus (KTK)

If you opt to visit the ‘Rongs’ head first to Koh Rong for a couple of days, then get a boat across to Koh Rong Samloem. 

Or, if you want a more desert island feel, consider visiting Koh Ta Kiev for a quieter, more rustic experience! 

To get to Koh Ta Kiev, you need to book your accommodation in advance and arrange a boat pick-up with them. No public ferries run between the mainland and Koh Ta Kiev. Your accommodation will have a pickup point somewhere near Sihanoukville. 

“The island [Koh Ta Kiev] became one of my favourite places I have visited during my travels! It’s a little paradise island, not too many people now as it is low season, but it had amazing vibes with the people that were there at the time (they always have a few volunteers, some of them long-term) and the sunsets are out of this world! Amazing place to relax, unwind, swim (with plankton at night), go on hikes in the jungle, work out and the food is so, so tasty.“

Vera, South East Asia Backpacker Community Member

While in Koh Ta Kiev, don’t miss:

• Relaxing – There’s very little infrastructure on Koh Ta Kiev, so prepare to switch off and unwind on some of the best beaches in Southeast Asia! 
• Exploring the island trails – There are no cars or roads on Koh Ta Kiev. To get between spots on the island you’ll need to utilise the network of well-marked, well-maintained jungle trails. Even if you don’t have a destination in mind, these trails are wonderful to explore! 
• Visiting Elephant Rock – From land, Elephant Rock doesn’t look like much but from the water, it looks suspiciously like, you guessed it, an elephant! There’s also a seven-metre jump into deep water at Elephant Rock, so pack your swimmers and sense of adventure!
• Swimming with plankton – Much like its nearby cousins, Koh Ta Kiev is home to phosphorescent plankton. And due to less light pollution on the island, it’s even easier to see these tiny glowing creatures here!  

✈️ Day 14: Return to Siem Reap and Fly Home

As with our ten-day itinerary, you may need to head back from the islands the night before your flight if you plan to use buses. Or, you can fly from Sihanoukville to give yourself some extra time on the beach! 

🐘 Two-Week Cambodia Itinerary – History and Wildlife

We’re skipping the islands on this 14-day Cambodian itinerary. Instead, we’ll head east to the lesser-visited parts of Cambodia! 

🛕 Day 1-3: Siem Reap

Recommended accommodation: People by the Community

Fly into Siem Reap and visit Angkor Wat. Exploring this giant site will take up most of your time in the city!

🚌 Day 4: Take the Bus to Phnom Penh

Buses and minivans from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh take five to six hours and cost around $10-15USD per person. You can also fly between the two. Flights take under an hour and cost around $80USD. 

🌆 Day 4-6: Phnom Penh

Recommended accommodation: Glow Park Hotel

Much like our other Cambodian itineraries, explore gritty Phnom Penh and make sure you visit Sisowath Quay one evening to see the riverside come alive! 

🚐 Day 7: Take a Bus or Minivan to Sen Monorom

This is where we diverge from the other itineraries so far. Rather than heading to the coast, we’re going inland, towards Cambodia’s lesser-visited eastern provinces. Until recently, most of the roads in this part of the country were dirt, making them impassable in rainy season. 

These days, the main routes are sealed tarmac, reducing travel time dramatically and making it possible to access the area no matter the time of year. Getting a bus or minivan from Phnom Penh to Sen Monorom takes five to six hours and costs $10-20USD. 

🐘 Day 7-9: Sen Monorom 

Recommended acommodation: Mondulkiri Pizza Bungalows

Capital of Cambodia’s Mondulkiri province, Sen Monorom feels a world away from the hectic cities of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Thanks to its elevation at over 700 metres above sea level, it’s cooler too – you might even need a jumper in the evenings! The city itself isn’t crammed full of attractions. Instead, it’s used as a jumping-off point for some amazing wildlife experiences in Cambodia! 

“Sen Monorom is a great place to base yourself for trekking with elpephants and getting off the beaten track in Cambodia. But be aware, dogs rule the streets at night! I got caught out after dark and had to escape from several packs of dogs!”

Tim Ashdown, Writer at South East Asia Backpacker

While in Sen Monorom, don’t miss:

• Ethical elephant encounters – Mondulkiri is the place to see elephants in Cambodia. Elephant Valley Project is my favourite of the elephant sanctuaries in Mondulkiri but it’s not the only one. Some require you to book at least a few days in advance, so a degree of preplanning is required! 
• Jungle trekking – There are plenty of treks on offer in Mondulkiri, many of which are guided by indigenous Bunong people. These treks aren’t for the faint of heart, with many taking all day and covering up to 20 km through tough jungle terrain. 
• Gibbon spotting – It’s an expensive trip but gibbon spotting with the Jahoo Gibbon Conservation Project offers an amazing opportunity to see these unique primates in their natural environment. 
• Hiring a motorbike and exploring – There are a bunch of cool attractions in Mondulkiri that are impossible to reach without your own transport. Hire a scooter from your accommodation and head to Namlear Mountain. On the way, you’ll pass the epic Bousra Waterfall! 

🚐 Day 10: Take a Bus or Minivan to Kratie

Buses and minivans to Kratie can be arranged at your accommodation in Sen Monorom. Buses cost $12-16USD and take around four hours. Minivans are approx. $10-20USD and usually complete the journey in three and a half hours. 

🐬 Day 10-12: Kratie

Recommended accommodation: Sorya Guesthouse

The laidback riverside town of Kratie is beginning to make itself known among travellers to Cambodia thanks to the small population of Irrawaddy river dolphins that live nearby. Before improvements were made to the road, the journey to Kratie was long and arduous, meaning only the hardiest backpackers attempted it. These days though, it’s an easy route that has opened up the town to tourism. 

While in Kratie, don’t miss:

• Seeing Irrawaddy river dolphins – You won’t miss these tours in Kratie, they’re advertised everywhere! You can book a kayaking trip or organised boat tour to see the dolphins in advance but the latter is cheaper in town. You can arrange a tuk-tuk driver to take you to the river, then jump on a boat from there. A return trip with a tuk-tuk is around $10USD with the boat ride costing another $8USD. 
• Watching sunset from a rooftop bar – Watching the sunset over the Mekong River is in a word, dreamy. Grab a beer, settle in and enjoy the show! 
• Visiting Koh Trong – Look across the river from Kratie and you’ll see the Mekong island of Koh Trong. You can get the boat across for less than a dollar and spend the day exploring via bicycle. Or, if you’d prefer to spend longer, book a night in one of the homestays on the island. They offer an amazing insight into rural Cambodian life! 

🚙 Day 13: Travel to Siem Reap

Minivans and local cars all offer trips to Siem Reap. It takes five to six hours and costs around $14-20USD. Be aware, if you book transport at your accommodation, you might just get a local guy turn up in his car to take you – even if you thought you were getting a minibus! 

🛕Day 13-14: Siem Reap

You’re back in Cambodia’s most popular tourist city now and it’s almost time to go home. But before you do, book a tour at the APOPO Visitor Centre. This landmine clearance charity works to rid Cambodia of the landmines and unexploded ordnance that still blight the countryside today. To do so, they use a novel method of detection – specially trained rats! A tour of the centre includes the chance to see how the rats are prepared for their role and even hold them if you’re lucky! Then, it’s time to fly home! 

🇰🇭 One-Month Cambodia Itinerary – The Full Shebang! 

Travellers from most countries can spend up to a month in Cambodia without needing to extend their visas. If you have the time, I highly recommend you use it. The country has so much to offer and even this one-month Cambodia itinerary will leave you desperate to see more! 

🛕 Day 1-3: Siem Reap

Recommended accommodation: The Twizt

You’ll get the chance to explore Angkor Wat as well as see some of the city! 

🚤 Day 4: Travel to Battambang

Take either the bus or boat to Battambang depending on your preference. 

🌳 Day 4-6: Battambang

Recommended accommodation: Pomme Hostel

Expats describe Battambang as ‘sticky’ because the city is such a delight that many people choose to stay after experiencing it! 

🚌 Day 7: Take the Bus to Phnom Penh

You’re only staying for a single night in Phnom Penh this time round – it’s an excellent place to pick up onward travel – so spend some time exploring if you can!

🚐 Day 8: Take a Bus or Minivan to Koh Kong

Despite the name, Koh Kong isn’t an island (although there is an island called Koh Kong just off the coast). It’s an entire province in Western Cambodia, that borders Thailand. Koh Kong City, the capital of the Koh Kong province, is a small, relaxed place to stay. 

Buses and minivans both operate between Phnom Penh and Koh Kong. Each costs around $15-20USD. Buses take five to six hours. Minivans are slightly faster. 

🏘️ Day 8-10: Koh Kong

Recommended accommodation: Young Wild and Free

Once only used as an overnight stop for travellers on border runs from Thailand, Koh Kong used to be hard to reach with a seedy reputation to boot. But as transport links throughout Cambodia have improved, Koh Kong is becoming more popular with those wanting to get off the tourist trail in Cambodia. 

While in Koh Kong, don’t miss:

• Peam Krasop Wildlife Sanctuary – Explore the mangroves via concrete boardwalks at this impressive protected area. There’s an excellent viewing tower, which gives cracking views of the sanctuary from above, and several boat trips on offer from just below the tower. These give you the chance to see the mangroves from the water and drop you back off at the entrance – saving you the walk back! 
• Koh Kong island – Secluded beaches and crystal clear waters, islands don’t come much more idyllic than this! To reach the island you’ll need to jump on a tour. The boat trip takes two to three hours each way, so prepare to be out all day! 
• Waterfall hunting – There are countless waterfalls around Koh Kong. If you want to see a few, consider hiring a tuk-tuk driver for the day. They’ll lead you to the best spots! In the middle of dry season, many of the waterfalls dry up, so it can be a real adventure cruising along dirt roads trying to find one that’s still flowing! 

🚕 Day 11: Travel to Osoam Village

Located in the Cardamom Mountains, getting to Osoam Village can be a challenge in bad weather. But coming from Koh Kong, rather than Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, makes the journey much easier! 

You can arrange transport with your accommodation in Koh Kong or head to Koh Kong bus station and get a taxi from there. The journey takes around two and a half hours and costs approx. $10USD for a shared taxi. Private taxis are approx. $50USD. 

⛰️ Day 11-13: Osoam Village

Recommended acommodation: Osoam Cardamom Community Centre

Osoam Village is nestled in the Koh Kong Conservation Corridor, which makes up part of Southeast Asia’s largest continuous rainforest. The Osoam Village Community Centre is an eco-tourism initiative that offers jungle tours and basic accommodation in the form of homestays with local families. 

“I visited the Cardamom Mountains, Osoam Community Center and loved it. Great place to relax, disconnect, and interact with the locals!”

Nancy, South East Asia Backpacker Community Member

While in Osoam Village, don’t miss:

• Overnight trekking – Prepare to sleep in hammocks and take things back to basics with a guided overnight jungle trek. There aren’t many opportunities to experience the jungle this way – embrace it! 
• Jungle day tours – If you don’t fancy sleeping in the jungle, opt for a couple of day tours instead. Whether you want to learn about the local fauna and flora, or just chill by some beautiful hidden waterfalls, there’s a trip for you. All tours can be arranged when you arrive at Osoam Village. 

🚤 Day 14: Travel to the Islands

Head back from Osoam Village to Koh Kong. Then utilise the new bus and boat route from Koh Kong to Koh Rong – it’s beach time! 

The journey from Osoam Village back to Koh Kong takes around two and a half hours and costs between $10-50USD. The bus and boat route from Koh Kong takes four to five hours. The first three hours are spent on the bus with the remainder on the boat. This route costs $20-40USD. 

Unfortunately, you can’t go straight to Koh Rong Samloem on this route. Instead, you’ll need to spend at least one night on Koh Rong, then pick up a boat the following morning. 

🏖️ Day 14-18: Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem or Koh Ta Kiev

Recommended accommodation: Bong’s Guesthouse (KRS), Long Set Resort (KR), Kactus (KTK)

Choose to spend a few days on just one of these Cambodian islands or split your time between them – it’s up to you! 

🚃 Day 19: Travel to Kampot

After a few days relaxing on the beach, it’s time to continue onto Kampot – one of Cambodia’s true backpacker hubs. 

To get there from any of the islands, you’ll first need to get a boat back to Sihanoukville. From Sihanoukville, you can opt for either a minivan or a train to Kampot. The train costs around $7USD and should take under two hours but be aware, it tends to leave late and is often delayed by an hour or more! 

Minivans cost slightly more at around $10USD and in theory, take longer at two hours travel time. 

🏡 Day 19-22: Kampot

Recommended accommodation: Karma Traders

Most famous for pepper production, Kampot has become a hub for hippies and backpackers in Cambodia. The town’s chilled vibe and excellent transport connections make it a popular spot among travellers! There’s an array of fantastic accommodations and a vibrant food scene, so you’ll find plenty of great spots to sleep and eat. 

While in Kampot, don’t miss:

• Bokor National Park – Situated close to 1000 metres above sea level, Bokor National Park offers some respite from Cambodia’s relentless heat. The best way to visit the park is to rent a motorcycle and visit independently. The road is well maintained and a series of sweeping bends make it a joy to ride! At the top, you’ll find a combination of wild nature, popular tourist sights and several eerie abandoned buildings. 
• Visit A pepper plantation – Kampot is world-famous for pepper production and the largest plantations offer free tours! Take the chance to see how pepper is grown and processed.  
• Take a day trip to Kep – Just half an hour down the road from Kampot is the seaside town of Kep. Popular with locals and tourists alike, Kep is a fun place to spend a day. Explore Kep National Park, check out the abandoned colonial buildings and finish the day with one of the town’s most famous dishes – crab!
• Unwind with yoga – There’s an array of yoga studios in Kampot, my favourite being Yoga Barn, where you can drop in for a single session or stay for a few days to be immersed in wellness!

🚐 Day 23: Travel to Phnom Penh, transfer to Sen Monorom

First, get an early morning minivan from Kampot to Phnom Penh. These take three to four hours and cost around $10USD per person. 

From Phnom Penh, pick up transport to Sen Monorom. Buses and minivans operate on this route, each taking five to six hours and costing approx. $10-20USD. 

It’s a full day of travel so stock up on drinks and snacks to keep you going! 

🐘 Day 23-25: Sen Monorom 

Recommended accommodation: Pidoma Resort

Explore Sen Monorom and the surrounding Mondulkiri province for a couple of days. Don’t miss the chance to see elephants up close at one of the elephant sanctuaries in the area! 

🚐 Day 26: Travel to Kratie 

Transport to Kratie can be arranged with your accommodation in Sen Menorom. Both buses and minivans make the journey. It takes three to four hours and costs $10-20USD. 

🐬 Day 26-27: Kratie

Recommended accommodation: Privada Lodge

Enjoy Kratie’s slow pace and visit the Mekong to see the Irrawaddy River Dolphins! 

“Every evening I spend in Kratié, I strategically place myself for a good sunset. You can catch the spectacle all over town but my favourite place to take in the views is from Pete’s Pizza Café and Bar at Sorya Guesthouse. Watching the sun dip below the horizon line with a cold Cambodia never gets old!” 

Sheree Hooker, Editor at South East Asia Backpacker

🚌 Day 28: Travel to Phnom Penh

Buses, minivans and local drivers all offer trips from Kratie to Phnom Penh. The journey is around five hours and costs $10-20USD for a shared service. 

🌆 Day 28-29: Phnom Penh

Recommended accommodation: Jungle Addition

Spend a couple more days getting to know Phnom Penh and enjoying the delectable selection of food on offer! Basak Street is my favourite place to find dinner in Phnom Penh!

🚌 Day 30: Travel to Siem Reap

Buses and minivans run between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap regularly. They take five to six hours and cost $8-14USD. 

🛫 Day 31: Fly Home

I hope you’ve enjoyed your month in Cambodia! This itinerary is pretty full-on, so if you have more time, add an extra couple of days to each stop. It will give you more time to relax and enjoy yourself! 

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Contributors:

South East Asia Backpacker is a ‘travel diary for everyone’. This article has been written with the help of backpackers and local experts. We would like to thank…

🙏 Vera | South East Asia Backpacker Community Member
🙏 Nancy | South East Asia Backpacker Community Member
🙏 Sheree Hooker | Editor at South East Asia Backpacker

Tim Ashdown | Gear Specialist

After a life-changing motorcycle accident, Tim decided life was too short to stay cooped up in his home county of Norfolk, UK. Since then, he has travelled Southeast Asia, walked the Camino de Santiago and backpacked South America. His first book, From Paralysis to Santiago, chronicles his struggle to recover from the motorcycle accident and will be released later this year.