Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Kampong Cham, Siem Reap

Cambodia Travel Guide

Cambodia captivated us with its rich history, incredible temples, and warm-hearted people. From the sobering historical sites of Phnom Penh to the magnificent Angkor Wat complex in Siem Reap, and the beautiful beaches of Sihanoukville, Cambodia offers a profound and diverse travel experience.

Top Highlights in Cambodia

Exploring the magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex at sunrise

Learning about Cambodia's history at the Killing Fields and S21

Island hopping and snorkeling around Sihanoukville

Experiencing authentic Khmer culture and cuisine

Essential Travel Tips for Cambodia

Visa on arrival costs $30 USD - have exact change ready

Street food is generally safe and delicious - try local specialties

Learn basic Khmer phrases: 'Sous day' (hello), 'Acun jirang' (thank you)

Angkor Wat tickets are increasing in price - book in advance

Suggested Cambodia Itineraries

Cambodia Historical Journey

4 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Phnom Penh

Afternoon: Arrive at Phnom Penh airport, get visa ($30) and travel SIM ($10)
Evening: Take taxi to Town City Hotel ($12)
Night: Dinner at River Crowns Kitchen - try Khmer Amok Fish with Draper beer
Late night: Explore night markets and local culture

Day 2: Phnom Penh History Tour

Morning: Breakfast at Town View Hotel
Mid-morning: Guided tour of Killing Fields and S21 prison with Reya ($25)
Lunch: Spice cafe - fried rice
Afternoon: Visit Royal Palace ($10)
Evening: Cyclo tour around the city (2 hours, $5)
Dinner: Khmer Saravan - Hot stir fried eggplant with chicken & iced tea

Day 3: Community Experience

Morning: Travel to community centre for authentic cultural experience
Lunch: Community centre dinner - morning glory, mushroom noodles and chicken curry
Afternoon: Local kid dancing performance and fresh coconut welcome
Evening: Stay with host family in mosquito nets

Day 4: Chambok Waterfalls

Morning: Fresh coconuts and breakfast at community centre
Mid-morning: Hike to Chambok waterfalls (40m high, $5)
Lunch: The Stop Cafe - chocolate croissant
Afternoon: Bus to Sihanoukville - Sunday Hotel
Evening: Angkor Beach Bar - seafood fried rice and vodka bucket

Sihanoukville Beach Escape

2 Days

Day 1: Island Hopping

Morning: Breakfast of baguette and omelette
Mid-morning: Island tour - visit Taken island for swimming and Preus for snorkeling
Lunch: Fresh baguette, rice, chicken and fish on the island
Afternoon: Relax at Nak's Shack with $1 Angkor beers
Evening: Mojito by the beach and dinner at Moon Bar - beef lok luk with coconut

Day 2: Beach Day and Return

Morning: Donut near school and final beach time
Afternoon: Giant Ibis bus back to Phnom Penh
Evening: Return to Town View Hotel for final night

Mekong River Experience

2 Days

Day 1: Kampong Cham

Morning: Bus to Kampong Cham - Mekong Hotel
Afternoon: Stop at Skun for exotic snacks - tarantulas (tastes like crispy bacon) and crickets
Evening: Lunch with local family - fried mushroom and pork, chicken curry

Day 2: Mekong Island Tour

Morning: Bike tour of island with bamboo bridge over Mekong river to Pen Island
Afternoon: Try pomelo with chilli and salt
Evening: Street food fried rice and mango ice smoothie at Mekong Crossing

Angkor Wat Temple Complex

3 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Siem Reap

Morning: Public bus to Siem Reap - Parkland Hotel
Afternoon: Tai Tai restaurant - steamed dumplings
Evening: Explore Siem Reap markets and The Corner bar for gin and tonic

Day 2: Angkor Wat Sunrise

4:00 AM: Wake up for Angkor Wat sunrise tour
Morning: Angkor Enterprise tickets, guided tour with Rat
Sites: Sunrise at Angkor Wat (1130 AD), Bakan climb, South Gate of Angkor Thom
Afternoon: Bayon temple (1181 AD), Bapoun temple (1115 AD)
Late afternoon: Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider temple), Samcrovan baby temple (921 AD)
Evening: Shopping and dinner at The World Lounge - Margherita pizza

Day 3: Final Exploration

Morning: Breakfast dumplings at Tai Tai
Afternoon: Walk around markets and temple replicas
Evening: Final shopping and Banh Mi with pork and kimchi