VietnamStay's Holiday Promotion

Blog

Type the code shown as above:
Send

    What to See and Do in Cambodia

    10/1/2019 9:48:21 PM
    haiviet
     Cambodia is full of warm and friendly people, beautiful coastlines, a lively nightlife, and it has a growing foodie scene. It's also one of the cheapest countries in the world.
    I was blown away by the people and their warmth, spirit, and hospitality; the beautiful natural scenery; and the country's long history.
     
    A One-Week Itinerary:
     
    Day 1 - Phnom Penh
     
    The capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh has a Wild West ambiance, with dusty streets and a "devil may care" atmosphere. It has a few good attractions and an up-and-coming foodie scene.
     
    The main attraction is thr Royal Palace. Start there, and don't miss the beautiful flower gardens and the Silver Pagoda, qhose floor is made up of more than 5,000 silver tiles; inside is an emerald-covered Buddha and a diamond-covered Maitreya Buddha. It also has murals around its outer wall that tell the story of the Ramayana.
     
    On the palace grounds are five stupas, with the two largest to the east containing the ashes of  King Norodom and King Udung (the two most famous kings of modern Cambodia) and a statue of King Norodom on horseback. Admission is $10 USD for foreigners.
     
    Phnom-Penh-Cambodia
     
    After seeing the palace, learn about the country's tragic, not-tootdistant history. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is a formaer school where the Khmer Rouge interrogated and tortured people in the 1970s. You'll see rusty beds and toture devices, in sharp contrast to the beautiful trees and lovely jasmine smell in the gardens. Admission is $5 USD for adults and $3 USD for anyone under 18.
     
    Afterward, head to the Killing Fields, about 14km from Tuoi Sleng. Although a visit to Choeung EK (the best-known site) may not be the most cheerful way to spend an afternoon, it makes for a hallowed amd memorable experience, a testament to the dangers of uncontested power. You won't believe the memorial building in the center that is filled with skulls. Admission is only $3 USD; expect to pay at least $15 USD for a return-trip tuk-tuk ride.
     
    *Tip: Visit the museum before heading to the Killing Fields, as it will open your eyes to the atrocities that happened here.)

    Day 2 - Phnom Penh
     
    Spend your second day wandering around the city, and start by seeing the Independence Monument, designed by architect Vann Molyvann and inaugurated in 1958. It was created to mark Cambodia's independence from French rule, though it also serves as a de facto war memorial. It's one of the biggest landmarks in the city and a good place to start your day.
     
    Phnom-Penh-Cambodia
     
    If you're in the city on a weekend, try to catch an architectural walking tour with KA Tours, which has excellent guides who are students or experts in architecture, plus thay're not very expensive at around $15.
     
    Check out the Cambodian Living Arts Center, a traditional dance school and performance center where you can watch students in training and see traditional live theatre. This is a fun way to spend a couple of hours while learning about the aetistic traditions of the country. You can also take part in a workshop, which last around 90 minutes and cost $15 USD per person.
     
    Make sure you strol along Sisowath Quay on the Mekong River. The 3km walkway is busy and full of restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops

    Day 3 - Sihanoukville
     
    Get an early start and take a five-hour bus ride to Sihanoukville, named after the ruling prince of Cambodia in 1964. It was a lazy beach town until about 2010, when it took off with travelers because of its white-sand beaches, nearby deserted islands, excellent diving, and delicious seafood. Its varied nightlife filled with cheap booze makes it the premier backpacker party city in Cambodia.
     
    Sihanoukville-Cambodia
     
    If you're looking to soak up some sun, Independence Beach and Otres Beach are probably your best bets. Serendipity Beach used to be a great party spot, but there's a lot of Chinese development going now, so I wouldn't stay there.

    Day 4 - Sihanoukville
     
    From Sihanoukville, hop on a boat and take a 45-minute ride to Koh Rong. While you can stay overnight, if you're pressed for time, you can do it in a day trip. The beaches here are way better than on the mainland (and a lot less polluted). Snorkeling day trips cost approximately $21 USD and include lunch and equipment; there are PADI-certified schools in the area that offer a viriety of different dive trips for one or more days.
     
    Sihanoukville-Cambodia
     
    If you do not feel like heading to Koh Rong, you could book motobike trip into Bokor National Park. There, tou can hike through a great rainforest or see the atmospheric ruins of the French aristocracy for whom Bokor was a big draw back in the day. You will have some amazing views and find ruins, waterfalls, and temples all around.

    Day 5 - Siem Reap
     
    It's gonna be busy travel day. From Sihanoukville, you'll need to return to Phnom Penh and then get on another bus to Siem Reap.
     
    Siem Reap is located on the northeastern side of Tonle Sap Lake and is the main access to Angkor Wat. The center remains a rural old town, with French-style houses ans shops. The area around the Old Market is crowded with locals and foreigners all day long.

    Day 6 - Siem Reap
     
    Spend your day at Angkor Wat, the ancient city that was the center of the Khmer Empire that once ruled most of Southeast Asia. The temple was built in the 12th century and covers over 500 acres.
     
    The most popular temples are Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Phrom, and Angkor Thom. I would recommend getting a multiday pass so you can visit some of the outer temples where there are fewer visitors. You can hire a tuk-tuk for the day for around $20-25 USD or rent bicycles and explore on your own.
     
    Angkor Wat is open daily from 5am to 6pm. Admission is $37 USD per person for a day pass, $62 USD for a three-day pass, and $72 USD for a seven-day pass.

    Day 7 - Siem Reap
     
    Enjoy your last day in Cambodia by exploring more of the Siem Reap area. Head over to the Angkor Wat complex for several more hours in the morning and then head over to astonishing Banteay Srei.
     
    Siem-Reap-Cambodia
     
    Known as "the city of women" this temple was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and features a number of outstanding red sandstonestatues. (You need an Angkor Wat Pass to visit.)
     
    If you have time, visit Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake. It is 52km (32 miles) from Siem Reap. Sailing down the river and around the lake gives you a look at how closely Cambodian life is tied to this major waterway. Tours start around $2.50 USD per person.
     
    A Two-Week Itinerary:
     
    Want to spend more time in Cambodia? There are tons of other places to visit. Here are my suggestions:
     
    Days 1 & 2 - Phnom Penh
     
    Follow the Phnom Penh itinerary from above.

    Days 3 & 4 - Sihanoukville
     
    Follow the Sihanouville itinerary from above.
     
    Days 5 & 6 - Koh Rong
     
    Head out to Koh Rong, which got its name after the legend of a giant King Kong - like ape that once called the island home. It's a 45-minute trip from Sihanoukville and a great place to relax on the beach or snorkeling. There are a lot of accommondation options, and it's a popular spot with backpackers.
     
    Koh-Rong-Cambodia
     
    Day trips costs around $25 USD and include lunch and snorkeling equipment, but since you have the time, spend a few nights here relaxing and enjoying beach life.
     
    There are also other islands nearby if you want to stay longer and explore, including Koh Rong Samloem, which is becoming something of a backpacker paradise (there's even a Full Moon Party there now.)

    Days 7 & 8 - Kep
     
    In the morning, travel by bus to Kep, which is about two hours from Sihanoukville. This quanint beach town and fishing village is the quiet version of Sihanoukville: a nice place to relax near the ocean but without a party atmosphere. It's famous of its pepper crab and empty beaches.
     
    Kep-Cambodia
     
    Consider taking two full days here. Sure, it's quite sleepy and there's not a lot to do, but it's the perfect place to relax, eat all the delicious crabs the city is famous for, and read a book. You can also spend some time on nearby Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay) too, a secluded and charming escape from the world if you're looking to disconnect. Basic bungalows can be rented for under $10 USD per night.

    Day 9 - Kampot
     
    The southern region of Cambodia is filled with pepper farms where you can learn about the history of spice, see how it is grown, and pick up what is considered some of the finest pepper in the world.
     
    Kampot-Cambodia
     
    I'd spend one night in Kampot. It's another quiet town on the coast. Most people come here to enjoy the scenic riverside views as well as the rolling hills that surround the city. The area used to be a getaway foe the French, so you'll see old French architecture around.
     
    At night, the street near the old bridge is lined with fruit shake vendors. Try a million. The city is famous for them.

    Day 10 - Kampot
     
    Today, hire a tuk-tuk driver to explore the Kampot area. The Phnom Chhngok Cave Temple has a religious shrine inside, or you can head out and spend the day in Bokor, as Kampot is relatively close to the park.

    Days 11, 12, & 13 - Siem Reap
     
    Siem-Reap-Cambodia
     
    Follow the Siem Reap itinerary from above. Angkor Wat is best seen slowly, so use your days to explore it as much as possible. There are a lot of out-of-the-way temples to visit that are free of crowds.

    Day 14 - Siem Reap
     
    On your last day in Cambodia, why not take a cooking class? The class sizes tend to be around six people, and you will learn to prepare three different meals, as well as get recipe cards at the end. Prices start around $20 USD per person; local guesthouses can help arrange a class.

    A Three-Week Itinerary:
     
    Have even more time for Cambodia? Good! Cambodia has a lot more to it than the major spots on the backpacker trail.

    Days 1, 2, & 3 - Phnom Penh and Kirirom National Park
     
    Follow the above suggestions, but also head out to Kirirom National Park for a day trip. This park has all sorts of walking trails, mountain biking trails, waterfalls, and a few lakes. It's a good place to go to take a break from the city.
     
    Phnom-Penh-Cambodia
     
    The park is around a two - hour drive from the city, so you'll need tto hire a driver for the day. The best way to do this is to find some travelers to join you so you can share a ride, which will cost around $80 for the day.

    Days 4, 5, 6, 7, & 8 - Sihanoukville and the Islands
     
    Follow the above guggestions at but much slower pace!

    Days 9, 10 & 11 - Kep and Rabbit Island
     
    Follow the above surggestions for Kep but head out to Rabbit Island for a rustic island getaway

    Days 12 & 13 - Kampot
     
    Follow the above suggestions!

    Days 14, 15 & 16 - Siem Reap
     
    Follow the above suggestions!

    Day 17 - Koh Ker
     
    For a fun day trip from Siem Reap, head to Koh Ker, located around 2.5 hours from town. Koh Ker was briefly the capital of the Khmer Empire, and many of the temples here are over 1,000 year old. It's a massive archeological site located in the jungle, and it sees far fewer tourists than Siem Reap.

    Day 18 - Phnom Kulen
     
    For another fun day trip, head to Phnom Kulen, considered the country's most sacred mountain. It's located just 50km from Siem Reap and offers some amazing jungles, hiking, and picturesque waterfalls where you can take dip to beat the heat. You can easily spend a day here. If you head up to summit, there are some great views as well as a large reclining Buddha statue. Try to arrive early as the park fills up by lunch time. Admission to the park is $20 USD.

    Day 19 - Battambang
     
    From Siem Reap, you can take a three-hour bus to Battambang. Or try taking a riverboat on Tonle Sap for a unique experience (there is one boat per dat, with tickets costing around $20 USD per person.)
     
    Battambang-Cambodia
     
    When you arrive, you will discover Cambodia without the tourism. Get Familiar with Battambang by exploring the town on foot (or by tuk-tuk). Check out the Phsar Boeung Choeuk and Phsar Naht markets. You will also want to visit the gorgeous pagodas and temples, such as Wat Pippitharam (near the Old Market), Wat Bovil, Wat Kandal, and Wat Damreay Sar.
     
    In the evening, check out the Battambang Circus. The show is put on by students at a Cambodian non-profit arts school, so your donations go to a good cause.

    Day 20 - Battambang
     
    Take it easy this morning by touring the town a bit more on foot. Check out the colonial architecture along the waterfront and the governor's residence. This building from the early 1900s is not open, but you can marvel at the exterior.
     
    Battambang-Cambodia
     
    While you're wandering, don't miss the Art Deco central market building and the Victory swimming pool (where you can take a dip if you're in the mood.) You may want to visit the Battambang Museum; admission is just $1 USD, and you'll learn a lot about the history of the area.
     
    After lunch, you should grab a tuk-tuk and head a bit out of town to check out Phnom Sampeu. Take about an hour to climb to the monastery on the hill. You'll also find some caves in the area with Buddhist temples in them. There's also another cave at the foot of Phnom Sampeu; this is where you want to be around dusk, when millions of bats fly out of the cave in search of food, It's an incredible sight!

    Day 21 - Sieam Reap or Phnom Penh
     
    Make your way back to one of these towns, depending on where your flight is leaving from. Enjoy the bus ride, knowing it's your last in Cambodia.
     
    Siem-Reap-Cambodia
     
    I always love my time in Cambodia. It lacks the polish of Thailand, making travel here a little more rustic and challenging.
    But more amazing than any of the country's sights and activities are the people. I've always found them to be incredibly welcoming. Even with so much darkness clouding their recent history, Cambodians always go above and beyond, making any rip here a memorable one.
     
    Let these suggested Cambodia itineraries help you plan your trip!
     
Travel Tips Download

Travel Tips Download

Watch Our Video Tour

Watch Our Video Tour

Testimonials

Testimonials

Copyright© Vietnamstay 2022, All Right Reserved