{"id":328946,"date":"2025-12-03T08:49:14","date_gmt":"2025-12-03T08:49:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/uncategorized\/two-weeks-in-cambodia-a-first-time-itinerary-this-wild-life-of-mine\/"},"modified":"2025-12-03T08:49:14","modified_gmt":"2025-12-03T08:49:14","slug":"two-weeks-in-cambodia-a-first-time-itinerary-this-wild-life-of-mine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=328946","title":{"rendered":"Two Weeks in Cambodia – a first-time itinerary – This Wild Life Of Mine"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Cambodia had been an almost-mythical place to me ever since I watched Lara Croft wander through light-touched and flower-strewn temple ruins there in one of my favourite childhood films. That image was fixed in my mind for so long that when it came time to visit there myself, I genuinely couldn\u2019t believe it was actually happening. Cambodia has so much magic packed into it, magic that very often gets overlooked because of its more boisterous neighbours \u2013 Thailand<\/a><\/strong> to the west and Vietnam to the south and east. As a smaller country, you don\u2019t need as much time to visit the highlights. Two weeks is the perfect amount of time because you\u2019re not rushing between locations, while still seeing a good chunk of the best places in the country. This Cambodia itinerary is great for first-time visitors to the country as it hits all the right spots. <\/p>\n

Disclaimer: this website contains affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase or booking, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me to continue this blog and help wildlife around the world!<\/em> <\/p>\n

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Siem Reap: 3-4 days<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re coming from Thailand, Siem Reap is likely to be your first stop on your Cambodia itinerary. And what a first stop it is \u2013 the home of Angkor Wat<\/strong>, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous temples in the world. The iconic skyline seen as the sun rises behind it is an experience not to be missed. However, keep your expectations in check \u2013 the weather may not cooperate and it\u2019s impossible to avoid the insane crowds, particularly if you want to get photos of the temple reflected in the pool of water in front. Despite this, Angkor Wat is an incredible place, even if you have a bit of temple fatigue (so common in SE Asia, particularly Thailand!).<\/p>\n

I would recommend spending at least three days in Siem Reap, two to explore Angkor Wat (it\u2019s so much bigger than just the main temple), and one to see what the city of Siem Reap has to offer. Take a stroll along the river, visit the neon lights of Pub Street<\/strong> and explore some of the city\u2019s best day and night markets. You can also take a food tour or a cooking class<\/a><\/strong> to dive into Cambodia\u2019s delicious cuisine culture.<\/p>\n

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If you\u2019re anything like me and absolutely love UNESCO World Heritage Sites<\/strong><\/a>, then take an extra night in Siem Reap and do a day trip to Preah Vihear<\/strong> and Koh Ker<\/strong><\/a>, two sets of temples that are a lot quieter than Angkor Wat. You can even see Cambodia\u2019s only pyramid temple at the latter. Definitely worth the long day of driving. However, you must check if the area around Preah Vihear is currently safe to visit<\/strong>, as the temple\u2019s proximity to the Thai border means its often in a danger zone when conflict between the two countries escalates, as it has currently (November 2025). Preah Vihear is at least three hours from Siem Reap, so most visitors skip it. However, Koh Ker is much closer, so it\u2019s definitely worth adding to your Cambodia itinerary.<\/p>\n

Where I stayed:<\/strong> Gecko Hostel<\/a>.<\/strong> I really liked this hostel, with its comfy beds and really nice swimming pool (which I used every single day because of the heat and exercise!). The staff are amazing, always happy to help organise tours and transport, and the location is great because it\u2019s on a quiet street but still just a short walk to the centre of Siem Reap.<\/p>\n

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Phnom Penh: 2-3 days<\/h2>\n

Cambodia\u2019s capital is at the centre of its transport network, so you may end up passing through a few times between locations. Phnom Penh seems to be the kind of place that you either love or hate. I did really like this city, there was just something about it that gave me a really good vibe. Most visitors only spend one day here, but no Cambodia itinerary would be complete without a visit to the capital.<\/p>\n

The two main reasons to visit the capital city, whether you\u2019re in the country for two weeks or two days, are both linked to the dark history of Cambodia\u2019s recent past. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum<\/strong> and the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center<\/strong> are absolute must-dos in Cambodia. They are heartbreaking and not exactly a fun day out, but it\u2019s so important to understand the place you\u2019re visiting. The atrocities that much of Cambodia\u2019s population lived through must never be forgotten. Since the genocide under Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge happened less than 50 years ago (approximately 2 million people killed in less than four years), many of the survivors still live today. I definitely looked at any elderly people I saw differently after visiting these two places. Give yourself a day to visit these two locations as you really can\u2019t rush through them. You can either book a day tour<\/a><\/strong> or else hire a tuk-tuk driver for the day \u2013 they will wait at each location for you, so it\u2019s a handy way to get around the city. Elsewhere, you can also visit the Royal Palace and take a sunset cruise<\/a><\/strong> along the Mekong.<\/p>\n

It felt really strange to take photos at both of these places, let alone share them on the internet, so I only took a few of signs, etc. They are both very sobering places that I just wanted to experience in the moment.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Where I stayed:<\/strong> Onederz Hostel Phnom Penh<\/a>. <\/strong>The Onederz Hostel chain quickly became my favourite hostels in Cambodia. I stayed in three of them around the country, and loved all of them. They are really well priced, and the one in Phnom Penh is in a great central location. The rooftop pool is so refreshing and the onsite restaurant was so nice when I didn\u2019t have the energy to go out to eat. The common area on the ground floor was also great for getting some work done, with loads of tables. <\/p>\n

Kampot: 2 days<\/h2>\n

After a sobering visit to Phnom Penh, it\u2019s time to get back into nature, with a trip to the coast. First, head to Kampot, a lovely laid-back city perfect for a slow wander through its quiet streets. The buildings, though a little dishevelled, are a mix of French colonial and Chinese-style architecture, adding a charming vibe to the city. The riverside promenade<\/strong> is great for a sunset stroll, while the river itself offers boat cruises and firefly tours<\/strong>. You can also get out into the countryside to visit local pepper farms<\/a><\/strong>, or visit the sleepy beachside village of Kep<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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The absolute best thing to do in Kampot is the Green Cathedral<\/strong>. This is one of the coolest things I did in South East Asia, and one of the reasons it was so cool is because for 95% of my time there I was completely alone. You can do a guided kayaking tour<\/a><\/strong> to the Green Cathedral, but it\u2019s also possible to simply hop in a tuk-tuk and be driven to one of the many river lodges that offer kayak rentals. The Green Cathedral is a narrow loop off the main river, with tall trees and reeds creating something of a natural roof overhead. You can do the loop in 1-2 hours, passing beneath bridges and rowing past half-built guesthouses. There are even a couple of places you can pull in and get a drink. It\u2019s a gorgeous way to pass half a day outside the main city. I got my kayak from Champa Lodge<\/a><\/strong> for the equivalent of just a few dollars. Definitely a worthy addition to your Cambodia itinerary.<\/p>\n

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There are loads of food options within Kampot as well, particularly if you\u2019re craving a break from Asian cuisine. There are plenty of western restaurants, so it\u2019s easy to find a cheap pizza or veggie burger. <\/p>\n

Where I stayed: <\/strong>Onederz Hostel Kampot<\/strong>.<\/a> Wow, is this a lovely hostel! I did not want to leave. Between the bright rooms, really nice pool and beautifully decorated common area, this was such a haven. It seems quite a social hostel too, so easy to meet other travellers. Definitely my favourite hostel in Cambodia.<\/p>\n

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Koh Rong Sanloem: 3 days<\/h2>\n

Cambodia may not have the number or quality of islands as Thailand, but Koh Rong <\/strong>and Koh Rong Sanloem<\/strong> are two beautiful isles off the coast that are becoming increasingly popular with visitors. If you\u2019re looking for a break from cities and temples, you have to add at least one of these islands to your Cambodia itinerary. Of the two, I chose to visit Koh Rong Sanloem because it has a quieter vibe, with less of a party atmosphere than neighbouring Koh Rong. You can get the ferry to both islands from the terminal in Preah Sihanouk<\/strong>. I would go straight there from Kampot instead of spending any time in Preah Sihanouk (a.k.a. Sihanoukville). While the city was intended to be a beachside tourist haven, I have heard many bad things about it, including constant construction, poor facilities and dodgy casinos on every corner.<\/p>\n

Koh Rong Sanloem is a beautiful paradise island, perfect for days spent doing very little, if anything at all. During my two weeks in Cambodia, I spent my days on Koh Rong Sanloem reading my book overlooking the ocean, and it was perfect. The main \u201croad\u201d is the beach, with visitors jumping from the pier straight onto the sand (or into thigh-deep water depending on the tide, so be prepared for that). My ride from the ferry \u201cterminal\u201d to my hostel was on a tractor-trailer that spent half the journey driving in the water!<\/p>\n

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If you do want to be a little active during your stay here, then I definitely recommend the trail across the island to Sunset Beach<\/strong>. Half the walk is on a dirt road, the second half up a steep, half-constructed track then down a narrow jungle path (that had the biggest mosquitos I\u2019ve seen in my life!). I was questioning my decision to do this along the way, but when I stepped out onto the sand and saw the pure paradise in front of me, I regretted waiting so long to go there. I went for sunset, but wish I had spent an entire day there. The clean, warm water is so inviting and is much calmer on this side of the island than on the main strip. You can also go on a boat trip around the island that stops by this beach. <\/p>\n

The whole island is just very peaceful, and a nice change of pace from the hectic city and crowded temples on the mainland. <\/p>\n

Where I stayed: <\/strong>Onederz Hostel Koh Rong Sanloem<\/strong>.<\/a> Another Onederz hostel that felt like the right choice. Like every other accommodation on the island, the hostel is located right on the beach, with a huge common area perfect for lounging, with couches, hammocks and swing chairs. The rooms were a bit smaller here than other Onederz hostel, and be prepared for sand everywhere, but hey, you\u2019re on a tropical island, what do you expect?<\/p>\n

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Kratie: 2 days<\/h2>\n

There are two main reasons people add Kratie to their Cambodia itinerary. The first is that they\u2019re passing through on their way to Don Det in southern Laos. The second is dolphins. I\u2019ll give you one guess why I was there. <\/p>\n

The Irrawaddy dolphin<\/strong> is an endangered species of dolphin found in South East Asia. In Cambodia, there are only around 100 of them left, found exclusively in the part of the Mekong river between Kratie and the Lao border. Visitors to Kratie can take a kayak day tour<\/a> <\/strong>to find them. This is the most ethical and sustainable way to view the elusive dolphins, as the noise from boats can disturb them. Thankfully, overcrowding by tourists hasn\u2019t become an issue here yet.<\/p>\n

When you go on a kayaking tour, you\u2019ll first be driven quite a way to the north of the city, so that you are rowing with the current downstream back to Kratie. Even so, it\u2019s better to have a little bit of experience before doing this, because the Mekong <\/strong>can be fast-flowing (and you first cross almost the entire width of it!). It\u2019s such a fun way to spend the day, and when you reach the wide area where the dolphins are found, it\u2019s amazing to sit in the silence and wait for them to surface. <\/p>\n

If dolphins aren\u2019t really your thing (but how could they not be?) and you\u2019re not planning to head overland to Laos, then Kratie can be left out of your Cambodia itinerary. From the coast, you will need to pass through Phnom Penh again to get to Kratie, or if you\u2019re heading onwards to Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Where I stayed: Silver Dolphin Guesthouse<\/a>.<\/strong> Because Kratie isn\u2019t hugely popular for backpackers, there aren\u2019t any real hostels in town. However, if you\u2019re looking for budget accommodation, Silver Dolphin Guesthouse does offer a dorm room for a very cheap price (just \u20ac3!). However, the price is reflected in the property as it is very basic, though it does have nice river views. Otherwise, there are other higher-end accommodations available in Kratie<\/a>, including homestays and hotels.<\/p>\n

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AS OF NOVEMBER 2025<\/h2>\n

Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have escalated in the border areas in mid- and late-2025, including skirmishes at border crossings. As such, until a steady peace has been achieved, it is highly advised not to try and cross the border overland between these two countries, especially at the most popular crossing on the route between Bangkok and Siem Reap. In fact, many travel and tour companies are not moving in these areas at all right now. However, the rest of the country is still perfectly safe, and flights are operating as normal. So, if you\u2019re planning to travel to Cambodia from Thailand, I would recommend flying from Bangkok or Phuket to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. <\/p>\n

The area around Preah Vihear is also considered a no-travel zone, so until things settle, it may not be possible \u2013 or safe \u2013 to visit the temple ruins there.<\/p>\n

Want a longer Cambodia itinerary?<\/h2>\n

If you have longer than two weeks to spend, then you could add Battambang <\/strong>to your Cambodia itinerary. This city isn\u2019t too far from Siem Reap, so you could spend a few days here after visiting the temples at Angkor Wat. It\u2019s the second-largest city in Cambodia, but still relatively unknown by tourists, so you won\u2019t find the same crowds here as in Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. Kayak down the river, ride the innovative Bamboo Train<\/strong>, visit the Killing Cave<\/strong> (as bleak as it sounds) and cycle past endless rice fields.<\/p>\n

You can also get even more off the beaten track by going jungle trekking in Koh Kong<\/strong> or visit an ethical elephant sanctuary<\/a><\/strong> in Mondulkiri (remember \u2013 no touching, no feeding and no bathing! Otherwise it\u2019s not actually ethical). You could even spend an extra day in Phnom Penh and take a cycle tour to Silk Island<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Practical Information:<\/h2>\n