Cambodia 2-Week Itinerary: The Complete Loop

Two weeks is the ideal amount of time to experience Cambodia properly. This loop takes you from the temples of Angkor through colonial-era towns, the vibrant capital, pepper country, and finishes on pristine tropical islands. It's the complete Cambodia experience.

Days 1–4: Siem Reap & Angkor

With four days, you can explore Angkor at a relaxed pace. Days 1–3 follow the standard temple itinerary (sunrise, Small Circuit, Grand Circuit, Banteay Srei, floating village). Day 4 adds deeper exploration.

Day 4 additions: Beng Mealea — a jungle-swallowed temple 60 km from Siem Reap that feels like discovering a lost city. Combine with Koh Ker temple complex for a full day trip ($30–40 by private car). Alternatively, take a Khmer cooking class ($15–20) or explore the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity.

Days 5–6: Battambang

Getting there: The famous Siem Reap to Battambang boat (wet season, 6–8 hours, $20–25) is one of Southeast Asia's great journeys. Or bus (3–4 hours, $5–8) for convenience.

Day 5: Bamboo Train (rebuilt version, $5), Phnom Sampeau (Killing Cave + bat exodus at sunset — millions of bats spiral out of the cave at dusk). French colonial architecture walking tour through the charming town center.

Day 6: Countryside cycling tour ($10–15 with guide). Battambang's flat terrain and stunning rice paddies make it Cambodia's best cycling destination. Visit local workshops making rice paper, fish paste, and palm sugar. Afternoon: bus to Phnom Penh (5–6 hours, $10–12).

Days 7–9: Phnom Penh

Three days in the capital allows deeper exploration beyond the standard highlights.

Day 7: Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum, riverside sunset. Walk through the atmospheric Wat Phnom neighborhood.

Day 8: S-21 Genocide Museum, Killing Fields of Choeung Ek (morning — emotionally heavy). Afternoon: Russian Market for shopping and street food. Evening: BKK1 neighborhood for Phnom Penh's best restaurants and rooftop bars.

Day 9: Morning: Koh Pich island and local markets (Orussey Market for the authentic PP market experience). Afternoon: a street food tour or cooking class. Sunset drinks at a rooftop bar overlooking the confluence of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers.

Days 10–11: Kampot & Kep

Follow the 7-day itinerary's Kampot section. Bus from PP (3 hours, $8). Pepper farms, Bokor Hill, riverside sunsets, and Kep crab market.

Days 12–14: Koh Rong Island

Getting there: Bus to Sihanoukville (4–5 hours from Kampot via PP, or 2.5 hours direct). Speed ferry to Koh Rong (45 min, $12–15 from Serendipity pier).

Day 12: Arrive on Koh Rong. Choose between the backpacker party scene of Koh Toch beach or the serene Long Set beach. Settle into a beach bungalow ($15–40/night). Afternoon: swim, snorkel, relax.

Day 13: Snorkeling trip around the island ($15–20). Visit the bioluminescent plankton beach after dark (July–November, best on moonless nights). Jungle trekking to hidden beaches. Kayak rental ($5/hour) to explore secluded coves.

Day 14: Morning swim. Ferry back to Sihanoukville. Bus or flight back to Phnom Penh for departure. Or continue to Koh Rong Sanloem (the quieter sister island) for more beach time.

Budget Breakdown (14 Days)

Budget ($500–700): Hostels $5–10/night, street food $5–8/day, buses and ferries $60–80 total, Angkor pass $62, activities $50–80.

Mid-Range ($900–1,400): Hotels $30–60/night, restaurants $12–20/day, mix of transport $120–180, internal flight $80, tours and activities $100–150.

Comfort ($1,800–2,500): Boutique/4-star hotels $60–120/night, fine dining $25–40/day, private drivers, guided tours, spa treatments.

Packing for 2 Weeks

Pack light — laundry is $1–2/kg everywhere. Essentials: quick-dry clothing, modest temple outfits (covered knees and shoulders), reef-safe sunscreen for islands, waterproof phone case, universal power adapter (Type A/C/G), mosquito repellent, a light rain jacket (even in dry season), and comfortable walking shoes for temples.

First Time?

Our First Time in Cambodia guide covers visas, packing, and beginner tips. Transport routes: PP → Siem Reap, SR → Battambang, PP → Kampot, PP → Sihanoukville.