Travelling in Cambodia

Introduction

Cambodia is one of the least touristed countries in the region, with the vast majority of visitors seeing Angkor Wat and nothing else.

Outside of a couple of arterial roads, the road network is appalling and in wet season even worse. The capital, Phnom Penh is certainly worth a visit, both for its pretty French colonial riverfront area and for the Khmer Rouge legacy that can be seen in the torture museum and Killing Fields.

The beach side strip of Sihanoukville gets a steady trickle of beach lovers, though the Thai beaches are far better and many choose to opt for the latter.

Outside of these three destinations only those with the time or the desire, get further afield -- try Battambang, Kampot and Kep if time allows. That's not to say it isn't worthwhile spending longer in Cambodia, it is just that few do.

How long a holiday in Cambodia?

If you have a spare week, this is the country best suited to a fleeting visit. Allowing for three days at Siem Reap (the base for visiting Angkor Wat) then a day of travel to Phnom Penh and then two days in Phnom Penh means you could cover the two key destinations here in less than a week, but Cambodia has a lot more to offer than these two spots, so those with an extra week can head to the coastal strip of Sihanoukville, Kampot and Kep, while those with another week should consider a trip up to Rattanakiri or Mondulkiri.

A few ways to see more in less

Fly, fly, fly
In Cambodia, the domestic flight network is very limited and woefully overpriced, yet, given the condition of some of the roads, many choose to fly, opting for a US$100 flight over a seven to twelve hour bone jarring ride. If you're planning on visiting Rattanakiri, fly at least one way (if not both). The road to this very remote town is appalling and can be very time-consuming to travel along.

Suggested itineraries for Cambodia

CAMBODIA: One month adventure:
If you want to really see much of what Cambodia has to offer, a month long exploration of the country will allow you ample time to see the most interesting destinations in the country. ... detailed trip plan itinerary

CAMBODIA: One week explorer:
Most first-time travellers to Cambodia opt for a trip like this -- the bulk of the time spent exploring Angkor Wat and a quick trip to the capital Phnom Penh. ... detailed trip plan itinerary

CAMBODIA: Two week explorer:
This two week trip gives the traveller to Cambodia a good mix of ruins, beaches and culture. ... detailed trip plan itinerary

THE REGION: Southern Laos, Southern Vietnam and Cambodia:
For those set on getting an experience in Laos, Vietnam and Laos, but with only limited time, a trip like this is a good choice, as while you miss the north of both Laos and Vietnam, you save a lot of time that would otherwise be spent getting from A to B ... detailed trip plan itinerary

THE REGION: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam explorer:
This is the big one! Travelling throughout the region, you'll touch on the highlights of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. ... detailed trip plan itinerary