CAMBODIA: One week explorer

Introduction

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. Experiencing the grandeur of Angkor and the rustic charm of Phnom Penh allows first-time travellers the opportunity to see two extremes of the Cambodian nation .

In a short trip to Cambodia like this you're you're visiting just the two locations -- both of which are well-connected by boat, road and air -- but there is ample opportunity for side-trips and extensions.

Both Siem Reap and Phnom Penh have international airports, so if you're in a hurry, look to fly in and out of the country. Those with more time can overland in and out of the country -- Cambodia has overland borders with all of its neighbours.

Suggest trip length

The suggested minimum time for a trip like this is four days, though at least a week is far more comfortable.

Sample plan

1) Arrive Siem Reap (Angkor Wat -- allow at least two days)
2) Siem Reap -> Phnom Penh (capital city, Khmer Rouge history, colonial architecture, scenic riverside setting -- allow two days)

Save some time

One day: fly from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
Two day: Fly into and out of Cambodia -- both Siem Reap and Phnom Penh have international airports.

Take a side trip

Two days: Not far southwest of Siem Reap lies Battambang -- a small, untouristed riverside town: visit ruins, see village life and take a ride on a nori!.
Two days: Head north from Phnom Penh for an overnight stay at Kompong Cham where you can visit temples, silk villages and explore tributaries of the Mekong River.
Three days: Head south from Phnom Penh to Kampot to relax in the old seaside resort town of Kep and explore the mountain top Bokor National Park

Map

Sample Trip Times (in hours)

To help you work out how you'll get around, we've listed the trip durations for the various forms of transport available. Note that with the exception of flight times, these are average trip times, so no hate mail if you take the slow train.