2 Weeks in Cambodia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Best of Cambodia: Temples, Beaches & Nature 

On this two-week journey around Cambodia, you'll visit Angkor's ancient temples, hike and kayak in Botum Sakor National Park, relax on the beaches of Koh Rong, and end by roaming Pnohm Penh—the exciting "Pearl of Asia."

Kick off your adventure in Siem Reap with two days to explore Angkor's ancient temples, meet the APOPO Visitor Center's landmine-sniffing rats, and paddle the "floating villages" of Tonlé Sap Lake. You'll then travel to Phnom Penh, stopping en route to visit the incredible 12th-century Spean Praptos bridge, the Santuk Silk Farm, and Skuon—nicknamed "Spiderville" for its famous local specialty of deep-fried tarantula. Arriving in the capital city, you'll explore the ornate, pagoda-style Royal Palace, the National Museum, the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, and the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center.

Then depart for a journey down the Preak Tachan River to Cardamom Tented Camp in Botum Sakor National Park for hiking and kayaking into the wildlife-rich jungle—a rare chance to spot endangered creatures such as the Siamese crocodile, Asian black bear, and pileated gibbons. You'll then thrill to a high-speed ferry ride to the idyllic tropical island of Koh Rong, where you can indulge in four days of total relaxation. By day, laze on Kon Rong's deserted white-sand beaches, cycle the isle to visit small fishing villages, enjoy snorkeling, or even scuba diving while a vibrant bar and rave scene awaits by night.

You'll return to Phnom Penh for an evening at leisure on the town before saying goodbye to Cambodia. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Siem Reap to the Coast

Explore Cambodia's many facets with this two-week itinerary that starts in Angkor, then explores the countryside around Battambang, the colorful capital city of Phnom Penh, the wilderness of Cardamom Mountains National Park, and the laid-back coastal region of Kampot and Kep.

Start the adventure in Siem Reap with an exploration of Angkor Wat, lingering to watch the sunset over the world's largest religious monument. Then take two days to explore other highlight Angkor temples, meet landmine-sniffing rats, and enjoy a night of Cirque du Soleil-style Cambodian circus. Next, boat across Tonlé Sap Lake and up the Sangker River, visiting "floating villages" and spotting crocodiles and waterbirds en route to the laid-back town of Battambang. From here, you'll cycle into the countryside to learn about, and try your hand at, local artisanal industries, and visit the temples atop Phnom Sampeau.

Then drive to Phnom Penh via the pottery-making village of Andong Rossey and Udong, where you'll climb 509 steps to its hilltop stupas. The next day, head west to Cardamom Mountains National Park for two nights of luxury glamping at Canvas & Orchids Retreat for jungle hikes and a river cruise for a chance to spot endangered wildlife, including the Irrawaddy dolphin. Departing Cardamom, head for laid-back Kampot, on the Gulf of Thailand. You'll visit a pepper farm (including a buffalo-drawn ride to Secret Lake) before continuing to the coastal resort of Kep. Here, highlights include a visit to the colorful Crab Market and a boat excursion for a day of relaxation on Kon Tonsai (Rabbit Island).

Finally, return to Phnom Penh for a guided tour that includes the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, and bustling Psar Thmei (Central Market), ending with a sunset cruise on the Mekong River. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Rural Adventure in Cambodia

Immerse yourself in the Cambodian countryside and daily life on this two-week active adventure by trekking, cycling, and kayaking to ancient temples and charming villages.

This journey begins in Siem Reap with two full days exploring the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor by remork and bicycle, including Angkor Wat and the Ta Phrom "Tomb Raider" temple. You'll then kayak Tonlé Sap Lake and visit its "floating villages" for insight into the lives of the Cham inhabitants. Next, hike to the summit of Phnom Kulen to visit its temples and, later, the beautiful Phnom Kulen Waterfall. On day six, you'll cycle into the countryside around Siem Reap to gain a sense of local Khmer farming techniques and rural living before boating the next day up the Sangker River to Battambang, where you might spot Siamese crocodiles and rare waterbirds.

Another day of cycling led by Soksabike includes lunch at a local family home. You'll also take a short ride on the "Bamboo Train" and head to Phnom Sampeau to visit the temples and Khmer Rouge "Killing Caves" atop this limestone plateau. Next, head northwest to Banteay Chhmar for forays to its 10-temple complex and, by kuyon (tractor-taxi), to a silk center, the Mebon Temple, and the ancient Banteay Toap military temple. Returning to Siem Reap, you'll head to a local village to learn the art of traditional Khmer cooking in an interactive group culinary class and end your stay with a Phare Ponleu Selpak performance. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Feel Good Cambodia

Support do-good causes with this 14-day responsible tourism itinerary that includes hiking, cycling, and exploration by boat and remork as you visit such community projects as an art school, elephant care center, and even a circus.

Experience Phnom Penh's cultural scene on day one as you enjoy a guided highlights city tour. The next day, armed with a digital tablet, hop aboard a remork to visit 22 narrated stops, including the Champey Academy of Arts, which trains young disadvantaged students. Then you'll meet Buddhist monks at the Vipassana Dhura Buddhist Meditation Centre en route to the Farmhouse Resort & Spa for two nights at this multi-faceted community aid project—your base for an excursion to Anlong Svay. On day five, depart for Battambang via Andong Rossey and Phnom Sampeau, with dinner at a training restaurant run by the Cambodian Children's Trust.

You'll cycle the countryside to learn about traditional Cambodian life and artisanal industries, then enjoy an evening performance by Phare Ponleu Selpak. Arriving in Siem Reap, you'll spend two days exploring the ancient temples of Angkor, including Angkor Thom and the "Grand Circuit." Then take to the water to visit the "floating villages" of Tonlé Sap and Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary, including a visit to a community-based ecotourism project in Saray. Next, you'll see freely roaming elephants at Kulen Elephant Project and the work of a local NGO active in a rural community. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Laos & Cambodia: Luang Prabang Overland to Siem Reap 

Combine the best of these two distinct countries on this two-week overland adventure. You'll explore Laos' ethnic minority villages, spectacular waterfalls, and Cambodia's ancient temples and "floating villages" as you immerse yourself in the region's rich history and culture.

In Luang Prabang in Laos, you'll start with a cultural city tour before visiting ethnic minority villages. Then take a boat ride on Nam Ou River to the Pak Ou Caves, crammed with thousands of Buddha effigies. On day four, you'll head to a farm where you'll learn how to make sticky rice into kapoen (Lao noodles). Then enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the Kuang Si waterfall before visiting Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre. You'll then fly to Pakse, drive to the Bolaven Plateau, high above the Mekong Valley, to visit visit a coffee roaster, villages of the ethnic minority Alka and Katu people, plus the beautiful Tad Fan, Tad Lo, and Tad Paxuam waterfalls.

Next, explore the ruins of Wat Phou, before arriving at Don Khong, the largest of the "4000 Islands." Here you'll spend a day exploring several isles by bicycle and ferry. After visiting the Khone Phapheng falls, cross into Cambodia to visit the 9th-century Preah Vihear Temple and spend a night in the village of Sra'aem. The next day, you'll arrive in Siem Reap, for a full day exploring the ancient temples of Angkor. You'll also explore the "floating villages" and Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary by boat, and cycle the countryside for a "Dine with the Locals" cooking class, before departing Cambodia the next day. Learn more

More Great Cambodia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Cambodia? Check out these other Cambodia itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.