Cambodia is compact enough to cover several very different regions in two to three weeks — ancient temples, a low-key capital, laid-back beach towns, tropical islands, and a countryside river town — without the long distances that stretch out trips in some neighboring countries. This guide is a starting point: where to go, how much time to give each place, and what to know before you land.
Siem Reap: the reason most people come
Siem Reap exists largely because of Angkor, the temple complex that includes Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm, but the city itself has grown into a worthwhile stop with genuinely good food and a walkable old quarter. Give it at least two to three days. See Siem Reap Travel Guide: Where to Stay, Things to Do & Travel Tips.
Phnom Penh: the capital
Phnom Penh mixes serious, sobering history — the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng genocide museum — with a lively riverside, a growing food and bar scene, and the Royal Palace. Two days is generally enough unless you’re using it as a longer base. See Phnom Penh Travel Guide: Where to Stay, Things to Do & Travel Tips.
Sihanoukville and the islands
Sihanoukville itself has changed a lot in recent years and functions mainly as a gateway to Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, two islands with genuinely excellent beaches and a much more laid-back pace than the mainland coast. See Sihanoukville Travel Guide: Is It Worth Visiting in 2026 and Koh Rong vs Koh Rong Samloem: Which Island to Choose.
Kampot and Kep: rivers, pepper, and crab
Kampot is known for riverside guesthouses, pepper farm tours, and Bokor National Park; Kep, a short drive away, is a small seaside town famous for its crab market. Both are a slower, quieter contrast to the temples and beaches. See Kampot Travel Guide: Where to Stay and What to Do.
Battambang: colonial-era river town
Battambang sees far fewer tourists than the rest of the country and offers a genuine look at Cambodian small-city life, along with the well-known Bamboo Train and countryside tours by tuk-tuk. A day or two is typically enough. See Battambang Travel Guide: Where to Stay and What to Do.
How to structure a first trip
A common and efficient route runs Siem Reap → Phnom Penh → Sihanoukville/islands → Kampot, roughly matching the country’s geography from northwest to south. See Ultimate 7-Day Cambodia Itinerary Starting in Siem Reap for a specific day-by-day version, or extend it to 10-14 days by adding Kep and Battambang.
Practical basics
Most nationalities need a visa — the e-visa, applied for online in advance, is the simplest option; see Cambodia Visa Guide: E-Visa, Border Visa and Requirements. US dollars are used for almost all tourist spending, with Cambodian riel mainly for small change. November to February is the most comfortable weather window countrywide, though this shifts slightly by region.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need for a first trip to Cambodia?
7 days covers Siem Reap and Phnom Penh at a reasonable pace; 10-14 days lets you add the coast and islands without rushing.
Is Cambodia safe for tourists?
Yes, generally — violent crime against tourists is rare. The more common issues are petty, like overcharging by tuk-tuk drivers or pickpocketing in crowded areas. See Is Cambodia Safe for Tourists in 2026? for a fuller breakdown.
What’s the best time of year to visit Cambodia?
November through February offers the most comfortable weather across most of the country, with lower humidity and minimal rain.
Do I need to visit both Siem Reap and Phnom Penh?
Siem Reap is the higher priority for most first-time visitors given Angkor Wat; Phnom Penh is worth at least a couple of days if your trip allows for it, particularly for the history sites.
Related guides
How to use this guide alongside our detailed articles
This overview is meant as a starting point — for deeper detail on any specific topic, our dedicated guides go further: hotel recommendations by area and budget, day-by-day itineraries for different trip lengths, and transport breakdowns for every major route in and around the country all link out from the relevant sections above.
Common first-time visitor mistakes to avoid
Underestimating Angkor’s scale is the most common planning error — a single rushed day covers only a fraction of what the site offers, and most returning visitors say they wish they’d booked the 3-day pass from the start rather than the cheaper 1-day option. Skipping travel insurance, not confirming visa requirements before departure, and failing to carry enough small-denomination USD cash for markets and tuk-tuks are the next most common oversights worth planning around in advance.