Cambodia Travel Itinerary: The Complete 10-Day Guide for First-Time Visitors

Cambodia is one of those rare places that stays with you long after your plane takes off. It’s not just the ancient temples wrapped in jungle vines — though they’re breathtaking — it’s the way the air smells faintly of lemongrass and rain after a mid-afternoon shower. It’s the unhurried rhythm of village life, where children wave as you pass and monks in saffron robes glide silently at dawn. From the soft gold of its beaches to the poignant echoes of its history, Cambodia invites you to slow down, breathe, and notice the little things. You might arrive chasing the iconic sunrise at Angkor Wat, but you could leave cherishing the lazy afternoons in riverside cafés, the laughter of market vendors, or the quiet kindness of strangers you meet along the way.

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Quick Overview of Cambodia

• Capital: Phnom Penh
• Currency: Cambodian Riel (KHR), though US dollars are widely accepted
• Population: ~17 million
• Official Language: Khmer
• Religion: Predominantly Theravada Buddhism
• Major Airports: Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (SAI), Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS)

Planning Your Trip to Cambodia

Best Time to Visit

The best months are November to March — cool, dry, and perfect for exploring temples or island-hopping. If you don’t mind the occasional shower and want fewer tourists, the June–October green season transforms the countryside into a lush, vibrant green, with rice fields shimmering after rain. Friends I met while backpacking in Phnom Penh swore by visiting in September for its cooler evenings, bargain hotel rates, and quieter temple mornings where it felt like you had Angkor all to yourself.

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How Many Days to Spend

If you’re short on time, 7 days covers the essential highlights. With 10–14 days, you can slow down — perfect for families with kids or senior travelers who prefer a relaxed pace — adding coastal escapes, countryside towns, and more spontaneous stops along the way.

Visa & Entry Requirements

Most travelers need a visa. The easiest is the e-visa (valid 30 days, apply online in advance). Visa-on-arrival is also available at major airports and some land borders. Double-check your passport’s validity — it must be valid for at least six months after your entry date.

Language Tips

Khmer is the official language, but English is widely understood in tourist hubs. Learning a few basic words goes a long way. Saying Akun (“Thank you”) often earns you warm smiles — once, in a Siem Reap market, a vendor slipped me an extra mango “just for trying.”

Getting Around

For city-to-city travel, buses and minivans are budget-friendly; domestic flights save hours if you’re short on time. Within towns, tuk-tuks are the go-to — download PassApp or Grab for transparent fares. In Battambang, I rented a bicycle for $2/day and spent hours pedaling through sleepy villages, waving to farmers and children playing along the roadside.

Food & Cuisine

Khmer food is aromatic, balanced, and generally milder than Thai cuisine. Must-tries include Fish Amok (a fragrant curry steamed in banana leaves), Lok Lak (peppery stir-fried beef), and Nom Banh Chok (breakfast rice noodles with fish gravy). Families will appreciate the gentle flavors, while adventurous foodies might dare a taste of crispy fried tarantulas sold at roadside stalls.

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Safety in Cambodia

Cambodia is generally safe, but keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. As a solo traveler, I felt comfortable wandering Siem Reap’s pub street at night but preferred taking tuk-tuks for longer trips. Families should opt for centrally located hotels with good reviews and secure facilities.

10-Day Cambodia Itinerary

Days 1–3: Siem Reap & The Angkor Temples

Start your adventure in Siem Reap — the perfect base for exploring the ancient Angkor complex. Arrive via Siem Reap International Airport (SAI) and settle into a guesthouse or boutique hotel.

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• Catch the sunrise at Angkor Wat — watching the towers reflect in the lotus ponds is a moment you’ll replay in your mind for years.
• Cycle through Angkor Thom, stopping at the smiling stone faces of Bayon Temple and the Terrace of the Elephants.
• Lose yourself in Ta Prohm, where giant roots twist around crumbling walls — an otherworldly scene straight out of a movie.
• Take a boat trip on Tonlé Sap Lake to explore floating villages and stilted homes.

One backpacker I met said his “temple fatigue” melted away when he saw the delicate pink carvings at Banteay Srei glowing in the late-afternoon sun.

Days 4–5: Phnom Penh – Cambodia’s Capital

• Step inside the Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda to see Cambodia’s regal side.
• Learn about the country’s turbulent history at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields of Choeung Ek — a sobering but essential experience.
• Stroll along Sisowath Quay at sunset, watching boats drift by and locals gather for evening exercise.

Several senior travelers I met joined a guided city tour here — having a local guide added depth to the history and made navigating Phnom Penh’s busy streets much easier.

Days 6–7: Battambang – Cultural Heartland

• Ride the quirky Bamboo Train through green rice paddies.
• Watch a show at Phare Ponleu Selpak, a circus and arts school that supports local youth.
• Hop on a tuk-tuk for a countryside tour of temples, fruit orchards, and the famous bat caves.

A family I met here said their kids loved the Bamboo Train — “like a roller coaster, but with cows and palm trees instead of loops.”

Days 8–10: Southern Beaches & Colonial Towns

End your trip by unwinding on the coast and exploring charming riverside towns.

Koh Rong:

• Stretch out on powdery Long Set Beach.
• Snorkel in clear turquoise water among colorful fish.
• Witness the glowing bioluminescent plankton at night — a magical experience for both couples and families.

Kampot & Kep:

• Visit a pepper farm, then savor fresh crab in Kep — best enjoyed with your hands, sea breeze in your hair.
• Drift along the Kampot River on a sunset cruise.
• Hike the gentle forest trails of Kep National Park.

Friends I traveled with still reminisce about eating pepper crab at Kep’s Crab Market — elbows deep in sauce, waves crashing nearby, and the sun setting behind the fishing boats.

Essential Travel Tips for Cambodia

• SIM Card: Smart & Cellcard are reliable, ~$5 for data packages.
• Temple Etiquette: Shoulders and knees must be covered inside temple grounds.
• Hydration: Always carry water — Cambodia’s humidity can sneak up on you.
• Transport Safety: Avoid renting motorbikes unless you have the proper license and experience.
• Scam Awareness: Stick to trusted transport apps and avoid giving money to child beggars — support NGOs instead.
• Mosquito Protection: Pack repellent, especially for rural or coastal areas.

Conclusion

From the first light over Angkor Wat to the lazy afternoons in Kampot, Cambodia offers experiences that stay with you long after you leave. Whether you’re a solo adventurer tracing history, friends chasing sunsets, a family discovering new tastes together, or a senior traveler savoring each moment, this country has a way of making every traveler feel welcome — and every memory worth keeping.