The Best 3 Weeks in Cambodia Itinerary
This 3 weeks in Cambodia itinerary takes you to the best sights in the country including the ancient Angkor Wat jungle temples and the bustling Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh with its stately Royal Palace and moving war memorials.
You’ll travel by riverboat to the charming regional capital Battambang, relax in the lovely coastal towns, of Kep and Kampot and chill out on the stunning tropical island of Koh Rong Sanloem off the coast of Sihanoukville.
This Cambodia itinerary is varied and unhurried, with time to discover Khmer history and enjoy the UNESCO historical sites, explore the local markets, meet the friendly people and sample the delicious food.
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Cambodia is a fascinating, colourful destination that’s safe to visit for female travellers. I’ve enjoyed several solo trips around the country and I’ve compiled this 3 week itinerary in Cambodia to show you the best sites and to help you plan your visit.
Whether you’re visiting Cambodia alone or with a companion, you’re sure to enjoy this captivating 3 week Cambodia itinerary.
TIP: If you’re short of time you can see the highlights, Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh and the beautiful tropical island Koh Rong Sanloem with 10 Days in Cambodia.
Getting to Cambodia
Cambodia has several International Airports and most travellers choose to fly to Siem Reap, Phom Penh or Sihanoukville. It’s also possible to travel overland to Cambodia from Thailand, Vietnam or Laos.
This Cambodia itinerary begins in Siem Reap with Cambodia’s main attraction, the stunning UNESCO World Heritage temples of Angkor Wat. I booked return flights to Siem Reap and took a domestic flight from Sihanoukville to Siem Reap to meet my flight home at the end of the trip.
TIP: Take the stress out of your arrival in Cambodia and book a transfer from the airport to your hotel in Siem Reap or Phnom Penh.
Getting Around Cambodia
On this Cambodia itinerary getting around the country is easy. For shorter distances, I suggest travel by bus and for long distances flying is often the best option. Buses are plentiful and cheap, and domestic flights are fast and inexpensive. This 3 week Cambodia itinerary also includes travel by riverboat from Siem Reap to Battambang.
TIP: Buses, trains, flights and ferries can be booked locally or online with 12Go Asia for this Cambodia itinerary.
I found getting around the cities uncomplicated and loved riding around in a tuk-tuk. I also enjoyed walking and found Siem Reap and Phnom Penh easy, flat and safe.
I used the Grab App to call taxis and tuk-tuks and found it was easier than flagging down a driver on the street. Grab sets the fare, translates the instructions and provides a map so that you know if you’re going to the right place. The App also goes a long way towards eliminating the language barrier that I sometimes experienced with local drivers.
I also used the Google Maps App for navigation and found it invaluable for getting around.
TIP: I suggest avoiding travel by minibus if possible. Instead, book a large bus, coach or flight to travel longer distances more safely and comfortably. I used the Giant Ibis and Virak Bunthan bus companies for long-distance coach travel on the main routes in this Cambodia itinerary.
I don’t recommend travel by Train for this Cambodia itinerary. Trains are slow and routes are limited but it’s possible to catch a train from Phnom Penh to Kampot or Sihanoukville or from Phnom Penh to Battambang.
When to Go to Cambodia
The best time to spend 3 weeks in Cambodia is from November to March during the dry season when the weather is a bit cooler than at other times of the year.
The worst time to go is in April and May when temperatures soar to over 35°C(95°F). Visiting the temples at Angkor is uncomfortably hot during these months.
The wet season from May to October is not necessarily a bad time to visit Cambodia if you don’t mind some rain. Mornings are often warm and sunny and afternoon storms often clear relatively quickly. The rain falls in short downpours and brings respite from the heat and humidity.
The rainy season in Cambodia is a less crowded time to go to Angkor Wat, there’s less dust and the countryside is lush and green. Prices fall and airfares, accommodation and tours are often cheaper. But Siem Reap sometimes floods in October and remote temples are harder to access on muddy roads.
Flowing rivers make travel by riverboat easier and faster and the rainy season is also ideal for visiting the floating villages of the Tonle Sap by boat.
But the rainy season is the worst time of the year for a beach holiday in Sihanoukville or for visiting the islands, of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem.
3 Weeks in Cambodia Itinerary
This 3 week itinerary in Cambodia begins and ends in Siem Reap.
Day 1- 4 Angkor Wat & Siem Reap
Day 1 – 2: This Cambodia itinerary begins with the majestic Angkor Wat. The stunning UNESCO World Heritage-listed temples of Angkor are Cambodia’s main attraction and are the largest and most important historical sites in Southeast Asia. Made famous by the film “Tomb Raiders” Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm were at the top of my bucket list and are the first stop on this 3 week itinerary in Cambodia.
TIP: The highlights of the Angkor Wat temple complex can be seen over 2 days on a guided tour of Angkor from Siem Reap. Start at sunrise on day 1, and watch the sunset with stops at many temples on day 2.
Or hire a tuk-tuk in Siem Reap and see the temples on the Grand Circuit and the Small Circuit tuk-tuk tours. This is a flexible way to see the temples at your own pace.
Day 3: Other stunning temple ruins like Bantay Srei or Beng Melea are not included in the Grand Circuit or the Small Circuit tours but it’s worth putting aside a day to see them.
Day 4: It’s also worth spending a day in Siem Reap exploring the town and shopping at the markets. There are lots of things to do in Siem Reap and here are some suggestions:
Things to do in Siem Reap
- Visit the Angkor National Museum
- Take a cooking class in a local village and learn how to prepare some delicious Cambodian food like spring rolls and Amok chicken. I enjoyed this!
- Shop for souvenirs and explore the local markets in Siem Reap. There’s a market in town and a night market by the river where I bought some souvenirs.
- Visit Artisan’s D’Angkor where Cambodian culture & traditional craft skills are taught to young Cambodians. I really enjoyed this! There’s a free guided tour of the workshops and upmarket silk clothing, gifts & accessories available at the shop.
- Party at the nightclubs on Pub Street
- Or spend the evening at the Phare Circus. I loved this! The young artists from Battambang give spectacular circus performances.
- Visit the Buddhist Temples and monasteries in Siem Reap Wat Preah Prom Rath, Wat Damnak and Wat Bo.
- Visit the floating villages on the Tonle Sap.
Where to eat in Siem Reap
I enjoyed eating at Khmer Kitchen and Le Tigre Papier on Pub Street and I can recommend the delicious fresh iced mango drink at Le Tigre Papier.
Where to Stay in Siem Reap
Budget: A great budget option is the Onederz Hostel. With a fabulous location and a pool, it’s no wonder this hostel is so popular.
Mid-range: I stayed at The Kingfisher Angkor Hotel located away from the noisy nightclubs of Pub Street but just a short walk to restaurants, the night market and all the action on Pub Street. My room on the top floor was spacious with a huge bathroom & a balcony but the service was average. I loved the pool area but the lift was sometimes not working & the bedrooms at the front of the hotel get a lot of traffic noise.
Luxury: For a more upmarket option try The Night Hotel It gets exceptional reviews and has a great location.
Day 5 – 7 Battambang
With 3 weeks in Cambodia there’s time to visit the regional city of Battambang and getting there is a highlight of this Cambodia itinerary. Travelling from Siem Reap to Battambang by riverboat is an opportunity to see a different side of life, enjoy scenic river views and experience the warmth of the local people as they go about their daily lives on the river.
The riverboat departs early in the morning and arrives in the afternoon. In January, during the dry season, this trip took around 7 hours because the water in the river was low.
TIP: Take food and plenty of drinking water for the riverboat. Sunscreen a hat and a cushion for the hard wooden seats are also a good idea.
Alternatively, you can take the bus from Siem Reap to Battambang. It’s a faster, less scenic journey that takes around 4 hours.
Things to do in Battambang
Battambang is a popular stopover on the overland route from Thailand to Angkor Wat. There are lots of things to do in Battambang but, to make the most of your time, I suggest booking a tour when you arrive. I can recommend Kim Tours and I enjoyed exploring Battambang in a tuk-tuk with my English-speaking driver Nani.
Nani took me on a tour of the local villages and I learnt about the local industries: making rice wine, sticky rice, banana paper, spring roll rice paper and fish paste.
I loved the beautiful Ek Phnom Temple and visiting Phnom Sampeau outside Battambang was a worthwhile experience. The Killing Cave at Phnom Sampeau is a Khmer Rouge execution site and I found the memorial upsetting but the day ended peacefully watching millions of bats flying out of the caves to feed at sunset.
I enjoyed an evening at the Phare Circus in Battambang and can recommend it as a fun night out. The performance included traditional Cambodian dance and acrobatics. The Phare Circus also performs in Siem Reap.
Riding the Bamboo Train is also very popular in Battambang
Battambang is known for its French colonial architecture and there are more temples and markets to explore in the town centre.
TIP: If you’re short of time, take a day trip to Battambang from Siem Reap
Where to eat in Battambang
Eating at the night market in Battambang is a fun experience and there were some outdoor restaurants by the river that I also enjoyed.
Where to Stay in Battambang
Budget / Mid-Range: I stayed at the Seng Hout Hotel and I loved the central location near the market and the river. I enjoyed the pool and the service. Reception at the Seng Hout Hotel arranged all my tours and bus tickets and a free transfer from the riverboat to the hotel. But I booked a cheap room that was very old and the bathroom was mouldy so I suggest choosing a better room in the newer wing.
Luxury: For more upmarket accommodation options in Battambang try Battambang Resort located 10 minutes out of town or Maisons Wat Kor. Both of these hotels get excellent reviews.
Day 8-11 Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the next stop and another highlight of this 3 week itinerary in Cambodia. Travelling by minibus from Battambang to Phnom Penh takes around 6 hours. I didn’t enjoy the minibus and suggest booking a coach or large bus instead.
Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia and has an attractive riverfront location at the junction of the Tonle Sap and the Mekong Rivers. The city is known for its Khmer, French colonial and modern architecture.
One of the highlights of Phnom Penh is visiting the impressive Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, a beautiful example of a traditional Khmer building.
Next door to the palace, the National Museum of Cambodia is another stately Khmer building. Inside there are cultural and historical exhibitions and I enjoyed lunch at the museum cafe by the lily pond in the beautiful open-air courtyard.
Wat Ounalom and Wat Phnom, the most important temples in Phnom can also be found on the riverfront not far from the Royal Palace. Wat Ounalom is a centre for Cambodian Buddhism and I met a friendly monk here and had an interesting conversation. He wanted to practise his English and was happy to chat and pose for a photo.
The Central Market is fun to explore but the best place to shop for gifts and souvenirs is the Russian Market located about 20 minutes from the riverfront by tuk-tuk.
The Tuol Sleng Prison and the Cheung Ek Killing Fields are important memorials of the genocide that occurred during the Khmer Rouge Regime.
TIP: The Killing Fields are around 17 kilometres outside Phnom Penh and a day tour is the easiest way to see both memorial sites. Take the audio tour at the Genocide Museum to learn more about Khmer history. The museum is open from 8 AM – 5 PM.
Relax and unwind on a Sunset river cruise on the Tonle Sap. Cruise boats leave from the dock area opposite the Night Market from 5 – 7 pm and cruise around the river for an hour or so.
TIP: A Phnom Penh city tour is a great way to maximise your time and see the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum, Wat Phnom, Mekong River Boat Trip, Heng Naysim Traditional Cambodian Weaving House, and the Independence Monument in one day.
Where to eat in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh has a good selection of places to eat from street food to upmarket restaurants.
- Try the street food at the Night Market in Phnom Penh. I loved eating here and can recommend the coconut ice cream.
- Street 240 & Bassac Lane have some popular cafes & restaurants.
- I enjoyed pancakes for breakfast at Enso Café near the Royal Palace.
- I also enjoyed visiting the Colonial Raffles Hotel for high tea.
Where to Stay in Phnom Penh
Budget: Onederz Hostel has a good central location on the riverfront near the night market and gets excellent reviews.
Mid-Range: I stayed at The Bridge Club and loved the fabulous river views from my modern apartment on the 32nd floor. My room was very comfortable and I loved the laundry facilities, and enjoyed the pool and the gym. I’ve been back here a couple of times.
Upper Mid-Range: For more upmarket accommodation try The Frangipani Royal Palace Hotel with river views, a pool & a fantastic location right next to the Royal Palace. This hotel looks amazing and it’s on my wish list of places to stay in Phnom Penh.
The Foreign Correspondents Club has a colonial atmosphere with guest rooms, a view of the river and a great location. It’s also on my wish list but unfortunately, the Foreign Correspondents Club is currently closed for renovations.
Luxury: Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh is a luxurious colonial hotel with an ideal location near the Post office and Wat Phnom. I recommend visiting for afternoon tea or a nightcap if booking a room will break the budget.
Day 11 -13 Kep
The next stop on this Cambodia travel itinerary is Kep on the lovely west coast of Cambodia. From Phnom Penh, you can catch a bus to Kep and it takes around 4 hours.
Sleepy Kep is a small seaside town on Cambodia’s west coast with a pretty coastline and gorgeous sunsets. Kep has a small shopping centre with restaurants across the road from the beach.
I loved visiting Kep and I hired a bicycle or a tuk-tuk to get around as the town is quite spread out and my guesthouse was a couple of kilometres away from Kep Beach and shops.
Things to do in Kep
- Relax under a palm tree at Kep Beach.
- Visit the busy fish market
- Hike in Kep National Park. There are some lovely walking trails to temples and viewpoints inside the National Park.
- Visit the abandoned French mansions around town.
- Take a boat trip to Rabbit Island and spend the day swimming, exploring and feeding the rabbits.
- Enjoy a stunning sunset with a sundowner & dinner at the Kep Sailing Club, my favourite place to watch the sunset in Kep.
- Watch the sunset from Veranda Natural Resort and enjoy a cocktail at the bar with a view.
Where to eat in Kep
Kimly Seafood Restaurant near the crab market is famous for its local specialty, Pepper Crab. This restaurant has water views and the crab is delicious but it’s also very messy.
The Kep Sailing Club has a bar and restaurant with a lovely sea view and I enjoyed eating here.
Veranda Resort is a good choice for an evening meal in Kep and it’s also a lovely spot for a sundowner.
Where to Stay in Kep
Mid-Range: I can recommend the Botanica Guest House. I had a lovely bungalow with a private balcony and hammock. I enjoyed cooling off in the pool & they offer free pushbikes to help you get around. and there’s a bus stop directly outside the Botanica Guest House
Upper Mid-Range: Saravoan Kep has a perfect location on Kep Beach in the centre of town, comfortable rooms, an onsite restaurant and a pool with a view.
Luxury: Alternatively, Veranda Natural Resort has more upmarket accommodations with lovely views over Kep and out to sea. I enjoyed a cocktail and the view from the bar but if you’re looking for a bit more luxury consider staying here.
Day 14 -15 Kampot
Kampot is a scenic riverside town and a lovely addition to a Cambodia travel itinerary. I caught the local bus from Kep to Kampot and the trip took around 1 hour. Alternatively, Kampot is just a half hour from Kep by tuk-tuk.
Kampot is a lovely place to relax with scenic river and mountain views and a French colonial Old Town to explore. I enjoyed a day trip to Phnom Chnork Cave temple, Secret Lake & the Pepper Plantation in a tuk-tuk and had a lovely day exploring the countryside.
Where to Eat in Kampot
Head to the Kampot Night Market, a vibrant and exciting place to try the local street food.
Aroma House serves kebabs and falafel wraps.
For a healthy vegetarian meal head to Simple Things near the Old Market in Kampot.
Rikitikitavi has a restaurant and bar on a terrace that overlooks the river. I came here for a pre-dinner drink and watched the sunset over the river.
Where to Stay in Kampot
Mid-Range: I stayed at Villa Vedici and loved the location beside the river a couple of kilometres outside town. There was a beautiful pool and a lovely view from the upstairs rooms. I ate at the on-site restaurant and walked or took a tuk-tuk into town.
Luxury: For more upmarket accommodation try Rikitikitavi with a superb location in town by the river. I enjoyed a cocktail at the bar overlooking the river. This popular hotel gets excellent reviews.
TIP: If you’re short of time you can see the sights of the area from either Kep or Kampot.
Days 16 – 20: Koh Rong Sanloem (or Koh Rong)
This Cambodia itinerary ends at the stunning islands off the coast of Sihanoukville, the country’s premier beach resort destination. To get to Koh Rong Sanloem (or Koh Rong), catch a bus to Sihanoukville (2 hours) and a ferry to the islands (45 minutes).
I chose to stay at the quieter Koh Rong Sanloem for the last few days of my 3 week Cambodia itinerary and can recommend chilling out here for a few days but Koh Rong has some stunning beaches and is also a great choice.
Koh Rong Sanloem is a small, sleepy island with gorgeous white sandy beaches shaded by palm trees and calm, turquoise water. There’s not much to do here except eat mangoes and walk along the beach or through the jungle to more gorgeous beaches. Take a boat trip snorkel, dive or visit the neighbouring island Koh Rong.
Koh Rong is a larger island and is just as beautiful as Koh Rong Sanloem but it’s busier, more developed and more popular with backpackers. Koh Rong is known as a party island while Sanloem is very quiet.
Where to stay in Koh Rong Sanloem
Upper Mid-Range: I stayed at Sara Resort on Koh Rong Sanloem. My bungalow was comfortable and the resort had a beachfront bar and restaurant. I spent most of the time hanging out at the resort pool doing nothing much at all.
To get to Sara Resort I booked an open return ferry ticket with the Buva Sea Ferry who dropped me at the Eden Pier on Saracen Bay. Sara Resort sent a unique tractor contraption to pick me up from the ferry.
Luxury: Eden Beach Resort is a more luxurious resort right behind the Eden Pier in Saracen Bay.
TIP: Book your accommodation before leaving Sihanoukville because different ferry companies have different drop-off points on the islands.
Day 21: Sihanoukville to Siem Reap
To end this 3 week Cambodia Itinerary, catch the ferry back to Sihanoukville and take a domestic flight to Siem Reap.
Catching a bus to Siem Reap is also an option for budget travellers but flights are relatively inexpensive, much faster and more convenient. It’s more than 500km from Sihanoukville to Siem Reap and the bus trip takes around 7.5 hours.
TIP: Sihanoukville International Airport is around 45 minutes away from the beaches so allow plenty of time for the airport transfer.
If you prefer to stay on the mainland, Sihanoukville has several west-facing beaches with stunning sunsets. But Sihanoukville has changed a lot in recent years and it’s no longer the relaxed backpacker hangout it used to be.
However, Sihanoukville is still a good place to spend a night or 2 if you have an early flight or bus to catch.
If you decide to stay in Sihanoukville, here are some things to do:
Things to do in Sihanoukville
- Chill out on the beach, swim, sunbathe or go for a walk
- Watch a glorious beach sunset from any of Sihanoukville’s west-facing beaches
- Enjoy the beachfront restaurants at Occheuteal Beach
- Enjoy a day trip on a boat to Ko Ta Tiev Island for tropical island scenery and snorkelling. I enjoyed exploring Ko Ta Tiev and hiking through the jungle.
- Choose one of the many casinos and nightclubs for a night out in Sihanoukville.
Where to stay in Sihanoukville
Ochheuteal Beach is very central to the city if you need to stay overnight before travelling to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. It’s also at the centre of the action in Sihanoukville. If you like casinos and nightlife you might enjoy staying near Ochheuteal Beach.
Manoha Villa is a homestay with comfortable rooms within walking distance of Ochheuteal Beach. I stayed here before catching an early bus to Phnom Penh.
Otres Beach is a few kilometres away from the centre of Sihanoukville. Although it used to be a good place for a beach holiday on the mainland, it’s now built up and touristy like the rest of Sihanoukville. But Otres Beach has stunning sunsets.
Naiya Resort has a fantastic location right on Otres Beach. This resort has comfortable rooms and a pool and gets great reviews.
Also worth visiting
With this 3 weeks in Cambodia itinerary, you’ll see the country’s main attractions but if you have some extra time you might enjoy visiting the Mondulkiri Project, an elephant sanctuary in the jungle, 6 hours east of Phnom Penh near the Vietnamese border.
Alternatively, head to Kratie to see the river dolphins.
Money in Cambodia
The Riel is the main currency in Cambodia but US$ are widely accepted. It’s a good idea to bring US$ in cash. I also took Australian dollars and had no trouble changing them in Cambodia but make sure the notes are new and in excellent condition or they may not be accepted.
I had trouble changing an older US$50 note. It was rejected several times until I eventually exchanged it at the bank.
If you pay for something in US$ you may be given change in Cambodian Riels.
Credit cards are widely accepted but cash is most commonly used. ATMs and money exchange booths are easy to find in cities and tourist areas but you’ll need cash if you’re visiting a small town or a remote tropical island.
Visas for Cambodia
Most nationalities need a visa to visit Cambodia and all travellers must submit an e-arrival card the week before arriving. Australian citizens need a visa to enter Cambodia and you can apply for an e-visa online from the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or get a Visa on Arrival.
To apply for a visa on arrival you need:
- Passport photo
- A passport that is valid for at least 6 months with 2 empty pages for stamps
- A completed visa application form (supplied on the plane or at the airport on arrival)
- US dollars cash to pay the visa fee
Sim Cards
Buying a SIM card is the best way to stay connected and access the internet on this Cambodia itinerary. Free Wi-Fi is easy to find but I needed the Internet to use the Grab App for booking taxis and used the Google Maps App often to navigate.
I bought my SIM card easily in Siem Reap and it was not expensive. Many hotels in Cambodia offer free Wi-fi but it is often slow, insecure and unreliable so I used a SIM card in preference while travelling in Cambodia.
Onward travel to Vietnam & Thailand
Onward travel to Vietnam and Thailand is possible by air or by land and many travellers choose to visit Vietnam or Thailand using the land border crossings rather than flying.
Overland Travel to Vietnam
Here are some options for overland travel:
Travel by riverboat to Vietnam is possible from Phnom Penh and it takes around 4 hours to reach the Vietnam border at Vinh Xuong / Chau Doc by boat.
Travel To Vietnam from Kep. If you’re travelling to Vietnam and the Mekong Delta you can easily cross the border from Kep or Kampot. From Kep, it’s around 20km (1/2 hour) to the border crossing at Ha Tien, and it’s about 1 hour from Kampot.
Kep to Phu Quoc Island takes around 4 hours, Kep to Can Tho takes around 5 hours, and Kep to Ho Chi Minh City takes 11 hours by bus.
Overland Travel to Thailand
If you’re heading to Thailand from Cambodia, the easiest way to get to Bangkok is to fly from Phnom Penh, Siem Reap or Sihanoukville.
However, the overland route to Thailand is also popular, and it involves taking a bus from Battambang to the border crossing at Poipet.
It’s also possible to catch a bus from Sihanoukville to Koh Kong (5 hours) and cross the Thai border before heading out to the Thai islands, of Koh Chang and Koh Kud.
Final Thoughts: 3 weeks in Cambodia Itinerary
Three weeks in Cambodia is the perfect amount of time to see the highlights of the country at Angkor Wat, the capital Phnom Penh and the stunning beach sunsets and gorgeous tropical islands of Cambodia’s west coast.
This varied Cambodia itinerary includes travel by bus, boat and air. The pace is unhurried and you’ll have ample time to explore the country, meet the friendly local people, sample the local food and relax on some stunning islands and beaches.
I loved visiting Cambodia and I think you will too.
You might also enjoy
The Perfect 10-Day Cambodia Itinerary
The Best Time to Travel to Cambodia & Vietnam
Visiting Angkor Wat Cambodia for the First Time
Is Sihanoukville Worth Visiting in Cambodia?
Kep or Kampot? Which Coastal Town is Best
Solo Travel in Cambodia – What You Need to Know
How to Visit Charming Battambang in Cambodia
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