Content [Switch to sidebar]

How Long To Spend In Cambodia ? Best Itinerary In Cambodia

Cambodia is not only limited to the imposing Angkor Wat. From majestic Khmer temples to sun-drenched islands, through verdant rice fields and bustling markets, every moment is a cultural and human immersion. Each traveler finds a different facet here, between culture, adventure and relaxation. But how long to spend in Cambodia to fully enjoy it ? Should you plan only a few days or rather devote several weeks to explore this fascinating kingdom ? In reality, each option has its advantages, from the extended weekend to the 3-week adventure. With Autour Asia, I propose to you clear and practical circuit ideas to best organize your trip to Cambodia and fully enjoy every moment.

I. Why choose to visit Cambodia ?

Cambodia, a country of grand temples, is not limited to a simple exotic getaway. Indeed, if Angkor Wat and the Khmer temples are a dream for lovers of history and architecture, they are only a first gateway to a country with many other faces. After the splendor of the vestiges, Phnom Penh displays its energy in a celebratory mood with its night markets. Further down south, the coast shows a different face: Kep and Sihanoukville to lounge on sunny beaches, and to the east, Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri to embark on an adventure in the heart of still wild nature. And to top off this idyllic scene, the Gulf of Thailand islands, turquoise water edged with palm trees. Convenient and cheap to get to, Cambodia offers up authenticity, warm hospitality and delicious food, leaving travelers with just one question: how long to spend in Cambodia to make the most of so many wonders ?

II. How many days to visit Cambodia ?

The ideal duration in Cambodia to offer will essentially depend on your desires and the total number of days you have. In my opinion, a short stay to cover one or two destinations from your list is perfect for any interested adventurer. On the way back, you could also book a week of vacation to add a few days of good rest as variations of long bus journeys.

1. Short trip to Cambodia: 3 to 4 days to discover the essentials

If you only have 3 or 4 days, do not be discouraged: even a short trip can be rich. Cambodia has this ability to captivate you from the very first hours. Perhaps the Angkor Temple will make you travel gloriously into the jungle in Siem Reap. The golden palaces contrast with the popular markets there, while modernity and tradition blend in Phnom Penh. Everything is so fast, you almost have no time left, each journey here is full of adventures. Of course, 3 days is short. You will see only a small part of the country. But this brief immersion has something magical: it makes you want to come back, for longer, to continue the journey where you left it. Finally, when one wonders how long to spend in Cambodia, one realizes that even a few days are enough to awaken the desire to return.

- Advantages: perfect for a first glimpse of Cambodia. In only a few days, you live a concentrated and intense experience, which can easily be integrated into a combined trip with Vietnam or Thailand.

- Disadvantages: the pace is quite sustained and you will see only a very limited part of the country. This short stay focuses on the must-sees, leaving aside the more hidden regions.

2. Medium trip to Cambodia (7 – 10 days)

7 to 10 days will probably suit you well. This will give you enough time to sit in Phnom Penh, grasp a bit of its history and the atmosphere of life on the river, and then tie up for Siem Reap. Angkor, of course, but also the surrounding countryside, the floating villages and the night markets. Then, to balance everything, nothing is better than a few days in Kampot or Kep, between nature and sea, fragrant pepper and peaceful sunsets. You will be able to travel without rushing, discover difficult landscapes and always reserve enough time to really breathe. Of course, when planning longer travel itineraries, some regions will not be able to be visited, but such a Cambodia travel itinerary duration you will gain the perfect beauty, the perfect balance between diverse experiences and a pause that still makes sense.

- Advantages: an ideal duration to visit Cambodia. You have the time to enjoy Phnom Penh, to explore the temples of Angkor and even to relax a few days by the sea. The pace remains pleasant and balanced, without the impression of running.

- Disadvantages: despite everything, ten days are not enough to go everywhere. The more remote regions like Mondulkiri or Ratanakiri will still have to wait for a next trip.

3. Long trip to Cambodia (2 to 3 weeks or more) – A total immersion

2 to 3 weeks in Cambodia is a promise of total immersion. You have the time to live in the country, not only to visit it. After Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, you will be able to discover Battambang and its traditional villages before continuing to the east, into the mountains of Mondulkiri or Ratanakiri, still wild and where every contact with the population is precious. Finally, the coast and the islands, such as Koh Rong, will be for you the occasion of a serious relaxing break in the middle of fine sand and turquoise water. Traveling long is to grant yourself the luxury of slowing down, of sitting to talk, of tasting local dishes without hurrying. Yes, this is associated with a certain time and an additional cost, but the emotions at high speed and the intimacy with the country – all this has no price. So, when it comes to how long to spend in Cambodia, a long trip is the most meaningful choice.

- Advantages: it is the perfect formula for a complete immersion. You can combine great classics and more secret corners, take the time to meet the inhabitants, taste the local cuisine and travel at a truly relaxed pace. It is the trip that allows you to live Cambodia from the inside.

- Disadvantages: it is of course necessary to plan more time and a larger budget. The journeys between certain regions can also be a bit long, but they are part of the adventure.

III. Best circuits in Cambodia according to the duration

1. What to see in 4 days in Cambodia ?

After having seen the advantages and the limits of a short trip, let us take a concrete example to better imagine what this represents. Even with only 4 days in Cambodia, it is entirely possible to live a rich and varied experience.

In this case, it is possible to limit the visits to only two points: the dynamic and history-rich capital, Phnom Penh, and the gateway to the temples of Angkor, Siem Reap. In Phnom Penh, you will visit some emblematic monuments and feel the unique atmosphere on the banks of the Mekong.

Then, Siem Reap allows you to visit all the main temples and to enjoy the liveliness in the city center. Depending on the time available, a small cruise on the Tonlé Sap will perfectly conclude this short but rich trip, by offering a glimpse of the daily life of the inhabitants. Despite everything, a trip of a short duration in Cambodia would arouse the interest to discover all these riches at leisure. Still hesitating about how long to spend in Cambodia ? Rest assured, a few days are enough to fall under its charm.

Read more: 7 days tour to Phnom Penh Siem Reap

2. 10-day itinerary in Cambodia

Having 10 days places you in the category of the most balanced circuits. Indeed, it is the perfect moment to balance cultural imperatives with calmer and more authentic stages. If you are wondering which is the best itinerary in Cambodia for such a duration, I propose that this 10-day itinerary in Cambodia clearly illustrates what you actually expect.

You begin with Siem Reap and the temples of Angkor. The sunrise over Angkor Wat and the visit of the temples of Angkor Thom, Bayon or Ta Prohm characterize the first days. Then comes the discovery of the Cambodian countryside, a floating village of the Tonle Sap and the next destination – the charming provincial town full of charm.

The trip finally ends with the discovery of the local production of Kampong Chhnang, then with nature, a pause in Kirirom National Park accompanied by hidden waterfalls and forests. Then, you can relax on the coast: Sihanoukville as well as the typical beaches of Koh Rong Samloem before returning to Phnom Penh to end the vacation. In 10 days in Cambodia, you go from ancient temples to sunbathing beaches, observe the soul of the country and appreciate the softness of the landscapes, a fine example to know how long to spend in Cambodia and enjoy a perfect balance between culture, nature and relaxation.

Learn more: 1 week itinerary in Cambodia

3. 3-week itinerary in Cambodia – Complete immersion and varied discoveries

In reality, if you have 3 weeks or more, you have in your hands the ideal duration to truly dive into the soul of this country. From this perspective, visiting Cambodia in 3 weeks in response to how long to spend in Cambodia therefore seems the perfect choice for someone who wishes to live a rich and complete journey, mixing culture, nature and human warmth.

A typical itinerary begins in Phnom Penh, to lay the groundwork between history and contemporary life. Then you continue to Kratie, where a peaceful break observing Irrawaddy dolphins and bike riding on the island of Koh Trong. Then, make your way to Mondulkiri: jungle, waterfalls and meetings with the Bunong community add a wild and human dimension to the trip.

On the descent, Kampong Cham is quaint with its bamboo bridge and its little-visited temples, before arriving in Siem Reap and the temples of Angkor, which are the highlights of the journey. Then the journey continues to Battambang, where country traditions merge with artistic creativity. Finally the remainder of the trip is between Sihanoukville and Koh Rong with its beaches and crystal blue waters and laid back vibe, and Phnom Penh.

In 3 weeks, this itinerary in Cambodia becomes much more than a trip: it is a complete immersion where each region reveals a unique facet of the country, and where each moment contributes to weaving an unforgettable memory.

More details: 2 weeks in Cambodia in november

IV. Practical information for a stay in Cambodia

1. When to go to best enjoy Cambodia ?

Before planning your itinerary, it is important to know the best time to visit Cambodia, because the climate can totally transform the experience of your trip.

• From November to March, it is the dry season: the sky is blue, the days pleasant and it is the ideal moment to visit the temples of Angkor, stroll in Phnom Penh or also relax on the southern beaches.
• Between April and May, the heat becomes intense, with temperatures that can climb up to 38°C. Traveling remains possible, but it is necessary to plan regular breaks, favor visits early in the morning and always keep water at hand.
• From June to October, it is the rainy season. Showers are often brief but powerful, and certain roads can be more difficult. On the other hand, the landscapes become a brilliant green, the rice fields are magnificent, the prices more affordable and the sites much less crowded.

In summary, each period has its advantages: it all depends if you prefer the comfort of a dry climate or the wilder beauty of the green season.

2. How to get around easily inside the country ?

When preparing your itinerary, one often thinks about how to get around Cambodia, but it is just as important to anticipate your movements inside the country. Distances may seem short on the map, yet journeys sometimes take more time than expected. Here are the main options to know:

• Domestic flights: fast and practical (Phnom Penh – Siem Reap about 45 min), ideal to save time on a short trip.
• Buses and minivans: economical (5–6h between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh), but the road can be tiring. Choose recognized companies like Giant Ibis or Mekong Express.
• Private transfer: more expensive, but much more comfortable and flexible, perfect for families or small groups.
• Train: limited network, but one line connects Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville. It is slow but pleasant to admire the landscapes.
• Tuk-tuk and motorcycle taxis: practical and cheap for short trips in the city or around the temples.

Tip: combine a domestic flight (from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap) with land transport for the other stages – it is often the best compromise between time and budget.

3. What budget to plan according to the duration of your trip ?

Cambodia is an affordable destination, but the budget will depend a lot on the duration of your trip and the comfort sought:

• Short trip: count about $270 – $430 for a comfortable hotel, local meals and the visit of the must-sees (Phnom Penh and Siem Reap).
• Medium trip: plan $640 – $960 if you add excursions (Tonlé Sap, Kampot or Battambang), some internal trips and a charming accommodation.
• Long trip: around $1280 – $2140, depending on the level of comfort (seaside resorts, private tours, diving in Koh Rong, trekking in Mondulkiri).

Overall, Cambodia remains more affordable than its neighbors like Thailand or Vietnam, while offering excellent value for money.

4. Extra tips to travel to Cambodia with peace of mind

A few practical details can really make your life easier once there:

• Visa: easy to obtain online, the e-visa costs about $32. A few clicks and it’s done.
• Currency: the US dollar is accepted everywhere, alongside the Cambodian riel. Always keep some small bills with you, very practical in daily life.
• Clothing: choose light clothes adapted to the heat, and plan a scarf or a shawl to cover shoulders and knees when visiting the temples.
• Internet: no connection problem, local SIM cards (Metfone, Smart) are inexpensive and easy to find.

In conclusion, the true answer to the question of how long to spend in Cambodia really depends on what you want and what you can do. Whether you opt for a brief few days or 3 weeks in Cambodia, a good itinerary in Cambodia always includes unforgettable experiences: mythical temples, diverse landscapes, floating villages and heavenly beaches. With Autour Asia, a local travel agence in Cambodia, you can plan your trip worry-free with itineraries tailored to every pace and budget. It is not just the number of days that matter, but how you live them.

Related articles:

- Vietnam Cambodia Laos 15-day travel itinerary
- 3 weeks in Thailand Cambodia Vietnam
- What to pack for Cambodia
- Cambodia Travel Guide
- Cambodia Tours
- Cambodia tours itinerary 2 weeks