You can fly between the main cities in Cambodia, however, we decided to take the slow route and travel around Cambodia by bus and train. We made this decision for two reasons:

• Firstly, it offers a great insight into daily life. We wanted to see more of the country and to pass through those small towns, villages and farmlands.
• Secondly, we weren’t worried about splashing a little cash, but we wanted to do that on other experiences. Taking the bus instead of a flight makes it much, much cheaper.

The downside, of course, is the time it takes. Most internal Cambodian flights take 1-2 hours, whereas the buses take 6 – 8 on most routes. Saying that, we were happy to take this time to relax, look out the window and enjoy the scenery.

Important Travel Tips For Cambodia

Train Travel in Cambodia

In Cambodia, there is a small train network, which has undergone some redevelopment in recent times, the vision is that its network forms part of the trans-Asian rail network, for now, these are the main routes:

• Between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville
  • Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville – Once daily
  • Trains from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh – Once daily
• Between Phnom Penh and Poipet
  • Phnom Penh to Poipet services currently terminates in Battambang – Once daily
  • No services between Poipet and Battambang. Train services from Battambang to Poipet operate once a day every day.
• Phnom Penh to Airport – Not Operating – Book a taxi or airport transfer via 12Go

Between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. We recommend travelling this route by train, simply to experience the journey. It’s slower than the bus, however, it’s far more enjoyable and we found it pretty comfortable, the seats are surprisingly roomy, if not a little firm, be prepared though, there is no aircon, but the windows open.

As you depart central station, you pass through the suburbs of Phnom Penh, before moving into open fields and farmland. The train also stops in Takeo and Kampot, before reaching its final destination. Trains currently run once a day from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville on Fri, Sat and Sun, and on Sat and Sun (twice) in the opposite direction; the full route takes around 7hr.

Side Note: Norry – Bamboo Railway in Battambang

If you don’t want to spend time on the train, a more unique or should I say possibly equally unique option is to check out the Norry – Bamboo Railway in Battambang. Take a trip on the quirky bamboo railway in Battambang also known as Norry, when you get to Battambang.

Bus Travel in Cambodia

Buses are the cheapest – and also usually the most convenient – way of getting around Cambodia, connecting all major cities and towns. All buses are privately run, and operated by a growing number of companies. Mekong Express and Virak Buntham are two of the largest, whilst Giant Ibis and Thero Express run a more modern service. Giant Ibis has the best safety record and operates a service between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Rith Mony and Angkor Express both have bad safety records and should be avoided. In terms of service, most buses have A/C and will stop at a rest station along the route. Make sure you don’t wander too far, or the driver will leave without you!

Buses generally arrive and depart from their respective company offices. Unfortunately, this means that there are no central bus stations or suchlike at which to get centralised consolidated travel information about timetables and fares for Cambodia, which is precisely why ride-share and booking apps such as Grab and GoJek exist. Buses generally arrive and depart from their respective company offices.

Minibuses, which leave from local transport stops, provide the main alternative to buses, at a similar price. These generally serve the same routes as buses, and also run some routes and go to some destinations not served by bus.

Visa for Cambodia

To enter Cambodia as a foreign visitor, a valid passport is a must. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date. Visitors to Cambodia must obtain a visa unless they are citizens of one of the visa-exempt countries.

There is an electronic visa, which you can apply for depending on the port of entry, through which you enter the country. The Cambodia e-Visa is available to citizens of all countries worldwide. This visa can only be applied for online. It is a single-entry visa, valid for 30 days from the date of entry into Cambodia. It has a validity of 3 months, starting from the date of issue, for you to commence your stay.

The E-Visa can only be used at the following points of entry

Additionally, Cambodia has implemented an electronic Arrival Card. If you’re flying into Cambodia, you must complete and submit the Cambodia e-Arrival Card within 7 days before arrival

Staying Safe and Healthy in Cambodia

Cambodian animals are carriers of rabies. Rabies is fatal without immediate treatment. A Rabies vaccination before travelling to Cambodia is something you should consider. However, if an animal scratches or bites you, even if you have received the pre-travel vaccination, get medical attention straight away.

Outbreaks of hand, foot and mouth disease are common in Cambodia. Other food-borne, waterborne, parasitic and infectious diseases include hepatitis, tuberculosis and typhoid. Drink only boiled or bottled water, and avoid raw or undercooked food. Another point to remember is to not swim in freshwater due to the risk of Schistosomiasis (also known as bilharzia), a parasitic infection that is transmitted to humans through contact with fresh water.

Best 14-Day Cambodia Itinerary

Phnom Penh – Cambodia’s Capital – Day 1 & 2

Where To Stay In Phnom Peng

The Riverfront District is the best neighbourhood in Phnom Penh to stay in if you’re visiting for the first time. Phnom Penh’s Riverside is part of Khan Doun Penh, a large district that stretches along the Tonlé Sap from the Japanese Bridge all the way to the Independence Monument. This area is also home to popular and renowned landmarks and attractions, including Wat Ounolom, the National Museum and the Central Market. This vibrant riverfront area is home to an excellent selection of restaurants, shops and bars that will entertain travellers of all ages, interests and budgets. This area is walking distance from all the main attractions but a touch quieter and less touristy which makes it the best area to stay in Phnom Penh for first-time visitors. You can find some great budget accommodations here as well as several highly rated resorts. However, it’s important to know that it’s not the safest at night.

Siem Reap – Cambodia’s Gateway to Temples – Day 3 – 5

Where To Stay In Siem Reap

There are many places to stay in Siem Reap catering to all budgets and travel styles. Siem Reap is also a great destination if you are travelling on a budget. And if you aren’t travelling on a budget, you’re stoked because you get luxury hotels for a fraction of the price. The best place to stay for first-timers is the Old French Quarter. The Old French Quarter can be found west of the Siem Reap River that runs through town. There are numerous shops, restaurants and cafes and you can easily spend the morning shopping and eating your way through the French Quarter. Laid out like a grid it’s easy to navigate and wander in and out of the narrow streets. The area has a lot of charm and is full of colonial buildings and French architecture. Here you’ll find the city’s top attractions such as the grand Royal Residence and Royal Gardens. However, the Old French Quarter is pretty popular! Since it’s set right in the centre of Siem Reap, everyone wants to stay here, which means that hotels are booked up fast.

Top Tip: When deciding where to stay in Siem Reap, make sure to find accommodation with a pool. You’ll be happy to relax by the pool after a day of temple hopping in the hot sun.

Battambang – Cambodia’s Most Underrated City – Day 6 & 7

Where To Stay Krong Battambang

Battambang has become increasingly popular in recent years, however, compared to other Cambodian destinations it remains relatively under-visited. The increase in traveller numbers has led to a range of places to stay cropping up, with options to suit any visitor and budget. Where to stay in Battambang depends on what kind of holiday you want. If you want to get away from it all, there are beautiful boutique hotels in colonial-style mansions and atmospheric wooden houses with stunning pools. If you want something cheap and cheerful, you’ll find that too in no-frills city centre hotels. The bustling market, coffee shops and best restaurants are all based on the river’s west bank in the city centre, and this is where several of the most popular hotels are based.

Kep – Escaping the Crowds – Day 8

Where To Stay In Kep

Despite Kep being quiet, there are a whole load of accommodation options to choose from, ranging from budget to high-end. While most choose to stay in the middle of the city due to its proximity to the Crab Market and the abandoned mansions, there is also the option of staying a little further out, close to Kep National Park. Bear in mind that if you are on the main road which connects Kampot to Kep, it could be as much as a half-hour walk to the Crab Market.

Koh Rong – Cambodia’s Most Popular Island – Day 9 & 10

Where to Stay on Koh Rong

While not a huge island, Koh Rong can be tricky to navigate due to a lack of roads so it’s important to pick carefully where to stay. There are a few different areas to stay when choosing hotels in Koh Rong. You can stay in town which is the first ferry stop or you can stay at a nicer resort in Koh Rong which will more than likely be the second stop on the ferry. Kaoh Touch Beach or the bottom of Long Set Beach are great areas to stay on the island as they are within walking distance of the main area of restaurants and bars. We stayed in Koh Touch Village the first night and switched to a nicer resort for the remainder of our stay. It was an easy way to get our bearings after a long day of travel on the first day. Here are a few options on where to stay in town on Koh Rong Island.

Koh Rong Sanloem Island – Cambodia’s Best Relaxing Beach – Day 11 & 12

Where to Stay on Koh Rong Sanloem

One option is MPai-Bay on the north of the island. The beautiful cove is surrounded by many stunning beaches and accommodation here is the most affordable on the island. There is great nightlife and cheap places to eat and drink nearby. This is the area to stay in if you are a backpacker who wants to meet new people and socialise.

Another option is on the east coast of Koh Rong Sanloem called Saracene Bay. If you are a family or a couple who want better service, a nice hotel room and a classic holiday island experience, then the best place to stay would be here. Also, Saracen Bay is famous for its wide, fine, white sand beach. Saracen Bay is the best place to stay on Koh Rong Samloem for convenience, however, this means it can also get very busy, especially during peak season.

The third option is Sunset Beach. Located on the western side of the island, this area is a favourite among hippies and divers. It’s great for travellers who prefer a quieter setting and a slower pace of life, as well as that classic Southeast Asia hippie vibe. As you’re likely to have gathered from its name, this spot is a fantastic place to catch one of Koh Rong Samloem’s sunsets! Once upon a time, the only way to reach Sunset Beach was by foot on a challenging jungle track. While you can still walk there from Saracen Bay, the journey is now much easier, with roads some of the way and ropes to assist with the descent down the jungle track. However, bear in mind that this route would be difficult to navigate with a suitcase! Boat taxis also go to Sunset Beach from Saracen Bay and M’Pai Bay.

Kampot – Cambodia’s Riverside City – Day 13

Where To Stay in Kampot

In town: The central part of Kampot town is on the eastern bank of the river. It’s where you’ll find most cafes, restaurants and bars. I highly recommend staying in town if you plan on eating out a lot. If you want to be right in the thick of it, choose a hotel close to Old Market Street or the Durian Roundabout.

Thvi: Located on the opposite side of the river, the Thvi area is still close to the main centre of town, but it’s a bit quieter. You can find some really nice riverside accommodations north of the bridge, and a few beachfront resorts to the south.

Riverfront North: Most bungalows and riverside accommodation is located outside of town along the northern part of the river. If you’ve come to Kampot to relax, swim or kayak, then this is the place to stay. It’s a bit of a way into town (about a 20-minute tuk-tuk ride), so you’ll probably end up eating most meals at your accommodation. Take this into consideration when booking. Definitely a ‘flop and drop’ location.

Phnom Penh – Day 15

If you have already taken the time to explore Phnom Penh and its temples and museums, then you could spend some time checking out the best cafes in Phnom Penh. While much of Phnom Penh’s history is very sad, there is a happier side, and this can be shown through the other spots of the city.

Most travellers will be moving on from Cambodia, and From Phnom Penh, you have a few options. It’s easy to head into Vietnam from here, either on a sleeper bus to Ho Chi Minh City or a day bus to the Mekong Delta. You can also take a sleeper bus to Bangkok. Or head north, to Pakse in Laos and start a Laos adventure.