This blog will be the ultimate guide on how to spend 13 days in Cambodia in a unique and personalized way. In just 13 days, we will take you through Cambodia’s hidden treasures, from the majestic temples of Angkor Wat to the vibrant markets of Phnom Penh. Each itinerary is carefully designed to provide you with an immersive experience, allowing you to delve into Cambodia’s rich history, fascinating culture, and stunning natural beauty. Join us on this unforgettable adventure and prepare to be amazed by Cambodia as you have never seen it before.
Best Itineraries for 13 Days in Cambodia
Itinerary 1: Family Adventure in Cambodia in 13 Days
Family Adventure in Cambodia in 13 Days
Day 1 – Arrival in Phnom Penh: Our driver will meet and take you to the hotel.
Day 2 – Phnom Penh City Tour: Begin with a traditional cyclo tour to visit Wat Phnom, the Royal Palace, and the Silver Pagoda. The afternoon is free to discover the Monkey Business, Kids City, or Cambodia Living Arts.
Day 3 – Visit Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center & Tonle Bati Temple: Discover the largest sun bear sanctuary in the world and taste many fresh local fruits in Tonle Bati Temple.
Day 4 – Phnom Penh – Battambang: Admire the Cambodian rural landscapes and stop at Kampong Chhnang to discover the traditional pottery. Explore the floating village of Tonle Sap Lake by boat.
Day 5 – Battambang City Tour: Opt for a countryside bike ride or a walking tour of the city, followed by a visit to Phnom Sampeau to see numerous historic caves.
Day 6 – Battambang – Banteay Chhmar: Visit the Banteay Chhmar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a picnic and end the day with an oxcart ride through the rice field.
Day 7 – Banteay Chhmar – Siem Reap: Visit a traditional Khmer village to learn about local life and trades. Then, depart for Siem Reap.
Day 8 – Siem Reap City Tour: Visit Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Ta Prohm Temple, followed by a bike tour, horseback ride, or a zipline adventure.
Day 9 – Villages of Siem Reap: Visit the Cambodian village of Ta Brak to experience local life, including an oxcart ride to the market, and joining community activities like rice planting and traditional crafts.
Day 10 – Siem Reap – Sihanoukville: Enjoy a free morning in Siem Reap to explore, shop, or relax; followed by a 1-hour flight to Sihanoukville in the afternoon.
Day 11 – Sihanoukville discovery: Begin the beach option of your stay in Cambodia with a day at the wildlife-rich Ream National Park and a visit to the secluded beach of Koh Sampouch.
Day 12 – Sihanoukville discovery: Visit the islands of Koh Chaloh, Koh Tres, and Koh Takiew for diving, fishing, and relaxing on pristine beaches.
Day 13 – Depart Sihanoukville: Enjoy a free morning until our driver takes you to the airport for a flight back home. End of 13 days in Cambodia.
Itinerary 2: Panorama of Cambodia in 13 Days
Panorama of Cambodia in 13 Days
Day 1 – Arrival in Phnom Penh: Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda if time permits.
Day 2 – Phnom Penh City Tour: Visit the National Museum and the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum. After lunch, take a hike to the Preik Eng village and discover the Russian market.
Day 3 – Phnom Penh – Takeo – Kampot: Visit Yeah Peau, Pa Prohm, and Phnom Chisor temples in Takeo. Enjoy a boat ride through canals, floating villages, and rice fields to Angkor Borei and the Phnom Da temple. End the day in Kampot by discovering its Chinese colonial architecture.
Day 4 – Kampot – Kep: Visit a fishing village and pepper plantation along the way. Explore the Kompong Trach cave and island hopping on Rabbit Island. Enjoy the beach and visit the colonial seaside resort in Kep in the afternoon.
Day 5 – Kep – Sihanoukville: Visit the caves of Phnom Chhnork, and explore the main cave near Kampot, home to a pre-Angkorian temple. Admire the impressive stalactite and stalagmite. Continue the journey to Sihanoukville in the afternoon, enjoying the white sand beach and blue water of this developing resort town.
Day 6 – Sihanoukville discovery: Discover the beach and an 11-meter-tall waterfall. Hike in the Ream National Park. Climb Krong Preah Sihanouk for sea views. Visit the bustling fish harbor and floating villages in the afternoon.
Day 7 – Sihanoukville – Phnom Penh: Have breakfast at the hotel and take advantage of the morning to swim, walk, and rest on the beach. Drive to Phnom Penh in the afternoon.
Day 8 – Phnom Penh – Kompong Chhnang – Pursat – Battambang: Leave early for Battambang via Oudong. Visit Kompong Chhang to participate in poetry making and marble carving in Pursat. Visit the colonial houses and the central market in Battambang upon arrival.
Day 9 – Battambang exploration: Visit Wat Saphon Temple and Chinese tombs. Participate in mass. Climb more than 700 steps to visit the Buddha caves and stupas atop Phnom Sampov Hill. Visit the 11th-century Wat Banandatant Temple and discover rural Cambodia by tuk-tuk.
Day 10 – Battambang – Boat to Siem Reap: Embark on a cruise on the Sangker River towards Tonle Sap Lake to Chong Khneas pier in Siem Reap.
Day 11 – Visit Angkor Thom: Start the day with a visit to the Angkor Thom Temple. In the afternoon, visit the monuments of the small circuit: Kravan, Banteay Kdei, Taphom, and Takeo.
Day 12 – Explore Siem Reap: Visit the monuments of the grand circuit: Preak Khan, Neak Pean, Mebon Oriental, and Pre-roup in the morning. In the afternoon, explore Angkor Wat – the monumental temple built in the 12th century. Admire the Khmer architecture and watch the sunset from Bakeng Hill.
Day 13 – Depart Siem Reap. End of Cambodia 13 days tour.
Itinerary 3: Family Tour to Cambodia and Vietnam in 13 Days
Day 1 – Arrival in Siem Reap: Check in at the hotel and enjoy your free time in the afternoon.
Day 2 – Explore the South Gate of Angkor Thom: Visit Bayon, Baphoun, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King. Finally, stop at Angkor Wat – one of the most significant heritage sites in Southeast Asia.
Day 3 – Explore the Great Lake: Admire the beautiful sunrise in Angkor Wat. Then, visit Pre Rup, East Mebon, Ta Som, Neak Pean, Preah Khan, and Baksei Chamkrong, etc. In the afternoon, take a boat ride to the Great Lake of Tonle Sap.
Day 4 – Visit the Small Circuit – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City: Visit the Cardamon Sanctuary – Prasat Kravan, Banteay Kdei, and Ta Prohm in the morning. Fly to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam in the afternoon.
Day 5 – Ho Chi Minh City Tour: Check out the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Ben Thanh Market, etc.
Day 6 – Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta: Visit Cai Be floating market and cruise through the magnificent canals of Vinh Long province.
Day 7 – Ho Chi Minh City – Da Nang – Hoi An: Afternoon visit the major tourist destinations of Hoi An, including the Japanese-covered Bridge, the Pottery Museum, Tan Ky Old House, etc.
Day 8 – Hoi An – Hue: Transfer to Hue over Hai Van Pass. Afternoon visiting the Imperial Citadel and the Purple Forbidden City in Hue.
Day 9 – Hue – Hanoi: Embark on a traditional cruise to through the Perfume River to admire the beautiful Thien Mu Pagoda. Then, visit Khai Dinh Mausoleum, Emperor Minh Mang’s tomb. After that, take a flight to Hanoi.
Day 10 – Hanoi City Tour: Begin at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex. Afternoon visiting Visit Museum of Ethnology.
Day 11 – Hanoi – Ha Long Bay: Embark on an overnight cruise to discover this UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vietnam: observe beautiful limestone karsts mountains, visit a floating village, go swimming & kayaking, etc.
Day 12 – Ha Long Bay – Hanoi: Disembark from the cruise at noon and return to Hanoi.
Day 13 – Depart Hanoi. End of 13 days in Cambodia and Vietnam.
>>> If you are interested in this tour program, please check here for the comprehensive itinerary. If you have already visited Vietnam, you can consider this Wonderful Trip to Laos and Cambodia in 13 days.
How to Budget Your Trip to Cambodia
How to discover Cambodia, a country rich in history and culture without emptying your wallet? Traveling on a budget does not mean you have to compromise on the experience. With a little planning and practical advice, you can explore the ancient temples of Angkor, relax on the white sand beaches of Sihanoukville, and same delicious local cuisine in Phnom Penh, all on a budget. Whether you are a backpacker or a traveler looking for a little luxury, this guide will help you get the most out of your trip to Cambodia. So, pack your luggage and join us for an unforgettable adventure in Cambodia.
Figure Out the Trip Duration
The key to a successful trip to Cambodia starts with careful planning. The duration of your trip can significantly influence your budget. Traveling in the low season, usually during the monsoon months (May to October), can allow you to benefit from significantly cheaper airfares. Plus, you will find many discounts on accommodation and tourist activities during this less busy time.
Opt for Local Transportation
A tuk-tuk in Cambodia
Once in Cambodia, immerse yourself in the authenticity of the country by opting for the local means of transportation. Tuk-tuks, characteristics of Southeast Asia, not only offer a unique cultural experience but are also very affordable for short trips. For travel between cities, consider intercity buses, which are a cheap alternative to internal flights.
Look for Affordable Accommodation
Cambodia offers a variety of cheap accommodation options, from friendly hostels to family-friendly guesthouses. To save even more, consider homestays or online booking platforms to find special deals.
- Hostels: Ideal for solo travelers or small groups. Hostels in Cambodia are not only inexpensive but also offer a social atmosphere to meet other travelers. Plus, many of them provide free services like Wi-Fi, breakfast, or even guided tours.
- Guesthouses: For those looking for a little more privacy while remaining economical, guesthouses are an excellent option. They often offer private rooms at affordable prices, with the added benefit of a welcoming atmosphere.
- Homestays: Living with a local is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Cambodian culture. These stays offer a unique perspective on the local way of life and are usually very cheap. In addition to accommodation, these experiences can include home-cooked meals and the opportunity to learn about everyday activities, such as local cuisine or traditional agriculture.
- Online booking platforms: Use online booking sites to quickly and easily compare prices and services offered by different types of accommodation. Watch for promotions or last-minute deals to save even more. Read reviews left by other travelers to get a good idea of what you can expect.
Sample Delicious Local Cuisine: A Treat at A Low Price
Cambodian food, an exquisite blend of flavors, is not only delicious but also very affordable. Explore street foods like Amok, Lok Lak, or Khmer noodle soup, all at rock-bottom prices. These dishes can be found in local markets and street stalls across the country. Not only do they offer a glimpse into Cambodia’s rich culinary culture, but they are also incredibly inexpensive, making them an ideal option for travelers on a budget.
Choose Cheap Places to Visit
Remember, the most important thing in your 13 days in Cambodia is to enjoy your trip and respect the local culture and environment.
- Angkor Wat: This is the jewel of Cambodia, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is a must-see. Although there is an entrance fee, the beauty and history of this ancient temple are well worth the cost.
- Local markets: Visiting local markets is a great way to immerse yourself in Cambodian culture. You can find a variety of local products there, from exotic fruits to traditional clothing, at very affordable prices.
- Lesser-known temples: In addition to Angkor Wat, Cambodia is home to many other ancient temples that are less visited by tourists. These temples offer a more leisurely experience and are often free or inexpensive to visit.
- Nature walks: Cambodia offers an abundance of natural beauty. Whether it is a stroll along the Mekong River, a hike in the Cardamom Mountains, or a visit to one of the country’s many national parks, there is plenty to see and do for nature lovers.
What to Eat in Cambodia?
Cambodia cuisine, once overwhelmed by the famous Thai and Vietnamese cuisines, is booming. Today, it is distinguished by a dynamic culinary scene that promotes its unique spicy dishes and authentic specialties.
Amok
Fish Amok
Being a typical dish of Khmer cuisine, Amok is a fish mousse prepared with fresh coconut milk and kroeung, a Khmer curry made with lemongrass, turmeric root, garlic, shallot, galangal, and Chinese ginger. The dish is carefully wrapped and steamed, which helps release all the delicate flavors of its ingredients. In fancier restaurants, fish amok is steamed in a banana leaf, while in more traditional places a boiled version is served, which is more like a fish curry than a mousse.
Chicken Red Curry
Cambodian chicken red curry
Cambodia’s red curry is less spicy than its Thai counterpart and is designed to please a variety of palates. It is concocted with a range of ingredients, including beef, chicken, and fish, and is garnished with peas, potatoes, and kroeung – a distinct Cambodian spice. As a sign of the country’s French heritage, this dish is often served with bread.
This tasty delicacy is usually reserved for special occasions in Cambodia, such as weddings, family gatherings, and religious celebrations.
Nom Banh Chok
Nom Banh Chok
Nom Banh Chok, also known as Khmer noodles, is an iconic Cambodian breakfast dish found on almost every street corner in the morning. This dish consists of a fish curry served with fresh rice noodles, wild herbs, and vegetables. The curry broth is rich, with a delicate balance of sweetness and umami, and a distinct citrus flavor that is so prevalent in Cambodian cuisine.
The main ingredients of Nom Banh Chok are kreung, coconut milk, mudfish, fresh rice vermicelli, crunchy vegetables, and various fresh herbs.
Hope this article on how to spend 13 days in Cambodia has inspired and given you valuable insight into what this incredible country can offer. In just 13 days, you have the opportunity to discover hidden gems, immerse yourself in rich culture, and marvel at Cambodia’s natural beauty. Whether you follow our itineraries or create your own, we are confident that your trip to Cambodia will be a lifetime experience. Contact us right now if you need more help or still have any questions.
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