I admit I had mixed feelings before visiting Cambodia. But this country completely changed my perspective. From the weight of its history to its spiritual heart and stunning beaches, Cambodia offers something that truly touches your soul.
✈️ Getting There
There are two main entry points for international travelers: Phnom Penh, the capital city, and Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor Wat. Both cities have international airports with good connectivity.
If you can find a direct flight to Siem Reap, take it—it'll save you precious time. You can even book separate one-way tickets to arrive in one city and depart from the other, avoiding backtracking. I flew in from Hanoi straight to Siem Reap, and it was the perfect choice.
The visa process is simple. Apply for an eVisa through the official portal or get one on arrival for around $35 USD. Carry exact change if paying cash. Don't forget to fill out the Cambodia Arrival Card at least a day before your trip.
🌿 Welcome to the Khmer Land
The 25 km drive from Siem Reap Airport to the city center costs about $30 USD. The route winds through lush countryside and rural villages, a wonderful first impression of the country. You can use Grab or arrange a hotel pickup.
Stay near the Siem Reap Market for easy access to shops, cafes, and the city's lively atmosphere.
🛕 Day 1: First Impressions of Siem Reap
Spend your evening exploring Siem Reap Market and Pub Street. It's vibrant but not overwhelming, perfect for your first night in Cambodia. Try local Cambodian food at the market or nearby restaurants. If you're cautious about street food, stick to busier, cleaner stalls or order via Grab.
🌅 Day 2: Where History Breathes – Angkor Wat
This day will stay with you forever. Book the sunrise tour at Angkor Wat—pickup starts around 4:00 a.m. Watching the first light spill over those ancient towers is pure magic.
Your guide will bring centuries of history to life, the carvings, the symmetry, and the sheer scale of this 12th-century temple complex. If you have time, return for the sunset tour—the golden light over Bayon Temple is mesmerizing.
After the tour, unwind at Pub Street or join a local food-tasting tour to explore authentic Cambodian cuisine. (Vegetarians, you might want to skip some of the bolder dishes!)
🏞️ Day 3: Mountains and Magic
Head to the Kulen Mountain range for breathtaking views and waterfalls, one of the most scenic spots in Cambodia. Later, visit Ta Prohm Temple, where giant roots of ancient trees intertwine with stone ruins, a scene straight out of Tomb Raider.
🚍 Day 4: Journey to the Capital
Take the bus from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. It's slower than flying but worth it for the changing landscapes and glimpses of everyday life.
Once in Phnom Penh, stroll along Sisowath Quay and enjoy the vibrant energy by the Tonle Sap River. At night, the Royal Palace glows in gold, and a walk to Wat Botum Park reveals quiet moments of history and reflection.
🕊️ Day 5: Confronting Cambodia's Past
Visit the Killing Fields Museum, a sobering but essential experience to understand the nation's tragic history under the Khmer Rouge. Later, balance it with visits to the Royal Palace, Wat Phnom, and the National Museum of Cambodia to see the country's artistic and spiritual revival.
End your day at the Phnom Penh Night Market—perfect for souvenirs, local snacks, and music under the open sky.
💬 Final Thoughts
There are countless places to explore in Cambodia, but nothing compares to Angkor Wat. The smiling stone faces of Bayon, the roots of Ta Prohm, and the timeless energy of this land make it impossible to leave unchanged.
In every step through these sacred ruins, Cambodia reminds you that even after the darkest times, beauty, faith, and humanity endure.
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