Cambodia had long been on my bucket list—ever since I saw a photo of Angkor Wat bathed in the golden light of sunrise. That dream came true not once, but twice. I first visited Cambodia in November 2023, arriving by boat from Châu Đốc, Vietnam, to Phnom Penh. I returned in December 2024, this time traveling by bus from Saigon.
I’ve put together this travelogue in the hope that it will be helpful if you’re curious about Cambodia or planning your own trip. It’s divided into four detailed sections, each covering a major destination: Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, and Battambang. You’ll also find useful tips on travel, visas, the best time to visit, and must-see sights—everything you need to plan your own adventure in this Kingdom of Wonder.
And if you’re a cycling enthusiast, be sure to check out my cycling blog, where I’ve documented my entire ride across Cambodia.
A Brief History, Language & Religion
Cambodia’s story is both majestic and moving. Once the seat of the mighty Khmer Empire (9th–15th centuries), it ruled much of Southeast Asia and left behind architectural marvels like Angkor Wat—the largest religious monument in the world. The country later experienced French colonization and the devastating trauma of the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s.
Today, Cambodia is rebuilding—with resilience, dignity, and a remarkably open heart.
Language: Khmer is the official language, though English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Religion: Over 95% of Cambodians follow Theravāda Buddhism, reflected in the many temples, rituals, and the peaceful presence of monks in daily life.
Cambodia: First Impressions
My first visit coincided with Cambodia’s 70th Independence Day celebrations and Bon Om Touk, the vibrant annual Water Festival. It’s a magical time when Cambodians celebrate the end of the monsoon season and the reversal of the Tonlé Sap River’s flow back into the Mekong.
Phnom Penh: The Pulse of the Capital
Recommended stay: 1-2 days
Phnom Penh was my entry point. Once known as the “Pearl of Asia,” the city still carries that charm—though now layered with memories both beautiful and brutal. Don’t miss the Royal Palace, where the Silver Pagoda gleams with over 5,000 silver tiles, or the National Museum, home to a superb collection of Khmer sculpture and Angkorian art. You’ll also enjoy shopping for souvenirs at Central Market and taking a relaxing boat ride on the Mekong.
(All details and more are mentioned in the separate post on Phnom Penh)
Siem Reap: Gateway to the Gods
Recommended stay: 1–2 days
While most people come here for Angkor Wat, Siem Reap itself has a lot to offer. It’s lively, artsy, and full of energy. In the evenings, Pub Street comes alive with music, food, and neon lights. You can spend hours people-watching or hopping between restaurants and night markets. Don’t miss performances by the Phare Circus and the traditional Shadow Puppet Theatre, or a visit to the APOPO HeroRATs Center, where trained rats help detect landmines.
(Read more about Siem Reap by clicking this link)
Angkor Archaeological Park
Recommended: 1–3 days (depending on your interest)
A tuk-tuk tour is a great way to explore the temples of Angkor Thom. Angkor Wat is the crown jewel of Khmer architecture. Sunrise here is unforgettable, with the temple’s silhouette reflected in lotus-filled ponds. Bayon is famous for its giant stone faces—calm, smiling, and mysterious—while Ta Prohm, left in a semi-ruined state, is engulfed by tree roots. It gained fame because of the Tomb Raider movie, but its real magic lies in its haunting atmosphere. There are many more temples to explore, but these three are essential. After that, the ruins tend to feel repetitive.
( Click to read more )
Battambang: The Cultural Heartland
Recommended stay: 1-2 day
On my second visit, I took a bus to Battambang from Phnom Penh. It’s a town that blends rural charm with a growing art scene. I rode the quirky Bamboo Train through the countryside and visited Sangke Pagoda in the city. The highlight, though, was Phnom Sampeau—a limestone hill with a dark history (the Killing Caves) and a stunning bat exodus at dusk. If you love the arts, don’t miss the street art murals painted across buildings in the city center and the Phare Ponleu Selpak school, where local youth train in performance, music, and visual arts.
( More details about Battambang here )
Other Places on My List (For Next Time)
Kampot & Kep: Coastal towns with French-colonial charm, famous for pepper plantations and fresh crab.
Sihanoukville & Koh Rong Islands: Though Sihanoukville has changed due to rampant casino development, the nearby Koh Rong islands still offer crystal-clear waters.
Mondulkiri & Ratanakiri: Eastern provinces with forests, waterfalls, and elephant sanctuaries.
Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary: Home to Kaavan, the elephant famously known as the “world’s loneliest elephant,” who singer Cher helped relocated from the Islamabad Zoo in Pakistan.
Getting There
By Air: Cambodia is well connected to major Asian cities via its international airports—Phnom Penh (PNH), Siem Reap (SAI), and Sihanoukville (KOS).
By Boat: During my first visit to Phnom Penh, I took the Hàng Châu speedboat from Châu Đốc, Vietnam, along the Mekong River. The journey took around 6 hours, with brief stops at border checkpoints for immigration formalities.
By Bus: You can enter Cambodia by land from Vietnam, Thailand, or Laos. On my second visit, I crossed from Vietnam through the Bavet–Moc Bai border checkpoint by bus. The journey took around 6 hours, including about an hour for immigration procedures at both border points.
Visa for Indian Travelers
Visa on arrival: 30 days for USD 30
Bring a passport-sized photo
You can also apply online: evisa.gov.kh
Extensions are possible locally
If you overstay the fine is USD 10 a day
Note: Due to an increase in call center scams involving illegally recruited Indian nationals, Cambodian immigration officers have become more stringent with Indian travelers. It is important to carry a confirmed return ticket, and you may also be asked to provide a detailed travel itinerary and proof of hotel bookings during your stay in Cambodia.
Best Time to Visit
November–February: Best time, with dry, cool weather and blue skies
March–May: Hot season, with temperatures over 35°C
June–October: Rainy season, but lush landscapes and fewer crowds
Currency Tips
The official currency is the Cambodian Riel (KHR)
US Dollars are accepted everywhere, but bills must be clean and undamaged.
ATMs usually dispense both Riel and USD.
Keep small change handy as shops often return change in Riel.
Accommodation
From luxury hotels to budget hostels, Cambodia has it all. I found good-value accommodations in every city—clean, comfortable, and often with a warm local touch.
Cambodia is not just a country—it’s an experience that lingers in your memory. From the majesty of Angkor Wat to the buzzing streets of Phnom Penh, Cambodia is a land of contrasts—heartbreaking history, breathtaking beauty, and humbling resilience. It welcomes you with open arms and teaches you to find grace in every crack and corner. Come with curiosity. Leave with gratitude.
