Cambodia
“In Cambodia, time lingers in temple stones and whispers through the jungle, ancient, enduring, unforgettable.”
Cambodia
Why should you discover Cambodia when traveling through Southeast Asia? During our Asia tour in 2024, Cambodia was one of the countries we were most curious about.
Once again, we were lucky enough to stay for a few days in Phnom Penh through a housesit, an experience that allowed us to feel right at home in the heart of the city.
Even more special: we happened to be there during the annual Water Festival, and what a celebration it was. The entire city came alive with dragonboat races, music, colours, and smiles.
From Phnom Penh, where we also visited the deeply moving Killing Fields, we continued our journey by bus to Siem Reap. We spent several days in this laid-back town, using it as a base to explore the world-famous Angkor Wat and its surrounding temples. The sheer scale and spiritual power of the site left a lasting impression.
In total, we spent about ten days in Cambodia, which felt just right for what we wanted to see and experience. And as a bonus: Cambodia connects easily to neighbouring countries, especially Vietnam, making it a great link in any Southeast Asia itinerary.
On this page, you will find our full story, from the joy of the Water Festival to the silence of remembrance at the Killing Fields. From the peaceful vibe of Siem Reap to the breathtaking temples of Angkor Wat. Read our tips, follow our route, and discover Cambodia for yourself.
Discover Cambodia
Khmer
Cambodian Riel
Warm to Hot
UTC +7
Discover Cambodia, a country where ancient history, vibrant traditions, and laid-back travel days blend into a truly unforgettable experience. With two weeks, we discovered just how much this destination has to offer, enough to be deeply moved, warmly welcomed, and left wanting more.
We started our journey in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s energetic capital. Thanks to a housesit, we stayed in a local neighborhood and could experience the city at a slower, more personal pace. By coincidence, or luck, we were there during the Bon Om Touk, the Cambodian Water Festival. It marks the reversal of the Tonlé Sap River’s flow, and the entire city celebrates with colourful boat races, food stalls, music, and community spirit. It was festive, chaotic, and unforgettable with millions of people celebrating.
Beyond the festival, Phnom Penh revealed a layered story. The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda shine with elegance and heritage, while the streets of Boeung Keng Kang and Riverside show a lively mix of cafés, colonial architecture, and Khmer street life. But the city also carries heavy history. A visit to the Killing Fields left us quiet and reflective, an emotional experience we believe every visitor should take the time to understand.
After a few days in Phnom Penh, we boarded a comfortable bus northward to Siem Reap. The pace changed completely. Siem Reap is warm, walkable, and has something for every kind of traveler. Each evening, the streets around the night market came alive with food stalls, live music, and colourful energy. It is a perfect base for exploring, resting, or wandering aimlessly.
The highlight, of course, was our full-day visit to Angkor Wat, starting before sunrise. With a private guide and driver, we explored not only Angkor Wat itself, but also nearby temples like Bayon and Ta Prohm. Having someone to drive us between sites made all the difference, it kept the hot and humid day relaxed, immersive, and incredibly rewarding.
In just under two weeks, Cambodia gave us joy, depth, beauty, and a sense of quiet awe. Whether you are visiting for temples, history, culture, or the laid-back atmosphere, Cambodia is a destination that leaves a mark.
Use our stories and tips to plan your journey and discover Cambodia your own way.