19-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Cambodia
Cambodia is a dream destination for those seeking an epic journey without breaking the bank. By embracing hostel life, utilizing the extensive network of intercity buses, and feasting on $1 street noodles, you can traverse the entire country for less than the cost of a weekend in Europe. This 19-day route takes you through the heavy history of the capital, the spiritual heights of the ancient Khmer Empire, and the laid-back rhythm of the southern coast.
This itinerary is designed for the true backpacker. You will walk a lot, sleep in shared dorms, and interact with some of the friendliest locals in Southeast Asia. Prepare for dusty roads, humid afternoons, and some of the most spectacular sunrises on the planet as we cross Cambodia from top to bottom.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Phnom Penh
Arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport
Clear customs and take the airport shuttle train or a local bus into the city center to avoid high taxi fares.
Sisowath Quay Walk
Stroll along the riverside promenade where the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers meet. It is free and perfect for people-watching.
Independence Monument
View this iconic landmark built to celebrate Cambodia's independence from France. It’s beautifully lit up at dusk.
Phnom Penh Night Market (Phsar Reatrey)
Enjoy a cheap dinner of fried noodles or spring rolls while sitting on mats with the locals. Meals cost around $1.50.
Day 2: Phnom Penh - A History Lesson
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21)
A sobering but essential visit to understand Cambodia's tragic history under the Khmer Rouge. Admission is affordable for budget travelers.
Russian Market (Tuol Tom Poung)
Browse for cheap souvenirs, local textiles, and the best iced coffee in the city for under a dollar.
Wat Langka
One of the city's oldest pagodas. It offers free meditation sessions on certain days and beautiful architecture.
BKK1 Street Food Crawl
Explore the side streets of the Boeung Keng Kang 1 district for hidden street food stalls serving grilled meats and papaya salad.
Day 3: Phnom Penh - Local Markets & River Vibes
Central Market (Phsar Thmei)
Marvel at the Art Deco architecture of this landmark. Wander the gold and clock sections even if you aren't buying.
Wat Phnom
Visit the hilltop temple that gave the city its name. The park surrounding it is a cool shaded spot to rest.
National Museum (Exterior & Gardens)
The building itself is a masterpiece of Khmer architecture. Admire the exterior and the lush courtyard if the entry fee is over your daily limit.
Public Aerobics at the Statue of King Sihanouk
Join the locals for a public sunset aerobics session near the park. It’s free, fun, and very Cambodian.
Day 4: Transit to Siem Reap
Giant Ibis Bus to Siem Reap
Take the most reliable intercity bus. The 6-hour journey offers great views of the Cambodian countryside and rice paddies.
Check-in at Mad Monkey Hostel
Drop your bags at this legendary backpacker hub known for its social atmosphere and cheap dorm beds.
Siem Reap Art Night Market
A more relaxed market experience by the river. Perfect for finding hand-painted shirts and cheap local crafts.
Pub Street Sightseeing
Walk through the neon-lit heart of the city. Grab a 50-cent draft beer at one of the street-side bars.
Day 5: Siem Reap - The Small Circuit
Angkor Wat Sunrise
The quintessential Cambodian experience. Secure your 3-day pass and head to the reflection pond early.
Bayon Temple
Explore the "Temple of Faces" in Angkor Thom. Get lost in the stone corridors of these massive smiling sculptures.
Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider Temple)
Witness the power of nature as giant tree roots swallow the ancient stone ruins of this jungle temple.
Sunset at Phnom Bakheng
Hike up the hill for a panoramic view of Angkor Wat and the surrounding forest as the sun goes down.
Day 6: Siem Reap - The Grand Circuit
Preah Khan
Explore this vast monastic complex. It is less crowded than Angkor Wat and offers incredible photo opportunities.
Neak Pean
Visit the island temple set in the middle of a large wooden boardwalk. The surrounding water is incredibly peaceful.
Ta Som
A smaller, charming temple famous for the fig tree growing through its eastern gate.
East Mebon
Climb the large temple mountain decorated with impressive stone elephants at each corner.
Day 7: Siem Reap - Remote Temples
Banteay Srei
Travel 25km north to see the "Citadel of Women," famous for its intricate pink sandstone carvings.
Cambodia Landmine Museum
Learn about the ongoing efforts to clear mines in rural Cambodia. A very educational and impactful stop.
Banteay Kdei
A sprawling, semi-ruined Buddhist monastery that feels like a quiet sanctuary away from the main crowds.
Street Food at 60 Road
Join local families for a picnic at this night market. Try the fried insects if you are feeling brave!
Day 8: Siem Reap - Tonle Sap Experience
Kampong Phluk Floating Village
Take a local boat through the stilted houses and flooded forests of Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake.
Lotus Farm Visit
Stop at a local farm to see how lotus flowers are harvested and turned into sustainable textiles.
War Museum Cambodia
An outdoor museum featuring tanks, helicopters, and weaponry from the civil war years.
Phare, The Cambodian Circus
Watch an incredible performance of acrobatics and storytelling that supports local youth. Highly recommended.
Day 9: Siem Reap - Local Life & Rest
Wat Thmey (Killing Fields)
A smaller memorial pagoda in Siem Reap that serves as a reminder of the local victims of the Khmer Rouge.
Kandal Village
Explore this trendy neighborhood for cool cafes and local designer boutiques (great for window shopping).
Siem Reap River Walk
Follow the river south of the city center to find quiet parks and local shrines under massive old trees.
Pub Street Food Discovery
Hunt for the best "Amok" (Cambodian curry) at the smaller stalls located just one block away from the main strip.
Day 10: Journey to Battambang
Shared Taxi or Local Bus to Battambang
The journey takes about 3.5 hours. It’s the easiest way to reach Cambodia’s second-largest city.
Sangker River Walk
Drop your bags at a local hostel and walk along the river to see the French colonial architecture.
Psar Nat Market
The central hub of the city. It’s an authentic market where you can see the daily life of Battambang residents.
Battambang Street Food Market
Sample the local specialty, "Kralan" (sticky rice in bamboo), sold by vendors near the riverfront.
Day 11: Battambang - Caves & Rails
Bamboo Train (Norry)
Ride a unique improvised rail vehicle made of bamboo and a small engine through the countryside.
Ek Phnom Temple
Visit this 11th-century Hindu temple and the giant modern Buddha statue located right next to it.
Phnom Sampeau
Explore the mountain top temples and the Killing Caves, offering a mix of beauty and history.
The Bat Cave Exodus
Wait at the base of the mountain to watch millions of bats fly out of the cave at sunset in a massive ribbon.
Day 12: Battambang - Rural Traditions
Local Workshop Tour
Visit families making rice paper, dried bananas, and rice wine. Most workshops are free to enter if you buy a small snack.
Wat Banan
Climb the 358 steps to this temple which is often called a mini-version of Angkor Wat.
Mrs. Bun Roeung's Ancient House
A beautifully preserved traditional Khmer wooden house. The family offers tours for a small donation.
Dinner at Jaan Bai
A social enterprise restaurant. While slightly pricier, it’s a great place to support local culinary students.
Day 13: The Long Road to Kampot
Morning Bus to Phnom Penh
The first leg of the journey south. Enjoy the changing landscape as you head back through the capital.
Connection Bus to Kampot
Transfer to a mini-bus for the final 3-hour stretch to the riverside town of Kampot.
Kampot Riverside Sunset
Relax by the Praek Tuek Chhu river. The view of the Elephant Mountains in the distance is stunning.
Kampot Night Market
Located near the Durian Roundabout, this market is great for cheap local meals and affordable clothes.
Day 14: Kampot - Pepper & Salt
La Plantation Pepper Farm
Take a free tour of an organic pepper farm. Kampot pepper is world-famous and the farm is beautiful.
Secret Lake (Brung Karst)
A man-made irrigation dam that has become a popular local swimming and picnic spot.
Kampot Salt Fields
See how salt is harvested from seawater in the vast fields just outside of town. It's incredibly photogenic at sunset.
Old Market District
Explore the charming streets of the colonial center, filled with small galleries and quirky shops.
Day 15: Kampot - Bokor Mountain
Bokor National Park Drive
Ride up the winding roads of the mountain. The air gets much cooler as you gain altitude.
The Old Catholic Church
Explore the eerie, abandoned French colonial church that sits on the edge of the plateau.
Le Bokor Palace (Abandoned Hotel)
See the massive former casino and hotel. It has been renovated recently but still retains a haunting atmosphere.
Popokvil Waterfall
A two-tier waterfall within the park that is best visited during or just after the rainy season.
Day 16: Kep - Crabs & Butterflies
Local Bus to Kep
A short 30-minute hop to the neighboring coastal town of Kep.
Kep Crab Market
Watch local women pull crab baskets from the ocean. You can buy fresh crab and have it cooked on the spot with green pepper.
Kep National Park Hike
Take the 8km loop trail through the jungle. It is well-marked and offers glimpses of the Gulf of Thailand.
Kep Butterfly Garden
A small, free-entry garden (donations welcome) where you can see many of Cambodia's native butterfly species.
Day 17: To the Islands - Koh Rong Samloem
Van to Sihanoukville
Travel to the port city to catch the ferry. The road has improved significantly recently.
Speed Ferry to Koh Rong Samloem
Head to the quieter, more budget-friendly sister island of Koh Rong. Saracen Bay is the main drop-off point.
Check-in at M'Pai Bay
This is the backpacker village on the island. It has the cheapest food and accommodation options.
Bioluminescent Plankton Swim
Wait until it's pitch black, then wade into the water at M'Pai Bay to see the glowing plankton. It’s free and magical.
Day 18: Koh Rong Samloem - Jungle & Sand
Hike to Lazy Beach
Take a 40-minute jungle walk across the island to reach this secluded and pristine beach.
Snorkeling off the Pier
You don't need a boat; just jump off the local pier at M'Pai Bay with a mask to see colorful fish.
Sunset at Clearwater Bay
Another short hike or boat hop to one of the most untouched beaches on the island.
Backpacker BBQ at M'Pai Bay
Join a communal BBQ for $5-6, which is a great way to meet fellow travelers on your last island night.
Day 19: Return to Phnom Penh & Depart
Morning Ferry to Mainland
Catch the early boat back to Sihanoukville to ensure you have enough time for the journey back to the capital.
Express Bus to Phnom Penh
The new expressway has cut travel time to the capital down to just 2.5 hours.
Last-Minute Souvenirs at Orussey Market
A truly local market where you can find everything from household goods to cheap traditional snacks.
Departure from Phnom Penh International
Head to the airport for your flight home, concluding your epic 19-day Cambodian journey.
Best Time to Visit Cambodia
The best time to visit Cambodia is during the dry season, from November to April. November to February is the peak season when the weather is mild and pleasant, making it perfect for temple exploring. March and April can become incredibly hot, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C. The rainy season (May to October) brings lush green landscapes and fewer crowds, but be prepared for afternoon downpours that can occasionally flood dirt roads.
Currency & Money
Cambodia operates on a dual-currency system. While the official currency is the Cambodian Riel (KHR), the US Dollar (USD) is used for almost all transactions. Small change is usually given in Riel (e.g., $1 = 4,000 Riel). ATMs are widespread in cities but charge high fees ($4-$6 per withdrawal), so many backpackers bring cash. Tipping is not mandatory but highly appreciated by tuk-tuk drivers and waitstaff; rounding up the bill is a common practice.
Getting Around Cambodia
Intercity travel is best handled by buses and minivans. Companies like Giant Ibis and Larryta offer reliable, air-conditioned services between major hubs like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. For a more local experience, shared taxis are common. Within cities, the "PassApp" or "Grab" apps are essential for booking tuk-tuks at fair, fixed prices. There is also a limited but scenic train service connecting Phnom Penh to Kampot and Sihanoukville that is worth considering for a slow-travel experience.
