Cambodia tips

[GoogleWhacking]

Just booked Cambodia for 2. 5 weeks in February, flying into Siem Reap and back from Phenm Phom. I was thinking 3 nights Siem Reap, 4 nights in Phenm Phom then, 4 nights Koh Rong, 4 nights Koh Rong Shaleom then back to Phenm Phom for a night before we leave.

Anyone any thoughts? Recommendations? Bits to avoid, hotels we can't miss etc?

Oh you’ll love it! I would add an extra night to siem reap and less time in PP as I found it a little duller in comparison. The people of Cambodia are just wonderful.

Oooh, cos. What did you do in Siem Reap? I thought we might get bored after a while.

We have been to Thailand a few times and loved it!

We did lots of temples, a day trip out to rice fields and waterfalls, spent time exploring SR.
it had a very villagey feel but a bouncing pub street.
I was actually bored in PP! Would recommend the killing fields which are harrowing but I’ve never forgotten them.

ive just checked and we visited Mount Kulen which was great.

Amazing thank you. I really want to go to the killing fields and genocide museum. As you say, no doubt harrowing but I think a must do

Following with interest. We're doing a Vietnam/Cambodia/Mekong cruise package soon, but will have free time in some places.

It will be good to see what is recommended.

I think you’ve got a pretty good balance there. I know a lot of tourists spend most of their time in Siem Reap, mainly for the temples (do go and see the anti-mining rats while you’re there - they’re adorable, and doing a great job), but as a city lover I’d agree with spending equal time in PP just enjoying the vibe plus the excellent cafes and restaurants. It’s easy to be brought down (naturally) by the genocide sites so you need to balance it out and I’d recommend visiting Wat Phnom (where you may well see hornbills up close), the Royal Palace and national museum too. The islands are lovely, my favourite is Pagoda Beach on Koh Rong, very beautiful and chilled. You’ll have a fantastic time!

Thanks @Myotherdogsanoodle I'll check out Pagoda Beach, tbh we are a bit stuck with indecision about the islands as we are worried Koh Rong Shamleom might be a bit boring (well DH is, I would be fine).

I think it depends how much you like spending time on a beach. Myself I’m not sure it’s worth going to both islands. I’d suggest looking at spending a few days at Kep, on the coast, travelling via Kampot (you can go by train from Phnom Penh or hire a car and driver cheaply).