Cambodia wasn’t a place I had on my bucket list, but sometimes the best trips are the ones that just fall into place. One of our close friends was getting married on a beach in Koh Rong, and we figured—why not turn it into a full-blown Southeast Asia getaway? We booked a one-way flight from Singapore and started sketching out an itinerary that would eventually take us from the ancient temples of Siem Reap to the islands off the southern coast and, finally, to Phnom Penh.

What followed was a trip full of contrasts: jungle villas, bumpy roads, dreamy beaches, chaotic ferries, and quiet garden hotels. We didn’t overplan. We didn’t rush. And somehow, that made the experience even more special. If you’re planning your own Cambodia trip—or if you just want to get a feel for what traveling in Cambodia is like—this post is a personal recap of where we went, what we loved, and all the places I’d happily go back to.

First Stop: Siem Reap – Temples and Our Own Private Villa

We flew from Singapore to Siem Reap and checked into Templation Hotel—and I’ll just say it: this place completely spoiled me. We stayed in one of their pool villas, which isn’t just a room; it’s basically your own mini compound. Two bungalows connected by a walkway, a lush private garden, and a massive pool just for us. It was the first time I had an entire pool to myself while traveling, and now I’m not sure I ever want to go back to sharing.

The hotel is tucked into the jungle but is only a short tuk-tuk ride from Angkor. The whole place is incredibly peaceful—exactly the kind of calm you need before (or after) exploring the temples.

Of course, we visited Angkor Wat—early in the morning, hoping to catch sunrise. It’s as magical as everyone says. The scale of it is hard to grasp until you’re there, walking through the courtyards and crumbling doorways, catching glimpses of monks and local kids playing in the shade. We kept it simple: one day, one guide, no pressure to “see it all.”

Two nights felt short, but we were happy not to rush. Afternoons were for lounging by the pool, and evenings for trying local dishes and reading under the ceiling fan. It was the perfect start.

From Temples to the Coast: Koh Rong for a Beach Wedding

After Siem Reap, we took a domestic flight down to Sihanoukville. I have to admit, I was a little nervous beforehand—not because I had heard anything bad, but just because I’d never flown with the airline before and I’m generally a bit cautious when it comes to flying with lesser-known carriers in countries where infrastructure isn’t quite as developed.

But honestly, it couldn’t have been easier. The airport in Siem Reap was super modern and really small, which made the whole process feel incredibly smooth—almost like flying from a private airport. The flight itself was short and straightforward, and while the tickets weren’t cheap (we paid about $120 USD per person), it was absolutely worth it compared to taking an overnight bus

From the airport, we headed to the ferry terminal (via a taxi we hired at the airport… which was frankly a super weird experience—I’ll get into this another time) and caught the ferry over to Koh Rong, where we spent two nights for a friend’s beach wedding. The ferry terminal was way more chaotic and hectic than I expected—if anything, I thought it would be the airport that would be disorganized. It was hot, busy, and confusing. But once we arrived on the island, it was all worth it.

We came here for a wedding—two of our good friends tied the knot right on the beach—and it was such a dreamy setting for it. We stayed at Anaya Koh Rong, a boutique hotel with a clean, modern aesthetic that still feels rooted in the island’s laid-back rhythm. Our villa was literally on the beach, and even though we didn’t get much time to explore the island, I wrote a full review of Anaya for anyone planning a stay.

Next door to Anaya is Temu Koh Rong, which looked beautiful as well—definitely worth checking out if you’re comparing options. And if you’re wondering what Koh Rong is like in general (how to get there, what the beaches are like, etc.), I also put together a detailed Koh Rong guide here.

Some outfit inspiration for your Cambodia trip:

From the airport, we headed to the ferry terminal (via a taxi we hired at the airport… which was frankly a super weird experience—I’ll get into this another time) and caught the ferry over to Koh Rong, where we spent two nights for a friend’s beach wedding. The ferry terminal was way more chaotic and hectic than I expected—if anything, I thought it would be the airport that would be disorganized. It was hot, busy, and confusing. But once we arrived on the island, it was all worth it.

We came here for a wedding—two of our good friends tied the knot right on the beach—and it was such a dreamy setting for it. We stayed at Anaya Koh Rong, a boutique hotel with a clean, modern aesthetic that still feels rooted in the island’s laid-back rhythm. Our villa was literally on the beach, and even though we didn’t get much time to explore the island, I wrote a full review of Anaya for anyone planning a stay.

Next door to Anaya is Temu Koh Rong, which looked beautiful as well—definitely worth checking out if you’re comparing options. And if you’re wondering what Koh Rong is like in general (how to get there, what the beaches are like, etc.), I also put together a detailed Koh Rong guide here.

Koh Rong Sanloem: Island Life Slowed Way Down

After the wedding festivities, we jumped on another ferry to Koh Rong Sanloem, a much quieter island with fewer resorts and a slower pace. We spent three nights here at Island Center Point, another property from the maads group (like Templation).

It’s simple and charming—nothing fancy, but full of character. Think wooden walkways, colorful bungalows, hammocks on the beach, and not much else. The days passed slowly: morning swims, long coffees, walks through the shallow water, and lazy dinners by candlelight. I loved how disconnected everything felt in the best possible way.

This island isn’t for everyone. It’s rustic, there’s no nightlife to speak of, and you’ll need to embrace the “go with the flow” mentality. But if that sounds like what you’re craving, you’ll probably fall in love like we did. I wrote more about what to expect on Koh Rong Sanloem here, especially if you’re deciding between the two islands.

Last Stop: Phnom Penh, a City of Quiet Surprises

We took the ferry back to the mainland and hired a driver to bring us to Phnom Penh—about a four-hour ride. After the salt and sand, arriving at PAVILION Hotel (another maads property) felt like stepping into another world.

Set in a restored colonial villa with lush gardens and two quiet pools, this hotel felt like a peaceful bubble in the middle of the city. We spent three nights here and used them to recharge, wander slowly, and soak in the quieter side of Phnom Penh.

The city itself surprised me. It was calmer than I expected, with wide boulevards, a vibrant café scene, and soft light in the evenings. We didn’t do too many tourist sights—just walked a lot, browsed markets, and enjoyed the contrast of old and new that Phnom Penh carries so well. It felt like a fitting end to the trip.

Final Thoughts

What made this trip so special wasn’t just the individual places—it was how each destination offered something completely different. From our private pool villa in the jungle to lazy days on the islands and the quiet elegance of Phnom Penh, Cambodia surprised me over and over again. It wasn’t the easiest trip logistically (expect delays, slow ferries, and some rough edges), but that’s part of the charm.

If you’re planning your own trip, here are all the blog posts linked throughout:

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