7-Day Adventurous Vegetarian Itinerary in Cambodia
Monday, December 25: Siem Reap
Morning: Start your trip with a visit to the magnificent Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the grandeur of the temple and explore its intricate carvings. Afternoon: Explore the ancient city of Angkor Thom, home to the enigmatic Bayon Temple with its iconic stone faces. Evening: Head to Pub Street in downtown Siem Reap for a lively atmosphere, street food, and vegetarian delights.
Angkor Wat: Approximately $37 (1-day pass), 4-5 hours
Angkor Thom & Bayon Temple: Included in Angkor Wat pass, 2-3 hours
Pub Street: Varies based on personal expenses, evening
Restaurants
Enjoy a healthy and delicious breakfast at Vibe Cafe. This cozy cafe offers a variety of vegetarian dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
For lunch, try the vegetarian specialties at Chamkar Vegetarian Restaurant. Indulge in their flavorful curry dishes and traditional Khmer cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For dinner, head to Blossom Vegetarian Restaurant and Bar. This rooftop eatery offers stunning views of Siem Reap along with a diverse menu of vegetarian and vegan options. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
Tuesday, December 26: Battambang
Morning: Take a scenic boat ride from Siem Reap to Battambang, enjoying the picturesque views along the way. Afternoon: Explore Phnom Sampeau, a hill with stunning views and the notorious Killing Caves, which serve as a reminder of Cambodia's dark history. Evening: Discover the vibrant Battambang Night Market and savor delicious vegetarian street food.
Boat ride to Battambang: Approximately $20, 5-6 hours
Battambang Night Market: Varies based on personal expenses, evening
Restaurants
A cozy breakfast spot in Battambang is Khmer Smile Restaurant, offering a variety of vegetarian options like tofu scramble and fresh fruit bowls. Average cost for a meal is about $5 per person.
For a delicious lunch in Battambang, head over to Jaan Bai, a social enterprise restaurant serving creative vegetarian dishes in a stylish setting. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
Indulge in a flavorful dinner at The Lonely Tree Cafe and Art Gallery, known for its vegetarian-friendly menu featuring dishes like pumpkin curry and vegetable stir-fry. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Wednesday, December 27: Kampot
Morning: Travel to Kampot, a charming riverside town known for its pepper plantations. Visit the Pepper Plantation to learn about the cultivation process. Afternoon: Embark on an adventurous kayaking trip along the Kampot River, surrounded by lush scenery. Evening: Enjoy a sunset cruise on the river while indulging in a vegetarian dinner.
Kampot transport: Approximately $15, 3-4 hours
Pepper Plantation: Free admission, 1-2 hours
Kayaking on Kampot River: Approximately $25, 2-3 hours
Sunset river cruise: Approximately $15, evening
Thursday, December 28: Kep
Morning: Travel to Kep, a coastal town famous for its fresh seafood. Explore Kep National Park, known for its hiking trails and panoramic views. Afternoon: Visit Rabbit Island and relax on its pristine beaches. Evening: Savor a vegetarian dinner while enjoying the sunset over the Gulf of Thailand.
Kep transport: Approximately $10, 1-2 hours
Kep National Park: Free admission, 2-3 hours
Rabbit Island: Approximately $10 (round trip boat), 3-4 hours
Vegetarian dinner by the beach: Varies based on personal expenses, evening
Friday, December 29: Phnom Penh
Morning: Travel to Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia. Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, renowned for their architectural beauty. Afternoon: Explore the sobering Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, documenting the Khmer Rouge regime. Evening: Take a sunset boat cruise along the Mekong River and enjoy vegetarian cuisine.
Phnom Penh transport: Approximately $10, 3-4 hours
Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda: Approximately $10, 2-3 hours
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum: Approximately $5, 1-2 hours
Sunset boat cruise: Approximately $15, evening
Saturday, December 30: Koh Rong
Morning: Take a ferry to Koh Rong, a tropical island paradise. Relax on the pristine beaches, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, and enjoy water sports activities. Afternoon: Explore the island's lush jungles and hike to the stunning Long Beach. Evening: Delight in a vegetarian beachfront dinner under the stars.
Ferry to Koh Rong: Approximately $20 (round trip), 2-3 hours
Beach activities: Varies based on personal expenses, all day
Hiking to Long Beach: Free, 1-2 hours
Vegetarian beachfront dinner: Varies based on personal expenses, evening
Sunday, December 31: Phnom Penh
Morning: Return to Phnom Penh and visit the bustling Central Market for some last-minute shopping. Afternoon: Explore the vibrant Riverside area, filled with cafes, shops, and art galleries. Evening: Celebrate New Year's Eve at a lively street party, enjoying vegetarian street food and fireworks.
Phnom Penh transport: Approximately $10, 4-5 hours
Central Market: Varies based on personal expenses, 2-3 hours
Riverside area: Varies based on personal preferences, 2-3 hours
New Year's Eve street party: Varies based on personal expenses, evening
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Phnom Penh is The Vibe Cafe, which offers a variety of healthy vegetarian options such as avocado toast and smoothie bowls. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
For lunch, Baan Thai Restaurant is a great choice, serving delicious vegetarian Thai cuisine. Try their pad thai or green curry! Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
In the evening, head to Vego Salad Bar for a refreshing dinner experience. They offer a wide range of fresh salads and vegetarian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For adventure seekers, don't miss out on exploring the remote Cardamom Mountains, home to diverse wildlife and stunning waterfalls. Join a trekking expedition or opt for a zip-lining adventure through the lush rainforest canopy. Another favorite among locals is the Bokor Hill Station near Kampot, offering breathtaking views, abandoned French colonial buildings, and hiking trails.