Embarking on a 10-day adventure to Malaysia and Cambodia promises a journey filled with rich history, vibrant culture, and unforgettable experiences. In Malaysia, you'll be enchanted by the fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous cultures that have shaped its diverse heritage. From exploring the iconic Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur to savoring mouthwatering street food in Malacca, each moment unveils a tapestry of flavors and traditions. Meanwhile, Cambodia's ancient wonders stand out, with the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor Wat standing as testaments to the Khmer Empire's glorious past. As you immerse yourself in the serenity of Siem Reap's countryside and the bustling markets of Phnom Penh, you'll witness the resilience and warmth of the Cambodian people. While both countries share a love for aromatic spices and vibrant festivals, their histories and customs differ. Malaysia's blend of Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity coexists harmoniously, while Cambodia's predominant religion of Theravada Buddhism influences daily life and customs. Despite these contrasts, both destinations offer a tapestry of experiences that will leave you spellbound and longing to return.

We combined the 2 destinations in a 10 day – 8 night trip in late March of 2024. The goal of witnessing the sunrise on Angkor Wat was achieved, adding an ethereal touch to our journey and leaving an indelible imprint on our memories.

Day 1 - SKG to KUL

Our day started early embarking on a 1.5 hour Turkish Airlines flight from Thessaloniki, Greece (SKG) to Istanbul, Turkey (IST). As we arrived around 11:40 in Istanbul, we had a 5.5 hour layover till our next flight to Kuala Lumpur. As we were flying economy and our Miles & Smiles status didn’t granted us a free access to Turkish Airlines lounges, we used the advantages of the Dragon Pass and spend our layover at the ICA lounge paying only 28.00 € per person instead of 90.00 € admission fees. You can check our detailed guide for IST airport that includes all the tricks here.

Our second flight to Kuala Lumpur took off at around 17:30. After a long 11 hour flight we landed at KLIA airport (KUL) in Kuala Lumpur at Terminal 1 the following morning around 8:00.

Day 2 - KLIA to Malacca – Overnight in Malacca

Upon arriving in Kuala Lumpur we had to present our Malaysian Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) along with our passports at the immigration counter. You can check our detailed guide on How to obtain a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) visa for EU passport holders here as well as our guide for Know before you go: Malaysia. The process was easy and fast and we collected our luggage. Our plan was to catch a bus straight from the airport to Malacca in order to avoid commuting first to Kuala Lumpur and visit Malacca one of the following days. We had no time to spare as we were in a tight schedule.

We had already booked a bus from KLIA to Malacca with StarMart Express through 12Go, that was leaving from the Bus Terminal at Level 2 at 11:45. But as we arrived earlier, we booked a new ticket for the 9:00 bus, as we didn't want to waste any time. The fare for the ride to Malacca was approximately RM 35.00 (7.00€) and the bus ride took 2 hours to reach Melaka Sentral. Upon arrival we took a Grab to Moty Hotel and we started our Malacca exploration straight away! We visited A Famosa, the remnants of a Portuguese fortress, and climbed up to the Church of Saint Paul for a panoramic view of the city. Dutch Square charmed us with its vibrant red buildings and the iconic Christ Church. Jonker Street was a sensory overload with its bustling markets, eclectic shops, and delicious street food. There was so much more to see and do, and we soaked it all in with wide-eyed wonder. Check the detailed guide on how to spend a full day in Malacca here. 

Day 3 - Day 5 - Kuala Lumpur

We kicked off Day 3 with an early bus ride from Malacca Sentral at 8:00 AM,  which we booked through 12Go arriving at TBS bus station in Kuala Lumpur. From TBS, we took the train to the city center and checked into our hotel. Navigating Kuala Lumpur’s extensive metro and train system was an experience in itself—while it’s impressively vast, it can also be quite complicated and confusing. After a bit of trial and error, we decided to switch to using the Grab hailing app for the remainder of our stay. This proved to be more convenient and time-efficient, allowing us to maximize our exploration time.

With our transportation sorted, we dove into our Kuala Lumpur adventure. The next few days were filled with excitement as we explored the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, and culinary delights. On the first day, we immersed ourselves in the vibrant area around Petaling Street and Central Market, visiting the colorful Guan Di Temple and the Sri Mahamariamman Temple. We strolled through Merdeka Square and admired the beautiful River of Life.

Day two was all about the iconic Batu Caves in the morning, where we climbed the rainbow-colored steps and marveled at the statues. In the afternoon, we visited the breathtaking Petronas Towers, and enjoyed the stunning views of the city skyline.

On the third day, we ventured outside the city center to explore the lush Perdana Botanical Gardens, the lively Brickfields area, and the serene Thean Hou Temple. Each spot offered a unique slice of Kuala Lumpur’s diverse culture and beauty. For detailed recommendations and a complete itinerary on how to spend three days in Kuala Lumpur, check out our comprehensive guide on How to Spend 3 days in Kuala Lumpur.

Day 6 - Day 7 - From Kuala Lumpur to Siem Reap – The Adventure Continues

As our adventure continued, we headed to the most exciting part of our trip: Angkor Wat! The day started with a Grab ride to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) for our early flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Choosing Grab over the train was a no-brainer—it was more convenient and cheaper.

At KLIA, we faced a minor comedy of errors at the gate where all passengers had to weigh their bags. Traveling light, we each had a small backpack and a cabin bag. But, oh no, our cabin bags were over the 7 kg limit! This led to a hilarious scene of us wearing layers of clothes, much to the chagrin of the attendant who watched us like a hawk.

The boarding process was chaotic. They wouldn’t let anyone board without completing the Cambodia e-arrival paperwork, causing quite the delay. Thankfully, we were prepared and breezed through while others frantically filled out forms. In order to be prepared for your trip in Cambodia, except from your e-VISA, you need to complete the Cambodia e-Arrival. You can download the Cambodia e-Arrival app to your phone, and complete the form. The app will provide you with a QR code which you will present during your boarding and upon your arrival with your e-Visa. Read our comprehensive guide on Things to Know before you go to Cambodia.

Upon arrival in Siem Reap, the atmosphere shifted to something almost magical. The brand-new airport was so serene it felt like we had the place to ourselves. The immigration process was a breeze, thanks to our e-visas. Sure, we paid an extra 5 euros per visa to get them online, but it was worth every cent as we sailed past the long lines for visas on arrival!

With no coach buses operating before 9:00 AM, we had no choice but to take a private transfer into the city, which set us back a hefty 30 euros. Our driver was polite but persistent, trying to sell us more trips and transfers, which we declined with a smile.

We finally arrived at Hari Residence and Spa, where the staff welcomed us with open arms and even offered a free early check-in. The friendly service, stunning design, and rooftop pool instantly won our hearts. With such a fantastic base, our Siem Reap adventure was ready to kick off. That afternoon, we took a half-day excursion to Tonle Sap Lake and Kompong Phluk floating village, soaking in the unique beauty of this remarkable area. The next day, we visited the Angkor Archaeological Park, starting our guided tour at 4:30 AM to catch the sunrise at Angkor Wat. For a detailed guide on how to spend two days in Siem Reap, check out our comprehensive guide [here] and also check the 10 things you must see and experience while in Siem Reap.

Day 8 - Day 9 - Phnom Penh – A Journey Full of Surprises

On Day 8, we hopped on an early bus from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh which we book through 12Go. The day started with a fun tuk-tuk ride to the bus station, giving us a lively introduction to the morning bustle. With time to kill, we wandered around the Phsar Samaki Vegetable & Fruit Market. The vendors were just setting up, and the market was coming to life with vibrant displays of fruit, vegetables, meat, and anything else you could imagine.

As departure time approached, we headed back to the Vet Air Bus Express Station to catch our bus. What a surreal experience it was! The service felt more like boarding a flight than a bus. We checked in at a counter with our pre-booked tickets, and an employee collected and stored our luggage with an efficiency reminiscent of an airline.

Onboard, we were greeted by a stewardess who offered us drinks and took our food orders. Yes, food orders! We could choose between burgers, pasta, and rice, which were picked up and served during a stop two hours into the trip. The best part? The drivers—yes, there were two—alternated shifts and were dressed in suits. The five-hour journey flew by with such luxury.

Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, we jumped into the first tuk-tuk we found, amidst a swarm of eager drivers. In my excitement, I gave the driver my number, which led to persistent texts offering more rides. After politely declining several times, I eventually had to block him. Lesson learned!

During our stay in Phnom Penh, we relied almost exclusively on the Grab hailing app and opted for tuk-tuks for all our rides. It was super cheap and convenient. We spent our first day exploring the Phnom Penh Royal Palace along with the Silver Pagoda and Wat Ounalom Monastery, marveling at the stunning architecture and rich history. The next day was dedicated to Cambodia’s dark history as we visited the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a sobering yet important experience. For a detailed itinerary on how to spend two days in Phnom Penh, check out our guide [here].

Day 10 - Day 11 - Kuala Lumpur - SKG - Unexpected Adventures in Kuala Lumpur

Our journey took an unexpected turn on Day 10 when Turkish Airlines decided to cancel our flight and reschedule it for the next day. This meant one more night in Kuala Lumpur! We took the latest flight out of Phnom Penh and arrived in Kuala Lumpur, grabbing a Grab to our last Airbnb near Brickfields and Bangsar Train Station.

Phnom Penh airport is quite small with limited amenities, and we encountered a quirky surprise: they didn’t accept digital boarding passes. Every passenger, even those without luggage, had to go through the counter to get a physical boarding pass. It felt like a blast from the past!

Upon arrival at KUL, we had to present new MDAC forms at immigration, even though we had left the country just a few days before. It was late at night and we were starving, so our only option was to order food through the Grab app. This turned out to be super easy and convenient, and we enjoyed a late-night feast in our cozy Airbnb.

Day 11 was spent leisurely wandering around Kuala Lumpur city center, soaking in the sights and sounds one last time. We took advantage of the extra day to explore a bit more and savor some final local treats. That evening, we headed to the airport and caught our flight back home, ending our whirlwind adventure on a high note.

What a journey it was! From the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur to the serene temples of Siem Reap, our trip was an unforgettable mix of experiences. Malaysia dazzled us with its seamless blend of the old and the new—where futuristic skyscrapers stand tall alongside historical temples and colonial architecture. Meanwhile, Cambodia offered a more authentic and raw charm, with its ancient ruins and rich cultural heritage. Our adventure took us through the lively markets of Malacca, the iconic Petronas Towers, the mystical Batu Caves, and the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat at sunrise. Each destination left us with memories we'll cherish forever.

In hindsight, this trip could be made even more perfect with a touch of beach leisure. Imagine lounging on the pristine beaches of Langkawi in Malaysia or soaking up the sun on the idyllic shores of Koh Rong in Cambodia. These additions would offer a relaxing break amidst our cultural escapades, giving us the best of both worlds.

Traveling through Malaysia and Cambodia was a whirlwind of contrasts, from the modernity of Kuala Lumpur to the timeless beauty of Siem Reap. The blend of experiences left us craving more, and we can't wait to return and explore even further. Whether you're a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or just looking for some beach relaxation, this journey promises an adventure of a lifetime.

Check our other posts for Malaysia and Cambodia