5-Day Immersive Cambodia Travel Itinerary: Ancient Temples and Cultural Delights

Day 1: Phnom Penh City Tour

Phnom Penh, Cambodia on July 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Friends the Restaurant

Enjoy a socially-conscious breakfast at Friends, famous for fresh Cambodian and Western fusion dishes, supporting local youth. Try their avocado toast or Khmer coffee.
USD8, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda

Explore the exquisite Royal Palace complex with its elegant Khmer architecture and the Silver Pagoda featuring thousands of silver tiles and precious Buddha statues. Open 8:00am–5:00pm.
USD10, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Malis Restaurant

Savour authentic Khmer cuisine in an elegant setting at Malis, Phnom Penh's top restaurant, renowned for dishes like Fish Amok and signature Cambodian salads.
USD15, 1h

1:30pm

Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields

Understand Cambodia’s tragic history during the Khmer Rouge regime by visiting these powerful and moving memorial sites. Museum open 7:30am–5:30pm; Killing Fields open 8:00am–5:00pm.
USD10, 3h

5:00pm

Sunset by Sisowath Quay

Relax with a stroll or riverside drink along the Mekong River at Sisowath Quay, a vibrant promenade lined with cafés and street vendors.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Romdeng Restaurant

Dine on traditional Cambodian dishes in a beautiful colonial villa, supporting a training restaurant for disadvantaged youth. Try the exotic tarantula or Khmer BBQ.
USD15, 1h30m

Day 2: Travel & Siem Reap Introduction

Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, Cambodia on July 5, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at your hotel

Have a quick, hearty breakfast to prepare for the travel day ahead.
Included in accommodation, 30m

8:00am

Take a flight from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap

A short 45-minute flight will bring you to Siem Reap, gateway to Angkor's legendary temples.
USD50, 1h30m including transfer

10:00am

Check-in and short rest at hotel

Freshen up and relax at your Siem Reap accommodation before beginning your exploration.
Included, 1h

11:00am

Visit Angkor National Museum

Familiarise yourself with Khmer history and culture through engaging exhibitions before seeing the temples firsthand. Open 8:30am–6:00pm.
USD12, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Sister Srey Café

Enjoy healthy salads and Cambodian fusion dishes in a relaxing garden setting at this social enterprise café.
USD10, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Siem Reap Old Market & Pub Street

Discover local handicrafts, souvenirs, and lively street scenes as you wander the bustling market area; ideal for some light shopping and people watching.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Chanrey Tree

Dine on authentic Khmer cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients in a charming traditional setting by the river.
USD20, 1h30m

Day 3: Angkor Temples Day

Siem Reap, Cambodia on July 6, 2025

5:00am

Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Witness a spectacular sunrise over the world’s largest religious monument - an unforgettable experience. Gates open at 5:00am.
USD37 for 1-day pass, 2h

7:30am

Breakfast at nearby pub restaurant

Refuel with a light breakfast and coffee at a local eatery near Angkor Wat.
USD7, 1h

8:30am

Tour of Angkor Thom and Bayon Temple

Explore the fascinating ancient city of Angkor Thom and admire the enigmatic smiling faces of Bayon temple, open 7:30am–6:00pm.
Included in Angkor pass, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Khmer Kitchen Restaurant

Enjoy traditional recipes in a cosy atmosphere close to the temples.
USD12, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Ta Prohm Temple

Discover the iconic jungle-entwined Ta Prohm, featured in Tomb Raider, with roots and trees growing out of ruins. Open 7:30am–6:00pm.
Included in Angkor pass, 2h

4:00pm

Return to hotel and rest

Relax and refresh from your day of exploration.
Included, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Haven Restaurant

Dine at this social enterprise restaurant focusing on training disadvantaged youth with a fantastic mix of Khmer and Western dishes.
USD18, 1h30m

Day 4: Siem Reap Countryside

Siem Reap, Cambodia on July 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast to start your day in Siem Reap.
Included, 45m

9:00am

Banteay Srei and Countryside Tour

Visit the beautifully detailed pink sandstone temple of Banteay Srei, known as the Citadel of Women, followed by exploring rural life in nearby villages. Tour operates from 8:00am to 4:00pm.
USD40 with transport and guide, 6h

12:30pm

Lunch in a local village

Experience authentic Khmer home-cooked food with a local family during your countryside tour.
Included in tour, 1h

4:00pm

Return to hotel and rest

Unwind and prepare for your final evening in Siem Reap.
Included, 1h

6:00pm

Phare, the Cambodian Circus

Enjoy a vibrant and emotional performance mixing theatre, music, dance and acrobatics, showcasing Cambodia’s rich culture and talent. Shows usually at 6:00pm, lasts 2h.
USD18, 2h

8:30pm

Dinner at The Sugar Palm

End your day with delicious traditional Khmer favourites made from fresh ingredients in a charming setting.
USD20, 1h30m

Day 5: Departure Day

Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, Cambodia on July 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Cambodia at your hotel with local and international options.
Included, 45m

8:30am

Visit Artisans Angkor workshop

Explore how traditional Khmer crafts such as silk weaving and stone carving are preserved at this inspiring social enterprise. Open 8:00am–6:00pm.
Free, 1h30m

10:30am

Transfer to Siem Reap Airport and fly to Phnom Penh or onward

Board your flight back to Phnom Penh or connect to your onward destination with plenty of time for check-in.
USD50, 1h30m