How many days do you need in Cambodia?

This itinerary covers 5 days in Cambodia, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Cambodia?

Plan your perfect 5 days trip to Cambodia. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

5-Day Cultural and Natural Exploration of Cambodia

Day 1: Phnom Penh History

Phnom Penh, Cambodia on July 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Brown Coffee

Start your day at Brown Coffee with a strong Cambodian coffee and freshly baked pastries, providing a satisfying and energising start to your first day.

USD5, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda

Explore the stunning Royal Palace complex featuring classic Khmer architecture and the precious Silver Pagoda, open from 8:00am to 11:00am and 1:00pm to 5:00pm.

USD10, 2h0m

11:30am

National Museum of Cambodia

Discover Cambodia’s rich heritage with the extensive collection of Khmer artifacts and sculptures, open 8:00am to 5:00pm.

USD5, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Friends the Restaurant

Enjoy delicious contemporary Khmer cuisine in a social enterprise setting that supports disadvantaged youth. Open 11:30am to 10:00pm.

USD12, 1h0m

2:30pm

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

A sobering but essential visit to learn about Cambodia’s tragic recent history, open daily 8:00am to 5:30pm.

USD5, 1h30m

5:00pm

Walk along the Riverside Park

Unwind with an evening stroll by the Tonle Sap and Mekong river junction, enjoying local vendors and sunset views.

Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Romdeng Restaurant

Dine on traditional Cambodian dishes in a charming colonial villa, supporting rehabilitation projects. Open 11:30am to 10:00pm.

USD15, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Phnom Penh

Day 2: Siem Reap Temples

Siem Reap, Cambodia on July 5, 2025

6:00am

Flight to Siem Reap

Catch a morning domestic flight from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap (approx. 1 hour).

USD50, 1h0m

7:30am

Breakfast at Sister Srey Cafe

Enjoy healthy and tasty breakfast options with fresh smoothies and coffee in a relaxed cafe popular among locals and tourists.

USD6, 1h0m

8:30am

Angkor National Museum

Visit this museum to gain an insightful introduction to the history and significance of the Angkor temples, open 8:30am to 6:00pm.

USD12, 1h30m

10:00am

Angkor Wat Temple Tour

Explore the majestic Angkor Wat temple complex, open 5:00am to 6:00pm, and marvel at the stunning bas-reliefs and architecture.

USD37 for 1-day pass, 3h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Marum

Savour fusion Cambodian cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients while supporting a social enterprise restaurant. Open 11:30am to 3:00pm.

USD15, 1h0m

3:00pm

Bayon Temple and Angkor Thom

Visit the iconic Bayon Temple with its smiling stone faces and explore the ancient city of Angkor Thom, open until 6:00pm.

Included in Angkor pass, 2h0m

5:30pm

Sunset at Phnom Bakheng

Climb Phnom Bakheng hill to watch a spectacular sunset over the temple ruins and surrounding jungle, sunset approx. 6:30pm.

Included in Angkor pass, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Chanrey Tree

Experience exquisite Khmer cuisine in an elegant traditional setting, open from 11:00am to 10:00pm.

USD20, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Siem Reap

Day 3: Angkor Temples Exploration

Siem Reap, Cambodia on July 6, 2025

6:00am

Breakfast at The Blue Pumpkin

Start your day with a delicious bakery-style breakfast and coffee in a popular international cafe chain open from 6:00am onwards.

USD7, 1h0m

7:00am

Ta Prohm Temple Visit

Explore Ta Prohm, famous for the giant trees growing over the ruins, open 5:00am to 6:00pm, an evocative highlight of the Angkor complex.

Included in Angkor pass, 2h0m

9:30am

Preah Khan Temple

Discover another fascinating temple with less crowd and beautiful carvings, contributing to Cambodia’s rich spiritual heritage.

Included in Angkor pass, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch at Viroth’s

Enjoy creative Cambodian dishes in a stylish colonial house setting, open 11:30am to 2:30pm and 5:30pm to 10:00pm.

USD18, 1h0m

1:00pm

Banteay Srei Temple

Visit the pink sandstone temple known for its intricate carvings, located about 25km from Siem Reap, open until 6:00pm.

Included in Angkor pass, 2h30m

4:00pm

Relax at hotel or local spa

Take time to relax and rejuvenate at your hotel or book a traditional Khmer massage in Siem Reap town.

USD20-40, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Malis Restaurant

Dine on authentically prepared Cambodian dishes with excellent service in an elegant setting, open 11:30am to 2:30pm and 5:30pm to 10:00pm.

USD25, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Siem Reap

Day 4: Tonle Sap Lake

Siem Reap, Cambodia on July 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Temple Coffee

Fuel up with excellent coffee and light breakfast options at this popular local cafe open from 7:00am.

USD6, 1h0m

8:30am

Tonle Sap Floating Village Tour

Take a guided boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake to explore floating villages and experience local lake life. Tours usually last 3-4 hours; book in advance.

USD25, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Khmer Kitchen Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Khmer dishes freshly prepared with local ingredients in a relaxed atmosphere, open 11:00am to 9:30pm.

USD12, 1h0m

2:30pm

Artisans Angkor Workshop

Visit this workshop and gallery showcasing skilled artisans creating traditional crafts, open 8:00am to 5:00pm.

Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Siem Reap Old Market

Browse local handicrafts, souvenirs and food stalls at the vibrant Old Market before your evening.

Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Haven

Support a charity restaurant while enjoying delicious Western and Khmer food in a cosy garden setting, open from 6:00pm.

USD15, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Siem Reap

Day 5: Kampong Thom History

Kampong Thom, Cambodia on July 8, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have a packed or early breakfast at your hotel before departing for Kampong Thom.

Included in hotel stay, 0h30m

7:00am

Drive to Kampong Thom

Travel by road to Kampong Thom (approx. 3-4 hours), a historic province known for Sambor Prei Kuk temples.

USD40 for private transport, 4h0m

11:00am

Explore Sambor Prei Kuk Archaeological Site

Tour this pre-Angkorian temple complex, renowned for its ancient brick temples and lesser crowds, open 8:00am to 5:00pm.

USD10, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at a local Khmer Restaurant

Taste traditional local dishes in a nearby village restaurant offering authentic cuisine and ambience.

USD8, 1h0m

2:30pm

Return Drive to Phnom Penh

Head back to Phnom Penh in the afternoon to prepare for your departure the next day.

Included in transport cost, 4h0m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Malis Phnom Penh

Indulge in a final traditional Khmer meal at the esteemed Malis Restaurant in Phnom Penh, open 11:30am to 2:30pm and 5:30pm to 10:00pm.

USD25, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Kampong Thom

Step 1 Outline Preview:

5-Day Cultural and Natural Exploration of Cambodia

Day 1: Phnom Penh History

8:00am

9:00am

11:30am

1:00pm

2:30pm

5:00pm

7:00pm

Day 2: Siem Reap Temples

6:00am

7:30am

8:30am

10:00am

1:30pm

3:00pm

5:30pm

7:30pm

Day 3: Angkor Temples Exploration

6:00am

7:00am

9:30am

11:30am

1:00pm

4:00pm

7:00pm

Day 4: Tonle Sap Lake

7:30am

8:30am

1:00pm

2:30pm

4:30pm

7:00pm

Day 5: Kampong Thom History

6:30am

7:00am

11:00am

1:30pm

2:30pm

7:00pm

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