The Ultimate 7-Day Cambodia Itinerary
Planning a trip to Cambodia? This ultimate 7 day Cambodia itinerary covers the best of Cambodia – from the busy streets of Phnom Penh to the floating villages of Kampong Phluk and the ancient wonders of Siem Reap. Whether you’re a history buff (like me), a culture lover, or an adventure seeker, this guide ensures you experience Cambodia’s highlights in just one week!
I hope you will find everything you need to plan an amazing holiday in this Cambodia itinerary.
7 day Cambodia Itinerary
- Day 1 – Arrive in Phnom Penh
- Day 2 – Full day in Phnom Penh: Royal palace, S21, Killing fields
- Day 3 – Siem Reap: Bus to Siem Reap, Floating Village
- Day 4 – Siem Reap: Angkor wat Sunset, Pub steet
- Day 5 – Siem Reap: Sunrise in Angkor wat, Other temples
- Day 6 – Siem Reap: Day trip from Siem Reap
Day 1 – Arrive in Phnom Penh
Welcome to Phnom penh. After your airport formalities, buy a sim card at the airport and head to your hotel. If you’ve pre-booked a private transfer to your hotel then your driver will be waiting for you at the airport or you can get a tuk-tuk or Taxi from the airport entrance if you’ve good bargaining skills or use PassApp & Grab to book your ride.
After a long flight (especially if you’re traveling from India), or even if you’ve just arrived, today is all about taking it easy. Instead of rushing to explore, why not slow down and immerse yourself in the city’s atmosphere?
If you’re exploring the city late in the afternoon, hop on a tuk-tuk and head straight to David’s Noodles – a hidden gem that went viral on TikTok for good reason! The real showstopper? Watching the skilled chefs hand-pull fresh noodles right in front of you, tossing the dough with flair, it’s as entertaining as it is delicious. And don’t miss their signature dumplings, a crowd favorite that keeps locals and travelers coming back for more. Trust me, this place is worth the trip!
Wat Ounalom Monastry is the headquarters of Cambodian Buddhism. Just a short 2-minute walk from David’s Noodle. This sacred site houses a unique treasure, a stupa behind the main building that enshrines an eyebrow hair of the Buddha, with an ancient Pali inscription (an old Indian language) above its entrance.
As you explore the peaceful grounds, you’ll also encounter dozens of friendly cats lounging around, adding a charming touch to this serene monastery.
When you feel dusk approaching, make a walk to Riverside park or around independence monument for a sunset stroll. If you have energy then walk to the Phnon Penh night market for some exotic food and shopping.
. . .
Day 2 – Full day in Phnom Penh
If you have only one full day in Phnom penh until your next destination then dedicate this entire to fully understanding the history behind cambodia.
I kicked off my day by hiring a tuk-tuk for a full day tour a convenient and budget-friendly way to explore Phnom Penh. The package included transportation, cold water bottles, and a driver who waited for me at each stop making the experience stress-free. Many tuk-tuk drivers offer customizable itineraries based on your schedule, suggesting the best routes and timings. I opted for a classic route: starting at the Killing Fields, then heading to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21), and ending at the stunning Royal Palace.
If you prefer a more structured experience, you could also book a small group tour with guide covering the same key attractions. Either way, it’s a fantastic way to dive into Cambodia’s history and culture in just one day!
Choeung Ek and Tuol Sleng
Choeung Ek and Tuol Sleng are two cambodia’s genocide sites. Visiting these place is a must to understand the dark history which happened very recently. These two places are not easy to visit. Your visit includes an audio guide (with ticket purchase), offering deeply moving survivor accounts and historical insights. Prepare for an emotional but essential experience that sheds light on Cambodia’s dark history.
Choeung Ek, known as one of Cambodia’s most tragic Killing Fields, stands as a somber reminder of the Khmer Rouge regime. This mass burial site, one of over 300 across the country, reveals the heartbreaking stories of those who lost their lives. As you walk through this serene yet haunting place, surrounded by nature, you’ll encounter bones, teeth, and fragments of clothing—painful remnants of the past. The centerpiece is the memorial stupa, filled with 8,000 skulls honoring the victims.
Once a bustling high school, Tuol Sleng (S-21) was transformed by the Khmer Rouge into a secret prison and torture center during their brutal regime. It became the largest detention facility, where over 17,000 prisoners were subjected to unimaginable suffering before being executed or sent to the Killing Fields. As you walk through the site, you may meet one of the few survivors who lived through the horrors of S-21. Who also share their firsthand accounts near the exit, offering powerful testimonies and books documenting their experiences.
After diving into these sites, you’ll likely feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of exhausting and hard-to-process information. That’s why I highly recommend taking a break, maybe even a lunch break to recharge. Stepping away will help you clear your mind and return with fresh energy.
Royal Palace
Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda – After enjoying your lunch, make your way to the stunning Royal Palace, one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. While the palace complex consists of four magnificent buildings, visitors are permitted to explore only two: the awe-inspiring Throne Hall and the glittering Silver Pagoda. The remaining areas remain private, as they are still actively used by the Royal Family. Keep an eye out for a blue flag flying over the palace—it’s a special sign that the King is currently in residence!
Bassac Lane or Sunset River Cruise
Take a walk along the scenic riverfront, right across from the Royal Palace. In case if you’re thinking about taking a Sunset river cruise then head to Preah Sisowath Quay from where all the cruise boats starts. For best deals, Book your tickets ahead which also includes unlimited Beers and BBQ platter.
For Dinner, head to Bassac lane just a short tuk-tuk ride from the riverfront. One of the capital’s best loved lane after dark. You’ll find a mix of trendy bars, cozy pubs, and top-rated restaurants, offering everything from craft cocktails to authentic Cambodian Khmer cuisine.
. . .
Day 3 – Bus to Siem Reap and Floating Village
Start your day early by taking a comfortable mini-van or bus from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. You can easily book your ticket through a local travel agent or online platforms like 12Go (which I used). I opted for the first departure at 6 AM, a smooth 6-hour journey with reclining seats, making it easy to relax. The ride included a midway stop for a quick toilet break and breakfast, which was a nice way to stretch your legs. After a good nap, I arrived in Siem Reap by early afternoon.
Once you reach your destination, you can book a tuk-tuk via Grab or PassApp, or simply hire one of the many drivers waiting at the drop-off point. Pro tip: Some hotels offer complimentary pickup or drop-off services from bus stops or airports, so check with your accommodation in advance to save time and money!
Kampong Phluk or Floating Village
After checking into my hotel and freshening up, I headed to my next adventure, Kampong Phluk, a mesmerizing floating village near Siem Reap. I had booked a small-group boat tour, which included hotel pickup and drop-off, a 45-minute scenic ride from Siem Reap, village admission, and an insightful guided experience. And let me tell you, it was one of the best decisions of my trip!
While you can visit independently by hiring a boat on-site, I highly recommend the small-group tour. Our guide, a lifelong resident of the village, shared fascinating stories about how the community adapts to the floating seasons. He took us through hidden gems of his hometown, making the experience deeply personal and authentic.
One of the highlights was the forest canoe ride (an additional $5), entirely managed and operated by local women. Gliding through the tranquil mangroves was surreal—a must-do!
After that, I grabbed a refreshing drink from one of the floating restaurants and secured a front-row spot on the rooftop for golden hour. And oh my—what a sunset! The sky painted in warm hues was pure magic.
As the light softened, our guide suggested venturing deeper into the lake for epic photos. We hopped back on the boat and sailed toward the horizon, taking turns posing at the tip (our guide doubled as an expert photographer!).
Pub street and Dinner
After sunset, head back to Siem Reap and make your way to Pub Street, the heart of the city’s nightlife. Stroll around the vibrant area to shop for unique souvenirs, unwind with a relaxing massage, or simply soak in the lively atmosphere.
For dinner, don’t miss Wild Restaurant, just a short walk from Pub Street. This quirky spot has a minimalist menu – spring rolls only – but they’re anything but ordinary. From fresh to fried, the creative varieties are delicious and surprisingly filling.
. . .
Day 4 – Siem Reap: Angkor wat Sunset, Pub steet
Kick off your day around 7 am by hiring a tuk-tuk and heading straight to Angkor Wat complex. You can choose Grand Circuit or Small Circuit (Refer the picture). Also can follow my guide where I planned to avoid the crowd.
On the first half of the day, start with Ta Prohm (12th century) temple is a visual treat. I recommend going here before 10 am as the guided tours crowd will start to pour in here after Angkor Wat because this the second temple on the all guided tour itinerary. Then, make your way to Pre-Rup temple (10th century). By midday, ask your tuk-tuk to drop you at a local Khmer restaurant for a delicious lunch. There are plenty of great dining spots around the temples, so you can refuel before the next adventure.
Ta Prohm Temple – The famous Tomb raider was shot here so it’s also called as Tomb Raider Temple. This mesmerizing site is a visual treat, with giant tree roots snaking through ancient stone ruins, creating a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere.
Pre-Rup Temple – The temple with lots of steep stairs but worth a climb. It was scary but the surrounding panoramic view from the top was absolutely worth it. Though less famous than other temples, its peaceful ambiance makes it a perfect spot for stunning photos without the tourist rush.
Afternoon to Sunset: Angkor Wat
Visiting Angkor Wat in the evening offers two key advantages:
- Fewer Crowds – You’ll practically have the temple to yourself. Well, that might be a slight exaggeration, but the crowds thin out significantly. Most guided tours leave 1-2 hours after sunrise, leaving the temple nearly empty for the rest of the day.
- More Time to Explore – Angkor Wat is massive, and one day isn’t enough to fully appreciate it. Since the temple closes at 5:30 PM, an afternoon visit gives you ample time to wander without the rush. Plus, watching the sunset from the upper levels offers breathtaking views of the surrounding jungle, a truly magical experience.
Another perk? Scouting the perfect sunrise spot! Use this time to find the ideal location to photograph Angkor Wat’s iconic five towers (known as gopurams in Tamil, a term I love using).
After your visit, head back to your hotel and rest up—tomorrow will be a big, long day, and you’ll want to be well-rested. Trust me, you don’t want to start your next adventure tired!
. . .
Day 5 – Siem Reap: Sunrise in Angkor wat
To witness the breathtaking sunrise over Angkor Wat’s five iconic gopurams, arrive at the entry gate before 5 AM—no later! This make sure you secure a prime spot by the waterfront. Once you claim your place, stay put – it can get crowded quickly, and any movement might cost you the best view. Since it’s still dark, bring a torchlight or use your mobile torch to navigate. Then, settle in and wait patiently for over an hour as the sky transforms into a masterpiece of colors, revealing one of the most epic sunrises in the world.
Mix of Grand & Small Circuit:
While everyone rushes toward Angkor Wat temple, walk the opposite way toward the exit. (You’ve already explored the temple’s inner sections, right?) On your way out, you’ll find a few food stalls, a restaurant, and loo. Grab a quick breakfast, then head straight to Angkor Thom to continue your adventure while most tourists are still at Angkor Wat.
Angkor Thom: Bayon, Terrace of Elephants, Bapuon and Terrance of Leper King: Start your journey with this ancient capital built by King Jayavarman VII. The entry and exit gates, stand majestically amidst lush greenery, creating a breathtaking first impression. Bayon is a mesmerizing temple full of smiling faces also considered as Brahma. On the way out, you will find the Baphuon, terrace of Elephast and Leper king.
Preah Khan Temple – Be prepared for a lot of walking surronded by lush greenery but honestly one of the beautiful temple. This temple resembles to To Prohm with its massive rooted trees. But has an intricate cravings in the hall of Dancers (featuring Apsara dancers).
Ta Som Temple – a smaller but charming temple, famous for its tree-covered entrance gate—a perfect spot for stunning photos. The quiet solitude enhances the experience, making it ideal for peaceful reflection and photography.
After visiting these temples, ask your tuk-tuk driver to take you to other nearby spots within the Angkor complex. The area is vast and filled with hidden gems. However, keep in mind that once you return to Siem Reap city, re-entering the temple zone will cost extra, as the distance is considerable.
After an early morning start, head back to your hotel for some well-deserved rest. In the evening, return to Pub Street for a relaxing foot massage or full-body massage, many places offer great deals for just $5. Enjoy a delicious dinner before calling it a day.
. . .
Day 6 – Siem Reap: Day trip from Siem Reap
Planning a day trip from Siem Reap? If you don’t have a flight scheduled for the same day, consider exploring one of these incredible off-the-beaten-path destinations – Remote Tour or Kulen Mountain. Both are full-day adventures, so prepare for a long journey!
Option 1: Remote Temple Tour
Distance: 60km (about 1.5 hours from Siem Reap).
Discover Beng Mealea, a massive jungle-covered temple often called the “blueprint of Angkor Wat.” This sprawling ruin, entangled with giant vines and tree roots, offers a true Indiana Jones-style adventure.
On the way, visit:
- Roluos Group (Preah Ko & Bakong) – Some of the earliest large-scale temples from the Angkor period.
- Banteay Srei – Known as the “Citadel of Women,” this intricately carved pink sandstone temple is a masterpiece of Khmer art.
Option 2: Sacred Kulen Mountain
Distance: About 2 hours from Siem Reap
Considered a holy mountain and pilgrimage site for Buddhists and Hindus. Combine this trip with Banteay Srei for a full-day cultural and scenic experience. Highlights include:
- Preah Ang Thom Monastery – Home to a giant reclining Buddha carved into a sandstone boulder.
- Sacred waterfalls – A refreshing stop where locals believe the water is blessed.
- 1,000 Lingas River – Ancient Hindu carvings submerged in a stream.
This Ultimate 7 day Cambodia itinerary can be easily reversed if you starting from Siem Reap.