Quick summary: Explore Cambodia’s rich heritage with a 7-day journey through Siem Reap, the Angkor temples, and Phnom Penh. This family-friendly itinerary blends cultural landmarks, local experiences, and comfortable travel for a memorable mid-range adventure.
Route map + stops
Siem Reap
- Siem Reap Old Market (Phsar Chas)
Nearest station: Siem Reap Central β Line: N/A β Exit: Best exit: check station signage - Tonle Sap Lake Floating Village (αααα»ααααααααΆα)
Nearest station: Siem Reap β Line: N/A β Exit: Best exit: check station signage
Phnom Penh
- Phnom Penh Royal Palace (αααααααααΆαααΆαα)
Nearest station: Phnom Penh Central β Line: N/A β Exit: Best exit: check station signage - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (ααΆααααααΈαα§αααα·αααααααααΆα αΆα)
Nearest station: Phnom Penh Central β Line: N/A β Exit: Best exit: check station signage - Central Market Phnom Penh (ααααΆαααααααααα)
Nearest station: Phnom Penh Central β Line: N/A β Exit: Best exit: check station signage - Wat Phnom (αααααααα)
Nearest station: Phnom Penh Central β Line: N/A β Exit: Best exit: check station signage
Other
- Angkor Wat Temple (ααααΆααΆαα’αααααααα)
Nearest station: Angkor Archaeological Park Entrance β Line: N/A β Exit: Best exit: check station signage - Bayon Temple (ααααΆααΆαααΆααα)
Nearest station: Angkor Thom Entrance β Line: N/A β Exit: Best exit: check station signage - Ta Prohm Temple (ααααΆααΆαααΆαααα αα)
Nearest station: Angkor Archaeological Park β Line: N/A β Exit: Best exit: check station signage
Timeline (hour-by-hour)
Day 1
Begin at the Siem Reap Old Market to soak up local life and shop for souvenirs. In the afternoon, take a boat tour to the Tonle Sap Floating Village to see unique lake communities.
09:00 β Explore Siem Reap Old Market
Why go: Experience local culture and shop for souvenirs in a lively atmosphere
Do:
- Browse handicrafts and textiles
- Try local snacks
- Interact with friendly vendors
How to get there: Short tuk-tuk ride from central hotels
Cost / tickets: Free entry, shopping costs vary
Time needed: 2 hours
14:00 β Boat Tour to Tonle Sap Floating Village
Why go: Discover unique lake life and traditional fishing communities
Do:
- Boat ride on Tonle Sap Lake
- Visit floating houses and schools
- Observe local fishing techniques
How to get there: Tuk-tuk to boat dock near Siem Reap
Cost / tickets: Approx. $15β$25 per person
Time needed: 3 hours
Day 2
Rise early for sunrise at Angkor Wat, then explore Bayon and Ta Prohm Temples within the Angkor Archaeological Park.
06:00 β Sunrise at Angkor Wat
Why go: Witness the iconic sunrise over Cambodia’s most famous temple
Do:
- Watch sunrise from temple causeway
- Explore Angkor Wat’s bas-reliefs
- Photography opportunities
How to get there: Private car or tuk-tuk to Angkor Wat entrance
Cost / tickets: Angkor Pass approx. $37 for 1 day
Time needed: 4 hours
11:00 β Visit Bayon Temple
Why go: See the famous smiling stone faces and intricate carvings
Do:
- Walk around temple towers
- Learn about Khmer history
- Enjoy shaded garden areas
How to get there: Short drive within Angkor Archaeological Park
Cost / tickets: Included in Angkor Pass
Time needed: 1.5 hours
13:00 β Explore Ta Prohm Temple
Why go: Experience the jungle-overgrown temple featured in films
Do:
- Walk among giant tree roots
- Photograph iconic ruins
- Relax in peaceful surroundings
How to get there: Drive from Bayon Temple within park
Cost / tickets: Included in Angkor Pass
Time needed: 1.5 hours
Day 3
Visit the Angkor Thom complex, including the Terrace of the Elephants and Baphuon Temple.
08:00 β Visit Angkor Thom Complex
Why go: Explore the ancient capital with impressive gates and temples
Do:
- See Terrace of the Elephants
- Visit Baphuon Temple
- Walk city walls
How to get there: Within Angkor Park, accessible by tuk-tuk
Cost / tickets: Included in Angkor Pass
Time needed: 3 hours
Day 4
Travel to Phnom Penh and tour the Royal Palace and Wat Phnom temple.
09:00 β Phnom Penh Royal Palace Tour
Why go: Discover Cambodia’s royal heritage and beautiful architecture
Do:
- Visit Throne Hall
- See Silver Pagoda
- Stroll palace gardens
How to get there: Tuk-tuk from Phnom Penh city center
Cost / tickets: Entry approx. $10
Time needed: 2 hours
12:00 β Visit Wat Phnom
Why go: Explore Phnom Penh’s historic hilltop temple
Do:
- Climb to temple
- Enjoy city views
- Learn local legends
How to get there: Short tuk-tuk ride from Royal Palace
Cost / tickets: Free
Time needed: 1 hour
Day 5
Explore the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum for historical context, then shop at the Central Market.
09:00 β Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
Why go: Understand Cambodia’s recent history and resilience
Do:
- Tour former prison site
- View exhibits and photos
- Reflect on history
How to get there: Tuk-tuk from city center
Cost / tickets: Entry approx. $5
Time needed: 2 hours
13:00 β Shop at Central Market Phnom Penh
Why go: Experience vibrant market life and buy local goods
Do:
- Browse jewelry and crafts
- Try street food
- Enjoy Art Deco architecture
How to get there: Tuk-tuk from museum
Cost / tickets: Free entry, shopping costs vary
Time needed: 2 hours
Logistics (read this first)
- Use tuk-tuks for short city trips and temples
- Hire private car for Angkor Archaeological Park days
- Carry water and sun protection for temple visits
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and modest clothing
- Exchange some local currency (Cambodian Riel) but USD widely accepted
- Book Angkor Pass in advance for convenience
Local tips and guide
Local Guide to Cambodia
Start in Siem Reap, a gateway to the Angkor temples and lively markets. Explore ancient ruins surrounded by jungle and enjoy local cuisine. Travel south to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital, where the Royal Palace and museums offer deep cultural insights. Use tuk-tuks for city travel and private cars for temple tours. Stay hydrated and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
If it rains (2 alternatives)
If something is closed (2 alternatives)
FAQ
What is the best time to visit Cambodia?
November to February offers cooler, dry weather ideal for sightseeing.
Is Angkor Wat suitable for children?
Yes, but be prepared for walking and heat; bring water and sun protection.
How do I get around Siem Reap and Phnom Penh?
Tuk-tuks are convenient for short trips; private cars are recommended for Angkor Park.
Do I need a visa for Cambodia?
Most visitors can obtain a visa on arrival or e-visa; check your nationality requirements.
Is it safe to drink tap water?
No, drink bottled or filtered water to avoid illness.
How we planned this route
Byline: Expert travel planner with extensive Cambodia experience
Itinerary crafted using local insights, cultural highlights, and family-friendly activities