Temples, Towns & Tropical Shores
From Angkor's Majesty to Cambodia's Coastal Charms
Trip Overview
This complete two-week journey reveals the soul of Cambodia, balancing ancient wonders with lively modern culture. Begin with the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor, exploring beyond the main circuit to hidden jungle gems. Experience the poignant history of Phnom Penh before unwinding on the serene islands of Koh Rong and the colonial charm of Kampot. The itinerary has a perfect mix of guided exploration and free time, with comfortable travel between destinations. Highlights include sunrise at Angkor Wat, a culinary tour in Siem Reap, the sobering Killing Fields, and bioluminescent plankton swims off clean beaches.
Pace
Moderate
Daily Budget
$80-120 per day (mid-range)
Best Seasons
November to February (cool, dry season)
Ideal For
First-time visitors, Culture and history ensoiasts, Beach lovers, Couples and solo travelers
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
Arrival in the Kingdom of Wonder
Arrive in Siem Reap, settle into your hotel, and take a gentle evening stroll through the energetic Pub Street area.
Morning
Arrival & Hotel Transfer
Arrive at Siem Reap International Airport (REP). Complete visa on arrival (if applicable) and take a pre-booked taxi or tuk-tuk to your hotel in central Siem Reap. Use the morning to relax, freshen up, and acclimate to the Cambodian heat.
Many hotels offer free airport pickup if booked directly; otherwise, use the official airport taxi desk.
Lunch
Chanrey Tree
Afternoon
Relax & Explore Siem Reap Town
Take a leisurely walk to get your bearings. Visit the Old Market (Psar Chas) for local crafts, wander the shaded paths along the Siem Reap River, and visit the serene Wat Preah Prom Rath temple near the riverbank.
Evening
Pub Street & Dinner
Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Pub Street and Alley West. For dinner, try 'The Sugar Palm' for authentic Amok or 'Georges Rhumerie' for a unique rum-tasting experience with French-Cambodian fusion food.
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Siem Reap (near Old Market) (Boutique Hotel or Guesthouse)
Walking distance to restaurants, markets, and nightlife; easy to find transport for temple tours.
Buy a SIM card with data at the airport (Cellcard or Smart). It's cheap and essential for navigation and ride-hailing apps like PassApp.
Day 1 Budget: $90
2
Angkor's Grand Circuit & Sunset Views
Siem Reap / Angkor Archaeological Park
A full day exploring the majestic temples of Angkor on the Grand Circuit, culminating with sunset from a temple-top.
Morning
Angkor Thom & Bayon Temple
Enter the ancient city of Angkor Thom through the South Gate. Explore the enigmatic Bayon Temple with its 216 giant stone faces. Continue to the royal enclosure of the Baphuon, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King.
Purchase your Angkor Pass the evening before at the official ticket center after 5 PM to avoid morning queues and use it for sunset that same evening.
Lunch
Angkor Reach Restaurant
Afternoon
Preah Khan & Neak Pean
Head to the large, jungle-enveloped monastery of Preah Khan. Then, visit the unique island temple of Neak Pean, set in the middle of a reservoir. Continue to the massive, photogenic East Mebon and Pre Rup temples.
Hire a tuk-tuk driver for the full day ($18-25). Agree on the circuit and price beforehand.
Evening
Sunset at Pre Rup
Watch the sunset from the high terraces of Pre Rup temple, which glows beautifully in the late afternoon light. Head back to town for dinner at 'Cuisine Wat Damnak', one of SE Asia's top restaurants (book well ahead).
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Siem Reap (Same as previous night)
Consistency and convenience after a long temple day.
Start your temple circuit in a counter-clockwise direction to avoid the biggest tour groups who typically go clockwise.
Day 2 Budget: $110
3
Angkor Wat Sunrise & Ta Prohm
Siem Reap / Angkor Archaeological Park
The iconic experience: sunrise at Angkor Wat followed by a full exploration, then the jungle-clad ruins of Ta Prohm.
Morning
Sunrise at Angkor Wat
Wake up early (around 4:30 AM) to reach Angkor Wat before dawn. Secure a spot by the reflection ponds for the classic sunrise view. After sunrise, explore the world's largest religious monument in detail, including the bas-relief galleries and central towers.
Your tuk-tuk driver will expect an early start; confirm time the night before. Bring a flashlight.
Lunch
Blue Pumpkin (near Angkor Wat)
Afternoon
Ta Prohm & Banteay Kdei
Visit the mesmerizing Ta Prohm, left largely as it was found, with giant silk-cotton trees growing from its stones. Afterwards, explore the quieter, monastic complex of Banteay Kdei and the Srah Srang reservoir (Royal Bath).
Evening
Phare Circus & Street Food
Enjoy an early dinner at 'Lilypop' for local street food flavors in a clean setting. Then, attend the incredible Phare, The Cambodian Circus, a powerful performance combining theater, music, and acrobatics that supports local youth.
For a less crowded sunrise alternative, ask your driver to go to the Srah Srang reservoir instead. It's serene and beautiful.
Day 3 Budget: $100
4
Floating Villages & Local Flavors
A day exploring life on the water at Tonlé Sap lake and diving into Cambodian cuisine with a cooking class.
Morning
Kompong Phluk Floating Village
Take a trip to Kompong Phluk, a stilted village on the Tonlé Sap. Take a boat tour through the flooded forest and visit the village to see daily life. It's more authentic and less commercial than Chong Kneas.
Book a small-group tour through your hotel or a reputable operator like Beyond Unique Escapes.
Lunch
Enjoy a simple lunch included in most village tours, or eat back in town.
Afternoon
Cambodian Cooking Class
Join a hands-on cooking class, like at 'Le Tigre de Papier' or 'Sokkhak River Retreat'. Visit a local market to select ingredients, then learn to prepare classic dishes like Fish Amok, Fresh Spring Rolls, and Mango Sticky Rice.
Book a class that includes a market visit for the full experience.
Evening
Dinner & Artisans Angkor
Enjoy the fruits of your labor for dinner (from your cooking class). Afterwards, visit the well-lit Artisans Angkor workshop on Chantiers Écoles street to see beautiful handicrafts being made.
The water level at Tonlé Sap varies drastically by season. In the dry season (Feb-July), Kompong Phluk is accessible by road and you'll see the towering stilts.
Day 4 Budget: $95
5
Journey to the Capital
Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
Travel by comfortable bus to Phnom Penh, arriving in the afternoon to explore the city's dynamic riverfront.
Morning
Bus to Phnom Penh
Check out of your hotel and take a morning bus (Giant Ibis or Virak Buntham are recommended) from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. The journey takes about 6 hours with a rest stop.
Book your bus ticket online a day or two in advance, for morning departures.
Lunch
Lunch stop included on the bus journey.
Afternoon
Check-in & Sisowath Quay
Arrive in Phnom Penh, transfer to your hotel, and freshen up. Take a leisurely walk along Sisowath Quay (the riverfront), observing local life, street performers, and the confluence of the Tonlé Sap and Mekong rivers.
Evening
Dinner with a View
Have dinner at 'Friends the Restaurant' (training restaurant for former street youth) or for a splurge with a view, 'Elephant Bar' at the Raffles Hotel Le Royal. Later, experience the night market near the riverfront.
Where to Stay Tonight
Riverside (Sisowath Quay) or BKK1 (Boutique Hotel)
Riverside is central and scenic; BKK1 is a trendy, quieter neighborhood with great cafes.
For the bus, choose a seat on the left side (when facing forward) for better views of the countryside during the journey.
Day 5 Budget: $85
6
A Somber History & Royal Grandeur
Phnom Penh
A deeply moving day confronting Cambodia's tragic past at the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng, balanced with the beauty of the Royal Palace.
Morning
Choeung Ek (Killing Fields) & Tuol Sleng (S-21)
Visit the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, 15km from the city, where a stupa filled with skulls memorializes the victims. Then, visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), a former high school turned prison. It's a heavy but essential experience.
Hire a tuk-tuk for the half-day and ask the driver to wait. An audio guide at Choeung Ek is highly recommended.
Lunch
Daeboo 1993 Restaurant
Afternoon
Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda
Visit the impressive Royal Palace complex, home to the King of Cambodia. Marvel at the Throne Hall and the Silver Pagoda (floor covered with 5,000 silver tiles), which houses national treasures like the Emerald Buddha and a life-sized gold Buddha.
Dress respectfully (covered knees and shoulders). Go after 2 PM when the morning crowds have thinned.
Evening
Reflective Dinner & Riverside
Process the day's experiences over dinner at 'Romdeng', a restaurant set in a colonial house serving classic Khmer dishes (like fried tarantulas!) and supporting former street youth. Take a quiet stroll along the river afterwards.
Where to Stay Tonight
Riverside or BKK1 (Same hotel)
Central location for all activities.
Do the Killing Fields and S-21 in the morning when you have more energy for the emotional weight. The Royal Palace has a beautiful counterpoint in the afternoon.
Day 6 Budget: $90
7
Markets, Museums & Sunset Cruise
Phnom Penh
Explore Phnom Penh's hectic markets, look into history at the National Museum, and end the day with a cruise on the Mekong.
Morning
Central Market (Phsar Thmei) & Russian Market (Phsar Toul Tom Poung)
Start at the art-deco Central Market for jewelry, electronics, and souvenirs. Then, head to the Russian Market, a labyrinth of stalls selling everything from silk and carvings to clothing and hardware. It's great for bargaining.
Go early to avoid the heat and crowds. Be prepared to bargain politely (start at 50% of asking price).
Lunch
Russian Market Food Stalls
Afternoon
National Museum of Cambodia
Visit the beautiful terracotta building housing the world's finest collection of Khmer sculpture, spanning from the pre-Angkorian to post-Angkorian periods. It provides essential context for the temples you've seen.
Consider hiring one of the museum's knowledgeable guides for a deeper understanding.
Evening
Mekong Sunset Cruise
Book a one-hour sunset cruise from the riverfront dock (boats line up). Watch the city skyline and daily life on the river as the sun sets. For dinner, try 'Malis' for upscale, beautiful Khmer cuisine in a garden setting.
Where to Stay Tonight
Riverside or BKK1 (Same hotel)
Easy access to the riverfront for the cruise.
The best photo of the Royal Palace's spires is from across the street in the park near the National Museum, not from inside the complex.
Day 7 Budget: $100
8
To the Coast: Beaches Await
Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville to Koh Rong
Travel from the capital to the coast, then by ferry to the tropical great destination of Koh Rong island.
Morning
Bus to Sihanoukville
Check out and take a morning bus (Giant Ibis or Virak Buntham) from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville. The journey takes about 4-5 hours.
Book the bus that arrives in Sihanoukville by early afternoon to catch a ferry to Koh Rong.
Lunch
Lunch stop included on the bus, or grab a quick bite at the Sihanoukville ferry port.
Afternoon
Ferry to Koh Rong
From the Sihanoukville ferry port (Serendipity Pier), take the high-speed ferry (Speed Ferry Cambodia or GTVC) to Koh Rong. The ride takes about 45 minutes. Arrive at Koh Tuch (the main pier) and take a taxi boat or walk to your beachside accommodation.
Buy a round-trip ferry ticket. Check ferry schedules as the last ferry often leaves around 5 PM.
Evening
Beachfront Dinner & Bioluminescence
Enjoy a relaxed seafood dinner at your resort or at a beachfront restaurant like 'Coco's' on Long Set Beach. After dark, take a swim to see the magical bioluminescent plankton light up the water around you.
Where to Stay Tonight
Long Set Beach or Sok San Beach (Beach Bungalow or Resort)
Long Set is lively with bars and restaurants; Sok San is quieter and has a impressive long beach.
Pack a small overnight bag for the island and leave your main luggage in storage at your Phnom Penh hotel or at the Sihanoukville ferry terminal (small fee).
Day 8 Budget: $100
9
Island Great destination & Jungle Trek
Koh Rong
A full day to relax on clean beaches, snorkel in clear waters, and take a jungle hike to a remote beach.
Morning
Beach Time & Snorkeling
Wake up to the sound of the sea. Spend the morning swimming in the turquoise water, sunbathing on the white sand, and snorkeling right from the beach (gear often available for rent). The coral near Police Beach is good.
Lunch
Your resort restaurant or a beach shack
Afternoon
Jungle Hike to Long Beach
Take a guided jungle hike from the main village across the island to the 7km-long, pristine Long Beach (Sok San Beach) on the west coast. It's a 45-60 minute hike. Enjoy the secluded beach before taking a taxi boat back.
Ask at your hotel for a local guide. Don't attempt the jungle trail alone.
Evening
Sunset & Barbecue
Watch the spectacular sunset over the Gulf of Thailand. Enjoy a fresh seafood barbecue on the beach under the stars.
Where to Stay Tonight
Long Set Beach or Sok San Beach (Same beach bungalow)
Unwind and enjoy the island vibe.
Bring strong insect repellent for the jungle hike and the evenings. Sand flies on the beach can also be pesky at dusk.
Day 9 Budget: $80
10
Return to Mainland & Riverside Charm
Koh Rong to Kampot
Catch a morning ferry back, then travel to the charming, relaxed riverside town of Kampot.
Morning
Ferry to Sihanoukville & Travel to Kampot
Take a morning ferry back to Sihanoukville. Upon arrival, a pre-arranged taxi or shared minivan will take you on the scenic 1.5-2 hour drive to Kampot.
Arrange the land transfer through your Kampot hotel or at the ferry pier. Shared taxis are cheaper but wait to fill up.
Lunch
Rikitikitavi Restaurant
Afternoon
Check-in & Riverside Stroll
Check into your riverside guesthouse. Spend the afternoon wandering the sleepy streets of Kampot's old French colonial quarter, browse the bookshops, and relax in a riverside café like 'Epic Arts Café' (social enterprise).
Evening
Dinner & Night Market
Have dinner at 'Captain Chim's' for delicious cheap eats. Then, visit the small but lively Kampot Night Market along the river for snacks, souvenirs, and local atmosphere.
Where to Stay Tonight
Kampot Riverside (Riverside Guesthouse or Boutique Hotel)
Beautiful views of the Bokor mountains, cool breezes, and easy access to restaurants.
Try Kampot's famous pepper ice cream at 'Simply Natural' ice cream shop. It's surprisingly delicious!
Day 10 Budget: $85
11
Pepper, Caves & a Mountain Ghost Town
Kampot & Bokor National Park
Discover Kampot's famous pepper farms, explore mystical caves, and visit the eerie hill station of Bokor.
Morning
Kampot Pepper Farm & Cave Temple
Visit a pepper plantation like 'La Plantation' for a free tour to learn why Kampot pepper is world-well-known. Then, head to the Phnom Chhnork cave temple, where a 7th-century Funan-era brick shrine sits inside a limestone cave. A local guide with a lantern is essential.
Hire a tuk-tuk or motorbike taxi for the half-day. Combine the pepper farm and cave in one trip.
Lunch
Bamboo Light Café
Afternoon
Bokor Hill Station
Take a shared taxi or tour up the winding road into Bokor National Park. Explore the abandoned French hill station, including the eerie Bokor Palace Hotel & Casino and the old Catholic church, often shrouded in mist. Enjoy impressive views over the coast.
Tours can be booked easily in town. The new Thansur Bokor Highland Resort has also changed the area's dynamic.
Evening
Sunset River Cruise
Take a traditional wooden boat cruise on the Kampot River at sunset. Many include a simple dinner or drinks. Look for boats departing near the Old Bridge.
Where to Stay Tonight
Kampot Riverside (Same guesthouse)
Perfect end to a day of exploration.
Bring a sweater or light jacket for Bokor Hill Station. It can be 10-15°C (18-27°F) cooler than in Kampot town, and often windy/foggy.
Day 11 Budget: $95
12
Kep: Crabs, Mansions & a Relaxed Farewell
Kampot to Kep
A short trip to the seaside retreat of Kep for crab market delights and exploration of abandoned villas.
Morning
Travel to Kep & Kep National Park
Take a short 25-minute taxi or tuk-tuk ride to Kep. Drop your bags at your hotel. Then, take a gentle walk or mountain bike ride on the 8km circuit trail in Kep National Park, enjoying jungle and coastal views from the viewpoints.
Hire a tuk-tuk for the day to travel between Kampot, Kep, and back.
Lunch
Kep Crab Market
Afternoon
Kep Crab Market & Abandoned Villas
Visit the famous crab market, where you can pick live crabs from baskets and have them cooked on the spot (Kep pepper crab is a must). Afterwards, wander among the atmospheric ruins of the old French colonial mansions, overgrown by jungle.
Evening
Kep Beach & Return to Kampot
Relax on Kep's small, pebbly beach or take a dip. Enjoy a sunset drink at 'Sailing Club' before your tuk-tuk takes you back to Kampot for your final night. Have a farewell dinner at 'Arcadia Backpackers' (even if not staying there) for great food and a fun vibe by the river.
Where to Stay Tonight
Kampot Riverside (Same guesthouse)
More accommodation options and evening atmosphere than in Kep.
For the best crab, go to the stalls at the far end of the crab market, closer to the fishing boats. They're often fresher and cheaper.
Day 12 Budget: $90
13
The Road Back to the Capital
Kampot to Phnom Penh
A relaxed journey back to Phnom Penh with time for final souvenirs and a special last dinner.
Morning
Leisurely Morning & Bus to Phnom Penh
Enjoy a final Kampot breakfast, perhaps at 'Espresso' for great coffee. Then, take a late morning or early afternoon bus from Kampot back to Phnom Penh (approx. 3 hours).
Book your bus ticket a day in advance from one of the many agencies in Kampot.
Lunch
Stop at 'Samaky Restaurant' in Takeo province (a popular bus stop) or eat upon arrival in Phnom Penh.
Afternoon
Check-in & Final Shopping
Check into your hotel in Phnom Penh (maybe a different area like BKK1 for a change). Do any last-minute souvenir shopping at the Russian Market or at the airport-like 'Sovanna Shopping Center'.
Evening
Farewell Dinner
Splurge on a memorable farewell dinner. 'Topaz' offers fine French cuisine, or 'Khema' (at the Pasteur Street Mansion) has an excellent steak and wine selection. For something uniquely Cambodian, try the tasting menu at 'Mok Mony'.
Where to Stay Tonight
BKK1 District, Phnom Penh (Upscale Boutique Hotel)
A comfortable, stylish base for your last night, with easy airport access the next day.
If you have time, visit the 'Bophana Audiovisual Resource Center' in the afternoon for free screenings of historical and cultural films about Cambodia.
Day 13 Budget: $120
14
Departure & Reflections
Phnom Penh
Final morning in Cambodia, perhaps visiting a local café or market before transferring to the airport for your departure.
Morning
Last Tastes & Airport Transfer
Enjoy a final Khmer coffee and breakfast at a café like 'Brown Coffee' or 'Feel Good Café'. Do any last-minute packing. Check out of your hotel and take a pre-booked taxi to Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) for your departure flight.
Allow at least 3 hours before your international flight for travel and airport procedures.
Lunch
Airport or on the plane.
Afternoon
Departure
Check in for your flight, pass through immigration, and browse the duty-free shops. Reflect on two incredible weeks exploring the temples, towns, and tropical shores of Cambodia.
Evening
In transit / Flight
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A (N/A)
Departure day.
Spend your leftover Cambodian Riel at the airport shops before security, as it's difficult to exchange outside the country. Keep a small bill as a souvenir.
Day 14 Budget: $40
Practical Information
Getting Around
Internal travel combines comfortable tourist buses (Siem Reap-Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville), private taxis/tuk-tuks for day trips, and ferries to islands. Within cities, tuk-tuks (use PassApp for metered fares) and walking are best. For the Kampot/Kep leg, hiring a tuk-tuk for the day is efficient. Distances are manageable, but road conditions can vary.
Book Ahead
Book the first 2-3 nights in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, and your beach accommodation on Koh Rong in advance, in peak season. Reserve bus tickets for long journeys (Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville, Kampot-Phnom Penh) a day ahead. Book popular restaurants (Cuisine Wat Damnak, Malis) and the Phare Circus a few days ahead.
Packing Essentials
Light, breathable clothing; a scarf/sarong for temple entry; sturdy walking shoes; sandals; swimwear; strong insect repellent; high-SPF sunscreen; hat; reusable water bottle with filter/purification tablets; flashlight/headlamp; light rain jacket (outside dry season); power adapter (Type A/C/G used).
Total Budget
$1,200 - $1,700 for 14 days (excluding international flights)
Customize Your Trip
Budget Version
Stay in hostel dorms, eat primarily at local markets and street stalls, use public minibuses instead of tourist buses, skip guided tours in favor of self-exploration with a rented bicycle (in Siem Reap), and limit paid attractions to just the 1-day Angkor Pass. Focus on free experiences like beaches and wandering towns. Daily budget can drop to $30-50.
Luxury Upgrade
Stay in 5-star hotels (e.g., Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor, Rosewood Phnom Penh, Six Senses Krabey Island). Hire a private car with driver/guide for the entire itinerary. Take helicopter tours over Angkor. Dine at exclusive chef's tables. Book private boat charters and spa treatments. Upgrade to luxury bus services or domestic flights for transfers. Daily budget $300+.
Family-Friendly
Slow the pace: spend 4 nights in Siem Reap with a pool, focus on the main temples (skip the sunrise with young kids), visit the Angkor National Museum and Cambodian Cultural Village. In Phnom Penh, consider the more child-friendly National Museum over S-21. Extend beach time on Koh Rong (calmer waters on Sok San Beach). Include activities like a fun pottery class in Kampot.
Book Activities for Your Trip
Tours, tickets, and experiences in Cambodia