Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Cambodia's vibrant capital and ease into the local rhythm with riverside exploration and cultural introduction.
Morning
Arrival and hotel check-in
Arrive at Phnom Penh International Airport and transfer to your accommodation. Take time to settle in, freshen up, and get oriented with your surroundings. If you arrive early, take a gentle walk along the riverside promenade to get your first impressions of the city and adjust to the tropical climate.
2-3 hours
$10-15 (airport transfer)
Arrange airport pickup through your accommodation in advance for convenience and fair pricing
Lunch
A riverside restaurant serving traditional Khmer cuisine near the
Royal Palace
Khmer
Mid-range
Afternoon
Visit the stunning
Royal Palace complex with its gleaming golden spires and intricate Khmer architecture. Explore the Throne Hall, the Silver Pagoda with its floor of silver tiles, and the manicured gardens. The palace remains the official residence of the King, offering insight into Cambodia's royal heritage and Buddhist traditions through its sacred statues and artifacts.
2-3 hours
$10
Evening
Sunset stroll and dinner
Walk along Sisowath Quay at sunset, then enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers
Where to Stay Tonight
Riverside area, Phnom Penh (Mid-range hotel near the Royal Palace)
Central location provides easy access to major attractions and riverside dining, perfect for your first night
Dress modestly for the
Royal Palace (shoulders and knees covered) or rent a scarf at the entrance for $2-3
Day 1 Budget: $60-75
A profound day exploring Cambodia's recent tragic history, balanced with evening cultural performance.
Morning
Visit this former high school turned interrogation center during the Khmer Rouge regime. The museum preserves the haunting evidence of atrocities committed between 1975-1979, with photographs, torture devices, and personal stories of victims. Audio guides provide essential context to understand this dark chapter of Cambodian history. The experience is emotionally challenging but crucial for understanding modern Cambodia.
2-3 hours
$5 (including audio guide)
Arrive early to avoid crowds and allow time for reflection
Lunch
A quiet café in the Russian Market area for light, reflective lunch
International or light Khmer
Budget
Afternoon
National Museum of Cambodia
Shift to Cambodia's ancient glory at this terracotta-colored museum housing the world's finest collection of Khmer art. Explore sculptures, ceramics, and bronzes spanning prehistoric times through the Angkorian period. The peaceful courtyard garden provides a serene setting to admire stone carvings and reflect on Cambodia's artistic heritage spanning over a millennium.
2 hours
$10
Evening
Phare, The Cambodian Circus
Attend this spectacular evening performance blending acrobatics, theater, and music. The show tells Cambodian stories through contemporary circus arts, performed by talented young artists. The energy and skill on display provide an uplifting conclusion to an emotionally heavy day
Where to Stay Tonight
Riverside area, Phnom Penh (Same hotel as Day 1)
Staying put allows you to settle in and avoid unnecessary packing
Book front-row seats at Phare for the most immersive experience; shows typically start at 8pm and last 90 minutes
Day 2 Budget: $55-70
Discover Phnom Penh's contemporary art scene and vibrant markets before departing for
Siem Reap.
Morning
ArtBox and local galleries
Explore ArtBox, a creative space showcasing contemporary Cambodian art and photography. The gallery features rotating exhibitions from emerging and established artists, offering perspectives on modern Cambodian identity and culture. Spend time appreciating the vibrant art scene that's flourishing in Phnom Penh, with works ranging from traditional techniques to cutting-edge contemporary pieces.
2 hours
$0-5 (donation appreciated)
Lunch
A local market food stall for authentic street food experience
Khmer street food
Budget
Afternoon
Take a comfortable bus or private transfer to
Siem Reap (approximately 6 hours). The journey offers glimpses of rural Cambodian life, rice paddies, and small villages. Alternatively, consider a short domestic flight (45 minutes) if you prefer to maximize time. Arrive in
Siem Reap in late afternoon, check into your hotel, and explore the Old Market area and Pub Street for dinner.
6 hours by bus or 1 hour including flight time
$15-20 by bus, $80-120 by flight
Book bus tickets a day in advance; flights should be booked earlier for better rates
Evening
Stroll through the Old Market area, browse handicraft stalls, and enjoy dinner at a traditional Khmer restaurant with apsara dance performance
Where to Stay Tonight
Old Market area, Siem Reap (Boutique hotel within walking distance of restaurants and markets)
Central location perfect for exploring Siem Reap's dining scene and convenient for early temple visits
Giant Ibis and Mekong Express are reliable bus companies with comfortable seating and air conditioning
Day 3 Budget: $65-90
Experience the iconic
Angkor Wat sunrise and explore the magnificent temples of the ancient Khmer empire.
Morning
Depart at 5am to witness the unforgettable sunrise over
Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious monument. Watch as the sky transforms from darkness to golden light, illuminating the temple's five towers reflected in the lotus pond. After sunrise, explore the vast complex with its intricate bas-reliefs depicting Hindu epics, steep staircases, and galleries stretching over 1,200 meters. The architecture represents the pinnacle of Khmer civilization.
4-5 hours
$37 (1-day Angkor pass)
Purchase your Angkor pass the evening before at the ticket office to save morning time
Lunch
A restaurant near the temple complex serving Khmer and international dishes
Khmer and International
Mid-range
Afternoon
Visit the atmospheric
Ta Prohm, where massive tree roots intertwine with ancient stone structures in a dramatic embrace between nature and architecture. Unlike other temples,
Ta Prohm was left largely as French explorers found it, with silk-cotton and strangler fig trees growing through doorways and over roofs. The jungle setting creates an Indiana Jones atmosphere that's utterly captivating for photographers and adventurers alike.
2-3 hours
Included in Angkor pass
Evening
Relaxation and massage
Return to
Siem Reap for a traditional Khmer massage to soothe temple-weary feet, followed by dinner at a restaurant supporting local social enterprises
Where to Stay Tonight
Old Market area, Siem Reap (Same hotel as Day 3)
Familiar base for continued Angkor exploration
Visit
Ta Prohm in late afternoon when tour groups have departed for more peaceful exploration and better photography light
Day 4 Budget: $70-85
Continue temple exploration with lesser-visited sites, then discover floating village life on Tonle Sap Lake.
Morning
Explore the enigmatic
Bayon temple with its 216 serene stone faces gazing in all directions, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Continue through
Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer empire, visiting the Terrace of Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. The intricate carvings and massive scale demonstrate the power and sophistication of the Angkorian civilization at its height.
3-4 hours
Included in Angkor pass
Lunch
A local restaurant in
Siem Reap town serving traditional Khmer curry and fresh spring rolls
Khmer
Budget
Afternoon
Kompong Khleang Village
Visit Kompong Khleang, one of the largest and most authentic floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake. Unlike touristy Kompong Phluk, this village sees fewer visitors and offers genuine insight into the lives of families who live in stilted houses that tower 10 meters above the dry season riverbed. During wet season, take a boat through flooded forests; in dry season, witness the dramatic stilted architecture.
3-4 hours
$25-35 (including boat and guide)
Hire a knowledgeable local guide who can explain the unique ecosystem and culture
Evening
Dinner and night market
Explore
Siem Reap's night markets for souvenirs and street food, trying local specialties like grilled fish and sticky rice desserts
Where to Stay Tonight
Old Market area, Siem Reap (Same hotel as previous nights)
Maintaining your base in Siem Reap for convenience
Bring small denominations of US dollars for purchasing handicrafts directly from village artisans
Day 5 Budget: $65-80
Journey to Cambodia's most sacred mountain to discover ancient carvings, cascading waterfalls, and spiritual sites.
Morning
Phnom Kulen exploration and river carvings
Travel to Phnom Kulen, the sacred mountain where Jayavarman II declared himself god-king in 802 AD, founding the Angkor empire. Visit the River of a Thousand Lingas, where ancient Hindu carvings cover the riverbed, believed to bless the water flowing to Angkor. Explore the hilltop reclining Buddha carved into sandstone boulders, an important pilgrimage site for Cambodians.
3 hours
$20 (entrance fee)
Hire a private car or tuk-tuk for the day as public transport is not available
Lunch
A simple restaurant near the waterfall area serving grilled meats and rice dishes
Khmer
Budget
Afternoon
Phnom Kulen Waterfall
Cool off at Phnom Kulen Waterfall, a beautiful multi-tiered cascade where you can swim in refreshing natural pools. The waterfall is popular with Cambodian families on weekends, creating a festive atmosphere. The surrounding jungle setting provides shade and opportunities to spot butterflies and birds. The water is considered sacred, flowing from the mountain's holy sites.
2-3 hours
Included in park entrance
Evening
Return to
Siem Reap in late afternoon, freshen up, and enjoy a farewell dinner at a fine dining restaurant showcasing modern Khmer cuisine
Where to Stay Tonight
Old Market area, Siem Reap (Same hotel as previous nights)
Final night in Siem Reap before moving on
Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds; bring swimwear and a towel for the waterfall
Day 6 Budget: $70-85
Discover traditional silk weaving and explore lesser-known museums before an afternoon at leisure.
Morning
Lotus Silk Farm – Lotus Farm (by Samatoa) - Authentic Lotus Silk Experience
Visit this unique farm where artisans create the world's rarest fabric from lotus flower stems. Watch the painstaking process of extracting delicate fibers from lotus plants, spinning them into thread, and weaving them into luxurious textiles. This ancient technique is practiced by only a handful of people worldwide. Learn about sustainable textile production and the revival of traditional Khmer craftsmanship.
2-3 hours
$10-15 (tour fee)
Book tours in advance as they run at specific times with limited capacity
Lunch
A garden restaurant serving healthy Khmer-fusion cuisine near town center
Khmer fusion
Mid-range
Afternoon
War Museum and Cambodia Landmine Museum
Visit the War Museum to see collections of military equipment and weapons from Cambodia's recent conflicts, providing context for the country's turbulent 20th century. Then visit the Cambodia Landmine Museum, founded by a former child soldier who has dedicated his life to clearing landmines and educating visitors about their devastating impact. The museum supports landmine victims and raises awareness about this ongoing humanitarian crisis.
3 hours total
$10 combined
Evening
Leisure evening
Enjoy a relaxed evening exploring
Siem Reap's café culture, perhaps visiting a social enterprise café that supports local youth training programs
Where to Stay Tonight
Old Market area, Siem Reap (Same hotel as previous nights)
Continued convenience in familiar location
Purchases at the Landmine Museum directly support demining efforts and victim assistance programs
Day 7 Budget: $55-70
Travel to Cambodia's charming second city and experience the famous bamboo train.
Morning
Travel to Battambang
Take a shared taxi or private car to Battambang (approximately 3 hours), traveling through scenic countryside dotted with rice paddies and traditional villages. The journey offers authentic glimpses of rural Cambodian life. Arrive in Battambang, a beautifully preserved colonial town with French architecture, art galleries, and a relaxed riverside atmosphere. Check into your accommodation and explore the town center on foot.
3-4 hours
$15-25
Shared taxis depart when full; private cars offer more flexibility
Lunch
A riverside restaurant in Battambang serving fresh fish and local specialties
Khmer
Budget
Afternoon
Bamboo Train Ou Srauo Laou
Experience the unique bamboo train, a makeshift railway platform powered by a small engine that races through the countryside at surprising speeds. The locally-called 'norry' provides an exhilarating ride through rice fields and villages. When two trains meet on the single track, passengers quickly disassemble one train to let the other pass, then reassemble it—a uniquely Cambodian solution to infrastructure challenges.
2 hours including round trip
$5-7
Evening
Colonial architecture walk and dinner
Stroll through Battambang's streets admiring French colonial buildings painted in pastel colors, then enjoy dinner at a restaurant in a restored colonial villa
Where to Stay Tonight
Riverside area, Battambang (Boutique guesthouse in colonial building)
Immersive stay in Battambang's charming historic architecture
Late afternoon bamboo train rides offer the best light for photography and cooler temperatures
Day 8 Budget: $50-65
Explore Battambang's thriving arts scene and discover rural villages producing traditional crafts.
Morning
Тheam's Gallery and countryside villages
Visit Тheam's Gallery, showcasing exquisite traditional Khmer arts including intricate wood carvings, silk paintings, and lacquerware created by master artisan Lim Muy Theam. The gallery-workshop demonstrates the revival of ancient Cambodian artistic techniques. Continue to nearby villages where families practice traditional crafts like rice paper making, rice wine production, and fish paste preparation, offering authentic cultural immersion.
3-4 hours
$5-10
Combine with a countryside bicycle or tuk-tuk tour for a comprehensive experience
Lunch
A family-run restaurant in a countryside village serving home-cooked Khmer dishes
Traditional Khmer
Budget
Afternoon
Romcheik 5 Artspace & Café
Visit this contemporary art space and café housed in a beautifully restored building. Romcheik 5 showcases works by emerging Cambodian artists and hosts cultural events, representing Battambang's position as Cambodia's arts capital. Enjoy coffee or fresh juice while browsing exhibitions of paintings, photography, and installations that reflect modern Cambodian perspectives and creativity.
2 hours
$5-8 (refreshments)
Evening
Sunset and bat cave spectacle
Visit Phnom Sampov at sunset to witness millions of bats emerging from caves in a spectacular natural phenomenon, creating a ribbon-like stream across the sky for 30-40 minutes
Where to Stay Tonight
Riverside area, Battambang (Same guesthouse as Day 8)
Settled accommodation for final Battambang night
Hire a bicycle to explore the countryside villages at your own pace; the terrain is flat and roads are quiet
Day 9 Budget: $45-60
Travel to the tranquil seaside town of Kep, famous for fresh seafood and colonial charm.
Morning
Travel to Kep
Take a bus or shared taxi to Kep (approximately 6-7 hours), or break the journey with a stop in Kampot for lunch. The route takes you through changing landscapes from rice paddies to pepper plantations to coastal scenery. Arrive in Kep, a sleepy seaside retreat that was once the French colonial elite's beach resort, now characterized by modernist ruins and fresh crab.
6-7 hours
$15-20
Early morning departure recommended to arrive before dark
Lunch
Stop in Kampot town for lunch at a riverside restaurant serving fresh river fish
Khmer
Budget
Afternoon
Arrival and beach relaxation
Arrive in Kep and check into your accommodation. Head to the famous crab market along the waterfront where vendors sell the freshest seafood from small boats. Walk along the coastal path enjoying sea breezes and views of nearby islands. The relaxed pace of Kep provides a welcome change from temple touring and long journeys.
2-3 hours
$0
Evening
Fresh seafood dinner
Dine at the crab market where restaurants prepare Kep's famous fresh crab with Kampot green peppercorns, a regional specialty combination
Where to Stay Tonight
Beachfront area, Kep (Bungalow or guesthouse with sea views)
Coastal setting perfect for beach relaxation and fresh seafood access
Kep crab with Kampot pepper is the local delicacy—typically costs $8-12 depending on size and preparation
Day 10 Budget: $55-70
Explore nearby islands and visit famous pepper plantations in neighboring Kampot.
Morning
Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island) excursion
Take a boat to Koh Tonsay, a peaceful island with white sand beaches and minimal development. Spend the morning swimming in clear waters, relaxing in a hammock under palm trees, or walking the island's trails. The island offers a glimpse of simple island life with a few basic restaurants serving grilled seafood. The journey takes about 30 minutes each way from Kep pier.
4-5 hours including boat travel
$10-12 (boat round trip)
Boats depart regularly from Kep pier; confirm return time with your boat operator
Lunch
A beachfront shack on Rabbit Island serving grilled fish and fresh fruit
Khmer seafood
Budget
Afternoon
Kampot pepper plantation visit
Travel to nearby Kampot (30 minutes) to visit a pepper plantation growing the world-famous Kampot pepper, a protected geographical indication product. Tour the organic farms to learn about cultivation, harvesting, and processing of this prized spice available in red, black, white, and green varieties. The peppercorns have a complex flavor profile that's made them sought after by top chefs globally.
2 hours
$5-8 (tour and tasting)
Evening
Sunset at Kep National Park
Hike the easy trails in Kep National Park for sunset views over the Gulf of Thailand, then return to town for dinner
Where to Stay Tonight
Beachfront area, Kep (Same accommodation as Day 10)
Continuing coastal relaxation
Purchase authentic Kampot pepper directly from plantations at better prices than tourist shops; it makes an excellent gift
Day 11 Budget: $50-65
Discover hidden cave temples and refreshing waterfalls in Kampot's countryside.
Morning
Kampong Trach Water Cave
Explore the fascinating Kampong Trach cave system, where a Buddhist temple sits within a collapsed limestone cave creating a natural skylight. Wade through shallow water to reach the temple, then climb through passages to emerge at the top with panoramic countryside views. The site combines natural beauty with spiritual significance, frequented by pilgrims and adventurous travelers alike.
2-3 hours
$0-2 (small donation)
Bring a headlamp or phone light for darker cave sections; wear shoes that can get wet
Lunch
A local restaurant in Kampot town serving traditional Khmer curry
Khmer
Budget
Afternoon
Popokvil Waterfall
Visit Popokvil Waterfall in the Bokor National Park area, a beautiful two-tiered cascade surrounded by lush forest. The waterfall is especially impressive during rainy season but remains scenic year-round. The area offers cool respite from coastal heat and opportunities for swimming in natural pools. The surrounding park protects diverse wildlife and offers hiking trails through pristine jungle.
2-3 hours
$5-8 (park entrance and transport)
Evening
Kampot riverside dinner
Enjoy dinner at a riverside restaurant in Kampot town, watching boats pass while sampling local river fish and Kampot specialties
Where to Stay Tonight
Riverside area, Kampot (Boutique guesthouse along the river)
Experience Kampot's charming riverside atmosphere for your final provincial stay
The drive up Bokor Mountain to reach Popokvil offers spectacular views and passes abandoned French colonial buildings
Day 12 Budget: $50-65
Journey back to the capital for final explorations and souvenir shopping.
Morning
Travel to Phnom Penh
Take a bus or shared taxi back to Phnom Penh (approximately 3-4 hours), enjoying final views of Cambodian countryside, palm sugar plantations, and rural villages. Arrive in the capital by midday, check into your hotel, and refresh after the journey. The return to the city's energy provides an interesting contrast to the coastal tranquility.
3-4 hours
$10-15
Lunch
A modern café in Phnom Penh serving fusion cuisine and specialty coffee
International fusion
Mid-range
Afternoon
Central Market and shopping
Explore the iconic Art Deco Central Market (Psar Thmei) with its distinctive yellow dome. Browse stalls selling everything from jewelry and fabrics to souvenirs and local crafts. The market's architecture is worth admiring, and the organized sections make it easier to find quality handicrafts, silk scarves, and kramas (traditional Cambodian scarves) to bring home as gifts or mementos.
2-3 hours
$20-50 (shopping)
Evening
Farewell dinner cruise
Take a sunset dinner cruise on the Mekong River, enjoying buffet dinner with traditional apsara dance performance while watching the city lights reflect on the water
Where to Stay Tonight
Riverside area, Phnom Penh (Mid-range hotel near the riverfront)
Convenient location for final evening and departure day
Negotiate prices at Central Market but be fair; starting at 50-60% of the asking price is typically reasonable
Day 13 Budget: $70-90
Final morning in Cambodia before departure, with time for last-minute activities.
Morning
Leisure morning and final explorations
Depending on your flight time, enjoy a final Cambodian breakfast and perhaps visit any sites you missed or return to favorites. Consider the National Museum if you didn't visit earlier, or simply stroll along the riverside promenade one last time. Many travelers enjoy a final traditional Khmer massage before departure. Pack and prepare for your onward journey, reflecting on two weeks of incredible experiences.
2-3 hours
$10-15
Lunch
A final meal at a restaurant near your hotel serving your favorite Khmer dishes from the trip
Khmer
Mid-range
Afternoon
Airport transfer and departure
Transfer to Phnom Penh International Airport for your departure flight. Arrive at least 2-3 hours before international flights. Take time at the airport to spend remaining riels and perhaps purchase last-minute souvenirs like Kampot pepper or Cambodian coffee. Depart with memories of ancient temples, warm hospitality, delicious cuisine, and the resilient spirit of Cambodia.
Varies by flight time
$10-15 (airport transfer)
Arrange airport transfer through your hotel the evening before
Evening
Departure
International departure
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A (N/A)
Departure day
Keep some small USD bills separate for airport tips and final purchases; ATMs are available at the airport if needed
Day 14 Budget: $40-60