Ancient Wonders & Modern Cambodia
From Angkor's Temples to Phnom Penh's Heritage
Trip Overview
This seven-day journey through Cambodia balances the country's magnificent temple complexes with its vibrant culture and poignant history. Starting in Siem Reap, you'll explore the legendary Angkor Archaeological Park, including the iconic Angkor Wat and jungle-wrapped Ta Prohm Temple. The itinerary then takes you to Phnom Penh to discover Cambodia's royal heritage and recent history, before venturing to natural wonders and local communities. You'll experience traditional silk weaving, witness contemporary Cambodian circus arts, and connect with the country's warm-hearted people. The pace allows for thorough exploration without exhaustion, with early temple visits to avoid crowds and heat, balanced by leisurely afternoons and cultural evenings. This comprehensive tour reveals both Cambodia's glorious past and its resilient present.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival & Siem Reap Introduction
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Siem Reap (Mid-range hotel near Pub Street area)
Central location provides easy access to restaurants, markets, and transportation for temple visits
Angkor Wat & The Grand Circuit
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Siem Reap (Same hotel as Day 1)
Staying put allows early departure without repacking and maintains proximity to temples
Jungle Temples & Local Crafts
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Siem Reap (Same hotel as previous nights)
Final night in Siem Reap before traveling to Phnom Penh tomorrow
Journey to the Capital
Where to Stay Tonight
Riverside or BKK1 area (Mid-range hotel in central Phnom Penh)
These areas offer excellent dining options, walkability to major sites, and riverside ambiance
Confronting History
Where to Stay Tonight
Riverside or BKK1 area (Same hotel as Day 4)
Familiar surroundings provide comfort after an emotionally challenging day
Art, Culture & Local Life
Where to Stay Tonight
Riverside or BKK1 area (Same hotel as previous nights)
Final night in Phnom Penh with easy access to departure points tomorrow
Departure & Last Glimpses
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A (N/A)
Departure day
Practical Information
Getting Around
In Siem Reap, hire tuk-tuks by the day ($15-20) for temple visits - arrange through your hotel. Within Phnom Penh, use tuk-tuks ($2-5 per trip) or PassApp/Grab for metered rides. The Siem Reap to Phnom Penh journey is best by bus ($10-15, 5-6 hours) with companies like Giant Ibis or Mekong Express, though flights ($80-120, 45 minutes) save time. Always negotiate tuk-tuk prices before departing. Renting bicycles in Siem Reap ($2-5/day) is pleasant for town exploration but impractical for distant temples.
Book Ahead
Book Phare, The Cambodian Circus tickets online 2-3 days ahead. Reserve the Lotus Silk Farm tour in advance. Bus tickets between cities should be booked 1-2 days prior. Accommodation during peak season (December-February) benefits from advance booking. Temple passes are purchased on arrival.
Packing Essentials
Lightweight, modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temples; comfortable walking shoes; sun hat and high-SPF sunscreen; insect repellent; flashlight for early temple visits; reusable water bottle; small daypack; rain jacket (wet season); scarf for temple visits and air-conditioned buses
Total Budget
$425-570 for 7 days (excluding international flights)
Customize Your Trip
Budget Version
Stay in guesthouses or hostels ($8-15/night), eat exclusively at local restaurants ($2-4/meal), take public buses, skip the circus performance, and join free walking tours. Rent a bicycle instead of hiring tuk-tuks when possible. Buy a 1-day Angkor Pass instead of 3-day. Cook occasional meals if accommodation has kitchen facilities. Shop at local markets instead of tourist shops. Total budget: $35-50/day.
Luxury Upgrade
Stay at heritage hotels like Raffles or boutique properties ($150-300/night), hire private air-conditioned cars with English-speaking guides ($60-80/day), take the scenic flight between cities, dine at fine restaurants ($20-40/meal), book sunrise Angkor Wat with private guide and champagne breakfast, enjoy spa treatments, take helicopter tours over Angkor, and stay in premium riverside suites in Phnom Penh. Total budget: $250-400/day.
Family-Friendly
Add visits to the Cambodia Landmine Museum for older children's education, include more market visits for sensory experiences, schedule afternoon pool time at hotels during hot hours, choose the War Museum for interactive exhibits, pack plenty of snacks, bring entertainment for the long bus journey, consider flying instead to save time, choose family rooms in hotels, and mix temple visits with nature activities. Adjust pace to allow more rest breaks and flexibility.
Book Activities for Your Trip
Tours, tickets, and experiences in Cambodia