7 Day Cambodia Travel Itinerary | Cambodia Trip Planner 2024
Did you know that Cambodia is home to South-East Asia’s Largest Freshwater Lake – Tonle Sap ? Cambodia is also one of the few countries where luxury is very affordable. And despite having the eighth wonder of the world in its backyard, Cambodia’s real treasure is its people, as they have been to hell and back, struggling through years of bloodshed, poverty and political instability. Facts like these make Cambodia difficult to resist for the travellers, and if you haven’t yet been to Cambodia, it’s time to plan your Trip to Cambodia with this 7 Day Cambodia Travel Itinerary.
As you scroll down and go through this suggested One Week Cambodia Travel Itinerary, you will realise that this Cambodia Travel Guide, might be the one of the most useful travel resources that you might need in order to plan an epic Trip to Cambodia – The home of Angkor Wat.
You can also use this 7 Day Cambodia Travel Itinerary, as an extension of this 7 Day Vietnam Travel Itinerary.
The 7 Day Cambodia Travel Itinerary
Contents
- The 7 Day Cambodia Travel Itinerary
- Day 1 – Arrive in Phnom Penh
- Day 2 – Killing Fields and S – 21 Prison | Phnom Penh Exporation
- Day 3 – Bus / Flight to Sihanoukville | Boat to Koh Rong
- Day 4 – Koh Rong Activities
- Day 5 – Boat to Sihanoukville | Bus / Flight to Phnom Penh
- Day 6 – Bus / Flight to Siem Reap
- Day 7 – Angkor Wat Full Day Exploration
- Day 8 – Trip Ends and Departure from Cambodia
- Where to Stay in Phnom Penh ?
- Where to Stay in Koh Rong ?
- Where to Stay in Siem Reap ?
- Trip to Cambodia – Tips and Recommendations
- 7 Day Cambodia Travel Itinerary – Summarised
- Subscribe via Email
PS – Useful Travel Resources to use while heading to the Kingdom of Cambodia to tick off this 7 Day Cambodia Travel Itinerary –
- Book your Rental Car in Cambodia on Discover Cars and RentalCars.com
- Book the best Cambodia Tours at GetYourGuide or Viator or Klook
- Book your Budget Accommodation in Cambodia on Agoda or Booking.com
- Book your train/bus travel tickets in Cambodia on 12Go.Asia
- Get the best flight deals on Kiwi.com
- Get an eSIM by Airalo to stay connected and Save on Roaming Fees
- Sign up for a Priority Pass before flying to Cambodia, and get access to premium Airport Lounges.
- Sign up for a Travel Insurance to enjoy a hassle free vacation in Cambodia.
Day 1 – Arrive in Phnom Penh
Chances are that you might either reach Phnom Penh by flight, or by bus from Ho Chi Minh City aka Saigon in Vietnam, to start this epic 7 Day Trip to Cambodia, and will be travel fatigued. So the best option is to relax at your hotel, and head out a while before sunset. This way you can enjoy a nice stroll along the boulevard, adjacent to the Mekong River, followed by exploring the Phnom Penh Night Market.
Day 2 – Killing Fields and S – 21 Prison | Phnom Penh Exporation
The first half of Day 2 of this 7 Day Cambodia Travel Itinerary, will go in visiting the Killing Fields and the S-21 Prison.
The Choeung Ek memorial is about a 45-minute drive from Phnom Penh. We highly recommend in this Cambodia Travel Guide that you combine the visit of both the S-21 Prison and The Killing Fields, for the sake of historical context.
Many of those who perished under the Khmer Rouge regime ended up in one of the dozens of ‘killing fields’ that can be found scattered across the country. These killing fields were ad hoc places of execution and dumping grounds for bodies.
Prior to 1975, Choeung Ek near Phnom Penh was an orchard and a Chinese cemetery. But under the Khmer Rouge the area became one of the infamous killing fields. This particular killing field is the site of the brutal executions of approximately 17,000 men, women and children, most of whom had first been through interrogation, torture and deprivation in the S-21 Prison (now the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum) in Phnom Penh.
After the fall of the regime, memorials were set up at many of the sites, some containing the bones and remnants of victims gathered from the area.
Post lunch, explore the different markets of Phnom Penh such as the Russian Market, Central Market, The Old Market or The Olympic Market, or visit other Phnom Penh attractions such as the Royal Palace, Wat Phnom, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum.
Day 3 – Bus / Flight to Sihanoukville | Boat to Koh Rong
After exploring Phnom Penh, it’s time to relax by the beach. And there’s no place better, than the Koh Rong Islands off Sihanoukville.
To reach Sihanoukville, you can either take a morning bus from Phnom Penh, or even a flight. Once you reach Sihanoukville, it’s time to get on a speedboat and make your way to the Koh Rong Islands.
By the time you will reach, it will be post lunch, so after checking in your resort, and a quick nap later, you can enjoy a magnificent Sunset from the jetty of your resort, followed by the evening at your leisure.
Day 4 – Koh Rong Activities
Start the day with a hearty breakfast at the inhouse restaurant, on day 4 of this 7 day Cambodia Travel Itinerary, after which you can opt for a plethora of activities to do around your resort in the Koh Rong Islands, such as Scuba Diving, Snorkelling, Island Hopping Tour or a private boat tour to the nearby floating village and the mangrove forests. All you have to do is, fix up the schedule for the day, with the hotel concierge.
Day 5 – Boat to Sihanoukville | Bus / Flight to Phnom Penh
Post breakfast, head back to Sihanoukville on a boat from your hotel in the Koh Rong Islands, and then head back to Phnom Penh for the night, either by bus or by flight.
Once back in Phnom Penh, you have the option of staying for the night at the same hotel where you stayed before, or in a floating bungalow, known as Flotation by MAADS, on the Mekong River, overlooking the Phnom Penh skyline.
And we highly recommend, in this Cambodia Travel Blog, for you to get this unique experience, of spending the night in a fully functional floating bungalow complex.
This will definitely turn out to be one of the most memorable experiences of your 7 Day Trip to Cambodia.
Day 6 – Bus / Flight to Siem Reap
After exploring Phnom Penh and Koh Rong Islands, it’s time to head to Siem Reap – Home to the famous Angkor Wat, and also the last destination in this Epic One Week Trip to Cambodia.
This you can do, by either taking a bus or flight from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. While the former will be a cheaper alternative, the latter will be a quicker option.
Reach Siem Reap, check into your hotel, and, around sunset head out to explore the night markets and the famous Siem Reap Pub Street.
An interesting addition to your 7 Day Cambodia Travel Itinerary could be checking out these Top Rated Siam Reap Restaurants, where you can try some local cuisine, and pair it up with the local beer.
Day 7 – Angkor Wat Full Day Exploration
It’s the last day of your Trip to Cambodia, and no trip to Cambodia is complete without witnessing the sunrise at Angkor Wat and exploring the different temples in the Angkor Wat complex.
Angkor Wat, as you already might be aware of is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic and important archaeological sites in South – East Asia. The word ‘Angkor’ means ‘capital city’ in the Khmer language, while the word ‘Wat’ means ‘temple’. It was originally built in the first half of the 12th century as a Hindu temple. Spread across more than 400 acres, Angkor Wat is said to be the largest religious monument in the world.
Did you know that Angkor Wat was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, but became a Buddhist temple by the end of the 12th century.
In order to catch the famous Angkor Wat Sunrise, which is also one of the best things to do with kids in Siem Reap, you need to start your day early, probably by around 5 AM, so you can first head to the ticketing complex, and then to Angkor Wat for the sunrise. After the sunrise, you can make your way back to the hotel for the complimentary breakfast. Around midday, you can resume your Angkor Wat exploration, at your own pace. In case you need any help or guidance, the hotel concierge, will be more than willing to help you out, and make your life easy.
Day 8 – Trip Ends and Departure from Cambodia
After spending One Week in Cambodia, starting from Phnom Penh, then to Koh Rong Islands, and finally to Siem Reap, it’s time to end the trip, with bucket loads of happy memories and memorable experiences, and depart from Cambodia to your next destination.
Where to Stay in Phnom Penh ?
The Pavilion
This Heritage Oasis Hotel, located a few steps from the Royal Palace and the Wat Botum (Royal Pagoda), comprises four period buildings, including Queen Kossamak’s former residence, giving out a sense of timeless tranquility among exuberant flora. Two large swimming pools each one with its own atmosphere and set up in a distinct part of the property, and private plunge pools contribute to the oasis feel of a place where each and every one of the accommodations keeps its own character and atmosphere.
All 36 rooms and suites at The Pavilion retain a distinctive character. There are rooms fitting all kinds of budgets and comforts. And the hotel has a strict policy of only 16 + aged guests, which kind of makes the whole atmosphere romantic and relaxing.
The location of The Pavilion is a huge plus point, as is its walking distance from the riverfront, where one can find a plethora of options to dine. There are few supermarkets as well, in the vicinity where you can get the fix of practically anything.
Floatation by MAADS
If you are really looking for some unique offbeat experience, then, in this Cambodia Travel Blog, we highly recommend you to spend a night in the Floating Bungalow by Flotation Phnom Penh.
The Floating bungalow complex comprises a bar, restaurant and of course a king size bedroom, overlooking the Phnom Penh skyline.
The River Suite comes with a lounging terrace, a large and stylish double bedroom with king size bed and sofas, a bathroom and separate toilets. Screen windows open to the majestic Mekong and magical views over the city, so close and yet so far away.
If you are lucky, and get a cloudless sky, you are in for a memorable sunset and a glorious sunrise the next day.
Where to Stay in Koh Rong ?
Sok San Beach Resort
Sok San Beach Resort, Koh Rong island, is a traditional yet modern Khmer-style hotel located on one of the most beautiful islands of Cambodia.
Sok San Beach Resort is located in an idyllic and untouched location in Koh Rong – a 78 km2, lightly populated island where rainforest-covered hills, pristine mangrove estuaries and miles of pure white sand invite you to explore natural wonders.
During the duration of the stay at Sok San Beach Resort, the guests can indulge in a wide range of activities like Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Fishing, Kayaking, Island Hopping, or even take a Sunset Cruise. If you are lucky and the weather is in your favour then Plankton Discovery should definitely top your list of activities to do at Sok San Beach Resort. Mind you all these activities are decently priced with the average rate of around 20 – 25 USD per activity per head.
Where to Stay in Siem Reap ?
Templations
Templation by MAADS is literally a sprawling Oasis barely 4 KM away from the mighty Angkor Wat, in the city of Siem Reap in Cambodia.
The location of Templation is one of the biggest USP, as it is conveniently located 3 KM from the Angkor Ticketing Complex in one direction and the mighty Angkor Wat, just 4 KM, in the other direction, which can be reached in as less as 5 minutes, which is like a blessing in disguise specially when you intend to witness a sunrise at Angkor Wat.
There are 33 suites and villas spread out throughout the property, along with an in house Spa, Gym, Restaurant and Bar; and while you can choose from The Junior Suite, The Pool Suite and The Pool Villa, our recommendation in this Cambodia Travel Guide would be to go for the Pool Suite.
Click here for a detailed Property Review of Templation by MAADS.
There you go, here’s our 7 Day Cambodia Travel Itinerary to discover the best of Cambodia in One Week. The Kingdom of Cambodia has a lot to offer to the travellers, such as the warm, welcoming and hospitable locals; the rich culture; the delectable Khmer cuisine; the budget friendly prices; among others.
Trip to Cambodia – Tips and Recommendations
# Spend 3-4 days in Siem Reap, take the 3 day Angkor Wat pass (value for money) and explore the unexplored corners of the Angkor Wat Archeological Park on cycle at your own pace. Also include a sunrise / sunset trip to Tonle Sap – South East Asia’s largest freshwater lake.
# Spend a few extra days in Cambodia and explore the cities of Kampot and Battambang.
# Carry your own water bottle, refill it wherever possible and keep yourself hydrated at all times.
# Also, make it a point to keep some munchies in your day pack, whenever you head out to explore anything, or anywhere in Cambodia.
# Be Responsible. Don’t throw your trash anywhere, rather keep it with you and properly dispose it off at your hotel at the end of the day.
# Support the locals. You’ll find a couple of artists in and around Angkor Wat, creating art and trying to sell. Do take a moment to appreciate their efforts, and shop from them, without haggling much. And trust me, these handmade drawings / paintings make for awesome gifts and souvenirs.
# Do Not Feed The Monkeys – The monkeys, specially the ones at Angkor Wat might look cute, and you might want to share a snack with them, but I repeat, DO NOT FEED THEM. If you do, you might just fall victim to a Monkey Attack in Angkor Wat !
7 Day Cambodia Travel Itinerary – Summarised
Day 1 – Arrive in Phnom Penh | Promenade Walk and Phnom Penh Night Market
Day 2 – Killing Fields and S-21 Prison | Phnom Penh Exploration
Day 3 – Bus / Flight to Sihanoukville | Boat to Koh Rong
Day 4 – Koh Rong Activities
Day 5 – Boat to Sihanoukville | Bus / Flight to Phnom Penh | Stay in a Floating Bungalow
Day 6 – Bus / Flight to Siem Reap | Siem Reap Pub Street and Night Market
Day 7 – Angkor Wat Full Day Exploration
Day 8 – Departure from Cambodia
Now that you’ve got a good idea about what all destinations you should visit in Cambodia, where should you stay in Phnom Penh, Koh Rong and Siem Reap, and about the different things to do on your Trip to Cambodia, it’s highly recommended that you, get a Travel Insurance and check if you need a Visa to travel to Cambodia.
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