From Temples to Beaches: A 7-Day Itinerary in Cambodia

Let’s journey through the Kingdom of Wonder with our meticulously crafted 7-day itinerary for Cambodia. From the ancient temples of Siem Reap to the pristine beaches of Sihanoukville and the bustling streets of Phnom Penh, this itinerary offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, natural beauty, and relaxation. This itinerary provides options to suit every traveler’s preferences, to enchant you with rich history, vibrant culture, and natural landscapes:

Day 1: Arrival in Siem Reap

• Arrive at Siem Reap International Airport and check into your hotel.
• Visit the Angkor National Museum to learn more about Khmer history and culture.
• Obtain a 1-3 day pass to visit temples in Siem Reap.
• If time permit, take quadbike tour along rice field and watch sunset.
• Explore the vibrant Pub Street area for dinner and nightlife.

Day 2: Angkor Wat and Temples Tour

Wake up at 4-5 am to see the sunrise at Angkor Wat, one of the seven wonder of the world
Explore nearby temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park, such as Bayon, Ta Prohm, Banteay Kdei, Preah Khan, and Angkor Thom (Bayon Temple)
Watch the sunset at Bak Kheng Temple (be prepared to hike for 1 hour before sunset begins). Experience the golden sunset from the west shining on Angkor Wat from the east.
Enjoy a traditional Khmer dinner with an Apsara dance performance, such as at Kulen Restaurant.

Day 3: Explore Siem Reap

• Discover the natural and cultural wonders of Cambodia with a day trip to Phnom Kulen, located approximately 50 kilometers northeast of Siem Reap. Phnom Kulen is a sacred mountain range revered by locals for its religious significance and stunning natural beauty. Visit cascading waterfalls and ancient temples nestled within the jungle canopy.
• Explore the renowned River of a Thousand Lingas, where intricate carvings adorn the riverbed, and take a refreshing dip in the natural pools below the waterfall.
• Enjoy a picnic lunch by the waterfall.
• Visit Banteay Srei, renowned for its intricate pink sandstone carvings, making it one of the most beautiful temples in the Angkor area. It located approximately 25km northeast of Siem Reap city which take about 1 hour by car or tuk-tuk.
• Return to Siem Reap city for dinner.
• Visit local bar in Pub street and relax with a spa treatment

Day 3 – 7 Options

Optional 1: Day 4: Travel to Kep (8-hour travel) – Take a boat tour to the floating village of Kompong Phluk on Tonle Sap Lake and learn about daily life on the water – Transfer to Kep, a coastal town known for its relaxed atmosphere and seafood. – Check into your Resort options include Veranda Natural Resort, Samanea Beach Resort & Spa, Koh Russey Resort, and Knai Bang Chatt Resort. – Enjoy a seafood dinner at one of the local restaurants overlooking the ocean or at the hotel.	Option 2: Day 4: Travel to Kampot (8-hour travel) – Take a boat tour to the floating village of Kompong Phluk on Tonle Sap Lake and learn about daily life on the water – Transfer to Kampot, a charming riverside town renowned for its colonial architecture, pepper plantations, and tranquil ambiance. – Check into your Resort options include Peam Snea and relax	Option 3: Day 4: Travel to Sihanoukville (7.5 hours) -Take a boat tour to the floating village of Kompong Phluk on Tonle Sap Lake and learn about daily life on the water -Transfer to Sihanoukville, a popular beach destination on the Gulf of Thailand. – Check into your hotel and spend the afternoon relaxing on one of the beautiful public beaches, such as Ocheuteal Beach, Serendipity Beach or Otres Beach. – Explore the vibrant nightlife scene with beachfront bars and restaurants. – Optional: Check in on a private island such as Song Saa Private Island and relax and explore the private island for day 4 and day 5. – Optional: Stay in a private beach such as Sokha Hotel, or Independent hotel to get access to private beaches on the mainland.
Day 5: Kep National Park – Take a morning hike in Kep National Park to enjoy panoramic views of the coast. – Relax on the beach or take a boat tour to nearby Rabbit Island for snorkeling and swimming.	Day 5: Visit River Park -Visit River Park for lunch, and other activities such as jetski, kayak, water slide, zipline, paddle boat, and swim in the river.	Day 5: Explore Sihanoukville (if not staying on a private island) – Visit public islands such as Koh Rong, Koh Rong Sanloem, or Bamboo island. – Experience snorkeling along the way to the island to explore the vibrant underwater world of Sihanoukville away from the shore by taking a short trip on the boat. – Explore the vibrant nightlife scene with beachfront bars and restaurants. – Optional: Visit Kbal Chhay waterfalls, which take about 45 minutes to an hour by traveling 16 km northeast of Sihanoukville Beach.
Day 6: Travel to Sihanoukville (2.5 hours) – Transfer to Sihanoukville, a popular beach destination on the Gulf of Thailand. – Check into your hotel and spend the afternoon relaxing on one of the beautiful beaches, such as Serendipity Beach or Otres Beach. – Explore the vibrant nightlife scene with beachfront bars and restaurants.	Day 6: Travel to Sihanoukville (2.5 hours) – Transfer to Sihanoukville, a popular beach destination on the Gulf of Thailand. – Check into your hotel and spend the afternoon relaxing on one of the beautiful beaches, such as Serendipity Beach or Otres Beach. – Explore the vibrant nightlife scene with beachfront bars and restaurants.	Day 6: Transfer to Phnom Penh (2.5 hours) Things to do: – Visit Bokor mountain along the way. – Check in at a hotel in Phnom Penh. – Cambodian cooking class – Explore Phnom Penh’s nightlife, such as at a sky bar.
Day 7: Departure to Phnom Penh (2.5 hours) – Transfer to Phnom Penh International Airport for your departure flight. – If time permits, visit Phnom Bokor on the way to Phnom Penh. – If time permits, visit some of the attractions in Phnom Penh such as the Royal Palace, National Museum, or Killing Fields before heading to the airport. Leave for the airport.	Day 7: Departure to Phnom Penh (2.5 hours) – Transfer to Phnom Penh International Airport for your departure flight. – If time permits, visit Phnom Bokor on the way to Phnom Penh. – If time permits, visit some of the attractions in Phnom Penh such as the Royal Palace, National Museum, or Killing Fields before heading to the airport. Leave for the airport.	Day 7: Departure from Phnom Penh – If time permits, visit some of the attractions in Phnom Penh such as the Royal Palace, National Museum, or Killing Fields before heading to the airport. – Depart to international airport.

This itinerary offers a diverse experience, combining cultural exploration in Siem Reap, beach relaxation in Kep and Sihanoukville, and the convenience of departing from Phnom Penh International Airport for your onward journey.