Cambodia 5-Day Itinerary: Temples, Capital & Riverside Charm

Five days is the magic number for a first Cambodia visit. You get the full Angkor experience plus Phnom Penh's compelling mix of history, culture, and cuisine. This itinerary is optimized for first-timers who want the highlights without rushing.

Days 1–3: Siem Reap & Angkor Temples

Follow the 3-day Siem Reap itinerary above. The first three days are identical — Angkor sunrise, Small Circuit, Grand Circuit, floating village, and Phare Circus. Buy the 3-day Angkor pass ($62).

Day 4: Transfer to Phnom Penh + Capital Highlights

Option A: Early flight (7am). Arrive in PP by 8am. Full day ahead. ($60–100)

Option B: Morning bus (7:45am Giant Ibis). Arrive by 2pm. Afternoon free. ($15)

Afternoon — Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda. Cambodia's most important building complex. The Silver Pagoda floor is covered with 5,329 silver tiles. The Throne Hall is spectacular. Allow 2 hours. ($10 entry, dress code enforced).

Late afternoon — National Museum. The world's largest collection of Khmer sculpture. The red terracotta building is stunning. $10 entry. Perfect context after seeing the temples in Siem Reap.

Evening — Riverside promenade & dinner. Walk along Sisowath Quay (the Tonlé Sap riverside). The Foreign Correspondents' Club (FCC) rooftop is perfect for sunset cocktails. Dinner at a Khmer restaurant — try lok lak (beef with pepper sauce) or kuy teav (noodle soup).

Day 5: History, Markets & Departure

Morning — Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21). A former high school converted into a Khmer Rouge interrogation center. Harrowing but essential. The audio guide ($3) provides powerful firsthand testimonies. Allow 1.5–2 hours.

Mid-morning — Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. 15 km outside the city. The memorial stupa containing 8,000 skulls is a sobering reminder. Audio guide ($6) is exceptional. Taxi or tuk-tuk: $10–15 return. Allow 1.5 hours.

Afternoon — Russian Market (Toul Tom Poung). The best market for souvenirs: silk scarves ($3–8), Kampot pepper ($5–8), silver jewelry, and clothing. Excellent food stalls inside — try the bai sach chrouk (pork and rice, $1.50).

Alternative: Central Market (Psar Thmei). The stunning art deco dome is worth seeing even if you don't buy anything. Great for gems, electronics, and local textiles.

Budget Breakdown (5 Days)

Budget ($200–280): Hostels $5–8/night, street food $5–8/day, local transport $10–15/day, Angkor pass $62, museums $25.

Mid-Range ($400–550): Hotels $30–50/night, restaurants $12–18/day, mix of tuk-tuk and taxi $15–20/day, internal flight $80.

Transport Between Cities

The Siem Reap to Phnom Penh route has multiple options. Giant Ibis bus ($15, 6 hrs) is the gold standard. Cambodia Angkor Air flies multiple times daily ($60–100, 45 min). Private transfer ($80–100) lets you stop at Sambor Prei Kuk UNESCO site en route.

First Time in Cambodia?

Check our comprehensive First Time in Cambodia guide for visa requirements, packing tips, and everything you need to know before your trip.