5 Days in Cambodia: Best Itinerary for Temples & Culture (2026)
A detailed 5-day Cambodia itinerary covering Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, and Phnom Penh. Day-by-day plan with costs, transport tips, and local recommendations.
5 Days in Cambodia
Five days gives you time to experience both the ancient wonders of Angkor and the dynamic capital of Phnom Penh — Cambodia's past and present.
Culture enthusiasts
History buffs
Couples
Budget Overview (5 days, per person)
🎒 Backpacker
$150–$200
~$34/day
🏨 Mid-range
$350–$600
~$88/day
✨ Luxury
$900–$1,500
~$230/day
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day
1
Arrive in Siem Reap
Siem Reap
- Airport arrival & hotel check-in
- Afternoon at Angkor National Museum
- Evening stroll through Pub Street & Night Market
Dinner: Fish amok at a riverside restaurant. Boutique hotel in Siem Reap
Day
2
Angkor Wat Grand Circuit
Angkor Archaeological Park
- Sunrise at Angkor Wat
- Bayon Temple's 216 stone faces
- Ta Prohm (jungle temple)
- Preah Khan temple complex
Lunch near Angkor Thom. Dinner: Khmer BBQ. Same hotel
Get a 3-day Angkor pass ($62) — it's valid for any 3 days within a week.
Day
3
Outer Temples & Countryside
Siem Reap Province
- Banteay Srei (Citadel of Women)
- Kbal Spean river carvings
- Countryside bicycle tour through rice paddies
- Sunset at Pre Rup temple
Lunch: Local village restaurant. Dinner: Siem Reap. Same hotel
Day
4
Travel to Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh
- Morning bus/flight to Phnom Penh (6h bus / 45min flight)
- Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda
- Riverside sunset walk along Sisowath Quay
Lunch en route. Dinner: Rooftop restaurant on the riverside. Hotel near Riverside/BKK1
Day
5
Phnom Penh & Departure
Phnom Penh
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
- Choeung Ek Killing Fields memorial
- Central Market (Phsar Thmey) shopping
- Depart from Phnom Penh
Breakfast: Hotel. Lunch: Russian Market area. N/A — departure day
These are sobering but essential visits. Allow 2-3 hours for both sites combined.
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Use our interactive trip planner to customize this itinerary with real-time budget estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common options are: bus (5-6 hours, $10-15), shared minivan (5 hours, $12-18), or domestic flight (45 minutes, $80-120). Night buses are also available.
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