Cambodia 1-Week Itinerary: The Classic Route

One week in Cambodia is a compact but deeply rewarding trip. The country is small enough that three very different experiences — ancient temples, capital city history, and a sleepy coastal town — are all accessible without exhausting overland journeys. This itinerary is designed to maximize depth over breadth, giving you two to three full days in each location rather than rushing through five cities.

The route — Siem Reap → Phnom Penh → Kampot/Kep — follows Cambodia's natural geography from north to south. It is also transport-logical: most international flights land in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, and the bus network between these three hubs is excellent. Giant Ibis is the most reliable bus company and worth the small premium over budget options.

If you fly into Phnom Penh on an international flight, consider reversing the itinerary: start in Phnom Penh, take the bus to Kampot for a day trip to Kep, then fly from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap to end your trip near the temples. The route is flexible.

Morning/Afternoon: Arrival and orientation

• Arrive at Siem Reap International Airport. Pick up your SIM card at the airport (Smart or Cellcard, $2–5 for unlimited data for 7 days). Grab a tuk-tuk via PassApp to your accommodation ($3–6 to most central guesthouses).
• Check in, freshen up, and walk the Old Market area (Phsar Chas) to get your bearings. The market has fruit, street food snacks, and an excellent atmosphere.
• Grab lunch near the Old Market: Sugar Palm Restaurant (Street 27, Cambodian classics, $6–10 mains) or a quick $1.50 noodle bowl from a market stall.

Afternoon: Angkor Archaeological Park orientation

• Purchase your Angkor Pass at the ticket office on the road to Angkor (3-day pass $62, 1-day $37). Buy it in the late afternoon — your day counts from the next calendar day, giving you an extra free afternoon. Visit Angkor Wat itself in the late afternoon when crowds are thinner.
• Walk the outer galleries of Angkor Wat and climb to the central tower for a late afternoon view. This is also the best time for photography — the golden light hits the sandstone beautifully.

Evening: Pub Street dinner and drinks

• Dinner at Mahob Restaurant (Pub Street, upstairs, Khmer street food in a stylish setting, $8–14), or Cuisine Wat Damnak (Street 26, fine Cambodian tasting menu, $35/person — book ahead for this one).
• End the evening with a walk along Pub Street. Angkor What? bar for lively late night drinks, or Miss Wong for something more atmospheric. Angkor draft beer: $1.50.

Accommodation: Mad Monkey Siem Reap (Wat Bo Road, dorm $8, private $28); Angkor Village Hotel (moderate, $45–65 with pool); Shinta Mani Wild Camp (luxury, $180+).

5:00am — Angkor Wat sunrise

• Arrange a tuk-tuk the night before ($12–15 for the day including all temple transport). Leave the hotel by 5:00am to arrive at Angkor Wat before dawn. The sunrise over the main towers reflected in the causeway ponds is one of Asia's iconic images. Arrive early (5:15am) to get a position at the front of the reflection pond. The crowds peak at 5:45am.

7:00am — Angkor Wat interior

• After sunrise, most day-trippers leave. Spend 1.5 hours exploring Angkor Wat's interior: the Churning of the Ocean of Milk bas-relief (longest in the world), the apsara carvings, and the central towers. Buy breakfast from the food stalls outside the west gate ($1–2 for rice porridge or baguette).

9:00am — Angkor Thom and the Bayon

• The Bayon (inside Angkor Thom city) is the second most visited temple and equally stunning — 216 stone faces carved on 54 towers. Allow 1 hour. Then: Baphuon temple (restored pyramidal temple, 30 min), the Elephant Terrace and Leper King Terrace (impressive bas-reliefs, 30 min), and the Phimeanakas (smaller but excellent, 20 min).

12:00pm — Lunch break

• Return to town for lunch — the temples in midday heat are uncomfortable. Cambodian BBQ near Pub Street ($8), or order delivery to your guesthouse. Rest during the hottest hours (12–2pm).

3:00pm — Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider temple)

• Ta Prohm is the famous temple where massive tree roots have grown through the stone structures. Allow 1.5 hours to explore properly — many visitors only see the photographic spots near the entrance, but the inner sanctuary and rear corridors are equally spectacular with fewer people.

5:30pm — Pre Rup sunset

• Pre Rup (East Mebon area) has the best sunset view in the Angkor complex — a pyramid temple with 360° views. Arrive by 5:30pm to claim a spot on the upper tier. The views across the jungle canopy as the sun drops are extraordinary. Your tuk-tuk can bring you straight from Ta Prohm.

Tip: Stay hydrated — carry 2 litres of water. Temple vendors sell water at $0.50–1.

Morning: Banteay Srei or Beng Mealea

• Banteay Srei (37km north of Siem Reap) is the most ornate temple in the Angkor region — exquisite pink sandstone carvings that are remarkably well-preserved. Often called the "jewel of Khmer art." Hire a tuk-tuk for the half-day ($20–25 return). Allow 1.5 hours at the temple.
• Beng Mealea (75km east) is a jungle-consumed temple still half-buried in roots and undergrowth — the most "Indiana Jones" experience in the region. Takes longer to reach (~2 hours return) — better if you have the morning free and take the afternoon bus to Phnom Penh.

Afternoon: Bus to Phnom Penh

• Giant Ibis runs buses from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh at 7am, 7:30am, 8am, and 1pm. Journey time approximately 6 hours. Ticket: $13–15. Book at giantibis.com the night before. The 1pm bus arrives in Phnom Penh around 7pm — enough time for dinner near your guesthouse.
• Alternatively, fly: Angkor Air or Cambodia Bayon Airlines fly Siem Reap → Phnom Penh in 45 minutes (from $45 one way), freeing up your full Day 3 morning for temples.

Evening: Arrive Phnom Penh, riverside dinner

• Check into your guesthouse. Dinner on the Sisowath Quay riverside promenade: Romdeng (Street 174, Cambodian food with a social mission, excellent amok, $9–14 mains) or a casual riverside spot with Mekong views and cold Anchor beer ($1.50).

Accommodation: Mad Monkey Phnom Penh (BKK1, from $9 dorm / $28 private); The Billabong Hotel (Street 158, $20–35); Plantation Urban Resort (Street 184, boutique, $60–90).

8:00am — Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21)

• The former high school turned Khmer Rouge prison is one of the most important historical sites in Southeast Asia. Allow 2–3 hours and hire the audio guide ($5) — the context it provides is essential. Go early before the tour groups arrive. The museum is sobering and requires emotional preparation, but it is one of the most important things to see in Cambodia. Address: Street 113, Tuol Sleng, BKK1. Entry: $3.

11:00am — Choeung Ek Killing Fields

• 15km south of Phnom Penh by tuk-tuk ($8 return via PassApp). The main execution site of the Khmer Rouge regime. The audio guide ($6) is essential and deeply moving. The memorial stupa containing excavated skulls is the central monument. Allow 1.5–2 hours. Many visitors find the Killing Fields more emotionally affecting than S-21. Entry: $6 including audio guide.

1:00pm — Lunch near the Russian Market

• The area around the Russian Market (Toul Tom Poung) has excellent street food stalls and several good cafe stops. Try a $3 lok lak (stir-fried beef on rice) at any of the market stalls, or the Daughters of Cambodia Cafe (Street 93, social enterprise, great smoothies and Khmer food).

2:30pm — Russian Market (Phsar Toul Tom Poung)

• The Russian Market is Phnom Penh's best market for souvenirs: silk scarves ($5–15), silver jewelry, clothing, lacquerware, Kampot pepper, and handicrafts. Prices are lower than the Night Market and more authentically local. Bargaining is acceptable — offer 70% of the asking price as a start.

5:00pm — Royal Palace (exterior) and Wat Phnom

• The Royal Palace complex (exterior on Sisowath Quay, entry $10 if visiting the grounds) is Phnom Penh's most photogenic building. Wat Phnom (the founding hill of the city, small temple, free entry) is a 15-minute walk north and worth seeing before sunset.

Evening: BKK1 bar street

• Dinner: Malis Restaurant (Street 136, premium Cambodian cuisine, $12–20 mains, excellent amok), or The Commune (Street 93, modern bistro, great cocktails). After dinner, walk along Street 278 (BKK1) for craft beer bars and expat nightlife.

7:30am — Morning market breakfast

• Walk to Phsar O'Russei (O'Russei Market, Street 182) for a local breakfast of $1 bai sach chrouk (grilled pork over rice) or $1.50 kuy teav (rice noodle soup). This is where Phnom Penh locals eat breakfast — excellent food at local prices.

9:00am — National Museum of Cambodia

• The National Museum (Street 13, riverside) houses the world's largest collection of Khmer sculpture, including pieces removed from Angkor for safekeeping. Visiting this after Angkor gives enormous context to what you saw. Entry: $10. Allow 1.5–2 hours. Excellent gift shop with quality reproductions.

11:00am — Riverside walk and Central Market

• Walk along Sisowath Quay to see the river and the city's French colonial architecture. Stop at the Central Market (Phsar Thmei) — a magnificent 1937 Art Deco dome housing gold shops, electronics, and souvenirs. Worth 45 minutes of wandering.

1:00pm — Lunch and afternoon bus to Kampot

• Grab a quick lunch near the bus station: Lemon Grass Restaurant (Street 130, Cambodian and Thai, $7–10), or sandwiches from one of the many bakeries. Giant Ibis runs buses to Kampot at 7:30am, 12pm, and 2pm (3 hours, $10–12). Book the 2pm bus for maximum city time and arrive in Kampot by 5pm.

Evening: Kampot arrival, riverside dinner

• Check into your guesthouse — Rikitikitavi (riverfront, dorm from $6, private $20–35) is the most social option. Baraca Bar has excellent cocktails and sunset views. Dinner at The Rusty Keyhole (Western and Khmer food, $8–14) or Epic Arts Cafe (riverside, social enterprise, $7–12).

Accommodation in Kampot: Rikitikitavi Guesthouse (riverfront, from $6 dorm / $20 private); Mea Culpa (boutique, $35–50); Magic Sponge (hostel, from $7 dorm).

Morning: Rent a bicycle and explore Kampot town

• Bicycle rental from most guesthouses: $2–3/day. Kampot is Cambodia's most cycling-friendly town. Cycle across the old French bridge and explore the colonial shophouse architecture of the old town. Stop at Kong Kea salt flats (3km south) to see traditional salt harvesting. Coffee at Cafe Espresso (riverside, excellent Cambodian coffee, $2.50) or Rikitikitavi's riverside terrace.

Afternoon: Kampot Pepper Farm Tour

• Kampot pepper is one of the world's most prized peppers — buy it here, not at the airport. La Plantation (10km north of Kampot, run tours at 10am and 2pm, free, $8 tuk-tuk return) is the most established farm and offers guided tours of white, red, and black pepper cultivation. Also try the pepper-infused dishes at their on-site restaurant (pepper crab, $12). Buy a bag of black pepper to take home: $8–12/250g, far better than the airport.

Late afternoon: Bokor Mountain (optional)

• Bokor National Park (30km from Kampot) has an abandoned French hill station in the clouds — eerie casino hotel ruins, jungle, and dramatic views. Rent a motorbike ($8–12/day) if experienced, or hire a tuk-tuk ($20–25 return). Allow 3 hours for the round trip. Not essential if you prefer a relaxed afternoon.

Evening: Sunset river cruise or sunset cocktails

• Kampot's sunsets over the Phnom Bokor mountain range are spectacular. Sunset river boat tours run from the old bridge at around 5:30pm ($8–12 per person, includes soft drinks). Alternatively, settle into a hammock at Rikitikitavi's riverside bar with a sunset cocktail ($4–6).

Morning: Day trip to Kep (28km from Kampot)

• Hire a tuk-tuk for the day ($20–25 return to Kep). Leave by 8:30am to arrive before the crowds. Kep's famous Crab Market (on the seafront) is the place to eat the best seafood in Cambodia. The scene: small fishing boats, women selling fresh crabs straight off the boats, open-air restaurants cooking them immediately. Order Kep crab with Kampot pepper sauce ($12–18 per crab) — the definitive Cambodian seafood experience. Allow 1.5–2 hours.

Late morning: Kep National Park

• A short walk (1–2 hours) through the jungle of Kep National Park offers birdwatching, sea views, and a chance to spot macaques. The trail starts at the entrance gate near the crab market. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Entry: $2.

Afternoon: Return to Kampot or Phnom Penh for departure

• If flying from Phnom Penh: the Giant Ibis 2pm bus from Kampot arrives in Phnom Penh by 5pm, in time for a late evening international departure. The airport is 30 minutes from the bus station by tuk-tuk ($7–10 via PassApp).
• If flying from Siem Reap: take the morning bus back to Phnom Penh and connect to Siem Reap by domestic flight or afternoon bus.
• If ending in Kampot: some travelers fly home directly from Phnom Penh with same-day connections.

History-focused one week: Spend all 7 days in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap (4 days temples, 3 days capital). Add Sambor Prei Kuk (Kompong Thom, pre-Angkorian temples), Udong (former capital, easy day trip from Phnom Penh, $20 tuk-tuk), and the Silver Pagoda at the Royal Palace. Skip Kampot/Kep.

Beach and relaxation week: Fly Siem Reap → Phnom Penh, take the afternoon bus to Kampot, spend 2 nights in Kampot, 3 nights on Koh Rong Sanloem island (ferry from Sihanoukville, 1.5 hours, $15), end with 1 night in Sihanoukville before flying out. A much slower pace — good for unwinding rather than sightseeing.

Budget extreme week: Focus on Siem Reap only — rent a bicycle ($2/day), buy a 3-day Angkor pass ($62), stay in a dorm ($7–9/night), eat local food ($5–8/day). Total for 7 days in Siem Reap: under $200 excluding flights. Add one bus to Kampot for the last 2 days for a change of scene.

Luxury 7 days: Fly into Siem Reap, stay at the Shinta Mani Wild Camp ($180+/night) or Amansara ($600+/night). Private guided Angkor tours ($80–150/day). Fly to Phnom Penh, stay at Raffles Hotel Le Royal ($200+). End with Song Saa Private Island resort off Sihanoukville ($500+/night). Radically different from the budget experience but genuinely world-class.