The Ultimate Cambodia Itinerary for First timers
This Cambodia itinerary was written as a guest post by Sarah Hartness from Exponential Travels! Read more about Sarah at the end of this post!
In my opinion, Cambodia is an underrated country in Southeast Asia that is often overlooked in exchange for the surrounding ones. Cambodia is special, and there is a lot to do there, including the famous Angkor Wat.
Below, I’ve crafted the ultimate Cambodia itinerary for first time visitors, including some beautiful temples, beaches, and history.
This post covers everything you need to know to spend eight fun days in Cambodia, including what to do in three of the country’s top destinations and how to get there.
Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link or book through an affiliate program, I receive a small commission at no cost to you!
The Ultimate 8 Day Cambodia Itinerary for First Time Visitors
Getting to Cambodia
Before you embark on this itinerary, you must get to Cambodia of course! Flying is the easiest way to get here; however, if you are on a budget and already in Asia, you could take a train or bus.
For those flying from the USA, or elsewhere outside of Asia, you can book a flight to Bangkok, Thailand (BKK) or Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (SGN), then take a bus or short flight from there.
Pssst: If you are visiting southeast Asia, make sure to check out my Ultimate 10 Day Thailand Itinerary!
If you are flying within Asia, you can get a nonstop or one-stop flight to Siem Reap (REP) from almost any major airport. Or, if you have more time, are on a backpacking budget, or just want to travel like the locals, you can take a bus into Siem Reap from Bangkok or Saigon.
Day 1: Arrive in Siem Reap, Cambodia
Welcome to Cambodia! You’re starting your one week Cambodia adventure in the country’s second-largest city, where you will find the largest religious site in the whole world.
Take the day to settle into your hotel and roam the streets. If you get in early enough, book a walking tour to familiarize yourself with the city.
I’d highly recommend grabbing food at one of the street food stalls. Just make sure any meat is cooked in front of you to avoid stomach issues. In fact, you could also book a walking food tour to kill two birds with one stone!
Head to Pub Street for some drinks after dinner. This is the main entertainment street, with many bars, clubs, and restaurants.
Don’t stay out too late, though! You’re getting up quite early, but it will be one of the most memorable mornings of your life.
Day 2: Sunrise at Angkor Wat
Goooooood morning! I know it’s early, but this will be one of the best sunrises ever.
Today, you’re heading to Angkor Wat, the main temple at the Angkor complex. Angkor is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most iconic archaeological sites in Southeast Asia!
Sunrise here is a must when you visit Siem Reap. Just plan ahead so you have time to get your ticket and walk to the temple. You can get to the temple by bicycle, tuk tuk, or taxi from Siem Reap!
A big crowd around the lake will be trying to get the classic Angkor Wat shot (Google: Angkor Wat, and you’ll see). But, if you don’t want to be around everyone, you can find other great spots to watch the sunrise and take different photos.
Once you have enough pictures, explore the actual temple. I’d highly recommend a guide who can help you appreciate just how magnificent the structure is.
There are also many other temples at Angkor to explore, plus a restaurant near the temple for coffee and a light breakfast.
After the morning, you can spend the afternoon napping or exploring the streets. If you didn’t get a chance to try street food or take a walking tour, do that today!
Otherwise, today’s a great opportunity to visit a museum or book another type of tour that interests you. I spent some time in Siem Reap on a very fun ATV tour.
Day 3: Explore the Other Temples at Sunrise
Get up early again this morning (not quite as early) and explore some of the other temples around Angkor. While everyone is enjoying the sunrise at Angkor Wat, head to any of the other Angkor temples.
You will have them to yourself as all the other visitors are at the main temple. Then, later in the morning, when the sunrise crowds leave Angkor Wat, head back there to see it again without the crowds.
This morning is also a great backup day to see the sunrise at Angkor Wat, depending on the weather. Feel free to see the sunrise at Angkor Wat any morning of this itinerary, depending on when you have the best forecast.
You might be tired of temples by the afternoon, so it’s time to head back into town. You can spend the day doing anything in Siem Reap that you want to do but haven’t had a chance to do yet.
I’d recommend booking a tour, doing souvenir shopping, or wandering the streets to do your own food tour. There are tons of things you can add to this Cambodia itinerary!
Day 4: Explore Phnom Penh
It’s time to leave Siem Reap and head to Cambodia’s bustling capital. Siem Reap overshadows Phnom Penh, but it has just as much to offer in terms of culture!
You can travel by bus or plane from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. Once you settle into your hotel, it’s time to explore the city!
I highly recommend a walking tour. Phnom Penh, and Cambodia in general, have a lot of history, and learning about it will help you appreciate this country. A lot of the history is recent, too, which might explain why the country is still working on rebuilding.
If you don’t want to take a formal walking tour, I suggest walking along the Tonle Sap River, which has a nice riverside park nearby.
Today is also the perfect day for a cooking class or food tour. Cambodian food surprised me. Although it’s simple, it also has a uniqueness, with plenty of flavor and variety.
End the night at the Phnom Penh Night Market. Make sure you bargain!
Day 5: Learn About the Cambodian Genocide
Today, it’s time to dive even deeper into Cambodian history and learn about the horrible Cambodian Genocide that took place between 1975 and 1979.
While this will be a somber day, it is important to learn about the country’s history to better understand the people you meet on your trip and the country’s landscape today.
First, visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. The museum is in Phnom Penh, and it is an old school that was turned into a prison and torture center by the Khmer Rouge, the group that caused the genocide.
Then, head out of the city to the Killing Fields. Here, you will see where the prisoners were taken and executed during the genocide.
After visiting these two sites, you will better understand Cambodia’s history. While it’s not fun, it is important to learn about it so history doesn’t repeat itself.
Finally, end the day at one of Phnom Penh’s many restaurants. You can find all types of cuisines in the city, but I’d highly recommend a local Cambodian restaurant.
Pssst: Got Asia on your mind? Don’t forget to check out my other Asia itineraries, like 7 Days in Japan or 7 days in Bali!
Day 6: Head to Koh Rong
Phnom Penh is lovely, but it’s time to trade city life for island life. Cambodia has over 60 islands, and I highly recommend you visit Koh Rong.
To get to Koh Rong from Phnom Penh, take a taxi, bus, or train to Sihanoukville. Trains and buses are cheaper than taking a taxi but will also take longer.
Once you arrive in Sihanoukville, you must take a ferry to the island of Koh Rong. There are five different ferry companies, so you’ll have plenty of options in terms of timing! If you need any snacks, bottled water, or lunch, grab it before you hop on the ferry, as it will be cheaper.
Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying dinner and a yummy drink on the beach!
Make sure to check out this post for a full breakdown on Koh Rong, including where to stay, where to eat, and more!
Day 7: Enjoy a Free Day at the Beach
Finally, time for a relaxing day in Cambodia. After the trip to Koh Rong yesterday, it’s time to enjoy! The beaches on Koh Rong are beautiful, and the water is warm.
Grab a spot in the sand, get a cold drink, and spend the day relaxing under the palm trees.
Or, if you want something more adventurous, you can book a tour to go snorkeling, diving, or do another water sport. If you need help booking something, ask your hotel for help, and they can set something up or connect you with a guide!
Day 8: Extend Your Trip or Head Back to the Mainland
Wasn’t that an amazing week in Cambodia? It certainly is a unique country with a lot to offer. Now it’s time to take the ferry back to the mainland.
Or, if you want, you can extend your Cambodia itinerary. If you have a few more days to add on, I’d suggest spending more time in Siem Reap, the islands, or a mix of both.
You can opt to spend more time in Siem Reap and dive deeper into the history plus visit some of the city’s museums.
If you want more beach time, you can stay on Koh Rong longer or visit one of the many other islands, like the. neighboring Koh Rong Samloem.
Final Thoughts
That wraps up this ultimate 8 Day Cambodia itinerary! One week in Cambodia is just enough time to get a good feel for the country. Still, you can spend a lot more time here learning history, exploring temples, and eating yummy food.
Cambodia is such a beautiful and unique country, and I hope you have an amazing visit!
This Cambodia itinerary was written as a guest post by Sarah Hartness from Exponential Travels! Hi! I’m Sarah, a solo traveler and content creator from Chicago. I help other solo travel creators explore and create with confidence. No matter where you go, there’s adventure to be found and a way to share it through your content.
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