One of my favorite countries in Southeast Asia, yet one that is constantly skipped? Cambodia! I love Cambodia, and while the country is still recovering from the events of the 21st century, it is well worth a visit. Have a few days to spend in Cambodia? Great! I made the ultimate 5-day Cambodia itinerary for you to maximize your time.
There’s a lot more to see and do in the country than just Angkor Wat, the famous temple in Siem Reap. In this article, you’ll find all the best things to do, foods to eat, and tours to take that will make you fall in love with Cambodia as I have.
Keep reading for the ultimate 5 day Cambodia itinerary, which maximizes your time in the city to make sure you see the best places and eat the best food.
Published: February 2, 2025
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Here are more guides to plan the ultimate trip to Cambodia:
- Angkor Wat Instagram captions
- Best time to go to Angkor Wat
- Best time to go to Cambodia
- Best time to go to Siem Reap
- Cambodia Instagram captions
- Cooking Class in Siem Reap
- Cambodia Safety Guide
- Should you visit Angkor Wat?
- Should you visit Cambodia?
- Should you visit Siem Reap?
- Tips for traveling to Cambodia
The Best Five Day Cambodia Itinerary
Cambodia is incredible, and five days in the country is a great starting point to see what Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, and Phnom Penh have to offer. Thanks to this itinerary, you can see many amazing places during 5 days in Cambodia!
Day 1 in Cambodia
Welcome to Cambodia! I highly recommend flying into the country into either Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. If you fly into Phnom Penh, you can reverse this itinerary. You can also take ground transport from cities like Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh, although it may cut into your five days in Cambodia.
The earlier you can get to Siem Reap, the better! As soon as you arrive, take a walking tour. I love taking walking tours in a new city to get acquainted, learn more about it’s history and lore, and get some good food and activist recommendations from a local.
If you have time after your walking tour, ask your walking tour guide for some recommendations, or walking around on your own. I love “getting lost” in a new city and seeing what I stumble across.
For dinner, grab some street food on your way to Pub Street. You’ll pass lots of stalls no matter where you are staying, just make sure the food is cooked in front of you and not sitting out to avoid getting sick.
Then, find your way to Pub Street, where you can grab some cheap beer and enjoy live music or dance in one of the many open-air bars.
Just make sure you don’t stay out too late because tomorrow, you’ll be waking up early for one of the most magical moments of your life.
Day 2 in Cambodia
Are you ready for one of the most incredible mornings of your life? It will be an early one, but SO worth it. You’re going to Angkor Wat at sunrise.
You need to get to the complex, get your tickets, and walk to the temple well before the sun starts rising to make it in time. When I went to Siem Reap in late March, we had to leave the hotel at 4 AM.
Make sure you pack some breakfast and bring a flashlight or have your phone fully charged for its flashlight and tons of pictures.
Seeing sunrise at Angkor Wat is still one of the best days of my life, and I will never forget how breathtaking it was. The pictures don’t do it justice, and you won’t regret the early wake up, I promise.
After sunrise, explore the main temple and head to some of the smaller ones at the complex. I would get a guide so you know what you are seeing, and so you can get around the complex without getting lost.
After seeing more temples at Angkor Wat, head back into town. If you need it, get some rest before heading out for dinner. If you aren’t too tired, this afternoon is a great time to do some shopping. Whether you want souvenirs, art, or something else, Siem Reap is a great place to shop in Cambodia.
If you have the energy, I recommend taking a tour involving Cambodian food, like a street food tour or a cooking class. Food tours and classes are some of my favorite activities to do to learn about a country’s cuisine while also having a built-in meal.
Day 3 in Cambodia
Ready for day 3 of 5 in Cambodia? I recommend waking up early and spending more time in Angkor Wat. You’ll quickly see that one day at the complex is not enough.
If you can manage another super early morning, enjoy sunrise at another temple away from the crowds and explore while all the people are at the main temple.
Then, after another morning of exploring, it’s time to head to Phnom Penh.
Personally, I took a bus from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, and it was long, but nice to see the Cambodian countryside. If you want another option, you can hire a driver to take you from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh.
If you want to make the most of your 5 days in Cambodia, I would fly from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, as it will take half the time as driving.
Once you arrive in Phnom Penh, settle into your hotel, and if you have time in the afternoon before dinner, take a river cruise at sunset. Phnom Penh has a few rivers running through it, including the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers.
A river cruise is a unique way to see the city and many of they have drinks on board, which you’ll appreciate after a long day of travel.
If you arrive in Phnom Penh late, head out for dinner. Phnom Penh is a great city to get a nice dinner at a reasonable price, and you can find tons of cuisines if you want a break from Cambodian food.
To end the night, head to the Phnom Penh Night Market, where you can shop and get a taste of local life.
Day 4 in Cambodia
Today is going to be a somber day, but I think it is necessary if you want to fully understand Cambodia’s past. You will be visiting two places where you can learn about the Cambodian Genocide: The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields.
The museum is in the city then the fields are outside of the city. You can either hire a driver to take you and do a tour on your own, or book a fully guided tour that includes transportation and a guide.
Either way, getting a tour guide is a good idea so you can learn about what you are seeing, ask some questions, and have someone to make sure you see the most important parts of the museums.
To end the day in Cambodia, go to a Khmer Boxing show. These fights highlight Cambodia’s national sport, and are quite entertaining. I went to one during my trip to Cambodia and it was really fun to cheer on the fighters with the locals.
Day 5 in Cambodia
For your fifth and final day in Cambodia, you can spend the day exploring Phnom Penh – or heading to the airport if you need to 🙁
If you have the day to spend in Phnom Penh, I recommend checking out one of the museums:
- National Museum
- Sosoro Museum
- La Plantation Museum
- Silk Island
For lunch, the city is a great spot to do a street food tour. If you hire a tour guide, they will make sure to only find food that is safe for foreigners to eat.
Then, if you have the evening free and haven’t yet, take a sunset cruise on the river and enjoy the views of the city.
If you are heading to the airport, make sure you arrive with enough time to clear Cambodian customs.
Phnom Penh is also a good jumping-off point for Vietnam, as you can take a bus to the border and then on to Ho Chi Minh. However, if this is your plan, you will need nearly the whole day for travel.
A 5 day Cambodia itinerary is a great intro to the country, but if you have more time, spend more time in Siem Reap or head to the beaches and islands, like Koh Rong.
Tours to Book in Cambodia
Booking a tour in Cambodia is a great way to maximize your 5 days there and see the top sites. Plus, there is a huge variety of tours, so everyone can find something that interests them!
Here are the top tours in Cambodia for Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, and Phnom Penh:
Tips For Getting Around Cambodia
Getting around Cambodia is easy, but it’s helpful to plan ahead and know your options for travel between cities and attractions, especially when you are visiting multiple places in this 5-day itinerary. Here are some tips:
1. Tuk-Tuks for Short Distances: Tuk-tuks are the most popular way to get around within cities like Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. They’re affordable and easy to find. Always agree on a price before the ride or use a ride-hailing app like PassApp to avoid overpaying.
2. Buses for Intercity Travel: For travel between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, buses are a reliable and budget-friendly option. Companies like Giant Ibis offer comfortable rides with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and snacks. Book your tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Private Cars for Flexibility: If you prefer more flexibility and comfort, hiring a private car is a great option for traveling between cities or exploring attractions outside the main areas. Drivers can be arranged through hotels or travel agencies.
4. Domestic Flights: For quicker travel between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, domestic flights are available and take about an hour. Airlines like Cambodia Angkor Air offer multiple flights daily, but tickets can be more expensive compared to buses.
5. Renting a Bike or Scooter: In Siem Reap, renting a bike or scooter is a fun way to explore Angkor Wat and the surrounding areas. However, be cautious of traffic rules and road conditions, as they can be unpredictable.
6. Walking: Central areas in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh are walkable, especially around Pub Street or the Riverside area in Phnom Penh. Wear comfortable shoes, as sidewalks can be uneven.
7. Be Prepared for Road Conditions: Roads in Cambodia can vary from smooth highways to bumpy rural paths. If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider carrying medication for longer bus or car rides.
8. Stay Safe and Plan Ahead: Keep your belongings secure when traveling, especially on public transport or in busy areas. For peace of mind, confirm schedules and prices ahead of time and consider booking transportation through reputable providers.
These tips will help you navigate Cambodia with ease and make the most of your five-day itinerary.
Where to Stay in Cambodia
To make the most of your 5 days in Cambodia, you want to stay somewhere with good reviews in a good location. Check out these great hotels and home rentals at the best prices: