A Cambodia Itinerary 1 Week in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh by JetSettingFools.com

Cambodia Itinerary: 1 Week in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh

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On our first trip to Southeast Asia – a 2-month long adventure – a Cambodia Itinerary was not in our plans. At the last minute, however, we rearranged our travel route to include a stop in Siem Reap to see the Temples of Angkor – and it would have been a huge mistake to miss it!

The country, the sights – the people – absolutely captivated us. We returned to Cambodia on another SE Asia trip, that time discovering the sights of Phnom Penh. In hindsight, we should have visited both cities the first time – so we have created a detailed 1-Week Cambodia Itinerary to help other travelers navigate their way to the top attractions.

 

The Best Places To Visit in Cambodia

With 1 week in Cambodia, we recommend picking just two cities to visit. While it is a relatively small country, getting around Cambodia is not always easy. You don’t want to spend your entire Cambodia vacation traveling…you want to be experiencing. We suggest splitting your time between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh – the two best places to visit in Cambodia to see the sights.

 

Cambodia Attractions

The top Cambodia tourist attractions are found in (or nearby) Siem Reap and Phnom Penh – and, therefore, are the best places in Cambodia to base yourself. From Siem Reap, the Angkor Wat complex is just 20 minutes away. Phnom Penh has a slew of sights – and the nearby Killing Fields are a day-trip away. 

 

Our Cambodia Travel Route: Siem Reap to Phnom Penh

Determining which city to see first will depend on where you are coming from. There are daily flights from major SE Asia cities – like Hanoi, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Ho Chi Minh City. If you are traveling from Vietnam to Cambodia, we recommend starting your Cambodia Itinerary in Phnom Penh. If you are traveling to Cambodia from Thailand, it likely makes more sense to begin in Siem Reap. That said, which Cambodia city you visit first will depend on your overall travel plans for Southeast Asia.

 

Why We Skipped Cambodia Beaches

Beaches are top Cambodia tourist spots – but we don’t include them in our Cambodia travel itinerary. Our trips to Cambodia were part of longer Southeast Asia stays, including stops in Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore and Laos.

We visited islands in Vietnam (Phu Quoc and Halong Bay) and Beaches in Thailand (Koh Lanta, Phuket and Koh Chang). Cambodia has such a rich history – both ancient and recent – and we were more inclined to learn about the people, culture and cuisine. 


 

Cambodia Itinerary 1 Week

Reflections of Angkor Wat temple at Angkor Park in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Our itinerary details what to do in Cambodia in a week – but what if you are planning a shorter or longer trip? We’ve got you covered! We include Cambodia tour itinerary suggestions – for 2 Days to 2 Weeks in Cambodia – at the end of the article.

In our Cambodia tour itinerary, you will find specific information for the top Cambodia places to visit. We also provide more Cambodia tourist information at the end of the post – like what to pack, where to stay and Cambodia sightseeing tips – to help you plan your perfect trip.

 Save, Bookmark and Pin our Cambodia Travel Guide to your plan your trip!

 

Day 1: Siem Reap and Angkor Wat Tour

View of Angkor Wat from outside the moat at Angkor Park in Siem Reap, Cambodia

On the first day of your trip to Cambodia, you will spend the day exploring the most famous temples at Angkor Wat.

 

Angkor Wat Exploration

Famous Bayon Temple faces at Angkor Park in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Plan to arrive in Siem Reap as early as possible so that you can take full advantage of your first day in the city. Once you are settled in your accommodations (recommended: Mohai Boutique – formerly Villa Siem Reap), set off to explore the top Cambodia destination of Angkor Wat.

Standing inside Angkor Wat courtyard by towers at Angkor Park in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Hire a Siem Reap tour guide to lead the way to the temple complex highlights. Your first-day Angkor Wat itinerary should include the following temples (in order): Angkor Thom (Bayon Temple, Baphuon Temple, Phimeanakas, Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King), Ta Prohm (made famous by Tomb Raider) and Angkor Wat.

{Read our guide to Siem Reap Temples for more detailed information}

Siem Reap Temples A Guide to Visiting the Temples of Angkor by JetSettingFools.com

Keep in mind that most of the temples, including Angkor Wat, close in the early evening. However, two temples – Bakheng and Pre Rup – stay open until 7:00pm…and are perfect spots for watching an Angkor Wat sunset.

Top Tip: There are numerous Angkor Wat tours from Siem Reap – and we think a first trip to Angkor Wat deserves the guidance of a professional. You can find your own tour company in Cambodia or let your hotel arrange it for you. Since you want to get started straight away, we recommend booking a tour in advance online or communicating your request with your hotel staff prior to your arrival.

Angkor Wat Pass: Buy the 3-Day Pass – as the next two days, you will be returning to the Angkor Wat complex. Even if you decide to only enter the complex twice, the 3-Day Angkor Wat Pass is still cheaper – and more efficient, entry-wise – than two one-day passes. 

 

Siem Reap Night Market

Why Visit Siem Reap Cambodia JetSetting Fools

When you return to city, check out the vibrant Siem Reap Night Market. The market is mostly geared toward tourists, but it’s a must-see in Siem Reap! Vendors at the Night Market sell everything from cliché t-shirts to hand-made jewelry. Be prepared to haggle – all prices are negotiable.

For dinner, try some of the local street food offered at the market and – if you are feeling a little sore from your full day of sightseeing – get a massage at one of the many market spas. Just don’t stay out too late, because tomorrow morning starts bright and early!


 

Day 2: Angkor Wat Sunrise and Siem Reap Tours

Pink sky at Angkor Wat Sunrise from Right Pool

On the second day of your Cambodia Itinerary adventure, be at Angkor Wat for sunrise. Then tour a few more temples and spend the rest of the day exploring Siem Reap on your own (or join one of the highly-rated Siem Reap day tours). End your day on Pub Street.

 

Angkor Wat Before Dawn

An Angkor Wat sunrise over Left Pool

Watching the sunrise at Angkor Wat is an iconic experience – and one of the top things to see in Cambodia. An Angkor Wat sunrise requires a little bit of pre-planning, so make sure to get the details sorted in advance.

{Read our complete guide on watching an Angkor Wat Sunrise}

Angkor Wat sunrise Top Tips for Visiting Angkow Wat at Dawn by JetSettingFools.com

Because you already toured the Angkor Wat temple on your first day, after sunrise, leave the crowds behind and visit one or two temples more before heading back to Siem Reap. We recommend making a stop at Phnom Bakheng if you didn’t stay for sunset on Day 1. The temple is incredibly stunning bathed in the morning light – and you will likely be one of the few visitors at the early hour, so you may have it all to yourself!

 

Siem Reap Sightseeing

Getting a fish pedicure in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Temples are not the only things to see in Siem Reap! Get acquainted with Siem Reap and discover the sights on foot or hire a tuk-tuk for a tour. We were content to walk – with eyes wide open and a full dose of curiosity – through the lanes and alleyways of the city.

Vendor sells food at The Old Market in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap is home to fascinating markets, local temples, museums and gardens. Find the sights on your own or join a Siem Reap guide for a private tour of the city. Get the details here!

{Read our recommended Things To Do in Siem Reap!}

Things To Do in Siem Reap Besides Temples by JetSettingFools.com

 

Day Trips From Siem Reap

More interested in culinary or cultural adventures? There are numerous day tours from Siem Reap that introduce visitors to an array of activities. Consider adding one of these popular tours to your Siem Reap travel itinerary.

Cruise the Tonle Sap Lake – Join one of the top tours from Siem Reap on this small-group Tonle Sap Lake Cruise and see a Siem Reap floating village and Buddhist Monastery. Find out more!

Siem Reap Street Food Tour – Experience the unique gastronomy of Cambodia on a guided Cambodian cuisine tour. Read Rave Reviews!

Cambodian Dance Show – Watch Phare, a Cambodian Circus that combines theater, folk music and Cambodian folklore. Buy Tickets Now!

Cambodian Pottery Class – Get your hands dirty and spin a pottery wheel to create traditional Cambodian ceramics. Learn more here!

Cambodian Village Cooking Class – Learn the secrets of Cambodian cooking from a local chef…and enjoy the 3-course meal you prepared! Sign up now!

Spa Day – If you are not feeling particularly motivated for a tour or don’t want to participate in an activity, consider spending the day pampering yourself. Find a day spa (most offer incredibly inexpensive treatments and massages), then kick back at your hotel pool in the afternoon. Check out these Siem Reap Spa packages!

 

Pub Street Siem Reap

Iconic Pub Street at night in Siem Reap, Cambodia

End your day on the most famous street in Siem Reap: Pub Street. Packed with bars and nightclubs, having dinner or a drink (or two…) on Pub Street is an essential Siem Reap activity. The drinks are cheap, the music is loud and the crowd is lively!

Angkor What? Bar in Siem Reap, Cambodia

The two most popular bars are Angkor What? and The Temple Bar – but there are numerous places to choose from, so find one that fits your style. Read reviews of the best Siem Reap Bars on TripAdvisor.


 

Day 3: Temples Of Angkor Day Tour

The Sacred Fig Tree grows over gate at Ta Som at Angkor Park in Siem Reap, Cambodia

On Day 3 of your Cambodia trip itinerary, delve deeper into the Temples of Angkor complex by visiting some of the lesser-known – but no less intriguing – historic sites.

 

Angkor Temple Tour

Remains of Pre Rup temple at Angkor Park in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Spend your final day in Siem Reap navigating your way (or letting your tuk-tuk driver navigate) to the ‘Outer Ring’ temples at Angkor. Varying by size and condition, the less-famous temples are awe-inspiring. We recommend seeing the following temples: Prasat Kravan, Sra Srang, Banteay Kdei, Pre Rup, Eastern Mebon, Ta Som, Neak Pean and Preah Khan.

Remaining towers at Phnom Bakheng at Angkor Park in Siem Reap, Cambodia

{Refer back to our detailed Angkor Temple Guide for reviews and locations}


 

Day 4: Siem Reap to Phnom Penh Sightseeing

View through the gates of the Royal Palace, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Day 4 of your Cambodia travel itinerary starts with a short flight or a long drive to the country’s capital. Once you’ve relocated to Phnom Penh, waste no time getting acquainted with the buzzing city.

 

Phnom Penh City Tour

View of National Museum of Cambodia, Phnom Penh

The sprawling and massive metropolis is dotted with national treasures and some of the top things to see in Cambodia. The best sights can be visited on a self-guided Phnom Penh walking tour. It can feel a little overwhelming at first, but with a plan and a good pair of walking shoes, it’s simple to discover these sights on foot.

 

Top Places to Visit in Phnom Penh

Clock at center of Central Market in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

There are numerous sights to see in PP – and not all of them will appeal to all visitors. That said, there are a few top attractions that should definitely be included in your first-day Phnom Penh, Cambodia Tour Itinerary.

  • Central Market
  • Wat Phnom
  • Old French Quarter
  • Sisowath Quay
  • Old Market and/or Kandal Market
  • National Museum
  • Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda

{Use our Phnom Penh Itinerary for more detailed information}

3-Day Phnom Penh Itinerary A Guide of Things To Do in Phnom Penh, Cambodia by JetSettingFools.com

 

Top Tip: PP is one of the places in Cambodia that seems to be hit-or-miss with a lot of tourists. Consider hiring a Phnom Penh tour guide, who can properly introduce you to the sights, history and culture. Get prices here!

 

Dinner and Drinks in Phnom Penh

Stop for a Beer at Happy Hour, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Phnom Penh boasts a number of incredible restaurants…and, possibly, even more bars. On your first evening in the city, soak in the charm and feast on delicious hand-made noodles and dumplings at the highly-rated and centrally-located David’s Noodles.

Neon bar lights on streets at night in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

For after dinner drinks, head to the Riverside Sisowath Quay for a beer-with-a-view. Or, go to one of the bar-congested streets known for Hostess Bars – like Street 136, 130, 110 or 104 – where a fascinating scene unfolds each night.

Getting from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh: While we suggest flying, there are a few different ways to travel between Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. The 45-minute flight is often priced at less than $50 USD. A pre-booked taxi will take about 5 hours, depending on stops, but the drive is a wonderful opportunity to see the Cambodian countryside. Fares start around $100 USD. A bus from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh will be the cheapest option.


 

Day 5: Phnom Penh Tour of S21 Museum and PP Activities

Barbed wire surrounds S21 Museum in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

On Day 5, continue your Phnom Penh sightseeing and Cambodia tour learning about the tragic history of the Khmer Rouge at the S21 Museum. In the heat of the afternoon, participate in a low-key activity…and then be ready for dinner and drinks in the popular expat district: BKK1.

 

S21 Museum

Two survivors at S21 Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The S21 Museum is not for the faint of heart. The high-school-turned-prison was where the Khmer Rouge – the violent regime that ruled over Cambodia in the 1970s – held and tortured thousands of prisoners before they were sent to their deaths.

Graves and torture rooms at S21 Museum in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Inside the old schoolhouse, visitors walk through classrooms that were converted into single-person prison cells. Pictures of the detainees, along with stories of life in the prison, are found throughout. Use the audio guide, as it helps you better understand the history and timeline of events. At the end of the self-guided museum tour, survivors may be on-site and available for questions.

 

Mid-Day Activities: Russian Market, Massage and Pool

Automotive section at Russian Market in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Spend the afternoon shopping in the densely-packed maze of stalls at the Russian Market (nicknamed so for the many Russian expats who shopped there in the 80s). Visitors will find an array of goods – most of which are over-priced due to the popularity of the market with tourists. However, good deals and unique finds can still be found.

Khmer massages are different from Vietnamese and Thai Massages. They use kneading techniques rather than stretching, so it is a bit more relaxing than a traditional Thai massage. Massages range in price, but inexpensive half-hour massages are offered for as little as $3 USD.

Rooftop infinity pool at SIM Boutique Hotel in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

In the late afternoon – when the Cambodian heat is too oppressive to do anything else – head indoors to a café or to your Phnom Penh accommodation’s pool to cool off!

 

BKK1 – Dinner and Drinks

Spring rolls and Bai Sai Chrouk at Khmer Women Food in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The BKK1 district has a little bit of something for everyone! Most popular with expats and tourists, BKK1 is one of the best places to go in Cambodia for international fare and chic speak-easy bars. That said, we had our favorite local meal in BKK1 at the low-key and informal Khmer Women Food restaurant.

Hand-crafted cocktails at BattBong speakeasy in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

For drinks, don’t miss Bassac Lane, which is lined with themed bars like The Library, The Den and Welsh Embassy Pub. However, the coolest bar – if you can find it – is BattBong speakeasy (and they make fabulous hand-crafted cocktails, too!).


 

Day 6: Day Trips from Phnom Penh

River boat cruise dock on Sisowath Quay in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

On Day 6, go beyond the city limits on one of these popular Phnom Penh day trips – like the Killing Fields or Silk Island.

 

Phnom Penh Day Tours

Visitors can find a tour company in Phnom Penh or book in advance on Viator!

Killing Fields of Choeung Ek – For a continued education into the horrors of Khmer Rouge, visit the Killing Fields, where thousands of Cambodians were murdered and left in shallow graves. On the site, visitors will find a memorial and 5,000 human skulls – all victims of Khmer Rouge. Book it here.

Koh Dach Silk Island – Learn about the local silk production and watch weavers create beautiful silk material on nearby Silk Island. Learn more!

Wildlife Rescue Center – Spend a full day at the Phnom Penh Wildlife Rescue Center where you can get up close and personal with rescued animals. Get the details! 

Ta Prohm and Phnom Chisor – Travel with a knowledgeable guide to visit Ta Prohm – a temple that pre-dates Angkor Wat – then dine lakeside before arriving at the final destination, Phnom Chisor. Read more!


 

Day 7: Phnom Penh Neighborhood Discovery

City skyline views from rooftop deck at SIM Boutique Hotel in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

On the last day of your Cambodia One-Week Itinerary, discover a less-visited neighborhood in Phnom Penh and join a guide for a local activity.

 

Phnom Penh Neighborhood Tour

Two monks sitting on stairs at Moha Montrei Pagoda in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Phnom Penh is bustling and hustling place that often seems to cater just to tourists, expats and their dollars. However, there are pockets of the city where life-long Cambodian residents live and work…you just have to seek them out.

Olympic Stadium view from SIM Boutique Hotel in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The Olympic Neighborhood is a fascinating place to observe local life, a place where tourists seldom go. Visit the Olympic Stadium (that was never used in any Olympic events), the Orussey Market and Wat Moha Montrei.

Dream Big street art on Street 93 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Another insightful area of the city is the Old Lakeside district on Street 93. When the city-center lake was filled in and the malls and high-rises began sprouting up, it rendered the Lakeside establishments (offering drinks, rooms-with-a-view and a source of income) obsolete. The neighborhood is still home to several families and intriguing street art murals now grace the structures.

 

Local Phnom Penh Learning

Plate of Beef Lak Lok at David's Homemade Noodle in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

End your Phnom Penh vacation by gaining just a bit more local insight. Join a cooking class, go on a biking tour of the countryside or attend a Cambodian Living Arts Dance Show.

Cambodian Cooking Class – Join a chef on a trip to the market then head into the kitchen, where guests will learn how to cook Khmer specialties. Reserve your spot!

Cambodia Countryside Biking Tour – Pedal your way around the islands on the Mekong River. Watch farmers in their fields, see beautiful temples and eat a local meal. Read the reviews!

Living Arts Dance Workshop – Learn traditional Cambodian dances at the National Museum of Cambodia…a perfect way to end your stay in PP! Buy Your Ticket! 

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Alternate Cambodia Itineraries

Cambodian flag flying over Royal Palace Park in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

We think our 1-Week Siem Reap-Phnom Penh Itinerary offers the best of Cambodia. But what if you are planning a trip to Cambodia and have more – or less – days to spend in the country? We have Cambodia trip planner ideas that might work better for you!  

 

Cambodia Itinerary 2 Days

With only 2 days in Cambodia, you will need to pick just one destination. We think the absolute best places to see in Cambodia are at Angkor Wat, so we recommend basing yourself in Siem Reap. For an ideal Cambodia 2-Days Itinerary we would follow Day 1 of our outlined itinerary and combine Days 2 and 3 to ensure we saw as much of the Angkor Wat complex as possible.

 

3 Day Cambodia Itinerary

Having just 3 days in Cambodia is still quite limiting – and would ideally be spent in one location. We recommend, again, visiting the Angkor Wat temples. Create a Siem Reap Itinerary for 3 Days from the beginning of our trip plan (Days 1-3).

 

Cambodia Itinerary 4 Days

With 4 days in Cambodia, you could opt to see two destinations, both Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Use our tips for 2 days in Siem Reap (following Day 1 and combining Days 2 and 3). Then, take an early-morning flight (or the overnight bus) to PP. Follow our tips of what to see on Days 4 and 5.

 

5 Day Cambodia Itinerary

Wondering what to see in Cambodia in 5 days? No worries! To plan an efficient 5-day tour, use the above 4-Days Itinerary in Cambodia – and choose one city to stay an additional day. With the extra time, you can consider going on a day tour in Cambodia.

 

Cambodia Itinerary 6 Days

With 6 days in Cambodia, use our detailed outline for 1 week, but eliminate one day. Or, combine Days 6 and 7, by only taking one of the half-day Cambodia day tours and leaving time for more city exploration.

 

Alternate Cambodia Itinerary 7 Days

We outlined how we would spend one week in Cambodia, but there are plenty of other ways to see the country in 7 days. An alternative 1-Week Cambodia suggested itinerary could include 3 destinations: Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. For this route, we would recommend following our above Cambodia Itinerary 5 Days, then heading to Sihanoukville for the last 2 days. Note: With 8 days in Cambodia, this route would be a lot more relaxed and allow time for visiting islands, like Koh Rong.

 

Cambodia 10 Day Itinerary

With 10 days in Cambodia, we would recommend following our detailed 1-Week Itinerary, then adding a third destination – like Sihanoukville. The extra three days would be plenty of time to visit one of the popular islands – like Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem – or just kicking back and relaxing on the Sihanoukville beaches.

 

Cambodia Itinerary 2 Weeks

With 2 weeks in Cambodia you can really expand your trip. Again, begin with our 1-Week suggested itinerary for Cambodia. During the second week, add at least 2 (or maybe 3) more of the popular places to go in Cambodia, be it Sihanoukville, Battambang, Kampot, Kep or Kratie.

 

Cambodia Itinerary 3 Weeks

With 3 weeks in Cambodia, you can really take your time and to get to the know the country and it’s people. A 3-Week Itinerary for Cambodia can include all the best places to visit (as mentioned above) but at a slower pace. Alternatively, consider adding Vietnam or Laos to your SE Asia Itinerary!


 

Cambodia Tour Package

Temple spire at Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Is planning a trip to Cambodia becoming too daunting of a task? Consider using a Cambodia trip package, where the tour company and guides sort all the details for you! There are numerous Cambodia private tours and group tours to choose from. Other popular ways to see the country is via Cambodia Motorbike Tours, Bike Tours or a Cambodia River Cruise.

 

Travel Cambodia Group Tours

Viator offers a variety of Cambodia tours at reasonable prices. Check prices and availability of all Viator Travel guided tours of Cambodia!


 

Cambodia Travel Tips

Golden monument at Royal Palace Park in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Now that you know what to visit in Cambodia, we have a few more tips for your Cambodia trip!

 

The Best Time to Visit Cambodia

Cambodia is almost always hot, but there are two distinct seasons: Rainy and Dry. The Rainy monsoon season extends from June to October. The Dry season is from November to May – but November to February is much cooler (as in, not so incredibly hot) than from March to May, when temps can reach the mid-90s.

We visited Siem Reap in October, where we did see daily afternoon storms…but loved how they cooled the evening! Our trip to Phnom Penh was in June, and it was hotter than hot. Those keen on finding the ideal time to visit might want to plan their trip for December or January.

 

Cambodia Holidays

Cambodians celebrate numerous holidays throughout the year. Some are observed with fanfare and fireworks, while others are solemn occasions marked with tributes and memorials. Review this list of Cambodia Public Holidays before planning your trip.

 

Cambodia Trip Cost

Relatively speaking, Cambodia prices are very affordable. As budget-conscious travelers, we kept our Cambodia travel cost low by staying in inexpensive hotels, eating local food and limiting the number of tours we took. That said, we do not recommend skimping on Angkor Wat; even budget travelers should pay for the 3-day pass and a private guide or small group tour.

 

Getting To Cambodia

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Cambodia can be reached by plane, bus or car. Both times we traveled to Cambodia, we flew from Singapore. The airports in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh are served by low-cost carriers offering numerous daily flights. Start your search for the best prices on flights to Cambodia on SkyScanner.

 

Cambodia Visa On Arrival

It was fairly easy to obtain our visas on arrival at the airport; we just needed to fill out a few forms, hand over our passport, photo and the fee ($30 USD) and waited about 10 minutes for them to be processed. 

 

Where To Stay in Cambodia

Vattanac Capital Tower in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Accommodations vary from dodgy hostels to classy Cambodia resorts…and everything in between! We typically stay in Airbnb Apartments, but in Cambodia, we opted for hotels – and absolutely loved both of the places we stayed!

 

Siem Reap Hotel: Mohai Boutique Hotel (formerly Villa Siem Reap)

Swimming Pool at The Villa Siem Reap in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Now under new management (so we can’t speak about the current staff), the property features large, spacious rooms with private on-suite bathrooms, comfortable beds and air conditioning. The hotel is located just a 10-minute walk into the heart of the Siem Reap and there are numerous eateries in the area.

The highlight, however, was the pool, which felt heavenly after long days of sightseeing. During our stay, they offered a made-to-order breakfast and a tuk-tuk driver, who transported us to-and-from the airport and our trips to Angkor Wat. Check room rates and availability now!

 

Phnom Penh Hotel: SIM Boutique Hotel

Bartenders making cocktails at rooftop SkyBar at SIM Boutique Hotel in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The modern SIM Hotel was absolutely perfect for our stay in Phnom Penh! The stylish hotel fit well into a budget and was located in a less-touristy neighborhood, allowing us to see parts of Cambodia we may have otherwise skipped past.

At the included breakfast we were treated to traditional dishes (like kuyteav), eggs-any-style, plenty of meat options…and even pizza! The prime feature of the hotel, however, is the rooftop pool and bar. Check room rates and availability now!

 

What To Pack For Your Trip To Cambodia

Monk walks past Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Ok, are you ready to pack for Cambodia? We suggest following our packing hacks and have these items in your backpack or suitcase!

 

Walking Shoes

Make sure to pack the right shoes for your trip! I prefer wearing flip flops, but there are numerous uneven steps at Angkor Wat and broken sidewalks in Phnom Penh. Pack a pair of lightweight and comfortable walking shoes – like these from Columbia (for women) and these Merrell shoes (for men).

 

Loose Fitting Clothing

Have we mentioned that it is hot in Cambodia? However, bikini tops and short shorts are not the way to go. Most Cambodians dress conservatively – and proper attire is required to enter temples (knees and shoulders must be covered). For women, I recommend wearing loose shirts, capris or temple pants.

 

Insect Repellent, Sunscreen and Travel Hat

Mosquitos are quite prevalent in Cambodia…and bug spray can cost a small fortune in SEA. I once paid more than $10 USD for a small bottle in Vietnam when I was desperate! Make sure to pack good insect repellent and don’t forget the sunscreen and a travel hat to protect your skin.

 

Day Pack for Cambodia

We highly recommend carrying a cross-body day pack for Cambodia, which is much safer than a shoulder purse or backpack. I use a Timbuk2 Messenger Bag, which works perfectly for travel, because it has inside zippered pockets, a thick strap and is water-resistant. Additionally, Kris wore a money belt, to store his phone, credit cards and cash.

 

Travel Camera for Cambodia Photos

We usually travel with this DSLR Camera, but an expensive travel camera can cause unwanted attention in Cambodia (especially Phnom Penh). When city sightseeing, we recommend using a small camera – like this Canon Elph – that can easily fit in a zippered pocket or stored in a bag. Also be aware when using your phone…as it is too easy to snatch.

 

Cambodia Travel Insurance

Workers wearing florescent vests in truck bed in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Trip insurance may cover delays, lost luggage, cancellations, medical emergencies and theft. Check rates and coverage at a trusted provider, like World Nomads.

 

We Want To Know: Is there anything you would add to our Cambodia Itinerary? Tell us in the comments! 

 

Start planning your trip to Cambodia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing!  Want more advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

 

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2 thoughts on “Cambodia Itinerary: 1 Week in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh

  1. Great tips and suggestions guys! I wish we had this guide when we visited Cambodia back in 2014. “Winging it” was Frank’s idea of planning our week stay ;). You included some tips about how to stay safe. Did you guys have any negative experiences? We only spent one week in Siem Reap and never really felt unsafe. The only negative for us were some very aggressive hawkers (often children) that shoved some of their merchandise in our faces demanding us to buy something.

    • Thanks Spanky! Ha-ha, “winging it”! We didn’t have any negative experiences, but in PP we were constantly reminded about protecting our belongings when walking around and to avoid riding in open tuk-tuks.

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