Ultimate 5-Day Cambodia Itinerary: Must-See Attractions

Are you planning a trip to best places to visit in Cambodia  and want to experience the best of this stunning country in just 5 days? Look no further! This carefully curated itinerary takes you through the heart of Cambodia, blending iconic sites with hidden treasures that only the savviest travelers know about. Whether you’re a history buff, a culture lover, or an adventure seeker, this 5-day Cambodia itinerary has something for everyone.

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Day 1: Arrival in Siem Reap, Gateway to Angkor Wat

• Morning:
  • Arrive in Siem Reap: Touch down in Cambodia’s charming town of Siem Reap. Check into your hotel and freshen up for a day of exploration.
  • Visit Angkor Wat: Start your journey with the crown jewel of Cambodia. Explore the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world.
  • Pro Tip: Get an early start to catch the mesmerizing sunrise over Angkor Wat’s iconic towers, a must for any Angkor Wat itinerary.
• Afternoon:
  • Explore the mystical Ta Prohm, where ancient temples entwine with massive tree roots, creating a surreal, forgotten-world feel.
  • Bayon Temple: Discover the enigmatic Bayon Temple, famous for its towering stone faces that smile down upon you from every angle.
• Evening:
  • Pub Street: For dinner and drinks, head to Siem Reap’s vibrant Pub Street. Enjoy a mix of local cuisine and international fare in this lively area.
  • Night Market: Shop for unique souvenirs at the Angkor Night Market, where you can find everything from handcrafted items to exotic street food.

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Day 2: Angkor Archeological Park and Beyond

• This is an essential on your Siem Reap itinerary for two days.

• Morning:
  • Angkor Thom: Explore the ancient walled city of Angkor Thom, starting with the majestic South Gate and moving on to the Bayon Temple with its iconic smiling faces.
  • Visit Banteay Srei, the “Citadel of Women,” known for its intricate pink sandstone carvings. This temple is smaller but exquisitely detailed, making it a must-see on your Angkor Wat itinerary.
• Afternoon:
  • Wander through the sprawling Preah Khan, a temple complex that once served as a Buddhist university and city. Its extensive corridors and overgrown roots offer a serene and mysterious atmosphere.
  • Neak Pean: Head to Neak Pean, a unique temple situated on an artificial island. Originally designed for medical purposes, this small but fascinating structure symbolizes the mythical Himalayan lake Anavatapta.
  • East Mebon: Visit East Mebon, a temple built on what was once an island in the now-dry East Baray reservoir. The temple is known for its well-preserved elephant statues and impressive towers.
  • Finish your afternoon at Banteay Samre, a less-visited but beautifully restored temple. Its detailed carvings and tranquil setting make it a hidden gem in the Angkor complex.
• Evening:
  • Apsara Dance Show: After a full day of temple exploration, unwind with a traditional Apsara dance performance. The graceful dancers, adorned in elaborate costumes, will transport you back to the golden age of the Khmer Empire.

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Day 3: Siem Reap to Phnom Penh—The Capital Beckons

• Morning:
  • Flight to Phnom Penh: Catch an early morning flight to Cambodia’s bustling capital city. It’s a key stop in any Cambodia 1-week itinerary.
  • Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum: Start with a sobering visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school turned prison during the Khmer Rouge regime.
• Afternoon:
  • Visit the Choeung Ek Killing Fields, a poignant memorial to the victims of the Khmer Rouge. It’s a harrowing but essential stop to understand Cambodia’s recent history.
  • Explore the grandeur of the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, home to the Emerald Buddha and a floor covered in silver tiles.
• Evening:
  • National Museum: Cap off your day with a visit to the National Museum. It’s worth exploring to see stunning statues and learn more about the Khmer Empire and Phnom Penh’s role as Cambodia’s capital city. Check out Attraction in Phnom Penh  for more detail
• For planning your trip to Siem Reap and checking out getting to know how many days in Siem Reap you should need

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Day 4: Phnom Penh to Kampot: A Tranquil Escape

• Morning:
  • Kampot Road Trip: Take a scenic drive to Kampot, a charming riverside town known for its laid-back vibe and colonial architecture.
  • Visit a Kampot pepper plantation to discover the region’s renowned spice, highly valued by chefs globally.
• Afternoon:
  • Bokor Hill Station: Drive up to Bokor Hill Station, a former French colonial resort with eerie abandoned buildings and breathtaking views over the Gulf of Thailand.
  • Return to Kampot for a relaxing boat ride along the Kampot River. As you drift past mangroves and fishing villages, watch the sunset paint the sky.
• Evening:
  • Local Cuisine: Savor Kampot’s famous crab dishes and other seafood specialties at a local restaurant.

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Day 5: Kampot to Phnom Penh: Farewell to Cambodia

• Morning:
  • Kep Beach: Take a short trip to Kep, a seaside town known for its tranquil beaches and the famous Kep Crab Market. Spend the morning relaxing on the beach or exploring the market.
• Afternoon:
  • Return to Phnom Penh: Head back to Phnom Penh in the early afternoon.
  • Russian Market: Spend your final hours shopping at the Russian Market, where you can pick up last-minute gifts and souvenirs to remember your Phnom Penh, Cambodia, vacation.
• Evening:
  • Departure: Transfer to Phnom Penh International Airport for your flight home, filled with unforgettable memories of Cambodia’s beauty, history, and culture.

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Why a 5-Day Tour in Cambodia is Worth Every Moment

Starting with a 5-day tour in Cambodia is the perfect introduction to this captivating country. In just a few days, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage, explore ancient temples, and experience the vibrant local life. We designed this itinerary to provide you with a comprehensive taste of Cambodia’s most iconic and hidden treasures, enabling you to experience the best the country has to offer without feeling rushed. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to uncover more of its wonders, a 5-day Cambodia itinerary provides the ideal balance of exploration and relaxation, making it a journey worth embarking on.

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Budget Recommendation for Your 5-Day Cambodia Tour

When planning your Cambodian itinerary for 5 days, budgeting is key to making the most of your experience. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to spend:

• Accommodation: Budget options in Cambodia range from $20 to $50 per night for comfortable guesthouses or boutique hotels. Mid-range hotels or resorts may cost between $50 and $100 per night, ideal for a Phnom Penh, Cambodia, vacation.
• Food: Local meals are very affordable, with street food or casual dining costing around $2 to $5 per meal. Dining at nicer restaurants or international venues might cost $7 to $10 per meal.
• Transportation:
  • Tuk-tuks and local transportation cost $5 to $15 per day.
  • Domestic flights (Siem Reap to Phnom Penh): approximately $50 to $100 one-way.
  • Private drivers or guided tours: $30 to $70 per day, depending on the service level.
• Entry Fees:
  • Angkor Pass: $62 for a 3-day pass (needed for Days 1 and 2 of your Angkor Wat itinerary).
  • Other attractions: $3 to $5 per site, such as the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh or Bokor Hill Station in Kampot.
• Activities:
  • Personal Tour Guide Cambodia: Around $30 to $50 per day,
  • Cultural shows: $12 for events like the Apsara dance performance.
• Miscellaneous: Souvenirs, tips, and other personal expenses could add another $50 to $100 to your budget.

Estimated Total Budget:

• Budget travelers: Around $400 to $600 per person.
• Mid-range travelers: approximately $700 to $800 per person.

This budget enables you to have a comfortable and enriching experience in Cambodia, from exploring ancient temples to indulging in local cuisine, without exceeding your budget.

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Conclusion

This 5-day Cambodia itinerary offers a perfect mix of the country’s top attractions and lesser-known spots. By the end of this journey, you’ll have experienced the magic of Angkor Wat, the somber history of Phnom Penh, and the serene beauty of Kampot. Whether you’re following a Cambodia 1-week itinerary or just these five days,