Classic Cambodia Itinerary 7 Days: What To See and Do

First-time travelers who want to see Cambodia’s attractions, culture, and history should take this Classic 7-day Cambodia itinerary.  In this article, I share my real experiences to cater to travelers’ specific interests and include a mix of ancient wonders, local life, scenic nature, and the cultural highlights of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh —all at a comfortable pace. Whether you’re looking for a one-week Cambodia itineraries or planning a longer stay, this guide works well as a flexible Cambodia trip planner.

Day 1: Arrival in Siem Reap—City Stroll & Welcome Dinner

• Airport reception and hotel registration. I frequently accompany a vehicle to collect my clients from the airport and consistently request flight details or numbers to monitor and ascertain whether the flight is delayed or on schedule.
• If time permits, we will explore the city tour to visit the National Museum, Old Market, Rate Mine, and the local shrine, Prom Roth Pagoda, for a water blessing.
• We procure lunch at a nearby restaurant.
• We continue to observe and acquire knowledge on handicraft workshops that support local livelihoods.
• Finally, we return to the motel.

Your Cambodia travel itinerary begins in the charming city of Siem Reap, a perfect base for launching your one-week adventure in Cambodia.

Day 2: Angkor Wat Sunrise & Temple Tour

• Departure starts at 5:00 AM to witness the Angkor Wat sunrise. I consistently monitor the weather before to our excursion, and the majority of clients express satisfaction with the morning experience. Additionally, we can adjust our schedule based on weather assessments to ensure it does not rain during the sunrise at 6:00 AM.
• After morning, we have breakfast near the temple and explore Angkor Wat for around two hours.
  We continue to see the Gate of Angkor Thom, which offers wonderful views of the smiling tower featuring four faces, a popular spot for tourists to capture photographs.
• We continue to see the Bayon Temple, the principal temple in Angkor Thom, renowned for its beautiful architecture including four faces on each tower.
• Following our visit to Bayon Temple, we proceed to Ta Prohm Temple, commonly referred to as the Jungle Temple, which comes highly recommended for exploration.
• Following our visit to the main temple, we will return to the hotel, arriving between 11 PM and midnight.

A highlight of any 7-day itinerary in Cambodia is witnessing sunrise at Angkor Wat—an iconic start to your Cambodia itinerary 7 days experience.

Day 3: Banteay Srei, Local Villages, and Floating Village

• In the morning, visit Banteay Srei Temple and explore the surrounding countryside communities.
  • Visit Palm Sugar Village
  • Explore Preah Ko and Bakong temples.
  • Take a boat trip to Kampong Phluk on Tonle Sap Lake.

This segment of your Cambodia itineraries introduces you to the spiritual and rural essence of the country.

Day 4: Phnom Kulen National Park Adventure

• Full-day excursion to Phnom Kulen: 1000 Lingas, reclining Buddha, and waterfall swim
  • A lunch break on the way back
  • Return to Siem Reap
  • Evening performance at Phare Circus

Nature lovers will appreciate this unique addition to a Cambodia 1-week itinerary, blending culture and natural beauty. You might learn more Phnom kulen Siem Reap attraction, Check out Guide to Phnom Kulen

Day 5: Transfer to Phnom Penh—Scenic Drive

• Travel from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
  • Stop at Sambor Prei Kuk
  • Visit the Spider Market and Naga Bridge.
  • Hotel check-in
  • Optional Mekong sunset cruise

This overland transfer marks the halfway point in your 7 days in Cambodia, offering a glimpse into rural life between the two major cities.

Day 6: Phnom Penh City Tour & Cultural Insights

• SOSORO Museum (history of Cambodia)
  • Discover colonial architecture and landmarks: central post office, central market, and Wat Phnom.
  • Visit National Museum, Royal Palace
  • Lunch break

Cultural buffs will find Phnom Penh an essential part of any Cambodia travel itinerary, especially in a 1 week in Cambodia timeframe.

Day 7: Souvenir Shopping & River Cruise

• Visit Silk Island (Koh Dach)
  • Explore the Russian Market
  • Tonlé Sap sunset cruise

Wrap up your one-week trip with relaxing moments and last-minute gift shopping.

Estimated Costs for 7 Days in Cambodia

Siem Reap
Temple ticket	37$ per person
Phare Circus (seat B)	28$ per per
Phnom kulen tickets	20$ per person
Apsara show with dinner	8$ per person
Boat to Kompong Kleang (private)	20$ per person(1-3 pax)
Battambang
Bamboo train	10$ per bamboo train
Salakhet ticket	5$ per person
Chong Ek	5$ per person
Phnom Penh
Royal palace	10$ tickets / person
National museum	10$ / person
SOSORO	5$ ticket/ person
	Guide audio: 10$ / audio
Boat Sunsets (sharing boat)	5$ per persons

Where to Stay

• Stay near the city center: choose from hotels in Siem Reap (Somadevi, Courtyard, Angkor Village), Phnom Penh (Nike Hotel or Aquarius Hotel and Urban Resort), or Battambang (VV Hotel).
  • It is recommended to book your Cambodia itinerary at least 3 months in advance.

Tip: Book an Affordable Cambodia Trip Itinerary

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Final Thoughts

Starting your Cambodia trip itinerary in Siem Reap lets you dive into ancient Khmer civilization before exploring the modern pulse of Phnom Penh. This route is perfect for both first-timers and return visitors looking for a rich, well-paced travel itinerary in Cambodia. Whether you’re planning a Cambodia one week itinerary or exploring various Cambodia itineraries, this 7-day journey offers a balance of history, culture, and comfort. Contact us to start your Cambodia itinerary 7 days from Siem Reap →