The 5-Day Cambodia Tour from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh begins at the airport serving Siem Reap and concludes at the airport serving Phnom Penh. Traveling overland via Kampong Thom, the itinerary connects the monumental Angkor temples, the communities of Tonle Sap Lake, the forest sanctuaries of Sambor Prei Kuk and Cambodia’s lively capital.
Watch sunset from Phnom Bakheng before exploring Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Banteay Srei and the tree-covered ruins of Ta Prohm. Share a homemade Cambodian lunch and hear personal stories of life from the Khmer Rouge period to the present. The journey continues with sunrise and a picnic breakfast at Phnom Krom, a boat trip through Chong Kneas Floating Village and walks among ancient brick temples. En route to Phnom Penh, stop at the distinctive Spider Market before experiencing the capital’s religious landmarks, riverfront, local food scene and modern nightlife.
With guided sightseeing, organized transfers, included local meals and independent leisure time, this active itinerary offers international travelers a well-paced introduction to Cambodia’s heritage, communities and contemporary urban culture.
After breakfast, meet your guide and driver at approximately 7:30 AM for a full-day exploration of the Angkor Archaeological Park. Begin at Angkor Wat, entering through the East Gate and exploring the temple’s different levels, monumental architecture, detailed bas-reliefs and graceful Apsara carvings before leaving through the West Gate.
Continue through the impressive South Gate of Angkor Thom to discover the former royal city. Visit Bayon Temple, known for its monumental stone faces, followed by Baphuon, the Royal Enclosure and the Terrace of the Elephants.
At lunchtime, visit the peaceful garden residence of Mr. Peout and Mrs. Gin. Enjoy a homemade Cambodian lunch while listening to their personal stories about life in Cambodia from the Khmer Rouge period to the present day.
In the afternoon, travel to Banteay Srei, renowned for its finely carved red sandstone structures and intricate decorative details. Continue to Ta Prohm, where enormous tree roots grow over and between the atmospheric temple ruins.
Conclude the sightseeing program with a one-hour traditional Khmer foot massage, then return to your hotel. Dinner and the remainder of the evening are at your own arrangement.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Begin the day before sunrise with a transfer to Phnom Krom, located approximately 13 kilometres south of Siem Reap. Walk up the hill to watch the morning light gradually spread across the surrounding rice fields and Tonle Sap Lake.
Enjoy a picnic breakfast on the hillside before continuing to the lake for a boat journey through Chong Kneas Floating Village. During the cruise, observe waterside homes and the everyday routines of communities living around Tonle Sap.
Return to your hotel to check out, then begin the overland journey toward Kampong Thom. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant and visit the historic Naga Bridge at Kampong Kdei along the way.
In the afternoon, explore Sambor Prei Kuk, a sixth-century temple complex set within peaceful forest surroundings. Follow the shaded walking trails between its ancient brick sanctuaries while learning about the history of the site. Depending on the activities taking place during your visit, you may also see villagers making Num Banh Chok noodles, weaving or tending vegetable gardens. These are everyday community activities and cannot be guaranteed on every departure.
After the visit, continue to your hotel in Kampong Thom. The evening meal is left to your own arrangements. This is the most active day of the itinerary, involving an early start, uphill walking, a boat journey and extended overland travel, so comfortable footwear, sun protection and drinking water are recommended.
Overnight in Kampong Thom.
After breakfast, leave Kampong Thom and travel toward Phnom Penh. Along the way, stop at the well-known Spider Market, where vendors display seasonal fruits, live tarantulas and a selection of fried insects, including grasshoppers, water bugs and scorpions. Continue to Phnom Penh, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and check in at your hotel.
At approximately 4:00 PM, meet your guide and tuk-tuk driver for an introduction to the Cambodian capital. Visit Wat Phnom, the hilltop landmark associated with the origin of the city’s name, followed by Wat Unalom, an important Buddhist monastery and religious centre.
Continue by tuk-tuk along the Phnom Penh riverfront as the evening food experience begins. Start with a cocktail or another drink, then visit a lively local night market to sample Cambodian-style seafood, including Saba fish and squid seasoned with Kampot pepper.
Travel through the illuminated city to a local venue featuring live music, pass the Independence Monument and conclude the evening at a rooftop bar. One soft drink or local beer is included before returning to your hotel. The included food tastings form part of the Phnom Penh evening food tour and are not served as a formal set dinner.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.
After breakfast, visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former high school that was converted into the S-21 interrogation and detention centre during the Khmer Rouge period. Explore the museum and learn more about this difficult chapter of Cambodian history and the experiences of those affected by the regime.
Depending on your departure schedule, the remaining time is free at leisure until your airport transfer. Lunch is not included and may be arranged independently.
At the scheduled time, transfer to the airport serving Phnom Penh for your onward flight, marking the end of your five-day Cambodia tour.
If you need help arranging anything beyond the program, our team will be happy to assist.
Optional: snacks, a camera, and a small daypack for daily excursions.
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Everything you need to know about this tour
The tour begins with a meet-and-greet and transfer from the airport serving Siem Reap. It ends with a scheduled transfer to the airport serving Phnom Penh on Day 5. The journey travels overland from Siem Reap through Kampong Thom to Phnom Penh, so the arrival and departure airports are in different cities.
The itinerary includes two nights in Siem Reap, followed by one night in Kampong Thom and one night in Phnom Penh. This arrangement supports the overland route from the Angkor region to the Cambodian capital while allowing time for Sambor Prei Kuk, the Spider Market and Phnom Penh sightseeing along the way.
The tour visits Phnom Bakheng, Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, Baphuon, the Royal Enclosure, the Terrace of the Elephants, Banteay Srei and Ta Prohm. Together, these sites showcase monumental architecture, detailed bas-reliefs, Apsara carvings, stone faces, red sandstone decoration and temple ruins intertwined with enormous tree roots.
This customizable tour can be tailored to your travel style, dates, and preferences.
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