7 Days in Cambodia — The Classic Route

The 7-day Cambodia classic route covers the highlights that make Cambodia one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling destinations: ancient temples, moving history, incredible food, and a riverfront town that perfectly captures the country’s warm, unhurried charm.

Day 1: Arrive in Siem Reap

Afternoon: Arrive and check into your hotel. Take it easy — Siem Reap’s jet-lag recovery is helped by a long lunch at Haven Restaurant or Mahob, both excellent for Khmer cuisine.

Evening: Walk through the Old Market (Phsar Chas) and explore Pub Street. Don’t miss a traditional Apsara dance performance — Koulen II Restaurant and Angkor Village Theatre both offer nightly shows with dinner.

Stay: Old Market area, central Siem Reap.

Day 2: Angkor Wat & Sunrise

5:00 AM: Early start. Take a tuk-tuk to Angkor Wat (20 minutes from town) to watch the sunrise over the moat. This is why you came.

7:30 AM: Breakfast at a café near the temple, then explore the inner galleries and upper levels.

10:00 AM: Drive to Angkor Thom (2km north) — the walled royal city with the magnificent Bayon at its centre. The 54 towers of serene stone faces are one of the most extraordinary sights in Southeast Asia.

1:00 PM: Lunch at a shaded garden restaurant near the park. Rest during the heat of the day.

3:30 PM: Visit Ta Prohm — the jungle temple where silk-cotton trees swallow ancient stone. Walk its atmospheric passages in the softer afternoon light.

Stay: Siem Reap.

Day 3: More Angkor + Tonle Sap

Morning: Explore more of the Angkor Archaeological Park. Recommendations: Preah Khan (quiet, magnificent ruins) and Ta Som (one small forest temple, often uncrowded).

Afternoon: Hire a boat for a Tonle Sap Lake tour to the floating village of Kompong Phluk. Between June–October, kayaking through flooded mangrove forests is unforgettable.

Evening: Cooking class with Cambodian cooking schools — you’ll make 4–5 Khmer dishes including fish amok, then eat your creations.

Stay: Siem Reap.

Day 4: Siem Reap → Phnom Penh

Morning: Bus or flight to Phnom Penh (5–6 hours by bus, 45 min by air).

Afternoon: Visit the Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda — allow 2 hours for the grounds, throne hall, and pagoda.

Late Afternoon: Walk the riverside promenade. Watch the sunset over the Tonle Sap River from Kandal Village or FCC Phnom Penh.

Evening: Dinner on the riverfront. The Street 278 area has excellent restaurants from budget to gourmet.

Stay: Riverfront area, Phnom Penh.

Day 5: Phnom Penh — History & Markets

Morning: Visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21 Prison) and Choeung Ek Memorial (Killing Fields). These are deeply moving sites that provide essential context for Cambodia’s remarkable story of recovery. Allow 2–3 hours. Take time to process.

Afternoon: Visit Russian Market (Toul Tom Poung) for silk, spices, and local crafts. Excellent street food at the market edges.

Evening: Phnom Penh’s best bars and restaurants. Try Malis for high-end Cambodian cuisine, or Daughters of Cambodia for excellent social-enterprise coffee and food.

Stay: Phnom Penh.

Day 6: Phnom Penh → Kampot

Morning: Take a taxi or bus to Kampot (3.5 hours). Check in and take a slow walk along the riverside.

Afternoon: Visit a Kampot pepper plantation — La Plantation or Sothy’s Pepper Farm both offer tours. Then drive 25km to Kep for the legendary crab market. Order a whole crab with fresh Kampot pepper. Eat by the sea.

Evening: Sunset cocktails at a Kampot rooftop bar. The Arch and Epic Arts Café are favorites.

Stay: Kampot town.

Day 7: Kampot & Departure

Morning: Slow start. Cycle the quiet riverside roads outside Kampot town. Visit the French Quarter colonial buildings at dawn before the heat.

Late Morning: Drive to Phnom Penh (3.5 hours) for afternoon/evening flights, or to Sihanoukville for the ferry to Koh Rong if extending your trip.

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Practical Notes

Getting around: Tuk-tuks in Siem Reap ($5–10/day); taxi between cities ($30–50); buses from $8–12 between cities.

Budget guide:

• Budget: $40–60/day (guesthouses, local food, buses)
• Mid-range: $80–150/day (boutique hotels, good restaurants, private transfers)
• Luxury: $200+/day (Amansara, Raffles, private tours)

Book ahead: Angkor Wat tickets can be purchased at the official ticket booth — no need to book online in advance. Hotels in peak season (Dec–Jan) should be booked several weeks ahead.