This five day Cambodia itinerary has you covered as you experience some of the best that this incredible country has to offer!
Since you will have 5 days in Cambodia, this itinerary will just focus in on two major cities – Siem Reap, home to the temples of Angkor Wat, and the capital city of Phnom Penh.
Along the way you are sure to enjoy many of the top highlights and activities that Cambodia has to offer.
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The Perfect 5 Days in Cambodia Travel Itinerary
If you feel like you want to spend even more time in the country, I also put together a 7 Day Cambodia Itinerary and a 10 Day Cambodia Itinerary.
With whatever option you choose though, I would recommend to check out the Cambodia Helpful Tips section to get you prepared for your trip.
The guide goes over some important topics such as getting a visa, time of year to visit, and logistics.
With that said, let’s get a bit more into the itinerary itself and what to expect along the way during five days in the country.
Cambodia Map View
Since this itinerary will go over only 5 days in Cambodia, the route will just go to two cities – Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
Take a look at the map below which points out the route starting in Siem Reap up north and then heading to Phnom Penh further south.
If it is easier logistically, you could also switch the two around and head to Phnom Penh first.
Cambodia Itinerary 5 Days Detailed Guide
Now let’s get on to the actual trip! The following is a detailed breakout of the daily attractions and activities on this 5 day Cambodia itinerary.
Feel free to scroll through and click on any more in depth posts along the way.
Day 1 – Fly into Siem Reap, Cambodia
We start this journey in Siem Reap – home of the famous Angkor Wat. Arriving after a long journey either by plane or bus, take some time to check into your hotel, relax, get some massages and rest up a bit.
The nice thing about Siem Reap is that the main town area is not too big and you should be able to walk to get to restaurants, massage parlors, markets and nightlife. Take a stroll around to get a feel of the city and the friendly people around you.
You can make your way to the day market, one of which is Psar Chaa, followed by a stop at the Angkor Night Market.
As usual with many markets in Southeast Asia they have a little bit of everything around here and definitely don’t be afraid to haggle a little.
Get some souvenirs, clothing, and Cambodian cuisine before you make your way back to the hotel to rest up for Angkor Wat the following day.
» For nights 1 & 2 of your trip take a look at some Siem Reap hotels
Top Recommendations: Central Suite Residence | Diamond D’Angkor Boutique | Golden Temple Hotel
Day 2 – Angkor Wat
The main attraction of Cambodia, and one of the most historical in the world is Angkor Wat.
A huge array of ancient temples and ruins sprawled across the area, each with its own story and history. It really will not get old going from one temple to the next and discovering what this city once was.
One incredible experience to take part of is heading to the main temple complex for sunrise. Seeing the first rays of light over Angkor Wat is an experience you will not forget! You can follow that up by exploring many other temples of the larger complex during the rest of the day there.
I would highly recommend hiring a tour guide for your time around Angkor Wat. There is so much history and so much to learn about the area, and a tour guide will walk you through it all. Take a look at some highly rated Angkor Wat tour options that could work well for you.
» For everything you need to know about the area take a look at the Ultimate Guide to Angkor Wat I put together for this portion of the trip. On your first day here I would recommend heading out on the Small Circuit of Angkor Wat, which includes the following temples:
1. Angkor Wat
2. Bayon
3. Baphuon
4. Terrace of the Elephants & Leper King
5. Thommanon & Chau Say Tevoda
6. Ta Keo
7. Ta Prohm
8. Banteay Kdei
After a very long day of running around Angkor Wat and its surroundings make your way make to your hotel to rest up for a bit.
Later on in the night head out to Pub Street, which is the main nightlife area of Siem Reap.
Day 3 – Siem Reap Part II
Sleep in a bit since I know you will probably be a bit tired from the previous day but get ready for a second day in Siem Reap. You have a couple options here depending on your interests:
Angkor Wat Part II (Grand Circuit)
If you aren’t templed out yet, head back with a tour guide or taxi to some more temples within the complex. There will definitely be some around the area you were not able to get to on the previous day.
In the Angkor Wat travel guide mentioned above there are plenty of other temple options part of the Grand Circuit that you can make your way to.
You can speak with your guide/driver beforehand to talk about what you did the day before and what others they might recommend. These temples include:
1. Preah Khan
2. Neak Pean
3. Ta Som
4. East Mebon
5. Prae Rup
Tonle Sap Lake Tour
Instead of heading back to the temples you can take a tour out by the floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake.
The boat tour will go all around the lake visiting the traditional floating villages, seeing some wildlife, and heading to a floating restaurant.
If neither the additional temples or the floating village work for you, feel free to walk around the town of Siem Reap, take a cooking class, or continue shopping the markets and trying new food.
Once your second day activities are complete it is time to head to Phnom Penh.
You will have the choice to get to Phnom Penh this evening or the next morning. You can choose from a 5-6 hour bus ride or can also opt for the quick flight.
» Browse through some Phnom Penh hotels for nights 3 & 4 of your trip
Highly Recommended Hotel Options: G Mekong Hotel | The Pavilion | Sun & Moon
Day 4 – Phnom Penh
Here lies the capital city of Cambodia. You should arrive here sometime later on in the evening on day 3 and you will then have two days to explore the city before finishing off your trip.
During your first day in Phnom Penh you can explore the city itself as you visit the five attractions mentioned below. On your second day, you can head a bit outside the city to the Choeung Ek Killing Fields.
» For a detailed view of the attractions in the city check out the 5 Things To Do in Phnom Penh guide, which includes:
1. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
2. Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda
3. Central Market
4. Wat Phnom
5. Daughters of Cambodia Visitor Centre
» Check out some Phnom Penh Tour Options for your time in the city
Day 5 – Phnom Penh Part II
On day two in Phnom Penh it is time to learn a bit more about its history and the genocide that happened here. About a 45 minute tuk tuk ride south of the city lies the Choeung Ek Killing Fields.
Here is where many of the prisoners from Tuol Sleng were brought to be killed and buried.
» The Visiting the Choeung Ek Killing Fields guide will help explain what you need to know when visiting this historical site
Once your two days in Phnom Penh are complete it is time to head back home or onwards to the next country on your Southeast Asia tour, either later in the evening on day 5 or sometime on day 6.
That concludes your five day Cambodia trip. Have fun out there!
Head over to the Cambodia itineraries and guides page to check out some more helpful posts, and feel free to comment below with any questions!
